
Glass__i^Ai_ 




/^^.^^..^ 



THE 



MILITARY AND NAVAL 



HISTORY OF THE REBELLION 



IN THE UNITED STATES. 



BIOGJiAPHICAL SKETCHES OF DECEASE!) OFFICERS. 



ailu.sttattil u-ifli *(fri f Iat« f ortrait«. 



w. j/4enney, 

EDITOR OF THK "AMERICAN ANNUAL CVCLOr-EDIA," 



NEW YOEK: 
D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 44?> & 445 BROADWAY. 

1865. 

No, /. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by 

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 

In the Clerk's OflSce of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District 

of New York. 



PREFACE. 



The design of this work is to present in one volume the military 
and naval scenes of the great contest recently closed. It contains not 
only all the j^rincipal battles by land and sea, but every important 
skirmish. The plans and objects of the various camj^aigns are 
clearly stated, and the progress of the armies, step by stej), in their 
execution, is described and illustrated wdtli distinct topographical 
maps, chiefly obtained from official sources. The important naval 
conflicts are described and illustrated in a similar manner. Por- 
tions of the work have been submitted to the inspection of distin- 
guished military officers, relating to oj)erations by aimies under 
their command, and received their a23];)roval for its completeness and 
accuracy. By a reference to the Index at the end of the volume, the 
military or naval career of General or Commanding officers can be 
traced. 

But it is not merely a work of skii^mishes and battles. The man- 
ner of raising, organizing, and equipping the armies and fleets are 
stated in detail; also the sanitary measures for their preservation, 
including hospitals and charitable organizations; the improvements 
in the weapons and forts and floating batteries of military and naval 



iv PREFACE, 

warfare ; the treatment of prisoners, and the action relative to those 
military questions arising between combatants. 

It also embraces a statement of the civil and political proceedings 
incidental to the war, which took place previous to its commencement 
or during its progress ; such as the secession of the Southern States, 
and the organization of their Confederacy ; the political issues of the 
war and the triumph of emancipation, with the treatment of colored 
men, whether soldiers or freedmen, and all other subjtscts properly a 
portion of its direct history. It concludes Avith biographical tributes 
to the principal military and naval officers who have fallen in the 
contest. 



CONTENTS. 



PJlOB 

Introduction, ,.1 

CHAPTER I. 

Secession Movements in South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana, .... 8 

CHAPTER II. 

Preparations for a Southern Confederacy — Meeting of Congress at Montgomery — Members and Organization — Inau- 
guration of a President — His Addresses — Cabinet — Proceedings of the CongresB — New Constitution. — Its Features, 18 

CHAPTER III. 

Inauguration of President Lincoln — Southern Commissioners sent to Europe and Washington — Time for War had come 
— Despatches from Montgomery to Gen. Beauregard at Charleston— Condition of Fort Sumter— Occupied by Major 
Anderson — E.\citemcnt — Surrender demanded by Gov. Pickens — Negotiations at Washington — Preparations for 
attack on the Fort — Women and Children removed — Evacuation demanded by Gen. Beauregard — Correspondence 
—Attack on the Fort — Its Surrender— Action of the Federal Government to relievo it, 19 

CHAPTER IV. 

State of Affiiirs— Action of the Union States- Proclamation of the President calling for men on the surrender of 
Fort Sumter — Response of the Northern and Central States — Attack on Massachusetts troops in Baltimore, . . 26 

CHAPTER V. 

Proceedings in Tc.vas to effect Secession, and Military Movements— Action in Virginia and Military Movements — 
Action in Arkansas and Military Movements — Action in North Carolina and Military Movements — Action tn Ten- 
nessee and Military Movements, 88 

CHAPTER VI. 

Eficcts of the President's Proclamation — Assembling of Troops at Washington — Destruction at Harper's Ferry — De- 
Etrnction and abandonment of the Norfolk Navy Yard— Capture of the Star of the West— Other Events— Capture 
of Camp Jackson, St. Louis — Other Events— Attack on Sewell's Point— Seizure of Ship Island — Occupation of 
Harper's Ferry by Southern Troops — Movement of Troops from Washington into Virginia — Occupation of Alex- 
andria—Blockade of the Mississippi — Attack on the Batteries at Aquia Creek— Dash into Fairfax Court House, . 48 

CHAPTER VII. 

Southern Congress adjourns to meet at Richmond — Speeches of Ho-vvell Cobb and Vice-President Stephens — The 
Federal Army — Skirmish at Philippi — Attack on Pig's Point — Great Bethel — Movements in West Tennessee — 
Romney — Advance of Gen. Lyon to Jefferson City — Vienna— Locomotives Destroyed — Mathias Point — Other 
Events— Southern Privateers, 54 

CHAPTER VIII. 

March of Gen. McClellan into Western Virginia — His Address to the Inhabitants — Surprise at Philippi — Battle at 
Laurel Hill — Defeat and Surrender of the Enemy — Manassas— Position of the Northern and Southern Armies — 
Forcescf Gen. McDowell— Advance to Centreville— Battle of Bull Run— Retreat, , . 64 



vi CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IX. 

PAQB 

Extra Session of Congress — Its Action — Strength of the Army — Southern troops organized — Skirmishes in Mis- 
souri — At Monroe Station, Millville, and l\ilton — Movements of Gen. Lyon — Battle of Wilson's Creek — Sur- 
render of Major Lynch in New Mexico — Skirmishes — Attack on Galveston — Expedition against the forts at 
Hatteras Inlet 79 

CHAPTER X. 

Campaign of Gens. Wise, Floyd, and Lee, in Western Virginia — The Campaign of Gen. Fremont in Missouri — Affairs 
in Kentucky — Neutrality abandoned — Occupation of the State by troops — Military Operations, .... 65 

CHAPTER XL 

Attack on Wilson's Regiment— Bombardment of Fort Pickens — Burning of Warrenton — Attack on the Federal fleet at 
the mouths of the Mississippi — Kepulse at Ball's Bluff— Expedition against Port Royal : its success — Resignation 
of Lieut.-Gon. Scott — Battle at Belmont — Capture of Messrs. Mason and Slidell— Occupation of Accomac and 
Northampton Counties, Ya. — The Stone Blockade of Charleston — Affair at Drainesville— Treatment of Slaves — 
Exchange of Prisoners — Plans of the Government 99 

CHAPTER XII. 

Views of the Combatants— Condition of the Federal Navy — Its Increase— Iron-Clads — Western Fleet — Numbers and 
position of the hostile Armies — Campaign in Eastern Kentucky — Battle of Mill Springs — Death of Zollicoffcr— 
Campaign in Western Kentucky and Tennessee— Federal Troops engaged— Capture of Fort Henry — Surrender of 
Fort Donelson— Advance of Gen. Buell— Surrender of Nashville, 116 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Gen. Burnside's Expedition sails — ^The Fleet and Transports in a Storm— Advance up Pamlico Sound — Capture of 
Roanoke Island — Other Operations — Provisional Government set up in North Carolina — Operations in South Caro- 
lina — Bombardment and surrender of Fort Pulaski — Operations in Florida — Capture of Femandiua, Jacksonville, 
and St. Augustine — Other Naval Operations — Treatment of Slaves by the Federal Government — Organized as 
Troops at Hilton Head, 135 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Military Operations in Missouri and Arkansas — Advance of Gen. Curtis — His Address to the People of the Southwest — 
Battle of Pea Ridge— Retreat of Gen. Price — Further Operations— Advance of the Fleet against Columbus, Ky. — 
Evacuated — Further progress down the Mississippi— Island No. 10 : its Bombardment — Gunboats pass the Bat- 
teries in the night— Evacuation of the Island— Advance of the Fleet toward Memphis — Naval Battle before the 
City — Its Surrender — Occupied by Federal Troops — Proceedings during the Tear, 155 

CHAPTER XV. 

Advance of Gen. Grant up the Tennessee River — Position of the Southern Forces — Movements of Gen. Buell— Ad- 
vance of Gen. Johnston to attack Gen. Grant— Commencement of the Battle at Shiloh — Arrival of Gen. Buell — 
Second day of Battle— Retreat of Southern Troops — Message of Mr. Davis to Congress at Richmorfd — Arrival 
of Gen. Halleck— March on Corinth— Its Evacuation — Movements of Gen. Mitchel— Provisional Government in 
Tennessee— Its Proceedings 172 

CHAPTER XVI, 

Preparations for the capture of Now Orleans— Occupation of Ship Island— The Mortar Fleet— Arrival of Captain 
Farragut — Bombardment of the Forts on the Mississippi— Preparation to run past the Forts — The Scenes which 
ensued — Arrival of the Fleet before New Orleans — Surrender of the City — Advance up the Eiver — Surrender 
of the Forts to Commodore Porter— Gen. Butler occupies New Orleans— His Administration — Superseded by 
Gen. Banks, ■ 100 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Position of the forces near Washington — Movements of Gen. Lander — Fortiiications at Manassas — Plans of Gen. Mc- 
Clellan — Evacuation of Manassas — Commanders appointed by the President — Advance of the Army of the 
Potomac by water — Delay of Gen. McDowell — Safety of Washington — New Departments created — Advance of 
the Army of the Potomac on Torktown — Its Siege — Evacuation — Pursuit by the Army of the Potomac — Evac- 
uation of Williamsburg — Naval Battle and destruction of the Iron-clad Merrimac — Capture of Norfolk — Attack on 
Drury's Bluff — Advance of the Army of the Potomac up the Peninsula — Position on the Chickahominy — With- 
drawal of Gen. McDowell, 20(j 



CONTENTS. vii 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

PAOB 

Junction of Gen. Shields with Gen. McDowell — Both ordered to the Shenandoah Valley— March of Gen. Fremont to 
the same point — Previous advance of Gen. Banks up the Shenandoah— Position of the Forces— Advance of Gen. 
Jackson down the Valley — Attack at Front Koyal — Retreat of Gen. Banks— Excitement in the Northern States — 
Gen. Jackson falls back — Pursuit by Gens. Fremont and Shields— Battle at Cross Keys — Battle at Port Ee- 
public— Advance of Gen. Heath, i-2S 

CHAPTER XIX. 

General McClellan crosses the Chickahominy— Battle of Fair Oaks— Retreat of the Enemy — March in the rear of 
Gen. McClellan— Bridges over the Chickahominy completed — Battle at Mechanicsville— Gen. McClellan moves 
toward the James — Battles at Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, and Charles City Cross Roads — Confusion of 
the Enemy — Attack at Malvern Hill — Army at Harrison's Landing — Arrival of Gen. Halleck — His Views— Army 
of the Potomac withdrawn from the Peninsula, 24] 

CHAPTER XX. 

General Pope takes command of the Army of Virginia — Call of the President for more Men — Advance of Gen. Lee — 
Battle of Cedar Mountain— Capture of Louisa Court House- Gen. Pope falls back— Dash on Catlett's Station- 
Further advance of the Enemy — Attack at Manassas— Attack at Bristow's Stiition — Battle near Manassas — Battle 
at Gainesville — Battle near Bull Run — Excitement in the Northern States — Retreat of Gen. Banks — Battle at 
Chantilly— Retreat of Gen. Pope to the fortifications at Washington, 2M 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Advance of Gen. Lee into Maryland — His Address to the People — Gen. McClellan ordered to take command at 
Washington — His Orders — Advances into Maryland to meet Gen. Lee — Confidential Order of Gen. Lee — Battle 
of South Mountain— Attack of the Enemy on Harper's Ferry — Its Surrender— Battle of Antietam— Retreat of 
Gen. Lee, 0^5 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Message of the President recommending Emancipation with Compensation— His Conference with Members of Con- 
gress-Proclamation threatening Emancipation— Finances of the Federal Government— Increase of the Armies 

Efforts of the South to raise Armies — Conscription— Officers of the Southern Government — Its Finances— Its 
Navy Department— Cruisers— The Oreto — The Alabama : vessels destroyed by her— Other Operations — Diplo- 
matic Correspondence with the British Government, 272 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Guerrillas in Kentucky— Invasion of the State by Gen. E. Kirby Smith— Gen. Buell falls back from Tennessee as Gen. 
Bragg advances toward Kentucky — Movements in Kentucky— Battle at Perryville — Retreat of Gen. Bragg — Cum- 
berland Gap— Invasion of West Virginia— Operations in Mississippi— Battle of luka— Battle at Corinth— Retreat 
of the Enemy — Expedition of Gen. Hovey— Gen. Rosecrans takes command in Tennessee — Position of Gen. Bragg's 
Forces— Battle of Stone River, 282 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Conclusion of the Campaign in Virginia— Gen. McClellan crosses the Potomac— Causes of his Delay— Presses Gen. 
Lee— Gen. Bumside ordered to take Command — His Orders— Gen. Lee falls back — Advance of Gen. Bumside 
toward Fredericksburg- Its Surrender Demanded— Occupied by Gen. Lee— Battle of Fredericksburg—WithdrawBl 
of Gen. Barnside's Forces— Losses, 293 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Attempt to capture Washington, North Carolina— Expedition from Port Royal— Attack on Baton Rouge— Con- 
test near Donaldsonvllle— Attack on Vicksburg— Surrender of Natchez- Capture of Galveston— Attack on 
the Federal Fleet and capture of several Vessels— Military Operations in New Mexico— Expedition to the 
Indian Territory — Operations in Arkansas and Missouri — Campaign ag.ain8t the North A-estern Indians— Results 
of the Tear, c;;fi 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

The Emancipation Proclamation— Action of Congress- Oath of Office required- Organization of West Virginia as a 
State— Proceedings relative to the exchange of Prisoners— The Cartel agreed upon— Difhculties- Officers in the 
Insurrectionary Service— Condition of Gen. Lee's Army In the Autumn of 1862— Appeal to the Southern Peo- 
ple — Condition of the Fedor.^l Army — Organization of a Provost-Marshal's Department, 818 



viii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

PACK 

The Campaign against Vlcksburg — The Plan of Gen. Grant — The loss of Holly Springs: its consequences— Movement 
of Gen. Sherman toward Vicksburg — Haines' Bluffs — ^Attack of Gen. Sherman on Chickasaw Bliitfs — Failure — 
Address to his Troops— Movement up the Arkansas Eiver — Capture of Arkansas Post — Retires to Young's 
Point — Arrival of Gen Grant — Work on the Canal opposite Vicksburg — Floods — Queen of the West runs the Bat- 
teries at Ylcksburg — Her Expedition down the Mississippi — Captures — Loss of the Queen of the "West — Scenes 
up the Ked Kiver — Approach of the Enemy's Gunboats-— The ludianola runs the Batteries — Her Destruction- 
Attempt of Gen. Grant to cut a Channel to Lake Providence : also one to Moon Lake — Expedition of Admiral 
Porter— Its Failure, 380 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Object of Gen. Grant to reach the rear of Vicksburg — His Movements — Transports and Gunboats run the Batteries — 
Attack on Grand Gulf— Crossing the Mississippi by the Army — Change of base by Gen. Grant — Eaid of Col. 
Grierson through Mississippi— Advance of Gen. Grant to the Big Black River— Battles — Occupation of Jackson — 
March on Vicksburg— Battles — March of Gen. Sherman to the Tazoo — Investment of Vicksburg — Siege — Surren- 
der— Results, 34,5 \ 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Campaign of Gen. Banks — The Naval Force — Action with the Batteries at Port Hudson — March of Gen. Banks west of 
the Mississippi — Action at Braehear — Advance upon Alexandria — Its Capture — March to Semmesport — Crossing 
the Mississippi — Attack on Port Hudson — Its Investment— Siege — Surrender, 866 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Movement of Gen. Burnside to cross the Rappahannock — Storm — The Army returns to Camp — Gen. Hooker takes 
command — Movement of Gen. Hooker across the Rappahannock — The Battle of Chancellorsville — Losses— The 
death of Gen. " Stonewall " Jackson, 372 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Position of the hostile Armies on the Rappahannock — The Military Departments — Advance of Gen. Lee toward the 
Shenandoah Valley— Capture of Winchester and Martinsbnrg — Invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania — Calls 
for Troops from the Northern States — March of Gen. Hooker's Army — Plans of Gen. Lee— The Enemy in Penn- 
sylvania, S84 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

Position of the Army of the Potomac — Gen. Hooker relieved by Gen. Meade — Concentration of the Enemy near 
Gettysburg— Opening of the Battle — The Battle— Retreat of Gen. Lee— Pursued by Gen. Meade — Cooperating 
Movements elsewhere — Advance of Gen. Rosecrans in Tennessee against Gen. Bragg — Raid of Gen. John Morgan 
in Ohio, 398 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Measures taken in the Insurrectionary States to recruit their Armies — The Army of the United States— Con- 
scription — The Draft: how made — Riots in New York, Boston, and elsewhere — Employment of Colored 
Troops — Proceedings relative thereto — Organization of Hospitals — Expenditures — Materials — Ordnance and 
Small Ai-ms, , 412 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Operations of the Florida and Alabama — The bark Tacony — Capture of the Chesapeake — Damage to Federal 
Commerce — Increase of the Federal Navy — Operations of the North Atlantic Squadron — Operations of the 
South Atlantic Squadron — Attack on Fort McAllister — Attack on Charleston — Capture of the Atlanta — Other 
Naval Operations, 489 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Situation of Gen. Rosecrans— Attack on Fort Donelson — Expeditions of Colburn, Sheridiin, Hall, and Col. Streight — 
Advance of Gen. Rosecrans — Retreat of Gen. Bragg — Movement of Gen. Burnside — Other Movements — Occu- 
pation of Chattanooga — Further advance of Gen. Rosecrans — Battle of Chickamauga — Firmness of Gen. Thomas — 
Army concentrates at Chattanooga, . ... 452 



CONTENTS. ix 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

PAGB 

General Grant ordered to the command at Chattanooga— Defeats Gen. Bragg— MoTcmentfl of Gen. Bumbide in Eaf.t 
Tennessee- Position of the Armies in Virginia— Advance of Gen. Meade to Mine Eun — Gen. GiIlmore''s Oper- 
ations before Charleston — Captures Morris Island— Opens fii-e on Fort Sumter and Charleston— Movements of Gen. 
Banks in Texas— Operations in Missouri and Arkansas — Operations against the Indians in Minnesota— Desolations 
by the Armies, • • ^^^ 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Progress of Civil Affairs— Finances of the Insurrectionary States— Decay of Railroads— Crops— Mission of Mr. A. 
n. Stephens— His Report— President Lincoln's Statement of the Condition of Affairs— His Amnesty Procla- 
mation-Efforts to secure the advantages of the Emancipation Proclamation— Froedmcn— Federal Finances— Con- 
fiscation— Exchange of Prisoners, 486 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

* 

Position of the Armies at the beginning of ISM— Gen. Sherman's march to Meridian— Opposing movements of the 
Enemy— Gen. Gillmorc's movements in Florida— Battle of Olnstee— Campaign of Gen. Banks on the Bed River- 
Battles— Cooperation of Gen. Steele- Its Results- Capture of Fort Pillow and slaughter of the Garrison- Unsuc- 
cessful Operations in North Carolina, 4S8 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Desultory Operations in Virginia— General Grant appointed Lieutcnant-General— Reorganization of the Army of tho 
Potomac— Gen. Sherman's Campaign against Atlanta— Its Plan— Battles— Manoeuvres approaching Atlanta— Its 
Evacuation— Correspondence with tho Authorities — Civilians sent away, 622 

CHAPTER XL. 

Reorganization of the Army of the Potomac— Plans of Gen. Grant— Advance of tho Army under Gen. Grant— Crosses 
the Rappahannock— First Day's Battle— Position of the Armies at Night— Bumside's Reserve brought on the 
Field— Subsequent Battles— March to the Left— Battles at Spottsylvania Court House— Thanksgivings at the 
North— Disposal of tho Wounded, i>W 

CHAPTER XLI. 

Strength of tho Army of the Potomac— Cooperating Movements— Cavalry Raid to cut Gen. Lee's Communications- 
Advance of Gen. Averill in West Virginia— Advance of Gens. Crook and Sigel- Defeated by Gen. Breckinridge— 
Movement of Gen. Butler up the James — Attempts to cut tho Railroads— Attack on Fort Darling— Expedition of 
Gen. Kautz, &61 

CHAPTER XLII. 

Concentration of Troops under Gen. Lee— Attempt to turn the Eight of Gen Grant's Line- New Movement to the 
Left— Gen. Grant reaches the North Anna— Position of the Armies — Gen. Grant crosses tho Pamunkey— Re- 
enforcements from Gen. Butler— Battle at Coal Harbor— Failure of the attempt to push the Enemy across the 
Chickahominy — Crossing the James — Movement of Gen. Butier on Petersburg — Failure— Other Movements — Gen. 
Grant before Petersburg — Condition of the Army, ^''^ 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

The Second Movement against Lynchburg — Gens. Crook, Averill, and Hunter — Movement of Gen. Morgan j- Advance 
of Gen. Hunter— Capture of Staunton, Lexington, &c.— He retreats ta 'West Virginia— Invasion of Maryland- 
Defeat of Gen. Wallace — Approach of the enemy to Baltimore — Attack on Washington — The Enemy retire — 
Other Movements — Changes in the command of the .iVrmy of tho James— Explosion of a Mine before Petersburg— 
.Battle at Reams' Station — Hatcher's Run, IJ61 

CHAPTER XUV. 

The Sanitary Commission— Its Organization — Objects — Means of Transportation— Preventive Service — General Re- 
lief—Special Relief— Field Relief— Auxiliary Relief Corps-Eeceipts-Expenditnres— Western Commission- 
Other Sanitary Commissions- Christian Commission-Organization-Objccts— Services — American Union Com- 
mission — Objects, t>M 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XLV. 

PAGE 

Position of Gen. Sherman at Atlanta — Position of Gen. Hood : his Slovements — Operations of Gen. Forrest — The 
failure to interrupt the Federal Communications — Plans of Gen. Sherman — His Orders — Distribution of his Army 
— Advance of the Left Wing — Excitement in Georgia — Advance of the Eight Wing — Reaches the Ogeechee — 
Demonstration toward Augusta — Advance between the Ogeechee and Savannah Elvers— Scouts reach the Coast- 
Redaction of Fort McAllister— Investment of Savannah — ^Its Evacuation — Further Proceedings, .... 608 

CHAPTER XLVI. 

General Sheridan takes command on the Upper Potomac — Attack on Fisher's Hill — March of Sheridan up the Shenan- 
doah— Sudden Attack of the Enemy — Their Eepulse and Pursuit — Guerrillas — Movements of Gen. Price in Mis- 
souri — Investment of Nashville by Gen. Hood — Battles — Eetreat of Hood and pursuit by Gen. Thomas — Expe- 
dition against the Mississippi Central Eailroad from Baton Eouge — Movements of Gen. Warren against the 
Weldon Eoad, .624 

CHAPTER XL VII. 

Naval Operations — The Stonewall — Other Cruisers — Capture of the Eoanoke — Increase of the Federal Navy — Oper- 
ations of the North Atlantic Squadron — Blockade — Action with the Albemarle — Her Destruction — Operations 
in James Eiver — Attack on Fort Fisher — Eepulse — CoiTespondence — Attack Eenewed — Capture of the Fort — West 
Gulf Squadron — Capture of the Forts at Mobile Bay — Action between the Kearsarge and Alabama — Capture of the 
Florida, 633 

CHAPTER XL VIII. 

Number of Southern Troops — Measures to arm the Slaves — Objections — Eecmiting the Union Armies— Military De- 
partments — Condition of the Southern States — Debt— Paper Currency — Peace Movements — Gilmore and Jacques 
— UnofTicial Conference at Clifton — Proceedings at Fortress Monroe — Eeport of President Lincoln — Eeport of 
Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell — Action of Congress relative to Slaves — Finances of the Federal Govern- 
ment — Exchange of Prisoners, 049 

CHAPTER XLIX. 

Progress of Military Operations — General Thomas' position in Tennessee — General Hood's position in Tennessee — 
Movement of the Enemy on the James Eiver — Another Battle at Hatcher's Eun — March of Gen. Sherman 
from Savannah — Capture of Columbia, 3. C. — Evacuation of Charleston — Advance to F.ayetteville — Transfer of 
Gen. Schofleld to North Carolina — Capture of Wilmington — Advance of Gen. Sherman to Cheraw — Battle at 
Averysboro — Battle at Bentonville — Arrival at Goldsboro — Eesults of Sherman's March, 670 

CHAPTER L. 

March of Gen. Sheridan from Winchester to the James Eiver — Attack on the Army before Petersburg — Movement 
of Troops by the left of Gen. Grant — Battle near Five Forks — Cannonade of Petersburg — Assault on the City — 
Gen. Lee orders the evacuation of Eichmond and Petersburg — Occupation of the latter by Union Troops — Occu- 
pation of Eichmond by Gen. Weitzel — Eetreat of Gen. Lee's Army — Pursuit by Gen. Sheridan — Surrender of 
Gen. Lee — Terms of Capitulation, ■ . 686 

CHAPTER LI. 

March of Gen. Stoneman from East Tennessee to Salisbury — Advance of Gen. Sherman upon Ealeigh— Gen. Johnston 
proposes a Conference — ^The Conference and Terms agreed upon — Eejected at Washington — Surrender of Gen. 
Johnston's Army — March of Gen. Wilson in North Alabama— Capture of Mobile — Surrender of Gen. Taylor's 
Army — Surrender of Gen. E. Kirby Smith — Disbandment of the Armies — Farewell of Gen. Sherman — Farewell 
of Gen. Grant — Capture of Mr. Davis — Amnesty Proclamation — Measures to establish Civil Governments in the 
States— Lj^t of Army Officers, 698 

BiOQRAPHicAL Sketches op Deceased Offiobes, ., 719 

Index, ........ 8*7 



. MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



INTRODXJCTION. 



The recent war in the United States broke 
out under circumstances so unusual, and dis- 
played such a grandeur of military scenes, such 
perfection in implements of destruction, and 
such vastness of operations, as to deserve some 
preliminary notice. "Within less than the lim- 
its of a century is comprised the existence of 
the nation. During that period, its previous 
great vrar had been known among the people as 
that of the Eevolution. On its scenes their 
minds have ever loved to dwell ; its conflicts 
have been unceasingly rehearsed as illustrations 
of American bravery and fortitude ; and the few 
lingering survivors have been cheered by a ven- 
eration due only to a superior class of men. 
The population of the country at the time of 
that war is unknown, no census having been 
taken until 1790. But the number of soldiers 
furnished by each State, and the population at 
the first census, were about as follows : 



STATES. 



New Hampshire 

♦Massachusetts (including Maine). 

Ehode Island 

Connecticut 

New York 

New Jersey 

Pennsylvania 

Delaware 

Maryland 

Virginia 

North Oarcilina 

South Carolina 

Georgia 



Territories. 



Vermont . 
Tennessee., 
Kentucky. 



Soldiers. 



12,49T 

67.907 

5,908 

81,959 

17,781 

10,726 

25,678 

2.386 

18,912 

26,678 

7,263 

6,41T 

2,589 



Papulation in 
1790. 



141,899 
475,257 

69,110 
238,141 
840,120 
184,139 
434,373 

59,096 
819,723 
748,308 
893,751 
249.073 

82,518 



85,416 
35,791 
73,077 



231,701 I 3,929,827 



* The figures do not truly represent the aid given by the 
respective States. Thus the number of soldiers furnished 
1 



The territories were then without any dis- 
tinct civil organization, and as such furnished 
no soldiers. Their recruits were doubtless in- 
cluded among those of the adjoining States. 

The battles of this war, together with the 
place and commander of each, and the losses, 
were as follows : 



Where fought. 



British commanders 
and loss. 



Lexington 

Bunker Hill . . 

Flatbush 

White Plains. 

Trenton 

Princeton 

Bennington. .. 
Brandywine . . 

♦Saratoga 

Monmouth . . . 
Ehode Island. 
Briar Creek . . . 
Stony Point. . . 

Camden 

Cowpens 

Guilford 

Eutaw Springs 



1 84 

Warren 453 

Putnam 2,000 

Washington 300 

Washington 9 

'Washington 100 

Stark 100 

I Washington 1,200 

Gates 350 

Washington 230 

Sullivan 211 

Ash 300 

Wayne 100 

Gates 720 

Morgan 72 

Greene 400 

Greene 555: 



245 

Howe 1,0M 

Howe 400 

Howe 300 

Rahl 1,000 

Mawhood 400 

Baum 600 

Howe 500 

Burgoyne 600 

Clinton 400 

Pigott 260 

Prjvost 16 

Johnson 600 

Cornwallis 375 

Carlo ton 800 

Cornwallis 523 

Stewart 1,000 



The surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, 
October 19, 1781, closed the war. The number 
surrendered was 7,073. 

by Pennsylvania is set down at 22,678; but to Massachu- 
setts there is set down 67,507, although the population of the 
two States was then about the same in numbers. In one 
sense this is correct. Pennsylvania did furnish but 25,000 
recruits, while Massachusetts sent 67,000. But there was 
this difference between the recruits : those from Pennsyl- 
vania were mostly enlisted for three years, or for the war; 
while those of Massachusetts generally entered the army 
for nine months. Thus, the Pennsylvania line was renewed 
only once every three years, while, during this interval, the 
Massachusetts line was renewed four times, or once every 
nine months. In this manner the latter nominally ftir- 
nished four men, while the former furnished one, and this 
while having only the same number in the field. 
* 5,752 British prisoners taken. 



2 MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 

On the sea there was no organized navy, crossing a desert previous to the action. The 
A few ships, as national vessels, had a brief, march from Puebla to the city of Mexico 
though bold and destructive career. was made by Gen, Scott, with a force consist- 
Perhaps it may be interesting to add, that the ing of 10,738- men, rank and file. He fought 
amount of currency, known as " Continental the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, &c., 
money," issued, was as follows : August 20th, 1847, with 8,497 men. At Mo- 
Amount issued in 1775 $2,000,000 ^^^^^ ^^1 Rey there were only three brigades, 

" " in 1777 20,000,000 With some CEvalry and artillery, making in all 

Total amount issued to July, 1779 858,000,000 3,251. The operatmg force in the battles of 

The whole expenses of the war, estimated in Sept. 12 and 13, was 7,180 men, and the city 

specie, amounted to $135,193,703. of Mexico was entered with less than 6,000. 

In the next war, known as that of 1812, be- The opposing force in these battles is stated by 

tween the same combatants, General Brown Gen. Scott, "upon accumulated and unques- 

crossed the Niagara River for the invasion of tionable evidence," to have been not less than 

Canada with about 3,500 men. Three weeks three and a half times greater in numbers than 

afterwards, on July 25th, 1814, the battle of tis own. The total losses of Gen. Scott in all 

Lundy's Lane was fought between 3,000 Amer- these battles, including kOled, wounded, and 

icaus and 4,500 British troops. The loss of the missing, amounted to 2,703, of whom 383 were 

former was 753 in killed and wounded, and officers. 

that of the latter 878. The most celebrated The amount of the public debt on June 21st, 

battle of this war was that fought at New Or- 1848, after peace had been concluded, was 

leans. The entire force of the British army $48,196,321 ; of which $31,868,762 had been 

landed above the mouths of the Mississippi for incurred subsequent to July 1st, 1846. The 

the capture of that city, was 12,000 men. On first battle of the war was on May 8th, 1846. 

January 1st, 1815, an artillery duel took place. The Union consisted, in 1847, of thirty States, 

in which the British had thirty heavy guns and by an estimate of the Government made at 

behind a breastwork of hogsheads of sugar, that time, the number of the militia of all the 

which, it was supposed, would be as protective States was 1,821,093. 

as sand-bags ; and the Americans ten guns be- A period of profound peace now ensued, 
hind cotton bales. The sugar hogsheads were The standing military force of the Govern- 
demolished, and the cotton bales set on fire, ment was reduced to the smallest number 
After a loss of seventy men, the British force practicable, bemg, in 1860, about 16,000 men, 
drew off. The American loss was thirty-four, most of whom were required on the Western 
On January 8th the decisive battle was fought, frontier to preserve the peace with the Indians. 
The British advanced with 10,000 men against Officers of the army, after the close of the Mex- 
6,000 under Gen. Jackson, of whom 3,500 were ican war, resigned their commissions, and de- 
defended by breastworks. The British were re- voted then- talents to the pursuits of private 
pulsed with a loss of more than 2,000 men, life. Inventors of implements of war found 
while that of the Americans was but 27 in their mgenuity to be unappreciated, and their 
killed and wounded. In this wrtr the United manufactures profitless. The national Mili- 
States had an organized navy of comparatively tary School at West Point was regarded by the 
small wooden ships, the exploits of which were mass of the people as an expensive and use- 
very brilhant and successful. less establishment, and motions to suspend or 

Peace now existed for thirty years, when the refuse appropriations for its support were often 

war with Mexico took place. On May 8th, made in Congress. Militia service in the sev- 

1846, Gen. Taylor, marching with 2,288 men eral States had become almost disreputable.- 

from Point Isabel to Fort Brown, opposite If laws existed to promote an efficient organ- 

Matamoras, on the Rio Grande, was attacked ization, they were not enforced. Private es- 

at Palo Alto by a Mexican force estimated tablishments for the manufacture of arms had, 

at 6,000 men. The most celebrated battle with one or two exceptions, ceased to exist, and 

in northern Mexico, that of Buena Yista, theFederalarmoriesat Springfield and Harper's 

was fought by Gen. Taylor with about 6,000 Ferry were inactive. Meanwhile the warnings 

men against 14,000, partially exhausted by of another and more terrible conflict, given by 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



gathering clouds, were unheeded, except in 
Massachusetts, where Governor Banks secured 
the adoption of legislative measures for a re- 
organization of the militia of the State, and in 
South Carolina, where the authorities, in 1860, 
secretly procured a considerable importation of 
muskets, which were at an early period of in- 



valuable service to the cause she had espoused. 
Thus unprepared, and amid the most overflow- 
ing prosperity which the pursuits of peace ever 
yielded to an industrious people, the nation was 
alarmed by the sounds of an internal war that 
called every man to the field, and brought to 
pass the scenes described in the following pages. 



CHAPTER I. 



Secession Movements in Soutli Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana. 



The Legislature of South Carolina assembled 
on the 4th of November, 1860, and having 
chosen the Presidential electors, adjourned. 

The election for President was held on the 
0th of November, 1860. On that day the vote 
of the State was given by the electors to John 
0. Breckinridge for President. On the next 
day the Legislature again assembled, and the 
subject of withdrawal from the United States 
was taken up, and an act passed calling a State 
Convention to meet at Columbia on the 17th 
of December. Other measures were then in- 
troduced and adopted, the object of which was 
to place the State in a suitable position to meet 
the crisis about to be inaugurated. 

On the 10th of December Francis W. Pickens 
was chosen Governor by the Legislature. He 
was inaugurated immediately after his election, 
and improved the occasion to declare the cause 
of the movement on the part of South Carolina 
to separate fi'om the Union. In his view it was 
as follows : 

For seventv-three years this State has been con- 
nected by alederal compact with co-States, under a 
bond of union for great national objects common to 
all. In recent years there has been a powerful party, 
organized upon principles of ambition and fanaticism, 
wbose undisguised purpose is to divert the Federal 
Government from external and turn its power upon 
the internal interests and domestic institutions of 
these States. They have thus combined a party ex- 
clusively in the Northern States, whose avowed ob- 
jects not onlj' endanger the peace, but the very exist- 
ence of nearly one-half of the States of this Confed- 
eracy. And in the recent election for President and 
Vice-President of these States, they have carried the 
election upon principles that make it no longer safe 
for us to rely upon the powers of the Federal (jrovern- 
ment, or the guarantees of the Federal compact. 
This is the great overt act of the people in the North- 
ern States at the ballot-box, in the exercise of their 
sovereign power at the polls, from which there is no 
higher appeal recognized under our system of Gov- 
ernment in its orilinary and habitual operations. 
They thus propose to inaugurate a Chief ^Magistrate, 
at the head of the army and navy, with vast powers, 
not to preside over the common interests and desti- 
nies of all the States alike, but upon issues of malig- 
nant hostility and uncompromising war, to be waged 
upon the rights, the interests, and the peace of half 
the States of this Union. 

In the Southern States there are two entirely dis- 
tinct and separate races, and one has been held in 
subjection to the other by peaceful inheritance from 



worthy and patriotic ancestors, and all who know the 
races well know that it is the only form of government 
that can preserve both, and administer the blessings 
of civililization with order and. in harmony. Any 
thing tending to change and weaken the Government 
and the subordination between the races, not only 
endangers the peace, but the very existence of our 
society itself. We have for years warned the North- 
ern people of the dangers they were producing by 
their wanton and lawless course. We have often ap- 
pealed to our sister States of the South to act with 
us in concert upon some firm and moderate system 
by which we might be able to save the Federal Con- 
stitution, and yet feel safe under the general com- 
pact of Union ; but we could obtain no fair warning 
from the North, nor could we see any, concerted plan 
proposed by any of our co-States of the South calcu- 
lated to make us feel safe and secure. 

Under all these circumstances we now have no al- 
ternative left but to interpose our sovereign power 
as an independent State to protect the rights and an- 
cient privileges of the people of South Carolina. 
This State was one of the original parties to the Fed- 
eral compact of union. We agreed to it, as a State, 
under peculiar circumstances, when we were sur- 
rounded with great external pressure, for purposes 
of national protection, and to advance the interests 
and general welfare of all the States' equally and 
alike. And when it ceases to do this, it is no longer 
a perpetual Union. It would be an absurdity to sup- 
pose it wjis a perpetual Union for our ruin. 

After a few days the Legislature took a recess 
until the 17th of December, the day on which 
the State Convention was to assemble. Prep- 
arations for the Convention were commenced 
immediately after the bill was passed by the 
Legislature. Candidates for membership were 
nominated. All were in favor of secession, and 
the only important distinction to be seen among 
them consisted in the personal character of in- 
dividuals. Those who were known to be men 
of moderate and conservative views were gen- 
erally successful over individuals of a radical 
and ultra stamp. 

The Convention assembled in the Baptist 
church at Columbia, the capital of the State, 
at noon, on the 17th of December. Unlike the 
conventions of the other States, its sessions were 
at first held with open doors, and its proceed 
ings published to the country. "When the Con 
vention was called to order, David F. Jamison 
was requested to act as president j^ro lem. 

The names were called, but an oath was nol 
administered to the delegates. For president 



MILITAEY AND KAVAE HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



of the Convention, on the fourth ballot, David 
F. Jamison received 118 votes, J. L. Orr 30, 
and James Cbesnut, jr., 3. Mr. Jamison was 
elected. 

A motion was next made that the Conven- 
tion adjourn, to meet in Charleston on the af- 
ternoon of the next day, owing to the preva- 
lence of small-pox in Columbia. This motion 
was opposed by W. Porcher Miles, who said : 

" We would be sneered at. It would be asked 
on all sides. Is this the chivalry of South Caro- 
lina ? They are prepared to face the world, but 
they run away from the small-pox. Sir, if eve- 
ry day my prospects of life were diminished by 
my being here, and if I felt the certain convic- 
tion that I must take this disease, I would do 
so, and die, if necessary. I am just from Wash- 
ington, where I have been in constant, close, 
continual conference with our friends. Their 
unanimous, urgent request to us is, not to delay 
at all. The last thing urged on me, by our 
friends from Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, 
North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and Louisi- 
ana, and every State that is with us in this 
great movement, was, take out South Carolina 
the instant you can. Now, sir, when the news 
reaches Washington that we met here, that a 
panic arose about a few cases of small-pox in 
the city, and that we forthwith scampered olF 
to Charleston, the effect would, be a little lu- 
dicrous, if I might be excused for that expres- 
sion," 

The motion was adopted, and the Convention 
assembled on the next day at Charleston. 

The following committee was then appointed 
to draft an ordinance of secession : Messrs. In- 
glis, Rhett, sen,, Chesnut, Orr, Maxcy Gregg, 
B, F. Dunkin, and Eutson, and another com- 
mittee, as follows, to prepare an address to the 
people of the Southern States, viz. : Messrs. 
Rhett, sen,, Calhoun, Finley, J. D. Wilson, W. 
F. De Saussure, Cheves, and Carn, 

The following committees were also appoint- 
ed, each to consist of thirteen members : 

A Committee on Relations with the Slave- 
holding States of North America ; a Committee 
on Foreign Relations ; a Committee on Com- 
mercial Relations and Postal Arrangements ; 
and a Committee on the Constitution of the 
State, 

On the same day Mr. Magrath, of Charleston, 
offered the following resolution : 

Eesolved, That so much of the Message of the Presi- 
dent of the United States as relates to what he desig- 
nates "the property of the United States in South Car- 
olina," be referred to a committee of thirteen, to report 
of what such property consists, how acquired, and 
whether the purpose for which it was so acquired can 
be enjoyed by the United States after the State of 
South Carolina shall have seceded, consistently with 
the dignity and safety of the State. And that said 
committee further report the value of the property of 
the United States not in South Carolina; and the value 
of the share thereof to which South Carolina would be 
entitled upon an equitable division thereof among the 
United States. 

Upon offering the resolution, he said : 

" As I understand the Message of the Presi- 



dent of the United States, he aflBrms it as his 
right and constituted duty and high obligation 
to protect the property of the United States 
within the limits of South Carolina, and to en- 
force the laws of the Union within the limits of 
South Carolina, He says he has no constitu- 
tional power to coerce South Carolina, while, 
at the same time, he denies to her the right of 
secession. It may be, and I apprehend it will 
be, Mr, President, that the attempt to coerce 
South Carolina will be made under the pre- 
tence of protecting the property of the United 
States within the limits of South Carolina. I 
am disposed, therefore, at the very threshold, 
to test the accuracy of this logic, and test the 
conclusions of the President of the United 
States, There never has been a day — no, not 
one hour — in which the right of property with- 
in the limits of South Carolina, whether it 
belongs to individuals, corporations, political 
community, or nation, has not been as safe un- 
der the Constitution and laws of South Caro- 
lina as when that right is claimed by one of our 
own citizens ; and if there be property of the 
United States within the limits of South Caro- 
lina, that property, consistently with the dig- 
nity and honor of the State, can, after the 
secession of South Carolina, receive only that 
protection which it received before," 

Mr, Miles, who had j^ist returned from 
Washington, stated the position of affairs to be 
as follows : 

" I will confine myself simply to the matter 
of the forts in the harbor of Charleston, and I 
will state what I conceive to be the real condi- 
tion of things, I have not the remotest idea 
that the President of the United States will 
send any reenforcement whatsoever into these 
forts, I desire no concealment — there should 
be no concealment — but perfect frankness, I 
will state here that I, with some of my col- 
leagues, in a conversation with the President 
of the United States, and subsequently in a 
written communication, to which our names 
were signed, after speaking of the great excite- 
ment about the forts, said thus to him : 

Mr. President, it is our solemn conviction that, if 
you attempt to send a solitary soldier to these forts, 
the instant the intelligence reaches our people, (and 
we shall take care that it does reach them, for we have 
sources of information in Washington, so that no or- 
ders for troops can be issued without our getting in- 
formation,) these forts will be forcibly and immediately 
stormed, 

" We all assured him that, if an attempt was 
made to transport reenforcements, our people 
would take these forts, and that we Avould go 
home and help them to do it ; for it would be 
suicidal folly for us to allow the forts to be 
manned. And we further said to him that a 
bloody result would follow the sending of 
troops to those forts, and that we did not be- 
lieve that the authorities of South Carolina 
would do any thing prior to the meeting of this 
convention, and that we hoped and believed 
that nothing would be done after this body met 
until we had demanded of the General Govern- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ment the recession of these forts. This was the 
substance of what we said. Now, sir, it is my 
most solemn conviction that there is no attempt 
going to be made to reenforce these forts." 

Resolutions were offered and referred, which 
proposed a provisional government for the 
Southern States on the basis of the Constitu- 
tion of the United States ; also to send commis- 
sioners to Washington to negotiate for the ces- 
sion of Federal property within the State, &c. ; 
also, the election of five persons to meet dele- 
gates from other States, for the purpose of 
forming a Confederacy, &c. 

On the 20th the committee appointed to draft 
an ordinance of secession made the following 
report : 

The committee appointed to prepare the draught 
of an Ordinance proper to be adopted by the Con- 
vention in order to effect the secession of South Car- 
olina from the Federal Union, respectfully report : 

That they have had the matter referred to under 
consideration, and believing that they would best 
meet the exigencies of the great occasion, and the 
just expectations of the Convention by presenting in 
the fewest and simplest words possible to be used, 
consistent with perspicuity and all that is necessary 
to effect the end proposed and no more, and so ex- 
cluding every thing which, however proper in itself 
for the action of the Convention, is not a necessary 
part of the great solemn act of secession, and may at 
least be effected by a distinct ordinance or resolution, 
they submit for the consideration of the Convention 
the following proposed draught : 

An Ordinance to dissolve the Union beUceen the State of 
8out?i Carolina and other States united with her un- 
der the compact entitled " The Constitution of the 
United States of America.'''' 
We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in 
Convention assembled, do declare and ordain, and it 
is hereby declared and ordained, that the ordinance 
adopted by us in Convention on the twenty-third day 
of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and eighty-eiglit, whereby the Constitution 
of the United States was ratified, and also all acts 
and parts of acts of the General Assembly of the State 
ratifying amendments of the said Constitution, are 
hereby repealed, and the Union now subsisting be- 
tween South Carolina and other States, under the 
name of " The United States of America," is hereby 
dissolved. 

The ordinance was then taken up and imme- 
diately passed by the unanimous vote of the 
Convention. After its passage, the following 
ordinance was passed to preserve the order of 
affairs under the altered political relations of 
the State : 

£e it ordained ly the People of South Carolina, by 
their Delegates in Convention assembled. That, until 
otherwise provided by the Legislature, the Governor 
shall be authorized to appoint collectors and other 
officers connected with the customs, for the ports 
within the State of South Carolina, and also all the 
postmasters within the said State ; and that until 
such appointments shall have been made, the persons 
now charged with the duties of the said several offices 
shall continue to discharge the same, keeping an ac» 
count of what moneys are received and disbursed by 
them respectively. 

The Convention adjourned to meet at Insti- 
tute Hall, and in the presence of the Governor, 
and both branches of the State Legislature, to 
sign the ordinance of secession. 

At the close of the ceremonies the president 



of the Convention announced the secession of 
the State in these words : " The ordinance of 
secession has been signed and ratified, and I 
proclaim the State of South Carolina an inde- 
pendent Commonwealth." The ratified ordi- 
nance was then given to the Secretary of State 
to be preserved among its archives, and the as- 
sembly dissolved. 

On the 21st the committee to prepare an ad- 
dress to the Southern States made a report, re- 
viewing the injuries to South Carolina imputed 
to her connection with the Federal Union. An 
ordinance was then adopted which prescribed 
the following oath, to be taken by all persons 
elected and appointed to any office : 

I do solemnly sw^ar, (or affirm,) that I will be 
faithful and true allegiance bear to the Constitution 
of the State of South Carolina, so long as I may con- 
tinue a citizen of the sAme ; and that I am duly quali- 
ified under the laws of South Carolina, and will dis- 
charge the duties thereof to the best of my ability, 
and will preserve, protect, and defend the Consti- 
tution of this State. So help me God. 

In secret session, Messrs. Robert W. Barn- 
well, J. H. Adams, and James L. Orr, were ap- 
pointed commissioners to proceed to Washing- 
ton, to treat for the delivery of the forts, maga- 
zines, light-houses, &c., within the limits of the 
State, also the apportionment of the public 
debts and a division of all other property held 
by the Government of the United States, as 
agent of the confederation of States, of which 
South Carolina was recently a member, and to 
negotiate all other arrangements proper to be 
adopted in the existing relations of the parties. 

Active movements immediately commenced 
for resisting any attempt on the part of the 
United States to exercise Federal powers with- 
in the limits of the State. Rumors that vessels 
of war had started for Charleston harbor, and 
that the commissioners to Washington were on 
their way home, created great excitement in 
the State, and all thought of peaceable seces- 
sion was abandoned. A collector for the port 
of Charleston was nominated to the Senate by 
President Buchanan, but that body failed to 
confirm the nomination. 

Meantime, Governor Pickens organized his 
Cabinet, as follows : Secretary of State, A. G. 
Magrath ; Secretary of War, D. F. Jamison ; 
Secretary of the Treasury, C. G. Memminger ; 
Postmaster-General, W. H. Harlee; Secretary 
of the Interior, A. C. Gurlington. 

On the 31st of December, the State troops, 
which had been for some time acting as a guard 
to the arsenal, under orders from the Governor, 
took full possession, and relieved the United 
States officer who had been in charge. At half- 
past one o'clock on Sunday, the Federal flag 
was lowered after a salute of thirty-two guns. 
The State troops were drawn up in order and 
presented arms. The Palmetto flag was then 
run up, with a salute of one gun for South 
Carolina. 

The arsenal contained at the time a large 
amount of arms and other stores. Meanwhile 
military preparations were actively pushed for- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



ward, and several volunteer companies fi-om 
other Southern States tendered their services. 
Notice was given by the collector at Charleston 
that the masters of all vessels from ports out- 
side of South Carolina must enter and clear at 
Charleston. • Bank bills were also made receiv- 
able for duties. 

The flag of the State, adopted by the Legis- 
lature, to whom the subject had been referred 
by the State Convention, consisted of a plain 
white ground with a green Palmetto tree in 
the centre, and a white crescent in the left 
upper corner on a square blue field. 

On the 14th of January the Legislature unan- 
imously passed a resolution declaring that any 
attempt by the Federal Government to reen- 
force Fort Sumter would be considered as an 
act of open hostility, and as a declaration of 
war. At the same time they adopted another 
resolution, approving the act of the troops who 
fired on the Star of the West, and also resolved 
to sustain the Governor in all measures neces- 
sary for defence. 

The forts in Charleston harbor, occupied by a 
small garrison of regular troops of the United 
States, afforded a standing denial of the sover- 
eignty and independence of South Carolina. 
The first object to be accomplished by the State 
authorities to secure that respect due to an in- 
dependent nation, was to obtain possession of 
these forts. For this object the following cor- 
respondence took place : 

State op Sottth Carolina, ) 
ExECxmvB Office, Chaeleston, Jan. 11, 1861. f 
To Major Bohert Anderson, commanding Fort Sumter. 

Sir: I have thought proper, under all the circum- 
stances of the peculiar state of public aifairs in the 
country at present, to appoint the Hon. A. G. Magrath 
and Gen. D F. Jamison, both members of the Execu- 
tive Council, and of the highest position in the State, 
to present to you considerationsof the gravest public 
character, and of the deepest interest to all who dep- 
recate the improper waste of life, to induce the de- 
livery of Fort Sumter to the constituted authorities of 
the State of South Carolina, with a pledge, on its part, 
to account for such public property as is under your 
charge. Your obedient servant, 

F. W. PICKENS. 

MAJOK ANDERSON TO GOV. PICKENS. 
Headquakters Fort Stjmter, S. C, January 11, 1861. 
Jlis Ezdy F. W. Pickens, Governor of S. Carolina. 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your demand for the surrender of this fort to the 
authorities of South Carolina, and to say, in reply, 
that the demand is one with which I cannot comply. 

Your Excellency knows that I have recently sent a 
messenger to Washington, and that it will be impos- 
sible for me to receive an answer to my despatches, 
forwarded by him, at an earlier date than next Mon- 
day. What the character of my instructions may be 
I cannot foresee. Should your Excellency deem fit, 
prior to a resort to arms, to refer this matter to Wash- 
ington, it would afford me the sincerest pleasure to 
depute one of my oflicers to accompany any messenger 
you may deem proper to be the bearer of your demand. 

Hoping to God that in this, and all other matters, 
in which the honor, welfare, and lives of our fellow- 
countrymen are concerned, we shall so act as to meet 
His approval, and deeply regretting that yon have 
made a demand of me with which I cannot comply, I 
have the honor to be, with the highest regard, your 
obedient servant, KOBERT ANDERSO'N, 

Major U. S. Army, commanding. 



Other States soon followed the example of 
South Carolina. Of these Florida was foremost. 
Her Senators in Congress assembled, in secret 
caucus, with those from other States to devise 
the plan of action. Prompt measures were also 
taken by the State authorities to secure success. 
At an early day a State Convention was called to 
meet on the 5th of January, to which dele- 
gates were at once elected. The Convention 
assembled at Tallahassee on the day appointed. 
It consisted of sixty-seven members, one-third 
of whom were regarded as in favor of coopera- 
tion. On the Yth, a resolution declaring the 
right and duty of Florida to secede was passed 
— ayes, 62 ; noes, 5. 

On the same day the ordinance of secession 
was passed by a vote of 62 ayes to 7 noes. The 
following is the ordinance : 

Whereas, All hope of preserving the Union upon 
terms consistent with the safety and honor of the 
slaveholding States, has been fully dissipated by the 
recent indications of the strength of the anti-slavery 
sentiment of the free States ; therefore. 

Be it enacted hy the people of Florida, in convention 
assemlled, That it is undoubtedly the right of the sev- 
eral States of the Union, at such time and for such 
cause as in the opinion of the people of such States, 
acting in their sovereign capacity, may be just and 
proper, to withdraw from the Union, and, in the opin- 
ion of this Convention, the existing causes are such 
as to compel Florida to proceed to exercise this right. 

We, the people of the State of Florida, in Conven- 
tion assembled, do solemnly ordain, publish, and de- 
clare that the State of Florida hereby withdraws her- 
self from the Confederacy of States existing under the 
name of the United States of America, and from the 
existing Government of the said States ; and that all 
political connection between her and the Government 
of said States ought to be, and the same is hereby 
totally annulled, and said Union of States dissolved ; 
and the State of Florida is hereby declared a sover- 
eign and independent nation; and that all ordinances 
heretofore adopted, in so far as they create or recog- 
nize said Union, are rescinded ; and all laws, or parts 
of laws, in force in this State, in so far as they recog- 
nize or assent to said Union, be and they are hereby 
repealed. 

The Convention, at a subsequent date, was 
addressed by the Commissioner from South 
Carolina, L. W. Spratt. In his address he ad- 
mits that, if the Southern people had been left 
to consult their own interests in the matter, 
apart from the complications superinduced by 
the action of South Carolina, they would never 
have felt it their duty to initiate the movement 
in which, for reasons partly long conceived and 
partly fortuitous, she had now, as she thinks, 
succeeded iu involving them. 

The other acts of the Convention completed 
the work commenced by the ordinance of se- 
cession. Delegates were appointed to a Con- 
federate Congress, with instructions to cooper- 
ate with those from other States in the forma- 
tion of a Government independent of the United 
States. A session of the Legislature was held at 
the same time, in order to pass such measures 
as would give strength to the executive ofliicers 
in their new position. 

The forts and arsenals of the United States 
and the U. S. schooner Dana were seized, un- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



der instructions from the Governor, at the 
same time those in Alabama were occupied by 
the troops of that State. At the most im- 
portant forts, as Pickens, Jefferson, and Taylor, 
there were such garrisons as -were able to de- 
fend them. The investment of the former was 
immediately made by the troops from Florida, 
with reenforcements from Georgia, Alabama, 
and Mississippi. The navy yard and forts on 
the mainland at Pensacola were thus occupied, 
but Pickens defied all the efforts of the besiegers. 

Mississippi moved next. A session of her 
Legislature was held at Jackson early in No- 
vember, 1860, for making the preliminary ar- 
rangements for a State Convention. It passed 
an act calling such Convention on the tth of 
Janu/iry, and fixed the 20th of December as the 
day upon which an election should be held for 
members. The measures were passed unani- 
mously. The following resolutions were also 
adopted unanimously : 

Eesolved, That the Governor be requested to ap- 

Eoint as many Commissioners as in his judgment may 
e necessary to visit each of the slaveholding States, 
and designate the State or States to which each Com- 
missioner shall be commissioned, whose duty it shall 
be to inform them that this Legislature has passed an 
act calling a Convention of the people of this State to 
consider the present threatening relations of the 
Northern and Sonthern sections of the Confederacy, 
aggravated by the recent election of a President upon 
principles of hostility to the States of the South, and 
to express the earnest hope of Mississippi that those 
States will cooperate with her in the adoption of effi- 
cient measures for their common defence and safety. 
Resolved, That, should any Southern State not 
have convened its Legislature, the Commissioner to 
such State shall appeal to the Governor thereof to 
call the Legislature together, in order that its co- 
operation be immediately secured. 

One of the members, Mr. Lamar, advocated 
separate secession of the State, and recom- 
mended that the Senators and Representatives in 
the Federal Congress from the Southern States 
should withdraw and form a Congress of a new 
republic, and appoint electors for President of 
a Southern Confederacy. The Legislature ad- 
journed on the oOth of November, 1860. 

The people of the State were divided on the 
question of secession. The election of members 
of the State Convention took place on the 20th 
of December. The number of members to be 
elected was ninety-nine. Of these more than 
one-third were cooperationists. This distinction 
into cooperationists and secessionists only refer- 
red to the manner of proceeding which the 
State should adopt. The latter advocated im- 
mediate and separate secession, the former pre- 
ferred consultation and cooperation with the 
other slaveholding States. The ultimate object 
of each was the same, as expressed in the fol- 
lowing language by one of the citizens: "These 
are household quarrels. As against Northern 
combination and aggression v/e are united. We 
are all for resistance. "We differ as to the mode; 
but the fell spirit of abolitionism has no dead- 
lier and we believe no more practical foes than 
the cooperationists of the South. "We are will- 
ing to give the North a chance to say whether 



it will accept or reject the terms that a united 
South will agree upon. If accepted, well and 
good ; if rejected, a united South can win all 
its rights in or out of the Union." 

The State Convention organized on the 7th 
of January, and immediately appointed a com- 
mittee to prepare and report an ordinance of 
secession with a view of establishing a new con- 
federacy to be comprised of the seceded States. 
The Committee duly reported the following 
ordinance, and it was adopted on the 9th — 
ayes, 81:; noes, 15 : 

The people of Mississippi, in Convention assembled, 
do ordain and declare, and it is hereby ordained and 
declared, as follows, to wit: 

Sec. 1. That all the laws and ordinances by which 
the said State of Mississippi became a member of the 
Federal Union of the United States of America be, 
and the same are hereby repealed, and that all obliga- 
tions on the part of the said State, or the people 
thereof, be withdrawn, and that the said State does 
hereby resume all the rights, functions, and powers 
which by any of the said laws and ordinances were 
conveyed to the Government of the said United States, 
and is absolved from all the obligations, restraints, 
and duties incurred to the said i ederal Union, and 
shall henceforth be a free, sovereign, and independent 
State. 

Sec. 2. That so much of the first section of the sev- 
enth article of the Constitution of this State, as re- 
quires members of the Legislature and all officers, 
both legislative and judicial, to take an oath to sup- 
port the Constitution of the United States, be, and the 
same is hereby abrogated and annulled. 

Sec. 3. That all rights acquired and vested under 
the Constitution of the United States, or under any 
act of Congress passed in pursuance thereof, or any 
law of this State, and not incompatible with this ordi- 
nance, shall remain in force, and have the same effect 
as if the ordinance had not been passed. 

Sec. 4. That the people of the State of Mississippi 
hereby consent to form a Federal Union with such of 
the States as have seceded or may secede from the 
Union of the United States of America, upon the 
basis of the present Constitution of the United States, 
except such parts thereof as embrace other portions 
than such seceding States. 

Delegations from South Carolina and Ala- 
bama were invited to seats in the Convention, 
and were greeted with much applause. Eftbrts 
were made to postpone action, but these were 
voted down, and only fifteen voted nay on the 
final passage of the measure. The vote was 
subsequently made unanimous. The first ag- 
gressive movement was made by Governor Pet- 
tus on the 12th of January, when he ordered a 
piece of artUlery to Vicksburg to be used in 
stopping for examination boats passing on the 
Mississippi. Movements were at the same time 
commenced to complete the organization of the 
militia of the State. Judge Gholson, of the 
"United States Court, resigned. South Carolina 
was recognized by the 'Convention as sovereign 
and independent, and steps were taken to cut 
asunder every tie to the United States, except- 
ing the postal arrangements. The subsequent 
movements were reported to the Legislature 
by the Governor in a Message on the 15th of 
January. He says : 

"As soon as I was informed that the Gov- 
ernor of Louisiana had taken the arsenal at 
Baton Rouge, I sent Col. C. G. Ai-mstead with 



8 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



a letter to Gov. Moore, requesting him to fur- 
nish Mississippi with ten thousand stand of 
arms on such terms as he might deem just. 
Col. Armstead informs me that his Excellency 
has responded to my request hy ordering eight 
thousand muskets, one thousand rifles, and six 
twenty-four pound guns, with carriages, and a 
considerable amount of ammunition, to l)e de- 
livered to him, which will be shipped to Mis- 
sissippi as soon as possible." 

Alabama soon followed. The southern por- 
tion of the State was strongly in favor of seces- 
sion. Early in December, 1860, commissioners 
were sent to the authorities and people of the 
other slaveholding States, to urge forward a 
movement in favor of secession, and a union of 
these States in a separate Confederacy. All 
represented that the purpose of Alabama was 
fixed to secede, even if no other State did. The 
announcement of the secession of South Car- 
olina was hailed with great joy in Mobile. One 
hundred guns were fired. Bells were rung. 
The streets were crowded by hundreds express- 
ing their joy, and many impromptu speeches 
were made. A military parade ensued. 

The first official movement in Alabama tow- 
ard secession was the announcement by Gov- 
ernor Moore of his intention to order an elec- 
tion of Delegates to a State Convention. He 
advised the people to prepare for secession. 
This election Avas held on the 24th of Decem- 
ber, 1860, and the Convention subsequently 
assembled on January 7th. At the election, the 
coimties in North Alabama selected "coopera- 
tion " members. The members throughout the 
State were classed as immediate secessionists, 
and cooperationists. The cooperationists were 
divided into those who were for secession in 
cooperation with other cotton States, those 
who required the cooperation of a majority, 
and those who required the cooperation of all 
the slave States. Montgomery County, which 
polled 2,719 votes on the Presidential election, 
now gave less than 1,200 votes. The inference 
drawn from this at the time was, that the 
county was largely in favor of conservative 
action. The vote reported from all but ten 
counties of the State was : for secession, 24,- 
445; for cooperation, 33,685. Of the ten coun- 
ties, some were for secession, others for cooper- 
ation. 

The Convention met at Montgomery on the 
7th of January. All the counties of the State 
were represented. Wm. M. Brooks was chosen 
President. A strong Union sentiment was soon 
found to exist in the Convention. On the day 
on which it assembled, the Representatives 
from the State in Washington met, and re- 
solved to telegraph to the Convention, advising 
immediate secession, stating that in their opin- 
ion there was no prospect of a satisfactory ad- 
justment. 

On the 9th the following resolutions were 
off"ered and referred to a committee of thirteen : 

Resolved, That separate State action would be un- 
wise and impolitic. 



Eesolved, That Alabama should invite the Southern 
States to hold a Convention as early as practicable, 
to consider and agree upon a statement of grievances 
and the manner of obtaining redress, whether in the 
Union or in independence out of it. 

Mr. Baker, of Russell, off'ered a resolution re- 
questing the Governor to furnish information 
of the number of arms, their character and de- 
scription, and the number of military compa- 
nies, etc., in the State, which was adopted. 
Also the following v/as off'ered and discussed: 

Resolved, by the people of Alabama, That all the 
powers of this State are hereby pledged to resist any 
attempt on the part of the Federal Government to 
coerce any seceding State. 

After a lively discussion of sonle days, a brief 
preamble and resolution refusing to submit to 
the Republican Administration, were proposed 
in such a form as to command the unanimous 
vote of the Convention. It was in these words : 

Whereas the only bond of union between the several 
States is the Constitution of the United States ; and 
whereas that Constitution has been violated by a ma- 
jority of the Northern States in their separate legis- 
lative action, denying to the people of the Southern 
States their constitutional rights; and whereas a sec- 
tional party, known as the Republican party, has, in a 
recent election, elected Abraham Lincoln for Presi- 
dent and Hannibal Hamlin for Vice-President of these 
United States, upon the avowed principle that the 
Constitution of the United States does not recognize 
property in slaves, and that the Government should 
prevent its extension into the common territories of 
the United States, and that the power of the Govern- 
ment should be so exercised that slavery should in 
time be extinguished : Therefore be it 

Rejiolved hy ifiefeo'pleof Alahama in Convention as- 
sembled, That the State of Alabama will not submit to 
the Administration of Lincoln and Hamlin, as Presi- 
dent and Vice-President of the United States, upon 
the principles referred to in the foregoing preamble. 

On the 10th, the ordinance of secession was 
reported, and on the 11th it was adopted in 
secret session by a vote of ayes, 61 ; noes, 39. 
It was as follows : 

An Ordinance (o dissolve the Union hetxceen the State of 
Alabama and other States united tinder the com- 
pact styled'-'- The Constitution of the United States of 
America." 

Whereas the election of Abraham Lincoln and Han- 
nibal Hamlin to the offices of President and Vice- 
President of the United States of America, by a sec- 
tional party, avowedly hostile to the domestic insti- 
tutions and to the peace and security of the people of 
the State of Alabama, preceded by many and danger- 
ous infractions of the Constitution of the United 
States by many of the States and people of the North- 
ern section, is a political wrong of so insulting and 
menacing a character as to justify the people of the 
State of Alabama in the adoption of prompt and de- 
cided measures for their future peace and security : 
Therefore, 

JSe it declared and ordained ly the people of the State 
of Alabama in convention assembled. That the State of 
Alabama now withdraws, and is hereby withdrawn, 
from the Union known as "the United States of 
America," and henceforth ceases to be one of said 
United States, and is, and of right ought to be, a 
sovereign and independent State. 
. Sec. 2. Be it further declared and ordained by the 
people of the State of Alabama in convention assernbled, 
That all the powers over the territory of said State, 
and over the people thereof, hei-etofore delegated to 
the Government of the United States of America, be 
and they are hereby withdrawn from said Govern- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ment, and are hereb}' resumed and vested in the peo- 
ple of the State of Alabama. 

And as it is the desire and purpose of the State of 
Alabama to meet the slaveholding States of the South 
who may approve such purpose, in order to frame a 
provisional as well as permanent government, upon 
the principles of the Constitution of the United States, 

Be It resolved hy the -people of Alabama in convention 
assembled. That the people of the States of Delaware, 
Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Ar- 
kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri, be, and 
are herebj% invited to meet the people of the State of 
Alabama, by their delegates, in convention, on the 4th 
day of February, a. d. 18G1, at the city of Montgom- 
ery, in the State of Alabama, for the purpose of con- 
sulting with each other as to the most effectual mode 
of securing concerted and harmonious action in what- 
ever measures may be deemed most desirable for our 
common peace and security. 

And be it further resolved, That the president of this 
Convention be, and is hereby, instructed to transmit 
forthwith a copy of the foregoing preamble, ordi- 
nance, and resolutions, to the Governors of the sev- 
eral States named in said resolutions. 

Done by the people of the State of Alabama in Con- 
vention assembled, at Montgomery, on this, the 11th 
dav of January, a. d. 1861. 

WM. M. BROOKS, President of the Convention. 

A majority and minority report were pre- 
sented on the ordinance of secession. Trouble 
arose in the Convention, because a portion of 
the members desired that the ordinance should 
not take etfect until the -itli of March. A num- 
ber refused to sign it for this reason ; and as late 
as the iTth of January, a despatch was sent to 
the Senators and Representatives of the State 
in Congress at Washington, to retain their seats 
until further advised. 

A proposition was also made in the Conven- 
tion to submit their action to the people, for 
ratification or rejection. This was refused, and 
an exciting scene ensued. 

Nicliolas Davis, of Huntsville, declared his 
belief that the people of North Alabama would 
never abide the action of that Convention, if 
denied the right of voting upon it. Mr. Yan- 
cey thereupon denoimced the people of North 
Alabama as tories, traitors, and rebels, and said 
they ought to be coerced into a submission to 
the decree of the Convention. Mr. Davis re- 
plied that they might attempt coercion, but 
North jVlabama would meet them upon the 
line and decide the issue at the point of the 
bayonet. 

The ordinance was adopted about two o'clock 
in the afternoon. Subsequently in the after- 
noon an immense mass meeting was held in 
front of the Capitol, and many cooperation 
delegates pledged their constituents to sustain 
secession. A flag which had been presented 
by the ladies of the city to the Convention, 
was then raised over the building, amid the 
ringing of bells and tiring of cannon. 

In Mobile the news was received at once, 
and the day became one of the wildest excite- 
ment. The people were at the highest point 
of enthusiasm until a late hour at night. To 
add to the excitement, news was received that 
the State of Florida had passed a secession or- 
dinance. 



Immediately on the receipt of the news, an 
immense crowd assembled at the "secession 
pole " at the foot of Government Street, to wit- 
ness the spreading of the Southern flag, and 
it was run up amid the shouts of the multitude 
and thunders of cannon. One hundred atid one 
guns for Alabama and fifteen for Florida were 
fired, and after remarks from gentlemen, the 
crowd repaired to tlie Custom-llouse, walking 
in procession with a baud of music at the head, 
playing the warlike notes of the "Southern 
Marseillaise." 

Arrived at the Custom-House, a lone star 
flag was waved from its walls amid enthusiastic 
shouts. The balcony of the Battle House, op- 
posite, was thronged witli ladies and gentlemen, 
and the street was crowded with excited cit- 
izens. Standing upon the steps of the Custom- 
House, brief and stirring addresses were de- 
livered by several speakers. 

The military paraded the streets. The Cadets 
were out in force, bearing a splendid flag which 
had been presented to them a day previous, and, 
Avith the Independent Rifles, marched to the 
public square, and fired salvos of artillery. The 
demonsti-ation at night was designed to corre- 
spond to the importance attached by the people 
to the event celebrated. An eye-witness de- 
clares the display to have been of the most 
brilliant description. When night fell, the city 
emerged from darkness into a blaze of such 
glory as could only be achieved by the most 
recklessljr extravagant consumption of tar and 
tallow. The broad boulevard of Government 
street was an avenue of light, bonfires of tar 
barrels being kindled at intervals of a square in 
distance along its length, and many houses were 
illuminated. Royal Street shone with light, the 
great front of the buildings presenting a perfect 
illumination. Rockets blazed, crackers pop- 
ped, and the people hurrahed and shouted as 
they never did before. The " Southern Cross 
was the most favored emblematic design in the 
illumination, and competed with the oft-repeat- 
ed ' Lone Star ' for admiration and applause 
from the multitude." 

By previous concert with the Governors of 
Georgia and Louisiana, " all the positions in 
these three States which might be made to fol- 
low the fashion set by Fort Sumter " were 
seized. The arsenal at Mt. Vernon, forty-five 
miles above Mobile, was seized at daylight on 
the morning of January 14th; Fort Morgan was 
taken on the same day, without opposition. 
Previously, however, and on the 9th of Janu- 
ary, five companies of volunteers, at the request 
of the Governor of Floi-ida, left Montgomery 
for Pensacola. They were sent to assist in cap- 
turing the forts and other property there be- 
longing to the United States. In order to place 
the city of Mobile in a better state of defence, 
the Mayor issued a call to the people for a 
thousand laborers. These were at once sup- 
plied, and also money sufficient to meet all 
demands. The Common Council of the city 
passed an ordinance changing the names of 



10 



MLITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



various streets. The name of Maine Street was 
changed to Palmetto Street ; Massachusetts was 
changed to Charleston Street ; New HampsMre 
was changed to Augusta Street ; Ehode Island 
was changed to Savannah Street ; Connecticut 
was changed to Louisiana Street ; New York 
was changed to Elmira Street ; Vermont was 
changed to Texas Street; Pennsylvania was 
changed to Montgomery Street. 

The Union feeling in the northern part of the 
State continued very strong. Many delegates 
from that region refused at first to sign the or- 
dinance of secession which passed the State 
Convention, unless the time for it to take eifect 
was postponed to the 4th of March. Some of 
them withheld their signatures entirely. The 
sessions of the Convention were conducted 
wholly in secret, and only such measures were 
made known to the public as were of such a 
character as to prevent secrecy. 

Upon the adjournment of the Convention the 
President made an address, expressing the most 
decided views upon the permanency of the se- 
cession of the State. He said : 

" We are free, and shall any^f us cherish any 
idea of a reconstruction of the old Government, 
whereby Alabama will again link her rights, 
her fortunes, and her destiny, in a Union with 
the Northern States ? If any one of you hold 
to such a fatal opinion, let me entreat you, as 
you value the blessings of equality and freedom, 
dismiss it at once. There is not, there cannot 
be, any security or peace for us in a recon- 
structed Government of the old material. I 
must believe that there is not a friend or advo- 
cate of reconstruction in this large body. The 
people of Alabama are now independent ; sink 
or swim, live or die, they will continue free, sov- 
ereign, and independent. Dismiss the idea of a re- 
construction of the old Union now and forever." 

After the adjournment of the Convention, a 
Commissioner, Thomas J. Judge, was sent by 
the State authoi-ities to negotiate with tlie Fed- 
eral Government for the surrender of the forts, 
arsenals, and custom-houses within the limits 
of the State. It appears that the President de- 
clined to receive him in any other character 
than as a distinguished citizen of Alabama. In 
this capacity he declined to be received, and re- 
turned home. 

At this time, previous to the surrender of 
Fort Sumter, a considei-able Confederate force 
was, in a manner, besieging Fort Pickens at 
Pensacola, under the command of Gen. Bragg. 
MeanwhUe, the Federal fleet lay off at anchor. 
Supi^lies having been taken to the fleet by the 
sloop Isabella, Capt. Jones, of Mobile, the vessel 
was seized and turned over to the military au- 
thorities, and the captain arrested. The charge 
was that he had attempted to convey supplies 
on his own private account, or that of his own- 
ers, to the United States vessels. On a writ of 
habeus corpus Jones was irregularly discharged. 
The reputed owners of the sloop refused to re- 
ceive her, intending to hold the captors re- 
sponsible for all loss. 



Georgia was one of the latest of the first group 
of States to secede. The session of the Legisla- 
ture commenced in November, and its attention 
was early attracted to the movement. Various 
propositions were offered and discussed, and on 
the 7th of December the following preamble and 
resolutions were adopted in the Assemblj^ — yeas 
101, nays 27 : 

The grievances now affecting the Southern States 
must be effectively resisted. 

The interests and destiny of the slaveholding States 
of this Union are and must remain common. 

The secession of one from the Union must, more or 
less, involve or affect all; therefore 

Eesolved ly the General Assembly of Georgia, That 
in the judgment of this General Assembly, any State in 
this Union has the sovereign right to secede from the 
Union, VFhenever she deems it necessary and proper 
for her safety, honor, or happiness ; and that when a 
State exercises this right of secession, the Federal 
Government has no right to coerce or make war upon 
her because of the exercise of such right to secede ; 
and should any Southern State secede from the Amer- 
can Union, and the Federal Government make war 
iipon her therefor, Georgia will give to the seceding 
Southern State the aid, encouragement, and assistance 
of her entire people. And should the State of Geor- 
gia secede from the Union by the action of the Con- 
vention of her people on the 16th of January next, 
she asks the like sympathy and assistance from her 
Southern sisters which she hereby offers to them. 

This resolution was subsequently, under the 
indications of the strength of the popular feel- 
ing against separate State secession, rescinded 
by a vote of yeas 50, nays 47. 

The Senate had previously indefinitely post- 
poned all the resolutions on this subject which 
had been pending in that body, for the reason 
that a large majority of its members were in- 
disposed to interfere with a matter upon which 
they had called a Convention of the People to act. 

Numerous public meetings were at this time 
held in many counties of the State, at which 
resolutions were adopted expressing apprehen- 
sions of the consequences of the " election of 
Lincoln and Hamlin," but manifesting a disin- 
clination to proceed to acts of immediate se- 
cession, until other measures had been tried. 
They were dignified and conservative in lan- 
guage, and clearly indicated that hostihty to 
the Union was neither deep-seated nor bitter. 

The election for delegates to the State Con- 
vention took place on the 4th of January. The 
vote on that occasion was thus spoken of soon 
after : 

" "We know as well as any one living that the 
whole movement for secession, and the forma- 
tion of a new Govei'nment, so far at least as 
Georgia is concerned, proceeded on only a q\iasi 
consent of the people, and was pushed through, 
under circumstances of great excitement and 
frenzy, by a fictitious majority. "With all the 
appliances brought to bear, with all the fierce 
rushing, maddening events of the hour, the elec- 
tion of the 4th of January showed a falling off 
in the poptilar vote of 25,000 or 30,000, andon 
the night of that election the cooperationists 
had a majority, notwithstanding the felling off, 
of nearly 3,000, and an absolute majority of 



MILITARY AN'D NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION, 



11 



elected delegates of 29. But, upon assembling, 
by coaxing, bullying, and all other arts, the ma- 
jority was changed." 

Tliis Convention assembled at Milledgeville 
on the 16th of January. General "W. Crawford 
was elected President. Commissioners Orr, 
from South Carolina, and Shorter, from Ala- 
bama, were invited to seats in that body. On 
the 18th, a resolution declaring it to be the 
right and duty of Georgia to secede, and ap- 
pointing a committee to draft an ordinance of 
secession, was offered and put to vote. On a 
division, the vote was — ayes, 165 ; noes, 130. 
The ordinance was as follows : 

An Ordinance to dissolve the union beiiceen the State of 
Georgia and other States united with her under the com- 
jmet of Government entitled " The Constitution of the 
United States:' 

We, the people of the State of Georgia, in Conven- 
tion assembled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby 
declared and ordained, that the ordinance adopted by 
the people of Georgia in Convention in the year 1788, 
whereby the Constitution of the United States was 
assented to, ratified, and adopted, and also all acts and 
parts of acts of the General Assembly ratifying and 
adopting the amendments to tiie said Constitution, are 
hereby repealed, rescinded, and abrogated ; and we 
do further declare and ordain, that the Union now 
subsisting between the State of Georgia and other 
States, under the name of the United States of Amer- 
ico, is hereby dissolved ; and that the State of Geor- 
gia is in full possession and exercise of all those rights 
of sovereignty which belong and ai^pertain to a free 
and independent State. 

The vote on its adoption was — ayes, 208 ; 
noes, 89. 

On the night after its passage, great demon- 
strations of joy were made at the Capital, in- 
cluding the liring of cannon, torch-light pro- 
cessions, sky-rockets, music, speeches, &c. In 
Augusta there was an illumination with fire- 
works, ringing of bells, and firing of cannon. 

A substitute was introduced for the ordi- 
nance of secession, but was lost. It was also 
moved to postpone the operation of the ordi- 
nance to March 3d. This motion failed. Subse- 
quently a preamble and resolution were adopted, 
the object of which was to remove the unfavor- 
able impression created by the large vote given 
in opposition to the ordinance of secession. The 
preamble was in these words : 

Who-eas, as a lack of unanimity in this Convention 
on the passage of the ordinance of secession indicates 
a difference of opinion amongst the members of the 
Convention, not so much as to the right which Georgia 
claims or the wrongs of which she complains, as to a 
remedy and its application before a resort to other 
means for redress ; and wliereas, it is desirable to give 
expression to that intention which really exists among 
all the members of the Convention to sustain the State 
in the course of action which she has pronounced to 
be proper for the occasion ; therefore, &c. 

The resolution required every member to 
fiign the ordinance. This was adopted unan- 
imously. 

Before the Convention proceeded to sign the 
ordinance, a resolution was off'ered, proposing 
to submit it to a vote of the people, through the 
proclamation of the Governor, and that the 
question should be "secession" or "no seces- 



sion" at the ballot-box. If a majority of votes 
were for secession, then the ordinance was to 
take effect, and not otherwise. The resolution 
was rejected by a large majority. 

Repre^sentatives to the Montgomery Congress 
were appointed on the 24th. Before voting, an 
assurance was given to the Convention, that 
none of the candidates were in favor of form- 
ing a Government having in view an imme- 
diate or ultimate union with the Northern 
States. No such idea could be entertained. 
All were for the establishment of a Southern 
Confederacy on the basis of the old Constitu- 
tion, and never, under any circumstances, to 
connect themselves with the Northern States. 
Notwithstanding this unanimity in the Con- 
vention, there was a great reaction in some 
parts of the State, and the flag of the United 
States was kept flying without regard to the 
ordinance of the Convention. This was done 
also in North Alabama, and in portions of Mis- 
sissippi and Louisiana. Fears were expressed 
by former members of Congress fi-om Georgia, 
that the reaction might be greatly increased in 
the popular mind in the Gulf States, if a com- 
promise was effected satisfactory to the Border 
States. 

Two regiments were ordered by the Conven- 
tion to be organized as the army for the Re- 
public of Georgia, over which a number of offi- 
cers were appointed by the Governor, chiefly 
those who' had resigned from the army of the 
United States. 

In Louisiana the authorities were undoubted- 
ly early enlisted in the plans for the secession 
of the Southern States from the Union, and 
ready to use all their efforts to secure success. 
In November, 18G0, Governor Moore issued a 
proclamation for an extra session of the Legis- 
lature on the 10th of December. The reason 
requiring this session Avas thus stated : 

WTiereas the election of Abraham Lincoln to the 
office of President of the United States by a sectional 
and aggressive anti-slavery party, whose hostility to 
the people and the institutions of the South has been 
evinced by repeated and long-continued violations of 
constitutional obligations and fraternal amity, now 
consummated by this last insult and outrage per- 
petrated at and through the ballot-box, does, in my 
opinion, as well as that of a large number of citizens 
of all parties and pursuits, furnish an occasion such 
as is contemplated by the Constitution ; and icliereas 
some of our sister States, aggrieved like ours, are 
preparing measures for their future security, and for 
the safet}' of their institutions and their people, and 
both patriotism and the necessity of self-preservation 
require us to deliberate upon our own course of ac- 
tion ; now, therefore, I, Thomas 0. Moore, Governor 
of the State of Louisiana, do hereby convene the Le- 
gislature of this State in extra session, and do ap- 
point Monday, the 10th day of December next. 

On the day appointed this body met at 
Baton Rouge, and caused to be prepared an act 
providing for a State Convention, to be held 
on the 23d of January, and for the election of 
delegates. On tlie next day the act was passed 
by the Senate and House. In the Senate it was 
eloquently opposed by Randall Hunt. In the 
House a strong eflTort was made to cause the 



12 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



question " Convention or no Convention " to be 
submitted to a vote of tbe people. It, how- 
ever, failed of success. At the same time an 
act passed both Houses, which appropriated 
$500,000 for military purposes, and provided for 
the appointment of a military commission, the 
organization and arming of volunteer companies, 
and for the establishment of military depots. 
On the 12th, Wirt Adams, commissioner from 
Mississippi, was introduced to the Legislature 
in joint session, and made an address, announc- 
ing the action of Mississippi, and asking the co- 
operation of Louisiana. The speech was eager- 
ly listened to by a crowded audience. On the 
next day the Legislature adjourned to January 
21st. 

Friends of secession became active in New 
Orleans, the great city of the State, as soon as 
the movement commenced in South Carolina, 
and the sentiment bad gathered so much volume 
that as early as December 21st a general dem- 
onstration of joy was made over the secession 
of that State. One hundred guns were fired, 
and the Pelican flag was unfurled. Speeches 
in favor of secession were made by distinguished 
citizens, and the Marseillaise hymn and polkas 
were the only airs played. 

The movement had now commenced in ear- 
nest. The influence and efforts of New Or- 
leans were expected to carry the rest of the 
State. Only four days later a mass meeting 
was held to ratify the nomination of the 
"Southern Rights" candidates, as they were 
called, for the Convention. It was the largest 
assemblage of all parties ever held in the city. 
Speeches were made by prominent citizens ad- 
vocating immediate secession amid unbounded 
enthusiasm. The Southern Marseillaise was 
again sung as the banner of the State was 
raised, with reiterated and prolonged cheers 
for South Carohna and Louisiana. A citizen 
of eminence in the southern part of the State, 
writing upon the condition of affairs at this 
time, thus says: "In our section the excite- 
ment is confined to the politicians, the people 
generally bemg borne along with the current, 
and feeling the natural disposition of sustaining 
their section. I think that ninety-nine out of 
every hundred of the people sincerely hope that 
some plan will yet be devised to heal up the 
dissensions, and to settle our diflSculties to the 
satisfaction of both the North and the South ; 
and a combined efl:brt will be made to bring 
about such a result, even after the States with- 
draw from the Union." 

A State Convention was early called, and the 
vote in New Orleans for members was close 
enough to defeat a portion of the secession can- 
didates. The city was entitled to twenty "rep- 
resentative delegates" and five "senatorial 
delegates." The "immediate secessionists" 
succeeded in electing all of the latter class and 
fifteen of the former, whilst tlie " cooperation- 
ists " obtained five of the " representative del- 
egates." The majority of the secessionists for 
the senatorial delegates was about 850. The 



number of votes polled was little upwards of 
8,000, being less than one-half the voters regis- 
tered in the city. Their success, however, was 
regarded as sufficient to be made the occasion 
of great rejoicing. This election took place on 
the 8th of January. On the next day three 
separate military organizations departed to take 
possession of Forts Jackson and St. Phillip at 
the mouth of the Mississippi, and also the ar- 
senal at Baton Rouge. 

On the 13th the tlnited States revenue cutter, 
Lewis Cass, was seized by a military company 
at Algiers, opposite New Orleans. The vessel 
war laid up and undergoing repairs. Her arma- 
ment, consisting of one long 24— pounder and six 
8-pounder carronades, with a large quantity of 
cannon-balls, powder, and other military stores, 
had been placed in the Belleville Iron Works, 
an extensive and unoccupied brick building. 
About the same time the barracks below the 
city, which had been for several months oc- 
cupied as a marine hospital, were taken pos- 
session of in the name of the State of Louisiana. 
They contained at the time 216 invalids and 
convalescent patients. The collector at New 
Orleans was reqviired to remove the convales- 
cents immediately, and the sick as soon as 
practicable. The reason assigned for this act 
by the State authorities was that they wanted 
the buildings for quarters for their own troops. 

On the 24th the State Convention met at the 
same place and organized. A committee of 15 
was ordered to report an ordinance of secession^ 
Over the capital waved a flag with 15 stars. 

On the 2Gth the ordinance of secession was 
adopted by a vote of ayes 113, noes 17. The 
following is the ordinance : 

An Ordinance to dissolve ike union between the State of 
Louisiana and other States united with her under the 
compact entitled " The Constitution of the United States 
of America.'''' 

We, the people of the State of Louisiana, in Con- 
vention assembled, do declare and ordain, and it is 
hereby declared and ordained, that the ordinance 
passed by us in Convention on the 22d diiy of Novem- 
ber, in the year 1811, wherebj-the Constitution of the 
United States of America, and the amendments of said 
Constitution, were adopted, and all laws and ordi- 
nances by which the State of Louisiana became a 
member of the Federal Union, be, and the same are 
hereby, repealed and abrogated ; and that the union 
now subsisting between Louisiana and other States, 
under the name of the " United States of America," 
is hereb}' dissolved. 

We do further declare and ordain, that the State ot 
Louisiana hereby resumes all rights and powers here- 
tofore delegated to the Government of the United 
States of America; that her citizens are absolved from 
all allegiance to said Government ; and that she is in 
full possession and exercise of all those rights of sov- 
ereignty which appertain to a free and iiidependent 
State. 

We do further declare and ordain, that all rights 
acquired and vested under the Constitution of the 
United States, or any act of Congress or treaty, or 
under any law of this State and not incompatiblewith 
this ordinance, shall remain in force, and have the 
same eflect as if this ordinance had not been passed. 

The undersigned hereby certifies that the above 
ordinance is a true copy of the original ordinance 
adopted this day by the "Convention of the State of 
Louisiana. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



13 



Given under my hand and the great seal of Loui- 
siana, at Baton Rouge, this 26th day of the month of 
January, in the year of our Lord, 1861. 

[l. s."] a. MOUTON, Pies, of the Convention. 
J. Thomas Wheat, Secretary of the Convention. 

The aspect of New Orleans at the time of the 
passage of this ordinance is thus reported : 

Every thing in this city appears to be in rapid pro- 
gress toward a war establishment. Trade is ft a 
stand still ; the importation of merchandise has al- 
most entirely ceased ; the warehouses of the Federal 
Government are everywhere literally glutted with 
bonded goods ; the banks are remorselessly curtailing 
their discounts; ordinary creditors are endeavoring 
by all means short of legal pressure to lessen the lia- 
bilities of their debtors; stores and manufactories, 
traders and mechanics, are diminishing their expenses 
by the discharge of hands, and, save the office-hold- 
ers, an influential, wealthy, and important body, 
electorially considered, everybody looks dubious 
and bewildered, not knowing what to expect or what 
may happen. The proceedings at Baton Rouge will 
take no one by surj)risc. The Legislature is engaged 



in spending money profusely, and the Convention ia 
engaged in laying down a broad foundation for the 
erection of a monstrous superstructure of debt. 

In the Convention on the 31st, a resoUition 
was offered to instruct the delegates to the 
Montgomery Convention, who had been pre- 
viously appointed, to resist any attempt to re- 
open the African slave trade. This was laid on 
the table by a vote of 83 to 28. 

On the same day the United States Mint and 
Oustom-House at New Orleans were quietly 
taken possession of by the State authorities, and 
the oath was subsequently administered to the 
officials under the ordinance. In the mint was 
$118,311, and in the sub-Treasury §483,984:. 
A draft of the United States for $300,000 was 
presented soon after, which the sub-Treasurer 
refused to pay, saying that " the money in his 
custody was no longer the property of the United 
States, but of the Republic of Louisiana." 



CHAPTEE II. 

Preparations for a Southern Confederacy — Meeting of Congross at Montgomery — Members and Organization — Inauguration 
of a President — Ilis Addresses — Cabinet — Proceedings of the Congress — New Constitution. — Its Features. 



No sooner was secession an organized fact in 
South Carolina, with a certainty that other 
States would soon reach the same result, than 
suggestions were made for a Southern Confed- 
eracy. A committee in the Legislature of Mis- 
sissippi, on Jan. 19, reported resolutions to 
provide for a Confederacy and establish a Pro- 
visional Government. Florida, Alabama, and 
Georgia at once approved of this general object, 
and delegates were appointed to a Congress to 
be held at Montgomery. The design of this 
Congress, as then understood, Avas to organize 
a new Confederacy of the seceding slaveholding 
States, and such other slaveholding States as 
should secede and join them ; and to establish 
first, a Provisional Government, intended to 
prepare for the general defence of those States 
which were linked together by a common in- 
terest in the peculiar institution, and which 
were opposed to the Federal Union ; second, 
make treaties with the United States and " other 
foreign" countries; third, obtain decisive legis- 
lation in regard to the negro ; and fourthly, 
determine what States should constitute the 
Confederacy. 

On the 4th of February this Congress met at 
Montgomery, in a hall, on the walls of which, 
portraits of Marion, Clay, Andrew Jackson, and 
several of Washington, were hanging. It was 
composed of the following members, except 
those from Texas, who were not appointed until 
Feb. 14: 

South Carolina. — R. B. Rhett, James Chesnut, jr., 
W. P. Miles, T. J. Withers, R. W. Barnwell, C. G. 
Memminger, L. M. Kcitt, and W. W. Boyce. 

Georgia,— Robert Toombs, Howell Cobb, Benjamin 



H. Hill, Alexander H. Stephens, Francis Bartow, 
Martin J. Crawford, E. A. Nisbect, Aug's B. Wright, 
Thomas R. R. Cobb, and Augustus Keenan. 

^l/aJawa.— Richard W. Walker, Robert H. Smith, 
Colin J. McRae, John Gill Shorter, S. F. Hale, David 
P. Lewis, Thomas Fearn, J. L. M. Curry, and W. P. 
Chilton. 

Mississippi. — Willie P. Harris, Walker Brooke, A. 
M. Clayton, W. S. Barry, J. T. Harrison, J. A. P. 
Campbell, and W. S. Wilson, 

Louisiana. — John Perkins, jr., Duncan F. Kenner, 
C. ]M. Conrad, E. Spencer, and Henry Marshall. 

Florida. — Jackson Morton, James Powers, and J. 
P. Anderson. 

Texas.— L. T. Wigfall, J. H. Reagan, J. Hemphill, 
T. N. Waul, Judge Gregg, Judge Oldham, and Judge 
W. B. Ochiltree. 

All the members were present except Mr, 
Morton, of Florida, and the members from 
Texas. A permanent organization was made 
by the election of Howell Cobb, of Georgia, as 
Chairman, and J. J. Hooper, of Montgomery, 
Alabama, Secretary. 

Mr. Cobb, on taking the chair, made an ad- 
dress, sajing: 

"Accept, gentlemen of the Convention, ray 
sincere thanks for the honor you have confer- 
red upon me. I shall endeavor, by a foithful 
and impartial discharge of the duties of the 
Chair, to merit, in some degree at least, the 
confidence you have reposed in me. 

" The occasion which assembles us together 
is one of no ordinary character. We meet as 
representatives of sovereign and independent 
States, who, by their solemn judgment, have 
dissolved the political association wliich con- 
nected them with the Government of the 
United States. Of the causes which have led 



14 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



to this decision it is tinnecessary now to speak. 
It is sufficient to announce that by the judg- 
ment of our constituents they have been pro- 
nounced ample and sufficient. It is now a fixed 
and irrevocable fact. The separation is perfect, 
complete, and perpetual. 

" The great duty is now imposed upon us of 
providing for these States a Government for 
their future security and protection. We can 
and should extend to our sister States — our 
late sister States — who are identified with us 
in interest, feeling, and institutions, a cordial 
welcome to unite with us in a common destiny 
— desirous at the same time of maintaining 
with our former confederates, as with the 
world, tlie most peaceful and friendly relations, 
both political and commercial. 

"Our responsibihties, gentlemen, are great, 
and I doubt not we shall prove equal to the 
occasion. Let us assume all the responsibility 
which may be necessary for the successful com- 
pletion of the great work committed to our 
care, placing before our countrymen and tlie 
world our acts and their results, as the justifi- 
cation for the course we may pursue, and the 
policy we may adopt. With a consciousness 
of the justice of our cause, and with confidence 
in the guidance and blessings of a kind Provi- 
dence, we will this day inaugurate for the 
South a new era of peace, security, and pros- 
perity." 

The rules of the Convention were drawn on 
the principle that it was a Congress of sov- 
ereign and independent States, and the mem- 
bers should therefore vote by States. 

On the Vth of February, the Committee on a 
Provisional Government reported a plan which 
was discussed in secret session. On the 8th, 
the Constitution of the United States was 
adopted with some amendments, as follows : 

Alterations. — 1st. The Provisional Constitution dif- 
fers from the Constitution of the United States in 
this : That the legislative powers of the Provisional 
Government are vested in the Congress now assem- 
bled, and this body exercises all the functions that 
are exercised by either or both branches of the United 
States Government. 

2d. The Provisional President holds his office for one 
year, unless sooner superseded by the establishment 
of a permanent government. 

8d. Each State is erected into a distinct judicial dis- 
trict, the judge having all the powers heretofore vested 
in the district and circuit courts ; and the several dis- 
trict judges together compose the supreme bench — a 
majority of them constituting a quorum. 

4th. "Wherever the word "Union" occurs in the 
United States Constitution the word "Confederacy" 
is substituted. 

Additions. — 1st. The President may veto any sep- 
arate appropriation without vetoing the whole bill in 
which it is contained. 

2d. The African slave trade is prohibited. 

8d. Congress is empowered to prohibit the intro- 
duction of slaves from any State not a member of this 
Confederacy. 

4th. All appropriations must be upon the demand 
of the President or heads of departments. 

Omissions. — 1st. There is no prohibition against 
members of Congress holding other offices of honor 
and emolument under the Provisional Government. 

2d. There is no provision for a neutral spot for the 



location of a seat of government, or for sites for forts,, 
arsenals, and dock-yards ; consequently there is no 
reference made to the territorial powers of the Pro- 
visional Government. 

3d. The section in the old Constitution in reference 
to capitation and other direct tax is omitted ; also the 
section providing that no tax or duty shall be laid on 
any exports. 

4th. The prohibition against States keeping troops 
or ships of war in time of peace is omitted. 

5th. The Constitution being provisional merely, no 
provision is made for its ratitication. 

Amendments. — 1st. The fugitive slave clause of the 
old Constitution is so amended as to contain the word 
"slave," and to provide for full compeusation in cases 
of abduction or forcible rescue on the part of the 
State in which such abduction or rescue may take place. 

2d. Congress, by a vote of two-thirds, may at any 
time alter or amend the Constitution. 

Temporary Frovisions. — 1st. The Provisional Gov- 
ernment is required to take immediate steps for the 
settlement of all matters between the States forming 
it and their late confederates of the United States 
in relation to the public property and the public debt. 

2d. Montgomery is made the temporary seat of gov- 
ernment. 

3d. This Constitution is to continue one year, unless 
altered by a two-thirds vote or superseded by a per- 
manent government. 

The tariff clause provided that " Congress 
shall have power to lay and collect taxes, du- 
ties, imposts, and excises for revenue necessary 
to pay the debts and carry on the Government 
of the Confederacy, and all duties, imposts, and 
excises shall be uniform throughout the Con- 
federacy." 

The first section of Article I. is as follows : 

"All legislative powers herein delegated shall be 

Tested in, this Congress, now assembled, until otherwise 
ordained." 

The fifth article is as follows : 

" The Congress, by a vote of two-thirds, may, at any' 
time, alter or amend this Constitution." 

The other portions of the Constitution are 
nearly identical with the Constitution of the 
United States. 

On the next day after the adoption of the 
Provisional Constitution, at the opening of 
Congress, the President of the body was sworn 
by R. W. Walker to support the new Constitu- 
tion, and the oath was then administered in 
turn by the President to all the members, in 
the order in which they were called by States, 

At a quarter past twelve o'clock in the after- 
noon the Congress threw open its doors, after 
having previously gone into secret session, and 
proceeded to elect a President. The ballots 
were taken by States, each State being allowed 
one vote. On counting, it was found that Jef- 
ferson Davis, of Mississippi, had received six 
votes, the whole number cast. The same for- 
mality was gone through in the election of 
Vice-President, resulting likewise in the unani- 
mous election of Alexander H. Stephens, of 
Georgia. 

An immense crowd had gathered on the 
floor and in the galleries to witness the elec- 
tion of the first President of " the Confederate 
States of America." The election of Davis- and 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF TIIE REBELLION. 



15 



Stephens was greeted with loud cheers and 
applause from the spectators. 

The President of the Convention was di- 
rected to appoint Committees on Foreign Af- 
fairs, Finance, Military and Naval Affairs, the 
Judiciary, Postal Affairs, Commerce, Patents, 
and Printing. 

A bill was passed continuing in force, until 
repealed or altered by Congress, all the laws of 
the United States which were in force on the 
1st of November, 1860, not inconsistent with 
the Constitution of the Provisional Govern- 
ment. 

A resolution was adopted instructing the Fi- 
nance Committee to report promptly a tariff 
bill for raising a revenue for the support of the 
Provisional Government. 

A resolution was also adopted authorizing 
the appointment of a Committee to report a 
Constitution for a permanent Government of 
the Confederacy. 

The name " Confederate States of North 
America " was also adopted for the Union rep- 
resented at Montgomery. 

At the session on the next day, Mr. Stephens 
appeared and announced his acceptance of the 
office of Vice-President, and said : 

" I have been notified by the committee of 
my election as Vice-President of the Provis- 
ional Government of the Confederate States of 
America. The committee requested that I 
should make known to this body, in a verbal 
response, my acceptance of the high position I 
have b,een called upon to assume, and this I 
now do in this august presence — before you, 
Mr. President, before this Congress, and this 
large concourse of people, under the iDright sun 
and brilliant skies which now smile so felici- 
tously upon us. 

" I take occasion to return my most profound 
acknowledgments for this expression of confi- 
dence on the part of this Congress. There are 
especial reasons why I place an unusually high 
estimate on it. The considerations which in- 
duced me to accept it, I need not state. It is 
sufficient for me to say that it may be deemed 
questionable if any good citizens can refuse to 
discharge any duty which may be assigned 
them by their country in her hour of need. 

" It might be expected that I should indulge 
in remarks on the state of our public affairs — 
the dangers which threaten us, and the most 
advisable measures to be adopted to meet our 
pressing exigencies ; but allow me to say, in 
the absence of the distinguished gentleman 
called to the Chief Executive Chair, I think it 
best that I should refrain from saying any 
thing on such matters. We may expect him 
here in a few days — possibly by Wednesday — 
if he is not providentially detained. When he 
comes you will hear from him on these difficult 
questions ; and I doubt not we shall cordially 
and harmoniously concur in any line of policy 
his superior wisdom and statesmanship may 
indicate. 

"In the mean time, we may be profitably 



employed in directing attention to such mat- 
ters as providing the necessary postal arrange- 
ments, making provision for the transfer of the 
custom-houses from the separate States to Vhe 
Confederacy, and the imposition of such duties 
as are necessary to meet the present expected 
exigencies in the exercise of power, and' raise a 
revenue. We are limited in the latter object 
to a small duty, not exceeding ten per centum 
upon importations. We can also be devoting 
attention to the Constitution of a permanent 
Government, stable and durable, which is on© 
of the leading objects of our assembling. 

" I am now ready to take the oath." 

The oath was accordingly administered. 

A committee of two from each State wag 
appointed to form a permanent Constitution for 
the Confederacy. 

On the 12th resolutions were offered to con- 
tinue in office the revenue officers of the re- 
spective States. 

It was also resolved " That this Government 
takes under its charge all questions and difficul- 
ties now existing between the sovereign States 
of this Confederacy and the Government of the 
United States relating to the occupation of 
forts, arsenals, navy-yards, custom-houses, and 
all other public establishments, and the Pres- 
ident of this Congress is directed to communi- 
cate this resolution to the Governors of the re- 
spective States of the Confederacy." 

On the 13th of February, the Committee on 
Naval Affairs, and also the Committee on Mili- 
tary Affairs, were instructed to include in any 
plans they might propose for the army and 
navy, provisions for such officers as might ten- 
der their resignations. 

A resolution was also adopted instructing the 
Committee on Commercial Affairs to inquire 
and report upon the expediency of repealing 
the navigation laws. 

A debate took place on the subject of a Na- 
tional flag, proposing to make only such changes 
as might be necessary to distinguish it easily 
from that of the United States. 

Mr. Brooks, in the course of his remarks, 
said the flag of stars and stripes is the idol of 
the heart, around which cluster memories of 
the past which time cannot efface, or cause to 
grow dim. 

Mr. Miles, in reply, said he had regarded 
from his youth the stars and stripes as the em- 
blem of oppression and tyranny. 

The Committee to whom the subject was 
referred made a report, which was unanimous- 
ly adopted. It recommended that the flag of 
tlie Confederate States should consist of three 
bars of red and white — the upper red, middle 
white, lower red. The lower bar should ex- 
tend the whole width of the flag, and just above 
it, next to the staff in the upper left hand corner 
of the flng, should be a blue Union with seven 
stars in a circle. 

The form of Government adopted by the Con- 
gress was chiefly objected to, so far as it held 
out any encouragement for reconstruction, or 



16 



MILITARY AND NAVAL EISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



any inducement to the Border Slave States to 
remain in the Union with the North. 

On the 15th, Congress made arrangements 
for the reception and inauguration of Jeiferson 
Davis. An official copy of the Texas secession 
ordinance was presented, and the deputy present 
invited to a seat, although the ordinance had 
not been ratified. 

There was then a secret session, during which 
a resolution was passed removing the injunction 
of secrecy from an act continuing in office the 
officers connected Avith the collection of cus- 
toms at the time of the adoption of the Consti- 
tution of the insurrectionary States, with the sal- 
aries and powers as heretofore provided; the 
compensation not to exceed five thousand dol- 
lars. The collectors were required, within two 
weeks, to execute the same bonds as heretofore, 
and the subordinates to give bond. One week 
after the collectors were required to take the 
oath to discharge their duties and support the 
Constitution of the Provisional Government. 
The Secretary of the Treasury had been in- 
structed to report a plan, to go into effect on 
the first of April, diminishing the expenses of 
collecting the revenue at each custom-house at 
least fifty per cent. 

On the 16th of February Mr. Davis arrived 
at Montgomery, to be inaugurated and to enter 
upon the duties of his office. He was greeted 
with an ovation, to which he responded in an 
address reviewing the position of the South. 
He said: "The time for compromise has now 
passed, and the South is determined to main- 
tain her position, and make all who oppose her 
smell Southern powder and feel Southern steel 
if coercion is persisted in. He had no doubts as 
to the result. He said we will maintain our 
rights and government at all hazards. "We ask 
nothing, we want nothing; we will have no 
complications. If the other States join our 
Confederation they can freely come in on our 
terms. Our separation from the old Union is 
now complete. No compromise, no recon- 
struction is now to be entertained." 

After reaching the Exchange Hotel he again 
addressed the crowd from the balcony as fol- 
lows : " Fellow-citizens and brethren of the 
Confederated States of America — for now we 
are brethren, not in name merely, but in fact — 
men of one flesh, one bone, one interest, one 
purpose of identity of domestic institutions — 
we have henceforth, I trust, a prospect of living 
together in peace, with our institutions subject 
to protecti(m and not to defamation. It may 
be that our career will be ushered in in the 
midst of a storm; it may be that, as this morn- 
ing opened with clouds, rain, and mist, we shall 
have to encounter inconveniences at the begin- 
ning ; but as the sun rose and lifted the mist, 
it dispersed the clouds and left us the pure sun- 
light of heaven. So will progress the Southern 
Confederacy, and carry us safe into the harbor 
of constitutional liberty and political equality. 
We shall fear nothing, because of homogeneity 
at home and nothing abroad to awe us; be- 



cause, if war should come, if we must again 
baptize in blood the principles for which our 
fathers bled in the Revolution, we shall show 
that we are not degenerate sous, but will re- 
deem the pledges they gave, preserve the rights 
they transmitted to us, and prove that Southern 
valor still shines as bright as in 1776, in 1812, 
and in every other conflict." 

In concluding his speech, Mr. Davis said: 
"I thank you, my friends, for the kind mani- 
festations of favor and approbation you exhibit 
on this occasion. Throughout my entire pro- 
gress to this city I have received the same flat- 
tering demonstrations of support. I did not 
regard them as personal to myself, but tendered 
to me as the humble representative of the prin- 
ciples and policy of the Confederate States. I 
will devote to the duties of the high office to 
which I have been called all I have of heart, 
of head, and of hand. If, in the progress of 
events, it shall become necessary that my ser- 
vices be needed in another position — if, to be 
plain, necessity require that I shall again enter 
the ranks of soldiers — I hope you will welcome 
me there. And now, my friends, again thank- 
ing you for this manifestation of your approba- 
tion, allow me to bid you good night." 

The inauguration took place at Montgomery, 
on the 18th of February. The hill on which 
the Capitol is situated, Avas crowded with the 
wealth and beauty, the soldiers and citizens 
from the diff"erent States. In the evening the 
city was gorgeously illuminated. The Presi- 
dent held a levee at Estelle Hall — bands of mu- 
sic played, fireworks were displayed, and a 
grand and general demonstration w^as made. 

The cabinet officers of this new Government 
were as follows: Secretary of State, Robert 
Toombs ; Secretary of the Treasury, Chas. G. 
Memminger ; Secretary of War, L. Pope Walker. 

On the 19th, measm'es were adopted to ad- 
mit, duty free, all breadstuff's, provisions, mu- 
nitions of war, or materials therefor, living ani- 
mals, and agricultural products in their natural 
state ; also goods, wares, and merchandise from 
the United States purchased before the 1st of 
March, and imported before the 14th of March. 
Texas was excepted from the operation of the 
tariff laws. 

On the next day the Departments of War, 
Navy, Justice, Postal Affairs, State and Treas- 
ury, were organized. 

On the 22(1 an act was unanimously passed 
declaring the free navigation of the Mississippi 
River to be established. 

Subsequently the nomination of Gnstave T. 
Beauregard, of Louisiana, as Brigadier-General 
of the Provisional Army, was confirmed. 

An act to raise provisional forces for the 
Confederate States and for other purposes was 
passed. It directed, among other provisions, 
that the President should take charge of all the 
military operations between the Confederacy 
and other Powers, 

An act was also passed to raise money to 
support the Gov.ernment. It authorized the 



MILITAEY AND li^AYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



17 



President to borrow $15,000,000, payable in 
ten years, at an interest of eight per cent. Tho 
last section directed an export duty of one- 
eighth per cent, on each pound of cotton ex- 
ported after the 1st of August following, to 
create a fund to liquidate principal and interest 
of the loan. 

The postal system of the Confederate States 
was adopted on the report of the Committee of 
Congress, made on the 25th of February. 

On Monday, 7th March, an act was passed 
anthorizing a military force of 100,000 men to 
be raised. The first section was in these words : 

Sec. 1. The Congress of tjie Confederate States of 
America do enact, That m order to provide speedilj'- 
forces to repel invasion, maintain the rightful posses- 
sion of the Confederate States ofAmerieain every 
portion of territory belonging to each State, and to 
secure the public tranquiliity and iudepeudenco 
against threatened assault, the President be, and he is 
hereby, authorized to employ the militia, military, 
and naval forces of the Confederate States of America, 
and ask for and accept the services of any number of 
volunteers, not exceeding one hundred thousand, who 
may offer their services, either as cavalry, mounted 
rifle, artillery, or infantry, in such proportion of these 
several arms as he may deem expedient, to serve 
for twelve months after they shall be mustered into 
service, unless sooner discharged. 

On the 11th of March tlie permanent Consti- 
tution was adopted by Congress. In nearly all 
its parts it adopts the precise language, and fol- 
lows in its articles and sections the order of ar- 
rangement of the Constitution of the United 
States. The parts in which it differs frojii the 
latter, either by variations from, or additions 
thereto, are herewith presented. It begins with 
the following preamble : 

We, the people of the Confederate States, each 
State acting in its sovereign and independent char- 
acter, in order to form a permanent Federal Govern- 
ment, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, 
and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and 
to our posterity — invoking the favor and guidance of 
Almighty God — do ordain and establish this Consti- 
tution for the Confederate States of America. 

The second section of the first article imposed 
the following restriction on the rights of suf- 
frage in order to correct an abuse which had 
sprung from the action of certain States in the 
IJnion which have granted the right of voting 
to unnaturalized aliens : 

The House of Representatives shall be composed 
of members chosen every second year by the people 
of the several States ; and the electors in each State 
shall bo citizens of the Confederate States, and have 
the qualifications requisite for electors of the most 
numerous branch of the State Legislature; but no 
person of foreign birth not a citizen of the Confeder- 
ate States, shall be allowed to vote for any officer, 
civil or political, State or Federal. 

In adjusting the basis of representation and 
direct taxation, " three-fifths of all slaves " Avcre 
enumerated, as in the Constitution of the United 
States, which substitutes for the word " slaves " 
the term " other persons." The number of 
Representatives given prior to an actual enu- 
meration of the population, appointed to take 
place within three years after the first meeting 
of the Congress of the Confederate States, and 
2 



within every subsequent term of ten years, was 
as follows : 

The State of South Carolina sh-all be entitled to 
choose six, the State of Geori^ia ten, the State of Ala- 
bama nine, the State of Florida two, the State of Mis- 
sissippi seven, the State of Louisiana six, and tho 
State of Texas six. 

On the subject of impeachments, the follow- 
ing provision was made : 

The House of 'Representatives shall choose their 
Speaker and other officers, and shall have the solo 
power of impeachment, except that any judicial or 
other Confederate officer, resident and acting solely 
within the limits of anv State, may be impeached by 
a vote of two-thirds of' both branches of the Legisla- 
ture thereof. 

It Avas provided that the Senators of the Con- 
federate States should be chosen by the State 
Legislatures " at the regular session next im- 
mediately preceding the commencement of tho 
term of service." 

It was provided that the concurrence of 
"two-thirds of the whole number" of each 
House should be necessary to the expulsion of 
a member. 

Congress was authorized to make the follow- 
ing provision in reference to heads of the 
Executive Departments : ' 

Congress may by law grant to the principal officer 
in each of the Executive Departments a seat upon 
the floor of either House, with the privilege of discuss- 
ing any measures appertaining to his Department. 

The President was authorized to make the 
following discrimination in giving his assent 
to appropriation bills : 

The President may approve any appropriation and 
disapprove any other appropriation in the same bill. 
In such case he shall, in signing the bill, designate 
the appropriations disapproved, and shall return a 
copy of such appropriations with his objections to the 
House in which the bill shall have originated, and the 
same proceeding shall then be had as in case of other 
bills disapproved by the President. 

The following prohibition of the "protective 
policy" was engrafted in the Constitution in 
enumerating the powers of Congress : 

No bounties shall be granted from the Treasury, 
nor shall any duties or taxes on importations from 
foreign nations be laid to promote or foster any 
branch of industry. 

Internal improvements by the Confederate 
Government were also prohibited : 

Congress shall have power to regulate commerce 
with foreign nations and among the several States, 
and with the Indian tribes ; but neither this nor any 
other clause contained in the Constitution shall ever 
be construed to delegate the power to Congress to 
appropriate money for any internal improvement in- 
tended to facilitate commerce ; except for the pur- 
pose of furnishing lights, beacons, and buoys, and 
other aids to navigation upon the coasts, and the im- 
provement of harbors and the removing of obstruc- 
tions in river navigation, in all of which cases such 
duties shall be laid on the navigation facilitated there- 
by as may be necessary to pay the costs and expenses 
thereof. 

The Post-OflBce Department must pay its ex- 
penses from its own resources " after the first 
day of March, 1863." 



18 



MILITAEY AiTD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



In relation to the slave trade, the following 
provision was made : 

The importation of negroes of the African race 
from any foreign country other than the slaveholding 
States or Territories of the United States of America, 
is hereby forbidden ; and Congress is required to 
pass such laws as shall effectually prevent the same. 
Congress shall also have power to prohibit the intro- 
duction of slaves from any State not a member of or 
Territory not belonging to this Confederacy. 

The imposition of export duties was resti-icted 
by the following provision : 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported 
from any State, except by a vote of two-thirds of both 
Houses. 

The appropriation of money for other ob- 
jects than those indicated and estimated for by 
the several Executive Departments is thus re- 
strained : 

Congress shall appropriate no money from the 
Treasury except by a vote of two-thirds of both 
Houses, taken by yeas and nays, unless it be asked 
and estimated for by some one of the Heads of De- 
partment, and submitted to Congress by the Pres- 
ident, or for the purpose of paying its own expenses 
and contingencies, or for the payment of claims 
against the 'Confederate States, the justice of which 
shall have been judicially declared by a tribunal for 
the investigation of claims against the Government, 
which it is hereby made the duty of Congress to es- 
tablish. 

All bills appropriating money shall specify in Fed- 
eral currency the exact amount of each appropria- 
tion, and the purposes for which it is made; and 
Congress shall grant no extra compensation to any 
public contractor, ofScer, agent, or servant, after 
such contract shall have been made or such service 
rendered. 

Akin to these regulations was the foUowiug 
provision : 

Every law or resolution having the force of law 
shall relate to but one subject, and that shall be ex- 
pressed in the title. 

Tonnage duties when levied by the several 
States were thus regulated : 

No State shall, without the consent of Congress, 
lay any duty of tonnage, except on sea-going vessels, 
for the improvement of its rivers and harbors navi- 
gated by the said vessels ; but such duties shall not 
conflict with any treaties of the Confederate States 
with foreign nations; and any surplus of re venue thus 
derived, shall, after making such improvement, be 
paid into the common treasury; nor shall any State 
keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter 
into any agreement or compact with another State, or 
with a foreign Power, or engage in war, unless actu- 
ally invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not 
admit of delay. But when any river divides or flows 
through two or more States, they may enter into 
compacts with each other to improve the navigation 
thei-eof. 

The President and Vice-President of the in- 
surrectionary States hold office for the term of 
six years, the President not being reeligible. 
The quahfications of eligibility were as follows : 

No person except a natural born citizen of the 
Confederate States, or a citizen thereof at the time of 
the adoption of this Constitution, or a citizen thereof 
born in the United States prior to the 20th of Decem- 
ber, 18G0, shall be eligible to the oflice of President ; 
neither shall any person be eligible to that office who 
shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, 
and been fourteen years a resident within the limits 



of the Confederate States, as they may exist at the 
time of his election. 

Appointments and removals were regulated 
as follows : 

The principal officer in each of the Executive De- 
partments, and all persons connected M-ith the di- 
plomatic service, may be removed from oflice at the 
pleasure of the President. All other civil officers of 
the Executive Department may be removed at any 
time by the President, or other appointing power, 
when their services are unnecessary, or for dishon- 
esty, incapacity, inefficiency, misconduct, or neglect 
of duty ; and when so removed, the removal shall be 
repoi'ted to the Senate, together with the reasons 
therefor. 

The President shall have power to fill all vacan- 
cies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, 
by granting commissions which shall expire at the 
end of their next session; but no person rejected by 
the Senate shall be reappointed to the same office 
during their ensuing recess. 

The following provisions were made in refer- 
ence to the rights of transit and sojourn with 
slave property, recovery of fugitive slaves, &c. 

The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all 
the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several 
States, and shall have the right of transit and sojourn 
in any State of tliis Confederacy, with their slaves and 
other property ; and the right of propert}' in said 
slaves shall not be thereby impaired. 

A person cliarged in any State with treason, felo- 
ny, or other crime against the laws of such State, who 
shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, 
shall, on demand of the Executive authority of the 
State from which he fled, bo delivered up to be re- 
moved to the State having jurisdiction of the crime. 

No slave or other person held to service or labor 
in any State or Territory of the Confederate States, 
under the laws thereof, escaping or lawfully carried 
into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regu- 
lation therein, be discharged from such service or 
labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party 
to whom such slave belongs, or to whom such service 
or labor may be due. 

The following was the provision in reference 
to the admission of States into the new Con- 
federacy : 

Other States may be admitted into this Confederacy 
by a vote of two-thirds of the whole House of Eep- 
resentatives and two-thirds of the Senate, the Senate 
voting by States ; but no new State shall be formed 
or erected within the jurisdiction of any other State, 
nor any State be formed by the junction of two or 
more States, or parts of States, without the consent 
of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as 
of the Congress. 

The " Territorial question" was thus disposed 
of: 

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and 
make all needful rules and regulations concerning the 
property of the Confederate States, including the 
lands thereof. 

The Confederate States may acquire new territory ; 
and Congress shall have power to legislate and pro- 
vide governments for the inhabitants of all territory 
belonging to the Confederate States lying without the 
limits of the several States; and may permit them, at 
such times and in such manner as it may by law pro- 
vide, to form States to be admitted into the Confed- 
eracy. In all such territory the institution of negro 
slaverj', as it now exists in the Confederate States, 
shall be recognized and protected by Congress and by 
the Territorial government; and the inhabitants of 
the several Confederate States and Territories shall 
have the right to take to such Territory any slaves 



MILITARY AJTD NAVAL HISTORY OF TUE REBELLION". 



19 



lawfully held by them in any of the States or Terri- 
tories of the Confederate States. 

Amendments to the Constitution were to bo 
thns initiated and consummated; 

Upon the demand of any three States, leffally as- 
sembled in their several Conventions, the Congress 
shall summon a Convention of all the States to take 
into consideration such amendments to the Constitu- 
tion as the said States shall concur in suggesting at 
the time when the said demand is made; and should 
any of the proposed amendments to the Constitution 
be" agreed on by the said Convention — voting by 
States — and the same be ratified by the Legislatures 
of two-thirds of the several States, or by Conventions 
in two-thirds thereof — as the one or the other mode 
of ratification may be proposed by the General Con- 
vention — they shall thenceforward form a part of this 
Constitution. 

Tlio following temporary provisions were enu- 
merated : 

The Government established by this Constitution 
is the successor of the Provisional Government of the 
Confederate States of America, and all the laws pass- 
ed by the latter shall continue in force until the same 
shall be repealed or modified ; and all the officers ap- 
pointed bj- the same shall remain in office until their 
successors are appointed and qualified, or the officea 
abolished. 



All debts contracted and engagements entered into 
before the adoption of this Constitution shall be as 
valid against the Confederate States under this Con- 
stitution as under the Provisional Government. 

The mode of ratification and the number of 
States necessary to put the Constitution in force 
were thus designated : 

The ratification of the Conventions of five States 
shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Con- 
stitution between the States so ratifying the same. 

When five States shall have ratified this Constitu- 
tion, in the manner before specified, the Congress 
under the Provisional Constitution shall prescribe the 
time for holding the election of President and Vice- 
President, and for the meeting of the Electoral Col- 
lege, and for counting the votes, and inaugurating the 
President. , They shall also prescribe the time for 
holding the first election of members of Congress 
under this Constitution, and the time for assembling 
the same. Until the assembling of such Congress, 
the Congress under the Provisional Constitution shall 
continue to exercise the legislative powers granted 
them ; not extending beyond the time limited by the 
Constitution of the Provisional Government. 

An act was also passed authorizing the issue 
of one million dollars in Treasury notes, and an 
appropriation bill to meet current expenses. 



CHAPTER III. 

Inanguration of President Lincoln — Commissioners sent to Europe and Washington — Time for War had come — Despatches 
from Montgomery to Gen. Beauregard at Charleston — Condition of Fort Sumter — Occupied by Major Anderson— Ex- 
citement — Surrender demanded by Gov. Pickens — Negotiations at Washington — Prepar.ations for attaclc on the Fort — 
Women and Children removed — Eva^ation demanded by Geu. Beauregard — Correspondence — Attack on the Fort — Its 
Surrender— Action of the Federal Government to relieve it. 



The ceremonies at the inauguration of Mr. 
Lincoln were in some respects the most bril- 
liant and imposing ever witnessed at Washing- 
ton. Nearly twenty well-drilled military com- 
panies of the district, comprising a force of 
more than two thousand men, were on parade. 
Georgetown sent companies of cavalry, infan- 
try, and artillery of fine appearance. The troops 
stationed at the City Hall and Willard's Hotel 
, became objects of attraction to vast numbers of 
both sexes. At noon the Senate Committee 
called upon President Buchanan, who proceed- 
ed with them to Willard's Hotel to receive the 
President-elect. The party thus composed, 
joined by other distinguished citizens, then pro- 
ceeded, in open cari-iages, along the avenue at 
a moderate pace, with military in front and 
rear, and thousands of private citizens, in car- 
riages, on horseback, and on foot, crowding the 
broad street. The capitol was reached by pass- 
ing up on the north side of the grounds, and the 
party entered the building by the northern 
door over a temporary ])hinked walk. During 
the hour and a half previous to the arrival of 
President Buchanan and the President-elect in 
the Senate chamber, that hall presented a gayer 
spectacle than ever before. The usual desks of 
the senators had been removed, and concentric 



lines of ornamental chairs set for the dignitaries 
of this and other lands with which this country 
was in bonds of amity and friendship. The in- 
ner half-circle on the right was occupied by the 
judges of the Supreme Court, and by senators. 
The corresponding half-circle on the extreme 
left was occupied by the members of the cabi- 
nets of Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Lincoln, mingled 
together, and further on by senators. The con- 
centric circle further back was fiUed by sena- 
tors. The next half-circle on the right by the 
members of the diplomatic corps, all in the full 
court dress of their respective countries. In 
the half-circle immediately in the rear of that 
occupied by the ministers were the secretaries 
and attaches. The half-circles on the left, cor- 
responding to those occupied by the corps di- 
l^lomatique, furnished places for senators and 
governors of States and Territories. Outside 
of all, on both sides, stood — for there was no 
further room for seats — the members of the 
House of Representatives and chief ofiiccrs of 
the executive bureaus. The galleries all round 
the Senate were occupied by ladies. 

At a quarter-past one o'clock the President 
of the United States and the President-elect en- 
tered the Senate chamber, preceded by Sena- 
tor Foot of Vermont, and the marshal of the 



20 



MILITAEY AlTD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



District of Columbia, and followed by Senators 
Baker and Pearce. They took seats immedi- 
ately in front of the clerk's desk, facing out- 
ward ; President Buchanan having the Presi- 
dent-elect on his right, and the senators equally 
distributed right and left. 

In a few minutes Vice-President Hamlin, 
who had been previously installed, ordered the 
reading of the order of procession to the plat- 
form on the east of the capitol, and the line 
was formed, tlie marshal of the District of Co- 
lumbia leading. Then followed Chief Justice 
Taney and the judges of the Supreme Com-t, 
the sergeant-at-arms of the Senate, the Com- 
mittee of Arrangements of the Senate, the Pres- 
ident of the United States and President-elect, 
Vice-President of the United States and Senate, 
the members of the diplomatic corps, governors 
of States and Territories, and members of the 
House of Representatives. In this order the 
procession marched to the platform erected iu 
the usual position over the main steps on the 
east front of the capitol, where a temporary 
covering had been placed to protect the Presi- 
dent-elect fi'om pQssible rain during the reading 
of his inaugural address. The greater part of 
an hour was occupied in seating the procession 
on the platform, and in the delivery of the ad- 
dress of Mr. Lincoln, which he read with a 
clear, loud, and distinct voice, quite intelligible 
to at least ten thousand persons below him. 
At close of the address Mr. Lincoln took the 
oath of office from the venerable chief justice 
of the Supreme Court. After the ceremony of 
inauguration had been completed the President 
and ex-President retired by the same avenue, 
and the procession, or the military part of it, 
marched to the executive mansion. On ar- 
riving at the President's house Mr. Lincoln met 
Gen. Scott, by whom he was warmly greeted, 
and then the doors of the house were opened, 
and thousands of persons rapidly passed through, 
shaking hands witli the President, who stood 
in the reception-room for that purpose. In this 
simple and quiet manner was the change of 
rulers made. 

At Montgomery, on the other hand, commis- 
sioners were now appointed to the courts of 
Europe and to the Federal Government. The 
latter arrived at "Washington on the 5 th of 
March. They were John Forsyth, Martin J. 
Crawford, and A. B. Roman, appointed under 
a resolution of Congress requesting it, and for 
the purpose of making a settlement of aU ques- 
tions of disagreement between the Govern- 
ment of the United States and that of the Con- 
federate States "upon principles of right, jus- 
tice, equity, and good faith." Upon the arrival 
of the commissioners at Washington, an in- 
formal notice was given to the Secretary of 
State, and the explanation of the object of 
their mission was postponed to the 12th of 
March. On that day they addressed Secretary 
Seward, informing him of the purpose of their 
arrival, and stating their wish to make to the 
Government of the United States overtures for 



the opening of negotiations, and assuring that 
Government that the President, Congress, and 
people of the Confederate States desired a peace- 
ful solution of the questions of disagreement 
between them; and that it was neither their 
interest nor their wish to make any demand 
which was not founded on the strictest princi- 
ples of justice, nor to do any act of iajury to 
their late sister States. 

A memorandum, bearing date March 15th, 
was delivered, as the reply to this communica- 
tion, on the 8th of April, and then upon the re- 
quest of the secretary of the commissioners, for 
an answer to their note. This length of time 
was permitted to elapse by the commissioners, 
who waived all questions of form with the de- 
sign of avoiding war if possible. AU negoti- 
ation, upon the basis on which the commission- 
ers desired to place it, failed. Official inter- 
course with them was declined by Secretary 
Seward. 

Meanwhile the United States Government 
had prepared to send supplies to the handful 
of troops besieged in Fort Sumter. Notice of 
this intention was given to the Governor of 
South Carolina, and if the Confederate Govern- 
ment was in earnest in what had been done, the 
hour had come when the sword must be drawn. 

On the 8tk of April, the following telegraphic 
correspondence commenced between the Sec- 
retary of War for the insun'ectionary States 
and the commander of their forces at Charles- 
ton harbor : 

Charleston, April Sth. 
L. P. Walker, Secretary of War : 

An authorize(^ messenger from President Lincoln 
just informed Governor Pickens and myself that pro- 
visions will be sent to Fort Sumter peaceably, or 
otherwise by force. G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

MONTGOMEET, 10th. 

Gen. G. T. Beaureqard, Charleston : 

If you have no ^oubt of the authorized character 
of the agent who communicated to jou the intention 
of the Washington Government to supply Fort Sumter 
b_y force, you will at once demand its evacuation ; and 
if this is refused^ proceed in such a manner as you may 
determine, to reduce it. Answer. 

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War. 

Charleston, April 10. 
Z. P. Walker, Secretary/ of War : 

The demand will be made to-morrow at twelve 
o'clock. G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

Montgomery, April 10. 
General Beauregard, Cliarleston : 

Unless there are especial reasons connected with 
your own condition, it is considered proper that you 
should make the demand at an early hour. 

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War. 

Charleston, April 10. 
L. P. Walker, Secretary of War : 
The reasons are special for twelve o'clock. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

Charleston, April 11, 1861. 
To lion. L. P. Walker : 

The demand was sent at 2 p. m., and until 6 was 
allowed for the answer. G. T. BEAUREGARD. 
MoNTaoMEEY, April 11, 1861. 
General Beauregard, CTiarleston : 
Telegraph the reply of Major Anderson. 

° L. P. WALKER. 



MILITAEY A:^© naval HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



21 



CnAELESTOX, April 11, 1S61. 
To Hon, L. P. Waller : 

Major Anderson replies : " I have the honor to ac- 
knowledge the receipt of your communication de- 
manding the evacuation of this fort, and to say in 
reply th'ereto that it is a demand with which I regret 
that my sense of honor and of my obligations to my 
Government prevent my compliance." He adds 
verbally, " I will await the first shot, and, if you do 
not batter us to pieces, we will be starved out in a 
few days." G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

Montgomery, April 11, 1S61. 
To General Beauregard : 

Do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. 
If Major Anderson will state the time at which, as in- 
dicated by himself, he will evacuate, and agree that in 
the mean time he will not use his guns against us un- 
less ours should be employed against Fort Sumter, 
you are authorized thus to avoid the effusion of blood. 
If this or its equivalent be refused, reduce the fort, as 
your judgment decides to be the most practicable. 

L. P. WALKER. 



session. The garrison now consisted of eighty 
men, as follows : 



To Eon. L. P. Waller ; 
He would not consent. 



To Hon. L. P. Walker : 
We opened fire at 4:30. 



CnAKLF.STON, April 12, 1861. 

I write to-day. 
G. T. BEAllREGARD. 

CuAELESTON, April 12, ISOl. 



G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

Vigorous operations had been commenced on 
Fort Sumter, which is one of the defences of 
Charleston, in the month of August, 1860, with 
a view of placing it in a good defensive position 
as soon as possible. The casemate arches sup- 
porting the second tier of guns were all turned ; 
the granite flagging for the second tier was laid, 
on the right face of the work ; the floors laid, 
and the iron stairways put up in the east bar- 
rack ; the traverse circle of the first tier of guns 
reset ; the bine-stone flagging laid in all the 
gun-rooms of the riglit and left faces of the first 
tier ; and the construction of the embrasure of 
the second tier commenced, at the time that 
the fort was occupied by Major Anderson. 
Then the fears of an immediate attack and dis- 
loyal feelings induced the greater portion of 
the engineer corps to leave. But those that 
remained of this corps, fifty-five in number, 
reduced toward the end of the investment to 
thirty-five, were made very efiective in pre- 
paring for a vigorous defence. 

This fort was occupied by Major Anderson 
on the night of the 2Gth of December. It is 
tlie largest of the forts in Charleston harbor. It 
is a work of solid masonry, octagonal in form, 
and pierced on the north, east, and west sides 
with a double row of port-holes for the heaviest 
guns, and on the south, or land side, in addition 
to openings for guns, loop-holes for musketry. 
It stands in the middle of the harbor, like a 
monster on the bosom of the waters, aud near 
the edge of the ship channel. The armament 
consists of one hundred and forty guns, many 
of them being the formidable ten-inch colum- 
biads. The wharf, or landing, is on tlie south 
side, and exposed to a cross-fire from all the 
openings on that side. At twelve o'clock on 
the 2 Till, the stars and stripes were hoisted 
over the fort, and Charleston knew for the first 
time that Major Anderson was in fuU pos- 







Regiment 


Original 




NAMES. 


Rank. 


or 


Entry into 


Whera 






Corps. 


Service. 


Bom. 


Iv. Anderson .... 


Major 


1st Artil'v 


July 1, '25 


Ky. 


S. W. Crawford. 


As'tSurgeon 


Med. Staff 


M'li]0,'51 


Pena 


A. Doubleday.. . 


Captain 


1st Artiry 


July 1, '42 


N. Y. 


T. Seymour 


Captain 


1st Artil'v 


July 1, '46 


Vt 


Theo. Talbot.... 


1st Lieut.. . 


1st Artil'v 


M'y22,'47 


D. C. 


Jeff. C. Davis... 


1st Lieut... 


1st Artil'v 


J'c 17, '48 


lud. 


J. N. Hall 


2d Lieut. . . . 


1st Artil'y 


July 1, '59 


X. v. 


J. G. Foster. 


Captain 


iMitrineers 


July 1, '46 


N. PL 


G. W. Snyder. . . 


1st Lieut... 


I';ni:ineers 


July 1, '56 


N. Y. 


E. K. Meade.... 


2d Lieut... 


Ensineers July 1, '671 


Va. 



Officers, 10 ; Band, 15 ; Artillerists, 55. Total, 80. 

There were in addition fifty-five of the engi- 
neer corps, which was subsequently reduced, 
as before mentioned, to thirty-five. This move- 
ment on the part of Major Anderson created 
great excitement in Charleston. The State 
authorities immediately commenced the prep- 
aration of batteries to reduce the fort, and 
also opened negotiations for its surrender. An 
eftort had been made by the Government to send 
provisions to the garrison in the fort. The 
Star of the West arrived oflt" Charleston on Jan. 
9th, and attempted to enter the harbor, but 
being fired on she withdrew. 

Governor Pickens first demanded a surrender 
of the fort from Major Anderson. He replied, 
on the 11th of January, that he had "no power 
to comply with such a demand." On the same 
day a demand on the President for the fort was 
despatched to Washington by J. W. Hayne, 
envoy of South Carolina. On his arrival, he 
was addressed by several Senators from the 
other seceded States, under date of January 
15th. They desired him to postpone for a time 
the delivery of the letter with which he was 
charged to the President of the United States, 
and ui'ged their community of interest, of des- 
tiny, and of position, as a reason why he should 
postpone action, and allow time for consulta- 
tion. He agreed to do this, upon the condition 
that, " until he can hear from his Government, 
no reeriforcements shall be sent to Fort Sumter, 
pledging himself that, in the mean time, no at- 
tack shall be made upon that fort." 

The Senators, through Messrs. Fitzpatrick, 
Mallory, and Slidell, transmitted the corre- 
spondence between them and Mr. Hayne to 
the President, asking him to take into con- 
sideration the substance of the said correspond- 
ence. The reply came through Mr. Holt, who 
gave no pledge that he would not attempt to 
reenforce Fort Sumter. The only remark was, 
that it was not at present deemed necessary to 
reenforce Fort Sumter, but, if deemed necessary, 
every eff'ort would be made to reenforce it. 

The Senators to whom this was addressed 
did not regard it as satisfactory, but told Mr. 
Hayne that they felt certain that at present no 
attempt would be made to reenforce Sumter, 
and upon their judgment he postponed the 
deli cry of his letter to the President. On the 
24th, he stated to the Senators, that he had, 



22 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the day before, forwarded the correspondence 
to Cbarleston. The reply of the State Govern- 
ment was lengthy, and bore down heavily upon 
the tone of Mr. Holt's answer to the letter of 
the Senators. 

Col. Hayne "was Instructed to deliver his 
letter conveying the demand for the surrender 
of Fort Sumter ; also, to ask if the President was 
to be understood as asserting the right to send 
reenforcements to Fort Sumter, stating that the 
assertion of such right, with the attempt to ex- 
ercise it, would be regarded by South Carolina 
as ian act of war. If the President refused to 
deliver the fort, then Col. Hayne was to com- 
municate that fact immediately. The Presi- 
dent's answer could be transmitted within a 
reasonable time to the Government at Charles- 
ton, and Col. Hayne was not instructed to wait 
for it. 

The final reply of the President, through Mr. 
Holt, the Secretary of War, was made on the 
6th of February. That reply closes with these 
words : " If, with all the multiplied proofs 
which exist of the President's anxiety for peace, 
and of the earnestness with which he has pur- 
sued it, the authorities of that State shall as- 
sault Fort Sumter, and peril the lives of the 
handful of brave and loyal men shut up within 
its walls, and thus plunge our common country 
into the horrors of civil war, then upon them 
and those they represent must rest the respon- 
sibility." 

The question of attacking the fort was finally 
referred to the Confederate Congress at Mont- 
gomery. By that body all military matters 
were placed under the charge of the President 
of the Confederate States. 

As it had been resolved to remove the wo- 
men and children from the fort, they were, by 
the permission of the South Carolina authorities, 
taken to Charleston and placed on board the 
steamer Marion, bound to New York. She left 
on Sunday, February 3d ; and as she proceeded 
down the harbor, having among the passengers 
the wives'— twenty in number — and the children 
of the soldiers stationed in the fort, quite an 
exciting scene occurred, which an eye-witness 
thus described : " On nearing the fort, the 
whole garrison was seen mounted on the top 
of the ramparts, and when the ship was passing, 
fired a gun and gave three heart-thrilling cheers 
as a parting farewell to the dear loved ones on 
board, whom they may possibly never meet 
again this side the grave. The response was 
weeping and ' waving adieus ' to husbands and 
fathers — a small band pent up in an isolated 
fort, and completely surrounded by instruments 
of death, as five forts could be seen from the 
steamer's deck with their guns pointing towards 
Sumter." 

Major Anderson, writing to the War Depart- 
ment, about March 1st, expressed his convic- 
tion that Fort Sumter would soon be attacked. 
He could then clearly discern with the naked 
eye the arrangements for the assault, which he 
believed would be of the most determined char- 



acter. The fortification was only then entirely 
completed. Tlie utmost ingenuity of himself and 
brother officers had been employed to strengthen 
every part, and to provide means for resisting 
the attack., which was certain to come. 

Preparations were made under the direction 
of the Confederate Government to capture the 
fort, until tlie 11th of April, when the follow- 
ing correspondence took place between the com- 
mander of the Confederate forces. Gen. Beaure- 
gard, and the commander of the fort, Major 
Anderson : 

Head-qttartehs Provisional Akmt C. S. A., ) 
CuAKLKSTON, S. C, April 11, 1861 — 2 p. m. f 

Sir : The Government of the Confederate States 
has hitherto forborne from any hostile demonstration 
against Fort Sumter, in the hope that the Government 
ot the United States, with a view to the amicable ad- 
justment of all questions between the two Govern- 
ments, and to avert the calamities of war, would vol- 
untarily evacuate it. There was reason at one time to 
believe that such would be the course pursued by the 
Government of the United States ; and under that im- 
pression my Government has refrained from making 
any demand for the surrender of the fort. 

But the Confederate States can no longer delay a3- 
suming actual possession of a fortification commanding 
the entrance of one of their harbors, and necessary to 
its defence and security. 

I am ordered by the Government of the Confederate 
States to demand the evacuation of Fort Sumter. My 
aides. Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee, are authorized 
to make such demand of you. All proper facilitiea 
will be afibrded for the removal of yourself and com- 
mand, together with company arms and property, 
and all private property, to any post in the United 
States which you may elect. The flag which you have 
upheld so long and with so much fortitude imder the 
most trying circumstances, may be saluted by you on 
taking it down. 

Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee will, for a reason- 
able time, await your answer. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 

G. T. BEAUREGAKD, 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 
Major Robert Anderson, Commanding at Fort Sumter, 

Charleston Harbor, S. C. 

Head-quaetees, Fort Sumter, 9. C, \ 
Apriim\\m\. J 
General : I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of your communication demanding the evacuation 
of this fort, and to say in reply thereto that it is a de- 
mand with which I regret that my sense of honor and 
of my obligations to my Government prevent my com- 
pliance. 

Thanking you for the fair, manly, and courteous 
terms proposed, and for the high compliment paid me, 
I am, General, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

ROBERT ANDERSON, 
Major U. S. Army, Commanding. 
To Brig.-Gen. G. T. Beauregard, Commanding Pro- 
visional Army C. S. A. 

Head-qxtakterb Provisional Army C. S. A., ? 
Charleston, April 11, ISGl — 11 p. m. S 

Major : In consequence of the verbal observations 
made by you to my aides, Messrs. Chesnut and Lee, in 
relation to the condition of your supplies, and that 
you would in a few days be starved out if our guns did 
not batter you to pieces— or words to that effect ; — and 
desiring no useless effusion of blood, I communicated 
both the verbal observation and your written answer 
to my communication to my Government. 

If you will state the time at which you will evacuate 
Fort "Sumter, and agree that in the mean time you will 



MILITARY AXD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



28 



not use your guns against us, unless ours shall be em- 
ployed against Fort Sumter, we will abstain from open- 
ing" lire upon you. Colonel Chesnut anil Captain Lee 
are authorized by me to enter into such an agrucuiout 
with you. You are therefore requested to commu- 
nicate to them an open answer. 

I remain, Major, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

G. T. BEAUREGARD, 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 
Major Robert Anderson, Commanding at Fort Sum- 
ter, Charleston ilarbor, S. C. 

Head-quarters, Fort Sumter, S. C, ) 
2.30 A. M., April 12, IsGl. f 
General : I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of vour second comnmnication of the 11th inst., 
by Col. Chesnut, and to state, in reply, that cordially 
uniting with you in the desire to avoid the useless 
effusion of blood, I will, if provided with the proper 
and uecessar_y means of transportation, evacuate Fort 
Sumter by noon on the 15th instant, should I not re- 
ceive, prior to that time, controlling instructions from 
my Government, or additional supplies ; and that I 
will not, in the mean time, open my lire upon your 
forces, unless compelled to do so by some hostile act 
against this fort, or the flag of my Government, by the 
forces under your command, or by some portion of 
them, or by the perpetration of some act showing a 
hostile intention on your part against this fort, or the 
flag it bears. 

I have the honor to be. General, 

Your obedient servant, 

ROBERT ANDERSON', 
Major U. S. Army Commanding. 
To Brig.-Gen, G. T. Beauregard, Commanding Pro- 
viaional Army C. S. A. 

Fort Sumter, S. C, I 
April 12, 1S61— 3.20 A. M. f 
Sir : By authority of Brigadier-General Beauregard, 
comraanding the provisional forces of the Confederate 
States, we have the honor to notify you that he will 
open the tire of his batteries on Fort Sumter in one 
hour from this time. 
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
Your obedient servants, 

JA.MES CHESNUT, Jr.. Aidede-Camp. 
STEPH. D. LEE, Capt. S. C. A., and Aide-de-Camp. 
Major Robert Andkoson, U. S. Army, Commanding 
i'ort Sumter. 



At thirty minutes past 4 o'clock on the morn- 
ing of Friday, April 12, the fir.'?t gun of civil 
war was fired, discharging a shell from the 
howitzer hattery on James' Island. The send- 
ing of tliis deadly messenger to Major Anderson 
was followed by a deafening explosion, caused 
by the blowing up of a building that stood in 
front of the hattery. 

While the white smoke was melting away into 
the air another shell pursued its swift way 
towards the silent fortification. The missive 
described its beautiful curve through the balmy 
air, and falling within the hostile fortress, scat- 
tered its deadly contents in all directions. 

Fort Moultrie then took up the assault, and. 
in a moment the guns from the Gun Battery on 
Cummings' Point, from Captain McOready's 
Battery, from Captain James Hamilton's Float- 
ing Battery, the Enfilade Battery, and other for- 
tifications, sent forth their wrath at the grim 
fortress rising so defiantly out of the sea. 



Major Anderson received the shot and shell 
in silence. But the deepening twilight revealed 
the stars and stripes tloating proudly in the 
breeze. The batteries continued at regular in- 
tervals to belch forth iron shells, and still no 
answer was returned by the besieged. About 
an hour after the firing began, two balls rushed 
hissing througli the air and glanced harmless 
fi-om the stuccoed bricks of Fort Moultrie. The 
embrasures of the besieged fortress gave forth 
no sound again till between six and seven 
o'clock, when, as if wrathful from enforced de- 
lay, from casemate and parapet there poured a 
storm of iron hail upon Fort Moultrie, Stevens' 
Iron Battery, and the Floating Battery. The 
broadside was returned with spirit by the gun- 
ners at those posts. 

The firim: now began in good earnest. The 
curling white smoke hung above the angry 
pieces of hostile brothers, and the jarring boom 
rolled at regular intervals on the anxious ear. 
The atmosphere was charged with the smell of 
foul saltpetre, and, as if in sympathy with the 
melancholy scene, the sky was covered with 
heavy clouds, and every thing wore a sombre 
aspect. 

A brisk fire was kept up by all the batteries 
until about 7 o'clock in the evening, after which 
hour the guns fired at regular intervals. 

The effect during the night was grand and 
terrific. The firing reached its climax at about 
ten o'clock. The heavens were obscured by 
rain-clouds, and the horizon was as dark as 
Erebus. The guns were worked with vigor, 
and their booming was heard with astonishing 
distinctness, because the wind was blowing 
in-shore. At each discharge a lurid .-^hcet of 
flame was' belched forth, and then another and 
another was seen before the report reached the 
ears. Sometimes a shell would burst in mid- 
air, directly over the doomed fortress, and at all 
times the missiles of this character could be 
distinguished iu their course by the ti'ail of fire 
left momentarily behind them. 

The fire from all the forts, Sumter included, 
and from the batteries of the Confederate States, 
was kept up with vigor till early dawn. Then 
the rapidity of the discharges gradually di- 
minished. 

Such was the appearance of the contest dur- 
ing the fir.^t day and night. 

The batteries firing upon Sumter were, as 
nearly as could be ascertained, armed as fol- 
lows : 

On Morris Island. — ^Breaching battery No. 1, 2 
42-pounders ; 1 12-poundcr, Blakcly rilled gun. 

Mortar battery, (next to No. 1,) 4 10-iuch mortars. 

Breaching battery No. 2, (iron-clad battery,) 3 8-inch 
columbiads. 

Jlortar battery, (next to No. 2,) 3 10-inch mortars. 

On James' Island. — Battery at Fort Johnson, 3 24- 
ponndcrs, (only one of them bearing on Fort Sumter.) 

Mortar battery, south of Fort Johnson, 4 10-inch 
mortars. 

SuUiran's Island. — Iron-clad (floating) battery, 4 
42-pounders. 

Columbiad battery No. 1, 1 9-inch Dahlgren gun. 

Columbiad battery No. 2, 4 8-iuch columbiads. 



24 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Mortar battery, west of Fort Moultrie, 3 10-inch 
mortars. 

Mortar battery, on parade, in rear of Fort Moultrie, 
2 10-inch mortars. 

Fort Moultrie.— Z 8-inch columbiads ; 2 8-inch S. C. 
howitzers ; 5 32-pounders ; 4 24-pounders. 

At Mount Pleasant. — 1 10-inch mortar. 

Total, firing on Fort Sumter, 30 guns, 17 mortars. 

Of the 43 -workmen constituting the engineer 
force in Fort Sumter, nearly all volunteered to 
serve as cannoniers, or to carry shot and cart- 
ridges to the guns. 

The armament of the fort was as follows : 

Ihrlette TVVr.— Right flank— 1 10-inch columbiad; 
i 8-inch columbiads ; 4 42-pounders. 

Right face. — None. 

Left face. — 3 8-inch sea-coast howitzers ; 1 32- 
pounder. 

Left flank.— 1 10-inch columbiad; 2 8-inch colum- 
biads ; 2 42-pounders. 

Gorge.— 1 8-inch sea-coast howitzer ; 2 32-pounders; 
6 24-pounders. 

Total in barbette, 27 guns. 

Casemate ^wn— Right flank.— 1 42-pounder; 4 32- 
pounders. 

Right face. — 3 42-pounders. 

Left face.— 10 32-pounders. 

Left flank. — 5 32-pounders. 

Gorge. — 2 32-pounders. 

Total in casemate, 21 guns. Total available in both 
tiers, 48 guns. 

Besides the above, there were arranged on 
the parade, to serve as mortars, 1 10-inch co- 
lumbiad to throw shells into Charleston, and 4 
8-inch columbiads to throw shells into the bat- 
teries on Cummings' Point. The casemate guns 
were the only ones used. Of these, those that 
bore on Cummings' Point were the 42-pounder 
in the pan-coup6 of the right gorge angle ; the 
32-pounder next to it on the gorge, which, by 
cutting into the brick wall, had been made to 
traverse sufficiently ; and the 32-pounder next 
the angle on the right flank, which, by cutting 
away the side of the embrasure, had been made 
to bear on a portion of the point, although not 
on the breaching batteries. 

The guns of the first tier, that bore on Fort 
Johnson, were 4 32-pounders, on the left flank ; 
of these one embrasure had been, by order, 
bricked up. 

The guns that bore on the three batteries on 
the west end of "Sullivan's Island" were 10 
32-pounders, situated on the left face, and one 
at the pan-coup6 of the salient angle, (four em- 
brasures being bricked up.) 

The guns bearing on Fort Moultrie were 2 
42-pounders, situated on the right face, and 
one at the pan-coup6 of the right shoulder 
angle. 

The supply of cartridges, seven hundred in 
number, with which the engagement com- 
menced, became so much reduced by the middle 
of the day, although the six needles in the fort 
were kept steadily employed, that the firing 
was forced to slacken, and to be confined to six 
guns, two firing towards Morris' Island, two 
towards Fort Moultrie, and two towards the 
batteries on the west end of Sullivan's Island. 

At 1 o'clock on the 12th, two United States 



men-of-war were seen off the bar, and soon 
after, a third appeared. 

The efi"ect of the fire was not very good, 
owing to the insufficient calibre of the guns for 
the long range, and not much damage appeared 
to be done to any of the batteries except those 
of Fort Moultrie, where the two 42-pounders 
appeared to have silenced the gun for a time, 
to have injured the embrasures considerably, 
riddled the barracks and quarters, and torn 
three holes through the flag. The so-called 
" floating battery " was struck very frequently 
by shot, one of them penetrating at the angle 
between the front and roof, entirely through 
the iron covering and wood work beneath, and 
wounding one man. The rest of the 32-pounder 
balls failed to penetrate the front or the roof, 
but were deflected from their surfaces, which 
were arranged at a suitable angle for this pur- 
pose. 

The columbiad battery and Dahlgren bat- 
tery, near the floating battery, did not appear 
to be much injured by the few shots that were 
fired at them. Only one or two shots were 
fired at Fort Johnson, and none at Castle 
Pinckney or the city. 

The fire towards Morris' Island was mainly 
directed at the iron-clad battery, but the small 
calibre of the shot failed to penetrate the cov- 
ering when struck fairly. The aim was there- 
fore taken at the embrasures, which were struck 
at least twice, disabling the guns for a time. 
One or two shots were thrown at the reverse of 
batteries "3 " and "4," scattering some groups 
of officers and men on the lookout, and cutting 
down a small flagstaff on one of the batteries. 

The barracks caught fire three times during 
the day, from shells apparently, but each time 
the flames, being in the first or second stories, 
were extinguished by a pump and application 
of the means at hand. 

The efl^ect of the Confederate fire upon Fort 
Sumter during the day was very marked in re- 
spect to the vertical fire. This was so well di- 
rected and so well sustained, that from the sev- 
enteen mortars engaged in firing 10-inch shells, 
one-half the shells came within or exploded 
above the parapet of the fort, and only about 
ten buried themselves in the soft earth of the 
parade, without exploding. In consequence of 
this precision of vertical fire. Major Anderson 
decided not to man the upper tier of guns. 

Saturday dawned a bright and lovely day, 
but the flags of each of the combatants were 
still flying in stately defiance, and the cannon 
continued to send forth their fiery thunder. 
"Within Fort Sumter, the last of the rice was 
cooked that morning, and served with the pork, 
the only other article of food left in the mess- 
room. After this the fire was reopened, and 
continued very briskly as long as the increased 
supply of cartridges lasted. The surrounding 
batteries had reopened fire at daylight, and con- 
tinued it with rapidity. The aim of their guns 
was better than on the previous day. 

It soon became evident that they were firing 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



25 



hot shot from a large number of their guns, 
especially from those in Fort Moultrie ; and at 
nine o'clock volumes of smoke issued from the 
roof of the officers' quarters, where a shot had 
just penetrated. From the exposed position, it 
was utterly impossible to extinguish the flames, 
and permission was given to remove as much 
powder from the magazine as was possible, be- 
fore the flames, which were only one set of quar- 
ters distant, should encircle the magazine and 
make it necessary to close it. All the men and 
cfiicers not engaged at the guns worked rapidly 
and zealously at this ; but so rapid was the 
spread of the flames that only fifty barrels of 
powder could be taken out and distributed 
around in the casemates before the fire and 
heat made it necessary to close the magazine 
doors and pack earth against them. The men 
then withdrew to the casemates on the faces of 
the fort. As soon as the flames and smoke 
burst from the roof of the quarters, the sur- 
rounding batteries redoubled the rapidity of 
their fire, firing red-hot shot from most of their 
guns. The whole range of officers' quarters 
was soon in flames. The wind, being from the 
southward, communicated fire to the roof of 
the barracks, and this, being aided by the hot 
shot constantly lodging there, spread to the en- 
tire roofs of both barracks, so that by twelve 
o'clock all the wood work of quarters and of 
upper story of barracks was in flames. Although 
the floors of the barracks were fire-proof, the 
utmost exertions of the officers and men were 
often required to prevent the fire communi- 
cating down the stairways, and from the exte- 
rior to the doors, window-frames, and other 
•wood work of the east barrack, in which the 
officers and men had taken their quarters. 

The clouds of smoke and cinders which were 
sent into the casemates by the wind, set on fire 
many boxes, beds, and other articles belonging 
to the men, and made it dangerous to retain 
the powder which had been saved from the 
magazine. Orders were accordingly given that 
all but five barrels should be thrown out of the 
embrasures into the water, which was done. 

The small stock of cartridges now only al- 
lowed a gun to be fired at intervals of ten 
minutes. 

As the fire reached the magazines of grenades 
that were arranged in the stair towers and im- 
plement rooms on the gorge, they exploded, 
completely destroying the stair towers at the 
west gorge angle. 

About this time information was brought to 
the commanding officer that Mr. Wigfall, bear- 
ing a white flag, was on the outside and wished 
to see liim. He accordingly went out to meet 
Mr. Wigfall, passing through the blazing gate- 
way, accompanied by Lieutenant Snyder. In 
the mean time, however, Mr. Wigfall liad passed 
to an embrasure on the left flank, where, upon 
showing the white flag upon his sword, he was 
permitted to enter; and Lieutenant Snyder, en- 
tering immediately after, accompanied him 
down the batteries to where some other officers 



were posted, to whom Mr. Wigfall commenced 
to address himself to the eftect that he came 
from General Beauregard to desire that, inas- 
much as the flag of the fort was shot down, a 
fire raging in the quarters, and tlie garrison in 
a great strait, hostilities be suspended, and the 
white flag raised for this object. He was re- 
plied to that the flag was again hoisted on the 
parapet; that the white flag would not be 
hoisted, except by order of the commanding 
officer ; and that his own batteries should set 
the exanvple of suspending fire. He then refer- 
red to the fact of the batteries on Cummings' 
Point, from which he came, having stopped fir- 
ing, and asked that his own white flag might 
be waved to indicate to the batteries on Sulli- 
van's Island to cease also. This was refused ; 
but he was permitted to wave the white flag 
himself, getting into an embrasure for this pur- 
pose. Having done this for a few moments, 
Lieutenant Davis, First Artillery, permitted a 
corporal to relievo him. Very soon, however, 
a shot striking very near to the embrasure, the 
corporal jumped inside and declared to Mr. 
Wigfall that " he would not hold his flag, for it 
was not respected." 

At this moment, the commanding oflScer, 
having reentered through an embrasure, came 
up. To him Mr. Wigfall addressed nearly the 
same remarks that he had used on entering, 
adding some complimentary things about the 
manner in which the defence had been made, 
and ending by renewing the request to suspend 
hostilities in order to arrange terms of evacua- 
tion. The commanding officer desiring to know 
what terms he came to ofler, Mr. Wigfall re- 
plied: " Any terms that you may desire ; your 
own terms — the precise nature of which Gen- 
eral Beauregard will arrange with you." 

The commanding officer then accepted the 
conditions, saying that the terms he accepted 
were those proposed by General Beauregard on 
the 11th; namely, to evacuate the fort with 
his command, taking arms and all private and 
company property, saluting the United States 
flag as it was lowered, and being conveyed, if 
he desired it, to any Northern port. 

With this understanding Mr. Wigfall left, 
and the white flag was raised and the United 
States flag lowered by order of the command- 
ing officer. 

Very soon after, a boat arrived from the city, 
containing three aides of General Beauregard, 
with a message to the efl'ect that, observing the 
white flag hoisted. General Beauregard sent to 
inquire what aid he could lend in extinguishing 
the flames, &c. Being made acquainted with 
the condition of affairs and Mr. Wigfall's visit, 
they stated that the latter, although an aide of 
General Beauregard, had not seen him for two 
days. 

The commanding officer then stated that the 
United States flag would be raised again ; but 
yielded to the request of the aides for time 
to report to their chief and obtain his instruc- 
tions. 



26 



MILITAEY AND FATAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



They soon returned with the approval of aU 
the conditions desired, except the saluting the 
flag as it was lowered ; and this exception was 
eubsequently removed after cori-espondence. 

The evacuation was completed after saluting 
the flag ; in doing which, one man was instant- 
ly killed, one mortally and four severely wound- 
ed, by the premature discharge of a gun and 
explosion of a pile of cartridges. 

After the cessation of fire, about 600 shot 
marks on the face of the scarp wall were count- 
ed, but they were so scattered that no breached 
effect could have been expected from such fire, 
and probably none was attempted except at the 
right gorge angle. The only effect of the direct 
fire during the two days was to disable three 
barbette guns, knock off" large portions of the 
cliimneys and brick walls projecting abov(j the 
parapet, and to set the quarters on fire with 
hot shot. The vertical fire produced more ef- 
fect, as it prevented the working of the upper 
tier of guns, which were the only really effec- 
tive guns in the fort, being columbiads, 8-inch 
sea-coast howitzers, and 42-pounders princi- 
pally, and also prevented the use of the colum- 
biads arranged in the parade to be used as 
mortars against Cummings' Point. 

The weakness of the defence principally lay 
in the lack of cartridge bags, and of the mate- 
rials to make them, by which the fire of the 
fort was all the time rendered slow, and toward 
the last was nearly suspended. 

The contest continued thirty-two hours, and 
the weapoDs used were of the most destructive 
character, and in skilful hands, but no life ap- 
pears to have been lost on either side. 

The garrison was taken by the steamer Isabel 
to the Baltic, which lay oft' the harbor, and 
thence transported to New York. The naval 
force and supplies which had been sent to the 
relief of the fort by the Government, arrived 



off Charleston harbor previous to the com- 
mencement of the assault, but were prevented 
from entering the harbor by a gale of wind, 
until after the attack began. The vessels, how- 
ever, continued outside, and there was no com- 
munication between them and the fort. 

The force and supplies thus sent by the Gov 
ernment were composed as follows : 

Vessels. Gnus. Men. 

Bloop-of-war Pawnee, 10 200 

81oop-of-war Powhatan, H 2T5 

Cutter Harriet Lane, 5 96 

Steam transport Atlantic, — 353 

Steam transport Baltic, — 160 

Steam transport Illinois, — 300 

Steamtug Yankee, Ordinary crew. 

Steamtuff Uncle Ben, Ordinary crew. 

Total number of vessels, 8 

Total number of guns (for marine service), 26 

Total number of men and troops, 1,880 

Nearly thirty launches, whose services are 
useful in effecting a landing of troops over 
shoal water, and for attacking a discharging 
battery when covered with sand and gunny 
bags, were taken out by the Powhatan, and 
by the steam transports Atlantic, Baltic, aad 
.Illinois, The official notification of the sm-- 
render of the fort, sent by Major Anderson to 
the War Department, was as follows : 

Steamsuip Baltic, off Sandy Hook, ) 
A2:)ril-\S, 1861—10:30 a. m., via New York, f 

Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, 
until the quarters were entirely burnt, the main gates 
destroyed by fire, the gorge walls seriously injured, 
the magazine surrounded by flaines, and its door 
closed from the efl'ects of heat ; four barrels and three 
cartridges of powder only being available, and no 
provisions remaining but pork, I accepted terms of 
evacuation offered oy General Beauregard — ^being 
the same offered by hnn on the 11th instant, prior to 
the commencement of hostilities — and marched out 
of the fort on Sunday afternoon, the 14th instant, 
with colors flying and drums beatiug, bringing away 
company and private property, and saluting my flag 
with fifty guns. ROBERT ANDERSON, 

Major First Artillery Commanding, 

Hon, Simon Cameron, Sec'y of War, Washington. 



CHAPTER lY. 

state of Aflfhirs — Action of the Union States — Proclamation of the President calling for men on the surrender of Fort 
Sumter — Eesponse of the Northern and Central States — Attack on Massachusetts troops in Baltimore. 



"What was the posture of affairs at the time 
of President Lincoln's inauguration, especially 
as compared with their situation on the day 
of election in November ? Seven Southern 
States had voted themselves out of the Union, 
the officers of the Federal Government had 
resigned, and there were no persons to repre- 
sent its powers or execute its duties within 
their limits, excepting in the Post-Office Depart- 
ment. Within these States, also, all the forts, 
arsenals, dockyards, custom-houses, revenue 
cutters, etc., embracing all the movable and 
stationary articles connected therewith, had 
been taken possession of by the authority of 



these States individually, and were held by per- 
sons and officers denying any allegiance to the 
Federal Government, and avowing it to be due 
by them only to a Government created by the 
united action of these seven States, Only Forts 
Pickens, Taylor, and Jefferson, near the Florida 
coast, and Sumter, in Charleston harbor, con- 
tinued under the flag of the Union. 

The other forts thus seized were put in an 
improved condition, new ones built, and armed 
forces had been organized, and were organiz- 
ing, avowedly to protect this property from 
recapture, and to capture those not yet seized. 
Around Fort Sumter batteries had been erected, 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



27 



with guns equal or heavier in calibre than hers, 
and in far greater number. Ollicers of the 
army and navy of the Union from these States, 
had chiefly resigned, and had been reappointed 
in the service of the latter. A complete Gov- 
ernment for a nation was in operation in these 
States, and the property thus seized was held, 
as the new Government avowed, to be ac- 
counted for in a peaceful settlement with the 
Federal Union, or to be used for the defence of 
those States, if assaulted by the same Union. 
They asked for peace, and to be " let alone," 
hut were determined to hazard a war sooner 
than return to their former allegiance. 

Among the other States, Kentucky made an 
application to Congress to call a National Con- 
vention to amend the Constitution of the Unit- 
ed States, and requested the Legislatures of all 
the other States to make similai* applications, 
and appointed commissioners to a conference 
of the Border States to consider and, if practi- 
cable, agree upon some suitable adjustment of 
the present unhappy controversies. Some of 
the States of the North appointed commission- 
ers to this conference, which agreed upon terms 
for an adjustment, but no State action followed. 
Not a single slaveholding State complied with 
the request of Kentucky to apply to Congress 
to call a National Convention, whilst three non- 
elaveholding States so complied, and several 
others prepared to follow. 

A Peace Conference was called by Virginia, 
in which twenty States were represented. Such 
measures Avould have been recommended as 
were desired by the seceding States if they had 
been present by their votes to secure their adop- 
tion. Three territorial bills were passed by 
Congress, in no one of which was inserted the 
probibition of slavery as insisted upon hitherto 
by the Republicans. The North condemned 
the personal liberty bills of the States, declared 
in favor of a faithful execution of the fugitive 
slave law, and concurred in proposing, by the 
requisite constitutional majority, an amend- 
ment of the Constitution guaranteeing positively 
and forever the exemption of slavery in the 
States from the interference of Congress. This 
was one of the guarantees 'embraced in the 
scheme of Mr. Crittenden, and also in the 
scheme of the Peace Conference. 

Rhode Island repealed its personal liberty 
law outright, whilst Vermont, Maine, Massa- 
chusetts, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin had 
under consideration the repeal or essential mod- 
ification of their respective laws of this descrip- 
tion. Not less than a quarter of a million of 
the people of the North, besides societies and 
representative bodies without number, peti- 
tioned Congress for the adoption of any adjust- 
ment satisfactory to the States of the Southern 
border. 

The attack on Fort Sumter began on the 
12tli. The fort surrendered on the afternoon 
of tlie 18th, and was evacuated on Sunday, the 
14th. As the news flashed over the country 
by the telegraph it was instantly followed by 



the summons of the President, " to arms ; to 
arms." His proclamation, ordering seventy-five 
thousand men into the field, was issued on tho 
night of the 14th, as follows : 

By the President of the United States. 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas the laws of the United States have been 
for some time past and now are opposed, and the ex- 
ecution thereof obstructed, in the States of South 
Carolina, Georjiia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, 
Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too powerful 
to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial 
proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals 
by law : 

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of 
the United States, in virtue of the power in me vested 
by the Constitution and the laws, have thoujjht fit to 
call forth, and hereby do call forth, the militia of the 
several States of the Union, to the aggregate number 
of seveut^'-five thousand, in order to suppress said 
combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly ex- 
ecuted. 

The details for this object will be immediately com- 
municated to the State authorities through the War 
Department. 

I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and 
aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, 
and the existence of our National Union, and the 
perpetuity of popular Government, and to redress 
wrongs aiready long enough endured. 

I deem it proper to say" that the first service as- 
signed to the forces called forth will probably be to 
repossess the forts, places, and property which have 
been seized from the Union ; and in every event the 
utmost care will be observed, consistently with the 
objects aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any de- 
struction of or interference with property, or any dis- 
turbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the 
country. 

And I hereby command the persons composing the 
combinations aforesaid to disperse and retire peacea- 
bly to their respective abodes within twenty days 
from this date. 

Deeming that the present condition of public affairs 
presents an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, in 
virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution, 
convene both Houses of Congress. 

Senators and Representatives are therefore sum- 
moned to assemble at their respective Chambers, at 
12 o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the fourth day of 
July next, then and there to consider and determine 
such measures as, in their wisdom, the public safety 
and interest may seem to demand. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand 
and caused the seal of the United States to be af- 
fixed. 

Done at the city of "Washington, this fifteenth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
[l. s.] eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the inde- 
pendence of the United" States the eightv-fifth. 
ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
By the President : 

William H. Seward, Secretary of State. 

A call for troops was issued by the Secretary 
of War, Mr. Cameron, in accordance with this 
proclamation, and sent to the Governors of tho 
respective States, giving the quotas allotted to 
each, as follows : 

Depaktment or "Wah, Washixotok, April 15, 1S6_L 

To His Excellency the Governor of : 

Sir: Under the act of Congress for calling for the 
" Militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress 
insurrections, repel invasions," etc., approved Feb- 
ruary 28, 1795, I have the honor to request your Ex- 
cellency to cause to be immediately detached from 
the militia of your State the quota designated in the 



28 



MILITAEY A^T) 2TAYAL mSTORT OF THE REBELLION. 



table below, to serve as infantry or riflemen, for the 
period of three months, unless sooner discharged. 

Your Excellency will please communicate to me 
the time at or about which your quota will be ex- 
pected at its rendezvous, as it will be met as soon as 
practicable by an oflScer or ofBcers to muster it into 
the service and pay of the United States. 

These documents were spread throngli the 
country on Monday, and on Wednesday the 6th 
regiment of Massachusetts, completely equipped, 
passed through JSTew York for "Washingtoir, so 
prepared was that State as to be the lu-st in the 
Held. 

A most uncontrollable excitement now ex- 
isted in the country. Both Xorth and South 
rushed to arms — the former to maintain the 
Government and to preserve the Union, the 
latter to secure the independence of the Con- 
federate States and the dissolution of the 
Union. 

The national city of "Washington became the 
most conspicuous object before the country. 
Northern troops hastened thither to secure its 
possession in the hands of the Government, and 
Southern troops gathered on its outskirts to 
seize it as their first prize. 

The manner in which the requisition of the 
Secretary of War for troops was received by 
the authorities of the respective States, indi- 
cates the controlling sentiment of the people in 
those States at this time. The Governor of 
Kentucky replied on the same day : " Kentucky 
\\ill furnish no troops for the wicked purpose 
of subduing her sister Southern States," The 
Governor of Xorth Carolina answered : " You 
can get no troops from North Carolina." The 
Governor of Virginia wrote on the next day to 
the Secretary of War, saying : " The militia of 
Virginia will not be furnished to the powers at 
Washington for any such use or purpose as 
they have in view." The Governor of Tennes- 
see replied: "Tennessee will not furnish a 
single man for coercion, but fifty thousand, if 
necessary, for defence of our rights, or those of 
our Southern brothers." The Governor of 
Missouri answered that "the requisition is ille- 
gal, unconstitutional, revolutionary, inhuman, 
diabohcal, and cannot be complied with." 

The Governor of Rhode Island replied by 
tendering the services of a thousand infantry 
and a battalion of artillery. 

The Governor of Massachusetts immediately 
ordered out -troops, and in fifty hours three 
regiments had been gathered, equipped, and 
had left for Washington. 

The Governor of Connecticut also issued his 
proclamation at once, calling for troops. 

The Legislature of New York adjourned on 
the 16th ; but previously to adjournment ap- 
propriated three millions of dollars to defend 
the Federal Government. 

Orders for four regiments were issued by the 
Governor of New Jersey on the 17th. 

A detachment of five hundred men left Phil- 
adelphia on the night of the 17th for Washing- 
ton. 

The first regiment from Indiana left for 



Washington on the 18th. The Legislature also 
resolved, " That the faith, credit, and resources 
of the State in both men and money are hereby 
pledged in any amount and to every extent 
which the Federal Government may demand to 
subdue rebellion ; " etc. At the same time, the 
State Bank tendered to the Governor a loan for 
the State of all the money necessary to fit out 
the required quota. 

In New York, the great city of the Union, all 
shades of opinion seemed to vanish before the 
one great fact, that the country was in danger 
and must be saved. Citizens of aU classes 
breathed but one spirit of patriotism, and the 
Mayor of the city issued the following : 

Matob's Office, Xew York, April 15, 1861. 
To the People of the City of Xeic York. 

As Chief Magistrate, representing the whole peo- 
ple, I feel compelled at this crisis to call upon them 
to avoid excitement and turbulence. Whatever may 
be or may have been individual positions or opinions 
on questions of public policy, let us remember that 
our country now trembles upon the brink of a preci- 
pice, and that it requires a patriotic and honest effort 
to prevent its final destruction. Let us ignore the past, 
rising superior to partisan considerations, and rally 
to the restoration of the Constitution and the Union, 
as they existed in the days and in the spirit of our 
fathers. Whether this is to be accomplished by fra- 
tricidal warfare, or by concession, conciliation, and 
sacrifice, men may difler ; but all will admit that here 
at least harmony and peace should prevail. Thus 
may we, under the guidance of Divine Providence, 
set an example of peace and good will throughout 
our extended country. In this spirit and with this 
view, I call upon the people of New York, irrespec- 
tive of all other considerations or prejudices, to unite 
in obedience to the laws, in support of the public 
peace, in the preservation of order, and in the pro- 
tection of property. 

FERNANDO WOOD, Mayor. 

All citizens were now decorated with the 
national emblem in every variety of form, while 
from store, dwelling, church, and public build- 
ings, signs, and lamp-posts, fluttered the Stars 
and Stripes in every vai'iety of form and in the 
greatest profusion. 

Instantly the military were in motion ; every 
drill-room and armory was alive with active 
officers calling for and enrolling men. On the 
16th several regiments were akeady partly 
equipped. The 1st National Guard, Col. Allen, 
the 7th Regiment, 79th Highlanders, the 71st, 
the Fire Zouaves of Ellsworth, the 70th, the 
5oth, the 12th, and others, were rapidly organ- 
izing to march. On the 17th the 6th Massa- 
chusetts, Colonel E. J. Jones, arrived in New 
York on its way to Washington, and met the 
most enthusiastic reception. It made a tri- 
umphal march through the city on the 17th of 
April. 

The intelligence that the favorite New York 
regiment, the 7th, would leave for Washington 
on the 19th, created an immense excitement. 
Although it was announced that the departure 
would not be before 3 p. jr., the streets were 
thronged at an early hour of that day. Lafay- 
ette Place, where the regiment was to form 
previous to marching, was very attractively 
dressed — a huge flag being displayed from the 



MILITARY ASD NAV^^X HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



29 



Astor Library, witli many others from private 
buildings. The aspect of Broad-^-ay was very 
gay. The Stars and Stripes were floating 
everywhere, from the costliest silk, 20, 30, 40 
feet in length, down to the homelier bunting, 
and the few inches of painted calico. But the 
gayest and, in this respect, the most remarkable 
thoroughfare, was Cortlandt Street, which show- 
ed a gathering of flags, a perfect army of them. 
They were not, in that comparatively brief 
space, from Broadway to the Jersey City Ferry, 
to be numbered by dozens or by scores ; .every 
building seemed like "Captains of Fifties," flag 
over flag waving. From every window, from 
the first floor to the roof, from every doorway, 
they waved responsive to the fluttering banners 
that were held in every hand. 

Through this gay and expectant throng 
marched the 8th Massachusetts, Col. Timothy 
Monroe, accompanied by Gen. B. F. Butler, who 
had been the Breckinridge candidate for Gov- 
ernor at the election in November, and was 
now leading the Massachusetts troops. The 
regiment was presented with colors on the way. 
This, which would have been an absorbing 
ceremony at another time, merely filled a por- 
tion of the time tUl the Tth came. 

They formed in Lafayette Place abont 4 p. m., 
in the presence of an immense crowd, each 
window of each building being filled with ap- 
plauders. Before moving, the excitement of 
the crowd was made wild by the news of the 
attack upon the 6th Massachusetts in Baltimore, 
and there were served out to the Tth forty-eight 
rounds of ball cartridge. Once in line, they 
proceeded through Fourth street to Broadway, 
down that great throroughfare to Cortlandt 
Street, and across the ferry, in boats provided 
for the purpose, to Jersey City. The line of 
march was a perfect ovation. Thousands upon 
thousands stood on the sidewalks. The regi- 
ment was escorted by a band of Zouaves, who 
volunteered for the occasion. Their gay uni- 
form and pecuhar step revived the excitement 
that had begun somewhat to droop among the 
crowd that had waited for hours, as the regi- 
ment did not reach the Park tUl half-past five. 
After the Zouaves came a strong body of police, 
and after the i)olice the regiment. The ofiicers 
were Col. M. Lefterts, Lieut.-Col. W. A. Pond, 
Major A. Shaler. 

The public bodies at once began to adopt 
measures to supply and move the troops. An 
immense mass meeting, without distinction of 
party, was called for, April 20, in Union Square. 
It proved one of the largest and most enthusi- 
astic ever held. It was addressed by J. A. Dix, 
Secretary oi the Treasury under Mr. Buchanan, 
D. S. Dickinson, Senator Baker of Oregon, 
Robert J. Walker, formerly Secretary of the 
Treasury, Mayor Wood, Ex-Gov, Hunt, James 
T. Brady, John Cochrane, Hiram Ketchimi, D. 
S. Coddington, Esq., and a number of Irish and 
German citizens, all breathing the one unani- 
mous sentiment of ignoring the political opin- 
ions of the pa.st, and standing by the Govern- 



ment with their whole heart, regardless of who 
might administer it for the time. The fortunes 
and lives of the citizens were pledged to that 
end. 

A meeting of the merchants of New York 
City was held at the Chamber of Commerce, 
April 19th. The proceedings were character- 
ized by the utmost harmony and unanimity. 
Resolutions upholding the Federal Government, 
and urguig a strict blockade of all ports in the 
secession States, were unanimously adopted. It 
being announced that several of the regiments 
needed assistance to enable them to leave — on 
motion, a committee was appointed to receive 
donations, and in ten minutes the subscription 
had reached over $21,000. "What was stiU 
more important was the appointment of a large 
committee of the most influential capitalists, to 
use their exertions to secure an immediate tak- 
ing of the $9,000,000 remaining of the Govern- 
ment loan. 

On Monday, Af rU 22, the Mayor of the city 
of New York recommended, and the Board of 
Aldermen voted, $1,000,000 to aid in the de- 
fence of the Government. 

At a meeting of the whole New York Bar on 
the same afternoon, the announcement was re- 
ceived with enthusiastic cheers, and the Bar 
raised $25,000 on the spot. 

The city appropriated the Park to the erec- 
tion of extensive barracks for the entertainment 
of the troops, which from North and East made 
New York their halting-place en route for the 
capital. The Worcester Rifles, the 1st Regiment 
of Rhode Island, per steamer Osceola, passed 
through on Sunday the 21st, and on the same 
day departed the 6th, 12th, and 71st New York 
State Militia. 

The people were early astir on that day, and 
by ten o'clock every available spot where a hu- 
man being could stand, was occupied, through 
the entire length of Broadway ; and from near 
Canal street to Grace Church, not only the side- 
walks, but the whole of the street, was densely 
thronged. Every window, door, stoop, balcony, 
and housetop was ahve with human beings, of 
every age, sex, and condition, in expectation of 
this most novel and exciting scene. From al- 
most every housetop and store, from the win- 
dows of almost every private dwelling, from the 
masthead of every ship, from the flagstafi" of 
every manufactory, from all the public build- 
ings, fnorn the Roman Catholic cathedral, from 
the lofty spire of Trinity Church, from St. 
PauFs Church, the national ensign was flying 
The other streets were thronged as on a gala 
day. On all coats were pinned the red, white, 
and blue cockade, and in every lady's bonnet 
ribbons of the same colors were tastefully tied. 
In the Park, cannons were booming at different 
times during the day. At the arsenal, regi- 
ments, just raised, were formally organized and 
equipped. 

At the armories of the 6th, 12th, and Tlst, 
from early dawn all was bustle and animation, 
)reparing for the afternoon departure. At the 



30 



MLITAEY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOK 



rendezvous of the several regiments, the char- 
acter of the day was ignored, and the maxim 
realized that in war times there are no 
Sundays. 

At the wharves great steamers were alive 
with the bustle of preparation for conveying 
large numbers of troops. In the stream at an- 
chor was the steamer Osceola, with troops from 
Ehode Island. At the railroad depot in Jersey 
City the greatest activity prevailed, and means 
of transportation were being got in readiness 
for moving as many regiments as might present 
themselves. 

Young men in uniforms, with knapsacks 
strapped, were seen leaving luxurious homes in 
aristocratic parts of the town, prepared to 
rough it with the roughs in defence of the 
country. Firemen were gathered at their en- 
gine-houses, and busy in doing what they could 
to help otf companions who had enrolled them- 
selves in Ellsworth's regiment of Firemen 
Zouaves, 

At noon, the 6th, 12th, and 'Tlst regiments, 
comprising three thousand men, marched down 
Broadway, fully armed and equipped. The oc- 
casion was without hardly a parallel, and the 
march a complete ovation. The 6th en?barked 
in the steamer Columbia, the 12th in the steam- 
er Baltic, and the 71st in the steamer R. R. 
Schuyler. A Massachusetts battalion and some 
regulars went on board the Ariel. As the fleet 
left, the harbor was a scene of great excitement. 
The piers, landings, and housetops of the city, 
Jersey City, Iloboken, and Brooklyn, were 
crowded. The Battery was covered with 
people, and thousands of boats saluted the 
steamers crowded with the troops. Flags were 
dipped, cannons roared, bells rang, steam-whis- 
tles shrilly saluted, and thousands upon thou- 
sands of people sent up cheers of parting. 

On the same Sunday many congregations 
mingled practical patriotism with piety, and 
took occasion to make contributions for the 
outfit of volunteers, or for the support of their 
famines. In a church in Brooklyn a letter was 
read from the 13th Regiment N. Y. S. M., ask- 
ing for uniforms for recruits, and the response 
was a collection of about $1,100 for that patri- 
otic purpose. In the Broadway Tabernacle, 
the pastor preached a sermon in the evening on 
" God's Time of Threshing." The choir per- 
formed " The Marseillaise " to a hymn composed 
for the occasion by the pastor. A collection 
was taken for the Volunteers' Home Fund, 
amounting to $450, to which a member of the 
congregation afterwards added $100. Dr. Beth- 
une's sermon was from the text : " In the name 
of our God we will set up our banners." In 
Dr. BelloAvs' church the choir sang " The Star- 
Spangled Banner," which was vigorously ap- 
plauded by the whole house. At Grace Church 
(Episcopal), Dr. Taylor began by saying, " The 
Star-Spangled Banner has been insulted." At 
Dr. McLane's Presbyterian cliurch, "VVilliams- 
burgh, "The Star-Spangled Banner " was sung. 
Dr. T. D. Wells (Old School Presbyterian) 



preached from the words : " He that hath no 
sword, let him buy one." Dr. Osgood's text 
was : " Lift up a standard to the people." 

On Monday, the march of troops continued 
through the city, and on the 23d again New 
York was alive with excitement to witness the 
departure of the 8th, 13th, and 69th regiments. 
The 8th, one thousand strong. Col. Geo. Lyon, 
formed in Sixteenth Street, and at four o'clock 
proceeded, amidst the cheering citizens, to pier 
NOi 36, North River, where they embarked on 
board, the steamer Alabama. The 69th Irish, 
Col. Corcoran, assembled at their armory. No. 
42 Prince Street, at three o'clock. They re- 
ceived the order to march, and they proceeded 
down Broadway amidst such greetings as the 
excited Irish citizens alone could demonstrate. 
At half-past six they left in the James Adger. 
The 13th, Col. Abel Smith, left on board the 
Marion. Thus through more than two months 
the living stream of troops went out of New 
York to support the Government. 

During that period of time New York con- 
tinued to pour out an average, in round num- 
bers, of 1,000 men per day at the call of the 
Government, not only supplying and equip- 
ping the men, but furnishing the money, and 
lending large sums to the Government in ad- 
dition. 

All the Northern or free States responded 
alike and instantly to the summons from 
"Washington. The defence of the Government 
was proclaimed to be- a most sacred cause, more 
especially such a Government as this of the 
United States liad been. Arms, money, men, 
railroads, and all other " sinews of Avar," were 
freely ottered. Men of wealth, influence, and 
position, without regard to party, stepped forth 
patriotically at this call. 

Some apprehensions existed relative to the 
manner in which Northern troops would be 
received in Maryland on their way to Wash- 
ington. On the 19th a body of them were 
expected to arrive at Baltimore by the Phila- 
delphia and Baltimore Railroad. At the de- 
pot a crowd of two or three thousand persons 
gathered. Soon after 11 o'clock in the fore- 
noon, the train from Philadelphia, comprising 
twenty -nine cars, arrived. Without disembark- 
ing the soldiers from the train, horses were at- 
tached to the several cars, which were drawn 
along Pratt Street to the Camden station. Six 
cars were permitted to pass without any par- 
ticular disturbance except hooting and yelling. 
The horses attached to the seventh car becom- 
ing restive, were detached, and the car moved 
without their aid nearly to Gay Street, where a 
body of laborers were engaged in repairing the 
bed of the street, and for this purpose removing 
the cobble stones. 

Some thirty or forty men assembled at this 
point, having followed the car from the depot, 
and with cheers for President Davis and the 
Southern Confederacy, hurled bitter taunts at 
the Northern Black Republicans, as they termed 
them. The troops remained in perfect silence. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



81 



Thi3 continued for several minutes, when, as 
the liorscs were again attached and the car 
moved off, it was proposed to stone it. Before 
the car had gone twenty yards, almost every 
window therein was broken to pieces, and 
a portion of the crowd followed a considerable 
distance hurling paving-stones. The eighth car 
was treated in the same manner, but the 
ninth car, apparently being empty, or at least 
no person being visible except the driver of the 
team, escaped with only one stone thrown. 

The tenth car was observed approaching.from 
Pratt street bridge, when a number of persons, 
seizing the picks in the hands of the laborers, 
made an ineffectual effort to tear up the track. 
Finding that they could not succeed, as a last 
resort they took up the paving-stones, and threw 
them on the track, almost covering it from ob- 
servation. They also dumped a cart-load of 
sand on the bed of the track, placing also four 
or five large anchors thereon, having bodily 
removed them from the sidewalk. Tliis being 
acconiijll-had, they, with loud hurrahs, dared 
the troops to come on ; but the latter, observ- 
ing the posture of affairs, deemed it more pru- 
dent to turn back to the President street depot. 

Mayor Brown hastened to the President 
street depot, and endeavored to prevent any 
disturbance. At this point there still remained 
upwards of twenty cars filled with the troops, 
and five or six cars which had been used for the 
reception of ammunition, baggage, &c. 

After the lapse of a quarter of an hour, the 
command was given for the troops to disembark 
and form on the outside. While forming, they 
were surrounded by a dense mass of people, 
who impeded their march, up President street 
by every possible means. Stones were thrown 
in great numbers. At Fawn street two of the 
soldiers were knocked down by stones and 
greatly injured. 

After the cars had been checked and return- 
ed to the depot, as above stated, the military 
formed and prepared to march through the city. 

From the President street depot to Pratt 
street bridge they were pursued by the excited 
crowd, who continued to hurl stones, and, it 
is stated, fired at them with muskets, &c. 
Mayor Brown had put himself at the head of 
the column, with a strong body of police. The 
soldiers continued on up Pratt street over the 
bridge, where several more were badly injured 
by the stones thrown at the rear ranks. They 
came along at a brisk pace, and when they 
reached Market Space, an immense concourse 
of peo[)le closed in behind them and commenced 
stoning them. 

AVhen they reached Gay street, where the 
track had been torn up, a large crowd of men 
armed with paving-stones showered them on 
their heads with such force that several of them 
were knocked down in the ranks. These, 
after lying a few moments crawled on their 
hands and knees into some of the stores on 
Pratt street. After they fell there was no fur- 
ther attack made on them, and those thus 



wounded were taken to apothecary stores for 
medical attendance. 

At the corner of Soutji and Pratt streets a 
man fired a pistol into the ranks of the military, 
when those in the rear ranks immediately 
wheeled and fired upon their assailants, and 
several were wounded. The guns of the sol- 
diers that had fallen wounded were seized, and 
fired upon the ranks with fatal effect in two in- 
stances. 

After they reached Calvert street they suc- 
ceeded in checking their pursuers by a rai>id fire, 
which brought down two or three, and they 
were not much molested until they reached 
Howard street, where another large crowd waa 
assembled. Some stones were thrown at them, 
but their guns were not loaded, and they passed 
on through the dense crowd down Howard 
street towards the depot. 

The scene on Pratt street, as stated, was of 
a startling character. The wounded soldiers, 
three in number, were taken up carefully and 
carried to places of safety by the citizens along 
the street. 

The rear portion of the troops received the 
brunt of the attack of the assailants. The pav- 
ing-stones were dashed with great force against 
their backs and heads, and marching thus in 
close ranks, they were unable to effectually de- 
fend themselves. When they did turn and fire, 
it was without halt, and being thus massed to- 
gether, their shots took effect mostly on inno- 
cent spectators who were standing on the pave- 
ment. TJiey stood the assault with stones with- 
out resistance, tlie entire distance from the 
President street depot until they reached the 
vicinity of South street, and then fired obliquely 
on to the pavements, rather than turning on 
their assailants. The police did their utmost 
to protect the troops from assault, and partially 
succeeded until they reached Gay street, where 
the crowd, armed with paving-stones, were col- 
lected. They rushed in between the police and 
the rear ranks, driving them back, and sepa- 
rating them fi'om the military. After the firing 
commenced, the assaulting party dispersed, and 
for the balance of the route there was no attack 
upon them. The four soldiers who fell wounded 
in the street, were struck down between Gay 
and Calvert streets, where the fiercest of the 
attack was inade on them. The troops com- 
posed the Sixth regiment of Massachusetts In- 
fantry, commanded by Colonel E. F. Jones, in 
all eleven com|)anies, with an aggregate of eight 
hundred and sixty men, rank and file. 

It was about half-i)ast twelve o*clock when 
the train left the Camden station. A few 
minutes afterwards, a discharge of firearms at- 
tracted the attention of the crowd to the cor- 
ner of Pratt and Howard streets, where a body 
of infantry from one of the Northern States, 
about one hundred and fifty strong, were seen 
rapidly approaching the depot, and no doubt 
anxious to reach the cars. 

The excitement now was beyond description, 
and a man displaying the flag of the Couieder- 



32 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



ate States seemed to be the rallying point of 
the disaffected people. Some of these assaulted 
the command with st;ones, when a mmiber of 
the latter discharged their muskets. At least 
twenty shots were fired, but it happily proved 
that no person was injured. There seemed to 
be but little discipline among the troops, espe- 
cially as they rushed along pell-mell. Whilst 
they were entering the cars a crowd of young 
men gave them several volleys of bricks and 
stones, some of which demolished the windows 
of the cars, whereupon three or four of the 
privates pointed their muskets through the car 
windows and fired, but no one was injured. 

The baggage and munitions, in two cars, 
were seized by the crowd, but rescued by the 
police. Other troops were sent back to the 
borders of the State by orders of Gov. Hicks. 
The military of the city were called out, and 
quiet was restored at evening. Among the 
killed was Robert "W". Davis, a member of a 
mercantile firm, and a person held in high es- 
teem by a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances. Nine citizens of Baltimore were killed, 
and many wounded. Twenty-five of the wound- 
ed Massachusetts troops were sent to the Wash- 
ington hospital. 

During tLe night following a report prevailed 
that more Northern troops were approaching 
by the Northern Central Railway. It was im- 
mediately resolved to destroy the bridges near- 
est the city, on both the Northern roads ending 
in Baltimore. The bridge at Canton was thus 
destroyed, and two bridges between Cockey sville 
and Ashland ; also the bridges over Little Gun- 
powder and Bush rivers. This was ordered to 
be done ^j the authorities of Baltimore. Upon 
a representation of the events to President Lin- 
coln, he ordered that " no more troops should be 
brought through Baltimore, if, in a military point 
of view, and without interruption or opposition, 
they can be marched around Baltimore." 

The public mind continued in a feverish state 
from the excitement of Friday, when unfound- 
ed reports that Northern troops were approach- 
ing the city, aroused a most indescribable tu- 
mult, like ten thousand people bereft of reason. 
The error of the rumors becoming finally 
known, peace and order were restored. 

The transmission of the mails, and the removal 
of provisions from the city, however, were sus- 
pended by the orders of the Mayor and Board 
of Police. Four car loads of military stores, 
clothing, tents, and other army equipments, 
sufficient for the accommodation of a thou- 
sand men, and the property of the Government, 
were thus detained. On the 24th, the city pre- 
sented much the appearance of a military camp. 
The number of volunteers there enlisted, was 
put as high as 25,000. Large quantities of pro- 
visions were seized, and its departure from the 
city stopped. About four hundred picked men 
left the city for the Relay House, on the Balti- 
more and Ohio Railroad, for the purpose of 
seizing and holding tliat important strategic 
point. They were followed by a force of about 



two hundred men, having with them four field- 
pieces and an abundance of ammunition. It 
was the intention of the military authorities to 
concentrate there about 1,200 men. The ob- 
ject of the seizure was to cut off the commu- 
nication of the Pennsylvanians with Washington 
by that route. 

The troops at Cockeysville were removed to 
York, Pennsylvania. 

Immediately upon the departure of the train, 
the authorities of Baltimore County despatched 
a body of armed men to follow in the rear, and 
destroy the bridges, which they did; burning 
all the bridges, large and small, from Ashland 
to the Maryland line, with one exception, the 
"Big Gunpowder Bridge." 

The turnpike from Ashland to York was lit- 
erally black with vehicles of every description, 
containing whole- families from Baltimore, who 
were hurrying to the country. A great many 
strangers were also proceeding to Pennsylva- 
nia, for the purpose of getting into the more 
Northern States. 

Unparalleled as was the excitement in Balti- 
more, after one week qniet was not only re- 
stored, but a countei'-revolution took place, 
which by its mere moral force reestablished 
the control of reason and judgment. 

On the 5th of May, the volunteer militia 
were dismissed by the authorities. 

On the 10th of May, thirteen hundred troops 
landed near Fort McHeury from transports, and 
were thence transferred by trains to Washington. 

The Board of Police Commissioners had at 
noon detailed a large police force, who were pres- 
ent at Locust Point, and acted with great efiicien- 
cy, under the direction of Marshal Kane. The 
Board of Commissioners W'cre present in person, 
as also the Mayor. Few spectators were present 
at Locust Point, but the wharves on the city 
side were filled with persons, who quietly look- 
ed on the scene of the disembarkation, which 
was very tedious, and was not concluded until 
between six and seven o'clock in the evening. 

The troops were Sherman's Battery, five com- 
panies of the Third Infantry from Texas, and a 
Pennsylvania Regiment. 

On the 5th of May, the United States Volun- 
teers under the command of General Butler, 
had taken possession of the Relay House on the 
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and proceeded to 
fortify their position. Subsequently, on the 
13th, he moved a portion of his troops to Balti- 
more. It soon became known in the city, and 
a number of people went to the Camden sta- 
tion to witness the arrival. 

About half-past seven o'clock a long train 
came, containing a portion of the troops. They 
disembarked in good order, and marched from 
the depot down Lee street and other streets 
to Federal Hill, and, moving to the high ground 
surrounding the Observatory, stacked arms, and 
made preparations for a long rest. 

The force under command of General Butler 
was composed of a portion of the Boston Light 
Artillery, Major Cook; a strong detachment 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOK 



33 



of tbe 6th Massachusetts regiment, Ool. Jones, 
and about five hundred of the 8th New York 
regiment, Lieut.-Col. Waltenburg. 

On the route to the Hill the streets were 
thronged with people, who greeted the mihtary 
with cheers at every step, the ladies at the win- 
dows and the doors joining in the applause by- 
waving their handkerchiefs. 

Thus quietly was military possession taken 



of the city of Baltimore. On the next day con- 
siderable reenforcements arrived. 

On the 16th of May, the regular passenger 
trains between Baltimore and Washington re- 
sumed their usual trips. Baltimore subsided 
into one of the most quiet cities of the Union. 
The military encampment was, however, main- 
tained. Meantime the action of States to secede 
from the Union was renewed. 



CHAPTEE Y. 



Proceedings in Texas to effect Secession, and Military Movements— Action in Virginia and Military Movements — ^Action 
in Arkansas and Military Movements — Action in North Carolina and MUitary Movements — Action in Tennessee and 
Military Movements. 



The secession of more Southern States now 
commenced. Of these Texas was foremost. 
The call for her Convention was revolutionary. 
It was signed by sixty-one individuals. Upon 
this call delegates were elected. 

About the same time one of the members of 
the Legislature took the responsibility of issuing 
a call for the meeting of that body in extra ses- 
sion. To avoid a conflict between the State 
authorities and the revolutionists, Governor 
Houston convened the Legislatm*e in extra ses- 
sion at Austin on January 22d. 

The following is the proclamation issued by 
the Governor : 

Whereas, there has been and yet is great excitement 
existing in the public mind, arising from various 
causes, touching our relations with the Federal Gov- 
ernment and many of the States, and a portion of the 
people have expressed a desire that the Legislature 
should be convened in extra session ; and whereas 
the Executive desires that such measures should be 
adopted as will secure a free expression of the popular 
will through the ballot-box upon the question at issue, 
involving their peace, security, and happiness, and 
the action of the whole people made known in relation 
to the course which it may be proper and necessary 
for Texas, as one of the States of the Union, to pursue, 
in order to maintain, if possible, her rights in the 
Union, as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution ; 
and whereas our frontier is now invaded by Indians, 
and the lives of our citizens taken and their property 
destroyed ; and whereas the treasury is without means 
either to defend the frontier or meet ordinary expenses 
of Government; 

Now, therefore, I, Sam Houston, Governor of the 
State of Texas, for the reasons herein set forth, do 
hereby issue this my proclamation, ordering the Leg- 
islature of the State of Texas to convene in extra ses- 
sion at the Capitol, in the City of Austin, on Monday, 
the 21st day of January, a. d. 1861. 

"When the Legislature assembled, he addressed 
a message to them, in which he favored delay as 
long as possible in holding a State Convention. 
He was himself opposed to calling one, and be- 
lieved that the Union could be preserved. 

The Legislature sanctioned the election of 
delegates to the State Convention, which as- 
sembled one week later, by the adoption of the 
following 

3 



Joint Eesolittion concerning the Caiwention of the people 
of Texas, called in jjursitaiice of the Bill of Rights. 

WTiereas the people of Texas, being much concerned 
for the preservation of the rights, liberties, and powers 
of the State and its inhabitants, endangered by the 
political action of a majority of tbe States, and the 
people of the same have, in the exercise of powers 
reserved to themselves in the Bill of Rights, called a 
Convention, composed of two members for each rep- 
resentative in the Legislature, from the various dis- 
tricts established by the apportionment law of 1860, to 
assemble on the 28th day of January, 1861, at the city 
of Austin ; which Convention, by the terms of the call, 
made by numerous assemblages of citizens in various 
parts of the State, was, when elected and assembled, 
to have power to consider the condition of public 
affairs; to determine what shall be the future relations 
of this State to the Union, and such other matters as 
are necessarily and properly incident thereto ; and in 
case it should be determined by said Convention that 
it is necessary for the preservation of the rights and 
liberties aforesaid that the sovereignty of Texas should 
resume the powers delegated to the Federal Gov- 
ernment in the Constitution of the United States, and 
by the articles of annexation, then the ordinance of 
said Convention resuming said delegated powers, and 
repealing the ratification by the people of Texas of 
said articles of annexation, should be submitted to a 
vote of the qualified electors of this State for their 
ratification or rejection. Therefore 

Be it resolved oy the Legislature of the State of Texas, 
That the Government of the State of Texas hereby 
gives its assent to and approves of the Convention 
aforesaid. 

Sec. 2. That this resolution take effect and be iif 
force from and after its passage. 

With a protest against the assumption of any 
powers on the part of said Convention beyond the 
reference of the question of a longer connection of 
Texas with the Union to the people, approved 4th 
February, 1861. SAil HOUSTON. 

Resolutions had been offered for delaying 
the secession movement, but these were twice 
laid on tbe table. A resolution was also passed 
repudiating the idea of using forcible means 
for coercing any seceding State, and declaring 
that any such attempt would be resisted to the 
last extremity. A bill was passed requiring 
the ordinance of secession, if adopted by the 
State Convention, to be submitted to the people. 

On the 28th of January, the State Conven- 
tion assembled. The call having been irregu- 



84 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



lar, the vote for members was very light. 
There are 122 counties in the State, of which 
nearly half held no election, and were not 
represented in the Conventica. Some of these 
were : Old Nacogdoches, with 1,023 legal vo- 
tei-s; Lamar, with 1,123 voters; Blanco, with 
1,139 voters; Cherokee, with 1,644 voters; 
Fannin, with 1,183 voters. 

The vote in some of the counties was as fol- 
lows: Anderson, with 1,093 voters, only 38T 
voted ; Bastrop, 769 voters, 153 voted ; Collin, 
1,119 voters, 211 voted; Grayson, 1,217 voters, 
280 voted ; Hays, 296 voters, 67 voted ; Jack- 
son, 296 voters, 40 voted ; Lampasas, 285 
voters, 50 voted; Red River, 879 voters, 60 
voted; Travis, 1,011 voters, 342 voted. This 
county has Austin within its limits. 

On the 5th of February an 'ordinance of 
secession was passed in the Convention by a 
vote of ayes 166, nays 7. The following is the 
ordinance : 

As Ordinance to dissolve the Union heticeen the State 
of Texas and the other States tinder the compact styled 
'• The Constitution of the United States of America^ 

Sec. 1. Whereas the Federal Government has failed 
to accomplish the purposes of the compact of union 
between these States, in giving protection either to the 
persons of our people upon an exposed frontier, or to 
the property of our citizens ; and whereas the action 
of the Northern States is violative of the compact be- 
tween the States and the guarantees of the Consti- 
tution; and whereas the recent developments in Fed- 
eral affairs make it evident that the power of the 
Federal Government is sought to be made a weapon 
with which to strike down the interests and property 
of the people of Texas and her sister slaveholding 
States, instead of permitting it to be, as was intended 
— our shield against outrage and aggression ; there- 
fore, '; We, the people of the State of Texas, by dele- 
gates in the Convention assembled, do declare and 
ordain that the ordinance adopted by our Convention 
of delegates on the fourth (4th) day of Julv, a. d. 1845, 
and afterwards ratified by us, under which the Republ 
lie of Texas was admitted into the Union with other 
States, and became a party to the compact styled 
'The Constitution of the United States of America,' 
be, and is hereby repealed and annulled." 

That all the powers which, bv the said compact, 
were delegated by Texas to the Federal Government 
are resumed. That Texas is of right absolved from 
all restraints and obligations incurred by said com- 
pact, and is a separate sovereign State, and that her 
citizens and people are absolved from all allegiance 
to the United States or the Government thereof. 

Sec. 2. The ordinance shall be submitted to the 
people of Texas for their ratification or rejection, by 
the qualified voters, on the 23d day of February, 1861 ; 
and unless rejected by a majority of the votes cast, 
shall take effect and be in force on and after the 2d 
day of March, a. d. 1861. Provided that in the rep- 
resentative district of El Paso said election may be 
held on the 18th day of February, 1861. 

Done by the people of the State of Texas, in con- 
vention assembled, at Austin, the 1st day of February 
A. D. 1861. •" 

Public sentiment was in favor of joining a 
Southern Confederacy, and on the llth an or- 
dinance was passed favoring the formation of 
such a Confederacy, and electing seven dele- 
gates to a Southern Congress. 

On the 14th the Convention adjom-ned to 
the 20th of February. 

The vote to refer the ordinance of secession 



to the people was quite as unanimous in the 
Convention as was that on the adoption of the 
ordinance. The election of delegates being to 
some extent informal, and scarcely half of the 
vote of the State having been cast, it was 
thought best that the ordinance of secession 
should receive the sanction of the people before 
it should be declared final. It was submitted to 
the voters of the State on the 23d of February, 
which election was legalized by the Legislature, 
and approved by the Governor under a protest 
against the shortness of time intervening be- 
tween the passage of the ordinance and the 
day of election. The vote in eighty counties 
of the State was : For secession, 34,794 ; against 
secession, 1 1,235. Majority for secession, 23,559. 
The vote at the Presidential election in Novem- 
ber previous was: Lincoln, ; Douglas, 

; Breckinridge, 47,548; Bell, 15,438. 

On the 2d of March the Conventiou reas- 
sembled without a quorum, and on the 4th the 
vote was counted. When the result was an- 
nounced in the Convention, and the President 
declared that Texas was a free and independent 
State, tliere immediately ensued a tremendous 
burst of cheers and enthusiastic applaiise. 

On the 5th the Convention passed an ordi- 
nance instructing the delegates, whom it had 
previously appointed to the Southern Con- 
gress, to apply for the admission of Texas into 
the Southern Confederacy, and to that end to 
give the adhesion of Texas to the Provisional 
Constitution of the said Confederacy. 

The numerical strength of the United States 
army in Texas was about 2,500 men, divided 
into thirty-seven companies — twenty-two in- 
fantry, five artillery, and ten cavalry. Twenty 
companies were on the Rio Grande — fifteen 
infantry, and five artillery. The other seven- 
teen companies were stationed in the interior, 
from Camp Cooper, Phantom Hill, in the 
northern part of the State, south as far as San 
Antonio and Fort Inge, near Fort Duncan, on 
the Rio Grande. 

On tlie withdrawal of these troops, their 
places on the Rio Grande were supplied by 
State militia from Galveston and the neighbor- 
ing counties. 

Previous to this time, the surrender of Major- 
General Twiggs, the United States commander 
in that Department, to the authorities in Texas, 
took place. This caused great astonishment at 
Washington, where it was hardly anticipated. 
The secession of the State was not then, in fact, 
concluded. There had been no vote of the 
people upon the ordinance. The United States 
army was allowed to march to the coast by 
the articles of agreement, and to take with 
them their side-arms, facilities for transporta- 
tion and subsistence, as well as two batteries 
of flying artillery of four guns each. The means 
of transportation were to be surrendered, and 
left upon arrival at the coast. By this treaty, 
without one drop of bloodshed, and "without 
sullying in the least the honor of the United 
States army," Texas came into possession of 



MILITAET AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



35 



over thirteen hundred thousand dohars' worth 
of property, principally consisting of munitions 
of war. 

The seizure of all the property of the United 
States was complete. The revenue cutter was 
surrendered, and the lighthouse supply-vessel 
for the coast was captured. This vessel, the 
Guthrie, sailed from New Bedford, Massachu- 
setts, November 8, 1860, with a full cargo of 
supplies for one year for all the lighthouses and 
light vessels between Amelia Island, Georgia, 
and the Rio Grande, Texas. The master in 
charge reached the bay at Galveston on the 5th 
of March, for the purpose of delivering the year's 
supply of oil, &c., to the Bolivar Point and other 
lighthouses in that vicinity. "While he was ab- 
sent from the vessel, attending to the delivery 
of the supplies, the Guthrie was boarded by 
several men, accompanied by an individual call- 
ing himself General Sherman, claiming to act 
by authority, and under the orders of the " Com- 
mittee of Safety at Galveston." These men got 
the vessel under weigh, and proceeded with her 
nearer the cutter, where she was detained. 

Some detachments of United States troops 
still remained in the State, and these were made 
prisoners, and released upon parole. On the 
24th of April, Colonel Van Dorn, with a Texan 
force on steamers, came down from Indianola 
to Saluria, and anchored near the schooners 
having on board the United States troops un- 
der Major Sibley, numbering 450. An inter- 
view took place during the next day between 
the commanding officers, which ended in the 
surrender of the entire Federal force as prison- 
ers of war. Tlie officers were to be released 
on parole, and tlie men on their oaths that they 
would not take up arms against the Southern 
Confederacy, after surrendering their arms and 
all the property of the companies ; such of the 
men and officers as desired were to be received 
into the Confederate army. Private property 
was not to be molested, and the soldiers were 
not permitted to leave the State except by way 
of Galveston and the Mississippi River. 

On the 9th of May, six companies of the 8th 
United States infantry, under command of 
Lieut.-Colonel Reeve, surrendered to a Con- 
federate force under Colonel Van Doi-n, near 
San Lucas Springs, about twenty-two miles 
west of San Antonio, and on the Castroville 
road. Colonel Reeve's command consisted of 
3GG rank and file, with their appropriate officers, 
together with Colonel Bumford and several 
other officers who were on leave, or under 
orders to report at other points, and who, taking 
advantage of the troops coming to San Antonio, 
sought and obtained the escort of the same. 

Colonel Van Dorn left his camp on the Leon 
at four o'clock on Thursday morning, the 8th, 
and took a position previously selected, about 
two miles to the westward on the road leading 
to Castroville, where he formed his command 
into line of battle. Shortly after daylight the 
pickets and spies reported Colonel Reeve as 
having left his camp at two o'clock a. m., as 



had been his custom on this- march, and having 
reached the high ridge of land near San Lucas 
Springs, and at the ranche of Mr. Adams, Avhere 
he had halted his command, taken possession 
of the large stone house, barricaded the road 
with his wagons, and placed his troops in posi- 
tion behind the strong corral fences and in the 
stone house, apparently to await the assault. 

Upon this being announced to the colonel 
commanding the Confederate troops, he ordered 
a forward movement of the whole command, 
and gave directions for the forming of the line 
of battle. The infantry, under the command 
of Lieut.-Col. Duff, were placed on the right ; 
the battery of flying artillery — six pieces, 12- 
pounders — under Capt. Edgar, in the centre, 
with the cavalry and mounted troops under Col. 
n. E. McCulloch on the left ; the Avhole com- 
mand, numbering some 1,500 troops of all arms, 
presenting a very fine appearance, Avith banners 
flying, drums beating, sabres and bayonets glit- 
tering in the meridian sun, horses pawing and 
neighing, the field officers flying from one end 
of the field to another, carrying the commands 
of their chief. 

Under a flag of truce, borne by Capts. Wil- 
cox and Majors, a demand was made of an un- 
conditional surrender of the United States 
troops as prisoners of war, and five minutes 
given to answer it. Col. Reeve" would not agree 
to the terms unless Col. Van Dorn would con- 
vince him that he had sufficient strength to en- 
force them, by permitting an officer of his com- 
mand, whom he would designate, to see the 
troops and report to him ; the prompt answer 
returned was, that he should have that oppor- 
tunity to see the troops, and the more he saw 
of them the less he would like it. The officer 
designated by Col. Reeve was Lieut. Bliss, 
a young officer of distinguished bravery, well 
known in the United States army, who mount- 
ed a horse, rode down the line of Confederate 
troops, and was repeatedly cheered. Suffice it 
to say, on his report Col. Reeve surrendered 
with his command, together with all the ]>ublic 
property in his possession, unconditionally, as 
prisoners of war, giving his word of honor that 
he would report himself and command at Col. 
Van Dorn's camp on the Leon that evening at 
6 o'clock. 

The Confederates then retired to camp, w^ere 
they arrived about 3 o'clock p. m. At 5 
o'clock p. M. Col. Reeve's command arrived in 
camp, and their ground being designated by 
the i)roper officer, they pitched their tents as 
orderly, and stacked their arras with as much 
precision, as if on inspection parade. Next 
morning at 5 o'clock the infantry and cavalry 
struck their tents and marched into San Anto- 
nio, where they arrived in good condition at 6 
o'clock. Col. Reeve's command marched to 
the San Pedro Springs, two miles above San 
Antonio, to a camp designated by a proper offi- 
cer, where aU the arms and Government prop- 
erty were given up. Other States now rapidly 
followed in the secession movement. 



36 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



The State Convention of Virginia met at 
Richmond on the 13th of February. Jolm 
Janney, of Loudon, was elected President of 
the Convention, and upon taking the chair ho 
made an address friendly to the Union, but said 
that Virginia would insist on her own construc- 
tion of her rights as a condition of her remain- 
ing in the present Union. The next day was 
devoted to perfecting the organization. 

The object of the people of Virginia, as ex- 
pressed by their Legislature, and by their vote 
at the election for delegates to the Convention, 
was, if it could be done, honorably "to restore 
the Union of the States, and preserve that 
Union for all time to come." 

On the 16tli numerous resolutions were of- 
fered, which, while expressing a hope that the 
difficulties then existing might be reconciled 
and the Union perpetuated, yet denounced the 
idea of coercing in any way the seceding States. 

Mr. Wise, of Princess Anne, reiterated his 
policy of fighting in the Union, and counselled 
speedy action. 

Mr. Moore, of Rockingham, opposed haste. 
He would not be driven by the North, nor 
dragged by the cotton States, who kad acted 
without consulting Virginia. 

Addresses were also made to the Convention 
by the Commissioners from other States who 
were present. Mr. Preston, from South Caro- 
lina, in his remarks, said that the Union could 
never be reconstructed " unless power should 
unfix the economy of good. No sanctity of 
human touch could reunite the people of the 
North and South." 

On the 20th of February, numerous resolu- 
tions were offered and referred. They gen- 
erally expressed an attachment to the Union 
and the desire for an equitable settlement, but 
denounced coercion, and declared a jjurpose to 
resist it. Others maintained that the union 
of the South was the safety of the South, and 
that each State should speedily resume the 
powers delegated to the General Government. 
A resolution was offered to raise a committee 
to inquire whether any movement of arms or 
men had been made by the General Govern- 
ment toward strengthening any fort or arsenal 
in or bordering on Virginia, indicating prepa- 
rations for an attack or coercion. It was laid 
on the table without further action, but taken 
np the next day and adopted. The report of 
the committee on the election of members 
stated that all the counties except sixteen had 
sent in returns thus far, and the majority for 
referring the action of the Convention to the 
people was 52,857. 

The Convention was occupied with debates 
on general subjects until April 13th. On that 
day the debate turned exclusively upon the 
surrender of Fort Sumter. Messrs. Carlile and 
Early deprecated the .action of South Carolina 
in firing upon the fort, and expressed devotion 
to the flag of their country. Others applauded 
the gallantry of South Carolina, and main- 
tained that whatever the Convention might 



do, the people would take Vu-ginia out of the 
Union. 

A communication was received from the Gov- 
ernor, submitting a despatch from Gov. Pickens, 
giving an account of Friday's bombardment. 
He said : " There was not a man at our batteries 
hurt. The fort fired furiously upon us. Our 
iron battery did great damage to the south wall 
of the fort ; the sheUs fell freely into the fort, 
and the effect is supposed to be serious, as they 
are not firing this morning. Our ' Enfield ' bat- 
tery dismounte'd three of Anderson's largest 
colunibiads. We wiU take the fort, and can 
sink the ships if they attempt to pass the chan- 
nel. If they land elsewhere we can whip them. 
We have now 7,000 of the best troops in the 
world, and a reserve of 10,000 on the routes to 
the harbor. The war has commenced, and we 
will triumph or perish. Please let me know 
what your State intends to do." 

Governor Letcher replied : " The Convention 
will determine." 

On the 15th the reply of the President wa3 
presented by the Commissioners. A resolution 
was oflered to go into secret session to consider 
this report. A debate followed. The procla- 
mation of President Lincoln, calling for sev- 
enty-five thousand men, constituted the prin- 
cipal theme. Messrs. Scott and Preston (Union- 
ists) declared, that if the President meant sub- 
jugation of the South, Virginia had but one 
course to pui'sue. A difference of opinion ex- 
isted as to whether it would be best to secede 
immediately, or await the cooperation of the 
Border States, and it was believed the alter- 
native propositions would be submitted to the 
people. Some delegates doubted the authen- 
ticity of the proclamation, and, in deference to 
their wishes, the Convention adjourned. 

The reply of the Governor to the requisition 
of the Secretary of War was made on the 16th, 
as follows : 

ExEOUTivE Department, EichmonDj Va., April 16, 1S61. 
Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. 

Sir: I received your telegram of the 15th, the gen- 
uineness of which I doubted. Since that time I have 
received your communication, mailed the same day, 
in which I am requested to detach from the militia 
of the State of Virginia "the quota designated in a 
table," which you append, " to serve as infantry or 
riflemen for the period of three months, unless soon- 
er discharged." 

In reply to this communication, I have only to say 
that the militia of Virginia will not be furnished to 
the powers at Washington for any such use or pur- 
pose as they have in view. Your object is to subju- 
gate the Southern States, and a requisition made 
upon me for such an object — an object, in my judg- 
ment, not within the purview of the Constitution or 
the act of 1795 — will not be complied with. You have 
chosen to inaugurate civil war, and, having done so, 
we will meet it in a spirit as determined as the ad- 
ministration has exhibited toward the South. 

Kespectfully, JOHN LETCHEE. 

On the 16th the Convention assembled in 
secret session. This was immediately after the 
surrender of Fort Sumter. 

On the I7th an ordinance of secession was 
passed by the Convention. The vote was 88 in' 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



37 



its favor and 55 against it. Only 91 delegates 
had sicned it at the expiration of the first month 
after its passage. It is stated by a member that 
when the Convention assembled, a clear ma- 
jority was for the Union, at which a mob ex- 
citement existed in Richmond. It was then 
calculated that if ten Uuion men could be kept 
away, there would be a majority for secession. 
Accordingly, ten members were waited upon 
and informed that they were given the choice 
of doing one of three things : either to vote 
for the secession ordinance, to absent them- 
selves, or to be hanged. Resistance was found 
to be useless, and the ten yielded and were 
absent. The report of the vote, however, 
shows that at the final moment the majority 
in favor of the ordinance was large. 

The following is the Ordinance of Secession : 

An Ordinance to repeal tJie ratification of the Consti- 
tution of the United States of America, by the State 
of Virginia, a?id to resume all the riyhts and powers 
granted under said Constitution. 
The people of Virginia, in the ratification of the 
Constitution of the United States of America, adopted 
by them in Convention, on the 25th day of June, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
eighty-eight, having declared that the powers granted 
under the said Constitution were derived from the peo- 
ple of the United States, and might be resumed whenso- 
ever the same should be perverted to their injury and 
opprossion, and the Federal Government having per- 
Tcrteil said powers, not only to the injury of the people 
of Virginia, but to the oppression of the Southern 
slaveholding States ; 

Now, therefore, we, the people of Virginia, do 
declare and ordain, that the Ordinance adopted by tho 
people of this State in Convention on the twenty-fifth 
day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and eighty-eight, whereby the Con- 
stitution of the United States of America was ratified, 
and all acts of the General Assembly of this State rati- 
fying or adopting amendments to said Constitution, 
are hereby repealed and abrogated ; that the union 
between the State of Virginia and the other States 
under the Constitution aforesaid is hereby dissolved, 
and that the State of Virginia is in the full possession 
and exercise of all the rights of sovereignty which be- 
long and appertain to a free and independent State. 
Ancl they do further declare that said Constitution of 
the United States of America is no longer binding on 
any of the citizens of this State. 

This Ordinance shall take eflect and be an act of this 
day, when ratified by a majority of the votes of the 
people of this State, cast at a poll to be taken thereon, 
on the fourth Thursday in Jlay next, in pursuance of 
a schedule hereafter to be enacted. 

Done in Convention in the city of Richmond, on the 

seventeenth day of April, iu the year of our Lord one 

thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and in the 

eighty-fifth year of the commonwealth of Virginia. 

A true copy, JNO. L. EUBANK, 

Secretary of Convention. 

At the same time the Convention passed an 
ordinance requiring the Governor to call out as 
many volunteers as might be necessary to repel 
invasion, and to protect the citizens of the 
State. The following is the Governor's Procla- 
mation : 

WJifreas seven of the States formerly composing a 
part of the United States have, by authority of their 
people, solemnly resumed the powers granted by them 
to the United States, and have framed aConstitntion and 
organized a Government for themselves, to which the 



people of those States are yielding willing obedience, 
and have so notified the President of the United States 
by all the formalities incident to such action, and 
thereby become to the United States a separate, inde- 
pendent, and foreign Power ; and whereas the Consti- 
tution of the United States has invested Congress with 
the sole power " to declare war," and until such decla- 
ration is made the President has no authority to call 
for an extraordinary force to wage oflensive war 
against any foreign Power; and whereas on the l&ih 
instant the President of the United States, iu plain 
violation of the Constitution, issued a proclamation 
calling for a force of seventy-five thousand men, to 
cause the laws of the United States to be duly executed 
over a people who are no longer a part of the Union, 
and in said proclamation thieatens to exert this un- 
usual force to compel obedience to his mandates ; and 
whereas the General Assembly of Virginia, by a ma- 
jority approaching to entire unanimity, declared at its 
fast session that the State of Virginia would consider 
such an exertion of force as a virtual declaration of 
war, to be resisted by all the power at the command 
of Virginia ; and subsequently, the Convention now 
in session, representing the sovereignty of this State, 
has re-affirmed in substance the same policy, with 
almost equal unanimity ; and whereas the State of 
Virginia deeply sympathizes with the Southern States 
in the wrongs they have suffered and in the position 
they have assumed, and having made earnest efforts 
peaceably to compose the differences which have 
severed the Union, and having failed in that atlenipt 
through this unwarranted act on the part of the Presi- 
dent ; and it is believed that the influences which op- 
erate to produce this proclamation against the Seceded 
States will be brought to bear upon this Common- 
wealth if she should exercise her undoubted rights to 
resume the powers granted by her people, and it is 
due to the honor of \ irginia that an improper exercise 
of force against her people should be repelled : 

Therefore I, John Letcher, Governor of the Com- 
monwealth of Virginia, have thought proper to order 
all armed volunteer regiments or companies wiiLin 
this State forthwith to hold themselves in readiness 
for immediate orders, and upon the reception of this 
proclamation to report to the Adjutant-General of the 
State their organization and numbers, and prepare 
themselves for efficient service. Such companies as 
are not armed and equipped will report that fact that 
they may be properly supplied. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my 
hand, and caused the seal of the Common- 
[l. S.] wealth to be affixed, this 17th day of April, 
1801, and in the eighty-fifth year of the Com- 
monwealth. JOHN LETCHER. 

During the next day, it was announced from 
the hall of the Convention, that an ordinance 
of secession had been passed, to take efi'ect as 
an act of that day, should the same be ratified 
by the people on a vote to be taken thereon on 
the fourth Thursday of May. The intelligence 
spread throughout Richmond and produced 
immense excitement. Loud and prolonged 
cheering proceeded from the assembled crowds. 
In a very short time a rush was made by a 
party of citizens to the custom-house, for the 
purpose of signalizing the act of secession in a 
more demonstrative manner. The gilt letter 
sign, " United States Court," over the portico 
was speedily displaced and taken down, and 
the occupants of the building notified that the 
United States jurisdiction over the property had 
ceased. The next act was to raise a Southern 
Confederacy flag, with eight stars, over the 
capitol, in which the Convention held its 
sessions. 



38 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The Confederate flag was displayed on tlie 
same day from the custom-house, hotels, and 
private residences, eight stars being generally 
the number on the flag — one having been added 
for Virginia. The custom-house was also taken 
out of the hands of the United States officials, 
and placed under a guard of State troops. The 
steamships Yorktown and Jamestown (belong- 
ing to the Virginia and New York Steamship 
Company) were both seized and put in charge 
of Virginia State troops. Many other seizures 
were also made. 

The Traders' Bank at Richmond tendered the 
State a loan of $50,000, 

A proclamation was issued by the Gov- 
ernor, prohibiting the exportation of flour, 
grain, and provisions from Virginia, and an- 
other was issued ordering all private vessels 
and property recently seized or detained, with 
the exception of the steamers Jamestown and 
Yorktown, to be released and delivered up to 
their masters or owners. For this purpose 
proper officers of the State were assigned to 
each of the rivers Rappahannock, York, Po- 
tomac, and James, with orders to release such 
vessels and property, and give certificates for 
damages incurred by their seizure or detention. 

The supply of troops, under the call of the 
Governor authorized by the State Convention, 
was so great that further orders were issued 
directing no more troops to proceed to Rich- 
mond until called for. About 6,000 had as- 
sembled there, and 4,000 at Harper's Ferry. 

An intelligent citizen of Richmond thus de- 
scribes the military spirit existing there on the 
25th of April : " Our beautiful city presents the 
appearance of an armed camp. Where all these 
soldiers come from, in such a state of preparation, 
I cannot imagine. Every train pours in its mul- 
titude of volunteers, but I am not as much sur- 
prised at the number as at the apparent disci- 
pline of the country companies. Some of them 
really march like regulars, and with their stal- 
wart forms, dark, fierce countenances, and the 
red-coated negro fifers and drummers in front, 
present quite a picturesque *as well as most 
warlike aspect. 

" General R. E. Lee, late of the United States 
Army, has. been appointed by the Governor to 
the chief command of the Virginia forces. 
Colonel Walter Gwynn, formerly of the United 
States Army, received a commission of Major- 
General. 

" Yesterday evening, in addition to the large 
force pouring in from all parts of the country, 
five bunded troops arrived from South Carolina, 
under command of Brigadier-General M. D. 
Bonham, About the same number from the 
same State will ^rive to-day. 

" The Cadets of the Virginia Military Insti- 
tute, under the Superintendent and officers, are 
here drilling and disciplining the various com- 
panies of military who require such aid. But 
I can give you no idea of the military spirit of 
the State, Augusta County, a strong Whig 
Union county in Western Virginia, and Rock- 



ingham, an equally strong Democratic Union 
county, lying side by side with Augusta, each 
contribute 1,500 men to the war. These are 
like all our volunteer companies, farmers, me- 
chanics, professional men, the bone and sinew 
of the country. It was of Augusta that Wash- 
ington said in the darkest hour of the Revolu- 
tion that, if defeated everywhere else, he 
would unfurl a banner on the mountains of 
Augusta, and raise the prostrate form of Liberty 
from the dust, Amherst County, with a voting 
population of only 1,500, contributes 1,000 vol- 
unteers. 

" But the war spirit is not confined to the men 
nor to the white population. The ladies are 
not only preparing comforts for the soldiers, 
but arming and practising themselves. Com- 
panies of boys, also, from ten to fourteen years 
of age, fully armed and well drilled, are pre- 
paring for the fray. In Petersburg 300 free 
negroes offered their services, either to fight 
under white Officers, or to ditch and dig, or any 
kind of labor. An equal number in this city 
and across the river in Chesterfield have volun- 
teered in like manner," 

The lights on the Virginia shore of Chesa- 
peake Bay were removed or extinguished, by 
order of the authorities of the State, 

The accession of Virginia to the Southern 
Confederacy was announced by the Governor 
in the following proclamation : 

Whereas the Convention of this Commonwealth 
has, on this, the 25th day of April, 1861, adopted an 
ordinance "for the adoption of the Constitution of the 
Provisional Government of the Confederate States of 
America ;" and has agreed to a " Convention between 
the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Confederated 
States of America, which it is proper should be made 
known to the people of this Commonwealth and to the 
world : 

Therefore, I, John Letcher, Governor of the Com- 
monwealth of Virginia, do hereby publish and proclaim 
that the following are authentic copies of the Ordinance 
and Convention aforesaid. 

Given under my hand as Governor, and under 

«the seal of the Commonwealth at Richmond, 

[l, s.] this twenty-fifth of April, one thousand eight 

hundred and sixty-one, and in the eighty-fifth 

year of the Commonwealth. 

JOHN LETCHER, 
By the Governor, 
Geo, W, Munford, Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

An Ordinance for the adoption of the Constitution of 
the Provisional Government of the Confederate 
States of A?nerica. 

We, the delegates of the people of Virginia, in Con- 
vention assembled, solemnly impressed by the perils 
which surround the Commonwealth, and appealing to 
the Searcher of hearts for the rectitude of our inten- 
tions in assuming the grave responsibility of this act, 
do by this Ordinance adopt and ratify the Constitution 
of the Provisional Government of the Confederate 
States of America, ordained and established at Mont- 
gomery, Alabama, on the eighth day of February, 
eighteen hundred and sixty-one ; provided that this 
Ordinance shall cease to have any legal operation or 
effect if the people of this Commonwealth, upon the 
vote directed to be taken on the Ordinance of Secession 
passed by this Convention, on the seventeenth day of 
April, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, shall reject the 
same, A true copy. 

JNO. L. EUBANK, Secretary. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



39 



Convention between the Commomcealth of Virginia and 
the Confederate States of America. 

The Commonwealth of Viro;inia, looking to a speedy 
union of said Commonwealth and the other slave 
States with the Confederate States of America, ac- 
cording to the provisions of the Constitution for the 
Provisional Government of said States, eaters into 
the following temporary Convention and agreement 
with said States, tor the purpose of meeting pressing 
exigencies affecting the common rights, interests, and 
safety of said Commonwealth and said Confederacy : 

1st. Until the union of said Commonwealth with 
said Confederacy shall be perfected, and said Com- 
monwealth shall become a member of said Confed- 
eracy, according to the Constitutions of both powers, 
the whole military force and military operations, of- 
fensive and defensive, of said Commonwealth, in the 
impending conflict with the United States, shall be 
under the chief control and direction of the President 
of said Confederate States, upon the same principles, 
basis, and footing as if said Commonwealth were 
now, and during the interval, a member of said Con- 
federacy. 

2d. The Commonwealth of Virginia will, after the 
consummation of the union contemplated in this Con- 
vention, and her adoption of the Constitution for a 
permanent Government of said Confederate States, 
and she shall become a member of said Confederacy 
under said permanent Constitution, if the same oc- 
cur, turn over to said Confederate States all the pub- 
lic property, naval stores, and munitions of war, etc., 
she may then be in possession of, acquired from the 
United States, on the same terms and in like manner 
as the other States of said Confederacy have done in 
like cases. 

3d. Whatever expenditures of money, if any, said 
Commonwealth of Virginia shall make before the 
union under the Provisional Government, as above 
contemplated, shall be consummated, shall be met 
and provided for by said Confederate States. 

This Convention entered into and agreed to in the 
city of Richmond, Virginia, on the twenty-fourth day 
of April, 1801, bj- Alexander H. Stephens, the duly 
authorized commissioner to act in the matter for the 
said Confederate States, and John Tyler, William 
Ballard Preston, Samuel McD. Moore, James P. Hol- 
combe, James C. Bruce, and Lewis E. Harvie, parties 
duly authorized to act in like manner for said Com- 
monwealth of Virginia ; the whole subject to the ap- 
Eroval and ratification of the proJ»er authorities of 
oth Governments respectively. 

In testimony whereof the parties aforesaid have 
hereto set their hands and seals, the day and year 
aforesaid and at the place aforesaid, in duplicate 
originals. 

[L. s.] ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS, 

Commissioner for Confederate States. 
JonN Tyler, Wm. Ballard Preston, S. 

PI McD. Moore, James P. Holcombe, James 

'•■■■' C. Bruce, Lewis E. Harvie, Commis- 

missioners for Virginia. 

Approved and ratified by the Convention of Vir- 
ginia, on the 25th day of April, 1861. 

JOHN JANNEY, President. 

Jno. L. Eubank, Secretary. 

In "Western Virginia, on the 23d of April, at 
a public meeting held in Clarksburg, Harrison 
Oovmty, eleven delegates were appointed to 
meet delegates from other northwestern coun- 
ties at Wheeling on May 13tli, to determine 
what course should be jjursued in the present 
emergency. This movement resulted in the 
separation of Western from Eastern Virginia. 

The State Convention adjonrned from the 
first of May to the eleventh of June. The in- 
junction of secrecy was still retained as to their 
proceedings relative to the secession ordinance. 



The acts of violence which had been committed 
thus far, such as the march upon Harper's Fer- 
ry, and the sinking of vessels at the mouth of 
the Elizabeth River, were done in opposition to 
the authority of the State. The Governor re- 
fused to consent that troops should be ordered 
to the Ferry. It was his purpose to preserve 
the State in an uncommitted position until after 
the vote on the Ordinance of Secession. The 
seizure at Harper's Ferry was, however, after- 
wards approved by him, and his thanks given 
to the party Avho made it. He also issued his 
proclamation calling out troops, in accordance 
with the requisition of the Confederate Govern- 
ment. Whatever might have been his previous 
purposes, he seems now to have had only one 
object in view, which was, to secure Virginia 
to the Southern Confederacy. The vote on the 
Ordinance of Secession in the Convention was 
not published by that body. It was rumored 
to have been — ayes 88, nays 55. Many of the 
negatives were subsequently induced to acqui- 
esce with the majority. 

The popular vote on the Ordinance was 
almost unanimously against it in Western 
Virginia, while with equal unanimity Eastern 
Virginia voted in favor of it. It was carried 
by a large majority of the votes cast. The 
vote in the city of Richmond was 2,400 in 
favor to 24 against it, being less than half the 
vote (5,400) polled at the Presidential election 
in November previous. 

Great activity took place in Eastern and 
Southwestern Virginia in the organization and 
equipment of troops. It was claimed as early 
as the 20th of May, that the whole number 
volunteered was 85,000, and that 48,000 of these 
were under arms, and distributed atRiclimond, 
Norfolk, Petersburg, Lynchburg, Fredericks- 
burg, Alexandria, Staunton, and Harper's Fer- 
ry. These points were nearly all connected by 
raUroad. There were said to be, in addition, 
about 8,000 from other States. 

As the troops arrived from the- South, Rich- 
mond became the general rendezvous whence, 
as soon as inspected and properly outfitted for 
active duty, they were distributed wherever 
most needed. By another estimate there 
were, by the 5th of June, in active service 
in Virginia, about fifty thousand Confederate 
troops, namely: about eight thousand at or 
near Manassas Junction ; about five thousand 
at Fredericksburg and Aquia Creek ; about 
twelve thousand at Norfolk and its neighbor- 
hood ; about five thousand at Yorktown and 
Williamsburg; and about fourteen thousand at 
Harper's Ferry. Of this aggregate, nearly all, 
exclusive of the force at Harper's Ferry, wer© 
so posted that they could be concentrated by 
railroad at any point between Norfolk and 
Alexandria within twenty-fotir hours. About 
forty thousand, it was calculated at Richmond, 
could be thrown almost at once upon the Union 
troops whenever they might present themselves 
along the line. Such a movement, however, 
had a certain degree of hazard connected with 



40 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



it, as any concentration by wliich they with- 
drew their troops from the seaboard, exposed 
them to invasion by forces from the fleet. 

Arkansas also had become ripe for the move- 
ment. On the 16th of January her Legislature 
mianimously passed a bill submitting the Con- 
vention question to the people on the 18th of 
February. If a majority were in favor of a 
Convention, the Governor should appoint the 
time for the election of its members. 

On the day appointed an election was held 
throughout the State, and the vote in favor of 
holding a Convention was 27,412 ; against it, 
15,826 ; majority for a Convention, 11,586. 
The vote of the State at the Presidential elec- 
tion in November was, for Douglas, 5,227 ; 
Breckinridge, 28,732 ; Bell, 20,094. 

At the election of delegates to the Conven- 
tion, the Union vote was 23,626 ; Secession, 
17,927; Union majority, 5,699. 

The Convention assembled on the 4th of 
March, and organized by the election of Union 
officers, by a majority of six. On the 6th, the 
inaugural of President Lincoln was received, 
and produced an unfavorable impression on the 
minds of the people. Secession was strongly 
urged upon the Convention, which had been 
regarded as containing forty members opposed 
to it, and thirty-five in favor of it. 

Various resolutions were offered and referred 
to appropriate committees, looking to an en- 
dorsement, on the one hand, of the doctrine of 
secession, and the right and duty of Arkansas 
to secede, and on the other to a clear definition 
of the position Arkansas should take, stopping 
short of secession, with a view to the security 
of her rights in the Union. 

A conditional ordinance of secession was 
debated, with a clause referring it back to the 
people for ratification or rejection. This was 
defeated by a vote of ayes, 35 ; noes, 39. The 
Convention was disposed to pass resolutions 
approving the propositions of Missouri and Vir- 
ginia for a conference of the border slave States, 
and providing for sending five delegates to said 
Conference or Convention, and agreeing with 
Virginia to hold said Conference at Frankfort, 
Kentucky, on the 27th of May. 

At Van Buren a salute of thirty-nine guns 
was fired in honor of the thirty-nine members 
of the Convention who voted against the seces- 
sion ordinance. The same number of guns 
were fired at Fort Smith. 

On the 17th, an ordinance was reported by a 
self-constituted committee composed of seven 
secessionists and seven cooperationists, as a 
compromise measure between the two parties. 
It was adopted as reported, unanimously, in the 
Convention. It provided for an election to be 
held on the first Monday of August, at which 
the legal voters <f^ the State were to cast their 
ballots for " secession," or for " cooperation." 
If on that day a majority of the votes were cast 
for secession, that fact was to be considered in 
the light of instructions to the Convention to 
pass an ordinance severing the connection of 



Arkansas with the Union. If, on the other 
hand, a majority of the votes of the State were 
cast for cooperation, that fact would be an in- 
struction to the Convention immediately to take 
all necessary steps for cooperation with the 
border or unseceded slave States, to secure a 
satisfactory adjustment of all sectional contro- 
versies disturbing the country. 

The next session of the Convention was to be 
held on the 17th of August; and to secure the 
return of aU the votes of each county, each 
delegate was made a special returning officer 
of the Convention to bring the vote of his 
county to the Capitol. 

Besides this ordinance submitting the propo- 
sition of "secession" or "cooperation" to the 
vote of the people, resolutions were passed pro- 
viding for the election of five delegates to the 
border slave State Convention, proposed by the 
States of Virginia and Missouri, to be held some 
time during the month of May. Thus the pro- 
ceedings of that Convention would be before 
the people, amply canvassed and understood, 
when the vote of the State was cast on the first 
Monday of August. 

The result of the labors of the Convention, 
although not exactly what either party desired, 
was regarded as probably more nearly satisfac- 
tory to the public than any other action which 
could have been taken by that body. Time 
was given for investigation and deliberation as 
to consequences. 

Aftairs remained quiet; the friends of the 
Union were hopeful ; those who sympathized 
with the seceded States were sanguine that 
Arkansas would be one of them. The capture 
of Fort Sumter, and the subsequent events, 
roused Arkansas to take a stand either with the 
North or with the South. Together with the 
news of the fall of the fort, there came also the 
President's Proclamation, and the requisition of 
the Secretary of War for a quota of troops from 
Arkansas. The reply of the Governor to this 
requisition was dated the 22d of April. It 
proved him to be decided in his friendship to 
the secession movement. He wrote to the Sec- 
retary of "War thus: "In answer to your requi- 
sition for troops from Arkansas, to subjugate 
the Southern States, I have to say that none 
will be furnished. The demand is only adding in- 
sult to injury. The people of this Commonwealth 
are freemen, not slaves, and will defend to the 
last extremity their honor, lives, and property, 
against Northern mendacity and usurpation." 

The President of the State Convention, enter- 
taining similar views, immediately issued a call 
requii'ing it to reassemble on the 6th of May. 
The call was dated on the 20th of April. 

On the 6th of May the State Convention 
met, and immediately took the necessary steps 
to prepare an ordinance to sever the relations 
existing between the State and the other States 
united with her under the Constitution of the 
United States. The ordinance was prepared 
and reported to the Convention at three o'clock 
in the afternoon, and was passed immediately, 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



41 



with only one dissenting vote. There were 
sixty-nine votes in the aflSrmative, and one 
in the negative. An eye-witness describes the 
passage of the ordinance as " a solemn scene." 
Every member seemed impressed with the im- 
portance of the vote he was giving. The hall 
of the House of Representatives was crowded 
almost to suftocation. The lobby, the gallery, 
and the floor of the chamber were full, and the 
vast crowd seemed excited to the highest pitch. 
A profound stillness prevailed all the time as 
vote after vote was taken and recorded, except 
occasionally, when some well-known Union 
member would rise and preface his vote with 
expressions of stirring patriotic Southern sen- 
timents, the, crowd would give token of its 
approbation ; but the announcement of the 
adoption of the ordinance was the signal for 
one general acclamation that shook the build- 
ing. 

A weight seemed suddenly to have been 
lifted off the hearts of all present, and mani- 
festations of the most intense satisfaction pre- 
vailed on all sides. Immediate steps were taken 
by the Convention to unite with the Confeder- 
ation of States. The ordinance was as follows : 

Witerea.9, in addition to the well-founded causes 
of complaint set forth by this Convention, in resolu- 
tions adopted on the 11th March, A. D. 18G1, against 
the sectional party now iu power at Washington 
City, headed by Abraham Lincoln, he has, in the 
face of resolutions passed by this Convention, pledg- 
ing the State of Arkansas to resist to the last ex- 
tremity any attempt on the part of such power to 
coerce any" State that seceded from the old Union, 
proclaimed to the world that war should be waged 
against such States until they should be compelled 
to submit to their rule, and large forces to accom- 
plish this have by this same power been called out, 
and are now being marshalled to carry out this in- 
human design, and to longer submit to such rule 
or remain in the old Union of the United States 
would be disgraceful and ruinous to the State of Ar- 
kansas ; 

Therefore, we, the people of the State of Arkansas, 
in Convention assembled, do hereby declare and or- 
dain, and it is hereby declared and oi'dained, that the 
"ordinance and acceptance of compact," passed and 
approved by the General Assembly of the State of 
Arkansas, on the 18th day of October, A. D. 1836, 
whereby it was by said General Assembly ordained 
that, by virtue of the authority vested in said Gen- 
eral Assembly, by the provisions of the ordinance 
adopted by the convention of delegates assembled at 
Little Rock, for the purpose of forming a constitu- 
tion and system of government for said State, the 
propositions set forth in "an act supplementary to 
an act entitled an act for the admission of the State 
of Arkansas into the Union, and to provide for the 
due execution of the laws of the United States within 
the same, and for other purposes, were freely ac- 
cepted, ratified, and irrevocably confirmed articles of 
compact and union between the State of Arkansas 
and the United States," and all other laws and every 
other law and ordinance, whereby the State of Ar- 
kansas became a member of the Federal Union, be, 
and the same are hereby in all respects and for every 
purpose herewith consistent repealed, abrogated, 
and fully set aside ; and the Union now subsisting 
between the State of Arkansas and the other States, 
under the name of the United States of America, is 
hereby forever dissolved. 

And we do further hereby declare and ordain, that 
the State of Arkansas hereby resumes to herself all 



rights and powers heretofore delegated to the Gov- 
ernment of the United States of America — that her 
citizens are absolved from all allegiance to said Gov- 
ernment of the United States, and that she is in full 
possession and exercise of all the rights and sov- 
ereignty which appertain to a free and independent 
State. 

We do further ordain and declare, that all rights 
acquired and vested under the Constitution of the 
United States of America, or of any act or acts of 
Congress, or treaty, or under any law of this State, 
and not incompatible with this ordinance, shall re- 
main in full force and effect, in nowise altered or im- 
paired, and have the same effect as if this ordinance 
had not been passed. 

The Convention also passed a resolution au- 
thorizing the Governor to call out 60,000 men, 
if necessary. The State was divided into two 
grand divisions, eastern and western, and one 
brigadier-general from each appointed. Gen, 
Bradley was elected to the command of the 
eastern, and Gen. Pearce, late of the U. S. 
Army, to the western. 

The Governor was authorized to call out the 
military force, and two mUlions of doUarg- in 
bonds were ordered to be issued in sums of five 
dollars and upwards. 

The tirst movement after the secession of the 
State, was to get possession of the property of 
the United States. The United States arsenal, 
located at Little Rock, became the tirst object 
for seizure. On the morning of February 5th 
that city was thrown into high excitement by 
the unexpected arrival of a steamboat with a 
body of troops from Helena, with the avowed 
purpose of taking the arsenal. In a few hours 
another boat arrived with more troops, and on 
the next day others arrived, until a force of four 
hundred men was collected. The City Council 
was assembled, and on application to the Gov- 
ernor, it was informed that the troops were 
not there by his orders. The troops themselves 
were of a diflerent opinion, and came there, as 
they thought, at his command ; but whether 
so or not, they were there to take the arsenal, 
and they determined to accomplish that object 
before leaving. The Governor was then re- 
quested to assume the responsibility of the 
movement, and in the name of the State to 
demand the arsenal of the officer in command 
of it. It was believed that Captain Totten 
would surrender to the authorities of the State 
rather than have a collision, but would not to a 
body of men disavowed by the Governor and 
acting in violation of law ; and that as the 
troops were determined on taking the arsenal 
at all hazards, there would of course be a col- 
lision, and probably much sacrifice of life. 
Consequently, the Governor consented to act, 
and immediately made a formal demand upon 
Captain Totten. 

To the Governor's demand for the surrender 
of the arsenal. Captain Totten asked until three 
o'clock the next day to consider the matter, 
which was agreed to. At the time appointed 
Captain Totten made known his readiness to 
evacuate the arsenal, and, after the details were 
finally agreed upon, it was arranged that, at 



42 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



twelve o'clock the next day, the arsenal should 
be delivered to the authorities of the State, 
which was done. 

About the same time the public property at 
Fort Smith was seized in behalf of the State. 

On the 18th of May Arkansas was admitted 
as one of the Confederate States, and her dele- 
gates took their seats in Congress. They were 
R. W. Johnson, A. Rust, A. W. Garland, W. H. 
"Watkins, and W. F. Thomason. 

Equally prompt was North Carolina in her 
movement. The Legislature being in session 
in December, 1860, previous to the meet- 
ing of the State Convention in South Caro- 
lina, a series of resolutions were oifered jjro- 
posing to appoint Commissioners to the South 
Carolina Convention for the purpose of urging 
that body to await a general consultation of the 
slaveholding States, and to provide also that 
the Commissioners should attend the Conven- 
tions in other States. They were made a spe- 
cial order, but did not pass. 

A strong Union sentiment was shown in the 
State during the session of the Legislature, but 
it was in favor of requiring additional guarantees. 
The public sentiment at this time, being the first 
of January, has been described in these words: 

"The general feeling of North Carolina is 
conservative. She would respond to any fair 
proposition for an equitable adjustment of pres- 
ent national difficulties, but will insist on her 
rights at all hazards." 

On the 8th of January Forts Caswell and 
Johnson were occupied by unauthorized per- 
. sons, who presented themselves with some 
show of force and demanded their surrender. 
Govei'nor ElUs ordered them to be immediately 
restored to the proper authority. In a letter 
to President Buchanan, on the 12th of January, 
he thus describes his action : 

Sir : Reliable information has reached this Depart- 
ment, that, on the 8th instant. Forts Johnson and 
Caswell were taken possession of by State troops 
and persons resident in that vicinity, in an irregular 
manner. 

Upon receipt of this information, I immediately 
issued a military order requesting the forts to be 
restored to the authorities of the United States, 
which order will be executed this day. 

My information satisfies me that this popular out- 
break was caused by a report, very generally credited, 
biit which, for the sake of humanity, I hope is not true, 
that it was the purpose of the Administration to 
coerce the Southern States, and that troops were on 
their way to garrison the Southern ports and to be- 
gin the work of subjugation. This impression is not 
yet erased from the public mind, which is deeply ag- 
itated at the bare contemplation of so great an indig- 
nity and wrong ; and I would most earnestly appeal 
to your Excellency to strengthen my hands in my 
efforts to preserve the public order here, by placing 
it in my power to give public assurance that no 
measures of force are contemplated toward us. 

Your Excellency will pardon me, therefore, for 
asking whether the United States forts will be garri- 
soned with United States troops during your Admin- 
istration. 

This question I ask in perfect respect, and with an 
earnest desire to prevent consequences which I know 
would be regretted by your Excellency as much as 
myself. 



Should I receive assurance that no troops will be 
sent to this State prior to the 4th of March next, 
then all will be peace and quiet here, and the prop- 
erty of the United States will be fully protected as 
heretofore. If, however, I am unable to get such 
assurances, I will not undertake to answer for the 
consequences. 

The forts ia this State have long been unoccupied, 
and their being garrisoned at this time will unques- 
tionably be looked upon as a hostile demonstration, 
and will in my opinion certainly be resisted. 

To this commrmication the Secretary of War 
replied on the 15th, as foUows : 

Your letter of the 12th instant, addressed to the 
President of the United States, has by him been re- 
ferred to this Department, and he instructs me to 
express his gratification at the promptitude with 
which you have ordered the expulsion of the lawless 
men who recently occupied Forts Johnson and Cas- 
well. He regards this action on the part of your 
Excellency as in complete harmony with the honor 
and patriotic character of the people of North Caro- 
lina, whom you so worthily represent. 

In reply to your inquiry, whether it is the purpose 
of the President to garrison the forts of North Caro- 
lina during his administration, I am directed to say 
that they, in common with' the other forts, arsenals, 
and other property of the United States, are in charge 
of the President, and that if assailed, no matter from 
what quarter or under what pretext, it is his duty to 
protect them by all the means which the law has 
placed at his disposal. It is not his purpose to gar- 
rison the forts to which you refer at pi'esent, because 
he considers them entirely safe, as heretofore, under 
the shelter of that law-abiding sentiment for which 
the people of North Carolina have ever been distin- 
guished. Should they, however, be attacked or me- 
naced with danger of being seized or taken from the 
possession of the United States, he could not escape 
from his constitutional obligation to defend and pre- 
serve them. The very satisfactory and patriotic as- 
surance given by your Excellency justifies him, how- 
ever, in entertaining the confident expectation that 
no such contingency will arise. 

The bill for calling a State Convention was 
under debate a number of days; so, also, was 
the resolution proposing the appointment, on 
the part of North Carolina, of Commissioners 
to a Peace Conference at Washington, as pro- 
posed by Virginia. The Convention bill finally 
passed on the 24th of January. 

Ultimately, the Legislature seconded the 
movement of Virginia, by appointing several 
eminent men, of both parties, to represent the 
State in the National Conference at Washing- 
ton. Commissioners were also appointed to 
represent the State in the Southern meeting 
at Montgomery, Alabama, the avowed purpose 
of which was to establish a Provisional Gov- 
ernment over a Southern Confederacy, but with 
instructions, adopted by a vote of 69 to 38 in 
the Commons, that they were "to act only as 
mediators to endeavor to bring about a recon- 
ciliation." This vote was hailed as an unmis- 
takable sign that North Carolina was not pre- 
pared for disunion and a Southern Confederacy. 

The Convention bill, as it finally passed tho 
Legislature, provided for putting the question 
to the people at the time of electing delegates; 
Convention or no Convention. 

It further provided that the election should 
be held on the 28th of Januaiy, and that ten 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



43 



days should be allowed the sheriffs to make 
their returns. If a majority of the peoj)le voted 
for the Convention, the Governor should issuo 
his proclamatiou fixing the day for the meet- 
ing. If the Convention was called, its action 
should be submitted to the people for ratifica- 
tion or rejection. If a majority of the people 
voted against the Convention, the Governor 
should make known the fact by proclamation. 
The action of the Conve^ition was required to 
be confined to Federal matters, and the mem- 
bers would be sworn to that effect. 

A more guarded and restricted form could 
hardly have been adopted and permit any liberty 
of action to the Convention. 

On the 4th of February a resolution was 
passed unanimously in the House, declaring 
that, in case reconciliation fails. North Carolina 
goes with the slave States. The military bill 
passed in the House, authorized the armi«g of 
ten thousand volunteers, and provided for the 
entire reorganization of the militia. 

The election for members of the State Con- 
vention resulted in the choice of a considerable 
majority who were in favor of the Union, and 
opposed to secession. As expressed at the time, 
" They, as Unionists, would not submit to the 
administration of the Government on sectional 
principles, but they were anxious to preserve 
the Union on a constitutional basis, and to ob- 
tain such guarantees as would lead to a perma- 
nent reconstruction of it." 

The official vote of the State on the question 
of Convention or no Convention, including the 
vote of Davie and Heywood counties, which 
were reported, was: for Convention, 46,672; 
against a Convention, 47,323. Majority against 
a Convention, 651. The vote of the State was 
smaller by about twenty thousand than at the 
election in August previous. 

Of the whole number of delegates, eighty- 
two were constitutional Union men, and thir- 
ty-eight secessionists. The Union majority, 
therefore, was rather more than two to one. 

After this election, the Governor determined 
not to call the Legislature of the State together 
in extra session unless something more urgent 
than was known should occur. 

No events of unusual interest occurred until 
the attack upon Fort Sumter and the call by 
the President for troops. To the requisition of 
the Secretary of War, the Governor immedi- 
ately replied by telegraph as follows : 

Ealeigh, Ajiril 15, 18G1. 

Your despatch is received, and, if genuine — wliich 
its extraordinary character leads me to doubt — I 
have to say, in reply, that I regard the levy of troops 
made by the Administration, for the purpose of sub- 
jugating the States of the South, as in violation of 
the Constitution and a usurpation of power. I can 
be no party to this wicked violation of the laws of 
the country, and to this war upon the liberties of a 
free people. You can get no troops from North Car- 
olina. I will reply more in detail when your call is 
received by mail. JOHN W. ELLIS, 

Governor of North Carolina. 

Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. 

The forts in the State which had been onco 



seized on a popular outbreak and restored by 
the Governor, were once more seized, and at 
this time by his orders. Guns and ammunition 
were obtained in Charleston for use at Fort 
Macon and Fort CasAvell. An extra session of 
the Legislature was immediately summoned to 
assemble on the 1st of May. The proclamation 
of Go^. Ellis convening that body was as follows : 

Whereas, by proclamation of Abraham Lincoln, 
President of the United States, followed by a requi- 
sition of Simon Cameron, Secretary of \\ ar, I am 
informed that the said Abraham Lincoln has made a 
call for seventy-five thousand men, to be employed 
for the invasion of the peaceful homes of the South, 
and the violent subversion of the liberties of a free 
people, constituting a large part of the whole popula- 
tion of the late United States; and whereas this high- 
handed act of tyrannical outrage is not only a viola- 
tion of all constitutional law, utter disregard" of every 
sentiment of humanity and Christian civilization, and 
conceived in a spirit of aggression unparalleled by 
any act of recorded history, but is a direct step to- 
ward the subjugation of the entire South, and the 
conversion of a free Republic inherited from our 
fathers, into a military despotism to be established 
by worse than foreign enemies, on the ruins of the 
once glorious Constitution of equal rights; 

Now, therefore, I, John W. Ellis, Governor of the 
State of North Carolina, for these extraordinary 
causes, do hereby issue this my proclamation, notify- 
ing and requesting the Senators and Members of the 
House of Commons of the General Assembly of North 
Carolina, to meet in special session at the capital in 
the city of Raleigh, on Wednesday, the 1st day of 
May. And I furthermore exhort all good citizens 
throughout the State to be mindful that their first 
allegiance is due to the sovereignty which protects 
their homes and dearest interests, as their first ser- 
vice is due for the sacred defence of their hearths, 
and of the soil which holds the graves of oiu" glorious 
dead. 

United action in defence of the sovereignty of North 
Carolina, and of the rights of the South, becomes 
now the duty of all. 

Given under my hand and attested by the great seal 
of the State. Done at the city of Raleigh, the 17th 
day of April, A. d. 1861, and in the eighty-fifth year 
of "independence. JOHN W. ELLIS. 

A call was also issued by the Governor, for 
the enrolment of thirty thousand men, to be 
held in readiness to march at a day's notice. 

On the 1st of May the Legislature convened 
in special session. In his Message, the Gov- 
ernor recommended that, in view of the seces- 
sion of North Carolina from the Northern Gov- 
ernment, and her union with the Confederate 
States at as early a period as practicable, a 
Convention of the people be called M'ith full 
and final powers. The powers of the Conven- 
tion should be full because the sovereignty of 
the people must be frequently resorted to dur- 
ing the war, and it therefore became necessary 
that it sliould be temporarily reposed in the 
Convention. The action of the Convention 
should be final, because of the importance of 
a speedy separation from the Northern Gov- 
ernment, and the well-known fact that upon 
this point the people were as a unit. 

He' also recommended " the raising and or- 
ganization of ten regiments, to serve during the 
war, and that appropriate bounties bo offered 
to all persons thus enlisting." 



44 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



The Governor further said that the North 
ern Government was concentrating a large 
force in the District of Columbia, ostensibly to 
protect the seat of Government, But such a 
force cannot be allowed to remain within the 
limits of Maryland and on the borders of Vir- 
ginia without seriously endangering the liber- 
ties of the people of those States. If tHfey be 
conquered and overrun, North Carolina would 
become the next prey for the invaders. Policy, 
then, as well as sympathy, and a feeling of 
brotherhood, engendered by a common interest, 
required them to exert their energies in the 
defence of Maryland and Virginia. Every bat- 
tle fought there would be a battle in behalf of 
North Carolina. The Legislature met at 12 
o'clock M., and at 1 p. m. both Houses had 
unanimously passed a bill calling an unrestrict- 
ed Convention, whose action was to be final. 
The election of delegates took place on the 13th 
of May, and the Convention met on the 20th, 

The Legislature unanimously repealed the 
section of the Eevised Code, which required all 
officers in the State to take an oath to support 
the Constitution of the United States before en- 
tering upon their duties. The act further pro- 
vided that it should not be lawful to administer 
any such oath or affirmation to any officer, civil 
or military. 

After a session of eleven days, the Legisla- 
ture adjourned, to meet again on the 25th of 
June. Among other measures, it passed a stay 
law, to take effect immediately, and authorized 
the Governor to raise ten thousand men, to 
serve during the war, and also appropriated 
$5,000,000 for the use of the State, giving the 
Treasurer power to issue Treasury notes to the 
amount of $500,000, in bills ranging from five 
cents to two dollars, and with a conditional 
clause, authorizing the issue of a larger amount 
if necessary. 

The forces of the State, under orders of the 
Governor, seized the Federal forts on the coast, 
and took possession of the mint at Charlotte 
and the arsenal at Fayetteville, gaining, by the 
seizure of the latter, 37,000 stand of arms, 3,000 
kegs of powder, and an immense supply of 
shells and shot. Of course, these acts placed 
the State in the same category with the seceded 
States, and the ports of North Carolina were, 
therefore, included in the blockade ordered by 
the Government. 

The State Convention assembled on the 20th 
of May, the eighty-sixth anniversary of the 
Mecklenberg Declaration of Independence. 

On the 21st the ordinance of secession was 
passed by the State Convention, as follows : 

We, the people of the State of North Carolina, in 
Convention assembled, do declare and ordain, and it 
is hereby declared and ordained, that the ordinance 
adopted by the State of North Carolina, in the Con- 
vention of 1789, whereby the Constitution of the 
United States was ratified and adopted, and also all 
acts and parts of acts of the General Assembly, rati- 
fying and adopting amendments to the said Constitu- 
tion, are hereby repealed, rescinded, and abrogated. 

We do further declare and ordain that the Union 



now subsisting between the State of North Carolina 
and the other States, under the title of the United 
States of America, is hereby dissolved, and that the 
State of North Carolina is in the full possession and 
exercise of all those rights of sovereignty which be- 
long and appertain to a free and independent State. 

Done at Raleigh, 20th day of May, in the year of 
our Lord 1861. 

The following ordinance was also passed : 

We, the people of North Carolina, in Convention 
assembled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby de- 
clared and ordained, that the State of North Carolina 
does hereby assent to and ratify the Constitution for 
the Provisional Government of the Confederate States 
of America, adopted at Montgomery, in the State of 
Alabama, on the 8th of February, 1861, by the Con- 
vention of Delegates from the States of South Caro- 
lina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and 
Louisiana, and that North Carolina will enter into the 
federal association of States upon the terms therein 
proposed, when admitted by the Congress or any 
competent authority of the Confederate States. 

Dojie at Raleigh, 20th day of May, in the year of 
our Lord 1861. 

Military preparations were immediately com- 
menced, and as early as the 15th of June the 
State had raised a force of twenty thousand 
volunteers. 

The following delegates to the Confederate 
Congress were elected by the Convention : For 
the State at large, W. W. Avery and George 
Davis; 1st district, W. N. H. Smith; 2d, 
Thomas Euffin ; 3d, T. D. McDowell ; 4th, A. 
W. Venable ; 5th, John M. Morehead ; 6th, E. 
C. Puryear ; Vth, Burton Craige ; 8th, A. D. 
Davidson. 

The flag agreed upon for the State was said 
to be handsome. The ground was a red field, 
with a single star in the centre. On the upper 
extreme was the inscription, " May 20, 1775," 
and at the lower, "May 20, 1861," There 
were two bars, one of blue and the other of 
white. 

The Governor now set to work to place the 
coast defence in a satisfactory condition. At 
the same time troops Avere sent forward to the 
Confederate army as fast as they could be 
equipped. No notice was taken by the Secre- 
tary of War of the request for a few well- 
drilled regiments for the coast defence, although 
the Governor offered fresh levies in their place. 
The State, like South Carolina and others, was 
expected to defend herself. The subsequent 
capture of the forts at Hatteras Inlet occasioned 
intense excitement; and although the work of 
the expedition extended no further than to 
"take and hold" those positions, it revealed 
such a degree of weakness to resist any naval 
attack, that it awakened the first serious appre- 
hensions among the people for the cause of the 
Confederacy. 

In Tennessee, in particular, of all the States 
attempting to secede, a controlling conservative 
sentiment manifested itself in the Legislature, 
which, while it endorsed the position that the 
grant of additional guarantees to the South 
should be made a condition of Tennessee's re- 
maining in the Union, determined that the State 
should not be precipitated into secession. Tho 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLIOX. 



45 



biU calling for a convention of the people of the 
State, provided that any ordinance or resolution 
which might be adopted by said Convention hav- 
ing for its object a change of the position or rela- 
tion of the State to the National Union, or her 
sister Southern States, should be of no binding 
force or effect until it was submitted to^r rat- 
ified by the people, and required a vote equal 
to a majority of the votes cast in the last elec- 
tion for Governor to ratify it. Thus the people 
had an opportunity, in voting for delegates, to 
declare for or against secession; and should 
the action of the Convention contemplate any 
change in the Federal relations of the State, 
they had still the opportunity of endorsing or 
overruling alike their former decision and the 
action of the Convention. The election for 
members of the Convention was to be held on 
the 9th of February, the Convention to assem- 
ble on the 25th. 

The result of the election was highly success- 
ful to the friends of the Union. Even West 
Tennessee gave a Union majority. The follow- 
ing returns, except a few counties, show the 
relative strength of union and disunion in the 
State : 

Union. Disunion. 

East Tennessee 80.903 5,5T7 

Middle Tennessee 36,809 9,S28 

West Tennessee 24,091 9,344 

Total 91,803 24,749 

Union majority 67,054 

The returns from all the counties made the 
actual majority 6-i,114. The question of hold- 
ing a convention was determined in the nega- 
tive by a large majority, thus declaring that 
there was no need for a convention at all to 
determine where Tennessee should stand. The 
Union delegates at Memphis were elected by a 
majority of 400. The vote of the State on the 
Convention question was as follows : 

East Tennessee voted no convention by 
25,611 majority, or four and a quarter to one. 
Middle Tennessee 1,382 majority; but West 
Tennessee gave for a Convention 15,118 ma- 
jority. The vote for no Convention was 69,073. 
The total vote for and against Convention was 
127,471, with a majority against the meeting 
of a Convention of 11,875. 

The people decided that no Convention should 
be held, chiefly because they had seen that all 
the conventions which had been held in the 
Southern States had withdrawn their States 
from the Union, and then had proceeded to sit 
on their own adjournments, as if they con- 
ceived they possessed the right to continue 
their own existence indefinitely. The loyal 
people of Tennessee now flattered themselves 
that they had thus put an effectual stop to the 
secession movement in the State, and so the 
secessionists thought as well; and even the 
Governor seemed, for a time, to have aban- 
doned the scheme. 

The proclamation of the President on the 15th 
of April, however, produced an intense feeling 
throughout the State. The Governor imme- 



diately called an extra session of the Legislature, 
to be convened on the 25th of April, lie re- 
fused the requisition of the President for troops, 

saying : 

lion. Simon Cameron: 

Sir : Your despatch of the 15th inst., informing me 
that Tennessee is called upon for two regiments of 
militia for immediate service, is received. 

Tennessee will not furnish a man for purposes of 
coercion, but 50,000, if necessary, for the defence of 
our rights, and those of our Southern brothers. 
rSHAM G. HARRIS, Governor of Tennessee. 

On the 25th of April the Legislature assem- 
bled for the third time, although the members 
had been elected without any reference to the 
momentous questions now about to be consid- 
ered. In the Assembly, on the same day, the 
following resolution was off"ered. 

Resolved, That upon the grave and solemn matters 
for our consideration, submitted by the Governor's 
Message, with a view to the public safety, the two 
Houses of this Legislature hold their sessions with 
closed doors whenever a secret session in either House 
may be called for by five members of said House, and 
that the oath of secrecy be administered to the offi- 
cers and members of said House. 

The resolution was adopted — ayes 42 ; noes 8. 
The Message of the Governor was very strong 
and decided in urging immediate secession. 

On the 30th of April, Henry W. Hilliard, 
commissioner from the Confederate States, ap- 
peared before the Legislature and made an ad- 
dress. He said his object was to establish a 
temporary alliance between Tennessee and the 
Confederate States, to continue until Tennessee 
should decide for or against adopting the Con- 
stitution of that Government, and becoming 
one of the Confederate States. He regarded 
the issue now pending between the North and 
the South something more than a mere right to 
hold slaves. It was a question of constitutional 
liberty, involving the right of the people of the 
South to govern themselves. " We have said 
that we will not be governed by the abolition 
North, the abolition North says we shall," and 
he would not hesitate to say there was not a 
true-hearted man in the South but would 
rather die than submit. He repudiated the 
idea of settling the pending questions between 
the North and South by reconstruction "by 
going back to our enemies." He regarded the 
Southern system of government established at 
Montgomery, and based upon slavery, as the 
only permanent form which could be estab- 
lished in this countr}'. 

On the 29th of April Governor Harris had 
ordered to be seized sixty-six thousand dollars' 
worth of Tennessee bonds and five thousand 
dollars in cash, belonging to the United States, 
which were in possession of the collector at 
Nashville. He said : 

" This seizure was conditional ; the property 
was to be held in trust until the Government 
restored the property of the State and its cit- 
izens involved in the seizure of the steamer 
Hillman by troops of the Federal Govern- 
ment." 



46 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



The steamer Hillmau was seized at Cairo by 
the Illinois troops, because she was laden with 
munitions and other articles contraband of 
war. The boat, and property not contraband, 
was subsequently surrendered to the owners. 

The Legislature in secret session, immediately, 
on the 1st of May, passed a joint resolution di- 
recting the Governor to enter into a military 
league with the Confederate States, subjecting 
" the whole military force of the State " to the 
control of the Confederate States. Acting upon 
this authority, the Governor immediately ap- 
pointed Gustavus A. Henry, Archibald 0. W. 
Totten, and Washington Barrow, as commis- 
sioners for that purpose. On the 7th of May 
he sent a Message to the Legislature, stating 
that he had appointed the said commissioners 
on the part of Tennessee, etc., as follows : 

To enter into a military league with the authorities 
of the Confederate States, and with the authorities 
of such other slaveholding States as may wish to 
enter into it ; having in view the protection and de- 
fence of the entire South against the war that is now 
being carried on against it. 

The said commissioners met the Hon. Henry W. 
Hilliard, the accredited representative of the Confeder- 
ate States, at Nashville on this day, and have agreed 
upon and executed a military league between the 
State of Tennessee and the Confederate States of 
America, subject, however, to the ratification of the 
two Governments, one of the duplicate originals of 
which I herewith transmit for your ratification or re- 
jection. For many cogent and obvious reasons, un- 
necessary to be rehearsed to you, I respectfully 
recommccd ii^e ratification of this league at the earli- 
est practical moment. 

The Convention was as follows : 

Convention beticeen the State of Tennessee and the Confed- 
erate States qf America. 

The State of Tennessee, looking to a speedy admis- 
sion into the Confederacy establtshed by the Confed- 
erate States of America, in accordance with the con- 
stitution for the provisional government of said States, 
enters into the following temporary convention, 
agreement, and military league with the Confederate 
States, for the purpose of meeting pressing exigen- 
cies affecting the common rights, interests, and safety 
of said States, and said Confederacy : 

1st. Until the said State shall become a member of 
said Confederacy, accordino; to the constitutions of 
both powers, the whole military force and military 
operations, offensive and defensive, of said State, in 
the impending conflict with the United States, shall 
be under the chief control and direction of the Presi- 
dent of the Confederate States, upon the same basis, 
principles, and footing, as if said State were now and 
during the interval a member of the said Confed- 
eracy — said forces, together with those of the Con- 
federate States, to be employed for the common de- 
fence. 

2d. The State of Tennessee will, upon becoming a 
member of said Confederacy, under the permanent 
Constitution of said Confederate States, if the same 
shall occur, turn over to said Confederate States all 
the public property, naval stores, and munitions of 
war, of which she may then be in possession, ac- 
quired from the United States, on the same terms 
and in the same manner as the other States of said 
Confederacy have done in like cases. 

8d. Whatever expenditures of money, if any, the 
said State of Tennessee shall make before she be- 
comes a member of said Confederacy, shall be met 
and provided for by the Confederate States. 

The vote in the Senate, on the adoption of 
this treaty, was 14 to 6 — absent or not voting, 



4; in the House, 42 to 15 — absent or not vot- 
ing, 18. 

Meanwhile, the Legislature had not been idle. 
On the 6th of May it passed an' ordinance en- 
titled, " An Act to submit to a vote of the peo- 
ple a Declaration of Independence, and for 
other purposes." The first section provided 
that the Governor should, by proclamation, re- 
quire the respective ofScers in each county to 
hold the polls open in their several precincts 
on the 8th day of June ensuing. The second 
section provided that the following declaration 
should be submitted to a vote of the qualified 
voters for their ratification or rejection : 

Declaration of Independence and Ordinance dissolving 
the Federal relations between the State of Tennessee 
and the United States of America. 

1st. We, the people of the State of Tennessee, 
waiving an expression of opinion as to the abstract 
doctrine of secession, but asserting the right as a 
free and independent people to alter, reform, or 
abolish our form of Government in such manner as 
we think proper, do ordain and declare that all the 
laws and ordinances by which the State of Tennes- 
see became a member of the Federal Union of tbe 
United States of America, are hereby abrogated and 
annulled, and that all obligations on our part be 
withdrawn therefrom ; and we do hereby resume all 
the rights, functions, and powers which by any of 
said laws and ordinances were conveyed to the Gov- 
ernment of the United States, and absolve ourselves 
from all the obligations, restraints, and duties incur- 
red thereto ; and do hereby henceforth become a 
free, sovereign, and independent State. 

2(1. We furthermore declare and ordain, that Article 
10, Sections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the State 
of Tennessee, which requires members of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, and all ofiicers, civil and military, to 
take an oath to support the Constitution of the United 
States, be and the same are hereby abrogated and 
annulled, and all parts of the Constitution of the 
State of Tennessee, making citizenship of the United 
States a qualification for ofiBce, and recognizing the 
Constitution of the United States as the supreme 
law of this State, are in like manner abrogated and 
annulled. 

3d. We furthermore ordain and declare that all 
rights acquired and vested under the Constitution of 
the United States, or under any act of Congress 
passed in pursuance thereof, or under any laws of 
this State, and not incompatible with this ordinance, 
shall remain in force and have the same effect as if 
this ordinance had not been passed. 

The third section provided that the election 
should be by ballot, and that those voting for 
the declaration and ordinance should have on 
their ballots the word " Separation," and those 
voting against it should have on their ballots 
the words " No separation ; " the returns should 
be made to the Secretary of State by the 24th 
of June, and if a majority of votes were given 
for separation, the Governor was required im- 
mediately to issue his proclamation declaring 
" all connection by the State of Tennessee with 
the Federal Union dissolved, and that Tennessee 
is a free, independent Government, free from aU 
obligations to, or connection with the Federal 
Government." 

The fourth section authorized all volunteers 
to vote, wherever they may be in active ser- 
vice. By the fifth section it was provided 
that, under the rules and regulations prescribed 



MILITARY AND FAVA;L HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



47 



for the election above ordered, the following 
ordinance should be submitted to the popular 
vote : 

An Ordinance for the adoption of the Constitution of the 
Provisional Government of the Confederate States of 
America. 
We, the people of Tennessee, solemnly impressed 
by the perils which surround us, do hereby adopt 
and ratify the Constitution of the Provisional Govern- 
ment of the Confederate States of America, ordained 
and established at Montgomery, Alabama, on the 8th 
of February, 18G1, to be in force during the existence 
thereof, or" until such time as we may supersede it 
by the adoption of a permanent Constitution. 

The sixth section provided that all voters in 
favor of adopting the Provisional Constitution, 
and thereby securing to Tennessee equal repre- 
sentation in the deliberations and councils of 
the Confederate States, should have written or 
printed on their ballots the word " Represen- 
tation ; " opposed, the words "No Representa- 
tion." 

The seventh section provides for an election 
of delegates to the Confederate Congress in case 
the Provisional Constitution was adopted. The 
vote on the Declaration of Independence in the 
Senate was — yeas 20, nays 4; in the House, 
yeas 46, hays 21. 

By this act, provision was made to submit to 
the vote of the people of the State, the adoption 
or rejection of a "Declaration of Independ- 
ence," whereby they were to separate them- 
selves from the Union, and adopt the insurrec- 
tionary States' Constitution, and abrogate that 
part of their own Constitution which required 
every person chosen or appointed to any office 
of trust or profit under it, or any law made in 
pursuance of it, before entering on the duties 
thereof, to take an oath to support the Consti- 
tution of the State and of the United States ; 
and requiring each member of the Senate and 
House of Representatives, before proceeding to 
business, to take an oath to support the Con- 
stitution of the State and of the United States. 
(Constitution of Tennessee, art. x., sections 1, 2.) 

By another act tlie Governor was required 
to raise, organize, and equip, a provisional force 
of volunteers for the defence of the State, to 
consist of 55,000 men ; 25,000 of whom, or any 
less number demanded by the wants of the ser- 
vice, were to be fitted for the field, at the ear- 
liest practicable moment, and the remainder to 
be held in reserve, ready to march at short no- 
tice. It authorized the Governor, should it be- 
come necessary for the safety of the State, to 
" call out the whole available military strength 
of the State," and to determine when this force 
should serve, and direct it accordingly. To 
defray the expenses of this military organiza- 
tion, the Governor was authorized "to issue 
and dispose of $5,000,000 of the bonds of the 
State," in denominations of not less than $(100, 
or greater than $1,000, to run ten years, and 
bear interest at the rate of 8 per cent. 

Thus provided with a semblance of author- 
ity, the Governor hastened the organization of 
"the provisional force of 25,000 men, and before 



the day of the election, June 8, 1861, he had 
most of it on foot, and distributed in camps 
around Nashville and elsewhere,- armed and 
equipped, so far as it could be, with the muni- 
tions of the United States in possession of the 
State, and with such as could be obtained from 
the arsenal at Augusta, Georgia, from which 
they were brought by Gen. Zollicofl:er. Thus, 
on the morning of the election, the people of 
Tennessee, for the first time in their lives, went 
to the polls conscious that they were no longer 
a free people ; knowing that the Executive and 
Legislative Departments of the State, with its 
Treasury in their hands, and with all the arras 
of the State in their possession, and with a for- 
midable army in their pay, had joined a con- 
spiracy to overthrow their Government, and 
that nothing remained for them but to reverse 
their vote of the 9th of February, and to ratify 
what their self-constituted masters had already 
accomplished. Even by voting against the 
Declaration of Independence, and by refusing 
to absolve their officers from the oath to sup- 
port the Constitution of the United States, and 
declining to accept the Constitution of the insur- 
rectionary States, they could not free themselves 
from the military incubus which had been im- 
posed upon them. In these circumstances it is 
not to be wondered at that the election showed 
an apparent majority of 57,667 for secession. It 
must not be concluded, however, that this ma- 
jority *was real ; for the men who could so 
wantonly contemn the obligations of the law 
as to resort to the measures above detailed, 
could not escape from the suspicion of having 
filled the ballot-box with spurious votes. 

By such means was Tennessee carried over 
to tlie insurrectionary States, and in the employ- 
ment of these means there does not appear to 
have been any semblance of regard, among the 
actors, for oaths or for the observance of the 
most solemn obligations of legal and constitu- 
tional duty. 

The aggregate votes in the several divisions 
of the State were announced to be as follows on 
the oi'dinance of separation : 

For Separation. No Separation. 

East Tennessee 14,780 82,923 

Middle Teimesseo 58,265 8,19S 

West Tennessee 29.127 6,117 

Military Camps 2,741 

104.913 47,238 

47,238 

Majority 57,675 

The Governor made an agreement with the 
Governor of Kentucky at this time, that no 
troops should cross the Tennessee line for any 
purpose, unless upon the invitation or permis- 
sion of the latter. This proved worthless Avhen 
the Confederate Government deemed it neces- 
sary to move a force into Kentucky. The rights 
of the State of Tennessee as a sovereign were 
not taken into account. 

Confederate troops were sent at the earliest 
moment to take possession of the three gaps in 
the mountains of East Tennessee, known as the 



48 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



Fentress, Wheeler, and Cumberland. Cleveland 
was also declared a military station. The mails 
of the United States were, by order of the 
proper department, continued in twenty-six of 
the counties of East Tennessee at this time, in 
consequence of the Union feeling which was 
manifested. They were as follows : Anderson, 
Bledsoe, Blount, Bradley, Campbell, Carter, 
Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Green, Hamilton, 
Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Knox, Marion, 
McMuir, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Polk, Ehea, 
Sevier, Sullivan, and "Washington, 

On the other side every effort was made to 
procure arms. The Governor sent instructions 
to the clerks of all the county courts, request- 
ing them to issue to each constable in their re- 
spective counties an order requiring him to 
make diligent inquiry at each house in his civil 
district for all muskets, bayonets, rifles, swords, 
and pistols belonging to the State of Tennessee, 
to take them into possession, and deliver them 
to the clerks. A reward of one dollar was to 
be paid to the constable for each musket and 
bayonet or rifle, and of fifty cents for each 



sword or pistol thus reclaimed. The arms thus 
obtained were to be forwarded, at public ex- 
pense, to the military authorities at Nashville, 
Knoxville, and Memphis, as might be most con- 
venient, and information sent to the military 
and financial board at Nashville, of the result. 

Stringent measures were adopted with the 
Union people of East Tennessee. Many, upon 
bare suspicion, were arrested and taken prisoners, 
insulted, abused, and carried into camps, there 
to be disposed of as the insurrectionary mob 
thought proper. Squads of cavalry and infantry 
were scouring over the country, offering the 
people, male and female, every indignity that 
rufiian bands are capable of; destroying crops 
and substance without regard to the condition 
or circumstances of the persons ; pasturing their 
horses in corn-fields ; wasting hay-stacks, taking 
provisions of every description without regard 
to quantity, not even asking the price or ten- 
dering an equivalent therefor in any shape what- 
ever. Nashville was put under martial law, pass- 
ports were required, and all baggage was exam- 
ined under directions of the Committee of Safety. 



CHAPTEK YI. 

Effects of tho President's Proclamation— Assembling of Troops at Washington— Destruction at Harper's Feny— Destruc- 
tion and abandonment of the Norfolk Navy Yard- Capture of the Star of the West— Other Events— Capture of Camp 
Jackson, St. Louis— Other Events— Attack on Sewell's Point— Seizure of Ship Island— Occupation of Harper's Ferry 
by Southern Troops— Movement of Troops from Washington into Virginia— Occupation of Alexandria— Blockade of the 
Mississippi — Attack on the Batteries at Aquia Creek — Dash into Fairfax Court House. 



The appearance of the proclamation of the 
President, calling for seventy-five thousand men, 
caused the most active efforts both at the North 
and South to raise and equip troops. This was 
immediately followed by hostile movements of 
Southern forces upon the most important posi- 
tions. At the North it was feared that Wash- 
ington would be captured at once, unless it was 
quickly garrisoned. Thither, therefore, the 
troops from Pennsylvania, New York, and Mas- 
sachusetts immediately moved. The advance 
of the 6th Massachusetts regiment through Balti- 
more on April 19th, has already been described. 

At Washington, in the meanwhile, prepara- 
tion for defence was commenced with the small 
mihtary and naval force on hand. But on the 
18th, three days after the appearance of the 
proclamation, several car loads of troops, num- 
bering about 600 men, arrived from Harrisburg 
via Baltimore, and were quartered in rooms in 
the Capitol. Other troops were also expected 
soon to arrive, and the Massachusetts regiment 
was the next which reached there. 

During the whole day and night of the 18th, 
the avenues of the city were guarded and 
closely watched. Cannon were planted in com- 
manding positions so as to sweep the river 
along that front, and these were supported by 



infantry. A proclamation was also issued by 
Mayor Berret, exhorting " all good citizens 
and sojourners to be careful so to conduct 
themselves as neither by word or deed to give 
occasion for any breach of the peace." After 
the outbreak at Baltimore on the 19th, no 
mail was received at Washington, either from 
the North or South, except from Alexandria 
on the one side and Baltimore on the other, 
until the 25th. On the 27th the New York 
Yth regiment arrived, having left New York on 
the 18th. A delay took place between Annap- 
olis and Washington, in consequence of the 
damage done to the railroad track. The news 
brought to Washington by the 7th was that 
four New York regiments were at Annapolis, 
with a part of a Massachusetts regiment, the . 
remainder of which was at the Junction. The 
7th, therefore, as they marched up Pennsylvania 
Avenue, preceded by their band, and making a 
fine appearance, were received with the wildest 
demonstrations of pleasure on the part of the 
citizens. On the next day another body of 
troops arrived. They consisted of one-half of 
the Rhode Island regiment, 1,200 strong, com- 
manded and headed by Gov. Sprague ; and the 
Butler brigade, under Brig.-Gen. Butler, of Mas- 
sachusetts, numbering nearly 1,400 men. They 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



49 



were met at the dep6t by the 6th Massachusetts 
regiment, stationed in the Capitol, who greeted 
their friends with the heartiest cheers. These 
men, though severely worked by the toilsome ■ 
labor requisite to repair the bridges and road 
track from Annapolis to the Junction, presented 
a fine appearance as their long and serpent-like 
lines wound through the streets. Troops now 
began to arrive daily, and Washington soon 
became the most military city on the continent. 

Meantime hostile movements were com- 
menced at Harper's Ferry, where a United 
States Armory and a National Arsenal were 
located. The situation of this town is at the 
confluence of the Shenandoah River with the 
Potomac, in Jefferson County, Virginia, on the 
line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. At 
the armory 10,000 muskets were made annu- 
ally, and the arsenal often contained 80,000 to 
90,000 stand of arms. On the 2d of January, 
orders were received from Washington for tlio 
Armory Guard, Flag Guard, and Rifles to go 
on duty, as a precautionary measure. A few 
days afterwards a detachment of unmounted 
United States Dragoons, numbering sixty-four, 
under command of Lieut. Jones, arrived there. 
Aff\iirs remained in a quiet condition until the 
excitement created through the country by the 
capture of Fort Sumter, and the issue of the 
first proclamation by the President calling out 
troops. A movement was immediately made 
by friends of the rebellion in Northern Vir- 
ginia, to take possession of Harper's Ferry 
Arsenal. As early as the 18th of April, Lieut. 
Jones was informed that between 2,500 and 
3,000 State troops Avould reach the ferry in 
two hours. Deeming the information positive 
and reliable, he gave orders to apply the torch 
to the buildings. In ten minutes or less both 
the arsenal buildings, containing nearly 15,000 
stand of arms, together with the carpenter's 
shop, which was at the upper end of a long 
and connected series of workshops of the ar- 
mory proper, were in a complete blaze. Lieut. 
Jones then withdrew his small force, and 
marching all night, arrived at Carlisle barracks 
at half-past 2 o'clock the next afternoon. This 
was done by orders of the Government. The 
place was then taken possession of by the Vir- 
ginian troops. Most of the machinery which 
was not destroyed was removed to Richmond. 
About six hundred arms were recovered. 

But the severest blow at this time was given 
near Norfolk, a city in Norfolk County, Va., 
situated on the right or north bank of Elizabeth 
River, eight miles from Hampton Roads. A 
navy-yard was located at Gosport, a suburb of 
Portsmouth, on the side of the river opposite, 
accessible to the largest ships. A naval hos- 
pital and a large dry-dock were also prepai-ed 
there. 

At the time, of the secession of Virginia, 
April 18th, the marines and Government forces 
at the yard numbered nearly eight hundred 
men. The vessels of war there at that time 
were as follows ; 



Ships of the Line. — Pennsylvania, 120 guns; 
Columbus, 80 ; Delaware, 84 ; New York (on 
stocks), 84. Frigates. — United States, 50 guns ; 
Columbus, 50 ; Raritan, 50. Sloops-of- War. — 
Plymouth, 22 guns ; Germantown, 22. Brig. — 
Dolphin, 4 guns. Steam frigate — Merrimac, 
40 guns. 

As to their condition, there was the liner 
Columbus, useless ; liner Delaware, useless; 
liner New York, never launched ; frigate Co- 
lumbus, out of order; frigate Raritan, out of 
order ; steam-frigate Merrimac, needing full re- 
pairs ; corvette Germantown, almost ready for 
sea. The force of the Government was dis- 
tributed as follows : The flag-ship Cumberland, 
300 men ; receiving-ship Pennsylvania, 350 ; 
marines at the barracks, 70 ; steamer Poca- 
hontas, GO ; total, 780. 

Upon the first excitement, a party of men, 
without any authority, had seized the light- 
boats, and floating them to the shallowest point 
at the mouth of the harbor, had sunk them, to 
prevent the removal of the vessels of war from 
the navy-yard. 

On the 19th Gen. Taliaferro and staflr" arrived 
at Norfolk. He had command of all the Vir- 
ginia troops in that section, and was waited on 
shortly after his arrival by the captains of the 
several military companies of the city and 
vicinity for the purpose of reporting their 
strength, condition, &c., and receiving orders. 

On Saturday, the 20th, the greatest excite- 
ment prevailed in the city. It was reported 
that the Cumberland was about to sail from the 
navy-yard, and preparations were made to pre- 
vent her. At twelve o'clock an oflicer came 
from the yard bearing a flag of truce, and was 
conducted to Gen. Taliaferro's headquarters, 
where a consultation was held, which resulted 
in a promise from Com. Macauley, the com- 
mandant of the yard, that none of the vessels 
should be removed, nor a shot fired except in 
self-defence. 

Thi^quieted the excitement ; but it was re- 
newed at a later hour, when it was ascertained 
that the Germantown and Merrimac had been 
scuttled, and that the heavy shears on the 
wharf at which the Germantown was lying had 
Ijeen cut away and allowed to fall midships 
across her decks, carrying away the main top- 
mast and yards. It was also perceived that 
the men were busily engaged in destroying and 
throwing overboard side a*id small arras, and 
other property, and boats were constantly pass- 
ing between the Pennsylvania, Cumberland, and 
other vessels. 

About midnight a fire was started in the 
yard. This continued to increase, and before 
daylight the work of destruction extended to 
the immense ship-houses known as A aiid B 
(the former containing the entire frame of the 
New York, 74, which had been on the stocks, 
unfinished, for some thirty-eight years), and 
also to the long ranges of two-story offices and 
stores on each side of the main gate of the yard. 
The flames and heat from this tremendous mass 



50 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION". 



of burning material were set by a southwest 
wind directly toward the line of vessels moored 
on the edge of the channel opposite the yard, 
and nearly all of these, too, were speedily en- 
veloped in flames. 

The scene, at this time, was grand and terrific 
beyond description. The roar of the conflagra- 
tion was loud enough to be heard at a distance 
of miles ; and to this were added occasional 
discharges from the heavy guns of the old Penn- 
sylvania, ship-of-the-line, as they became suc- 
cessively heated. 

When tlie destruction of the ship-houses was 
certain, the Pawnee, which ari-ived on Satur- 
day, and had been kept under steam, was put 
in motion, and, taking the Cumberland in tow, 
retired down the harbor, out of the reach of 
danger, freighted with a great portion of valu- 
able munitions from the yard, and the commo- 
dore and other oflicers. The ships proceeded as 
far down as the barricades at the narrows, 
where the Cumberland was left at anchor, and 
the Pawnee continued on to Fortress Monroe. 
The Cumberland subsequently passed out. 

It afterwards appeared that the ship Penn- 
sylvania was burnt, and the Merrimac, Colum- 
bus, Delaware, and Raritan, Plymouth, and 
Germantown were scuttled and sunk, and a 
vast amount of the machinery, valuable en- 
gines, small arms, chronometers, &c., had been 
broken up and rendered entirely useless. Be- 
sides the ship-houses and their contents, the 
range of buildings on the north line of the yard 
(except the Commodore's and Commander's 
houses), the old marine barracks, and some 
workshops were burnt. Much of value, how- 
ever, was not destroyed. The great dry-dock 
was uninjured. The large number of two thou- 
sand five hundred cannon, of all kinds and 
sizes, fell into the hands of the State of Vir- 
ginia ; also shot, shell, and other warlike mis- 
siles to a very large amount. Besides these, 
the machinery of the yard was generally unin- 
jured. A collection of ship-building *id out- 
fitting material, large and valuable, including a 
number of steel plates and iron castings, was 
found ready for use, and capable of being turned 
to account. 

Old Fort Norfolk, used as a magazine, was 
taken by the Virginia authorities without re- 
sistance. Within were three thousand barrels 
of powder, containing three hundred thousand 
pounds ; also, a large number of shells and other 
missiles, loaded, and for that reason necessary 
to be kept in magazines. 

The value of the property destroyed was 
estimated at several millions. The cost of the 
immense and magnificent ship-houses and their 
contents formed a considerable item in the ac- 
count, and so did that of the Pennsylvania. 
" It brings tears into our eyes," said a citizen 
of Norfolk, " when we realize the destruction 
of this noble ship, so long the ornament of our 
harbor, and the admiration of thousands from 
all parts of the country who visited our waters." 
That splendid specimen of naval architecture, 



the new and beautiful frigate Merrimac, and 
four or five other vessels, were given to the 
flames, or with their valuable armament sunk 
in the deep water. 

On the same day an order was issued by Gen. 
Taliaferro, prohibiting the collector of the port 
from accepting any draft from the United States 
Government, or allowing the removal of depos- 
its, or any thing else, from the custom-house. 
The collector, being informed that on his re- 
fusal to obey the order a file of men would be 
sent down to occupy the premises, acquiesced. 

On the 20th the Richmond Grays, a tine com- 
pany numbering one hundred rifle muskets, 
arrived. They brought with them fourteen 
pieces of rifle cannon of large size, one of the 
pieces weighing ten thousand pounds, and three 
box cars filled with ammunition of various 
kinds, to be distributed to the patriotic compa- 
nies by the wayside. 

On the night previous, four companies of 
Petersburg riflemen and infantry, numbering in 
all four hundred men, reached Norfolk. They 
were followed by two additional companies of 
one hundred each. 

On the 22d, three companies of troops from 
Georgia arrived in the express train from Wel- 
don ; the Light Guards, from Columbus, num- 
bering eighty men; the Macon Volunteers, 
eighty men ; and the Floyd Rifles, from Macon, 
eighty men. The first and last commands 
marched immediately to the naval hospital. 

About the same time the hull of the old ship 
United States, in which Com. Decatur captured 
the Macedonian, was taken possession of at the 
navy-yard by an etficient crew, and towed down 
to the narrow part of the channel, a mile below 
Fort Norfolk, where she was moored across the 
channel and sunk. Only a few feet brought 
her in contact with the bottom. Any naval 
force that might attempt to pass up the harbor 
must remove the hulk, while, in the mean time, 
the shot and shells from the two forts above — 
one on the right and the other on the left — 
would be poured into them. Norfolk thus was 
occupied by Confederate troops, who remained 
in undisturbed possession through the year. 

Excitement both at the North and the South 
now ran high. Events daily occurred which 
added fuel to the flame. Besides those already 
narrated in connection with the secession of 
the several States, space will permit here 
merely a summary of other isolated incidents 
in the order of time in which they took place. 
On April 19th, the steamer Star of the West 
was boarded off Indianola, by a party of volun- 
teers from Galveston, and captured without re- 
sistance. She had been sent out to convey to 
New York the. force of regular troops to be 
withdrawn from that State. On the same day 
the President issued another proclamation de- 
claring a blockade of the Southern ports. 

On the 21st, Senator Andrew Johnson, of 
Tennessee, was mobbed at Lynchburg, Va., and 
narrowly escaped. 

On the 22d, the arsenal at Fayetteville, 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



51 



/^ North Carolina, -was surrendered to a force of 
about eight hundred men, with thirty-five thou- 
sand stand of arms and some cannon, and con- 
siderable quantities of ball and powder. 

On the 25th, the Legislature of Vermont, 
being in session, appropriated $1,000,000 to 
equip her volunteers. 

At this time a large number of the officers 
of the army and navy who were natives of 
Southern States, sent in their resignation. 

On the 26th, twenty-one thousand stand of 
arms were removed, by order of the Federal 
Government, from the arsenal at St. Louis, and 
taken to Springfield, Illinois, for safety. 

On the 29th, the Legislature of Indiana being 
in session, appropriated five hundred thousand 
dollars to equip her volunteers. On the same 
day a number of Northern steamers at New 
Orleans were seized and appropriated. 

On the 30th, the Legislature of New Jersey 
assembled in extra session, and authorized a 
loan of two millions of dollars to fit out her 
troops. The command of her force was given 
to Gen. Theodore Runyon. It immediately 
started from Trenton for Annapolis, in fourteen 
propellers, by canal to Bordentown, thence 
down the Delaware River. The whole brigade 
was armed with Minie rifles, and took also 
four pieces of artillery. It was stated that " the 
fleet of transports with a strong convoy made a 
novel and splendid appearance steaming in two 
lines up the Chesapeake Bay." 

On May 3d, the Connecticut Legislature ap- 
propriated two millions of dollars for the pub- 
lic defence. These appropriations continued to 
be made in the first months of the war, by 
States, cities, and towns, until the amount ex- 
ceeded thirty-seven millions of dollars. 

On the same day, May 3d, Gov. Letcher, of 
Virginia, called out the State militia to defend 
Virginia from invasion by Northern troops. 

On the 9th, a resolution was adopted by the 
Congress at Montgomery, authorizing their 
Government to accept all the volunteers who 
might offer. 

On the 13th, a Convention assembled at 
Wheeling, in Western Virginia, for the purpose 
of separating the counties represented from 
being a part of Virginia, and forming a Union 
State Government. On this same day the proc- 
lamation of Victoria, Queen of England^ was 
issued, recognizing the insurrectionary States 
as belligerents. 

On the 14tb, a schooner at Baltimore found 
to be loaded with arms was seized by the Fed- 
eral authorities. 

On the 16th, the first injury was done to the 
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, by the destruc- 
tion of several bridges and portions of the 
track. 

On the same day, the brigade of State militia 
under Gen. Frost at St. Louis, Missouri, sur- 
rendered to G«n. Lyon, an officer in the United 
States service. A camp of instruction had been 
formed under Gen. Frost in the western sub- 
urbs of the city, in pm-suance of orders from 



the Governor of the State. He had directed 
the other militia districts also to go into en- 
campments with a view of acquiring a greater 
proficiency in military drill. It had been re- 
ported to Gen. Frost that Gen. Lyon intended 
to attack him, and, on the other hand, it had 
been reported to Gen. Lyon that it was the in- 
tention of Gen. Frost to attack the arsenal and 
United States troops. On the 16th, Gen. Frost 
addressed a note to Gen. Lyon alluding to these 
reports. 

About the same time Gen. Lyon's troops 
were put in motion, to the number, as was 
represented, of four or five thousand, and pro- 
ceeded through the city to the camp of Gen. 
Frost, and surrounded it, planting batteries on 
all the heights overlooking the camp. Long 
files of men were stationed in platoons at va- 
rious points on every side, and a picket guard 
established, covering an area of two hundred 
yards. The guards, with fixed bayonets and 
muskets at half cock, were instructed to allow 
none to pass or repass within the limits thus 
taken up. 

By this time an immense crowd of people had 
assembled in the vicinity, having gone thither 
in carriages, buggies, rail cars, baggage wagons, 
on horseback, and on foot. Numbers of men 
seized rifles, shot-guns, or whatever other 
weapons they could lay hands on, and rushed 
to the assistance of the State troops, but were, 
of course, obstructed in their design. The 
hills, of which there a^re a number in the neigh- 
borhood, were literally black with people — hun- 
dreds of ladies and children stationing them- 
selves with the throng, but as they thought out 
of harm's way. Ha%4ng arrived in this posi- 
tion, Gen. Lyon addressed a letter to Gen. Frost 
demanding an immediate surrender. 

Immediately on the receipt of the foregoing, 
Gen. Frost called a hasty consultation of the 
oflicers of his staff. The conclusion arrived 
at was that the brigade was in no condition to 
make resistance to a force so nftmerically supe- 
rior, and that only one com'se could be pm-sued 
— a surrender. 

The State troops were therefore made pris- 
oners, but an offer was made to release them 
on condition they would take an oath to sup- 
port the Constitution of the United States, and 
not to take up arms against the Government. 
These terms they declined on the ground that 
they had already taken the oath of allegiance, 
and to repeat it would be to admit that they 
had been in rebellion. 

About half-past five the prisoners left the 
grove and entered the road, the United States 
soldiers enclosing them by a single file stretched 
along each side of the line. A halt was ordered, 
and the troops remained standing in the posi- 
tion they had deployed into the road. The 
head of the column at the time rested opposite 
a small hill on the left as one approaches the 
city, and the rear was on a line with the en- 
trance to the grove. Vast crowds of people 
covered the surrounding grounds and every 



62 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



fence and house top in the vicinity. Suddenly 
the sharp reports of several fire-arms were 
heard from the front of the column, and the 
spectators that lined the adjacent hill were seen 
fleeing in the greatest dismay and terror. It 
appeared that several members of one of the 
German companies, on being pressed by the 
crowd and receiving some blows from them, 
turned and discharged their pieces. Fortu- 
nately no one was injured, and the soldiers 
who had done the act were at once placed 
under arrest. Hardly, however, had tranquil- 
lity been restored when volley after volley of 
rifle reports was suddenly heard from the ex- 
treme rear ranks, and men, women, and chil- 
dren were beheld running wildly and frantically 
away from the scene. Many, while running, 
were suddenly struck to the sod, and the 
wounded and dying made the late beautiful 
field look like a battle-ground. The total num- 
ber killed and wounded was twenty-five. It 
was said that the arsenal troops were attacked 
with stones, and two shots discharged at them 
by the crowd before they fired. Most of the 
people exposed to the fire were citizens with 
their wives and children, who were merely 
spectators. It was now night, and the excite- 
ment in the city was indescribable. On the 
next afternoon a large body of the German 
Home- Guard entered the city from the arsenal, 
where they had been enlisted during the day, 
and furnished with arms. They passed unmo- 
lested until they turned up Walnut Street, and 
proceeded westward. Large crowds were col- 
lected on the corners, who hooted and hissed 
as the companies passed, and one man standing 
on the steps of a church fired a revolver into 
the ranks. A soldier fell dead, when two more 
shots were fired from the windows of a house 
near by. At this time the head of the column, 
which had reached as far as Seventh Street, sud- 
denly turned, and levelling their rifles, fired 
down the street, and promiscuously among the 
spectators, who' lined the pavements. Shoot- 
ing, as they did, directly toward their rear 
ranks, they killed some of their men as well as 
those composing the crowd. The shower of 
bullets was for a moment terrible, and the only 
wonder was that more lives were not lost. 
The missiles of lead entered the windows and 
perforated the doors of private residences, tear- 
ing the ceihngs, and throwing splinters in every 
direction. On the street the scene presented, 
as the soldiers moved off, was sad indeed. Six 
men lay dead at different points, and several 
were wounded and shrieking with pain upon the 
pavements. Four of the men killed were mem- 
bers of the regiment, and two were citizens. 
Immense crowds of people filled the streets 
after the occurrence, and the whole city pre- 
sented a scene of excitement seldom witnessed. 
Among the arms taken at Camp Jackson were 
three thirty-two pounders, a large quantity of 
balls and bombs, several pieces of artillery, 
twelve hundred rifles, of the late model, six 
brass field-pieces, six brass six-inch mortars, 



one ten-inch iron mortar, three six-inch iron 
cannon, several chests of new muskets, five 
boxes canister shot, ninety-six ten-inch and 
three hundred six-inch shells, -twenty-five kegs 
of powder, and a large number of musket stocks 
and barrels, between thirty and forty horses, 
and a considerable quantity of camp tools. 

The number of prisoners taken to the arsenal 
was six hundred and thirty-nine privates and 
fifty oflicers. On the same day a body of seces- 
sionists were dispersed at Liberty, Missouri. 

On the 17th a number of persons were ar- 
rested at "Washington, on the charge of being 
spies from the insurrectionary States. The 
transportation of any articles by express, to any 
point further south than Washington, was also 
forbidden. Some fortifications were com- 
menced by Southern troops at Harper's Ferry. 
The yacht Wanderer, formerly noted as having 
brought a cargo of slaves from Africa into the 
State of Georgia, was at the same time seized 
off Key West by the Federal steamer Crusader. 

On the 19th the light ship in the Potomac 
River was seized by a body of Virginians, but 
they were pursued and the vessel recaptured. 

On the 19th a collision took place at Sewell's 
Point, which is the projection of land on the 
right shore, where the Elizabeth River turns 
from a north to an easterly course, becoming 
then what is called Hampton Roads. It is on 
this river that Norfolk in Virginia is situated. 
The point was fortified immediately after the 
secession of Virginia. The battery placed there 
by her troops was the exterior of the fine of bat- 
teries intended to guard the Elizabeth River, 
through which Norfolk is approached. This 
line of batteries consisted of seven, the heaviest 
of which was at Craney Island, mounting about 
thirty guns. Two batteries further inland 
mounted about twelve and fifteen guns respec- 
tively. The other batteries mounted from seven 
to ten guns. The battery at Sewell's Point 
commanded the vessels blockading James River, 
and if the guns were sufficiently heavy and 
effective, it could cause them to remove. A 
party being observed perfecting the earthworks, 
the gunboat Star opened fire upon them with 
two ten-inch guns and shell. Subsequently the 
Freeborn, Capt. Ward, arrived, and taking a 
position near the shore, drove the defenders out 
of the works, and disabled the battery. 

The Star was struck by five shots of small 
calibre, all of which took effect. One ball, a 
six-pounder, penetrated the hull on the lar- 
board bow, a few inches above the water line. 
Two of her crew were injured, and one of them, 
a boy, seriously. This was the first skirmish 
between the floating batteries of the North and 
land batteries of the South. On the other side, 
Vice-President Stephens, in an address at At- 
lanta, Ga., on the 23d of May, spoke of the af- 
fair as resulting in "the vessel being repulsed 
and disabled." 

Southern troops now marched for Harper's 
Ferry, and on the 20th of May there were 
on the spot 8,000, made up from Kentucky, 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



53 



Alabama, South Carolina, and Virginia. They 
occupied all the neigliboring heights on both 
Bides of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, 
and claimed to hold a position impregnable 
to 40,000 men, so eligible were the points. 
of defence. They expected accessions to their 
number, under the belief that the United States 
Government intended to make an effort to re- 
plant the national flag wherever it had been 
displaced. 

A small force was thrown over the river to 
the heights on the Maryland shore, thus occu- 
pying a position important to the security of 
Harper's Ferry. The invasion of Maryland by 
Virginia caused a remonstrance from Governor 
Hicks, addressed to Governor Letcher, of Vir- 
ginia. The latter replied that the movement 
was unautliorized and should be countermand- 
ed. On the 14th of June the ferry was evacu- 
ated by the troops. Their total force on that 
day in and around the place was about 10,000. 

On the day when the evacuation commenced 
the bridge over the Potomac was destroyed, 
having been partly blown up and then set on 
tire by the retiring foi*ce. It was a long and 
■ costly structure. This retreat of the Southern 
troops was made in consequence of the move- 
ment of Union troops up the Potomac, from 
Washington, and from Chambersburg, in Penn- 
sylvania, toward Harper's Ferry. At a later 
day, a small force of Confederate troops re- 
turned and burned the bridge over the Shenan- 
doah and other property. After the passage 
of the Union troops across the Potomac at Wil- 
liamsport, under General Patterson, the Con- 
federate forces retired, and the ferry remained 
in possession of the former permanently. 

On the 22d a body of men from the mainland 
reoccupied Ship Island, near the mouth of the 
Mississippi, on which the construction of an ex- 
tensive fort had been commenced by the Federal 
Government, and destroyed the wooden work 
and the lighthouse structure. 

On the night of the 23d of May troops fi-om 
Washington proceeded to occupy the heights on 
the opposite side of the Potomac in Virginia. 
The large camps of southern troops formed in 
such places in Virginia, that a rapid concentration 
by railroad could be made, rendered it prudent 
for the Government to occupy these positions, 
which, in consequence of the railroad connec- 
tions between Alexandria and Richmond, were 
of great importance to the security of Wash- 
ington. The night of the 23d was beautiful on 
the Potomac. A full moon looked peacefully 
down, and perfect quietness prevailed over all 
the shores in the neighborhood of Washington. 
Companies of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, 
were stationed near and on the Long Bridge. 
About midnight two companies of rifles were 
advanced across the bridge to the neighbor- 
hood of Roach's Spring. Scouts were sent out 
in all directions, who managed to get past the 
line of Virginia pickets. Somewhat later the 
latter, getting the alarm, set spurs to their 
horses, and made off in haste down the road 



toward Alexandria. Volunteers of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia were also advanced toward 
Alexandria. At Georgetown, above, a move- 
ment was made about half-past eleven over 
the aqueduct by the Georgetown battalion. 
They drove off the two or three pickets on the 
Virginia side of the river, and soon established 
themselves in position. Next foUowed the 
5th Massachusetts regiment, 28th Brooklyn 
regiment. Company B of the U. S. cavalry, and 
the 69th regiment. The last-named regiment 
scoured Alexandria County, and went back as 
far as the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad. The 
sight of the troops crossing the aqueduct, with 
their burnished weapons gleaming in the bright 
moonlight, was strikingly beautiful. About 2 
o'clock in the morning another large body of 
troops passed over from Washington and the 
neighborhood. The 7th New York regiment 
halted under orders at the Virginia end of the 
Long Bridge ; the 2d New Jersey regiment 
went to Roach's Spring, half a mile from the 
end of the bridge ; the New York 25th and one 
cavalry company, and the New York 12 th and 
the 8d and 4th New Jersey regiments, proceed- 
ed to the right, after crossing the bridge, for 
the occupation of the heights of Arlington. 
They were joined by the other troops, which 
crossed at the Georgetown aqueduct. 

Ellsworth's Zouaves, in two steamers, with 
the steamer Jftmes Guy as tender, left their 
camp on the East Branch, directly for Alexan- 
dria by water. The Michigan regiment, under 
Col. Wilcox, accompanied by a detachment of 
United States cavalry and two pieces of Sher- 
man's battery, also proceeded by way of the 
Long Bridge to Alexandria. At 4 o'clock 
A. M. the Zouaves landed at Alexandria from the 
steamers, and the troops, who proceeded by the 
bridge, also reached that town. As the steam- 
ers drew up near the wharf, armed boats left 
the Pawnee, whose crews leaped ashore just 
before the Ellsworth Zouaves reached it. The 
crews of the Pawnee's boats were fired upon 
by a few Virginia sentries as the boats left 
the steamship, by way of giving the alarm, but 
these sentries instantly fled into the town. 
Their fire was answered by scattering shots 
from some of the Zouaves on the decks of the 
steamers. Immediately on landing, the Zouaves 
marched up into the centre of the town, no re- 
sistance whatever to their progress being of- 
fered. Thus quiet possession was taken of that 
part of Alexandria, in the name of the United 
States, by that portion of the troops imme- 
diately commanded by Col. Ellsworth. The 
Michigan regiment, at the same time, marched 
into the town by the extension of the Washing- 
ton turnpike, and the cavalry and artillery came 
in two or three streets below. The destination 
of both these detachments was the depot of 
the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, which 
they instantly seized. They also found there 
a disunion company of cavalry, of thirty-five 
men, and as many horses, who were made pris- 
oners, not ha\ang heai-d the alarm made by the 



54 



MILITAEY AFD FAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



firing of the sentries below. A portion of the 
Virginia force escaped in cars. Thus was 
possession taken of the Virginia shore. In- 
trenching tools Avere conveyed over from Wash- 
ington ; the next day intrenchments were 
thrown np, and about noon a large national 
flag was raised within them, and thrown out to 
the winds. Great numbers of spectators, of 
both sexes, lined the heights on the east bank 
of the Potomac, watching the movements of 
the troops with eager interest. The only dis- 
astrous event occurring was the death of Col. 
Ellsworth, commander of the Fire Zouave regi- 
ment of New York. The intrenchments thus 
commenced subsequently became of immense 
extent, and, with those on the other sides of 
"Washington, consisted of forty-eight works, 
mounting 300 guns. The whole defence peri- 
meter occupied was about thirty-five miles. 

During the next day after the occupation of 
Alexandria, the bridges on the railroad from 
that city to Leesburg were destroyed. Martial 
law was at once declared in Alexandria, and 
the command of the troops in the vicinity of 
Washington was given, to Brig.-Gen. Irvin 
McDowell. From Fortress Monroe Gen. But- 
ler advanced his forces and formed an intrench- 
ed camp at Newport News on the 27th. His 
object was to command Sand Island, which is 
about midway in, and completely guards the 
entrance of the James River. 

A blockade of the Mississippi was commenced 
at this time by the Southern troops, and also a 
regular blockade of the ports of Savannah and 
Mobile by the Federal fleet. 

On the 30th, Grafton, in Western Virginia, 
was occupied by Col. Kelly. A small force 
of the enemy retired on his approach. In 
Missouri Gen. Lyon superseded Gen. Harney, 
and at Washington commissions were issued to 
Gens. Fremont and Banks. 

On the 31st an attack was made on the bat- 
teries erected by the Virginia troops at Aquia 
Creek, below Washington, by Commander H. 
J. Wara in the gunboat Freeborn, supported by 
the Anacostia and Resolute. He thus reported 
the affair: 



" After an incessant discharge, kept up for two 
hours by both our 32-pounders, and the ex- 
penditure of all the ammunition suitable for 
distant firing, and silencing completely the 
three batteries at the railroad terminus, the 
firing from shore having been rapidly kept up 
by them untU so silenced, and having been re- 
commenced from the new batteries on the 
heights back, which reached us in volleys, drop- 
ping the shot on board and about us like hail 
for nearly an hour, but fortunately wounding 
but one man, I hauled the vessel ofi', as the 
heights proved wholly above the reach of our 
elevation. Judging from the explosion of our 
ten-second shells in the sand-batteries, two of 
which were thrown by the Anacostia, it is hardly 
possible the enemy can have escaped consider- 
able loss. Several others of the Anacostia's 
shells dropped in the vicinity of the battery." 

Another attack was made on the batteries on 
the 1st of June, by the Freeborn and Pawnee 
gunboats. Just as the firing opened the men at 
the batteries burned the depot houses at the end 
of the wharf, probably to prevent them from 
being in the way of their shot. They continued 
burning throughout the whole engagement, as 
it was not safe for any one to leave the batteries 
to extinguish the fire. The entire wharf to the 
water's edge was also burned. 

A slight affair had taken place on the 29th of 
May, previous to these two attacks, which was 
the first hostile coUision on the waters of the 
Potomac. 

On June 1st the first collision took place be- 
tween the hostile forces in the neighborhood of 
Washington. Lieut. Tompkins, with a company 
of regular cavalry, consisting of forty-seven men, 
made a dash upon the village of Fairfax Court- 
House. A body of Southern troops were in 
possession of the village, who made a vigorous 
and determined resistance. The cavalry charged 
through the principal street, and upon their re- 
turn were met by two detachments of the ene- 
my.' Again wheeling, they encountered another 
detachment, through which they forced their 
way and escaped, bringing with them five prison- 
ers. They lost nine horses in the skii'mish. 



CHAPTEK YII. 



Sonthern Congress adjourns to meet at Eicbmond— Speeches of Howell Cobb and Vice-President Stephens— The Federal 
Ai-my— Skirmish at Philippi— Attack on Pig's Point— Great Bethel— Movements in West Tennessee— Eomney— Ad- 
vance of Gen. Lyon to Jefferson City— Vienna— Locomotives Destroyed— Mathias Point— Other Events— Southern 
Privateers. 



Bloody conflicts soon began to occur in va- 
rious quarters, which renders it necessary 
to notice more fuUy the preparations each 
side had been making. On April 29th the in- 
surrectionary Congress had assembled at Mont- 
gomery, in compliance with a proclamation from 
their President. At the opening of the session 



he delivered a message recommending such 
measures as were necessary to conduct a vigor- 
ous defensive war. They were promptly pass- 
ed, and on the 21st of May Congress adjourned 
to meet at Richmond, in Virginia, on July 20th. 
The reasons for this change of capital are 
given by the President of the Congress, Howell 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



55 



Cobb, in a speech at Atlanta, Ga., on the 22d 
of Maj : 

"I presume that a curiosity to know what 
wc have been doing in the Congress recently 
assembled at Montgomery, has induced you to 
make this call upon me. We have made all the 
necessary arrangements to meet the present 
crisis. Last night we adjourned to meet in 
Richmond on the 20th of July. I will tell you 
wliy we did this. The 'Old Dominion,' as you 
know, has at last shaken off the bonds of Lin- 
coln, and joined her noble Southern sisters. 
Her soil is to be the battle-ground, and her 
streams are to be dyed with Southern blood. 
We felt that her cause was our cause, and that 
if she fell we wanted to die by her. We have 
Bent our soldiers on to the posts of danger, and 
we wanted to be there to aid and counsel our 
brave ' boys.' In the progress of the war fur- 
ther legislation may be necessary, and we will 
be there, that when the hour of danger comes, 
we may lay aside the robes of legislation, buckle 
on the armor of the soldier, and do battle be- 
side the brave ones who have volunteered for 
the defence of our beloved South. 

" The people are coming up gallantly to the 
work. When the call was made for twelve- 
months' volunteers, thousands were offered ; but 
when it was changed to the full term of the war, 
the numbers increased! The anxiety among 
our citizens is not as to who shall go to the wars, 
but who shall stay at home. No man in the 
whole Confederate States — the gray-haired sire 
down to the beardless youth — in whose veins 
was one drop of Southern blood, feared to plant 
his foot upon Virginia's soil, and die lighting for 
our rights." 

On the next evening the Vice-President, Mr. 
Stephens, being at Atlanta, also made an ad- 
dress, in which the plan of the Government was 
more fully unfolded: "The time for speech- 
making has passed. The people have heard all 
that can bo said. The time for prompt, vigor- 
ous, and decisive action is upon us, and we must 
do our duty. Upon the surface afiairs appear 
to be quiet, and I can give you no satisfaction 
as to their real condition. It is true that threats 
of an attack on Pensacola have been made, but 
it is uncertain whether any attack will be made. 
As you know, an attack was made at Sewall's 
Point, near Norfolk, but the vessel making it 
was repulsed and disabled. But tlie general 
opinion and indications are that the first demon- 
stration will be at Harper's Ferry, and that 
there, where John Brown inaugurated his work 
of slaughter, will be fought a fierce and bloody 
battle. As for myself, I believe that there the 
war will begin, and that the first boom of can- 
non that breaks upon our ears will come from 
tliat point. But let it begin where it will, and 
be as bloody and prolonged as it may, we are 
prepared for the issue ! Some think there will 
be no war ; as to that I know not. But what- 
ever others wanted, the object of the Con- 
federate Government is peace. Come peace or 
war, however, it is determine^ to maintam our 



position at every hazard and at every cost, and 
to brive back the myrmidons of Abolitionism. 
We prefer and desire peace if we can have it ; 
but if we cannot, we must meet the is.suc forced 
upon us." 

Richmond was promptly occupied by the 
Southern authorities, and was made the capital 
of the new Confederacy. 

Meanwhile President Lincoln had issued 
another call for troops. On the 4th of May 
a second proclamation appeared calling for 
volunteers to serve during the war. So pa- 
triotic and enthusiastic were the people in 
favor of preserving the Union, that, under 
this call, two hundred and eight regiments 
had been accepted by July 1st. A number 
of other regiments were also accepted, on 
condition of being ready to be mustered into 
service within a specified time. All of those 
regiments accepted under this call were infantry 
and riflemen, with the exception of two bat- 
talions of artillery and four regiments of cav- 
alry. Many regiments, mustered as infantry, 
had attached to them one or more artillery 
companies ; and there were also some regiments 
partly made up of companies of cavalry. Of 
the two hundred and eight regiments above 
mentioned, one hundred and fifty-three were in 
active service on the 1st of July, and the re- 
maining fifty-five within twenty days after- 
wards. The total force in the field on July 1st, 
was computed as follows : 

Kegulars and volunteers for three months and for 

the war 232,875 

Add to this 55 regiments of volunteers for 

the war, accepted and not then in service. 50,000 

Add new regiments of regular army 25,000 

75,000 

Total force at command of Government 807,875 

Deduct the three-months' volunteers 77,875 

Force for service after the withdrawal of the three- 

months' men 230,000 

Of this force, 188,000 men were volunteers, 
and 42,000 men computed for the regular army. 

The proclamation of the President of May 
4th also called for an increase of the regular 
army. This increase consisted of one regiment 
of cavalry of twelve companies^ numbering, in 
the maximum aggregate, 1,189, ofiicers and 
men ; one regiment of artillery, of twelve bat- 
teries, of six pieces each, numbering, in the 
maximum aggregate, 1,909, officers and men; 
nine regiments of infantry, each regiment con- 
taining three battalions of eight companies each, 
numbering, in the maximum aggregate, 2,452, 
officers and men, making a maximum increase 
of infantry of 22,0C8, officers and men. 

The system adopted for the organization of 
the volunteers was different from the one which 
had existed in the regular army. The French 
regimental system of three battalions to a regi- 
ment was adopted. 

Sucli gatherings of forces along an irregular 
and disputed line from east to west, soon led 
to collisions before the earnest work of war 
could commence. A camp of insurrectionary 
troops in the neighborhood of Philippi, Barbour 
County, Western Virginia, were completely sur- 



56 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



prised by Union troops, consisting of "Western 
Virginia and Indiana volunteers, under Ools. 
Kelly and Dumont, both under the command of 
Brig.-Gen. Morris. On the morning of the 2d 
of June, five regiments, formed in two divisions, 
left Grafton, Virginia, for an attack on the 
forces of the insurrectionists. The first division 
consisted of the 1st Vii'ginia, part of the 16th 
Ohio, and the Indiana Vth, under Col. Kelly ; 
the other consisted of the Indiana 9 th and the 
Ohio 14th, accompanied by Col. Lander, for- 
merly engaged against the Western Indians. 
The division under Col. Kelly moved eastward 
by railroad to Thornton, five miles from Graf- 
ton, and thence marched to Philippi, a distance 
of twenty-two miles. The Indiana 9th, uniting 
at Webster with the 14th Ohio, forming the 
second division, pushed on to Philippi, twelve 
miles distant, on foot. TLe march of both di- 
visions was performed on the night of the 2d, 
through rain and mud. The division under Col. 
Dumont arrived on the hill across the river 
from and below Philippi early on the morning 
of the 3d. They at once planted two pieces of 
artillery on the brow of the hiU, and prepared 
to open on the enemy as soon as four o'clock 
should arrive. This' division was to attack the 
enemy in front, while the other, under Col. 
Kelly, made an attack in the rear; but the 
darkness of the night and the violence of the 
rain so impeded the march as to render it im- 
possible for the division to arrive before Philip- 
pi at the appointed hour. The artillery of the 
division under Col. Lander, opened fire soon after 
four o'clock, when the enemy began to retire 
at once, leaving their camp behind. At this 
^noment Col. Kelly, with the division, came up 
across the river and below the camp. At the 
same time Col. Dumont's force rushing down 
the hill and over the bridge to unite in the at- 
tack, the retreat of the enemy became a com- 
plete rout, and he fied, leaving seven hundred 
stand of arms, a number of horses, and all his 
camp equipage and provision. The loss on both 
sides was small. Among the badly wounded 
was >Col. Kelly ; he, however, subsequently re- 
covered from the wound. The town was oc- 
cupied by the Federal force. 

On the 5th of June an attack was made by 
the steam-cutter Harriet Lane, upon a battery 
located at Pig's Point nearly opposite Newport 
News, to guard the entrance of James River. 
The cutter was proceeding up the river to re- 
connoitre and look out for batteries. She soon 
observed a large and heavy one planted upon 
the point, and about five miles distant from 
Newport News, and opened fire, which was 
briskly returned by the battefies, for nearly a 
half hour. It was found that but one gun of 
the cutter could reach the battery, the guns of 
which being heavier, easily reached the former, 
and several shot struck her. These were sup- 
posed to come from a rifled 32-pounder. Sev- 
eral shells were thrown into the battery by the 
gun from the cutter. There were five injured 
on the Harriet Lane. 



On the 9th of June a movement of troops up 
the Potomac took place from Washington. The 
Rhode Island battery, under Col. Burnside, was 
sent to join the force imder Gen. Patterson at 
Chambersburg, and on the next day three 
bodies of District of Columbia volunteers, 
numbering 1,000 men, moved up the RockviUe 
road along- the Potomac toward Edwards' 
Ferry. This point is about thirty miles from 
Georgetown, and equidistant from Washington 
and Harper's Ferry. It is the only crossing for 
teams between the Point of Rocks and the 
District. The road passed from Frederick, Md., 
across a bridge over the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Canal, to the established ferry across the Poto- 
mac, and terminated in Leesburg, Va., which 
is only four miles distant from the crossing. At 
the same time Gen. Patterson advanced from 
Chambersburg toward Harper's Ferry. 

Meanwhile the most important movement 
which had yet taken place was ordered by Gen. 
Butler against Great Bethel. This place is about 
twelve miles from Fortress Monroe, on the road 
from Hampton to Yorktown, and between two 
and four miles beyond Little Bethel on the same 
road. This latter spot, consisting chiefly of a 
small church, is about ten miles from Hampton 
and the same distance from Newport News, in 
Elizabeth City County, Virginia. At Little 
Bethel a Confederate outpost of some strength 
was established, the main army being in the 
vicinity of Yorktown. From Little Bethel the 
Virginia troops were accustomed to advance, 
both on Newport News and the picket guards 
of Hampton, to annoy them. They had also 
come down in small squads of cavalry and taken 
a number of Union men, and forced them to 
serve in their ranks, besides gathering up the 
slaves of citizens who had moved away and left 
their farms in charge of their negroes, and sent 
them to work on the intreuchments at Williams- 
bm'g and Yorktown. Gen. Butler, being in 
command at Fortress Monroe, determined to 
drive out the enemy and destroy his camp. At 
Great Bethel, which is a large church near the 
head of Back River, there was another outpost, 
and a considerable rendezvous with works of 
some strength in process of erection. Brig.- 
Gen. E. W. Pierce was appointed to the com- 
mand of the expedition, and issued the follow- 
ing orders : 

Headqxtabterb Cajip Hamilton, June 9, 1861. 

General Order Wo. 12. — A plan of attack to-night 
is herewith enclosed and forwarded to Col. Duryea, 
commanding 5th Eegiment New York State troops, 
who will act accordingly. Col. Townsend, command- 
ing 3d Regiment New York State troops, will march 
his command in support of Col. Duryea; Col. Carr, 
commanding 2d Regiment New York volunteers, 
will detach the artillery company of his regiment, with 
their field-pieces, caissons, and a suitable supply of 
ammunition, and take their position at the burnt 
bridge, near Hampton. Cols. Allen, Carr, and McOhes- 
ney will hold their entire commands in readiness, fully 
prepared to march at a moment's notice. All the 
troops will be supplied with one day's rations, and each 
man with twenty rounds of ball cartridges. That no 
mistake may be made, all the troops as they charge th© 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



57 



enemy, will shout ".Boston." Cols. Allen, Cair, 
Townsend, Duryea, and McChesney will take notice, 
and act accordingly. By command of 

Brigadier-General E. W. PIERCE. 

Some notes were added to this order, the 
principal points of wbicli were as follows : 

A regiment or battalion to march from Newport 
News. A regiment or battalion to march from Camp 
Hamilton, Duryea's; each to be supported by sufh- 
cient reserves under arms in camp, and with advance- 
guard out on the line of march. Duryea to push out 
two pickets at 10 p. m. ; one also two and a half miles 
beyond Hampton, on the county road, but not so far 
as to alarm the enemy. This is important. Second 
picket half so far as the first. Both pickets to keep as 
much out of sight as possible. No one whosoever to 
be allowed to pass through their lines. Persons to be 
allci,wed to pass inward towards Hampton, unless it 
appear they intend to go around about and dodge 
through the front. At 12 m., (midnight,) Col. Duryea 
will march his regiment, with twenty rounds of car- 
tridges, on the county road towards Little Bethel. 
Scows will be provided to ferry them across Hampton 
Creek. March to be rapid but not hurried. A how- 
itzer with canister and shrapuell to go, and a wagon 
with planks and materials to repair the New Market 
bridge. Duryea to have the two hundred rifles. He 
will pick the men to whom they are to be intrusted. 
Newport News movement to be made somewhat later, 
as the distance is less. It' we find the enemy and sur- 
prise them, we will fire a volley if desirable, not reload, 
and go ahead with the bayonet. As the attack is to 
be made by night, or gray of morning, and in two 
detachments, our people should have some token, say 
a white rag, or nearest approach to white attainable, 
on left arm. 

Accordingly, on that night, the regiment of 
New York Zouaves, under Col. Duryea, and 
the Albany (N. Y.) regiment, under Col. Town- 
send, were despatched from Fortress Monroe, 
while the New York Steuben (German) regi- 
ment, under Col. Bendix, with detachments 
from the First Vermont and the Third Massa- 
chusetts, were ordered from Newport News. 
"With the division from Fortress Monroe, or 
Camp Hamilton, as it was called, there was a 
small detachment of United States Artillery, 
Lieut Greble commanding, with three pieces 
of light artillery. 

The Zouaves were ordered to proceed over 
Hampton Creek at 1 o'clock in the morning, 
and to march by the road up to New Market 
Bridge; thence, after crossing, to go by a by- 
road, which would put them in the rear of the 
enemy, and between Little Bethel and Great 
Bethel. This was to be done for the purpose 
of cutting otf the enemy and then to make an 
attack on Little Bethel. This movement was 
to be supported by Col. Townsend's regiment 
with two howitzers, which was to march from 
Hampton one hour later. The companies of 
Massachusetts and Vermont were to make a 
demonstration upon Little Bethel in front, sup- 
ported by Col. Bendix's regiment with two 
fieldpieces. The regiments of Cols. Bendix 
and Townsend were to effect a junction at a fork 
of the road leading from Hampton to Newport 
News, about a mile and a half from Little Bethel. 
Col. Townsend, in his report, thus describes the 
manner in which this junction was made : 

*' In obedience to these orders, with the con- 



certed sign of a white badge upon our left arm, 
(at midnight,) I marched my regiment to Hamp- 
ton, where the general met the command and 
accompanied it. 

" On approaching a defile through a thick 
wood, about five or six miles from Hampton, a 
heavy and well-sustained fire of canister and 
small-arms was opened upon the regiment 
while it was marching in a narrow road, upon 
the flank, in easy step and wholly unsuspicious 
of any enemy, inasmuch as we were ordered to 
reenforce Col. Duryea, who had preceded us by 
some two hours, and who had been ordered to 
throw out,. as he marched, an advance guard two 
miles from his regiment, and a sustaining force 
half-way between tlie advance and the regi- 
ment ; therefore, had Col. Duryea been obliged 
to retreat upon us before we reached liis local- 
ity, we should have heard distant firing, or 
some of his regiment would have been seen re- 
treating. 

" The force which fired upon us was subse- 
quently ascertained to be only the regiment of 
Col. Bendix, though a portion of the Vermont 
and Fourth Massachusetts regiments was with 
it, having come down with two 6-pounder field- 
pieces from Newport News to join the column. 
These regiments took up a masked position in 
the woods at the commencement of the defile. 
The result of the fire upon us was two mortally 
■wounded, (one since dead,) three dangerously, 
and four officers and twenty privates slightly, 
making a total of twenty-nine. At the com- 
menceipent of the fire, the general, captain 
chamberlain, his aide-de-camp, and two mount- 
ed howitzers were about 250 paces in advance 
of the regiment ; the fire was opened upon them 
first by a discharge of small-arms, and imme- 
diately followed by a rapidly returned volley 
upon my regiment and the -field-pieces ; my 
men then generally discharged their pieces and 
jumped from the right to the left of the road, 
and recommenced loading and firing. In a few 
minutes, the regiment was reformed in the midst 
of this heavy fire, and by the general's direc- 
tions, retired in a thoroughly military manner, 
and in order to withdraw his supposed enemy 
from his position. On ascertaining that the en- 
emy were our friends, and on providing for the 
wounded, we joined Cols. Duryea and Bendix." 

Col. Duryea, who was on the advance, thus 
describes his movement : 

"At half-past 11 o'clock, at night, we com- 
menced the march, and for the first two miles to 
Hampton Bridge, proceeded leisurely, waiting 
for the howitzer which should be placed at the 
head of the column. Arriving at Hampton 
Creek, much delay was occasioned by the non- 
arrival of the surf-boats which were to convey 
the regiment across tlie river, and it was 1 
o'clock before the column was formed, ready to 
push forward on the other side. We now ad- 
vanced rapidly, and soon came up with our two 
companies of skirmishers, who had been de- 
spatched ahead an hour and a half previous. 
Proceeding steadily on without resting a mo- 



58 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



raent, we came about 4 o'clock in the morning 
to Little Bethel, a distance of about ten miles. 
At this point we discovered and surprised the 
picket-guard of the enemy, and a mounted oflB- 
cer with four or five foot were taken prisoners. 
While pushing forward towards Big Bethel, we 
suddenly heard a heavy fire of musketry and 
cannon in our rear, bespeaking a severe engage- 
ment. Supposing it to be an attempt of the 
enemy to cut off our reserve^ we immediately 
countermarched in quick and double-quick time, 
when, having proceeded about five miles, we 
came upon two of our regiments, and learned 
that in the darkness of the night they had mis- 
taken each other for enemies, and an unfor- 
tunate engagement, accompanied with some 
loss, had taken place." 

Up to the time of this fatal mistake, the plan 
had been vigorously, accurately, and success- 
fully carried out. As a precaution, the com- 
manding general had ordered that no attack 
should be made until the watchword had been 
shouted by the attacking regiment. Ten of 
Ool. Townsend's regiment were wounded, and 
one mortally. All hope of surprising the ene- 
my above the camp at Little Bethel was now 
lost, and it was found, upon marching upon it, 
to have been vacated, and the cavalry had 
pressed on towards Great Bethel. Gen. Pierce 
now consulted with his colonels, and it was 
concluded to attempt to carry the works of the 
enemy at Great Bethel, and measures were 
taken for that purpose. The force proceeded 
on, and Great Bethel was reached about 10 
o'clock. Over a small stream twelve miles from 
Hampton, a bridge, called County Bridge, crosses 
on the road to Yorktown. On the opposite 
side, and to the right, the enemy were posted 
behind sand batteries. In front of their batter- 
ies was a broad open field, and nearer to the 
bridge than that, and on the right of the ad- 
vancing force, was a wood, and in front and to 
the left, a corn-field. Between the wood and 
the corn-field, ran a road connected with that 
by which the advance was made. Col. Dur- 
yea's regiment now advanced over the fence 
and into the corn-field, and deployed into 
an apple orcliard on the enemy's right flank. 
The Albany regiment took a supporting posi- 
tion on the right and rear of Col. Duryea, while 
it in turn was supported in like manner by Col. 
Allen's regiment. In the road in front of the 
enemy's batteries, Lieut. Greble's howitzers 
were placed, having in their rear Col. Bendix's 
regiment, which deployed on the right, in the 
wood, and on the enemy's left flank with three 
companies of the Massachusetts and Vermont 
regiments. The fire of the enemy became at 
once incessant and galling on the Federal right. 
The howitzers of Lieut. Greble, supported only 
by the ordinary force of gunners, opened fire 
with great rapidity and effect, and were stead- 
ily advanced to within 200 yards of the enemy's 
position. Several attempts were now made to 
charge the batteries, but were unsuccessful, ow- 
ing to a morass in their front and a deep ditch 



or stream requiring ladders to cross it. The 
troops were, however, gradually gaining ground, 
although the action had continued nearly two 
hours and a half, when the order was given by 
Gen. Pierce to retreat. The howitzers main- 
tained their position until their ammunition be- 
gan to give out, when Lieut. Greble was struck 
on the back part of the head by a cannon ball, " 
killing him instantly. The gunner having 
been disabled, the pieces wer^ withdrawn by a 
small force under Col. "Washburn. 

On the right, the Vermont companies had 
outflanked the enemy, gaining a position in 
their rear and pouring such a hot fire as to 
silence the battery there. A statement by one 
of the Confederate force, says : " One company 
under Capt. Winthrop attempted to take the 
redoubt on the left. The marsh over which 
they crossed was strewn with their bodies. 
Their captain, a fine-looking man, reached the 
fence and leaping on a log, waved his sword, 
crying, ' Come on, boys ; one charge and the 
day is ours.' The words were his last, for a 
Carolina rifle ended his life the next moment, 
and his men fled." The force retired from the 
field in order, about half-past 12 o'clock, and 
the enemy on the same day fell back to York- 
town. The number of Federal troops was be- 
tween three and four thousand, while that of 
the enemy was nearly fifteen hundred. The 
loss on the Federal side was sixteen killed, 
thirty-four wounded, and five missing. The 
loss on the Confederate side was small. 

A statement was made by an officer of Col. 
Bendix's regiment, that the latter had not re- 
ceived any intimation that the troops would 
Avear white badges round the arm for the pur- 
pose of mutual recognition, and if he had, he 
would not have been able to distinguish such 
badge at the distance and in the dusk of the 
morning. Col. Bendix's command did not wear 
such badges. The uniform of Col. Townsend's 
regiment was very similar to that of the enemy. 
It was also further stated, that when Col. Town- 
send's troops approached the junction over a 
slig])t ridge, they appeared to be a troop of 
cavalry, because Gen. Pierce and staff and Col. 
Townsend and staff, in a body, rode in advance 
of their troops, and without any advance guard 
thrown out. 

The expedition was originally undertaken 
with the object of cutting off a body of the 
enemy supposed to be near Newport News, and 
it was undertaken at night in order to surprise 
their batteries. This surprise was frustrated 
by the mistaken engagement between the two 
regiments. Some of the officers were opposed 
to an advance after this occurrence. 

The bravery of the Federal troops was ad- 
mitted even by the enemy, and if proper knowl- 
edge had been obtained beforehand of the po- 
sition, and no order for retreat had been given, 
the attack would have been successful. No in- 
vestigation has ever been made of the affair, 
nor has the generalship displayed ever been 
approved. 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



59 



The progress of military affairs in the western 
part of Tennessee had been such that at this 
time there were established on the Mississippi 
River five or six batteries of heavy guns, in- 
cluding mortars, columbiads, and 32 and 24- 
pounders, commanding the river from Memphis 
to the Kentucky line. About fifteen thousand 
troops were concentrated in West Tennessee 
under Maj.-Gen, G. J. Pillow, as commander- 
in-chief, with Brig.-Gens. Cheatham and Sneed. 
Eight thousand troops of all arms from Missis- 
sippi had passed up the Mobile and Ohio Rail- 
road, at Corintli, and at Grand Junction, on the 
Mississippi Central Railroad, on their way to a 
rendezvous near the Kentucky line, to act under 
Maj.-Gen. Clark, of Mississippi, in concert with 
Maj.-Gen. Pillow, of Tennessee. With these 
troops were some cavalry and two light bat- 
teries. At least seventy-five or one hundi;ed 
heavy guns had been placed in battery, and 
other large guns were in the State ready for 
use. A corps d''armee^ under command of 
Brig.-Gen. Foster, had assembled in Camp 
Cheatham, Gen. William R. Caswell had as- 
sembled, and armed and equipped, a force 
of considerable strength in East Tennessee, 
ready to repel any attack in that division of 
the State. 

On June 11th a body of Virginia troops at 
Mill Creek, a few miles from Romney, Northern 
Virginia, were .surprised by an Indiana reg- 
iment under Col. Wallace. The Virginians fled 
through Romney, on the road to Winchester, 
abandoning their tents and arms. Some pris- 
oners were taken with a small loss on both sides. 

Meanwhile active operations commenced in 
Missouri by the movement of troops from St. 
Louis to Jefferson City. 

On the 13th the steamer latan left St. Louis 
with the second battalion of the First Regiment 
Missouri volunteers, one section of Totten's 
Light Artillery, and two companies of regulars, 
and the steamer J. C. Swan, with the first bat- 
talion of the First Regiment, under Col. Blair, 
and another section of Totten's battery, and a 
detachment of pioneers, and Gen. Lyon and 
staff, numbering fifteen hundred men. Horses, 
wagons, and all necessary camp equipage, am- 
munition, and provisions for a long march, ac- 
companied the expedition. 

On tlie 15th they arrived at' Jefferson City. 
Five companies of Missouri volunteers, under 
Lieut.-Col. Andrews, and a company of regular 
artillery under Capt. Totten, all under Gen. 
Lyon, disembarked and occupied the city. 
Gov. Jackson and the oflScers of the State Gov- 
ernment, and many citizens, had left on the 
13th. A company of regulars, under Maj. 
Conant, thoroughly searched the country for 
contraband articles, and found some wheels and 
other parts of artillery carriages. No violence 
was offered, but, on the contrary, the boats 
containing the Federal troops were received 
M'ith cheers by a large concourse of the citizens. 
On the next day Gen. Lyon left for Booneville. 
Previously, however, he placed Col. Henry 



Boernstein, of the Second Missouri volunteers, 
in command. 

Meantime Gov. Jackson, on leaving Jefferson 
City, summoned the State troops to his sup- 
port at Booneville, which is situated on the 
south bank of the Missouri River, and forty- 
eight miles northwest of Jefferson City. Sev- 
eral companies from the adjacent counties joined 
him, under Col. Marmaduke. 

Leaving Jefterson City on the 16th, Gen. 
Lyon proceeded on the steamers A. McDowell, 
latan, and City of Louisiana, up the river, and 
stopped for the night about one mile below 
Providence. Early in the morning he started 
with his force, and reached Rochefort before 
six o'clock, when he learned that a small force 
of the State troops was a few miles below 
Booneville, and preparing to make a \'igorou3 
defence. Proceeding on, they discovered, about 
six miles from Booneville, on the bluffs, a bat- 
tery, and also scouts moving. A landing was 
made about 7 o'clock two miles lower down, 
on the south banl^ of the river, and the troops 
began to move on the river road to Booneville. 
Following it about a mile and a half to the spot 
where it begins to ascend the blurts, several 
shots announced the driving in of the enemy's 
pickets. On the summit of the bluffs the ene- 
my were posted. The Federal force advanced 
and opened the engagement by throwing a few 
nine-pounder shells, while the infantry filed to 
the right and left, and commenced a fire of 
musketry. The enemy stood their ground man- 
fully for a time, then began to retire, and with- 
drew in order. The Federal force was two 
thousand ; only a small portion of which was 
engaged, and its loss was two killed and nine 
wounded. The number of the State troops was 
small. They admitted ten as killed, and sev- 
eral as having been taken prisoners. Some 
shoes, guns, blankets, etc., were taken by the 
Federal troops. This was the first hostile colli- 
sion in the State like a; skirmish or battle be- 
tween those representing the authority of the 
United States and any of the otficers of the 
State Government or forces under them. Gen. 
Lyon, therefore, deemed it necessary to issue 
the following proclamation : 

Booneville, June IS, 1S61. 
To the People of Missouri; 

Upon leaving St. Louis, in consequence of war made 
by the Governor of this State against the Government 
of the United States, because I would not assume on 
its behalf to relinquish its duties, and abdicate its 
rights of protecting loyal citizens from the oppression 
and cruelty of the secessionists in this State, I pub- 
lished an address to the people, in which I declared 
my intention to use the force under my command for 
no other purpose than the maintenance of the au- 
thority ot the General Government, and the protec- 
tion of the rights and property of all law-abiding 
citizens. 

The State authorities, in violation of an agreement 
with Gen. Harney on the 2d of May last, had drawn 
together and organized upon a large scale the means 
of warfare, and, having made a declaration of war, . 
they abandoned the capital, issued orders for the de- 
struction of the railroad and telegraph lines, and pro- 
ceeded to this point to put into execution their hos- 



60 



MILITAEY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



tile purposes toward the General Government. This 
devolved upon me the necessity of meeting this issue 
to the best of my ability, and accordingly I moved to 
this point with a portion of the force under my com- 
mand, attacked and dispersed the hostile forces 
gathered here by the Governor, and took possession 
of the camp-equipage left, and a considerable num- 
ber of prisoners, most of them young and of imma- 
ture age, and who represent that they have been 
misledby frauds, ingeniously devised and industri- 
ously inculcated by designing leaders, who seek to 
devolve upon unreflecting and deluded followers the 
task of securing the object of their own false am- 
bition. 

Out of compassion for these misguiided youths, and 
to correct the impressions created by unscrupulous 
calumniators, I liberated them upon the condition 
that they Avill not serve in the impending hostilities 
against the United States Government. 

I have done this in spite of the well-known facts 
that the leaders in the present rebellion, having long 
experienced the mildness of the General Governnient, 
still feel confident that this mildness cannot be over- 
taxed even by factious hostilities, having in view its 
overthrow ; but lest, as in the case of the late Camp 
Jackson affair, this clemency shall still be miscon- 
strued, it is proper to give warning that the Govern- 
ment cannot always be expecte# to indulge in it to 
the compromise of its evident welfare. 

Hearing that those plotting against the Govern- 
ment have falsely represented that the Government 
troops intended a forcible and violent invasion of 
Missouri for the purposes of military despotism and 
tyranny, I hereby give notice to the people of this 
State that I shall scrupulously avoid all interference 
with the business, right, and property of every de- 
scription recognized by the laws of the State, and 
belonging to law-abiding citizens. But it is equally 
my duty to maintain the paramount authority of the 
United States with such force as I have at my com- 
mand, which will be retaiued only so long as oppo- 
sition makes it necessary, and that it is my wish, 
and shall be my purpose, to visit any unavoidable 
rigor arising in this issue upon those only who pro- 
voke it. 

All persons, who, under the misapprehensions 
above mentioned, have taken up arms, or who are 

Ereparing to do so, are invited to return to their 
omes and relinquish their hostilities toward the 
Federal Government, and are assured that they may 
do so without being molested for past occurrences. 
N. LYON, Brigadier U. S. Army, Commanding. 

On the 18tli Gov. Jackson was at Syracuse, 
about twenty-five miles south of Booneville, 
with about five hundi-ed men. Property was 
taken from Union citizens, also the rolling 
stock of the railroad by the force, when they 
further retired to Warsaw, destroying the La- 
moine bridge, a costly structure, six miles west 
of Syracuse. On the same day a skirmish took 
place near the town of Cole, between a force 
of Union Home Guards and State troops from 
"Warsaw and that region, in which the former 
were put to flight. 

Military affairs now progressed so rapidly 
that the force concentrated in the State reached 
10,000 men, 2,500 of whom were stationed at 
Herman and Jefferson City, 3,200 at Rolla, the 
terminus of the southwest branch of the Pacific 
Eailroad, 1,000 on the North Missouri Railroad, 
and 1,000 at Bird's Point, opposite Cairo. In 
addition to this there was a force of 2,500 re- 
maining at St. Louis, which could be increased 
to 10,000 in a few hours by accessions from the 
neighboring camps in Illinois. These troops 



held the entire portion of tlie State north of 
the river, the southeast quarter lying between 
the Mississippi and a Mne drawn southward 
from Jefferson City to the Arkansas border, 
thus giving to the Federal Government the im- 
portant points of St, Louis, Hannibal, St. Jo- 
seph, and Bird's Point as a base of operations, 
with the rivers and raih-oads as a means of 
transportation. 

On the 24th the State Treasurer, the Auditor, 
and Land Register, who had retired with the 
Governor, returned to Jefferson City and took 
the oath of allegiance, and entered upon their 
duties. The Home Guard of the capital were 
furnished with arms, and drilled under the direc- 
tion of Ool. Boernstein, and intrenchments for 
the defence of the place against attacks yvere 
erected. Several expeditions were sent by 
Gen. Lyon to various parts of the State where 
collections of secessionists were reported, but 
the latter succeeded in getting away before the 
arrival of the Federal troops. 

In the latter part of June Gen, Fremont was 
ordered to take command of the Department 
of the "West. Since Gen. Harney had been 
ordered to another post, Capt. Lyon, who had 
been promoted to a brigadier-generalship, had 
been in command. 

The movement to separate the Union portion 
of Western Virginia from the State was now 
carried through. The Convention declared its 
separation, elected Frank H. Pierpont Govern- 
or, and established a seat of Government at 
Wheeling, which was acknowledged by Pres- 
ident Lincoln, and Senators and Representa- 
tives admitted to seats in Congress. 

On June 17th, Vienna, a small village on the 
railroad from Alexandria to Leesburg, was the 
scene of surprise and disaster to the 1st Ohio 
regiment. Col. McCook. On the day previous 
a train of cars passing over this portion of 
the road had been fired upon, and one man 
killed. In consequence, the Government re- 
solved to place pickets along the road, and 
this regiment, accompanied by Brig.-General 
Schenck, set out in a train of cars, and the 
men were distributed in detachments along 
the line. As the cars approached Vienna, Ool. 
Gregg, with six hundred South Carolinians, and 
a company of artillery and two companies of 
cavalry, on a reconnoitring expedition, heard 
the whistle of the locomotive. He immediately 
wheeled his column and marched back to Vien- 
na, which he had just left. This force had 
scarcely time to place two cannon in position, 
when the train, consisting of six flats and a 
baggage car, pushed by the locomotive, came 
slowly around the curve. As the train was 
about to stop, the artillery opened a well-di- 
rected fire, which raked the cars from front 
to rear. At the same time the coupling of the 
locomotive became detached or destroyed, and 
the engineer retired, leaving the cars in their 
exposed position. The Ohio volunteers imme- 
diately took to the woods on each side, and 
were pursued a short distance by the Confeder- 



MILITAET AN-D NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



61 



ate infantry and cavalry. The Federal loss was 
five killed, six wounded, and seven missing^ The 
cars were hiirned, and a considerable quantity 
of carpenters' tools, blankets, and other baggage 
was taken by the enemy, who suifered no loss. 

At the same time the Potomac was crossed 
at Williamsport by the Union forces under the 
command of Gen. Patterson, and Piedmont, a 
village on the Manassas Gap Railroad, sixty-ono 
miles west of Alexandria, was occupied by the 
enemy. As an offset a small squad of Missouri 
troops, numbering thirty-five men, was cap- 
tured at Liberty in that State. 

On the 23d, by an order of Gen, J. E. John- 
ston, in command of the Southern troops, forty- 
six locomotives and three hundred and five cars 
of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were gather- 
ed at ;Martinsburg, and with wood from the 
company's supply, piled around them, set on 
fire and destroyed. The destruction of prop- 
erty was estimated at $400,000. 

On the 2Gth an attack was made on a small 
force sent on shore to clear the wood from 
Mathias Point, on the Potomac, fifty mUes be- 
low Washington; The party were about to go 
on board the gunboat Freeborn, when they 
were attacked. They escaped without loss under 
the cover of the gun of the Freeborn, but Capt. 
Ward, her commander, while sighting the gun 
was wounded, and died a few hours' afterwards. 

On July 1st, Gen. Morris, commanding the 
3d and 4th Ohio regiments, near Buckhannon, 
on the east fork of the Monongahela River, at- 
tacked a body of Virginia troops under Gen. 
Henry A. Wise, and routed them with a loss 
of twenty-three killed and a number taken 
prisoners. On the same day a skirmish took 
place at Falling Water, Virginia, and on the 
next day another at Martinsburg, with a very 
small loss on either side. On the next day an 
entire company of Confederates were captured 
at JTesho in Missouri. ■ This was followed by 
the seizure of the Louisville and Nashville Rail- 
road by Tennesseans on the 4th, and a battle at 
Carthage, Missouri, on the 5th, between some 
of Gen. Lyon's troops under Col. Sigel, assisted 
by Col. Solomon, and a body of State troops 
under Gen. Rains and Col. Parsons. The 
Union loss was thirteen killed and thirty-one 
wounded. The movement of Gen. Lyon up the 
Missouri River and through the central part of 
the State, it now appeared, had the effect to 
restrain the secessionists and prevent them from 
organizhig a formidable force. Two days later 
another skirmish occurred at Brier Forks near 
Carthage, in which neither party gained any 
special advantage. Meantime a skirmish occur- 
red at Middle York bridge, near Buckhannon, 
in which a part of a company of the 3d Ohio 
regiment encountered a body of Virginians un- 
expectedly, and escaped without serious loss. 

On July 8th a communication was brought 
to President Lincoln from Jefterson Davis by 
Col. Taylor, relative to prisoners who had been 
taken with vessels which sailed from Southern 
ports as privateers. Col. Taylor, in displaying 



a flag of truce before the Federal lines in Vir- 
ginia, opposite Washington, was brought blind- 
folded into camp, and his letter sent to Lieut.- 
Gen. Scott, who delivered it to the President. 
Gen. Scott sent back as an answer, that the 
President would reply. No reply was ever 
made. The President of the new Confederacy 
had issued a proclamation as early as April 
17th, proposing to grant letters of marque and 
reprisal on certain conditions. The announce- 
ment of this privateering policy caused at the 
North, where there was so much at risk, a great 
sensation, after it was seen that the insurrec- 
tionists would be successful in obtaining ves- 
sels, and were determined to do all the injury 
possible to Northern commerce. President Lin- 
coln, in anticipation of these efforts at privateer- 
ing, closes his proclamation of April 19, an- 
nouncing a blockade of Southern ports, with this 
threat : 

And I hereby proclaim and declare that if any per- 
son, under the pretended authority of the said States, 
or under any other ])retence, shall molest a vessel of 
the United titates, or the persons or cargo on board 
of her, such person will be held amenable to the laws 
of the United States for the prevention and punish- 
ment of piracy. 

Among the first vessels to take out letters of 
marque at the South, under the proclamation 
of Jefterson Davis, was the Petrel, formerly the 
revenue -cutter Aiken, which had been surren- 
dered to the Confederates in Charleston harbor, 
and the crew of which had vohmteered under 
the new government. This vessel had run the 
blockade, but was no sooner at sea, July 28, 
than she fell in with the United States frigate 
St. Lawrence,, and was captured. The captain 
of the St. Lawrence observed the Southern ves- 
sel in the distance, and immediately hauled 
down his heavy spars and closed his ports. 
Then, with the men below, the old frigate 
looked very much like a large merchant vessel, 
and the privateer bore down, hoping to take a 
good prize. The commander of the Petrel, 
William Perry, of South Carolina, gave the St. 
Lawrence a round ball over her bows and some 
canister over the stern, but the frigate sailed on 
as if trying to get away, when the Petrel gave 
chase, and when in fair range of the frigate the 
latter opened her ports and gave the Petrel a 
compliment of three guns, two of grape and one 
of round shot. The latter was a 32-pounder, 
and struck the Petrel amidships, below the 
water line, and she sunk in a few minutes. 
Four of the crew were drowned, and the rest, 
thirty-six in number, were rescued. Some of 
the men, when fished out of the water, were at 
a loss to know what had happened to the\n. 
The suddenness of the St. Lawrence's reply, 
the deafening roar of the guns, and the splintera. 
and submerged vessel, were all incidents that 
happened apparently in a moment. 

The Calhoun, a side-wheel steamer of 1,058 
tons, was built in New York in 1851. She 
was 175 feet long, 27 feet wide, 11 feet hold. She 
was commanded by George N. Hollins, for- 
merly of the United States navy, and carried 



62 



MILITARY AOT) FAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



one 24-pounder, and two IS-pounder Dahlgren 
guns. By the 27th of May she had captured 
and sent into New Orleans two schooners, the 
John' Adams and the Mermaid, of Provincetown, 
and the brig Panama. Their united crews num- 
bered 63 men, and they had on board 215 bbls. 
whale and sperm oil. She captured also the 
ship Milan, from Liverpool, with 1,500 sacks of 
salt, worth $20,000; the bark Ocean Eagle, 
from Rocldand, Maine, with lime, worth $20,- 
000; and the schooner Ida, fromTampico, with 
fruit, worth $5,000. The Calhoun was com- 
mander HoUins's flag-ship when the attack on 
the Union fleet was made on the Mississippi, 
October 11. 

The schooner William C. Atwater, Capt. Al- 
len, belonged to New Haven, and was in the 
service of the Government. The crew num- 
bered eight men. Ofl:' Cedar Keys, Florida, on 
the 10th of May, she was captured by the 
steamer Spray, which had on board thii-ty-one 
men, armed with bowie-knives, revolvers, mus- 
kets with bayonets, etc. The captors took her 
to Appalachicola, where she arrived on the 13th 
of May. 

The Ivey, a small steamer of 200 tons, was 
armed with two 8-inch rifled 32-pounder guns. 
She captured the ship Marathon, from Mar- 
seilles, in ballast, worth $35,000; and the ship 
Albino, from Boston, with a cargo of ice, 
worth $20,000. The armed steamer Murie cap- 
tured the Marshall Sprague, of Providence, 
from Havre, in ballast, worth $50,000 ; and 
the ship John H. Jarvis, from Liverpool, worth 
$10,000. 

The steamer "Wm. H. "Webb was formerly a 
towboat in New York, where she was built 
in 1856 ; she was 650 tons, draught Y feet, 
197 feet long, 31 feet beam, 12 feet hold, and 
was one of the strongest and largest boats of 
that class. A few years previous she had been 
purchased by some of the Nev?- Orleans mer- 
chants for the purpose of towing the heavily- 
laden ships to and from that city. She was 
converted into a gunboat and seized three ves- 
sels laden with oil, on the 24th of May. 

The Dixie, a schooner of about 150 tons bur- 
den, was fitted out as a privateer in Charles- 
ton, from which place she ran the blockade on 
the 19th of July, and on the 23d encountered 
the bark Glen, of Portland, Maine, of which she 
at once made a prize. On the 25th she cap- 
tured the schooner Mary Alice, of New York, 
with a cargo of sugar, from the "West Indies, 
"bound to New York, and placed a prize crew 
on board; she was, however, retaken by the 
blockading fleet almost immediately after. On 
the evening of the 31st the Dixie came up with 
.the Rowena, a bark laden with coffee, bound 
to Philadelphia; she was taken possession of, 
and the captain of the Dixie himself took the 
place of prize-master, and successfully reached 
Charleston on the 2Yth of August, after several 
narrow escapes from the vessels of the blockad- 
ing fleet. The following were the oflicers of 
the Dixie ; captain, Thomas J. Moore ; first 



lieutenant, George D. "Walker ; second lieuten- 
ant, John "W. Marshall ; third lieutenant, L. D. 
Benton ; gunner, Charles "Ware ; boatswain, 
Geo. O. Gladden; steward, C. Butcher. She 
had also twenty-two seamen and a cook, and 
her armament consisted of four guns. 

The Jeff. Davis, early in June, appeared on 
the eastern coast, running in as near as the 
Nantucket Shoals, and making on her way prizes 
that were roughly estimated "at $225,000. She 
was formerly the slaver Echo, that was cap- 
tured about two years previous, and was con- 
demned in Charleston harbor. She was a fuU- 
rigged brig, painted black on the outside, and 
had a rusty, dull appearance, that would not b6 
likely to alarm any vessel of ordinary sailing 
qualities; crew 260 men. Her armament con- 
sisted of a 32-pounder gun, placed amidships, 
mounted on a pivot, so that it might be used in 
all directions, and on each side a 32-pounder 
and a 12-pounder, so as to equalize the strength 
of the broadside. Captain Coxetter was her 
commander. His first lieutenant, named Pos- 
tel, was at one time a midshipman in the United 
States navy, and also held a position in the Sa- 
vannah custom-house. 

The Davis had previously taken three prizes ; 
one of these, and the most valuable, was the 
J. G. Waring, captured within 200 miles of 
New York. The captain, mates, and two sea- 
men, were taken out, and five of the Davis 
crew put on board. The colored steward, W, 
Tillman, was allowed to remain. The vessel 
then made for Charleston. On the 16th of 
July Tillman, aided by McLeod, a seaman, 
killed the prize-captain and mates, and sailed 
for New York, where he arrived with two 
prisoners of the prize-crew. Tillman was 
awarded salvage. The Jeff". Davis also took 
the ship John Crawford, from Philadelphia, 
for Key West, with arms and coal for the 
United States. She drew 22 feet water, and 
was burned. 

In attempting, August 17, to cross the bar at 
St. Augustine, Fla., the brig grounded on the 
North Breakers. This was about half-past six 
o'clock, Sunday morning. A small boat was 
sent ashore with Dr. Babcock and Lieut. Baya, 
and the prisoners landed. The officers and 
crew of the privateer then went ashore, and 
were greeted with the most enthusiastic de- 
monstrations by the inhabitants. About half- 
past nine two lighter-boats went off" to the 
brig with Capt. Coxetter and other oflScers. 
The starboard guns were thrown overboard 
to lighten the vessel, in order to clear her 
decks of water, and save as much as possible 
of the supplies on board the brig. Every effort 
was finally made to change her position, but 
it was supposed that the guns when thrown 
overboard stove her in and caused her to bilge. 
The lighter boats, however, were filled with a 
large amount of provisions and baggage, and 
finally succeeded in saving all the small-arms 
on board. About two o'clock all hands left, 
and were conveyed to St. Augustine. The crew 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



63 



afterwards arrived at Charleston. The brig 
became a total loss. 

The Bonita, a brig built in New York, 1853, 
was 276 tons burden and 110 feet long, 25 
feet wide, and 11 feet deep. She was previ- 
ously engaged in the slave trade, but was cap- 
tured on the coast of Africa and was taken to 
Charleston, and afterwards to Savannah, where 
she was seized by order of Gov. Brown, and 
converted into a vessel of war. She had always 
borne the character of a fast sailer, and was in 
perfect order. 

The Sallie was a fore-and-aft schooner of one 
hundred and forty tons burden, mounted one 
long gun amidships, and had a crew consisting 
of forty men. She was previously the schooner 
Virginia, of Brookhaven, and was built at Port 
Jefterson in 1856. Her dimensions were : 
length, 97 feet 6 inches; breadth, 29 feet 4 
inches; depth, 10 feet. She was commanded 
by Capt. Libby. She ran out from Charleston 
and made several prizes, among them the Bet- 
sey Ames and the brig Granada ; both these 
vessels were sold in Charleston, under decree 
of Judge Magrath, of the Admiralty Court. 

In New Orleans, by the end of May, there 
were the following prizes : 

SHIPS. 
Name. Master. AVhere from. 

Abielino Smith ., Boston. 

Ariel Delano Kath, Maine. 

American Union Lincoln Bath, Maine. 

C. A. FarwcU Karwell Ilockland. 

Express Frost Portsmouth, N. H. 

J. H. Jarvis Rich Boston. 

Marathon Tyler '.New York. , 

Marshall Sprague Providence. 

Milan Eustis Bath, Maine. 

Robert Harding Ingraham Boston. 

State of Maine Humphrey Portland. 

Toulon Upshur New York. 

B.\RKS. 

Chester Bcarse Boston. 

Ocean Eagle Luce Thomaston. 



Panama. 



.Provincetown. 



SCHOONERS. 

E.'S. Janes Townsend 

Henry Tr-vvers Wyatt Baltimore. 

Ella Howes Philadelphia. 

John Adams . .Provincetown. 

Mermaid Provincetown. 

The seizure of vessels made by the Confed- 
erate States, up to the close of 1861, is thus enu- 
merated : 

Off the ditfercnt ports 13 

In port '.'.'.'.'.'.'.".".'.'.'.' .■;.■;; so 

steamers captured on the Mississippi 15 



Total. 



.53 



These prizes were sold under a decree of the 
Confederate Admiralty Court. In respect to 
some of them there were points raised as to 
the legal boundary of the "high seas;" but 
this was decided to be low-water mark. 

Tlie following vessels were formerly United 
States revenue-cutters, but were taken posses- 
sion of by the Confederate Government, and 
armed for its service : 

Schooners : Lewis Cass, Savannah, 40 men, one 
68-pounder pivot; Washington, New Orleans, 42- 
pounder pivot; Pickens, Pe'usacola, 8-in. columbiad, 



four 24-inch carronades; Dodge, 100 tons, one long 
pivot ; McClellan, Breshvvood, one pivot, four side- 
guns. 

Steamer: Bradford, formerly Ewing. 

In addition to the above, the Navy Depart- 
ment of the insurrectionary Government pur- 
chased or fitted out the following vessels, which 
acted as privateers : 

The Gordon was a small sea steamer of about 
500 tons burden, drawing from seven to nine 
feet of water, and making an average of twelve 
miles an hour. She was about ten years old, 
and the most of that time she had been running 
in and out of Charleston harbor. In 1859 she 
was purchased by the Florida Steamship Com- 
pany, and ran on the line between Charleston 
and Fernandina as consort to the Carolina, a 
steamer- of her own size and build. The Gor- 
don was fitted out as a vessel of war. She was 
employed along the coast islands at Ilatteras, 
in and out of Pamlico Sound via Hatteras Inlet, 
when it was occupied by Union troops. She 
succeeded in running the blockade at Charles- 
ton, with some vessels which she had made 
prizes. She was armed with two guns, and was 
commanded by Capt. Lockwood, who was for- 
merly engaged on the New York and Charles- 
ton line of steamers. His last employment, 
previous to this position, was as commander 
of the Carolina, on the Charleston and Fer- 
nandina line of steamers. He had succeeded 
in running the blockade with his vessel seven- 
teen times. The last feat of the Theodora, to 
which the name of the Gordon had been 
changed, was to carry to Cuba the ministers, 
Slidell and Mason. 

The Coifee, a side-wheel steamer carrying 2 
guns, the steamer Marion, and the schooner 
York, were consorts of the Gordon in Hatteras 
Inlet. The Coft'ee was wrecked — a total loss. 

The McRea, formerly the steamer Habana, 
plying between the ports of New Orleans and 
Havana, was a propeller of 500 tons burden ; 
she was built in Philadelphia in 1859, and was 
owned in New Orleans previous to her being 
used as a privateer. She carried a 64-pounder, 
mounted on a pivot, four 8-iuch columbiads, 
and a rifled 24-pounder. She succeeded in run- 
ning the blockade at the mouth of the Missis- 
sippi River. 

The steamer Lady Davis was one of the first 
vessels prepared in Charleston, and was in- 
tended for the harbor defence. She was pur- 
chased by Gov. Pickens, at Richmond. She 
received her name in honor of the wife of Jef- 
ferson Davis. She was armed with two 24- 
pounders, regularly equipped, and commanded 
by Capt. T. B. linger. 

The Nina was a small steam gunboat, mount- 
ing one light gun. 

The Jackson was a steamer, 200 tons, armed 
with two 8-inch columbiads. She was com- 
manded by Capt. Gwathemy. 

The Incarora, steamer, carried one 8-inch 
columbiad, and a 32-pounder rifled cannon. 

The little steamer George Page, operating 



64 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



on Occoquan River and Quantico Creek, was 
famous for her boldness in running down to 
within gunshot of the Federal batteries, and 
occasionally throwing a shell into them, there- 
by keeping up continuous alarm. 

The Judith, schooner, of 250 tons, armed 
with a heavy pivot-gun, and four broadside 
guns, was destroyed in Pensacola harbor, Sep- 
tember 13. The Union loss was 3 killed, 12 
wounded. 

The Yorktown was formerly used in the 
New York and Virginia line of steamers. She 
was a side-wheel steamer of 1,400 tons bur- 
den, built in New York in 1859 ; length, 251 
feet; breadth, 34 feet; depth, 18 feet. She 
. had been completely fitted out at Norfolk, her 
sides having been plated with iron, and other 
means taken to strengthen her, and to render 
her formidable. She was commanded by Oapt. 
Parish, her old commander, and carried two 
pivots; and six broadside guns. 

The Everglade was a small side- wheel steam- 
er, purchased by the State of Georgia for the 
sum of $34,000. She was'made a gimboat, for 
the purpose of cruising as a coast-guard at the 
mouth of the Savannah River. Her officers, as 
at first appointed, were as foUows : command- 
er, J. Mcintosh KeU ; midshipmen, R. F. Arm- 
strong, S. N. Hooper, J. A. Merriweather ; chief 
engineer, Joshua Smith ; assistant engineer, Nor- 
val Meeker ; clerk, WilUam J. Bennett. 

The North Carolina steamer "Winslow, Lieut. 
Crossman commanding, captured off Cape Hat- 
teras the schooner Transit, Knowles master, 
last from Key West. The prize was in ballast, 
having sailed from New York for Key "West 



with provisions, shot, etc., about the 27th of 
May. Having landed her cargo safely at Key 
"West, the Transit was upon her return north 
when captured. She was a fine schooner, of 
195 tons burden, and was built at a cost of 
$13,000. She was copper-fastened up to 9 feet, 
and had galvanized iron fastenings above that. 
She belonged to New London, Conn. The prize 
was carried to Newbei-n, by Lieut. SeaweU. 
Lieut. Crossman also captured off Cape Hat- 
teras, the Hannah Balch, a hermaphrodite brig, 
which was captured previously off Savannah 
by the United States ship Flag, Lieut. Sarton. 
She was just from Cardenas, and laden with 
150 barrels of molasses. 

The little schooner Savannah was formerly 
pilot boat No. 7, doing duty in Charleston 
harbor, 54 tons burden. She carried one 18- 
poimder amidships, and was commanded by T. 
Hari-ison Baker, of Charleston, and had a crew 
of 20 men. On the 1st of June she captured 
the brig Joseph, of Maine, from Cuba, loaded 
with sugar, and sent her into Georgetown, S. 
C, in charge of eight men. On the 3d of 
June, off Charleston, she fell in with the U. S. 
brig Perry, wliich she mistook for a merchant- 
man, and immediately engaged, but was soon 
taken. Her crew were placed in irons on board 
the United States steamer Minnesota, and she 
was sent to New York, in charge of prize-mas- 
ter McCook. Her appearance created great 
interest among the people, on account of her 
being the first privateer captured, and crowds 
of p§oijle flocked to the Battery, off which she 
lay, to see the httle craft. She was afterward 
taken to the navy yard. 



CHAPTEK VIII. 

March of Gen. McClellan into Western Virginia — His Address to the Inhabitants— Surprise at Philipjii — Battle at Laurel 
Hill — Defeat and Surrender of the Enemy — Manassas— Position of the Northern and Southern Armies — Forces of Gen. 
McDowell — Advance to Centreville— Battle of Bull Eun— Ketreat 



Military operations now began to be con- 
ducted with more concentrated forces. From 
the first moment great activity in raisiug troops 
had prevailed in the State of Ohio. 

Gen. George B. MClellan was invited from 
his duties in connection with the Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi Railroad by the Governor of Ohio, and 
appointed to the chief command in the State. 
Under his directions the volunteers were or- 
ganized, and preparations for a campaign made. 
Early in May the forces were ready to co- 
operate with tlie two or three regiments organ- 
ized in "Western Virginia, to oppose the ad- 
vance of Virginia troops. The occupation of 
Western Virginia, which had voted against the 
ordinance of secession, and its control, was 
early an object with the Confederate Govern- 
ment. To oppose them. Gen. McCleUan pushed 



forward, under the orders of the United States 
Government. 

On the 26th of May he issued the follow- 
ing proclamation to the people of Western Vir- 
ginia, fi-om his headquarters at Cincinnati, 
Ohio: 

To the Union Men of Western Virginia. 

Virginians : The General Government has long 
enough endured the machinations of a few factious 
rebels in your midst. Armed traitors have in vain 
endeavored to deter you from expressing your loyalty 
at the polls. Having failed in this infamous attempt 
to deprive you of the exercise of your dearest rights, 
they now seek to inaugurate a reign of terror, and 
thus force you to yield to their schemes and submit 
to the yoke of traitorous conspiracy dignified by the 
name of the Southern Confederacy. They are destroy- 
ing the property of citizens of your State and ruining 
your magnificent railways. 

The General Government has heretofore carefully 



MILIT.\JIY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



65 



abstained from sending troops across the Ohio, or even 
from posting them along its banks, although frequently 
urged by many of j[our prominent citizens to do so. 
It determined to wait the result of the State election, 
desirous that no one might be able to say that the 
slightest effort had been made from this side to influ- 
ence the free expression of your opinions, although 
the many agencies brought to bear upon you by the 
rebels were well known. You have now shown, under 
the most adverse circumstances, that the great mass 
of the people of Western Virginia are true and loyal 
to that beneficent Government under which we and 
our fathers lived so long. 

As soon as the result of the election was known, the 
traitors commenced their work of destruction. The 
General Government cannot close its ears to the de- 
mand you have made for assistance. I have ordered 
troops to cross the river. They come as your friends 
and brothers — as enemies only to armed rebels, who 
are preying upon you ; your homes, your families, and 
your property are safe under our protection. All your 
rights shall be religiously respected, notwithstanding 
all that has been said by the traitors to induce you to 
believe our advent among you will be signalized by 
an interference with your slaves. Understand one 
thing clearly : not only will we abstain from all such 
interference, but we will, on the contrary, with an 
iron hand crush any attempt at insurrection on their 
part. Now that we are in j'our midst, I call upon you 
to fly to arms and support the General Government ; 
sever the connection that binds you to traitors; pro- 
claim to the world that the faith and loyalty so long 
boasted by the Old Dominion are still preserved in 
"Western Virginia, and that you remain true to the 
Stars and Stripes. G. B. McCLELLAN, 

Major-General Commanding. 

On the same day he issued the following 
proclamation to his troops : 

Soldiers : You are ordered to cross the frontier and 
enter on the soil of Virginia. Your mission is to re- 
store peace and confidence, to protect the majesty of 
the law, and secure our brethren from the grasp of 
armed traitors. I place under the safeguard of your 
honor the persons and property] of the Virt;inians. I 
know you will respect their feelings and all their 
rights, and preserve the strictest discipline. Remem- 
ber, each one of you holds in his keeping the honor 
of Ohio and of the Union. If you are called upon to 
overcome armed opposition, I know your courage is 
equal to the task. Kemember, that your only foes are 
armed traitors, and show mercy even to them when 
in your power, for many of them are misguided. 
When, under your protection, the loyal men of West- 
ern Virginia shall have been enabled to organize and 
form until they can protect themselves, you can return 
to your homes with the proud satisfaction of having 
preserved a gallant people from destruction. 

G. B. McCLELLAN, 
Major-General Commanding. 

The instructions to General McClellan were 
to cross the Ohio, and, in conjunction with the 
forces of Western Virginia under Colonel Kel- 
ly, to drive out the Confederate force, and 
advance on Harper's Ferry. On the night of the 
26th of May, orders were given to Colonel Kel- 
ly at Wheeling, to march on Grafton, which he 
proceeded to execute early the next morning 
with the First Virginia Volunteers. He was fol- 
lowed on the same day by the Sixteenth Ohio, 
Colonel Irvine, which had been stationed at 
Bellair, Ohio. These forces advanced by the 
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. At the same 
tame, the Fourteenth Ohio, Colonel Steadman, 
crossed the Ohio at Marietta, and occupied 
Parkersburg. These, advancing on the rail- 

5 



road, were welcomed by crowds at every 
station. On the same night, a Confederate 
force of 1,500 men evacuated Grafton, and 
that place was occupied, on the 29th, by tLo 
Virginia and Ohio Volunteers. Hero they were 
joined by the Seventh and Ninth Indiana. 
The Confederate force, in the mean time, had 
retired to Philippi, where they prepared to 
make a stand with considerable strength. 
Philippi is twenty-four miles from Grafton, 
and General McClellan determined to surprise 
the Confederate force. On the night of June 
2, two divisions moved forward to accomplish 
this purpose. The surprise, was complete, 
and the Confederate force, under Colonel G. A. 
Porterlleld, was forced to retire, abandoning 
a large amount of stores and arms, with a loss 
of fifteen killed. Owing to the storm and 
the darkness of the night, the first division, 
imder Colonel Kelly, was unable to an-ive in 
the rear of the Corifederate force soon enough 
to cut off its retreat. This force retired to 
Laurel Hill, in the vicinity of Beverly, where the 
enemy was concentrated in a strongly fortified 
position, which not only commanded the road 
to the southern part of the State, whence the 
Confederate supplies were obtained, but from 
which an attack upon the Federal forces was 
constantly threatened. Laurel Hill is on the 
western slope of a range of the Alleghany 
Mountains, which runs from northeast to south- 
west, and which is impassable for an army ex- 
cept at certain points. The Confederate en- 
campment was on a slope which declined grad- 
ually to the valley, and was strongly fortified 
in front, below which passed the only road to 
southern Virginia. The plan of General Mc- 
Clellan was to occupy the attention of the ene- 
my, by the appearance of a direct attack, while 
a strong force marched round to his rear to 
take possession of the road by whicli his supplies 
came. The enemy must then either come out 
of his intrenchments and fight, or starve. Tak- 
ing the main body of his army, composing a 
force of ten. thousand men, General McClellan 
moved to Clarksburg, and thence to Buck- 
hannon, on the west of Laurel Hill. Previously 
however, and on the 7th of July, he ordered 
General Morris to m^-ch upon "Laurel Hill, 
to occupy the enemy. Taking with him 
the Ninth Indiana, Colonel Milroy, the Four- 
teenth Ohio, the First Virginia, the Cleveland 
Artillery, the Sixth and Seventh Indiana, 
and the Sixth Ohio, in the order named and 
making a force of about 4,000 men, he left 
early in the morning, and reached Bealington 
in front of the enemy at eight o'clock, with his 
right, having flanking parties on each side, and 
two companies of skirmishers ahead. The 
Confederate pickets fired and retreated. A 
slight skirmish ensued with a party of the ene- 
my in a wood beyond the town, about two 
miles from the Confederate camp, which the 
Federal force had occupied. On the 8th, a 
brisk skirmishing was kept up all the afternoon 
with the Confederates, and some were killed 



66 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



on both sides. On the 9th, the Bkirmishing 
was renewed, and every outlet of the Confed- 
erate camp was watched except that back to 
Beverly, where General McClellan was soon ex- 
pected to be. Thus the enemy was held in 
check on the north and occupied, while General 
McClellan was attempting to get in his rear. 
Meantime, as General McClellan reached Buck- 
hannon, he found that the rear of the enemy 
was strongly fortified at a position called Rich 
Mountain, which was defended by one to two 
thousand men, under Colonel Pegram. He 
now formed the plan of capturing this entire 
force. For this purpose. General Rosecrans 
with about three thousand m,en was sent to 
attack his rear, while General McClellan him- 
self made a direct attack in front. General 
Rosecrans with the Eighth, Tenth, Thirteenth 
Indiana, and Nineteenth Ohio, therefore pro- 
ceeded, on the 11th, along the line of hills south- 
east of the enemy's intrenched camp on the 
Beverly road, to make an attack on the east 
side, while General McClellan made it on the 
west side, as soon as he heard from General 
Rosecrans. A courier, who mistook the road 
through the enemy's camp for the route of the 
troops, gave the enemy intelligence of the 
movement. Their position was about two 
miles west from Beverl}"-, which is on the east 
side of what is called Rich Mountain, a gap in 
the Laurel Hill range, through which the 
Bouthern road passes. General Rosecrans ar- 
rived in the rear of the enemy at four o'clock, 
and meeting a small force, immediately began 
the attack, to which they made a vigorous re- 
sistance, but were unable to withstand it. Tlie 
effect was to alarm Colonel Pegram, and upon 
finding out his exposed position he silently 
moved off with his main body, with the 
hope of being able to join the camp at Laurel 
Hill. Meanwhile General McClellan was in 
position with his whole force during the after- 
noon ready to make an assault, but heard noth- 
ing from the other column except distant firing. 
Early in the morning he was about proceed- 
ing to plant cannon upon an eminence com- 
manding a portion of the Confederate carnp, and 
preparing tp attack the whole next in front, 
when it was ascertained that the enemy had 
evacuated his position during the night, moving 
towards Laurel Hill, leaving only a few men 
in charge of the sick, cannon, and camp equi- 
page and transportation. 

The following despatch from General Mc- 
CleHan thus announced these movements : 

Eicn MotTNTAiN, Va., 9 a. m., July 12. 
Col. E. D. Townsend, Assistant- Adjutant General: 

We are io possession of all the enemy's works up 
to a point in sight of Beverly. We have taken all his 
guns ; a very large amount of wagons, tents, &c. ; 
every thing he had ; and also a large number of pris- 
oners, many of whom are wounded, and amongst whom 
are several officers. They lost many killed. We have 
lost in all, perhaps twenty killed and forty wounded, 
of whom all but two or three were in the column under 
Col. Rosecrans, which turned the position. The mass 
of the enemy escaped through the woods entirely dis- 



organized. Among the prisoners is Dr. Taylor, for- 
merly of the army. Col. Pegram was in command. 

Col. Rosecrans column left camp yesterday morn- 
ing and marched some eight miles through the moun- 
tains, reaching the turnpike some two or three miles 
in the rear of the enemy. He defeated an advanced 
force, and took a couple of guns. I bad a position 
ready for twelve guns near the main camp, and as the 
guns were moving up I ascertained that the enemy 
had retreated. I am now pushing on to Beverly — a 
part of Colonel Rosecrans' troops being now within 
three miles of that place. Our success is complete 
and almost bloodless. I doubt whether Wise and 
Johnston will unite and overpower me. The behavior 
of our troops in action and towards prisoners was 
admirable. G. B. McCLELLAN, 

Major-General Commanding. 

By the retreat of Colonel Pegram, the rear 
of the Confederate force at Laurel Hill was 
entirely exposed. On the 11th, General Gar- 
nett first learned that General McClellan Avas 
in his rear. He immediately evacuated his 
camp, and retired before General Morris, 
hoping to i-each Beverly in advance of General 
McClellan, and thus be able to withdraw his 
forces by the road to southern Virginia. Upon 
arriving within three miles of Beverly, the 
fugitives of Colonel Pegram's force were met, 
and finding escape impossible by that route, 
General Garnett returned towards Laurel Hill, 
and took the road branching off to the north- 
east towards St. George, in Tucker County. His 
aim was now to press along the base of the moun- 
tains down the Cheat River, with the hope of 
finding some practicable path across the moun- 
tains into the valley of Virginia. The following 
despatch of General McClellan describes the 
precise state of affairs at this time : 

Bevkult, Va., July 13, 1801. 
To Col. E. D. Totcnsend : 

The success of to-day is all that I could desire. We 
captured six brass cannon, of which one was rifled; 
all their camp equipage and transportation, even to 
their cups. The number of tents will probably reach 
two hundred, and more than sixty wagons. Their 
killed and wounded will full}' amount to one hundred 
and fifty. We have at least one hundred prisoners, 
and more coming in constantly. I know already of 
ten officers killed and prisoners. Their retreat is com- 
plete. We occupied Beverly by a rapid march. Gar- 
nett abandoned nis camp early this morning, leaving 
his camp equipage. He came within a few miles oF 
Beverly, but our rapid march turned him back in great 
confusion, and he is now retreating on the road to St. 
George. I have ordered Gen. Morris to follow him up 
closely. I have telegraphed for the Second Pennsyl- 
vania Regiment at Cumberland to join Gen. Hill at 
Rowlesburg. The General is concentrating all his 
troops at Rowlesburg, to cut off Garnett's retreat, if 
possible, to St. George. I may say we have driven 
out some ten thousand troops, strongly intrenched, 
with the loss of eleven killed and thirty-five wounded. 
Provision returns were found showing Garnett's force 
to have been ten thgusand men. They were Eastern 
Virginians, Georgians, Tennesseans, and, I think, 
Carolinians. To-morrow I can give full particulars, 
&c. Will move on Huttonsville to-morrow and en- 
deavor to seize the Cheat Mountain y)ass, where there 
are now but few troops. I hope that Gen. Cox has 
by this time driven ^Vise out of the Kanawha valley. 
In that case I shall have accomplished the object of 
liberating Western Virginia. I hope the General will 
approve my operations. G. B. McCLEI>LAN, 

Major-General Commanding. 

Up the mountains, through defiles, and 



MIITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



67 



over rugged ridges, guided by the tents, camp- 
furniture, provisions, and knapsacks thrown 
away, the hot pursuit of the flying enemy was 
pressed. Capt. Bonham led the advance, and 
Gen. Morris the rear, and after fording Cheat 
River four times, they came up with the 
enemy's rear guard at Carrick's Ford, where 
the enemy attempted to make a stand, but were 
attacked on tlie right flank and forced to retire. 
At another turn in the river, about a quarter 
of a mile below, the enemy again attempted to 
stand. Gen. Garnett tried in vain to rally his 
men and gather them around him. While ho 
was thus standing with his back to the Federal 
forces, he received a Minie ball on the left of 
the spine. It made a terrible wound, piercing 
the heart and coming out at the right nipple. 
He threw up his arm and fell dead. Tlie Con- 
federate rout was now complete. Only about 
two thousand of the troops with which Gen. 
Garnett left his intrenchments, escaped. Gen. 
McClellan's despatch was as follows : 

IIdttonsville, July 14, 18G1. 
To EJw. Townsend. 

Garnett and forces routed. His baggage and one 
gun taken. His army demoralized. Garnett killed. 

We have annihilated the cueuiy in Western Virginia, 
and have lost thirteen killed and not more than forty 
wounded. We have in all killed at least two hundred 
of the enemy, and their prisoners will amount to at 
least one thousand. Have taken seven guns in all. 

I still look for the capture of the remnant of Gar- 
uett's army by Gen. Hill. 

The troops defeated are the crack regiments of 
Eastern Virginia, aided by Georgians, Teunesseans, 
and Carolinians. 

Our success is complete, and secession is killed in 
this country. G. B. McCLELLAN, 

Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

Meantime Col. Pegrara, hearing of the re- 
treat of Gen. Garnett, surrendered the remnant 
of his force to Gen. McClellan, who now issued 
the following address to his soldiers : 

Western Virginia, Beverly, Va., July 19, 1861. 
Soldiers of the Anny of the West : 

I am more than satisfied with you. You have anni- 
hilated two armies, commanded by educated and ex- 
perienced soldiers, intrenched in mountain fastnesses 
and fortified at their leisure. You have taken five 
guns, twelve colors, fifteen hundred stand of arms, one 
thousand prisoners, including more than forty officers. 
One of the second commanders of the rebels is a 
prisoner, the other lost his life on the field of battle. 
You have killed more than two hundred and fifty of 
the enemy, who has lost all his baggage and camp 
equipage. All this has been accomplished with the 
loss of twenty brave men killed and sixty wounded 
on your part. 

You have proved that Union men, fighting for the 
preservation of our Government, are more than a 
match for our misguided and erring brothers. More 
than this, you have shown mercy to the vanquished. 
You have made long and arduous marches, with in- 
sufficient food, frequently exposed to the inclemency 
of the weather. I have "not hesitated to demand this 
of you, feeling that I could rely on your endurance, 
patriotism, and courage. In the future I may have 
still greater demands to make upon vou, still greater 
sacrifices for you to offer. It shall be my care to pro- 
vide for you to the extent of my ability ; but I know 
now that, by your valor and endurance, you will ac- 
complish all that is asked. 

Soldiers ! I have confidence in you, and I trust you 



have learned to confide in mc. Remember that dis- 
cipline and subordination are qualities of equal value 
with courage. 1 am proud to say that you have gained 
the highest reward that American troops can receive 
— the thanks of Congress and the applause of your 
fellow-citizens. GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, 

Major-General. 

Gen. McClellan was subsequently called to the 
active command of the Army of the Potomac. 

Frequent collisions or skirmishes continued to 
take place between detached parties or at small 
advanced posts, as at Bunker Hill in Virginia, 
on July 15th; Millville, Missouri, on the IGtli, 
Barboursville, Virginia, and Fulton, Missouri, 
on tlie ITth, Some loss was thus inflicted on 
each iride. 

But movements of a more important char- 
acter Avere now progressing in Virginia near 
Washington. 

The Southern Government having inclined to 
the defensive policy as that upon which they 
should act, their first object was to prevent an 
advance of any Federal force into Virginia. 
Early in the month of May troops were assem- 
bled in Richmond, and pushed forward toward 
the northeastern boundary of the State, to a 
position known as Manassas Junction. The 
name is given to this hilly region, as it is here 
that a railroad from Alexandria, another from 
Staunton up the valley and through Manassas 
Gap, and another from Gordonsville unite. 
At Gordonsville the railroad from Richmond 
and the line from East Tennessee unite. As a 
point for concentration none more eligible ex- 
ists in northeastern Virginia. The advantages 
for fortification are naturally such that the place 
can be rendered impregnable. Here the centre 
of the northern force of the Southern army was 
posted, with the left wing pushed forward to 
Winchester, and the right extended to the 
Potomac, and sustained by heavy batteries which 
served to blockade the river. 

The Federal force, the advance of which w^as 
assembled at Washington for the defence of 
that city against any attack by the Southern 
troops, was posted on the Virginia side of the 
Potomac, on Arlington Heights, which were 
strongly fortified. Their right was pushed some 
distance up the Potomac, and chiefly on the 
Maryland side, while their left occupied Alex- 
andria. The armies of both sides consisted of 
raw militia hastily brought together, and of 
volunteers who for the first time had put on the 
uniform, and taken up the weapons of the sol- 
dier. On both sides the forces were constantly 
accumulating. On the morning of June 27th, 
the consolidated report of Gen. Mansfield, com- 
manding the Department of Washington, gives 
the number of troops in that city and vicinity. 
The privates, including regulars and volunteers 
present for dut}', numbered 22,846 men. The 
grand aggregate of the force, including ofliicers, 
etc., present and absent, was 34,160 men. The 
force of Gen. Patterson, commanding in Mary- 
land above Washington, and also on the Vir- 
ginia side of the Potomac, on the 28th of June, 
was returned, embracing oflicers and men ou- 



68 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



listed and present for duty, 15,923. Of these 
about 550 were reported as sick. 

The Confederate force was largely increased 
by troops from South Carolina, Georgia, Missis- 
sippi, Alabama, and Texas. On the night after 
the battle Mr. Davis sent a despatch to 
Richmond by telegraph, saying: "The battle 
was mainly fought on our left. Our force was 
15,000; that of the enemy estimated at 35,000. 

Gen. McDowell in his official report says: 
" "We crossed Bull Run with about 18,000 men, 
of all arms." "The numbers opposed to us 
have been variously estimated. I may safely 
say, and avoid even the appearance of exag- 
geration, that the enemy brought up all he 
could, which were not kept engaged elsewhere." 

The force under Gen. McDowell, on the 8th 
of Jul}^, was organized into five divisions. The 
first division, under Brig. -Gen. Tyler, consisted 
of four brigades. The regiments in each bri- 
gade were as follows : First brigade, under 
Ool. Keyes, First, Second, Third, Connecticut ; 
Fourth Maine ; Varian's battery, and Company 
B, Second Cavalry. In the second brigade, 
under Col. Schenck, the regiments were as fol- 
lows : First, Second, Ohio ; Second New York, 
and Company E, Second xlrtillery. In the 
third brigade, under Col. W. T. Sherman, were 
the Thirteenth, Sixty-ninth, Seventy-ninth, 
New Yoi'k ; Second Wisconsin ; and Company 
E, Third Artillery. In the fourth brigade, 
under Col. Richardson, Second, Third, Mich- 
igan ; First Massachusetts ; Twelfth New York. 

In the second division, under Col. David 
Hunter, were two brigades. These contained 
the following regiments : In the first brigade, 
under Col. Porter, were the Eighth, Fourteenth, 
New York ; battalion of regular infantry ; Com- 
panies G and L, Second Cavalry ; Company — , 
Fifth Artillery. In the second brigade, under 
Col. Burnside, were the First, Second, Rhode 
Island ; Seventy -first New York ; Second New 
Hampshire; battery of Light Artillery, R. I. 

In the third division, under Col. Ileintzelman, 
were three brigades with the following regi- 
ments : In the first brigade, under Col. Frank- 
lin, were the Fourth Pennsylvania ; Fifth Mas- 
sachusetts; First Minnesota; Company E, Sec- 
ond Cavalry ; Company I, First Artillery. In 
the second brigade, under Col. Wilcox, were 
the First Michigan ; Eleventh New York ; Com- 
pany D, Second Artillery. In the third brigade, 
under Col. Howard, were the Second, Fourth, 
Fifth, Maine ; Second Vermont. 

In the fourth division, under Brig.-Gen. Run- 
yon, as a reserve, were the following regiments: 
First, Second, Third, Fourth, New Jersey three- 
months' volunteers, and First, Second, Thu-d, 
New Jersey three years' volunteers. 

In the fifth division, under Col. Miles, were 
two brigades. In the first brigade were the 
following volunteers, Col. Blenker command- 
ing: Eighth, Twenty-ninth, New York; Gari- 
baldi Guard, and Twenty-fourth Pennsylvania. 
In the second brigade under Col. Davies, were 
the Sixteenth, Eighteenth, Thirty-first, Thirty- 



second, New York ; Company G, Second Artil- 
lery. 

The movement of troops to attack the South- 
ern army commenced on the 16th of July. It 
was first made known to the inhabitants of 
Washington by their sudden disappearance from 
the opposite or Virginia side of the Potomac. 
The force comprised in this movement consisted 
of five divisions, as above mentioned, but a few 
of the details were altered. A body of five 
hundred mariners was also added. On the 17th, 
the advance of Gen. McDowell's entire com- 
mand was begun. It waS made by four differ- 
ent routes. The right wing, composed of the 
first division of four brigades under Gen. Tyler, 
moved by the Georgetown road. The centre, 
composed of the second division of two brigades 
under Col. Hunter, advanced by the Leesburg 
and Centreville road. The left wing, consisting 
of the third division of three brigades, under 
Col. Heintzelman, moved by the Little River 
turnpike, and the other part of the wing, con- 
sisting of the fifth division of two brigades, 
under Col. Miles, proceeded by the old Brad- 
dock road. The reserve consisted of the fourth 
division of New Jersey troops, under Gen. 
Runyon. 

The following order, issued by Gen. Mc- 
Dowell from his headquarters at Arlington on 
July 5th, shows the condition of the men when 
ready to march : 

When troops are paraded in light marching order, 
they will be equipped as follows: Their arms, ac- 
coutrements, and ammunition — the cartridge-boxes 
filled. Their haversacks, with three days' cooked ra- 
tions; their blankets in a roll, with the ends tied to 
each other, across the shoulder; and where it is pos- 
sible, a pair of stockings inside of the blanket. Their 
canteens and cups ; knapsacks will be packed and 
left in the tent under a guard of the regiment, con- 
sisting of those men least able to march, and to the 
number to be specially designated for each corps. 
Knapsacks should be numbered or marked in such 
way as will enable them to be readily claimed by 
their owners. Commanding officers of brigades will 
take measures to diminish as quickly as possible the 
baggage of the regiments under their commands, by 
sending away every thing not absolutely necessary. 
This will apply to the personal effects of the ofiBcers 
and men, as well as to military property. 

Near Fairfax Court House obstructions had 
been placed by the Southern troops upon all 
the roads upon which the divisions advanced. 
The division of the centre marched with the 
left brigade in front. This placed the Rhode 
Island troops, under Ool. Burnside, in advance. 
The Second regiment was employed as skir- 
mishers in front of the division. Their lines 
extended from half a mile to two miles on each 
side of the road. The Confederate troops re- 
tired as fast as the head of the advancing col- 
umn made its appearance. W^ithin three miles 
of the Court House the division encountered 
the tii-st barricade, consisting of trees felled and 
thrown across the road. The second was of a 
similar character. They occasioned only a few 
moments' delay. The third barricade was 
more formidable. It was at the entrance of a 
deep cut, about half way up a steep hill, crowned 



MILITAEY AITD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOX, 



69 



on one side by a thick wood, and on the other 
by an open field. A road was made through 
the field, and the army passed around. When 
the central division reached the village of Fair- 
fax Court House, an order was sent to the left 
wing to halt, and Gen. McDowell with his staff, 
escorted by a squadron of dragoons, proceeded 
to Germantown, where the right wing was 
halted. It was his desire to push forward with- 
out delay to CentreviUe. 

Germantown is a small village on the road 
from Fairfax Court House to Centreville, and 
about one-fourth of the diltance beyond the 
former. 

The order to move forward was first given 
to all divisions of the army on the 15th. Gen. 
Tyler, of the right wing, communicated it to 
his troops that evening, witli orders to bo ready 
to move at 2 p. m. on the 16th, provided with 
cooked rations for three days. Precisely at that 
hour the right wing began to move forward, 
and reached Vienna, and encamped for the 
night 

At 5 o'clock the next morning, the onward 
march was renewed. It was necessarily slow, 
owing to the obstructions placed in the road. 
The enemy during the day rapidly retreated 
upon the approach of the Federal army. Ger- 
mantown was reached soon after noon. Col. 
Miles' division of the left wing was at the 
crossing of the old Braddock road with the 
road from Fairfax Court House to Fairfax Sta- 
tion, on the railroad, when ordered to halt. 
On the 18th it was ordered forward to Cen- 
treville by the old Braddock road. The other 
brigades of this, wing halted at Fairfax Sta- 
tion and below. Eleven of the enemy's force 
were made prisoners at tliis station. 

The right wing, Gen. Tyler, resumed its 
march from Germantown to Centreville at 7 
o'clock on the morning of the next day, the 
18th. Upon coming in sight of Centreville, tlie 
town proved to have been evacuated. Part 
of the division proceeded through the village, 
and turning into a by-road to the right, ad- 
vanced a sliort distance toward Bull Run, a 
valley traversed by a creek about three miles 
from Centreville. A halt was then command- 
ed, and the whole division encamped on both 
sides of the road. 

About 11 o'clock. Gen, Tyler proceeded to 
make a reconnoissance in force. He took the 
fourth brigade of his division, composed of the 
Second and Third Michigan, First Massachu- 
setts, and Twelfth New York, under Col. Rich- 
ardson, together with Ayres' battery, and four 
companies of cavalry. Advancing south on the 
road from Centreville to Manassas, which 
crosses Bull Run at Blackburn's Ford through 
a long stretch of timber, for about two miles, 
they came to an opening, when sight was 
caught of a strong body of the enemy. Ayres' 
batteiy was ordered to advance and open on 
them from a commanding elevation. Hardly 
had the firing well commenced, when it was 
replied to by a battery which had not been 



seen, at a distance down the road. Some of the 
grape shot from this battery killed two horses 
of the cavalry drawn up in a body on a hill, 
and wounded two of the men. A vigorous re- 
sponse being kept up by Ayres' battery, the 
enemy soon retired into the woods, when tlie 
firing ceased. The Second Michigan was then 
ordered to deploy as skirmishers on the left of 
the road, and advance into the wood. They 
briskly moved forward and entered the timber, 
and quickly after their disappearance a lively 
exchange of rifle shots took place for a few 
minutes. This was soon followed by a succes- 
sion of volleys, evidently discharged by large 
bodies of men. The Third Michigan, the First 
Massachusetts, and the Twelfth New York, 
composing the remainder of the brigade, were 
then ordered to advance toward the wood. This 
was promptly done. They then drew up in bat- 
tle array in front and on the right of the timber. 
All this time the firing in the woods went on 
in the liveliest style. Companies G and H and 
others of the First Massachusetts, and some 
companies of the New York Twelfth, were then 
ordered into the woods as skirmishers, at the 
same time tlie cavalry and two howitzers ad- 
vanced to their edge. Meanwhile the firing 
within was kept up, Tlie howitzers then threw 
some grape shot into the timber, when a ter- 
rific series of volleys of musketry was discharged 
from the woods upon the troops outside. At 
the same time a battery opened from an eleva- 
tion in the rear, and poured a storm of grape 
and canister at the Federal troops. Fortunately 
the fire was aimed too high, and few outside 
the woods were hit. A retreat was now or- 
dered, and the whole brigade retired, and 
formed behind their battery on the hill. In 
doing this, the Twelfth New York and a por- 
tion of the First Massachusetts broke ranks and 
scattered in different directions for some dis- 
tance on their retreat. 

At this time the third brigade, under Col. 
Sherman, came up, headed by the Sixty-ninth 
New York. The fire was now reopened from 
the battery, and continued about an hour, to 
which the enemy's battery vigorously replied. 
Their shot and shells struck the houses in 
front of the battery, and raked the woods in 
the rear for a considerable distance. A retreat 
was then ordered by Gen. McDowell, who 
had come up, and the entire force fell back, 
having suffered a loss of one hundred killed 
and wounded. 

This reconnoissance developed a degree of 
strength and preparation on the part of the 
enemy greater than had been anticipated. 
During the day the centre and left wings came 
up, and the whole force was concentrated at 
Centreville. 

The next two days were passed by the Fed- 
eral force in strengthening its position. Mean- 
time the Commander-in-Chief was occupied in 
obtaining more accurate knowedge of the posi- 
tion and strength of the enemy, and arranging 
his plans for an attack. The result of these re- 



70 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



connoitrings is slio-wn in the order of battle sub- 
sequently issued. 

Meanwhile it would appear that an attack 
upon the Federal forces was contemplated by 
the Commander of the Confederate army. 
Probably he was anticipated by the attack of 
Gen. McDowell. This appears from documents 
found in the camp at Manassas, after its evacu- 
ation by the Confederate force early in 1862. 
One of these papers contains the plan of battle, 
and shows by the details that the Confederate 
force was not inferior to that of the Federal 
army. It is as follows : 

[CONFIDENTIAI..] 

Special Order No. — . 
Headquarteks Army of Potomac, July 20, 1861. 
The following order is published for the information 
of division and brigade commanders: 

1. Brig.-Gen. Ewell's brigade, supi)orted by Gen. 
Holmes' brigade, Avill march via Union Mills Ford 
and place itself in position of attack upon the enemy. 
It will be held in readiness either to support the at- 
tack upon Centreville, or to move in the direction of 
Santer's Cross Roads, according to circumstances. 
The order to advance will be given by the Com- 
mander-in-Chief. 

•2. Brig.-Gen. Jones' brigade, supported by Col. 
Earl's brigade, will march via McLane's Ford to place 
itself in position of attack upon the enemy on or 
about the Union Mills and Centreville road. It will 
be held in readiness either to support the attack on 
Centreville, or to move in the direction of Fairfax 
Station, according to circumstances, with its right 
flank toward the left of Ewell's command, more or 
less distant, according to the nature of the country 
and attack. The order to advance will be given by 
the Commander-in-Chief. 

3. Brig.-Gen. Longstreet's brigade, supported by 
Brig.-Gen. Jackson's brigade, will march via Mc- 
Lane's Ford to place itself in position of attack upon 
the enemy on or about the Union Mills and Centre- 
ville roads. It will be held in readiness either to 
support the attack on Centreville or to move in the 
direction of Fairfax Court House, according to cir- 
cumstances, with its right flank toward the left of 
Jones' command, more or less distant, according to 
the nature of the country. The order to advance 
will be given by the Commander-in-Chief. 

4. Brig.-Gen. Bonham's brigade, supported by Col. 
Bartow's brigade, will march via Mitchell's Ford to 
the attack of Centreville. The right wing to the left 
of the third division, more or less distant, according 
to the nature of the country and of the attack. The 
order to advance will be given by the Commander-in- 
Chief. 

5. Col. Cooke's brigade, supported by Col. Elzy's 
brigade, will march, via Stone Bridge and the fords 
on the right thereof, to the attack of Centreville. 
The right wing to the left of the fourth division, more 
or less distant, according to the nature of the country 
and of the attack. The order to advance will be 
given by the Commander-in-Chief. 

6. Brig.-Gen. Bee's brigade, supported by Col. 
Wilcox's brigade, Col. Stuart's regiment of cavalry, 
and the wkole of Walton's battery, will form the re- 
serve, and will march via Mitchell's Ford, to be used 
according to circumstances. 

The light batteries will be distributed as follows: 
_ 1. To Brig.-Gen. Ewell's command — Capt. Walker, 
six pieces. 

2. To Brig.-Gen. Jones' — Captains Albertis' and 
Stonewood's batteries, eight pieces. 

3. To Brig.-Gen. Longstreet's — Col. Pendleton's 
and Capt. Imboden's batteries, eight pieces. 

4. To Brig.-Gen. Bonham's — Captains Kemper's 
and Shields' batteries, eight pieces. 



5. To Col. Cooke's — Col. Hemton's and Captains 
Latham's and Beckwith's batteries, twelve pieces. 

Col. Radford, commanding cavalry, will detail to 
report immediately, as follows : 

To Brig.-Gen. Ewell, two companies cavalry. 

To Brig.-Gen. Jones, two companies cavalry. 

To Brig.-Gen. Longstreet, two companies cavalry. 

To Brig.-Gen. Bonham, three companies cavalry. 

To Col. Cooke, the remaining companies of cav- 
alry, except those in special service. 

7. The fourth and fifth divisions, after the fall of 
Centreville, will advance to the attack of Fairfax 
Court House via the Braddock and Turnpike roads, 
to the north of the latter. The first, second, and 
third divisions will, if necessary, support the fourth 
and fifth divisions. ' 

8. In this movement the first, second, and third 
divisions will form the command of Brig.-Gen.Holmes. 
The fourth and fifth divisions, that of the second in 
command. 

The reserve will move upon the plains between 
Mitchell's Ford and Stone Bridge, and, together with 
the fourth and fifth divisions, will be under the im- 
mediate direction of Gen. Beauregard. 

By command of Gen. BEAUREGARD. 

Thomas Jordan, A. A. Adjt.-Gen. 

Special Order No. — . 

Headqtjaeteks Army of the Potomac, ) 
July 20, 1861. f 
The plan of attack given by Brig.-Gen. Beaure- 
gard, in the above order, is approved, and will be 
executed accordingly. 

J. E. JOHNSTON, Gen. C. S. A. 

Mitchell's Ford, spoken of in the above or- 
ders, is a short distance above Blackburn's 
Ford, McLane's Ford is about the same dis- 
tance below Blackburn's Ford. Union Mills is 
still further below, near the crossing of the 
Alexandria and Orange Eailroad. 

The result -of observations on the part of 
Gen. McDowell convinced him that the mass 
of the Southern force had not been advanced 
from Manassas to the back of the creek called 
Bull Eun. This tortuous stream runs from 
northwest to southeast, through the entire field 
of battle. At the extreme part on the north- 
west, is Sudley's Spring, where it is fordable ; 
three miles lower down is a crossing known as 
the Stone Bridge, and still lower is Blackburn's 
Ford ; further down is Union Mills, mentioned 
in Gen. Beauregard's order. Centreville is a 
vOlage of a few houses, mostly on the west side 
of a ridge running nearly north and south. 
The road from Centreville to Manassas Junc- 
tion was along this ridge, and crossed Bull Eun 
about three miles from the former place. 
Through Centreville, running nearly east and 
west, passes the Warrenton turnpike, and 
crosses Bull Eun about four miles distant. 

The conviction of Gen. McDowell was that 
the mass of the enemy's force was at Manassas. 
He says in his report : '* On the evening of the 
20th my command was mostly at or near Cen- 
treville. The enemy was at or near Manassas, 
distant from Centreville about seven miles to 
the southwest." Thus conceiving the mass 
of the Confederate army to be at Manassas, 
the order of battle was prepared accordingly, 
and issued on the night of the 20th, to be ex- 
ecuted the next day. It was manifest that 
the crossing of Bull Eun would be disput- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOET OF THE EEBELLION". 



71 



ed; but the greatest contest, anticipated tLe 
next day, was expected to come wlien the at- 
tempt sliould be made to destroy the railroad 
leading from Manassas to the valley of Vii'ginia. 
The orders for the 21st were as follows: 

Hea.d<juakter9 Department Army Eastern Va., ( 
Centheville, July 20, 1S61. f 

The enemy has planted a battery on the Warrenton 
turnpike to defend the passage of Bull Run; has 
seized the Stone Bridge and made a heavy abatis on 
the right bank, to oppose our advance in that direc- 
tion. The ford above the bridge is also guarded, 
whether with artillery or not is not positively known, 
but every indication favors the belief that he proposes 
to defend the passage of the stream. 

It is intended to turn the position, force the enemy 
from the road, that it may be reopened, and, if possi- 
ble, destroy the railroad leading from Manassas to 
the valley of Virginia, where the enemy has a large 
force. As this may be resisted by all the force of the 
enemy, the troops will be disposed as follows: 

The first division (Gen. Tyler's), with the excep- 
tion of Richardson's brigade, will, at half-past two 
o'clock in the morning precisely, be on the Warren- 
ton turnpike to threaten the passage of the bridge, 
but will not open fire until full daybreak. 

The second division (Hunter's) will move from its 
camp at two o'clock in the morning precisely, and, 
led by Capt. Woodbury, of the Engineers, will, after 
passing Cub Run, turn to the right and pass the Bull 
Run stream above the ford at Sudley's Spring, and 
then turning down to the left, descend the stream and 
clear away the enemy who may be guarding the 
lower ford" and bridge. It will then bear oflF to the 
right and make room for the succeeding division. 

The third division (Heintzelman's) will march at 
half-past two o'clock in the morning, and follow the 
road taken by the second division, but will cross at 
the lower ford after it has been turned as above, and 
then, goin^ to the left, take place between the stream 
and second division. 

The iifth division (Miles') will take position on the 
Centreville Heights (Richardson's brigade will, for 
the time, form part of the fifth division, and will con- 
tinue in its present position). One brigade will be in 
the village, and one near the present station of Rich- 
ardson's brigade. This division will threaten the 
Blackburn Ford, and remain in reserve at Centreville. 
The commander will open fire with artillery only, and 
will bear in mind that it is a demonstration only he is 
to make. He will cause such defensive works, abatis, 
earthworks, etc., to be thrown up as will strengthen 
bis position. Lieut. Prime, of the Engineers, will be 
charged with this duty. 

These movements may lead to the gravest results, 
and commanders of divisions and brigades should 
bear in mind the immense consequences involved. 
There must be no failure, and every effort must be 
made to prevent straggling. 

No one must be allowed to leave the ranks without 
special authority. After completing the movements 
ordered, the troops must be held in order of battle, 
as they may be attacked at any moment. 

By command of Brig.-Gen. McDOWELL. 
James B. Fur, Adjt.-Gen. 

The position of the Federal forces on the 
night previous to the battle can be briefly told. 
The first division, which had been the right 
wing thus far, was stationed on the north side 
of the Warrenton turnpike and on the eastern 
slope of the Centreville ridge, two brigades on 
the same road and a mile and a half in advance, 
to the west of the ridge, and one brigade on 
the road from Centreville to Manassas, where 
it crosses Bull Run at Blackburn's Ford, where 
the engagement on the 18th was. The second 



division was on the Warrenton turnpike, one 
mile east of Centreville. The third division was 
about a mile and a half out on the old Braddock 
road, which comes into Centreville from the 
southeast. The fifth division was on the same 
road as the third division, and between it and 
Centreville. 

The fourth division (Runyon's) had not been 
brouglit to the front further than to guard our 
communications by way of Vienna and the 
Orange and Alexandria Railroad. His ad- 
vanced regiment was about seven miles in the 
rear of Centreville. 

At half-past two, on the morning of the 21st, 
the division under Gen. Tyler, which had here- 
tofore been the right wing, moved, with the 
exception of Richardson's brigade, to threaten 
the passage of the Warrenton turnpike bridge, 
or Stone Bridge, on Bull Run. After moving a 
short distance Col. Xeyes' brigade was halted 
by order of Gen. McDowell, to watch the road 
coming up from Manassas. This was about 
two miles from the run. The two remaining 
brigades of this division, being those of Cols. 
Schcnck and Sherman, with Ayres' and Car- 
lisle's batteries, proceeded on and arrived in 
front of the bridge about 6 a, m. An exam- 
ination of the position was made, and the bri- 
gades and artillery got into position. The first 
gun, as a signal that they were in position, was 
fired at half-past six o'clock. As the design was 
to threaten the brigade. Col. Schenck's brigade 
was formed into a line, with its left resting in 
the direction of the bridge and the Confederate 
battery, which had been established to sweep 
the bridge and its approach, so as to threaten 
both. Col. Sherman's brigade was posted to 
the right of the turnpike, so as to be in position 
to sustain Col. Schenck or to move across Bull 
Run, in the direction to be taken by Col. Hun- 
ter's division. 

A 30-pounder gun attached to Carlisle's bat- 
tery was posted on the turnpike, with Ayres' 
battery considerably in its rear, while Carlisle's 
battery was posted on the left of Col. Sherman's 
brigade. In this position they were ordered to 
remain, awaiting the appearance of the divis- 
ions of Cols. Hunter and Heintzelman on the 
other side, until such time that the approach to 
the bridge could be carried and the bridge re- 
built by the engineers, who had on the spot 
materials for that purpose. 

While tliis had been going on with the first 
division, the first brigade of the second division, 
under Col. Porter, had been silently paraded in 
light marching order at two o'clock in the 
morning. Owing to frequent delays in the 
march of troops in front, it did not reach Cen- 
treville until half-past four. It proceeded out 
on the Warrenton turnpike, and it was an hour 
after sunrise when its head was turned to the 
right to commence the flank movement by 
crossing at Sudley's Spring. The second bri- 
gade of the division, which was now in ad- 
vance, made such slow and intermittent progress 
through the woods, that it was four hours be- 



72 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 




wAreRS-soAisc 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



73 



fore the head of the division reached Bull Run. 
This was about half-past nine o'clock, and in- 
telligence was here received that the Confed- 
erate troops were in front with considerable 
force. A halt of half an hour was now or- 
dered, to obtain a supply of water, and to rest 
and refresh tlie men. Tlie shade of the green 
and waving foliage of the trees, and the water 
of the creek, on this hot summer morning, were 
delightful to tlie perspiring men. • Only the 
gleam of bayonets and the equipments of war in 
sight on every side, indicated the terrific con- 
flict so close at hand. 

Not only was tlio intelligence received that 
the enemy was in front with a considerable 
force, but from the heights where the troops 
rested, a vast column could be plainly descried, 
at tlie distance of a mile or more on the left, 
moving rapidly towards the line of march in 
front, which the halting troops were about to 
resume. Skirmisliers were now thrown out 
upon either flank and in front, by Col. Slocum, of 
the Second Rhode Island. The column moved 
forward, liowever, before this was completed, 
and in about thirty minutes emerged from the 
timber, whence the rattle of the musketry and 
occasional crash of round shot through the 
branches of the trees indicated the o])ening of 
the battle. The Second Rhode Island, of the 
second brigade, under Col. Burnside, was imme- 
diately sent forward with its battery of artillery, 
and the balance of the brigade was formed in 
a field to the right of the road. At the same 
time the head of the first brigade was turned 
slightly to the right, in order to gain time and 
room for deployment on the right of the second 
brigade. Griffin's battery found its way through 
the timberto the fields beyond, followed prompt- 
ly by the marines, while the Twenty-seventh 
took a direction more to the left, and the Four- 
teenth followed upon the trail of the battery — 
all moving up at double-quick step. 

Since this division left the Warrenton turn- 
pike by turning to the right, it had moved in 
a semicircle, crossing Bull Run at Sudley's 
Spring, and it was now approacliing the turn- 
pike again. Along this turnpike the enemy 
now appeared drawn up in a long line, extend- 
ing from a house and haystack upon the ex- 
treme right of the advancing division to a house 
beyond its left. Behind that house there was 
ft heavy battery which, with three others along 
the Confederate line, but on the heights be- 
hind it, covered with all sorts of projectiles 
the ground upon which the Union force was 
advancing. A grove in front of the enemy's 
right wing afforded it shelter and protection, 
while the shrubbery in the fences along the 
road screened somewhat his left wing. The 
battery of Griffin advanced within a thousand 
yards, and opened an unerring and deadly fire 
upon the enemy's batteries, (on the right,) which 
were soon silenced or driven away. The right 
of the Union force wns now rapidly developed 
by this first brigade of the second division — 
the marines, the Twenty-seventh, Fourteenth, 



and Eighth, with the cavalry in the rear of tho 
right. The enemy retreated in more precipita- 
tion than order, as this part of the line ad- 
vanced. Meanwhile, it appearing that the 
Second Rhode Island, of the second brigade, 
was closely jji-essed by the right of the en- 
emy. Col. Burnside ordered the Seventy-first 
New York and Second New Hampshire to 
advance, intending to hold the First Rhode 
Island in reserve ; but, owing to delay in the 
formation of the Seventy -first and Second, the 
First Rhode Island was at once ordered on the 
field. It performed most efficient service in 
assisting its comrades to repel the attack of 
the enemy's forces, which the Second Rhode 
Island had steadily borne, and had bravely 
stood its ground, even compelling him to give 
way. Soon the Seventy-first came into action, 
planting the two howitzers belonging to tho 
regiment upon the right of its line, and work- 
ing them most efi'ectively. Next came the 
Second New Hampshire into the field ; and 
the whole of the second brigade was engaged 
in action on the right of the enemy. 

The enemy now clung with so much tenacity 
to the protecting wood, and the Rhode Island 
battery became so much endangered, as to im- 
pel the commander to call for the battalion 
of regulars. This battalion Avas composed of 
two companies of the Second, five companies 
of the Third, and one company of the Eighth 
U. S. Infantry. It was a part of the first bri- 
gade, and was at once ordered to support the 
second brigade, under Col. Burnside, which 
was now suffering from a severe fire in its 
front. The line of the battalion was rapidly 
formed, opening fire, and a column under Col. 
Ileintzelman appearing at the same moment on 
tlie left of the battalion, the enemy fell back 
to the rising ground in his rear. 

Thcthirddivision, consisting of three brigades, 
under Col. Ileintzelman, was under arms, in light 
marching order, with two days' cooked rations 
in their haversacks, and commenced the march 
at half-past two in the morning. It followed 
immediately in the rear of the second division, 
Col. Hunter, and with that division, turning to 
the right from the turnpike by a country road, 
and crossing Bull Ruii at Sudley's Spring. It 
was the intention that this division should turn 
to the left and cross a ford about midway be- 
tween the Warrenton tunr)ike and Sudley's 
Springs. But the road was either missed or 
did not exist. Probably missed, as there is a 
ford called "Poplar or Red Hill Ford," mid- 
way between the Stone Bridge and Sudley's. 
Before the third division readied Sudley's the 
battle had commenced. Smoke could be seen 
rising on their left from two points a mile or 
more apart. Two clouds of dust were also 
visible, showing the advance of troops from 
the direction of Manass.as. Two regiments 
were at this time ordered forward, to prevent 
the enemy from outflanking the second divi- 
sion, under Col. Hunter. Accordingly, the 
Minnesota advanced on the left of the road 



74 



MILITAPwY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



•which crossed the run, the Eleventh Massachu- 
setts moved up it, followed by the remainder of 
the division, except Arnold's battery, which, 
supported by the First Michigan, was posted a 
little below the crossing of the run as a reserve. 

The advance of the battalion of regular in- 
fantry and the regiment detached from Col. 
Heintzelman, to support the second brigade, 
under Ool. Burnside, above mentioned, caused 
the enemy to come flying from the woods 
towards the right, and the Twenty-seventh 
completed their retreat by charging directly 
upon their centre in the face of a scorching 
fire, while the Fourteenth and Eighth moved 
down the turnpike to cut off the retiring foe, 
and to support the Twenty-seventh, which was 
standing the brunt of the action, with its ranks 
thinning in the dreadful fire. Now the resist- 
ance of the enemy's left became so obstinate 
that the beaten right retired in safety. This 
retreat of the enemy's right afforded an oppor- 
tunity for the brigades of Cols. Sherman and 
Keyes, belonging to Gen. Tyler's division, to 
cross over, as will be presently noticed. 

The appearance of the head of Col. ITeintzel- 
man's column upon the field at the moment of 
the obstinate resistance of the enemy's left, 
enabled the Fifth Massachusetts and Eleventh 
New York (Fire Zouaves) to move forward to 
support the centre of the first brigade of Col. 
Hunter's division, which had been on the 
right and constantly engaged. At this time 
the Eighth New York, under Col. Lyons, of 
this brigade, had broken. Tliey were only par- 
tially rallied again. This was the first regi- 
ment to break ranks and retire on the field 
that day. The Fourteenth also broke, but was 
soon rallied in rear of Griffin's battery, which 
soon took a position further to the front and 
right, from which its fire was delivered with 
such precision and rapidity as to compel the 
batteries of the enemy to retire far behind the 
brow of the hill in front. 

At this time the first brigade of Col. Hun- 
ter's division -occupied a line considerably in 
advance of that first occupied by the left wing 
of the enemy. The battery was pouring its 
withering fire into the batteries and columns 
of the enemy wherever exposed. The cavalry 
were likewise engaged in feeling the left flank 
of the enemy's position, during which some 
captures were made. Early in the action Gen. 
Hunter had been wounded and conveyed from 
the field, and the command of the division had 
devolved on Col. A. Porter. 

The orders to Gen. Tyler were to threaten 
the passage of the Stone Bridge. Soon after 
getting into position, it was discovered that 
the enemy had a heavy battery with infantry 
in support, commanding both the road and 
bridge approaches, on which both Ayres and 
Carlisle at different times tried the effect of 
their guns without success. The banks of the 
run proving impracticable for the passage of 
artillery, the batteries remained comparatively 
tiseless until the approach to the bridge was 



cleared. During this period of waiting, the 30- 
pounder was occasionally used with consider- 
able effect against bodies of infantry and cav- 
alry, which could be seen from time to time 
moving in the direction of Col. Hunter's col- 
umn, and out of the range of the ordinary 
guns. When it appeared that the divisions of 
Cols. Hunter and Heintzelman were arrested 
in their progress, and the enemy seemed to be 
moving heavy reinforcements to support their 
troops, the brigade of Col. Sherman was ordered 
by Gen. Tyler to cross over and support the col- 
umns engaged. The brigade of Col. Keyes was 
also ordered to follow. This brigade, on reach- 
ing the high ground across the run, was or- 
dered to form on the left of Col. Sherman's 
brigade, which was done with great steadiness 
and regularity. After waiting a few minutes, 
the line was ordered to advance and come into 
conflict on its right with the enemy's cavalry 
and infantry, which, after some severe strug- 
gles, it drove back, until the further march of 
Keyes' brigade was arrested by a severe fire 
of artillery and infantry, sheltered by some 
buildings standing on the heights above the 
road leading to Bull Run. A charge was here 
ordered, and the Second Maine and Third Con- 
necticut, which were opposed to this part of 
the enemy's line, pressed forward to the top of 
the hill until they reached the buildings which 
were held by the enemy, and drove them out 
and for a moment held possession. The gallant- 
ry of this charge upon infantry and artillery, 
says Col. Keyes, " was never, in my opinion, 
surpassed." At this point, finding the brigade 
under the fire of a strong force behind breast- 
works, it was ordered to march by the left 
flank across an open field until the whole line 
was sheltered by the right bank of Bull Run, 
along which the march was conducted, with a 
view to turn the battery, which the enemy had 
placed on the hill below the point at which the 
Warrenton turnpike crosses Bull Run. The 
enemy were forced to retire for a considerable 
distance below the Stone Bridge, and an oppor- 
tunity was afforded to Capt. Alexander to pass 
over the bridge, cut out the abatis which had 
been placed there, and prepare the way for Col. 
Schenck's brigade and two batteries to pass over. 
Meanwhile Col. Sherman's brigade, which 
had been ordered by Gen, Tyler to cross over 
in advance of Col. Keyes, found no difficulty 
in the movement and met no opposition in as- 
cending the steep bluff with the infantry. Ad- 
vancing slowly and continuously with the head 
of the column to give time for the regiments in 
succession to close up their ranks, the brigade 
proceeded with caution towards the field, and 
soon formed in rear of Col. Porter's brigade. 
Here orders were given to Col. Sherman to 
join in pursuit of the enemy, who were falling 
hack to the left of the road by which the army 
had approached from Sudley's Spring, The 
brigade moved in the following order : Thir- 
teenth New York in advance, followed by the 
Second Wisconsin, Seventy-ninth and Sixty- 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REKELLION. 



75 



ninth New York. The Thirteenth advanced 
steadily down the hill and up the ridge, from 
which it opened fire upon the enemy who had 
made another stand on ground very favorable 
to him, and the regiment continued advancing 
as the enemy gave way. 

The position which the battle had now at- 
tained was as follows : Early in the morning 
the force of the enemy had been stationed along 
Bull Run, from the Stone Bridge down to the 
Union Mills, below Blackburn's Ford. But 
owing to the crossing of the Federal troops at 
Sudley's Spring, further up than the extreme 
left of the enemy at the Stone Bridge, the line 
of the latter was entirely changed. It formed, 
as has been stated, along the Warrenton turn- 
pike, which crosses at the Stone Bridge, and 
continues on in a due western course. In this 
position the enemy was found by the first 
troops that crossed over. On the Federal side, 
Col. Richardson's brigade, of the first division, 
was posted at Blackburn Ford, to prevent the 
enemy from crossing, and also to make a feint 
to cross when the firing of Gen. Tyler at the 
Stone Bridge above should be heard, which was 
so done. Gen. Hunter's division opened the at- 
tack upon the enemy's line formed on the War- 
renton turnpike. The brigade of Col. Porter 
on the right had been strengthened by Col. 
Heintzelman's division, consisting of Cols. "Wil- 
cox's and Howard's brigades and a part of Col. 
Franklin's. To these was now added Col. Sher- 
man's brigade, from Gen. Tyler's first division. 
Further on the left the attack was connnenced 
by Col. Burnside, with the second brigade of 
Col. Hunter's division, and sustained with 
great gallantry and resolution, especially by 
the First and Second Rhode Island and the 
Rhode Island battery, until strengthened by 
Major Sykes' battalion of regulars, and still 
further by a portion of Col. Heintzelman's 
force and Keyes' brigade, of Gen. Tyler's divi- 
sion. All the Federal force was now on the 
field of battle, excepting the division of Col. 
Miles, consisting of Cols. Blenker and Davies' 
brigades, and also the brigade of Col. Richard- 
son at Blackburn's Ford, and the brigade of 
Col. Schenck at the Stone Bridge, with the 
accompanying batteries. The etiect of this 
strong and firm attack on the enemy's line had 
caused it to yield at all points. The Federal 
force was in possession of the "Warrenton turn- 
pike from the Stone Bridge westward. On 
their right the enemy had retreated nearly a 
mile and a half. On the left they had also 
given way so that Col. Schenck's brigade was 
about to cross over the Stone Bridge. 

The road taken by the troops from Sudley's 
Spring down to the "Warrenton turnpike, de- 
flects to the left somewhat, near the turnpike, 
and crosses it at about right angles. On the 
left of this road, after it crosses the turnpike, is 
a hill with a farm-house on it, where the enemy 
liad, early in the day, planted some of his most 
annoying batteries. Across the road from this 
hill was another hill, or rather elevated ridge, 



or table land. The hottest part of the contest wa3 
for the possession of this hill, with the house 
on it. General McDowell thus describes it: 
" The force engaged here was Heintzelman's 
division of "Wilcox's and Howard's brigades on 
the right, supported by part of Porter's brigade, 
of Hunter's division, and the cavalry under 
Palmer, and Franklin's brigade, of Heintzel- 
man's division, Sherman's brigade, of Tyler's 
division, in the centre, and up the road, whilst 
Keyes' brigade, of Tyler's division, was on the 
left attacking the batteries near the Stone 
Bridge. The Rhode Island battery, of the Burn- 
side brigade, also participated in this attack, by 
its fire from the north of the turnpike. Rick- 
etts' battery, together with Griflins' battery, 
was on the side of the hill and became the ob- 
ject of the special attention of the enemy, who 
succeeded, through a mistake by which one of 
his regiments was thought to be a Federal force, 
in disabling the battery, and then attempting 
to take it. Three times was he repulsed by 
different corps in succession, and driven back, 
and the guns taken by hand, the horses having 
been killed, and pulled away. The third time, 
it was supposed by us all that the repulse was 
final, for he was driven entirely from the hill, 
and so far beyond it as not to be in sight, and 
all were certain the day was ours. 

" The enemy was evidently disheartened and 
broken. But we had been fighting since half- 
past 10 o'clock in the morning, and it was after 
3 o'clock in tlie afternoon ; the men had been up 
since 2 o'clock in the morning, and had made 
what to those unused to such things, seemed a 
long march before coming into action, though 
the longest distance gone over was not more 
than nine and a half miles ; and though they had 
three days' provisions served out to them the day 
before, many no doubt did not eat them, or threw 
them away on the march, or during tlie battle, 
and were therefore without food. They had 
done much severe fighting. Some of the regi- 
ments which had been driven from the hill in 
the first two attempts of the enemy to keep 
possession of it, had become shaken, were un- 
steady, and had many men out of the ranks." 

Colonel Porter, in command of Hunter's di- 
vision after Colonel Hunter was wounded, thus 
reports the same scenes : " The flags of eight reg- 
iments, though borne somewhat wearily, now 
pointed towards the hill, from which disordered 
masses of the enemy had been seen hastily re- 
tiring. Griffin's and Ricketts' batteries were or- 
dered by the Commanding General to the top of 
the hill on the right, as supporting with the Fire 
Zouaves and marines, while the Fourteenth en- 
tered the skirt of wood on their right, to protect 
that flank as a column composed of the Twenty- 
seventh New York, and Eleventh and Fifth Mas- 
sachusetts, Second Minnesota, and Sixty-ninth 
New "York moved up towards the left flank of the 
batteries ; but so soon as they were in position, 
and before the flanking supj)orts had reached 
theirs, a murderous fire of musketry and rifles 
opened at pistol range, cut down every cannon- 



76 



militai!y and naval history of the eebellion. 



ier and a large number of horses. The fire came 
from some infantry of the enemy, which had been 
mistaken for our own forces ; an officer in the 
field having stated that it was a regiment sent 
by Colonel Heintzelman to support the batteries. 

" The evanescent courage of the Zouaves 
prompted them to fire perhaps a hundred shots, 
when they broke and tied, leaving the batteries 
open to a charge of the enemy's cavalry, which 
took place immediately. The Marines, in spite 
of their gallant officers, gave way in disorder. The 
Fourteenth, on the right, and the column an the 
left, hesitatingly retired, with the exception of 
the Sixty-ninth and Thirty-eighth New York, 
who nobly stood and returned the fire of the ene- 
my for fifteen minutes. Soon the slopes behind us 
were swarming with our retreating and disorgan- 
ized forces, while riderless horses and artillery 
teams ran furiously through the flying crowd." 

Colonel Sherman, in his report of this part 
of the conflict, says: " At the point where the 
road from Sudley's Spring crossed the bridge 
to our left, tlie ground was swept by a most 
severe fire, by artillery, rifle, and musketry, and 
we saw in succession several regiments driven 
from it, among tliem the Zouaves and battalion 
of marines. Before reaching the crest of the hill, 
the roadway was worn deep enougji to afford 
shelter, and I kept the several regiments in it 
as long as possible. But when the Second Wis- 
consin was abreast of the enemy, it was ordered 
to leave the roadway by the left flank, and at- 
tack the enemy. This regiment ascended to the 
brow of the hill steadily, received the severe 
fire of the enemy, returned it with spirit, and 
advanced, delivering its fire. It was repulsed, 
rallied, and repulsed again. By this time, the 
Seventy-ninth New York had closed up, and in 
like manner it was ordered to cross the brow of 
the hill, and drive the enemy from cover. It 
was impossible to get a good view of the ground. 
In it there was one battery of artillery, which 
poured an incessant fire upon our advancing col- 
umn, and the ground was irregular, with small 
clusters of pines, affording shelter, of which 
the enemy took good advantage. The fire of 
rifles and musketry was very severe. The Sev- 
enty-ninth, headed by its Colonel, charged across 
the hill, and for a short time the contest was 
severe. Tliey rallied several times under fire, 
but finally broke, and gained the cover of the 
hills. This left the field open to the Sixty -ninth 
New York, Colonel Corcoran, who, in his turn, 
led his regiment over the crest, and had in full 
open view the ground so severely contested. The 
.firing was very severe, and the roar of cannon, 
rifles, and musketry incessant. It was manifest 
the enemy was here in great force, far superior 
to us at that point. The Sixty-ninth held the 
ground for some time, but finally fell back in 
disorder. At this time, the Thirteenth New York 
occupied another ridge to our left, overlooking 
the same field of action, and similarly engaged. 
Here, at S\ p. m., began the scene of disorder." 

Colonel 'Burnside reports from another part 
of the field : 



" The battery of the Second Rhode Island 
changed its position into a field upon the right, 
and was brought to bear upon the force which 
Colonel Porter was engaging. The enemy's in- 
fantry having fallen back, two sections of Captain 
W. H. Reynolds' battery advanced, and succeed- 
ed in breaking the charge of the enemy's cavalry, 
which had now been brought into tlae engage- 
ment. It was nearly 4 o'clock p. m., and the 
battle had continued for almost six hours since 
the time when the second brigade had been 
engaged, with every thing in favor of our 
troops, and promising decisive victory, when 
some of the regiments engaging the enemy upon 
the extreme right of our line broke, and large 
numbers passed disorderly by my brigade, then 
drawn up in the position which they last held." 

The position of the battle described in these 
extracts was its turning point. The view taken 
of the contest at this time, by the Commander- 
in-Chief of the Confederate forces, is of great 
interest. In his official report, General Beaure- 
gard thus speaks : 

" The topographical features of the plateau, 
now become the stage of the contending armies, 
must be described in outline. A glance at 
the map will show that it is enclosed on three 
sides by small water courses, which empty into 
Bull Run within a few yards of each other, half 
a mile to the south of the Stone Bridge. Rising 
to an elevation of quite one hundred feet above 
the level of Bull Run at the bridge, it falls off 
on three sides, to the level of the enclosing 
streams in gentle slopes, but which are furrow- 
ed by ravines of irregular direction and length, 
and studded with clumps and patches of young 
pines and oaks. The general direction of the 
crest of the plateau is oblique to the course of 
Bull Run in that quarter, and on the Brents- 
ville and turnpike roads, which intersect each 
other at right angles. Completely surrounding 
the two houses before mentioned, are small 
open fields, of irregular outline, and exceeding 
150 acres in extent. The houses, occupied at 
the time, the one by widow Henry, and the 
other by the free negro, Robinson, are small 
wooden buildings, densely embowered in trees 
and environed by a double row of fences on 
two sides. Around the eastern and southern 
brow of the plateau, an almost unbroken 
fringe of second-growth pines gave excellent 
shelter for our marksmen, who availed them- 
selves of it, with the most satisfactory skill. To 
the west, adjoining the fields, a broad belt of 
oaks extends directly across the crest, on both 
sides of the Sudley road, in which, during tho 
battle, regiments of both armies met and con- 
tended for the mastery. From the open ground 
of this plateau the view embraces a wide ex- 
panse of woods and gently undulating open 
country of broad grass and grain fields in all 
directions, including the scene of Evans' and 
Bee's recent encounter with the enemy — some 
twelve hundred yards to the northward. In 
reply to the play of the enemy's batteries, our 
own artillery had not been idle or unskilful. 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



77 



The ground occupied by our guns, on a level 
with that held by the batteries of the enemy, 
was an open space of limited extent, behind a 
low undulation, just at the eastern verge of the 
plateau, some 500 or 600 yards from the Henry 
house. Here, as before said, some thirteen 
pieces, mostly six-pounders, were maintained in 
action. The several batteries of Imboden, Sta- 
nard, Pendleton, (Rockbridge Artillery,) and 
Alburtis', of the Army of the Shenandoah, and 
live guns of Walton's, and Heatou's section of 
Rogers' battery, of the Army of the Potomac, 
alternating to some extent with each other, and 
taking part as needed ; all from the outset dis- 
playing that marvellous capacity of our people 
as artillerists which has made them, it would 
appear, at once the terror and the admiration of 
the enemy. As was soon apparent, the Fede- 
ralists had suffered severely from our artillery, 
and from tlie fire of our musketry on the right, 
and especially from the left flank, i)laced under 
cover, within whose galling range they had 
been advanced. "And, we are told in their offi- 
cial reports, how regiment after regiment, 
thrown forward to dislodge us, was broken, 
never to recover its entire organization on that 
field. In the mean time, also, two companies 
of Stuart's cavalry (Carter's and Iloge's) made 
a dashing charge down the Brentsville and Sud- 
ley road upon the Fire Zouaves — then the ene- 
my's right on the plateau — which added to the 
disorder wrought by our musketry on that 
flank. But still the press of the enemy was 
heavy in that quarter of the field, as fresh 
troops were thrown forward there to outflank 
us ; and some three guns of a battery, in an 
attempt to obtain a position apparently to enfi- 
lade our batteries, were thrown so close to the 
Thirty-third Regiment, Jackson's brigade, that 
that regiment, springing forward, seized them, 
but with severe loss, and was subsequently 
driven back by an overpowering force of Fede- 
ral musketry. 

"Now, full 2 o'clock p. M., I gave the order 
for the right of my line, except my reserves, 
to advance to recover the plateau. It was done 
with uncommon resolution and vigor, and at 
the same time, Jackson's brigade pierced the 
enemy's centre with tlie determination of vete- 
rans, and the spirit of men who fight for a 
sacred cause ; but it suffered seriously. With 
equal spirit the other parts of the line made 
the onsft, and the Federal lines were broken 
and swept back, at all points, from the open 
ground of the plateau. Rallying soon, however, 
as they were strongly reinforced by fresh regi- 
ments, the Federalists returned, and by weight 
of numl^ers pressed our lines back, recovered 
their ground and guns, and renewed the offen- 
sive. By this time, between half-past 2 and 3 
o'clock p. M., our reinforcements pushed for- 
ward, and directed by General Johnston to the 
required quarter, were at hand just as I had or- 
dered forward to a second effort for the recov- 
ery of the disputed plateau, the whole line, in- 
cluding my reserves, which, at this crisis of the 



battle, I felt called upon to lead in person. 
This attack was general, and was shared in by 
every regiment then in the field, including the 
Sixth (Fisher's) North Carolina Regiment, which 
had just come up and taken position on the 
immediate left of the Forty-ninth Virginia Reg- 
iment. The whole open ground was again 
swept clear of the enemy, and the plateau 
around the Henry and Robinson houses re- 
mained finally in our possession, with the 
greater part of the Ricketts and Griffin batter- 
ies, and a flag of the First Michigan Regiment, 
captured by the Twenty-seventh Virginia Reg- 
iment, (Lieutenant-Colonel EchoUs,) of Jackson's 
brigade. This part of the day was rich with 
deeds of individual coolness and dauntless con- 
duct, as Well as well-directed embodied resolu- 
tion and bravery, but fraught with the loss to 
the service of the country, of lives of inestimable 
preciousness at this juncture. The brave Bee 
was Tnortally wounded, at the head of the 
Fourth Alabama and some Mississijjpians, in 
an open field near the Henry house ; and a few 
yards distant, the promising life of Bartow, 
while leading the Seventh Georgia Regiment, 
was quenched in blood. Colonel F. J. Thomas, 
Acting Ciiief-of-Ordnance, of General John- 
ston's stafi',. after gallant conduct, and most effi- 
cient service, was also slain. Colonel Fisher, 
Sixth North Carolina, likewise fell, after sol- 
dierly behavior, at the head of his regiment, 
with ranks greatly thinned. Withers' Eighteenth 
Regiment, of Cocke's brigade, had come up in 
time to follow this charge, and, in conjunction 
with Hampton's Legion, captured several rifle 
pieces, which may have fallen previously in 
possession of some of our troops ; but if so, had 
been recovered by the enemy. These pieces 
were immediately turned, and effectively served 
on distant masses of the enemy, by the hands 
of some of our officers. 

" While the enemy had thus been driven back 
on our right entirely across the turnpike, and 
beyond Young's branch on our left, the woods 
yet swarmed with them, when our reinforce- 
ments opportunely arrived in quick succession, 
and took position in that portion of the field. 
Kershaw's Second, and Cash's Eighth South 
Carolina regiments, which had arrived soon 
after Withes', were led through the oaks just 
east of the Sudley-Brentsville road, brushing 
some of the enemy before them, and, taking an 
advantageous position along and west of that 
road, opened with much skill and effect on 
bodies of the enemy that had been rallied 
under cover of a strong Federal brigade posted 
on a ])lateau in the southwest angle, formed 
by intersection of the turnpike with the Sud- 
ley-Brentsville road. Among the troops thus 
engaged, were the Federal regular infantry. 
At the same time, Kemper's battery, passing 
northward by the S.-B. road, took position 
on the open space — under orders of Colonel 
Kershaw — near where an enemy's battery had 
been captured, and opened with efiective re- 
sults upon the Federal right, then the mark 



78 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



also of Kershaw's and Cash's regiments, Pres- 
ton's Twenty-eighth Regiment, of Cocke's bri- 
gade, had by that time entered the same body 
of oaks, and encountered some Michigan troops, 
capturing their brigade commander, Colonel 
Wilcox. 

" Another important accession to our forces 
had also occurred about the same time, at 3 
o'clock p. M. Brigadier-General E. K. Smith, 
with some 1,700 infantry of Elzey's brigade, 
of the Army of the Shenandoah, and Beck- 
ham's battery, came upon the field, from Camp 
Pickens, Manassas, where they had arrived by 
railroad at noon. Directed in person by Gene- 
ral Johnston to the left, then so much endan- 
gered, on reaching a'position in rear of the oak 
woods, south of the Henry house, and imme- 
diately east of the Sudley road. General Smith 
was disabled by a severe wound, and his valu- 
able services were lost at that critical juncture. 
But the command devolved upon a merito- 
rious officer of experience. Colonel Elzey, who 
led his infantry at once somewhat further to 
the left, in the direction of the Chinn house, 
across the road, through the oaks skirting the 
west side of the road, and around which he 
sent the battery under Lieutenant Beckham. 
This officer took up a most favorable position 
near that house, whence, with a clear view of 
the Federal right and centre, filling the open 
fields to the west of the Brentsville-Sudley road, 
and gently sloping southward, he opened fire 
with his battery upon them with deadly and 
damaging etfect. 

" Colonel Early, who, by some mischance, did 
not receive orders until two o'clock, which had 
been s(»nt him at noon, came on the ground 
immediately after Elzey, with Kemper's Seventh 
Virginia, Hay's Seventh Louisiana, and Barks- 
dale's Thirteenth Mississippi regiments. This 
brigade, by the personal direction of General 
Johnston, was marched by the Holkham house, 
across the fields to the left, entirely around the 
woods through which Elzey had passed, and 
under a severe fire, into a position in line of 
battle near Chinn's house, outflanking the ene- 
my's right. At this time, about half-past 3 p. m., 
the enemy, driven back on their left and cen- 
tre, and brushed from the woods bordering the 
Sudley road, south and west of the Henry house, 
had formed a line of battle of truly formidable 
proportions, of crescent outline, reaching on 
their left from the vicinity of Pittsylvania, (the 
old Carter mansion,) by Matthew's, and in rear 
of Dogan's, across the turnpike near to Chinn's 
house. The woods and fields were filled with 
their masses of infimtry, and their carefully pre- 
served cavalry. It was a truly magnificent, 
though redoubtable spectacle, as they threw 
forward in fine style, on the broad, gentle slopes 
of the ridge occupied by their main lines, a 
cloud of skirmishers, preparatory for another 
attack. But as Early formed his line, and Beck- 
ham's pieces played upon the right of the ene- 
my, Elzey's brigade, Gibbon's Tenth Virginia, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart's First Maryland, and 



Vaughn's Third Tennessee regiments, and Cash'a 
Eighth, and Kershaw'js Second South Carolina, 
Withers' Eighteenth, and Preston's Twenty- 
eighth Virginia, advanced in an irregular lino 
almost simultaneously, with great spirit, from 
their several positions upon the front and flanks 
of the enemy, in their quarter of the field. At 
the same time, too, Early resolutely assailed 
their right flank and rear. Under the combined 
attack, the enemy was soon forced, first over the 
narrow plateau in the southern angle made by 
the two roads, so often mentioned, into a patch 
of woods on its western slope, thence back over 
Young's branch and the turnpike, into the fields 
of the Dugan farm, and rearward, in extreme 
disorder, in all available directions, towards 
Bull Run. The rout had now become general 
and complete." 

In his report. General McDowell thus re- 
marks on the position of the battle : 

" It was at this time that the enemy's rein- 
forcements came to his aid, from the railroad 
train, understood to have arrived from the val- 
ley with the residue of Johnston's army. They 
threw themselves in the woods on our right, 
and opened a fire of musketry upon our men, 
which caused them to break, and retire down 
the hillside. This soon degenerated into dis- 
order, for which there was no remedy. Every 
eflfort was made to rally them, even beyond the 
reach of the enemy's fire, but in vain." 

A line drawn through the battle-field to 
Manassas Junction, would run about due south. 
The railroad from Winchester to Manassas 
Junction comes in on a southeast course. Con- 
sequently, the line above mentioned, and the 
railroad, converge, and meet at the Junction. 
The Dumfries road, bounding the west side of 
the battle-field, and running straight south, 
crosses the Winchester railroad about two miles 
from the Junction. Up this road came the last 
reinforcements of the enemy, from General 
Johnston's command at Winchester. This was 
nearer than to proceed to the Junction, and 
caused the clouds of dust seen. 

Colonel Porter, commanding the division of 
Colonel Hunter, thus continues his report : 

" All further efforts were futile. The words, 
gestures, and threats of our officers were 
thrown away upon men who had lost all pres- 
ence of mind, and only longed for absence of 
body. Some of our noblest and best officers 
lost their lives in trying to rally them. . Upon 
our first position, the Twenty-seventh New 
York was the first to rally, under the command of 
Major Bartlett, and around it the other regiments 
engaged soon gathered their scattered frag- 
ments. The battalion of regulars, in the mean 
time, moved steadily across the field from the 
left to the right, and took up a position where 
it held the entire forces of the enemy in check 
until our forces were somewhat rallied. 

" The Commanding General then ordered a 
retreat upon Centreville, at the same time 
directing me to cover it with the battalion of 
regulars, the cavalry, and a section of artillory. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



79 



Tho rear-gnard thus organized followed our 
panic-stricken troops to Centre ville, resisting 
the attacks of the Confederate cavah-y and artil- 
lery, and saving thera from the inevitable de- 
struction which awaited them, had not this 
body been interposed." 

A prompt retreat of the fragments of his ar- 
my was resolved upon by Gen. McDowell ; and 
while the stragglers had pushed on from the 
battle-field to Washington without halting, the 
organized masses commenced leaving about nine 
o'clock that night. By midnight all but the 
wounded and the dead of that well-equipped 
army which commenced its march from Wash- 
ington five days previous, proud, exultant, and 
confident of victory, was panic-stricken, grop- 
ing its way, under cover of the darkness of 
night, to the intrenchments opposite Washing- 
ton. Never had the flag of the Union trailed 
so low in the dust before ; never was so bril- 
liant a career opened before it as that which 
commenced on tlie day after that dreadful night. 

Fortunately for the remnants of the Federal 
army, the Southern forces did not pursue their 
flying foe. The reasons for this OTuission are thus 
stated by Gen. Johnston in his official report: 

" The apparent firmness of the United States 
troops at Centreville who had not been en- 
gaged, which checked our pursuit ; the strong 
forces occupying the works near Georgetown, 
Arlington, and Alexandria ; the certainty, too, 
that Gen. Patterson, if^needed, would reach 
Washington, with his army of thirty thousand 
men, sooner than we could ; and the condition 
and inadequate means of the army in ammuni- 
tion, provisions, and transportation, prevented 
any serious thoughts of advancing against the 
capital. It is certain that the fresh troops with- 
in the works Avere, in number, quite sufficient 
for their defence ; if not. Gen. Patterson's army 
would certainly reenforce them soon enough." 

The loss on the Federal side, according to the 
official returns, was 481 killed, 1,011 wounded, 
and 1,216 missing. Among the killed were 
Col. Cameron, of the New York Y9th ; Lieut.- 
Col. Haggerty, of the New York 69th ; Col. 



Slocum, 2d Rhode Island; alsoMaj. Ballou and 
Capt. Tower. 

The artillery lost was as follows : 

Company D, 2d artillery, 6 rifle guns. 

Company I, 1st artillery, 6 rifled Parrott 10- 
pounders. 

Company E, 2d artillery, 2 rifled guns and 2 
howitzers. 

Company — , 5th artillery, 1 rifled gun. 

Company G, 1st artillery, 1 30-pounder Par- 
rott gun. 

Rhode Island battery, 5 rifled guns. 

To this should be added 180 boxes of small 
arm cartridges, 87 boxes of rifled cannon am- 
munition, 30 boxes of old fire-arms, 12 wagons 
loaded with provisions, and 3,000 bushels oats, 
a large number of muskets thrown away, and 
an immense number of blankets and knapsacks. 

Gen. Beauregard, in his report, states the 
number of his force on the 18th of July at 17,000 
eftectivemen; and on the 21st 27,000, which 
includes 6,200 sent from Gen. Johnston, and 
1,700 brought up by Gen. Holmes from Fred- 
ericksburg. The report states the number 
killed to have been 269, wounded 1 483, aggre- 
gate 1,852. The same report states the num- 
ber of prisoners taken at 1,460. 

On the left the Southern force was com- 
manded by Brig.-Gens. Evans, Jackson, and 
Cocke, and Col. Bartow. The centre was 
under Gens. Jones, Longstreet, and Benham. 
On the extreme right was Gen. Ewell. Early 
in the day an order was sent to him by Gen. 
Beauregard to attack and attempt to turn the 
left flank of the Federal force. The messenger 
was killed, and the orders were not received. 

It is manifest that this battle was well fought. 
In the fore part of the afternoon the Southern 
troops were nearly outflanked. At three 
o'clock the Federal force believed they had 
the victory; and that, indeed, they had, and 
would soon have reached and obtained posses- 
sion of the railroad leading to Winchester. 
But the arrival of four fresh regiments, who 
entered the field with great spirit and energy, 
changed the result. 



CHAPTEK IX. 



Extra Session of Congress — Its Action — Strength of the Army — Southern troops organized— Skirmishes in Missouri — At 
Monroe Station, Millvillc, and Fulton — Movements of Gen. Lyon — Battle of Wilson's Creek — Surrender of Major Lynch 
in New Mexico — Skirmishes — Attack on Galveston — Expedition against the forts at Hattonis Inlet. 

The Congress of the United States assembled Quartermaster's Department $T0.2S9,200 21 

in extra session at Washington on July 4th. ^rdn^r'^CrC^.^.^v;;;;;;.:: :::::::: ISmo'S 

Ihe 1 resident m his message asked for authority Pay Department 67,S45,4(i2 4S 

to enlist 400,000 volunteers for three years or Adjutant-General's Department 408 1100 00 

4.1^ J /. ... /.A,,^/^/^^^ tngineer Department CNi.OOO 00 

tne war, and tor an appropriation of §400,000,- Topo?rap)iical Kn-rincer Department 50,000 00 

000. The wants of the War Department were es- Surgeon-General's Department 1,271,841 00 

fliTKifa/l Kxr Q ^^..^fn,.,. n«,„„„„„ „K„ .„ <5>ioK AnA Due Statcs which have made advances for 

timated by Secretary Cameron above $18o,000,- troops 10,000,000 00 

000. These were distributed to the several . 

branches of the service as follows: Total 185,299,897 lO 



80 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The Navy Department asked for $32,000,000 
for immediate use. 

Immediately after the disaster at Bull Run, 
Congress authorized the enlistment of 500,000 
men, and appropriated $500,000,000. An appro- 
priation for the navy was also passed. The en- 
listment and organization of troops were entered 
upon with great activity and warm popular ap- 
probation during the ensuing three months, when 
it was restricted. Many circumstances aided the 
enlistment. The cause of the Union was approv- 
ed by every one; a general stagnation or inac- 
tivity pervaded all industrial pursuits, and mul- 
titudes were partially or wholly unemployed, 
and the wages offered to the soldier were then 
extremely liberal. The pay offered to privates 
by the United States was $13 per month, and 
a bounty of 100 acres of land at the close of the 
war. In addition, many of the States gave to 
each married citizen volunteer about one dollar 
per week for his wife, and in proportion for 
each child of his family between certain ages. 
Where such a sum was not given to the family 
of the private by the State, it was in numerous 
instances bestowed by the city or town in 
which he lived. 

The pay of officers was on an equally liberal 
scale ; and civilians in profitable social posi- 
tions, as well as those in no position, aspired, 
in the rawest state, to obtain the rank of offi- 
cers. Too many unworthy persons were suc- 
cessful. It cost the Government millions, and 
required the efforts of all the military skill in 
the country, to bring the accumulated mass up 
to the discipline and order of an approved 
army. 

On the 1st of December, 1861, the entire 
strength of the army, both volunteers and reg- 
ulars, was estimated as follows : 

Volunteers for the War. 

California 4,608 

Connecticut 12,400 

Delaware 2,000 

Illinois 80,000 

Indiana 57,832 

Iowa 19,300 

Kentucky 15,000 

Maine 14,239 

Maryland '. 7,000 

Massachusetts 26,760 

Michigan 28,550 

Minnesota 4,160 

Missouri 22,130 

New Hampshire ; 9,600 

New Jersey 9,342 

New York 100,200 

Ohio 81,205 

Pennsylvania 94,760 

Ehode Island 5,898 

Vermont 8,000 

Virginia 12,000 

Wisconsin 14,153 

Kansas 5,000 

Colorado -. 1,000 

Nebraska 2,500 

Nevada 1,000 

New Mexico 1,000 

District of Columbia 1,000 

&40,63T 
Estimated strength of the regular army, including 
the new enlistments under act of Congress of 
July 29, 1861 20,334 

Total 660,971 

This estimate, which was prepared at the 



War Department, as representing the force of 
the army, varied imquestionably from the 
amount of troops in the field. It was not to 
be expected that the precise force could be 
stated with strict accuracy while the enlistment 
was not closed. The quota of New York in 
the field was about the amount stated ; the 
same was the case with the force assigned to 
other States. The several arms of the service 
were estimated as follows : 



Infantry 

Cavalry 

Artillery 

Eitles and Sharpshooters. 
Engineers 



Volunleera. Regulars, AggiegaUi 



557,208 
54,654 
20,380 
8,395 



640,637 



11,175 
4,744 
4,308 



107 



20,834 



668,383 

59,398 

24,688 

8,395 

107 



660,971 



The appropriation asked for to sustain the 
army, by the Secretary of War, on the 1st of 
December, was $360,159,986. 

The appropriation was computed for a force 
of 500,000 men. Some portion was to cover 
deficiencies arising from an excess of force in 
the field over the estimate for the previous six 
months. 

In the beginning of July, also, a session of the 
Southern Congress commenced at Richmond. 
The report of the Secretary of War stated the 
number of regiments of troops then accepted was 
194, and 32 battalions, besides various detach- 
ments of artillery, alld companies of cavalry. 
He urged the continued acceptance of troops 
until the number reached 300 regiments. The 
success at Bull Run awakened such a degree of 
enthusiasm and confidence in the ultimate tri- 
umph of the Confederacy, that the army, in a 
short time, increased to a greater number than 
had been anticipated. Forward movements 
were made from Manassas and Centreville, and 
the flag of the "Stars and Bars" was flaunted 
from the summit of Munson's Hill, where the 
inhabitants of the city of Washington could see 
its folds proudly waving. For some time a di- 
vision of opinion existed, even in the Cabinet of 
Mr. Davis, on the policy of a forward move- 
ment of the army. It was apprehended by those 
who were opposed, that an attack upon and 
destruction of Washington would thoroughly 
arouse the North. Some asserted that the true 
policy at that time, was to await the action of 
the French and English Governments, and thus 
the difficulties might be arranged without fur- 
ther effusion of blood. At the same time the 
army was desirous of a forward movement, the 
capture of Washington, the recovery of Mary- 
land, and the possession of Baltimore for their 
winter-quarters. The final decision was ad- 
verse to a forward movement. The rapid in- 
crease in the Federal force, its improving dis- 
cipline and reorganization, rendered doubtful 
the result. A change was also made in the 
war policy of the Federal Government, the de- 
sign of which now was to attack the Confed- 
erate States elsewhere than in Virginia. AH 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



81 



these circumstances exerted a controlling influ- 
ence when united with others which existed 
within the Confederacy itself. These consisted 
in alack of transportation, and those more indis- 
pensable means to the success of an attempt at 
invasion, an abundance of money. Neverthe- 
less, the military efforts of the Government 
were on a most extensive scale. Troops were 
organized and sent to intrenched camps in 
Kentucky, Forces were maintained in Western 
Virginia, and an active campaign carried on. In 
Missouri, although left in a manner by the South- 
ern Government to take care of herself, the 
most active military operations took place. The 
talents and skill of their Commanding General, 
Price, enabled him to sustain himself, and carry 
on an active campaign with less assistance and 
encouragement from the Government than any 
oflBcer in the army. 

At this time, the solvent or specie-paying 
banks refused to receive the Confederate Treas- 
ury notes, and were calling in all their own 
circulation. They also refused to receive the 
bills of suspended banks, and both Treasury 
notes and suspended bills sunk from eight to 
fifteen per cent., and in the cities of the Gulf 
States were refused by mechanics and trades- 
men. Embarrassment, discouragement, and 
uncertainty settled upon whole commimities. 
The valuable paper was rapidly decreasing and 
disappearing, while the other was as rapidly in- 
creasing. All who could, drew specie from the 
banks, and millions of dollars were hid away 
or buried. 

From the month of September, the favorable 
aspect of affairs in the Confederate States be- 
gan to decline, and before the close of the year 
the subject of drafting soldiers to serve in the 
army was actively discussed. 

On July 22d Gen. George B. McClellau, having 
left Western Virginia, took the command of 
the troops in and around Washington. Their 
reorganization was immediately commenced. 
It was realized now by every one that the coun- 
try was engaged in a great war, and all the ap- 
pliances required for mighty and victorious 
armies were to be prepared. 

Meanwhile bloody conflicts on a limited scale 
were constantly occurring in other parts of the 
country. 

In the northern counties of Missouri the di- 
vision of sentiment rapidly aroused a hostile 
spirit. Squads of troops from Illinois were 
soon stationed at important places, while State 
troops gathered to oppose them. The destruc- 
tion of property and bloody skirmishes soon 
followed. At Monroe station, thirty miles west 
of Hannibal, an attack was made by secession 
troops, on July 11th, on the railroad station- 
house, which was burned with six passenger 
and eighteen freight cars. A portion of the 
railroad track was torn up on each side of the 
town. On the same night the bridge of the 
Hannibal and St. Joseph's Railroad was burned. 
On the 15th Brig.-Gen. Hurlburt, in command 
of the volunteer force, issued a lengthy proc- 



lamation to the jjcople of the northeastern 
counties, warning them that the men or body 
of men who ventured to stand in defiance of 
the supreme authority of the Union, endangered 
their lives. 

On the IGth a skirmish took place at Mill- 
ville, about thirty miles above St. Charles, on 
the North Missouri Railroad. About eight him- 
dred Union troops had reached this point, when 
the track was torn up, and they were fired 
upon by a secession force, and an engagement 
followed, in which a small number were kiUed 
and wounded on each side. 

A little further south, near Fulton, in Callo- 
way County, about twenty-three miles north- 
east of Jefferson City, a skirmish took place on 
the 17th, between Col. McNeil, with about six 
hundred men, and Gen. Harris, with a consider- 
able force, in which the latter were routed with 
a loss of several as prisoners. On the 19th 
Gen. Pope, who had been assigned to the com- 
mand in Northern Missouri, issued a proclama- 
tion addressed to the inhabitants. 

He had previously proceeded from St. Louis 
to St. Charles, where his headquarters were 
established, in order to take charge of that de- 
partment. His command in North Missouri 
was seven thousand strong, and so posted that 
Jefferson City, Booneville, Lexington, and all 
the principal points in the northern parts of the 
State, were within easy striking distance. 

About the same time that Gen. Lyon left St. 
Louis for Jefferson City, June 15, other troops, 
consisting of ten companies, left for Rolla, 
which is the termination of the southwest 
branch of the Pacific Railroad, and one hundred 
and thirteen miles from St. Louis. This force 
was increased subsequently, and active opera- 
tions took place in that section of the State. 

On the 1st of August Gen. Lyon ordered his 
entire command, with the exception of a small 
guard, to rendezvous at Crane's Creek, ten 
miles south of Springfield. The command was 
composed as follows: Five companies 1st and 
2d regiments regulars, Maj. Sturgis. Five 
companies 1st regiment Missouri volunteers, 
Lieut.-Col. Andrews. Two companies 2d regi- 
ment Missouri volunteers, Maj. Osterhaus. 
Three companies 3d regiment Missouri volun- 
teers. Col. . 5th regiment Missouri volun- 
teers. Col. Salomon. 1st regiment Iowa volun- 
teers. Col. J. F. Bates. 1st regiment Kansas 
volunteers. Col. Deitzler. 2d regiment Kansas 
volunteers, Col. Mitchell. Two companies 1st 
regular cavalry, Capts. Stanley and Carr. 
Three companies 1st regular cavalry (recruits), 
Lieut. Lathrop. Capt. I. Totten's battery regu- 
lar artillery, six guns, six and twelve-pounders. 
Lieut. Dubois' battery regular artillery, four 
guns, six and twelve-pounders. Capt. Shaeffer's 
battery Missouri volunteer artillery, six guns, 
six and twelve-pounders. Brig.-Gens. Sweeny 
and Sigel, and Maj. Sturgis, were intrusted with 
the most important secondary commands. 

The march commenced that afternoon, and 
the camp was reached at ten o'clock at night. 



82 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The next morning the march was resumed, and 
about five o'clock that afternoon a body of the 
enemy were overtaken, when a brisk inter- 
change of shots between the skirmishers took 
place. Upon this, a body of the enemy's in- 
fantry, about five hundred in number, ap- 
proached, apparently with the design of cutting 
off an advanced body of the Federal infantry. 
Several volleys were interchanged, wlien a 
charge was made by a body of regulars. The 
enemy's ranks were thus broken, and they re- 
treated. The place of this skirmish was Dug 
Springs. The march was continued as far as 
Curran, twenty-six miles from Springfield, but 
the heat of the weather, shortness of provisions, 
and the fact that a strong Confederate force 
was posted in front, and a large division had 
also moved in the direction of Sarcoxie, while 
it was necessary that communication should be 
kept open to Springfield, led Gen. Lyon to de- 
termine to return to that town. 

On the 5th Gen. Lyon, learning that Gen. 
Price, of the Confederate army (Missouri State 
Guards), had effected a junction with Gen, Ben. 
McCuUoch, and that the consolidated force was 
within ten or twelve miles of Springfield, re- 
solved, though aware of the hazard of the 
movement, as a last resource, to attack the 
Confederates at their camp on Wilson's Creek, 
nine miles from Springfield. His entire force 
amounted to 5,200 men, of whom one regiment, 
the 5th Missouri, were three-months' men, 
whose time had expired nine days before the 
battle, but who had been retained by the ur- 
gency of Col. Sigel. There were in all less than 
600 cavalry, while the Confederates had over 
6,000, according to Gen. Ben. McCuUoch's re- 
port. He had also three batteries, comprising 
in all sixteen guns, all of light calibre. This 
force marched from Springfield at 8 p. m. on 
the 9th of August, intending to commence the 
attack at daybreak the next morning. They 
were in two columns, the larger consisting of 
three small brigades and not quite 4,000 men, 
under the command of Gen. Lyon himself, the 
brigades being severally commanded by Major 
Sturgis, Lieut.-Col. Andrews, and Col. Deitzler; 
the smaller column, of about 1,300 men and one 
battery of sis pieces, was commanded by Col. 
(afterwards Maj.-Gen.) Sigel. The enemy's 
camp was situated along Wilson's Creek for a 
distance of five or six miles, and in the ravines, 
and on the heights west of the creek ; and Gen. 
Lyon's plan of attack was to march his main 
column, which he divided into two, giving the 
command of one to Maj. Sturgis, in front and 
to the left flank of the enemy, so as to enfilade 
their position on the creek ; while Col. Sigel 
with his column, taking another road from 
Springfield, and crossing the creek, which here 
assumes the form of an inverted U, lower down, 
should endeavor to turn their right flank. 
Sigel's column fell into an ambuscade, and suf- 
fered severely, losing five of his six cannon, and 
was thus unable to render as efficient service as 
had been intended. THb fight was continued 



in front, and on the enemy's left, with terrible 
effect for over six hours; the Confederates 
twice, in the course of the battle, came up to 
the Federal lines with the Union flag flying, 
and thus deceived the Federal troops till they 
could get so close as to pour a most destructive 
fire upon them, but they themselves fell back, 
when the artillery, which was served by offi- 
cers and men of the regular army, was brought 
to bear upon them. Gen. Lyon, who was 
thrice wounded early in the engagement, and 
had had his horse killed under him, mounting 
another horse, led the 2d Kansas regiment, 
which had lost its colonel, for a chai'ge upon 
the enemy ; but was killed instantly by a rifle 
ball, which struck him in the breast. His death 
did not, however, throw the Federal troops into 
confusion, and the battle, in which Maj. Sturgis 
now commanded, was continued for nearly 
three hours longer, when the enemy were forced 
from their camp and the field. Finding his 
force too much reduced to hold the position, 
Maj. Sturgis gave the order to fall back on 
Springfield, and there resigned the command to 
Col. Sigel, who made a masterly retreat with 
the remnant of his army, his baggage trains, 
and $250,000 in specie, to Rolla. The loss of 
the Federal force in this battle was 223 killed, 
721 wounded, 292 missing, mostly prisoners. 
The enemy's loss, according to their own 
account, was 517 killed, about 800 wounded, 
and 30 missing. Three of their generals were 
wounded, two of them mortally. 

This battle at Wilson's Creek, in its effects, 
proved quite disastrous to Gens. McCulloch and 
Price. It not only served to check their pro- 
gress, but discouraged many lukewarm sympa- 
thizers. Meanwhile the accumulation and or- 
ganization of Union troops at St. Louis and 
other points added to the strength of Gen. 
Fremont, who had been ordered to the com- 
mand of the Department. 

In New Mexico a loss was suffered by the 
Union cause in the surrender of Maj. Lynde, 
with 750 men, on August 2d, without resist- 
ance. Again, on the 7th, the \nllage of Hamp- 
ton, two and a half miles from Fortress Monroe, 
having been previously evacuated by the Fed- 
eral troops, Avas burned by a body of Virginians 
under the orders of Gen. Magruder. This was 
done to prevent its reoccupation by the Union 
troops. A few minutes after midnight the 
torch was applied. Most of the five hundred 
houses composing the village having been built 
of wood, and being very dry, were soon in 
flames, and a strong south wind fanned them 
into a terrible conflagration. The fire raged 
during the remainder of the night, and on the 
next day, at noon, onlj' seven or eight buildings 
remained. Four churches were among the 
buildings burned. On the 28th the 7th Ohio 
regiment, under Col. Tyler, was surrounded at 
Summersville, Va., while at breakfast, and at- 
tacked on both flanks and in front simultane- 
ously. The troops, about nine hundred strong, 
although surprised, fought bravely, and forced 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



83 



their way through the enemy with considerable 
loss. No permanent advantage was gained by 
the Virginians, as Gen. Cox, with a larger Fed- 
eral force, was stationed at Gauley's bridge. 

On the other hand, an advantage was gained 
over the enemy at Athens, Missouri, on August 
5th, by which tlieir loss was between thirty and 
forty. At Potosi, in the same State, on the 
Ptli, an affair occurred in which the enemy suf- 
fered some loss, iin advantage was also gained 
in a small skirmish at Lovettsville, in Virginia, 
on the 8th ; and another at Grafton on the 13th, 
at which tlie Virginians met with some loss. 

At Fortress Monroe, Gen. Wool, of the reg- 
ular army, had taken command, and Gen. Butler 
had been relieved for duty elsewhere. A pass- 
port system had been adopted by the authori- 
ties at Washington under a non-intercourse 
proclamation issued by the President on Aug. 
IGth, by which no person was permitted to go 
to the seceding States without an official permit. 

On the water some movements had taken 
place. At Pokomoke Sound in Virginia, a num- 
ber of small vessels belonging to the enemy had 
been destroyed, Avith some stores, on Aug. 2d. 

At Galveston in Texas, on the 3d, a few 
shots were fired from the blockading Schooner 
Dart at the batteries on the island. This was 
intended as "a sort of reconnoissance. Again, 
on the 5th, the steamer North Carolina opened 
fire upon the same batteries, and threw some 
sheels into the city. A large number of persons 
having collected on the sand hills a little east 
of the batteries, a shell fell among them, killing 
one, and wounding three others. 

A protest was made by the foreign consuls, 
and Capt. Alden, on the next day, sent a reply, 
stating the facts to have been as follows : 

Early on the morning of the 3d, our gunboat found 
herself near the shore, and shortly after, ns the result 
j^roved, within range of some of the batteries. The 
hrst warning she got was a shot — not a blank car- 
tridge, but a shot — not fired ahead or astern of her to 
warn her off, but straight at her. She of course fired 
back, and some shots were exchanged ; then she came 
back and reported the facts to me. This was in the 
morning. I waited till nearly five in the afternoon 
hoping explanation, some disavowal, of the act would 
be sent ofi. None came. I then got under way and 
stood in for the batteries, which, you are aware, are in 
the rear and close to the town, merely to see if they 
could, when they knew the town must be injured by 
our return fire, repeat such an act of aggression by 
commencing upon us. We were no sooner within 
range of their guns, however, than they opened their 
fire, when we, after exchanging a few shots, retired, 
preferring that it should appear that we were beaten 
off rather than continue a contest where, as the result 
shows, so many unoffending citizens must necessarily 
suffer. 

Again, you protest against my firing a shell into a 
crowd of unarmed citizens — amongst whom were 
many women and children. Good God ! gentlemen, 
do you think such an act was premeditated? Besides, 
was it not the duty of the military commandant, who 
by his act in the morning had invited me to the con- 
test, to see that all such were out of the way ? Did he 
not have all day to prepare? It was evident to my 
mind they knew we were coming, or why was that 
demonstration of the steamer Gen. Rusk? 

In conclusion, let me add that no one can regret the 



injury done to unoffending citizens more than I do. 
Still, I find no complaints of my acts of the 3d instant 
coming from military or civil authorities of Galveston, 
and with due deference to your consideration and 
humanity, I must respectfully remark that it is the 
first time I have ever heard that the women and chil- 
dren and unarmed citizens of an American town were 
under the protection of foreign consuls. 

Yours, etc., etc., JAMES ALDEN. 

On the 13th of August, when General Wool 
took command at Fortress Monroe, he found 
that preparations had already been made for an 
expedition to the North Carolina coast, llat- 
teras Inlet, the point of destination, was a gap 
in the sandy barrier which lines the coast of 
North Carolina, about 18 miles southwest of 
Cape Ilatteras, and 160 miles below Fortress 
Monroe. Its channel was intricate, but acces- 
sible without difficulty to those who were 
accustomed to it, provided the weather was 
good. This and Ocracoke Inlet were the prin- 
cipal entrances to Pamlico Sound, a large bodj- 
of water lying between this sandy beach and 
the mainland of North Carolina. Ilatteras Inlet 
would admit vessels drawing 7 feet water, but 
its tortuous channel, from which all the buoys 
had been removed, made it difficult to enter 
in rough weather, without danger of grounding. 
On the sandy beach, commanding the inlet, 
the Confederate forces had erected, during the 
summer, two forts — the larger, named Fort 
Hatteras, being intended for 15 guns, though 
only 10 had been mounted; the smaller for 7 
guns, of Avhich 5 had been mounted. These 
forts were built of sand, and were 20 feet wide 
at top, and turfed. They had each a bomb- 
proof, the one at the larger fort capable of 
protecting about 400 men ; that at the smaller 
300. The guns were mounted en larhitte 
(that is, on the top of the earthworks). The 
guns on both forts were thirty-two pounders, 
except one eight-inch shell gun on Fort Ilat- 
teras. Most of tliese particulars had been com- 
municated to the Federal authorities about the 
1st of August by Mr. Daniel Campbell, master 
of the schooner Lydia Frances, which had 
been wrecked about the 1st of May on the 
coast near Hatteras Inlet, who had been de- 
tained as a prisoner at the inlet for three 
months. The expedition intended for the cap- 
ture of these forts consisted of the United 
States steamers Minnesota, Capt. Van Brune; 
Wabash, Capt. Mercer; Monticello, Command- 
er GiUis; Pawnee, Commander Rowan, and 
Harriet Lane, Capt. Faunce; the U. S. char- 
tered steamers Adelaide, Commander Stell- 
wagen, and George Peabody, Lieut. Leroy, and 
the steamtug Fanny as transports, together 
with schooners towed by the steamers having 
surf-boats on them. The steam-frigate Sus- 
quehanna and the sailing frigate Cumberland 
were ordered also to join the expedition. Tlie 
naval portion of the expedition was under the 
command of Commodore S. II. Stringham, 
whose broad pennant was hoisted on the Min- 
nesota. To this naval force was added a body 
of about 880 troops, consisting of 500 of the 



84 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



20th Regiment N, Y. Volunteers, under com- 
mand of Col. Max Weber; 220 of the t)th 
N. Y. Volunteers, (Hawkins' Zouaves,) under 
command of Col. R. 0. Hawkins ; 100 of the 
Union Coast Guard, Oapt. Nixon commanding, 
and 60 of the 2d U. S. Artillery, Lieut. Lamed 
commanding, who were embarked on the trans- 
ports George Peabody and Adelaide, and were 
under the command of Maj.-General Benj. F. 
Butler. The expedition left Fortress Monroe 
on the afternoon of Monday, Aug, 26tb, and 
arrived off Hatteras Inlet about 4 o'clock p. m., 
Tuesday. At daylight the next morning arrange- 
ments were made for landing the troops, and 
for an attack upon the forts by the fleet. The 
swell upon the beach Avas so heavy that after 
landing 315 men, including the regular troops 
and 55 marines, with two guns, one a 12-pound 
rifled boat gun, the other a howitzer of the 
same calibre, the boats were stove and swamp- 
ed, and no more could be landed that day. 
Meantime the fleet had opened fire on the 
smaller fort, which was nearest the inlet, and 
continued it till about half-past 1 p, m., when 
both forts hauled down their flags, and the gar- 
rison of the smaller escaped to the larger. A 
small detachment of the troops already landed 
immediately proceeded to take possession of 
Fort Clark, and raised the Union flag. The 
fleet ceased flring, and the Monticello was sent 
in to the inlet to discover what the hauling 
down of the flags meant. She entered and 
proceeded within about 600 yards of Fort Hat- 
teras, when the occupants of that fort com- 
7nenced firing iipon her, and inflicted serious 
injury to her hull ; whereupon the "Wabash, Sus- 
quehanna, and Minnesota came to her assist- 
ance, and the Confederates took themselves to 
their bomb-proof, and ceased firing. The little 
force which had landed now withdrew from 
Fort Clark to a safer position, where they threw 
up a slight intrenchment, and mounted their 
two cannon on it, together with one they had 
taken from the enemy. The General and the 
force on board the fleet felt much anxiety in 
regard to this little company, as it was suppos- 
ed that the Confederates, who were known to 
have a considerable body of troops on board 
steamers in the Sound, would be largely reen- 
forced in the night, and would take them pris- 
oners. At 7 o'clock next morning, however, 
the Union troops were seen advancing in good 
order upon Fort Clark, and it appeared that 
Capt. Nixon of the coastguard with his com- 
pany had occupied that fort during the night, 
and had hoisted the Stars and Stripes there. 
As a reenforcement from the fleet approached 
the shore, they heard firing, which they after- 
wards found proceeded from the temporary bat- 
tery erected by the Union troops, and was 
directed at the Confederate steamer "Winslow, 
which had come down the sound loaded with 
reenforcements, but which, on meeting with this 
reception, made the best of its way out of 
range. The fleet renewed its fire upon Fort 
Hatteras at a little past 8 o'clock, and, sub- 



stituting 15-second for lOsecond fuzes, dropped 
almost every shell from their heavy guns inside 
the fort. At ten minutes past 11, a white 
flag was displayed from the fort. Gen. Butler 
went at once on board the steamtug Fanny, and, 
entering the inlet, sent Lieut. Crosby on shore 
to demand the meaning of the white flag. He 
soon returned with the following memorandum 
from the commander of the fort, who proved to 
be a former commodore of the U. S. Navy. 

Fort Hatteras, Atig. 2dth, 1861. 
.Flag-oflBcer Samuel Barron, C. S. Navy, ofiFers to 
surrender Fort Hatteras with all the arms and muni- 
tions of war. The officers allowed to go out with 
side-arms, and the men without arms to retire. 
S. BARRON, 
Commanding Naval Division, Va. and N. Car. 

Accompanying this was a verbal commu- 
nication stating that he had in the fort six 
hundred and fifteen men, and a thousand more 
within an hour's call, but that he was anxious 
to spare the effusion of blood. Gen. Butler sent 
in reply the following memorandum : 

Ava. 29th, 1861. 
Benjamin F. Butler, Major-General United States 
Army, commanding, in reply to the communication of 
Samuel Barron, commanding forces at Fort Hatteras, 
cannot admit the terms proposed. The terms offered 
are these: Full capitulation, the officers and men to 
be treated as prisoners of war. No other terms ad- 
missible. Commanding officers to meet on board flag- 
ship Minnesota to arrange details. 

After waiting three-fourths of an hour, Lieut. 
Crosby returned, bringing with him 'Capt. 
Barron, Major Andrews, and Col. Martin, the 
commanding oflScers of the Confederate force, 
who informed Gen. Butler that they had ac- 
cepted the terms of capitulation he had pro- 
posed, and had come to surrender themselves 
and their command prisoners of war. General 
Butler informed them that, as the expedition 
was a combined one from the army and navy, 
the surrender must be made on board the flag- 
ship and to Com. Stringham, as well as him- 
self. The party then proceeded to the flagship 
Minnesota, and the following articles of capit- 
ulation were there signed : 

Off Hatteras Inlet, U. S. Flagship Minnesota, \ 
Aug. 29th, A. D. 1861. i 

Articles of Capitulation between Flag-officer String- 
ham, commanding the Atlantic Blockading Squadron, 
and Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding on 
behalf of the Government, and Samuel Barron, com- 
manding the naval force for the defence of North 
Carolina and Virginia, and Col. Martin, commanding 
the forces, and Major Andrews, commanding the same 
forces at Hatteras. 

It is stipulated and agreed between the contractine 
parties, that the forces under command of the said 
Barron, Martin, and Andrews, and all munitions of 
war, arms, men, and property under the command of 
said Barron, Martin, and Andrews, be unconditionally 
surrendered to the Government of the United States in 
terms of full capitulation. 

And it is stipulated and agreed by the contracting 
parties, on the part of the United States Government, 
that the officers and men shall receive the treatment 
due to prisoners of war. 

In witness whereof, we, the said Stringham and 
Butler, on behalf of the United States, and the said 
Barron, Martin, and Andrews, representing the forces 
at Hatteras Inlet, hereunto interchangeably set our 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



85 



hands, this twenty-ninth day of August, a. d. 1861, 
and of the independence of the United States the 
eighty-fifth year. S. H. STRINGHMI, 

Flao'-Officer Atlantic Blockading Squadron. 
BENJAMIN F. BtJTLER, 
Major-General U. S. A., Commanding. 
S. BARRON, 
Flag-Officer C. S. N., Com'g Naval Forces Va. & N. C. 
WILLIAM F. MARTIN, 
Col. Seventh Light Infantry N. C. Volunteers. 
W. L. G. ANDREWS, 
Major Com'g Forts Hatteras and Clark. 

The results of this capitulation were the cap- 
ture of 715 men, including the commander, 
Com. Barron, who was at the time Acting Sec- 
retary of tlio Navy of the Confederate States, 
and Major Bradford, Chief of the Ordnance 
Department of the Confederate States army, 
2 forts, 1,000 stand of arms, 75 kegs of powder, 
5 stand of colors, 31 pieces of cannon, includ- 
ing one 10-inch columhiad, a brig loaded with 
cotton, a sloop loaded with provisions and 



stores, 2 light boats, 150 bags of coffee, &c. 
The forts were held and garrisoned by U. S. 
troops, and the Fanny and Monticello retained 
at the inlet to keep off the Confederate gun- 
boats, and capture vessels attempting to run 
the blockade. On the 30th Sept. a fortification 
called Fort Oregon at Ocracoke Inlet, about 15 
miles below Hatteras Inlet, was abandoned by 
the Confederate forces, and on the 10th of 
September an expedition from Hatteras Inlet 
visited and destroyed it. On the 7th of Sep- 
tember, four Confederate vessels, and on tlie 8th 
a fifth, attempted to enter Hatteras Inlet, and 
were all captured by the steam-tug Fanny. On 
the 2d of October the Fanny was captured by 
a party of Confederates in armed steam-tugs ; 
her two brass cannon and 35 men belonging to 
the 9th N. Y. volunteers (Hawkins' Zouaves) 
were taken, and a considerable quantity of 
stores. 



CHAPTER X. 

Campaign of Gens. "Wise, Floyd, and Lee, in "Western Virginia — The Campaign cf Gen. Fremont in Missouri — Affaire in 
Kentucky — Neutrality abandoned — Occupation of the State by troops — Military Operations. 



A CAMPAIGN was now commenced by the 
enemy in Western Virginia. Gen. Henry A. 
Wise was at Lewisburg, the capital of Green- 
brier County, organizing his brigade for an 
advance down the Kanawha valley, when Gen. 
Floyd (ex-Secretary of War) arrived with three 
regiments of infantry and a battalion of cavalry. 
After a consultation with Gen. Wise, whom he 
outranked, he resumed his march westward. 
At Tyree's, on the west side of Sewall Moun- 
tain, he was first met by the Union pickets, 
who were driven back upon their command 
with a loss of four killed and seven wounded. 
At Locust Lane he was overtaken by Gen, 
Wise, and the two commands advanced to 
Dogwood Gap at the intersection of the Sum- 
merville road with the turnpike from Lewis- 
burg to Charleston. The main body of the 
Union force was stationed at Hawk's Nest, on 
New River, seven miles east of Gauley bridge, 
under Gen. Cox, with outposts at Cross Lanes 
and Carnifax ferry. Leaving at Dogwood 
Gap posted two pieces of artillery to keep 
open his line if a flank movement should be 
attempted from Carnifax ferry, Gen. Floyd 
advanced to Pickett's Mills. Here learning 
that his rear was threatened by the Union 
troops at Carnifax ferry and Cross Lanes, he 
left Gen. Wise to hold the turnpike, and moved 
at once upon Carnifex ferry to attack the 
Federal troops supposed to be there. He ar- 
rived at noon, but the Federal troops were at 
Hawk's Nest. On attempting to cross the 
river with his force, the boat was capsized and 
drawn over the rapids. His infantry and a small 



portion of his cavalry had crossed, but the 
mass of the cavalry and four pieces of artillery 
were still on the eastern side of the river. With 
great efforts another boat was prepared in a day 
and the transportation completed. Meanwhile 
Col. Tyler advanced from Hawk's Nest, but ar- 
rived too late to gain an advantage over Floyd, 
whose forces were now concentrated. On the 
contrary, the regiment was surprised by Gen. 
Floyd while at breakfast on the 26th of August, 
and with difliculty escaped capture. 

Gen. Floyd then proceeded to strengthen his 
position and to bring up supplies for his men. 
Meanwhile Gen. Rosecrans, on Sept. 10th, ad- 
vanced to attack the enemy ; and about three 
o'clock in the afternoon he sent forward Gen. 
Benham, with his brigade, to make a recon- 
noissance in force. They were soon engaged 
with the enemy, and after a severe action were 
about being reenforced, when, from the great 
difiicnlties of the position rendering night fight- 
ing almost impossible, Gen. Rosecrans ordered 
his men to form in order of battle and rest 
upon their arms, intending to renew the attack 
in the morning. During the night Gen. Floyd 
and his force withdrew across the Gauley, 
leaving their camp, baggage, small arms, and 
muiaitions of war, and burning the bridge which 
he had constructed, and the ferry boats. Being 
unable to effect a crossing of the river, Gen. 
Rosecrans could not pursue them, but took a 
few prisoners. The Federal loss was, according 
to oflicial report, 15 killed and 80 wounded; 
that of the Confederates was less, as they were 
protected by the forest and their fortification a 



86 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



Meanwhile Gen. "Wise had marched down to 
Big Creek in Fayette County, where a slight 
skirmish took place with some Union troops. 

Gen. Floyd, on retreating from Carnifas 
ferry, went to the summit of Big Sewell Moun- 
tain, having been joined on his way by Gen. 
Wise, Here a consultation was held, and it 
was decided to retreat to Meadow Bluff as a 
position which guarded all the approaches to 
Lewisburg and the railroad. Gen. Wise, how- 
ever, refused to retreat, and proceeded to for- 
tify his position, which he called Camp De- 
fiance. Meanwhile Gen. Eosecrans advanced 
to Tyree's, a public house on the turnpike road 
in Fayette County. Such was the position of 
the enemy's forces in the Kanawha valley when 
Gen. Robert E. Lee arrived and took command. 

After the defeat of Garnett and his forces 
on July 14th, by Gen. McClellan, Gen. Lee was 
ordered to succeed him, and with as little 
delay as possible to repair to the scene of oper- 
ations. He took with him such reenforce- 
ments that on joining the remnant of Gen. 
Garnett's command, his force was about six- 
teen thousand men. His plan was to dislodge 
the forces of Gen. Rosecrans from Cheat Moun- 
tain, and thus relieve northwestern Virginia. 
In August he arrived in the neighborhood of 
the mountain on the Staunton and Parkersburg 
turnpike, and found Gen. Reynolds in command 
of the forces under Gen. Rosecrans, who, since 
the removal of Gen. McClellan to Washington, 
was in chief command in northwestern Vir- 
ginia. 

The aim of Gen. Lee on perceiving the 
strength of Gen. Reynolds, was to dislodge 
him by strategic movements, and capture his 
forces. With this object he cautiously moved 
along the road leading from Huntersville to 
Huttonsville in Randolph County, ^nd, reaching 
Valley Mountain, halted to arrange his plans 
for attacking a body of Union troops stationed 
about eight miles below on Tygert's Valley 
River, and about five thousand strong. Thence 
he moved over the spurs of the mountains, and 
with great difficulty succeeded in getting below 
this body of Union troops, and at the same 
time placed a force east and west of them. 
Meantime fifteen hundred men of the forces of 
Gen. H. E. Jackson, under Col. Eust, of Ar- 
kansas, advanced from Greenbrier Eiver around 
another position of the Union troops at Cheat 
Mountain pass, ten miles distant from the former 
Union force, for the purpose of an attack. This 
attack was to be the signal for Gen. Lee to 
attack the force on Tygert's Valley Eiver. 
But Col. Eust finding the position so well pre- 
pared for defence, concluded that the attack 
could not be made with any hope of success, 
and ordered a retreat. No signal was thus 
given to Lee, and no attack therefore made by 
his forces, which retreated back to Valley Moun- 
tain without firing a gun. The attack of Col. 
Eust was designed merely to hold the force at 
Cheat Mountain Pass while the contest took 
place on the Valley river. Probably the attack 



of Lee would have been successful if it had 
been made without i-egard to the retreat of 
Eust, and would have resulted in giving him 
control for a time of that portion of West Vir- 
ginia. 

Lee now determined to move to the Kanawha 
Valley to relieve Gens. Floyd and Wise. Gen. 
Eosecrans was already on his march thither to 
oppose Fioyd. All their forces were thus con- 
centrated under Lee at Wise's position on Big 
Sewell Mountain, amounting nearly to twenty 
thousand men. The position was strengthened 
by a breastwork extending four miles. Mean- 
while Gen. Eosecrans, who had approached 
within view of the enemy's position, where he 
remained some days prepared to receive an 
attack, concluding that it was not likely to be 
made, and that the enemy's position was too 
strong for him to assail successfully, quietly 
withdrew to his former position on the Gauley 
Eiver, thirty-two miles distant. The reasons 
given by the enemy for not following, were the 
muddy roads, swollen streams, and the weak- 
ness of his artillery horses. 

Meanwhile, on Oct. 2d, Gen. Eeynolds, with 
about 5,000 men, left his camp at Cheat Moun- 
tain to make an armed reconnoissance of the 
forces of the enemy encamped on Greenbrier 
Eiver and in the neighborhood. He reached 
the enemy's camp shortly after daylight, drove 
in the pickets, and his advanced regiments 
approached to witliin 700 yards of the intrench- 
ments, and opened fire. A battle followed, of 
about four hours' duration. The Confederate 
force at the camp were driven from their guns, 
three of which were disabled; their reserve 
came up after the action had continued about 
two hours, and, thus reenforced, they main- 
tained their position behind their breastworks, 
but did not sally out to attack the Federal 
troops. Gen. Eeynolds, finding his ammunition 
exhausted, and having accomplished his pur- 
pose, withdrew in order, without being pursued, 
and returned the same niglit to his camp. The 
Federal loss was 8 killed and 32 wovmded. 
The Confederate loss was much larger, and was 
estimated by Gen. Eeynolds as at least 300. 
Gen. Eeynolds brought away 13 prisoners. 
The enemy state that their loss did not exceed 
fifty, and estimated that of Gen. Eeynolds be- 
tween two hundred and fifty and three hundred. 

On the approach of winter Gen. Lee was 
ordered to take charge of the coast defences of 
South Carolina and Georgia; Gen. Wise was 
ordered to Eichmond, and the forces were all 
Avithdrawn by the authorities at Eichmond, 
except those under Gen. Floyd, and a force of 
1,200 men on the Alleghany Mountain. On 
December 13th this force, at Camp Alleghany, 
was attacked by Gen. Milroy. 

The Union troops consisted of portions of the 
9th and 13th Indiana, the 25th and 32d Ohio, 
and the 2d Virginia, numbering in all 1,750 
men. The Confederate force was under the 
command of Gen. Johnson, of Georgia, and was 
estimated at 2,000. The action commenced 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



87 



about daylight and lasted till 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon, when the Confederates set fire to 
their camps and retreated to Staunton, in the 
vall'^y of Virginia, thus vacating Western Vir- 
ginia, at least tliat portion west of the Kitta- 
tinny range. The loss, as officially reported, 
was about equal on both sides: the Federal 
troops having 20 killed and 107 wounded ; and 
the enemy 25 killed, 97 wounded, and about 30 
of their men being taken prisoners. 

Meantime Gen. Floyd, after the departure of 
the other Southern troops, moved by the way 
of Richard's ferry, Raleigh, and Fayette Court 
House, to Cotton llill on the west side of the 
Kanawha River. Cotton Hill is in Fayette 
county, opposite the mouth of the Gauley 
River. Gen. Rosecrans was posted on both 
sides of the Gauley River above the mouth, 
and the hostile forces were in full view of each 
other. ^ To cut oft' the retreat of Gen. Floyd, a 
movement was planned by Gen. Rosecrans across 
Miller's, Montgomery's, and Loop Creek ferries, 
concentrating at Fayetteville. Floyd detecting 
the movement immediately fell back, barely in 
time to escape capture. His rear was attacked 
and pursued some twenty miles, causing con- 
siderable loss. lie now retired, and was sub- 
sequently transferred to Tennessee. 

Some skirmishes took place during this 
period in West Virginia, attended with small 
loss to either side, but without special im- 
portance. 

Meanwhile military movements of consid- 
erable interest had been made in Missouri. 
After the battle at Wilson's Creek, the forces 
of Gens. McCulloch and Price retired to the 
frontier of vVrkansas. Here they remained un- 
til the latter part of August, when Price with 
a considerable force of Missourians began 
another movement into the State. As he ad- 
vanced reeiiforcements joined him. Among 
others was Gen. Thos. A. Harris with about three 
thousand men, who been engaged in active 
guerrilla operations in northern Missouri. On 
September 7th a skirmish took place between 
a body of Kansas troops under Gen. Lane, 
which encountered the advance of Price at a 
stream called Drywood, near Fort Scott. The 
Kansas troops, although presenting a bold front, 
were soon compelled to retire. Fort Scott 
■was also evacuated. Price then continued his 
march toward Lexington, where Col. ^luUigan 
was in command. Lexington, the capital of 
Fayette County, is in a high and healthy sit- 
uation, on the right bank of the Missouri River, 
120 miles, by the road, west of Jefferson City. 
The population was about 5,000. 

On the 29th of August a body of Home 
Guards, with some United States regulars 
posted at Lexington, were attacked by a large 
Confederate force. The Federal force num- 
bered 430. and was intrenched. The assailing 
party had no artillery, and were repulsed with 
a considerable loss, and subsequently withdrew. 
This attack showed the importance of sending 
forward reenforcements. Accordingly, on the 



9th of September, the town was occupied by an 
Irish Brigade under Col. Mulligan, which, in 
addition to a small force there, consisting of 
Home Guards, a few Kansas troops, a portion 
of the Missouri 8th regiment, and seven hundred 
of the Illinois cavalry, swelled the number to 
2,500 men. Soon after a Confederate force 
under Gen. Price threatened an attack upon 
them. No time was lost in the Avork of in- 
trenching their position, chosen about midway 
between the new and old towns of Lexington, 
which are about a mile apart, connected by a 
scattering settlement. Midway stood a solid 
brick edifice, built for a college, and about this 
a small breastwork had been already begun. 
By Col. Mulligan's order this was extended, 
and the troops commenced the construction of 
an earthwork, ten feet in height, with a ditch 
eight feet in Avidth, enclosing a large area, 
capable of containing a force of 10,000 men. 
The army train, consisting of numerous mule 
teams, was brought within this area. The work 
was pushed with great vigor for three days, or 
until Thursday, the 12th, at which time that 
portion assigned to the Irish Brigade was well 
advanced, that of the Home Guard being still 
weak on the west or New Lexington side. 

The college building, within the fortification, 
became Col. Mulligan's headquarters. The mag- 
azine and treasure Avere stored in the cellar 
and suitably protected. The hospital of the 
troops Avas located just outside of tiie intrench- 
ments, in a northwesterly direction. The river, 
at that point, is about half a mile wide, and 
about half a mile distant from the fortifications. 
The bluff there is high and abrupt, the steam- 
boat landing being at New Lexington. 

The artillery of Col. Mulligan consisted of 
five brass pieces and two mortars, but, having 
no shells, the latter Avere useless. The cavalry 
had only side-arras and pistols. 

On the 12th, scouts and advanced pickets 
driven in reported the near approach of the 
enemy's force. The attack Avas led by Gen. 
Rains with a battery of nine pieces of artillery 
against the point least prepared to resist as- 
sault. The Confederates were repulsed, and 
the result Avarned them that they had no easy 
task on hand. . The hospital, containing about 
twenty-lour patients, was not spared by the as- 
sailants. Some of the sick Avere pierced Avith 
bayonets or sabres in their cots. The chaplain 
and surgeon of the brigade were taken prisoners. 

Skirmishing continued for several days, dur- 
ing Avhich the enemy brought more of their ar- 
tillery into action. Messengers had been sent 
to Jefferson City by Col. Mulligan to urge the 
necessity of reenforcements, but they had been 
captured. At the same time, sufficient troops 
were sent out by the enemy to intercept any 
Federal reenforcements. Thus a party of 1,500 
Iowa troops Avere met and forced to retire when 
they had arrived within sixteen miles of the river. 

The situation of the Federal force if as daily 
growing more desperate. Within their Hues 
were picketed about the wagons and trains a 



88 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



large number of horses and mules, nearly three 
thousand in all, now a serious cause of care and 
anxiety ; for, as shot and shell plunged among 
them, many of the animals were killed or 
wounded, and from the struggles of the latter 
the danger of a general stampede was imminent. 
The havoc in the centre of the intrenchment 
was immense. "Wagons were knocked to pieces, 
stores scattered and destroyed, and the ground 
strewn with dead horses and mules. 

On the lYth the water gave out, and being cut 
ofi" from the river, the Union troops were re- 
duced to great straits. Eations, also, began to 
grow short. Meanwhile, the contest continued 
with little cessation, as a brilliant moon shone 
all night. Gen. Price had sent to Col. Mulligan a 
summons to surrender, to which the latter sent 
a refusal, saying, "If you want us, you must 
take us." The Home Guard, however, had 
become discouraged and disheartened, and on 
the 21st, while Col. Mulligan was engaged in 
another part of the camp, a white flag was 
raised by Major Becker, of the Guards, in the 
portion of the intrenchments assigned to him. 
As soon as this was made known to Col. Mulli- 
gan, he ordered the flag to be taken down, which 
was done. The severest of the fighting during 
that day followed in a charge made upon the 
enemy's nearest battery. Subsequently the 
Home Guards left the outer work and retreated 
within the line of the inner intrenchments, 
about the college building, refusing to fight 
longer, and here again raised the white flag, 
this time from the centre of the fortifications, 
when the fire of the enemy slackened and 
ceased. Under this state of affairs, Col. Mulli- 
gan, calling his officers into council, decided to 
capitulate, and Capt. McDermott went out to 
the enemy's lines, with a handkerchief tied to 
a ramrod, and a parley took place. Major 
Moore, of the brigade, was sent to Gen. Price's 
headquarters, at New Lexington, to know the 
terms of capitulation. These were: that the 
officers were to be retained as prisoners of 
war, the men to be allowed to depart with 
their personal property, surrendering their 
arms and accoutrements. Reluctantly this was 
acceded to. 

At 4 p. M. on Sept. 21st, the Federal forces 
were marched out of the intrenchments. They 
left behind them tbeu* arms and accoutrements, 
reserving only their clothing. The privates, 
numbering some 1,500 strong, were first made 
to take the oath not to serve against the Con- 
federate States, when they were put across the 
river, and, in charge of Gen. Rains, marched 
on Saturday night to Richmond, sixteen miles; 
whence, on Sunday, they marched to Hamilton, 
a station on the Hannibal and St. Joseph's 
Railroad, where they were declared free to go 
wherever they j)leased. While on this march 
they experienced generous and humane treat- 
ment, both from Gen. Rains and from the resi- 
dents. 

The Federal force at Lexington was com- 
posed of the 23d regiment (Irish Brigade), 



Col. Mulligan, 800; 13th Missoim, Col. Tea. 
body, 840; 1st lUmois, Col. Marshall, 500; 
Home Guards, Col. White, 500; total, 2,640, 
with one 4, three 6, and one 12-pounders, and 
two 4-inch mortars. Tlie Confederate force 
had been increased from 3,000 by the arrival 
of reenforcemeuts to a large number, estimated 
at 10,000. It appears by the official report of 
Gen. Price, who took command at the outset, 
that, in addition to the large force he brought 
with him from the southwest, he was joined, 
before the battle, by the forces under Martin 
Green, Harris, Boyd, and Patten, all of whom 
participated in the siege. Green's force, when 
he crossed the river at Glasgow, was 2,500 
men; Harris had 2,700 when he crossed; and 
Patten and Boyd had a considerable number. 
The force of the garrison was only 2,640 men. 
The loss of water, and the inferiority of num- 
bers caused the surrender. Gen. Pme says 
that the firing was continued for fifty-two hours. 
The enemy adopted for defence a breastwork 
of hempen bales, which they rolled before 
them as they advanced. Their loss they state 
at 25 killed and 72 wounded. The Federal loss 
in killed and wounded was estimated from 300 
to 500. Gen. Fremont, upon hearing of this 
surrender, sent the following despatch to Wash- 
ington : 

Heabqtjaetees Western Department, ) 
St. Louis, Sept. 23, 1861. ) 
Col. E. D. Townsend, Adjutant- General : 

I have a telegram from Brookfield that Lexington 
has fallen into rrice's hands, he having cut ofl' Jiulli- 
gan's supply of water. Reenforcements 4,000 strong, 
under Sturgis, by the capture of the ferry boats, had 
no means of crossing the river in time. Lane's forces 
from tne southwest, and Dat^is from the southeast, up- 
wards of 11,000 in all, could also not get there in time. 
I am taking the field myself and hope to destroy the 
enemy either before or after the junction of the forces 
under McCuUoch. Please notify the President imme- 
diately. J. C. FREMONT, Major-Gen. Commanding. 

Some remarks appeared in the St. Louis 
" Evening News " a few days after, commenting 
upon the neglect of the authorities at St. Louis 
to send out reenforcements, when the paper 
was immediately suppressed by Gen. Fremont, 
and its publisher and editor sent to prison, 
from which they were subsequently uncondi- 
tionally released. 

As a strategetical point, the loss of the town 
was a serious atfair to the Federal cause, and a 
gain of no small value to the Confederates. Its 
possession would tend to retain that part of 
Missouri on the Union side, while its loss would 
expose Kansas, as weU as the northern and 
western parts of Missouri. 

The capture of Lexington, the most im- 
portant affair to the Confederates which oc- 
curred in the State, doubtless caused Gen. 
Fremont, on September 27th, to hasten from 
St. Louis to Jefferson City. On the 3d of 
October Gen. Price abandoned Lexington, and 
as the Union force concentrated at Jefferson 
City, he retired to Springfield and still further 
south. His force was extravagantly estimated 
at this time at twenty thousand men and up- 



MILITAKY AFD NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



89 



wanl. The original purpose of Gen. Price 
had been to move from Lexington northward 
and destroy the railroad, and then attack the 
Federal forces in Northwestern Missouri, but 
the approach of Fremont prevented its accom- 
plishment. No one of the Confederate generals 
sustained his position so well as Gen. Price, 
with the slender resources at his command. It 
was necessarily, therefore, a part of his system 
of operations to avoid a doubtful conflict. Re- 
tiring produced no discouragement uoon his 
men. At the same time, by retiring, he came 
nearer to Arkansas, from whence he could ex- 
pect supplies and reenforcements, whilst the 
Federal force, on advancing, would be removed 
further and further from its chief source of sup 
plies. The advance of Gen. Fremont, in the 
southwest, was made in five divisions, under 
Gens. Hunter, Pope, Sigel, Asboth, and McKin- 
stry. Each division was subdivided, and was 
composed of cavalry, artillery, and infantry, 
ambulances, &c., and whatever was necessary 
to enable it to act independently. Gen. Fre- 
mont accompanied the advance with Gens. 
Sigel and Asboth. 

On the 14th of October he arrived at "War- 
saw on the Osage River, sixty-five miles south- 
west of Jefferson City, where he prepared to 
cross by means of bridges. On the opposite 
bank was a considerable rebel cavalry force 
at the time of his arrival, which was dispersed 
by canister-shot. The bridge was finished 
about the 21st, and on the 26th the troops 
reached Bolivar. Gen. Fremont left on Sunday 
with Gen. Sigel by forced marches, for Spring- 
field. Gen. McKinstry still continued at War- 
saw with the reserve, and Gen. Pope was on 
the other side of the Osage. Gen. Hunter was 
with the right wing advancing, and Gen. Stm-- 
gis with the left. On the 27th Gen. Fremont 
arrived at Springfield, where the national flag 
was displayed by the people with every dem- 
onstration of joy. On the 25th a dashing 
charge was made by Maj. Zagonyi with a hun- 
dred and fifty of Gen. Fremont's Body Guard, 
armed with Colt's rifles, upon a force of the 
enemy about half a mile west of the town, by 
which the latter were dispersed. 

The retreat of Gen. Price had been steadily 
in advance of the Union troops. On the 13th 
he was at Clintonville, Cedar County, twenty- 
five miles south of Papinsville, on the Carthago 
Road. His entire army had passed the Osage. 
On the 17th he was expected by the Union 
general to make a stand, and again on the 19th, 
On the 24th he was at Nesho, in Newton 
County, and had united Avith Gen. McCulloch. 
The Legislature of the State had convened here 
at this time. Only a small number of members 
were present. 

In Northwestern Missouri, Col. Morgan, on 
the 19th, with two hundred and twenty of the 
18th Missouri, had a skirmish with a larger 
rebel force at Big Harrison Creek in Carrol 
County. Fourteen of the enemy were reported 
to have been killed, and eight were taken 



prisoners. The Federal loss was two killed 
and fourteen wounded. On the 21st the rebel 
garrison at Fredericktown was surprised by a 
portion of the 1st Missouri regiment, and the 
town recaptured. 

In Southwestern Missouri, a skirmish took 
place near Lebanon on the 13th of October be- 
tween two companies of mounted men under 
Major Wright and a small body of secession 
cavahy, in which the latter were surprised and 
routed with a small loss. On the 17th a skir- 
mish took place near Pilot Knob, and on the 
22d another at Fredericktown. Several other 
skirmishes of small importance, otherwise than 
as showing the activity of both Federal and se- 
cession troops, occurred during the month of 
October. 

So much complaint had been made relative 
to the management of the Western Department 
by Gen. Fremont, that the Secretary of War 
pi-oceeded to St. Louis for the purpose of in- 
vestigation. An interview with Gen. Fremont 
took place at Tipton, and when about to return 
from St. Louis to Washington, the Secretary 
issued the following order : 

St. Louis, October 14, 1861. 

General : The Secretary of War directs me to com- 
municate the following as his instructions for your 
government: 

In view of the heavy sums due, especially in the 
Quartermaster's Department in this city, amounting 
to some $4,500,000, it is important that the money 
which may now be in the hands of the disbursing ofli- 
cers, or be received by them, be applied to the cur- 
rent expenses of your army in Missouri, and these 
debts to remain unpaid until they can be properly 
examined and sent to Washington for settlement ; 
the disbursing officers of the army to disburse the 
funds, and not transfer them to irresponsible agents ; 
in other words, those who do not hold commissions 
from the President, and are not under bonds. All 
contracts necessary to be made by the disbursing 
officers. The senior Quartermaster here has been 
verbally instructed by the Secretary as above. 

It is deemed unnecessary to erect field-works around 
this city, and you will direct their discontinuance; also 
those, if any, in course of construction at Jeflferson 
City. In this connection, it is seen that a number of 
commissions have been given by you. No payments 
will be made to such officers, except to those whose 
appointments have been approved by the President. 
This, of course, does not apply to the officers with 
volunteer troops. Col. Andrews has been verbally so 
instructed by the Secretary ; also, not to make trans- 
fers of funds, except for the purpose of pa3'ing the 
troops. 

The erection of barracks near your quarters in this 
citv to be at once discontinued. 

I'he Secretary has been informed that the troops 
of Gen. Lane's command are committin<i depredations 
on our friends in Western Missouri. Vour attention 
is directed to this, in the expectation that you will 
apply the corrective. 

Maj. Allen desires the services of Capt. Turnley for 
a short time, and the Secretary hopes you may find 
it proper to accede thereto. 

I have the honorto be, very respectfully, your obe- 
dient servant, L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. 

Major-General J. C. Fhemont, 

Commanding Department of the West, Tipton. 

On the 1st of November an agreement was 
entered into between Gens. Fremont and Price 
that a joint proclamation should be signed by 



90 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



both, and issued, which should provide for cer- 
tain objects therein specified, as follows : 

To all peaceoMy -disposed Citizens of the State of Mis- 
souri, greeting : Whereas, a solemn agreement has 
been entered into by and between Maj.-Gens. Fre- 
mont and Price, respectively commanding antago- 
nistic forces in the State of Missouri, to the efi'ect that 
in future, arrests or forcible interference by armed 
or unarmed parties of citizens within the limits of 
said State, for the mere entertainment or expression 
of political opinions, shall hereafter cease ; that fami- 
lies, now broken up for such causes, may be reunited, 
and that the war now progressing shall be exclusively 
confined to armies in the field. Iherefore be it known 
to all whom it may concern : 

1. No arrests whatever on account of political 
opinions, or for the merely private expression of 
the same, shall hereafter be made within the limits of 
the State of Missouri; and all persons who may have 
been arrested and are held to answer on such charges 
only, shall be forthwith released. But it is expressly 
declared, that nothing in this proclamation shall be 
construed to bar, or interfere with any of the usual 
and regular proceedings of the established courts 
under statutes and orders made and provided for 
such offences. 

2. All peaceably-disposed citizens who may have 
been driven from their homes because of their poli- 
tical opinions, or who may have left them for fear of 
force or violence, are hereby advised and permitted 
to return, upon the faith of our positive assurances 
that, while so returning, they shall receive protec- 
tion from both armies in the field whenever it can be 
given. 

3. All bodies of armed men acting without the au- 
thority or recognition of the Major-Generals before 
named, and not legitimately connected with the 
armies in the field, are hereby ordered at once to 
disband. 

4. Any violation of either of the foregoing articles 
shall subject the offender to the penalty of military 
law, according to the nature of the offence. In testi- 
mony, whereof, the aforesaid Maj.-Gen. John C. Fre- 
mont, at Springfield, Mo., on the 1st day of No- 
vember, A. D. 1861, and Maj.-Gen. Sterling Price, at 
Cassville, on this 5th day of November, a. d. 1861, 
have hereunto set their hands, and hereby mutually 
pledge their earnest efforts to the enforcement of 
the above articles of agreement, according to their 
full tenor and efi'ect, to the best of their abilitj'. 

JOHN C. FREMONT, 
Major-General Commanding U. S. A. 
STERLING PRICE, 
Maj. -General Commanding Missouri State Guards. 

On the 2d day of November, Gen. Fremont, 
at Springfield, received the order for his remov- 
al from the command of the Department of the 
West. He had arrived there only a few days 
previous at the head of an array, and Avas then 
in the act of marching on after a retiring ene- 
my. Although not altogether unexpected, it 
occasioned much excitement in the army, and 
many ofiicers were disposed to resign, declaring 
that they would serve under no other com- 
mander. Gen. Fremont, however, issued a 
patriotic farewell address, urging the anny to 
cordially support his successor, and expressing 
regret to leave on the eve of a battle they Avere 
sure to win. The following is his address : 

Headqttaeters Western Depaktment, ) 
Springfield, November 2, 1861. f 
Soldiers of the Mississippi Army : Agreeably to 
orders received this day, I take leave of you. Al- 
though our army has been of sudden growth we have 



grown up together, and I have become familiar with 
the brave and generous spirits which you bring to 
the defence of your country, and which makes me 
anticipate for you a brilliant career. Continue as you 
have begun, and give to my successor the same cor- 
dial and enthusiastic support with which you have 
encouraged me. Emulate the splendid example which 
you have already before you, and let me remain as I 
am, proud of the noble army which I have thus far 
labored to bring together. 

Soldiers, I regret to leave you. Most sincerely I 
thank you for the regard and confidence you have 
invariably shown me. I deeply regret that I shall 
not have the honor to lead you to the victory which 
you are just about to win ; but I shall claim the right 
to share with you in the joy of every triumph, and 
trust always to be personallv remembered by my 
companions in arms. JOfiN C. FREMONT, 

Major-General. 

Gen. Fremont immediately surrendered his 
command to Gen. Hunter, and returned to St. 
Louis, where he arrived on the 8th of Novem- 
ber. 

After his departure, Major-Gen. Hunter, on 
the 7th of November, addressed a letter to 
Gen. Price, in which he recapitulated the agree- 
ment, and said: "As General commanding the 
forces of the United States in this Department, 
I can in no manner recognize the agreement 
aforesaid, or any of its provisions, whether im- 
plied or direct, and I can neither issue, nor 
allow to be issued, the 'joint proclamation' 
purporting to have been signed by yourself and 
Maj.-Gen. Fremont, on the 1st day of Novem- 
ber, A. D. 1861." 

Some of the objections of Gen. Hunter to 
this agreement, were that it would render the 
enforcement of martial law impossible, that it 
would practically annul the confiscation act of 
Congress, &c. 

The Federal force in Missouri at this time was 
estimated at 27,000 men, of whom 5,000 had 
been under the command of Gen. Hunter, 4,000 
under Gen. Sigel, 4,500 under Gen. Asboth, 
5,500 under Gen. McKinstry, 4,000 under Gen. 
Pope, under Gen. Lane 2,500, and under Gen. 
Sturgis 1,000. 

When Gen. Fremont left the army was in 
good spirits, and no battle was soon expected. 
The chief command was held by Gen. Hunter as 
the oldest ofiicer in the field, who expected soon 
to be superseded by Gen. Halleck. Gen. Price 
fell back near the State line, and remained until 
the Federal army began to recede, about the 
15th. They were accompanied by long trains 
of emigrant wagons containing Union refugees. 
As they retired. Gen Price followed up after 
them. The advance of Gen. Price was made 
in three divisions, and with the intention of 
moving upon Kansas, and making that the 
field of future operations. The opinion in the 
Southern States was that Gen. Price never had 
any difiiculty to procure men. His only ob- 
stacle had been the want of arms. 

On the 30th of November his right wing, 
6,000 strong, was at Stockton. The left wing 
held position near Nevada under Gen. Rains, 
4,000 strong. The centre, under Gen. Price, 
5,000 strong, was near Monticello. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



91 



la Boone County, on the Sd, Gen. Prentiss 
broke up a secession camp, with some loss on 
both sides. 

On the 18th of November Gen. H. "W. Hal- 
leck arrived at St. Louis, and took command 
of the "Western Department. Gens. Sturgis 
and Wyman arrived on the same day. The di- 
visions of Gens. Hunter and Pope had reached 
different points on the Pacific Railroad, there to 
await the ordei's of Gen. Halleck. About the 
20th the divisions of Gens. Sigel and Asboth 
arrived at St. Louis. 

Tlie plan of Gen. Price now, was to approach 
the boarders of Kansas, and supply his forces 
with arms, destroy the track of the Northern 
Railroad, and thus cut off the communication 
with St. Louis. This, however, was defeated 
by the strategical combinations of Gen. Hal- 
leck, and on the 25th of December almost a 
clean sweep had been made of the country be- 
tween the Missouri and Osage Rivers, and Gen. 
Price was cut off from all supplies and recruits 
from Northern Missouri, and in full retreat for 
Arkansas. 

In the last two weeks of December, the Fed- 
eral army captured 2,500 prisoners, including 
70 commissioned officers, 1,200 horses and 
mules, 1,100 stand of arms, two tons of powder, 
100 wagons, and an immense amount of com- 
missary stores and camp equipage. Several 
skirmishes took place during these operations. 
On the 22d of November the town of "Warsaw 
was burned by incendiaries, to prevent its fur- 
ther occupation by Union troops. At Salem a 
skirmish took place on the 3d of December, 
between a smaU Federal force and a body of 
State Guards. Several were killed and wound- 
ed on both sides. At Shawnee Mound, on the 
18th of December, Gen. Pope captured 150 
Confederate prisoners, with wagons, tents, and 
baggage. At Milford, on the 18th, a body of 
the enemy were surrounded, and surrendered. 
Thirteen hundred prisoners w^ere taken, includ- 
ing three colonels and seventeen captains, and 
one thousand stand of anas, one tliousand 
horses, sixty-five wagons, and a large quantity 
of tents, baggage, and supplies. 

The close of military operations in Missouri 
at the approach of winter left Gen. Halleck free 
to use a large part of his army in Western Ken- 
tucky. The struggle in the State during the 
year had been vigorous and active, especially 
on the part of Gen. Price, under the contracted 
resources at his command. 

It was stated at Richmond, Va., that after 
the capture of Mulligan, Gen. Price intended to 
attack Gen. Fremont before he could concen- 
trate his army, but was prevented by a lack of 
ammunition from executing his design. "When 
Lexington surrendered he had but 2,000 per- 
cussion caps in his whole command. He sent 
to Gen. Hardee and to Gen. McCulloch for a 
supply, but for some reason it was not sent. It 
was thought at that time in Richmond that if 
Gen. Price had been zealously and efficiently 
seconded, he would soon have driven the Fed- 



eral force from Missouri, and thus have secured 
to the Confederacy one of the most important 
"Western States. A consequence of such an ac- 
quisition would involve the destinies of Kansas, 
the Indian nation, Arizona, and New Mexico. 
The possession of the vast countries which lie 
to the west and southwest was the occasion 
of the contest made by the Southern States in 
Missouri. 

On the 21st of November, after Gen. Halleck 
had taken command, he issued, at St. Louis, an 
order, setting forth that, as important informa- 
tion respecting the numbers and condition of 
his forces had been conveyed to the enemy by 
fugitive slaves, no such persons should there- 
after be permitted to enter the lines of any 
camp, nor of any forces on the march. On the 
9th of December he issued an order directing 
the Mayor of St. Louis to require all municipal 
ofiicers immediately to take the oath of alle- 
giance prescribed by the State Convention, and 
also directing the provost-marshal to arrest all 
State officers who had failed to subscribe the 
oath within the time fixed, and subsequently 
attempted to exercise authority. 

On the -flight of December 20, some men who 
had returned from Gen. Price's army destroyed 
about one hundred miles of the Missouri Rail- 
road, or rendered it useless. Commencing eight 
miles south of Hudson, they burned the bridge, 
wood piles, water tanks, ties, and tore up the 
rails for miles, bent them, and destroyed the 
telegraph. It was a preconcerted and simul- 
taneous movement of citizens along the road. 

On the 23d Gen. Halleck issued an order 
fixing the penalty of death on all persons en- 
gaged in destroying railroads and telegraphs, 
and requiring the towns and counties where it 
is done to repair the damages and pay expenses. 

On the 25th he issued the following order, 
declaring qualified martial law : 

In virtue of authority conferred on me by the Presi- 
dent of the United States, martial law is heil;by de- 
clared, and will be enforced in and about all the rail- 
roads in this State. 

It is not intended by this declaration to interfere 
with the jurisdiction in any court which is loyal to 
the Government of the United States, and which will 
aid the military authorities in enforcing order and 
punishing crimes. 

The attack upon Fort Sumter and the call 
of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand 
men, were turned to the utmost advantage by 
the friends of the seceded States, to promote 
their cause. Kentuck}", however, refused to 
take part either with the North or the South. 

The State Union Committee issued an ad- 
dress to the people on the condition of the 
country, declaring it to be the duty of the State 
to maintain neutrality, and to take no part 
either with the Government or the Confederates. 

The present duty of Kentucky, they said, was 
to maintain her present independent position, 
taking sides not with the Government, and not 
with the seceding States, but Avith the Union 
against them both; declaring her soil to be sa- 
cred fi-om the hostile tread of cither, and, if ne- 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION". 



cessarj, making the declaration good with her 
. strong right arm. And, to the end that she 
might he fully prepared for this last contin- 
gency, and all other possible contingencies, they 
would have her arm herself thoroughly at the 
earliest practicable moment. 

Subsequently, Governor MagoflSn issued a 
proclamation with the following warning : 

I hereby notify and warn all other States, separate 
or united, especially the United and Confederate 
States, that I solemnly forbid any movement upon 
Kentucky soil, or occupation of any post or place 
therein, for any purposes whatever, until authorized 
by invitation or permission of the Legislative and 
Executive authorities. I especially forbid all citizens 
of Kentucky, whether incorporated in the State 
Guard, or otherwise, from making any hostile demon- 
strations against any of the aforesaid sovereignties, 
to be obedient to the orders of lawful authorities, to 
remain quietly and peaceably at home when off mili- 
tary duty, and refrain from all words and acts likely 
to provoke a collision, and so otherwise to conduct 
themselves that the deplorable calamity of invasion 
may be averted ; but in the meanwhile to make 
prompt and efficient preparation to assume the para- 
mount and supreme law of self-defence, and strictly 
of self-defence alone. 

Volunteers from Kentucky entered both the 
Northern and the Southern armies. Those at- 
tached to the former were ordered to Western 
Virginia, and there entered into active service. 

So stringent had the restrictions upon all 
intercourse between the North and the South 
now become that commerce was to a great 
degree cut off, except by the route of the Louis- 
ville and Nashville Railroad. It had long be- 
come manifest that the blockade of the South 
would not be complete unless the transit of 
supplies through Kentucky was stopped. But 
how this should be effected while Kentucky 
was herself in so doubtful a position, was a 
question not easUy determined. The authori- 
ties of Tennessee solved it, howevei', by placing 
a complete embargo on the Tennessee end of 
the road. 

They forbade the erportation of cotton, to- 
bacco, rice, and turpentine to Kentucky. From 
their own point of view the act was one of 
folly, for the freight sent North was never one- 
fifth part of that sent South, and at that mo- 
ment especially must have been vastly inferior 
in importance to the constant supply of provis- 
ions flowing into Tennessee from Louisville. 
They thought, however, that they could afford 
the step, and therefore forbade aU exports from 
Tennessee. 

This cut the knot as to the enforcement of 
the blockade at Louisville. It put an end to 
all scruples on the part of Kentucky, except 
among the open sympathizers with secession ; 
it placed the secessionists in the wrong in 
" neutral " eyes, and gave the Government 
firm ground on which to stand. The blockade 
being undertaken with vigor, those who were 
forwarding supplies to the secessionists attempt- 
ed to break it by legal proceedings. They 
crowded the Louisville freight stations with 
merchandise consigned to Nashville, and sued 



the company as common carriers for refusing 
to receive and forward it. The decisiofi of the 
Court justified the company in its course of 
obedience to the Federal Government, and gave 
to the Government the authority of legal ap- 
proval, as well as the sympathy of right-minded 
citizens. It still remained, however, for the 
Tennessee secessionists, in their wisdom, to 
conceive one more plan for perfecting the work 
undertaken by the Government: This scheme 
they carried out on the fourth of July, by stop- 
ping the running of cars on the railroad alto- 
gether, and by doing this in such a manner as 
to seriously injure a great interest in Kentucky. 

Of this proceeding we have the following 
account : 

The Louisville and Nashville Railway is 286 
miles in length, forty-five miles of it lying in 
Tennessee. These forty-five miles cost $2,025,- 
000, of which Tennessee contributed in all bonds 
to the amount of $1,160,500, the remaining 
$864,500 being raised by the Kentucky owners. 
On the first of July a Tennessee General, named 
Anderson, ordered the company to keep a larger 
amount of its rolling stock at Nashville. James 
Guthrie, president of the company, stated, how- 
ever, that " there being no provision in the 
charter to the effect that the company should 
be subject to the military orders of Tennessee, 
the order was not complied with." On the 4th 
of July, General Anderson seized two trains 
that were about to leave Nashville, and one that 
came in, together with such machinery as could 
be found in Tennessee, and then called for a fair 
division of the rolling stock of the road, and 
agreed that while arrangements were in pro- 
gress for this end the trains should be uninter- 
rupted ; but to this Mr. Guthrie astutely made 
answer that he could thus have no guarantee 
against the interference of others besides Gen- 
eral Anderson, who was supposed to be acting 
under orders. This brought out the Governor 
of Tennessee as the real actor in the matter, for 
he at once replied to Mr. Guthrie with a prop- 
osition to continue the use of the road while 
a division of property was made. Mr. Guthrie 
at once rejoined, disproving the charge made 
by the Tennessee authorities, that their end of 
the road had not hitherto had its share of the 
rolling stock, and showing the impossibility of 
managing the road under Governor Harris's 
proposition. 

The result was that the road was closed. 
The Kentucky stockholders declared that their 
chartered rights in Tennessee had been no 
protection to their property, and refused to 
risk any more within the limits of that State. 
All questions as to the blockade upon this 
route were therefore disposed of by the break- 
ing up of the route itself. The secessionists 
felt the extent of their error, for they urged 
Governor Magoffin to seize the Kentucky end 
of the road, and to run it in connection with 
Governor Harris ; but it was evident that such 
a step would only serve to remove the last 
scruple on the part of Union men as to forcible 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



93 



resistance to the bold plans of the secessionists 
in Kentncky. 

The question as to the transit of provisions 
to the South by this railroad was thus settled ; 
and, although it did not close other routes 
through Kentucky, which were equally im- 
portant, the controversy which had sprung up 
took such a turn as to have an important effect 
throughout the State, stimulating the Union 
men everywhere to a more active support of 
the Government. A small encampment of 
Federal troops was formed in Garrard County, 
which occasioned some excitement, as it was 
au iuii-ingement of the neutrality assumed by 
Kentucky. Letters were addi-essed to the com- 
manding officer, Gen. Nelson, asking the spe- 
cial object which the Government had in view 
in the establishment of the camp called " Camp 
Dick Robinson." In reply, the commanding 
officer said : " The troops assembled here have 
been called together at the request of Union 
men of Kentucky. They are intended for no 
hostile or aggressive movement against any 
party or community whatever, but simply to 
defend Kentucky in case they are needed for 
that purpose, preserve its tranquillity, and pro- 
tect the rights of all the citizens of the State 
under tlie Constitution and the laws ; and the 
object of myself and aU the officers in command 
will be, by all honorable means, to maintain 
that peace and tranquillity." Commissioners 
were then sent by the Governor to President 
Lincoln to insist on the neutrality of the State. 

Governor Magoffin, in his letter to the Presi- 
dent, said: " In a word, an army is now being 
organized and quartered in this State, supplied 
with all the appliances of war, without the con- 
sent or advice of the authoi'ities of the State, 
and without consultation with those most 
prominently known and recognized as loyal 
citizens. This movement now imperils that 
peace and tranquillity which from the begin- 
ning of our pending difficulties have been the 
paramount desire of this people, and which, up 
to this time, they have so secured to the State. 

" Within Kentucky there has been, and is 
likely to be, no occasion for the presence of mili- 
tary force. The people are quiet and ti*anquil, 
feeling no apprehension of any occasion arising 
to invoke pi'otection from the Federal arm. 
They have asked that their territory be left 
free from military occupation, and the present 
tranquillity of their communication left unin- 
vaded by soldiers. They do not desire that 
Kentucky shall be required to supply the bat- 
tle-field for the contending armies, or become 
the theatre of the war. 

"Xuw, liiorefore, as Governor of the State 
of Kentucky, and in the name of the people I 
have the honor to represent, and with the sin- 
gle and earnest desire to avert from their peace- 
ful homes the horrors of war, I urge the re- 
moval from the Uraits of Kentucky of the milita- 
ry force now organized and encamped within 
the State. If such action as is hereby urged be 
promptly taken, I firmly believe the peace of 



the people of Kentucky will be preserved, and 
the horrors of a bloody war will be averted 
from a people now peaceful and tranquil." 

To this the President replied: "In all I 
have done in the premises I have acted upon 
the urgent solicitation of many Kentuckians, 
and in accordance with what I believed, and 
still believe, to be the wish of a majority of all 
the Union-loving people of Kentucky. 

"While I have conversed on this subject 
with many eminent men of Kentucky, includ- 
ing a large majority of her members of Con- 
gress, I do not remember that any one of them, 
or any other person, except your Excellency 
and the bearers of your Excellency's letter, has 
urged me to remove the military force from 
Kentucky, or to disband it. One other very 
worthy citizen of Kentucky did solicit me to 
have the augmenting of the force suspended for 
a time. 

"Taking all the means within my reach to 
form a judgment, I do not believe it is the pop- 
ular wish of Kentucky that this force shall be 
removed beyond her limits ; and, with this im- 
pression, I must respectfully decline to so re- 
move it. 

"I most cordially sympathize with your Ex- 
cellency in the wish to preserve the peace of 
my own native State, Kentucky. It is with 
regret I search, and cannot find, in your not 
very short letter, any declaration or intimation 
that you entertain any desire for the preserva- 
tion of the Federal Union." 

A similar letter was addressed by the Gov- 
ernor to the President of the insurrectionary 
States. In the reply, Mr. Davis said: "The 
Government of the Confederate States of Amer- 
ica neither intends nor desires to disturb the 
neutrality of Kentucky. The assemblage of 
troops in Tennessee to which you refer had no 
other object than to repel the lawless invasion 
of that State by the forces of the United States, 
should their Government approach it through 
Kentucky, without respect for its position of 
neutrality. That such apprehensions were not 
groundless has been proved by the course of 
that Government in Maryland and Missouri, 
and more recently in Kentucky itself, in which, 
as you inform me, ' a military force has been 
enlisted and quartered by the United States 
authorities.' 

" The Government of the Confederate States 
has not only respected most scrupulously the 
neutrality of Kentucky, but has continued to 
maintain the friendly relations of trade and in- 
tercourse which it has suspended with the peo- 
ple of the United States generally. 

" In view of the history of the past, it can 
scarcely be necessary to assure your Excellency 
that the Government of the Confederate States 
will continue to respect the neutrality of Ken- 
tucky so long as her people will maintain it 
themselves. 

"But neutrality, to be entitled to respect, 
must be strictly maintained between both par- 
ties ; or if the door be opened on the one side 



94 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



for the aggressions of one of the belligerent 
parties upon the other, it ought not to be shut 
to the assaUed when they seek to enter it for 
the purpose of self-defence. 

"I do not, however, for a moment believe 
that your gallant State will suffer its soil to be 
used for the purpose of giving an advantage 
to those who violate its neutrality and dis- 
regard its rights, over those who respect them 
both." 

It should be stated that previous to this cor- 
respondence, Kentucky had been invaded by 
Tennessee forces, and six cannons and a thou- 
sand stands of arms taken. The Richmond 
Congress, on August Tth, passed an act author- 
izing enlistments in Kentucky. The Legisla- 
ture assembled on the 2d of September, and on 
the 5th a large barbecue was to be held in 
Owens County, about twelve miles from the 
seat of Government. The apprehensions of the 
Unionists were greatly excited on this occasion. 
The State Guard were invited to attend ; they 
consisted of an organized body of troops about 
fifteen thousand strong, under the control of 
the friends of secession in the State. Intimida- 
tion of the Legislature was feared. Happily 
the affair passed over without any special in- 
terest. A Peace Convention -was also to be 
held on the tenth of the same month, which 
awakened apprehensions of an attempt to or- 
ganize the secession force. But these likewise 
proved groundless. The Legislature stood 27 
Union and 11 Southern Rights Senators, and 76 
Union and 24 Southern Rights Represent- 
atives. The message of the Governor to that 
body on the 5th of September, asserted that Ken- 
tucky had a right to assume a neutral position 
in the war ; that she had no agency in fostering 
a sectional party in the Free States, and did not 
approve of separate action and the secession of 
the Southern States. Lawless raids had been 
suffered on both sides, private propert}^ seized, 
commerce interrupted, and trade destroyed. 
These wrongs had been borne with patience, 
but a military Federal force had been organized, 
equipped, and encamped in a central portion of 
Kentucky, without consultation with the State 
authorities. If the people of Kentucky desired 
more troops, let them be obtained under the 
Constitution of Kentucky. He recommended 
the passage of a law to"^ enable the Military 
Board to borrow a sufficient sum to purchase 
arms and munitions for the defence of the State. 
He also recommended the passage of resolu- 
tions requesting the disbanding or removal of 
all military bodies not under State authority, 
from the State. 

On the same day the Legislature were notified 
that Confederate troops had invaded the State, 
and occupied and fortified strong positions at 
Hickman and Chalk Bluffs. Governor Harris, 
of Tennessee, replied to a demand of the Ken- 
tucky authorities, that the troops " that landed 
at Hickman last night did so without my knowl- 
edge or consent, and I am confident without the 
consent of the 'President.' I have telegraphed 



President Davis requesting their immediate 
withdrawal." 

Gen. Polk, in command of the secession 
forces, in reply to the Governor of Kentucky, 
stated that he had occupied Columbus and 
Hickman, in Kentucky, on account of reliable 
information that the Federal forces were about 
to occupy the said points. He proposed sub- 
stantially that the Federal and Confederate 
forces should be simultaneously Avithdrawn 
from Kentucky, and enter into stipulation .to 
respect the neutrality of the State. 

In the proclamation issued on the 4th of 
September, Gen. Polk gives this reason for 
invading Kentucky: "The Federal Govern- 
ment having, in defiance of the wishes of the 
people of Kentucky, disregarded their neutrality 
by establishing camp depots for their armies, 
and by organizing military companies within 
the territory, and by constructing military 
works on the Missouri shore immediately op- 
posite and commanding Columbus, evidently 
intended to cover the landing of troops for the 
seizure of that town, it has become a military 
necessity for the defence of the territory of the 
Confederate States that a Confederate force 
should occupy Columbus in advance." 

On the 9th, the Governor communicated the 
following to the Legislature: "The under- 
signed yesterday received a verbal message, 
through a messenger, from Gov. Harris. The 
message was that he (Gov. H.) had, by tele- 
graphic despatch, requested Gen. Polk to with- 
draw the Confederate troops from Kentucky, 
and that Gen. Polk had declined to do so ; 
that Gov. Harris then telegraphed to Secretary 
AValker, at Richmond, requesting that Gen. 
Polk be ordered to withdraw his troops from 
Kentucky, and that such order was issued from 
the War Department of the Confederacy ; that 
Gen. Polk replied to the War Department that 
the retention of the post was a military neces- 
sity, and that the retiring from it would be at- 
tended by the loss of many lives. This em- 
braces the message received." 
. On the same day the Governor also received 
the following by telegraph from Gen. Polk : 

Gov. B. Magoffin : A military necessity having 
required me to occupy this town, Columbus, I have 
taken possession of it by the forces under my com- 
mand. The circumstances leading to this act were 
reported promptly to the President of the Confed- 
erate States. His reply was, the necessity justified 
the action. 

As a matter of course, the invasion of the 
State by the Tennessee troops brought in a 
Federal force under Gen. Grant from Cairo. 
Thus ended the neutrality of Kentucky. 

It was on the 6th of September that Gen. 
Grant, with tw^o regiments of infantry and a 
company of light artillery, in two gunboats, 
took possession of Paducah, Kentucky. He 
found secession flags flying in different parts 
of the town, in expectation of greeting the 
arrival of the Southern army, which was re- 
ported to be 3,800 strong, and only sixteen 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



95 



miles distant. Tlie loyal citizens tore down the 
secession flags on the arrival of the Federal 
troops. Gen. Grant took possession of the 
telegraph office, railroad depot, and the marine 
hospital. He found large quantities of com- 
plete rations, leather, etc., for the Southern 
army. 

He issued a proclamation saying that he came 
solely for the purpose of defending the State 
from aggression, and to enable the State laws 
to be executed. 

On the 11th of September, the Assembly of 
the Legislature adopted a resolution directing 
the Governor to issue a proclamation ordering 
the Confederate troops to evacuate Kentucky 
soil. The vote was seventy-one against twenty- 
six. The House refused to suspend the rules to 
allow another resolution to be offered ordering 
the proclamation to be issued to both Federals 
and Confederates. 

This resolution was subsequently passed by 
the Senate, and vetoed by the Governor. It 
was then passed, notwithstanding the Govern- 
or's objections, by a vote in the House of 68 
to 26, and in the Senate of 25 to 0. The Gov- 
ernor then issued his proclamation as follows: 

In obedience to the subjoined resohition, adopted 
by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 
Kentucky, theGovernineut of the Confederate States, 
the 8tate of Tennessee, and all others concerned, are 
hereby informed that "Kentucky expects the Con- 
federate or Tennessee troops to be withdrawn from 
her soil unconditionally." 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name, 
and caused the seal of the Commonwealth to be af- 
fixed. Done at Frankfort this the 13th day of Sep- 
tember, A. D. 1861, and in the seventieth vear of the 
Commonwealth. B. MA&OFFIN. 

By the Governor : 

Thos. B. Moxeoe, Jr., Secretary of State. 

Resolved, hy the General Assembly of the Common- 
wealth of Kentucky, That his excellency Governor 
Magoffin be, and he is hereby instructed to inform 
those concerned that Kentucky expects the Confed- 
erate or Tennessee troops to be withdrawn from her 
soil unconditionally. 

Preparations were now commenced for differ- 
ent military movements. 

"While Gen. Polk was thus invading the State 
on the west, Gen. Zollicoffer was operating on 
the east. With about four thousand men he 
came to Cumberland Ford, which is situated 
near the point where the corner of Virginia 
runs into Kentucky, and captured a company 
of Home Guards. On the 17th, the Legislature 
received a message from Governor Magoffin 
communicating a telegraphic despatcli from 
Gen. Zollicoffer, announcing that the safety of 
Tennessee demanded the occupation of Cum- 
berland, and the three long mountains in Ken- 
tucky, and that he had done so, and should 
retain his position until the Union forces were 
withdrawn, and the Union camp broken up. 

Col. Crittenden, of Indiana, who was the first 
to bring a regiment from another State into 
Western Virginia in aid of the Federal Govern- 
ment, was also the first to go to the aid of 
Kentucky. His regiment, well armed, passed 



through Louisville on the 20th of Sept., toward 
the Nashville depot, and were enthusiastically 
received. At the same time Gen. Buckner, once 
the Inspector-General of Kentucky, but after- 
wards a Brigadier in the Southern service, ad- 
vanced on Elizabethtown, the capital of Har- 
din County, and on the railroad from Louisville 
to Nashville. Troops were now rapidly con- 
centrated in the State, and despatched to points 
invaded by the Confederates. 

Gov. Magoffin issued a proclamation, direct- 
ing Gen. Tliomas L. Crittenden to call out the 
State troops to resist tlie invasion of the State, 
and Gen. C. accordingly called out the militia. 
Hamilton Pope, Brigadier-General of the Home 
Guards, also called upon the people in each 
ward in Louisville to organize themselves into 
companies for the protection of the city. 

Thus was Kentucky launched with her whole 
soul into the bloody contest for the maintenance 
of the Government and the preservation of the 
Union. 

On tlie 23d the House passed a bill authoriz- 
ing the Military Board to borrow one million 
dollars, in addition to a million authorized May 
24th, on the State bonds, payable in ten years, 
and established a tax to pay the bonds and in- 
terest. The above sum was to be appropriated 
to the defence of the State. 

On the next day a bill was passed calling out 
40,000 volunteers for service from one to three 
years. The votes were, in the Ilou^e, 67 to 13, 
and in the Senate 21 to 5. The Senate also 
passed a bill pro\iding that Kentuckians who 
voluntarily joined the Confederate force invad- 
ing the State, should be incapable of taking 
estate in Kentucky by devise, bequest, division, 
or distribution, unless they returned to their 
allegiance within sixty days, or escaped from the 
invaders as soon as possible. 

A bill was also passed tendering the thanks 
of the Legislature to Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, 
for having so promptly forwarded troops to aid 
in repelling the invasion of the State ; and the 
Governor was instructed to conmiuuicate the 
same. 

The Bank of Kentucky promised her quota 
of the $2,000,000 for the defence of the State. 
The Bank of Louisville, whose quota Avas nearly 
$100,000, promised" $200,000. The Northern 
Bank promised $25,000 more than her quota ; 
and the Farmers' Bank promptly responded to 
her quota. 

The military operations in the State, though 
marked by no great achievement during 1861, 
were nevertheless the forerunner of very im- 
portant results. Civil, commercial, and agri- 
cultural pursuits had engrossed the entire atten- 
tion of the people. In a military point of view 
the State, like nearly all her sister States, was 
entirely defenceless. Men, arms, ammunition, 
were abundant, but an organized, drilled, and 
completely-equipped force, ready to take the 
field and go into active service on a day's notice, 
could not be expected to exist. Notwithstand- 
ing the position of neutrality, after President 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Lincoln's proclamation, imperfect organizations 
were formed, under the name of Home Guards. 
Their object was to drill novices, and impart 
the preliminary information needed for the fu- 
ture soldiers. These embraced considerable 
numbers, and finally formed the chief portion 
of the fbrce obtained by the secessionists in the 
State. Large numbers also left the State, and 
volunteered in the Federal and Confederate 
armies. 

The first appearance of a military force with- 
m Kentucky was made imder Gen. Polk, com- 
mander of Confederate troops from Tennessee, 
as has been pre^dously stated. They commenced 
fortifying Hickman and Columbus. The former 
is situated in the western part of the State, near 
the Tennessee line, and the latter about twenty- 
five miles north. Its position is on the southern 
slope of a high bluflf of the Mississippi bank, 
whicli commands the stream for about five miles. 
Wolf's Island is in the centre of the river in its 
immediate vicinity. The place was occupied 
on the 4th of September by Gen. Polk's troops. 
This closed tlie navigation of the Mississippi to 
the steamboats belonging to the States above. 
The fortifications were pushed to such an ex- 
tent as to render it one of the strongest points 
held by the Confederate troops. Three one 
hundred and twenty-eight pounders were placed 
in such a position as to command the river from 
the highest part of the bluff", being seventy-five 
feet above the water. Above on the river was 
another battery of fourteen guns, most of which 
were rifled. 

On the northern slope of the bluff" were two 
light batteries and a rifle-pit, one mile in length, 
which were designed specially to protect the 
place against a land attack from the north, while 
on the summit of the hills was a strongly-in- 
trenched work, commanding all directions, and 
manned by eight cannon. 

On the south side, and to protect the town 
from a rear attack, was a small battery of eight 
guns. The whole number of guns has been esti- 
mated at between eighty and a hundred. In 
addition, there was a floating battery of twenty 
guns capable of being moved to the most ex- 
posed points. 

About the same time Gen. Grant, as before 
stated, commander of the Federal force at Cairo, 
took possession of Paducah, on the Ohio River. 
The distance between the two positions is forty- 
seven miles. It is below the mouth of the Ten- 
nessee River, and 340 miles below Louisville. 
The town was occupied about eight o'clock on 
the morning of September 6. The 9th Illinois 
regiment, Major Phelps, the 12th Illinois, Col. 
McArthur, with four pieces of artillery, left 
Cairo for Paducah on the previous evening. 
Upon their arrival the disembarkation was 
quickly performed. Every place of business 
was closed. 

At the railroad depot it appeared that all the 
rolling stock had been sent off". A large quan- 
tity of contraband supplies, marked for towns 
in the insurrectionary States, was found in the 



depot, and immediately seized. They were 
marked for Fort Gibson, Memphis, Union City, 
and New Orleans. The whole value of the 
seizure was over twenty thousand dollars. On 
the next day, part of the 8th regiment, the 41st 
Illinois, and the American Zouaves from Capo 
Girardeau, poured in, increasing the force to 
about 5,000 eff"ective men. Gen. Polk, it was 
supposed, intended to seize Paducah, but was 
barely anticipated by Gen. Grant. It was ne- 
cessary for the former as a defence for the rear 
of his positions on the Mississippi. He advanced 
as far as Mayfield two or three times with a 
large force, but his prudence caused him to re- 
treat. 

In the southeastern part of the State, Gen. 
Zollicofter advanced from Tennessee with a 
considerable force, and on the 18th of Sep- 
tember a slight skirmish took place at Bar- 
boursvUle between some of his men and a 
portion of Home Guards, but without any 
serious results on either side. The Confed- 
erate cavalry scoured the country in the vicin- 
ity of their camp, arrested prominent Union 
men, and destroyed their property. They also 
occupied the small towns in the vicinity. Sub- 
sequently, a portion of the same force entered 
Manchester, in Clay County, in the vicinity of 
the Cumberland Mountains. On the 1st of Oc- 
tober a retreat was commenced toward Bar- 
boursville, which was continued to the Cumber- 
land Ford. This is fifteen miles within the 
limits of Kentucky, and was fortified by Gen. 
Zollicoff'er ; meanwhile, his advance was pushed 
to London, and the country ravaged. The salt- 
works in this region were an important posses- 
sion to the Confederate force. In their rear 
was also the Cumberland Gap — a most impor- 
tant point — from which the East Tennessee and 
Vu'ginia Railroad, forty miles below, would be 
accessible to a Federal force. This railroad was 
one of the main lines for the transportation of 
supplies to the troops in Virginia. During this 
period, a Federal force of Ohio and Indiana 
troops, with some Kentucky volunteers, were 
advancing to hold the enemy in check, and, 
if able, to route them. This force was under 
the .command of Gen. Schcepf. The first affjair 
of any importance took place at a place called 
Camp Wildcat, on the 21st of Oct. About 
eleven o'clock in the forenoon, a body of 
rebel troops, consisting of two regiments of 
Tennessee volunteers, under Cols. Newman and 
Bowler, advanced upon four companies of the 
33d Indiana regiment. Col. Coburn, and a por- 
tion of Col. Woodford's regiment of Kentucky 
cavalry. The Confederate force opened upon the 
33d Indiana on the left wing with cannon, and 
almost simultaneously their column appeared 
on the side of the hill, within sixty or seventy 
yards of the Indiana troops. A charge was or- 
dered upon the latter, which was met with such 
a galling fire as brought the Tennesseeans to a 
stand, when a charge by the Kentucky cavalry 
was made upon them, and they retired with se- 
vere loss. At one p. M. another attack was 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



97 



made at another point, and at a late hour a 
third attack made by Gen. ZolHcoflfer. It was 
supposed that the camp was defended only by 
a small force under Col. Garrard. The attack- 
ing force consisted of Mississippians, Georgians, 
and Tenesseeans. The opposing force was under 
Gen. Schoepf, consisting of Ohio, Indiana, and 
Kentucky troops. The Confederates were gen- 
erally armed with flint-lock muskets and altered 
locks, buckshot guns, and navy-revolvers. The 
Federal force carried the Mini6 rifle. Reen- 
forcements were added to each force during the 
day, and the different attacks were probably 
made after they were received by the Confed- 
erate commander. The enemy were repulsed 
with severe loss, and retired to Barboursville. 

The small Federal force in Eastern Kentucky 
was under the command of Gen. Nelson, a 
Lieutenant in the Navy, who had been detach- 
ed from liis naval duties and sent to Kentucky, 
of which State he was a native, anH well known 
to her citizens. Being furnished with arms by 
the Federal Government, he collected and or- 
ganized a force in the eastern part of the State, 
near Virginia. With these he advanced, and 
on the 2d of November occupied Prestonburg 
without any resistance. The enemy fell back 
about six miles. 

His next movement was on Pikeville, near 
which a Confederate force under Gen. Williams 
had taken position. Pikeville is the capital of 
Pike County, on the west fork of the Big Sandy 
River. On the forenoon of the 7th he despatch- 
ed a force, under Col. Sill, of one regiment of 
infantry with a light battalion of three compa- 
nies, and two companies of Kentucky volunteers 
mounted from the teams, and a section of artil- 
lery, to march by the way of John's Creek, and 
pass to the left of Pikeville, where was the 
enemy's position — a distance of about forty 
miles — and turn or cut them oif. On the 8th, 
at 5 A. M., Gen. Nelson moved forward with 
three Ohio regiments, a battalion of Kentucky 
volunteers, and two sections of artillery, and 
took the State road direct to Pikeville, distant 
twenty-eight miles. Eight miles from Preston- 
burg they met a picket of about forty cavalry, 
which escaped. At 1 p. m., the cavalry had 
advanced along the narrow defile of the moim- 
tain that ends at Ivy Creek. This mountain is 
the highest along the river, very precipitous, 
and thickly covered with brush and under- 
growth, and the road, which is but seven feet 
wide, is cut along the side of it, about twenty- 
five feet above the river, which is close under 
the road. The ridge descends in a rapid curve 
and very sharp to the creek, or rather gorge, 
where it makes a complete elbow. Behind this 
ridge, and along the mountain side, the enemy, 
seven hundred strong, lay in ambush, and did 
not fire until the head of the Kentucky battalion, 
Col. 0. A. Marshall, was up to the elbow. Four 
were instantly killed and thirteen wounded, and 
the Kentuckians were ordered to charge. Col. 
Han is led his 2d Ohio regiment up the moun- 
tain side with much gallantry, and deployed 
7 



them along its face. Col. Norton, who had 
just reached the defile, led his 21st Ohio regi- 
ment uf) the northern ridge of the mountain, 
deployed them along the creek, and made an 
attack. Two pieces of artillery were got in 
position on the road, and opened on the enemy. 
In an hour and twenty minutes the rebel force 
dispersed and fled, leaving a number killed and 
wounded, of whom thirty were found dead on 
the field. The Federal loss was six killed and 
twenty-four wounded. In their retreat they 
obstructed the road by felling trees and burning 
or cutting all the bridges. 

On the morning of the lOtli Gen. Nelson 
reached Pikeville, where Col. Sill had arrived, 
according to orders, on the previous day, hav- 
ing twice encountered mounted men. The re- 
sult of these movements was so efi^ectual, that, 
on the 10th, Gen. Nelson issued the following 
proclamation : 

Soldiers : — I thank you for what you have done. 
In a campaign of twenty days you have driven the 
rebels from Eastern Kentucky, and given repose to 
that portion of the State. You have made continual 
forced marches over wrctclied roads, deep in mud. 
Badly clad, j'ou have bivouacked on the wet ground, 
in the November rain, without a murmur. With 
scarcely half rations, you have pressed forward with 
unfailing perseverance. The only place that the 
enemy made a stand, though ambushed and very 
strong, you drove him from, in the most brilliant 
style. For yo\ir constancy and courage I thank you, 
and with the qualities which you have shown that 
you possess, I expect great things from you in future. 

Thus closed the campaign in Eastern Ken- 
tucky. In the central part of the State the 
military movements were more extensive. 
Louisville, the headquarters of the Union De- 
partment, is situated on the Ohio River, on the 
northern boundary of the State, and connected 
by river and railroad with all the Northern 
States, and by railroad with the localities of 
active operations near the borders of Central 
Tennessee. The level land on which the city 
is located, extends uninterruptedly south to - 
Rolling Fork River, a stream two hundred feet * 
in width and three feet deep. Crossing by 
bridge or a ford, a good road leads through a 
level country for two miles to a series of rugged 
hills, known as Muldraugh's Ilills. The rail- 
road follows a stream called Clear Creek, cross- 
ing it about half way up the ascent by a tressel- 
work ninety feet high, and two miles further 
south enters at its base Tunnel Hill. It emerges 
on a smooth level plain, which extends many 
miles south to Green River. Elizabethtown is 
four miles from Tunnel Hill and forty-two miles 
from Louisville. Nolin Creek is the first stream 
of any importance south of Elizabethtown, and 
fifty-three miles from Louisville. Munfords- 
viUe is on the right bank of Green River, and 
seventy-two miles from Louisville. Green River 
empties into the Ohio, and is navigable by 
steamboats most of the year. The railroad 
crosses it by an extensive bridge. Bowling 
Green is on the railroad, one hundred and four- 
teen miles from Louisville and seventy-one 
mil«s fi-om Nashville. It is also at the head 



98 



MHITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



of navigation on Barren River, -which flows 
into Green River thirty miles below. A branch 
railroad to Memphis commences here ; the dis- 
tance by which to Clarksville, on the Cumber- 
land River, is sixty-two miles, and from thence 
to Memphis one hundred and fifty-seven miles. 
The importance of Bowling Green is manifest 
from its position at the junction of two roads 
leading into Tennessee, furnishing great facili- 
ties for transportation. The entrance of hostile 
forces into the western part of the State, in 
September, produced great excitement at Louis- 
ville. Union Home Guards began to assemble, 
and other Union troops began to arrive from 
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. On the 18th of 
September a body of the latter advanced to 
Rolling Fork, where they found the bridge 
had been destroyed by a hostile force under 
Gen. Buckner, formerly commander of the State 
Guard. This force was then five miles below, 
on Muldraugh's Hills, but subsequently with- 
drew to Elizabethtown. At this time Gen. An- 
derson, formerly in command at Fort Sumter, 
was ordered to the Department of Kentucky, 
but was soon compelled to resign his command, 
in consequence of ill health, and was succeeded 
by Gen. W. T. Sherman, who for the same rea- 
son retired, and was succeeded by Gen. Buell. 

As early as the 10th of October, a very con- 
siderable Federal force was in Camp Dick Rob- 
inson, in Garrard County, which was daily 
becoming more formidable. At the same time 
the Confederate General Buckner, who had 
boasted of an intention to spend the winter in 
Louisville with his troops, began to retire to 
Bowling Green, and on the 13th a portion of the 
iron bridge over the Green River was blown up. 
Friends in Louisville and throughout the State 
had given him strong assurances that if he would 
come to Louisville, or even to Bowling Green, 
at the head of a force capable of maintaining its 
position for a short time, reinforcements would 
immediately pour in by thousands, rendering his 
array too powerful to be resisted. Unquestion- 
ably he came with the full conviction that these 
assurances would be verified, but he found them 
all falsified. There was reason to believe that 
not more than a thousand men joined him. 

Accumulations of Federal troops from the 
States north of the Ohio River, with stores for 
a vast army, were made during the month of 
November. On the part of the South the same 
course was pursued. On the 1st of December, 
the Federal troops in the State were estimated 
at 70,000, of which there were 9 regiments 
from Illinois, 16 from Indiana, 17 from Ohio, 
3 from Pennsylvania, 1 from Michigan, 3 from 
Wisconsin, and two from Minnesota, and at 
least 25,000 of her own soldiers. 

This vast force was looking to Nashville and 
the State of Tennessee ; to withstand it, there 
was the force of Gen Buckner, estimated at 
30,000 men. No affair of importance occurred 
between these hostile troops during the year, 
except at Munfordsville. The precise position 
was on the south bank of the Green River, 



near the iron bridge of the Louisville and 
NashviUe Railroad. This bridge had been 
partially destroyed by the rebel troops, to pre- 
vent th« passage of the Federal force, but a 
temporary structure had been thrown over the 
river. Four companies of the 32d Indiana reg- 
iment, under command of the lieut.-colonel, 
had crossed, and were advanced as pickets in 
squads of eight or ten upon an open meadow at 
the distance of about one hundred yards from 
the river bank. At the MunfordsviUe depot 
there was a battery of three guns, and another 
of an equal number about a mile distant, in a 
southerly direction. A belt of timber skirted 
the position of the Indiana companies. 

Some Confederate soldiers being espied in the 
wood, two companies were ordered to advance 
and effect their dislodgement. They retreated 
half a mile to their main body without firing a 
shot, and the two companies advanced stealth- 
ily as skirmishers. A body of cavalry, consist- 
ing of Texan rangers, then made a dash upon 
the companies, who returned the fire from 
their shot-guns with a galling effect. When 
the batteries opened, the Indianians, who reached 
the wood under cover of the trees, did fearful 
execution in the ranks of the cavalry. 

The rangers fled, leaving their dead upon the 
field, including the body of Col. Terry, who 
was killed by a musket-ball. His body was 
sent back afterwards under a flag of truce. 

The enemy's loss was considerable. There 
were found upon the field sixty-three dead 
bodies, and the bodies of twelve or fourteen 
horses. In addition, a large number are known 
to have been wounded. The Federal loss was 
thirteen killed and an equal number wounded. 

Two regiments of Federal troops, the 36tli 
Indiana and the 16th Ohio, came promptly up 
to the relief of the four companies from the 32d 
Indiana, but the fight was not renewed. 

The hopes of the Richmond Government 
that Kentucky would join the Confederacy, 
were extremely sanguine. Indeed so confident 
were the friends of the Government of her ulti- 
mate secession that a Convention was called by 
them to organize the forms of that movement. 
It met at RusseUville about the 27th of Novem- 
ber, and was in session during three days. 

It passed a Declaration of Independence and 
an Ordinance of Secession. A Provisional 
Government, consisting of a Governor, Legisla- 
tive Council often, a Treasurer, and an Auditor, 
was agreed upon. George W, Johnson, of 
Scott, was made Governor, 

The Commissioners to Richmond were H. 0. 
Burnett, W, E, Simms, and Wm, Preston, All 
executive and legislative powers were vested 
in the Governor and Council, Acts to be done 
by the Provisional Government required the 
concurrence of a majority of its members; the 
Council were authorized to fill vacancies, but 
no councilman should be made Governor to fill 
a vacancy. The old Constitution and laws of 
Kentucky were declared in force, except where 
inconsistent with the acts of the Confederate 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



99 



Government. Bowling Green was fixed as the hundred members not elected by the people, 
new capital. Fifty-one counties were said to Ex- Vice-President Breckinridge and otliers 
be represented in the Convention by over two about this time joined the Southern forces. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Attack on Wilson's Regiment — Bombardment of Fort Pickens — Burning of Warrenton — Attack on the Federal fleet at the 
mouths of the Mississippi — Repulse at Ball's Bluff— Expedition against Port Eoyal : its success — Resignation of Lieut- 
Gon. Scott — Battle at Belmont — Capture of Messrs. Mason and Slidell — Occupation of Accomac and Northampton 
Counties, Va,— The Stone Blockade of Charleston — Affair at Drainesville— Treatment of Slaves — Exchange of Prison- 
ers — Plans of the Government 



Some operations, too important to be over- 
looked, but forming no part of a military plan 
of campaign, arose out of the general situation 
of the combatants with respect to each other. 
They indicated an active state of hostilities, and 
resulted in advantage or loss to each side. 

At Pensacola Bay, hostile movements were 
early commenced as has already been stated. 
This fine bay is located in the northwest corner 
of Florida, and at the mouth of the Escambia 
River. On the east side of the entrance, and 
on the extremity of Santa Rosa Island, is Fort 
Pickens. Nearly opposite, being a little further 
outward or seaward, is Fort McRea. Facing 
the entrance, on the farther side of the bay, 
is Fort Barrancas, and nearly one mile to 
the eastward, along the shore, is the navy 
yard. On the secession of Florida the Barran- 
cas was abandoned, its guns spiked, and its 
munitions removed by Commandant Arm- 
strong, of the navy; and on the 12th of Jan- 
uary this fort and navy yard were occupied 
by Florida and Alabama troops. The com- 
mandant had a force of about sixty men, and 
the opposing force consisted of nearly five 
hundred and fifty. Ultimately all the military 
positions came into the possession of the South- 
em troops, except Fort Pickens. They imme- 
diately mounted at the navy yard four Dahlgren 
long 32s, and at Fort Barrancas twenty-five 
32s ; at Fort McRea were four columbiads and 
a large number of heavy guns. This work was 
carried on until the guns were all mounted, 
additional batteries erected along the shore, 
and every thing made ready to attack Fort 
Pickens, or to resist any attack which might 
be made. 

Lieut. A. J. Slemmer, who had been in com- 
mand of the little Federal force in charge of 
the forts, took possession of Fort Pickens on 
the first indication of any thing like an attempt 
to seize it. It was the strongest and most im- 
portant of all the fortifications of the bay. In 
this position he remained securely until re- 
lieved of his command. When the Federal 
Government determined to relieve Fort Sum- 
ter, it also resolved to reenforce Fort Pickens, 
and immediate arrangements were made for 
that purpose. 



On the Yth of April, the steamer Atlantic 
sailed from New York with 450 troops on 
board, including two companies of light artil- 
lery, and a company of sappers and miners, 
under command of Col. Harvey Brown, to- 
gether with 69 horses and a large quantity of 
munitions of war and supplies. On the 13th 
she reached Key West, and took on board 
more troops and ordnance, etc., and arrived at 
Pensacola on the 16 th, in the afternoon. With 
the assistance of the boats of the squadron then 
there, .the larger portion of the officers and 
men were landed, and entered Fort Pickens 
before midnight. Between that time and the 
23d the remaining troops, stores, etc., were all 
safely landed. Before the arrival of the Atlan- 
tic, and on the night of the 12th of April, rein- 
forcements, consisting of one company of artil- 
lery, being 86 men and 115 marines, were sent 
to the fort. The old garrison consisted of 82 
men and with this addition amounted to 288 
men. The arrival of the Atlantic increased 
the number, and the steamer Illinois followed, 
mitil the garrison amounted to about 880 men. 
Meantime, fai'ther reenforcements were sent 
out, and a large amount of stores, while quite 
a fieet of vessels were stationed outside in the 
Gulf. The first volunteer troops sent, consisted 
of a New York regiment, under Col. William 
Wilson. This regiment encamped on the island 
near the fort. No serious confiict, however, 
took place, although the hostile forces were 
withm a short distance of each other. Some 
daring exploits were performed by Federal 
troops, one of which, under Lieut. Russel's 
command, is thus described by a Confederate 
officer: "The enemy executed, last night, the 
most brilliant and daring act which has yet 
marked the history of the war. For some time 
past they have exhibited unmistakable indica- 
tions of eagerness for a fight, and have grown 
more and more audacious. First they fired on 
one of our schooners. Next they burned the 
dry dock, and last night, September 13th, they 
made a most daring and reckless raid upon the 
navy yard. About three o'clock in the morn- 
ing, five launches, containing about thirty men 
each, pulled across from Santa Rosa Island to 
the navy yard, a dist-ance of about two miles. 



100 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Each launch had in it a small brass howitzer 
on a pivot. Their main object seems to have 
been to burn the largest schooner of our harbor 
police, which was anchored near the wharf. 
They were led by an officer with the courage 
of forty Numidian lions, and their success was 
perfect. Under cover of the darkness, sUently, 
with muffled oars, they approached the wharf, 
and were not discovered untU very near it. 
They then pulled rapidly to the schooner, and 
grappled to her, when their daring leader 
shouted, 'Board her,' leading the way himself 
with a cutlass in one hand, and a blazing fire- 
ball in the other. He threw the flambeau into 
the hold of the schooner, and feeling sure that 
she was on fire, he ordered his men to take to 
their launches and pull for life, as he said that 
a shower of grape Avould soon be rattling after 
them. They pulled ofi" a short distance ; but 
before going, they sent back a shower of grape 
from their howitzers, du<jcted upon our men 
as they were forming. The darkness rendered 
the fire uncertain, and only two of our men 
were wounded. The schooner burned rapidly, 
and we had to cut her loose from the wharf to 
save it from destruction. She floated off on the 
tide, emitting a brilliant flood of light over the 
surrounding darkness of the scene." Such is 
the brief account of this very daring adven- 
ture. 

Affairs continued quiet until the night of the 
8th of October, when the enemy attempted a 
daring attack upon the forces on the island. 
They hoped to break up the encampment of 
the volunteer regiment. Early in the evening 
Col. Jackson visited the camp of the 5th Geor- 
gia regiment at Pensacola, and informed the 
troops that he required one hundred and fifty 
men for an important service, also twenty- 
seven from the Clinch Rifles, and nineteen ffom 
the Irish Volunteers. Every man who was 
willing to volunteer, was requested to shoulder 
arms, and every one did so. The captains were 
then ordered to select the men, who were put 
under the command of Lieut, Hallenquist. The 
expedition was accompanied by Col. Jackson. 
It consisted of 1,200 men, under the command 
of Gen. Anderson. About two o'clock in the 
morning they landed on the island, and 
marched upon the Zouave camp. They were 
first met by Major Vodges, with 85 men, some 
distance above the camp. The major was 
taken prisoner. The Zouaves were taken chiefly 
by surprise, but as soon as they recovered, 
fought desperately. The Confederates pen- 
etrated the camp, which was almost entirely 
destroyed. A mimber of prisoners were taken 
on both sides. The invader's loss was severe. 
Of the Zouaves and regulars, fourteen were 
killed and thirty-six wounded. The officers 
and men lost almost every thing. 

In November, the force at the fort and on 
the island was thirteen hundred men, and it 
was supposed that upon the opposite side were 
near eight thousand, when Col. Brown, the 
commandant of Fort Pickens, determined to 



open fire upon the batteries occupied by the 
Southern troops. 

Having invited Flag-officer McKean to coop- 
erate in the attack, on the morning of the 22d 
of November, Col. Brown opened his batteries 
on the enemy, to which, in the course of half an 
hour, he responded from his numerous forts 
and batteries, extending from the navy yard 
to Fort McRea, a distance of about four miles, 
the whole nearly equidistant from Fort Pickens, 
and on which line he had two forts — McRea 
and Barrancas — and fourteen separate batteries, 
containing from one to fom* guns, many of 
them being ten-inch columbiads, and some 
twelve and thirteen-inch seacoast mortars, the 
distance varying from two thousand one hun- 
dred to two thousand nine hundred yards from 
Fort Pickens. At the same time Flag-officer 
McKean, in the Niagara, and Capt. Ellison, in 
the Richmond, took position as near to Fort 
McRea as the depth of the water would permit, 
but which imfortunately was not sufficiently 
deep to give full effect to their powerful batter- 
ies. They, however, kept up a spirited fire on 
the fort and adjacent batteries during the whole . 
day. The fire from Fort Pickens was incessant 
from the time of opening until it was too dark 
to see, at the rate of a shot for each gun every 
fifteen or twenty minutes, the fire of the enemy 
being somewhat slower. At noon the guns of 
Fort McRea were all silenced but one, and 
three hours before sunset this fort and the ad- 
joining batteries ceased firing. The guns of 
batteries Lincoln, Cameron, and Totten were 
directed principally on the batteries adjacent 
to the navy yard, those of Battery Scott to 
Fort McRea and the lighthouse batteries, and 
those of Fort Pickens to all. They reduced 
very perceptibly the fire of Barrancas, entirely 
silenced that in the navy yard, and in one or 
two of the other batteries. 

The next morning Col. Brown again opened 
about the same hour, the navy unfortunately, 
owing to a reduction in the depth of water, 
caused by a change of wind, not being able to 
get so near as on the day before ; consequently 
the distance was too great to be effectual. The 
fire of Fort Pickens, this day, was less rapid, 
and more efficient. Fort McRea did not fire. 
One or two guns of the enemy were entire- 
ly silenced, and one in Fort Pickens was 
disabled by a shot coming through the em- 
brasure. 

About three o'clock fire was communicated 
to one of the houses in Warrington, and shortly 
afterwards to the church steeple, the church and 
the whole village being immediately in rear of 
some of the Confederate batteries. Of the largest 
and most valuable buildings along the street, 
probably two-thirds were consumed. About the 
same time fire was discovered issuing from the 
back part of the navj' yard, probably in Wolcott, 
a village to the north and immediately adjoin- 
ing the yard, as Warrington does on the west. 
Finally it penetrated to the yard, and continued 
to burn brightly all night Very heavy damage 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



101 



was also done to the buildings of the yard by 
the shot, shell, and splinters. 

The steamer Time, which was at the wharf 
at the navy yard at the time, was abandoned on 
the tlrst day. The fire was continued till dark, 
and with mortars occasionally till two o'clock 
the next morning, when the combat ceased. 

Fort Pickens, at its conclusion, though it 
had received a great many shot and shell, was 
reported in every respect, save the disabling of 
one gim carriage and the loss of service of six 
men, as efficient as at the commencement of the 
combat. No serious damage was done to the 
frigates Niagara or Richmond. 

The only hostile movements within the limits 
of Louisiana in 1861, were made at the mouths 
of the Mississippi. On the 12th of October, 
near four o'clock in the morning, as the Federal 
steamship Richmond, imder the command of 
John Pope, was lying at the Southwest Pass re- 
ceiving coal from the schooner J. H. Toone, a 
floating ram, a.s it was called, was discovered 
close upon the ship. 

By the time the alarm could be given, she 
had struck the ship abreast of the fore channels, 
tearing the schooner from her fasts, and forcing 
a hole through the ship's side. 

Passing aft, the ram endeavored to effect a 
breach in the stern, but failed. Three planks 
on the ship's side were stove in about two feet 
below the water line, making a hole about five 
inches in circumference. At the first alarm the 
crew promptly and coolly repaired to their 
quarters, and as the ram passed abreast of the 
ship the entire port battery was discharged at 
her, with what effect it was impossible to dis- 
cover, owing to the darkness. 

The sloops of war Preble and Vincennes, 
and the smaller steamer Water Witch, were 
lying at anchor a short distance below. A red 
light was shown from the Richmond as a sig- 
nal of danger, and the vessels, having slipped 
their cables, were under way in a few min- 
utes. Soon, three largo fire rafts stretching 
across the river were seen rapidly approaching, 
while several large steamers and a bark-rigged 
propeller were astern of them. The squadron, 
however, moved down the river, and, under 
the advice of the pilot, an attempt was made 
to pass over the bar, but in the passage the 
Vincennes and Richmond grounded, while the 
Preble went clear. This occurred about eight 
o'clock in the morning, and fire was opened on 
both sides. The shot of the fleet fell short, 
while shells of the enemy burst around them, 
or went beyond them. About half-past nine 
o'clock the commander of the Richmond made 
a signal to the ships outside of the bar to get 
under way. This was mistaken by Captain 
Hardy of the Vincennes as a signal for him to 
abandon his ship. Accordingly, with his offi- 
cers and crew he left her, after having lighted 
a slow match at the magazine. But as no ex- 
plosion occurred for some time, he was ordered 
to return and attempt to get her off" shore. At 
ten o'clock the enemy ceased firing. No one 



was killed or wounded on the Federal fleet. 
No damage was done to any vessel except to 
the Richmond. The schooner J. H. Toone was 
captured, having about fifteen tons of coal on 
board. 

The ram, as it was called, was the hull of a 
steamer, iron-plated with railroad iron, and hav- 
ing a projection on her bow beneath the water 
line, sufficient to punch a hole in the hull of 
a wooden vessel when struck with force. It 
was under the command of Capt. Hollins, for- 
merly of the United States navy, the offi(;er 
who was in command at the bombardment of 
Greytown, Nicaragua. 

Some events occurred in Mississippi Sound, 
east of the mouths of the river, which it may 
not be out of place here to mention. The 
Sound is bounded on the south by Ship Island. 
On June 28th the United States steamer Massa- 
chusetts visited the island and found it unoccu- 
pied, and captured five Confederate schooners 
in its vicinity. On the 8th of July she again 
visited the island, and found a considerable 
force there, who were throwing up intrench- 
ments and had mounted some heavy guns. An 
attempt was made to dislodge them, but un- 
successfully, and they were allowed to remain 
in possession till the 16th of September, when, 
under the apprehension that a large naval ex- 
pedition was coming to attack them, they aban- 
doned the island and escaped to the shore, 
taking most of their ordnance with them. 
During the two months of their occupation 
they had rebuilt the fort, constructing eleven 
fine bomb-proof casemates and a magazine, 
and had mounted twenty guns. They named 
it Fort Twiggs. On the 17th September the 
Massachusetts landed a force on the island, 
who took possession, and having been reiin- 
forced, have continued to hold it. They mount- 
ed cannon on the fort, and strengthened it still 
further by the addition of two more bomb- 
proof casemates, and a formidable armament 
of Dahlgren 9-inch shell guns and rifled can- 
non. They also erected barracks for troops, 
with brick, left on the island by the Confed- 
erates, and lumber captured li'om them. On 
the 19th October, Com. Hollins, in command 
of the Confederate gunboat Florida, appeared 
in Mississippi Sound, and challenged the United 
States gunboat Massachusetts to a naval battle. 
The challenge was accepted, and after a sharp 
engagement of forty-five minutes the Florida 
retired, seriously disabled, and put into Pass 
Christian, apparently in a sinking condition. 
Four of her crew were killed. The Massachu- 
setts was injured, but not seriously, by a 100-lb. 
shell, which struck her five feet above her 
water line, but was repaired in a few days. 
None of her crew were killed, and only one 
slightly wounded. On the 21st November the 
gimboat New London arrived in the Sound, 
and in the course of a fortnight captured five 
Confederate vessels. 

In Virginia, a serious repulse was suffered by 
the Union troops at Ball's Bluff', or Leesburg 



102 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Heights. This is the name given to a part of 
the bank of the Potomac River, on the Virginia 
side, east of Lee^urg and opposite Harrison's 
Island. The height of the bluff is variable, in 
some parts being one hundred and fifty feet. 
It is steep, with brush, trees, rocks, and logs 
on its front, and at the point of ascent was, 
on the day of the battle, rendered soft and 
muddy by the passage of the troops. Opposite 
the bluff and about one hundred yards distant 
is Harrison's Island, a long narrow tract of fom* 
hundred acres, between which and the Virginia 
shore the river runs with a rapid current. On 
the other side of the island, which is one hun- 
dred and fifty yards broad, the distance to the 
Maryland shore is two hundred yards, and the 
stream not quite so rapid. At the head of the 
island passes Conrad's Ferry from the Maryland 
to the Virginia shore. Six miles below is Ed- 
wards' Ferry, which is on the direct road from 
Poolesville to Leesburg. 

On the opposite banks of the Potomac the 
hostile forces of the North and South had con- 
fronted each other for many months. The dis- 
tance thus occupied extended from Great Falls 
up the river beyond Harper's Ferry. It was 
here that the Richmond Government contem- 
plated an advance into the State of Mary- 
land, and an opportunity to flank the force on 
the Virginia shore opposite Washington, placed 
for the defence of that city. The Federal Gov- 
ernment, anticipating such intentions, had sta- 
tioned a strong force to prevent them. This 
was in several divisions : the first, under Gen- 
eral Banks, was stationed from Great Falls near- 
ly to Edwards' Ferry. From that point to 
Conrad's Ferry was the division under General 
Stone; next was Colonel Lander's force and 
that of Colonel Geary. The principal points 
occupied by the Richmond troops on the Vir- 
ginia borders of the Potomac were Dranes- 
ville, Leesburg, and Charlestown. It became 
an object to learn with what strength the former 
of these positions was then held. For this pur- 
pose a reconnoissance was ordered by the Com- 
mander-in-Chief, General McOleUan, to be made 
toward Dranesville, and the duty was assigned 
to General McOall, who was in command of a 
division on the extreme right of the force be- 
yond the Potomac opposite Washington. These 
orders were successfully executed on the 19th 
of October, and on the forenoon of the 20th he 
returned to his former position, in compliance 
with orders received the afternoon previous. 
At the same time notice was given to General 
Stone of this movement on the part of General 
McCall in the following despatch : 

To Brigadier-General Stone, Poolesville : 

General McClellan desires me to inform you that 
General McCall occupied Dranesville yesterday, and 
is still there. Will send out heavy reconnoissances 
to-day in all directions from that point. The General 
desires that you keep a good look-out upon Leesburg 
to see if this movement has the effect to drive them 
away. Perhaps a slight demonstration on your part 
would have the effect to move them. 
Assistant Adjutant-General, A. V. COLBURN. 



Later in the day General Stone replied to thia 
despatch as follows : 

OOTOBEB 20, 1861. 

To Major-General McClellan : 

Made a feint of crossing at this place this afternoon, 
and at the same time started a reconnoitring party 
toward Leesburg from Harrison's Island. The ene- 
my's pickets retired to intrenchments. Report of re- 
connoitring party not yet received. I have means of 
crossing one hundred and twenty-five men once in ten 
minutes at each of two points. River falling slowly. 
C. P. STONE, Brigadier-General. 

On communicating General Stone's report of 
the battle to the Secretary of War, General 
McClellan, in a note, said : " My despatch did 
not contemplate the making an attack upon 
the enemy or the crossing of the river in force 
by any portion of General Stone's command." 

Immediately upon the receipt of these instruc- 
tions, General Stone went to Edwards'Ferry with 
General Gorman's brigade, the Seventh Michi- 
gan, two troops of the Van Alen cavalry, and 
the Putnam Rangers. This was at one o'clock p.m. 
At the same time he ordered fom* companies of 
the Fifteenth Massachusetts to proceed to Har- 
rison's Island, under Colonel Devens, who al- 
ready had one company on the island. To 
Conrad's Ferry, above, which was in his depart- 
ment, he also ordered Colonel Lee with a bat 
talion of the Massachusetts Twentieth, a section 
of the Rhode Island battery, and the Tammany 
Regiment. These three movements of troops 
were ordered — one to Edwards' Ferry, one to 
Harrison's Island, and one to Conrad's Ferry 
above. General Stone says that at this time 
General McCaU's movement on Dranesville had 
evidently attracted the attention of the ene- 
my, as a regiment appeared from the direction 
of Leesburg, and took shelter behind a hill 
about one mile and a half from his position at 
Edwards' Ferry. This day is Sunday, and at 
half-past four p. m. Van Alen's battery of two 
twelve-pound Parrott guns opens with shell 
upon the Confederate force upon the Vir- 
ginia side. Their explosion can be distinctly 
heard. Seven are thrown within ten minutes, 
and no response comes across the water. The 
direction given to the shells is varied so as to 
find out the location of the force, which is sup- 
posed to be concealed in a thick wood to the 
southwest, on the hiU. At five o'clock p. m. 
the battery in charge of Lieut. Frink, a quarter 
of a mile from the ferry, also opens with shell, 
and the two batteries keep up the fire with 
rapidity. Just as the sun is going down the 
First Minnesota and Second New York come 
down over the hill and take the road to the ferry. 
The sun sets gloriously, his rays reflecting from 
the thousands of bayonets which lina the road. 

Gen. Gorman is ordered to deploy his forces 
in view of the enemy, making a feint to cross 
the river with a view of trying what effect the 
movement may have upon the enemy. The 
troops evince by their cheering that they are 
aU ready, and determined to fight gallantly when 
the opportunity is presented. Three flat-boats 
are ordered, and at the same time shell and 



MILITAEY AND NAVi\X HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



103 



spherical-case shot are thrown into the place 
of the enemy's concealment. Elsewhere all 
around the air is perfectly still, and the close 
of the pleasant Sabbath is impressively beauti- 
ful, while the view of the Virginia hills is al- 
most enchanting. Soon something resembling 
the sound of a drum corps is distinctly heard, 
and the shelling and the launching of the boats 
induces the quick retirement of the Confederate 
force. Three boat-loads of thirty-five, men 
each from the First Minnesota crossed and re- 
crossed tLe river, each trip occupying about six 
or seven minutes. At dusk Gen. Gorman's 
brigade and the Seventh Michigan returned to 
camp. The other forces at Harrison's Island 
and Conrad's Ferry remained in position. 

Here the movement should have stopped. 
The orders of Gen. McClellan had been obeyed, 
and their object had been accomplished. The 
subsequent orders were not authorized by any 
superior authority to Gen. Stone, and the re- 
sponsibility for their consequences must rest 
upon him. . Had a brilliant achievement ensued, 
the honor of it would likewise have belonged 
to him. 

Previous to one o'clock p. m. four compa- 
nies of the Massachusetts Fifteenth, as above 
stated, had been ordered to Harrison's Island, 
which had for some time been guarded by one 
company of the same regiment. At night Col. 
Devens ordered Capt. Philbrick of Company 
H, and Quartermaster Howe of his staff", with 
a detachment of twenty men, to cross from Har- 
rison's Island to the Virginia shore, and follow 
a bridle path which had been discovered, to 
the vicinity of Leesburg, and report what was 
seen. The party executed the order by ap- 
proaching within three-fourths of a mile of 
Leesburg, and returned to the starting-point by 
10 o'clock at night, after having discovered, as 
they supposed, a small Confederate camp one 
mile from Leesburg. There appeared to he 
about thirty tents. No pickets were out any 
distance, and the party approached within 
twenty -five rods without being challenged. 

Upon receiving this report. Gen. Stone in- 
stantly ordered Col. Devens to cross over with 
four companies to the Virginia shore, and march 
silently under cover of night to the position of 
the camp, and to attack and destroy it at day- 
break, pursue the enemy lodged there as far 
as would be prudent, and return immediately 
to the island — his return to be covered by a 
company of the Massachusetts Twentieth, to 
be posted over the landing-place. Col. Devens 
was ordered to make close observation of the 
position, strength, and movements of the ene- 
my, and, in the event of there being no enemy 
there visible, to hold on in a secure position 
until ho could be strengthened sufficiently to 
make a valuable reconnoissance. At this time 
orders were sent to Col. Baker to send the 
First California Regiment to Conrad's Ferry, 
to arrive there at sunrise, and to have the re- 
mainder of his brigade ready to move early, 
Lieut.-Col. Wood, of the Fifteenth Massachu- 



setts, was also ordered to move with a battalion 
to the river bank opposite Harrison's Island by 
daybreak. Two mounted howitzers, in charge 
of Lieut. French, of Ricketts' battery, were 
ordered to the tow-path of the canal opposite 
Harrison's Island. 

Col. Devens, in pursuance of his orders, 
crossed the river and advanced to the point in- 
dicated, while one company of the Massachu- 
setts Twentieth, of one hundred men, took po- 
sition at the landing-place on the bluff", to cover 
the return of Col. Devens, as ordered. Upon 
arrival at the point indicated as the position 
of the enemy's camp. Col. Devens found that 
the scouts had been deceived by the uncertain 
light, and had mistaken openings in the trees 
for a row of tents. He found, however, a wood 
in which he concealed his force, and proceeded 
to examine the space between that and Lees- 
burg, sending back at the same time a report 
that thus far he could see no enemy. 

In order to distract the attention of the ene- 
my, during this movement of Col. Devens, and 
also to make a reconnoissance in the direction 
of Leesburg from Edwards' Ferry, Gen. Stone 
now directed Gen. Gorman to throw across 
the river at Edwards' Ferry two companies of 
the First Minnesota, under cover of a fire from 
Ricketts' battery, and send out a party of thirty- 
one Van Alcn cavalry under Major Mix, with 
orders to advance along the Leesburg road 
westwardly until they should come to the vicin- 
ity of a battery Avhich w' as known to be on that 
road, and then turn to the left and examine 
the heights between that and Goose Creek, and 
see if any of the enemy were posted in the 
vicinity, find out their numbers as nearly as pos- 
sible, their disposition, examine the country 
with reference to the passage of troops to the 
Leesburg and Georgetown turnpike, and return 
rapidly to cover behind the skirmishers of the 
Minnesota First. This reconnoissance was 
most gallantly conducted, and the party pro- 
ceeded along the Leesburg road nearly two 
miles from the ferry ; and when near the po- 
sition of the hidden battery came suddenly upon 
a Mississippi regiment, about thirty-five yards 
distant, received its fire and returned it with 
their pistols. The fire of the enemy killed one 
horse, but Lieut. Gouraud seized the dismount- 
ed man, and, drawing him on his horse behind 
him, carried him unhurt from the field. One 
private of the Fourth Virginia cavalry was 
brought off by the party a prisoner, who, being 
well mounted and armed, his mount replaced 
the one lost by the fire of the enemy. 

While this was going on. Gen. Stone re- 
ceived the report of Col. Devens that no enemy 
could be seen. On the reception of this infor- 
mation, he immediately ordered a non-commis- 
sioned officer and ten cavalry to join Col. 
Devens, for the purpose of scouring the country 
near him while he was engaged in his recon- 
noissance, and to give due notice of the ap- 
proach of any force. At the same time Col. 
Ward was ordered, with his battalion of the 



104 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOxN^ 



Massachusetts Fifteenth, to cross over and 
move half a mile to the right of the landing- 
place of Ool. Devens, and in a strong position 
to watch and protect the flank of the latter on 
his return, and secure a good crossing more 
favorable than the first and connected by a 
good road with Leesburg. Neither of these 
orders were carried out to their full ^tent, for 
which no reason has been given. The squad 
of cavalry crossed over to the Virginia side, 
but were sent back without having left the 
sliore to go inland ; thus Col. Devens was de- 
prived of the means of obtaining warning of 
the approach of any hostile force. The battal- 
ion under Col. Ward was detained on the bluflf 
instead of being directed to the right. 

At an early hour, Col. Baker, in pursuance 
of the orders sent at ten o'clock at night, arrived 
at Conrad's Ferry with the First California 
Regiment. Leaving his regiment he went to 
Edwards' Ferry below, and reported to Gen. 
Stone that his regiment was at Conrad's Ferry, 
and the three other regiments of his brigade 
■were ready to march. 

The orders now given to Col. Baker are 
thus related in the words of Gen. Stone : " I 
directed him to Harrison's Island to assume the 
command, and in a full conversation explained 
to him the position as it then stood. I told hira 
that Gen. McCall had advanced his troops to 
Dranesville, and that I was extremely desirous 
of ascertaining J;he exact position and force of 
the enemy in our front, and of exploring as far 
as it was safe on the right toward Leesburg, 
and on the left toward the Leesburg and Gum 
Spring road. I also informed Col. Baker that 
Gen, Gorman, opposite Edwards' Ferry, should 
be reinforced, and that I would make every 
effort to push Gorman's troops carefully for- 
ward to discover the best line from that ferry 
to the Leesburg and Gum Spring road already 
mentioned ; and the position of the breastworks 
and hidden battery, which prevented the move- 
ment of troops directly from the left to right, 
were also pointed out to hira. The means of 
transportation across, of the sufficiency of 
which he (Baker) was to be judge, was detailed, 
and authority given him to make use of the 
guns of a section each of Vaughan's and Bunt- 
ing's batteries, together with French's moun- 
tain howitzers, all the troops of his Brigade and 
the Tammany Regiment, beside the Nineteenth 
and part of the Twentieth Regiments of Massa- 
chusetts Volunteers ; and I left it to his discre- 
tion, after viewing the ground, to retire from 
the Virginia shore under the cover of his guns 
and the fire of the large infantry force, or to pass 
over reinforcements in case he found it practi- 
cable and the position on the other side favor- 
able. I stated that I wished no advance made 
unless the enemy were of inferior force, and 
under no circumstance to pass beyond Lees- 
burg, or a strong position between it and Goose 
Creek, on the Gum Spring, i. e., the Manassas 
road. Col. Baker was cautioned in reference 
to passing artillery across the river, and I beg- 



ged if he did do so to see it well supported by 
good infantry. I pointed out to him the po- 
sition of some bluffs on this side of the river, 
fi'ora which artillery could act with effect on 
the other ; and leaving the matter of crossing 
more troops or retiring what where already 
over to his discretion, gave him entire control 
of operations on the right. This gallant and 
energetic officer left me about nine a. m., or 
half-past nine, and galloped off quickly to his 
command." 

The following orders have been received as true 
copies of the orders given to Col. Baker, the 
originals of which were found in his hat after 
his death. The first is of such date as to have 
been delivered to him on Sunday night, and the 
second was delivered to him on the battle-field 
by Col. Coggswell, who, perceiving that it had 
no bearing upon the then condition of affairs, 
said so to Col. Baker, who put it in his hat 
without reading. Some other order, it may 
be presumed, preceded these two, 

H. Q. Corps op [Here the bullet struck and a word ) 
is missing.] Edwards' Fekby, <?cto&er 21, 1S61. J 

Colonel E. D. Baker, Com. of Brigade : 

Colonel : In case of heavy firing in front of Harri- 
son's Island, you will advance the California Regiment 
of your brigade, or retire the regiments under Colonels 
Lee and Devens, now on the [almost rendered illegible 
by blood] Virginia side of the river, at your discretion 
— assuming command on arrival. 

Very respectfully, Colonel, your most obt. servt., 
CHAS. P. STONE, Brig.-Gen. Commanding. 

The second order which follows, was deliv- 
ered on the battle-field by Col. Coggswell, who 
said to Col. Baker, in reply to a question what 
it meant, "All right, go ahead." Thereupon 
Col. Baker put it in his hat without reading. 
An hour afterward he fell : 

Head-qttarters Corps op Observation, } 
Edwards' Ferry, October 22 — 11.50. \ 

E. D. Baker, Commanding Brigade : 

Colonel : I am informed that the force of the enemy 
is about four thousand, all told. If you can push them, 
you may do so as far as to have a strong position near 
Leesburg, if you cab keep them before you, avoiding 
their batteries. If they pass Leesburg and take the 
Gum Springs road, you will not follow far, but seize 
the first good position to cover that road. 

Their design is to draw us on, if they are obliged to 
retreat, as far as Goose Creek, where they can be rein- 
forced from Manassas, and have a strong position. 

Report frequently, so that when they are pushed, 
Gorman can come up on their flank. 

Yours respectfully and truly, 

CHARLES P. STONE, 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 

The following are the copies said to have 
been made by General Beauregard's order and 
sent to General Stone, of the orders given to 
Devens and Baker at Ball's Bluff and found on 
the field by the Confederates. 

IlEAD-QtrARTERS CORPS OP OBSERVATION, ) 

PoOLESviLLB, October 20, 1861 — about 11 a. m. ) 
Colonel : You will please send orders to the canal to 
have the two new flat-boats now there, opposite the 
island, transferred at once to the river, and will at 2 
o'clock p. M. have the island reinforced by all of your 
regiments now on duty at the canal and at the New 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL UISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



105 



Tork battery. The pickets will be replaced by the 
companies of the Nineteenth Massachusetts there. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

CHARLES P. STONE, Brigadier-General. 
Col. Charles Devens, Commanding Fifteenth Regi- 
ment Mass. Vols. 
A true copy. 
\Vm. R. Hyslop, Lieut, and A. D. C. 

Head-quarters Corps of Obsekvation, ) 

TOOLESVILLE, Oct. 20, 1S61 — 101 p. M. ) 

Special Orders, No. — . Colonel Devens will land 
opposite Harrison's Island with four companies of his 
regiment, and proceed to surprise the camp of the 
enemy discovered by Captain Thilbrick in the direc- 
tion of Leesburg. The landing and march will be 
effected with silence and rapidity. 

Colonel Lee, Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers, 
will immediately after Colonel Devens' departure oc- 
cupy Harrison's Island with four companies of his 
regiment, and will cause the four-oared boat to be 
taken across the island to the point of departure of 
Colonel Devens. 

One company will be thrown across to occupy the 
heights on the Virginia shore, after Colonel Devens' 
departure to cover his return. 

Two mountain howitzers will be taken silently up the 
tow-path, and carried to the opposite side of the island, 
under the orders of Colonel Lee. 

Colonel Devens will attack the camp of the enemy 
at daybreak, and having routed, will pursue as far as 
he deems prudent, and will destroy the camp, if prac- 
ticable, before returning. 

He will make all the observations possible on the 
country, will under nil circumstances keep his com- 
mand well in hand, and not sacrifice this to any sup- 
posed advantage of rapid pursuit. 

Having accomplished this duty. Colonel Devens will 
return to his present position, unless he shall see one 
on the Virginia side, near the river, which he can un- 
doubtedly hold until reinforced, and one which can be 
successfully held against largely superior numbers. 
In such case he will hold on and report. 

CHARLES P. STONE, Brigadier-General. 

Great care will be used by Colonel Devens to pre- 
vent any unnecessary injury of private property, and 
any oflicer or soldier straggling irom the command for 
curiosity or plunder will oe instantly shot. 

CHARLES P. STONE, Brigadier-General. 
A true copy. 

Wm. R. Htslop, Lieut, and A. D. C. 

The following is given as the last order to 
Col. Baker. It could never have reached him. 
It shows what report he sent to Gen Stone, and 
indicates under what orders he was acting : 

Head-qitarters Corps of Observation, ) 
Edwards' Febky, Oct. 21 — 3.45 p. ji. | 
Colonel K D. Baker, Commanding Right Wing : 

Colo.vel : Yours of 2..jO is received. I am glad you 
find your position tenable. If satisfied with it, hold 
on, and don't let the troops get fatigued or starved 
while waiting. 

Please detail plenty of officers to attend to the food 
of the men. Do you need more artillery than the 
eight pieces now at your disposition ? 

Respectfutlv, your obedient servant, 

CHAS. P. STONE, Brig.-Gen. Com'g. 
A true copy. 
William R. Hyslop, Lieut, and A. D. C. 

In the morning a skirmish took place be- 
tween the command of Col. Lee, of the Massa- 
chusetts Twentieth, who had been ordered to 
cover Col. Devens' retreat, and about one hun- 
dred Mississippi riflemen. Col. Devens then 
fell back in good order on Col. Lee's position. 
Presently he again advanced, his men behav- 
ing admirably, fighting, retiring, and advancing 



in perfect order, and exhibiting every proof of' 
high courage and good discijjline. Uad the cav- 
alry scouting party sent to him in the morning 
been with him, then he could have had timely 
warning of the approach of the superior force 
which afterward overwhelmed his regiment. 

Between twelve and one p. m. the enemy ap- 
peared in force in front of Col. Devens, and a 
sharp skirmish ensued, and was maintained for 
some time by the Fifteenth Massachusetts, un- 
supported ; and finding he would be outflanked, 
Col. Devens retired a short distance, and took 
up a position near the wood, half a mile in 
front of Col. Lee, where he remained until two 
o'clock, when he again fell back, with the ap- 
proval of Col. Baker, and took his place with 
the portions of the Twentieth Massachusetts 
and First California which had arrived. 

The movement of troops now to the Virginia 
side was constant — until 700 of the Fifteenth 
and three companies of the Twentieth Massa- 
chusetts, the First California battalion, and 
some companies of the Tammany Regiment 
liad crossed, and four pieces of artillery. 

At one o'clock the order had been given to 
the right battery detached from the New York 
Ninth to report to Gen. Baker at the Maryland 
side of the Potomac, opposite Harrison's Island. 
In half an hour the four pieces arrived at the 
spot, in command of Lieut. Bramhall. At this 
time but little firing was heard upon the oppo- 
site shore, and that only desultory. 

At about half-past two p. m., however, the 
firing of musketry suddenly became very brisk, 
accompanied by occasional discharges of artil- 
lery. At this time Col. Baker, who had been 
actively engaged in superintending the despatch 
of reinforcements, crossed himself, accompanied 
by but one oflicer, Major Young, of his com- 
mand, leaving word to forward the artillery 
with all despatch. The means provided for this 
purpose consisted of two scows, manned by 
poles, and which, owing to the swiftness of the 
current, consumed a great deal of time in the 
trip from the mainland to the island. 

Lieut. Bramhall thus describes the crossing in 
his report: " I took command, and ordered the 
immediate embarkation of the pieces. I crossed 
with the first piece, (which happened to be a 
Rhode Island piece,) accompanied by Col. 
Coggswell, of the Tammany Regiment, arriving 
upon the island after a half hour's hard labor to 
keep the boat from floating down the stream. 
"We ascended the steep bank, made soft and 
sloppy by the passage of the troops, and at a 
rapid gait crossed the island to the second 
crossing. At this point we found only a scow, 
on which we did not dare to cross the piece and 
the horses together, and thus lost further time 
by being obliged to make two crossings. Upon 
arriving on the Virginia shore we were com- 
pelled to dismount the piece and carriage, and 
haul the former up by the prolonge, the infantry 
assisting in carrying the parts of the latter to a 
point about thirty feet up a precipitous ascent, 
rendered almost impassable with soft mud, 



106 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 



where we remounted the piece, and, hitching 
up the horses, dragged it through a perfect 
thicket up to the open ground above, where the 
fighting was going on. 

" During all this time the firing had continued 
with great briskness, and that the enemy's fire 
was very efiectual was evident from the large 
number of wounded and dead who were being 
borne to the boats. But a few moments pre- 
vious to coming into position the firing had 
ceased, and when I arrived I found that our 
men were resting, many with arms stacked in 
front of them. The ground upon which was 
such of the fight as I engaged in was an open 
space, forming a parallelogram, enclosed entire- 
ly in woods. Our men were disposed in a 
semicircle, the right and left termini of which 
rested upon the woods, with, as near as I could 
discern, skirmishers thrown out upon each 
flank, while the convexity of our lines skirted 
the cliff overhanging the river. The ground 
sloped from a point about forty yards from the 
cliff suflSciently to afford a very tolerable cover 
for our men." 

The field was about seventy-five yards in 
breadth by two hundred in length. At the dis- 
tant front and down the right and left, a thick 
dark forest skirted its sides. Behind, the bluff 
fell steeply off to the river. A winding spur of 
the field extended a few rods into the woods 
on the left, half way between the opposing 
lines. Directly on the left, and near where a 
crooked path led the Federal force to the fight, 
a ravine fell slightly off, its opposite bank 
ascending to the thicket of woods which thus 
totally surrounded the field. About four o'clock 
p. M., Col. Baker formed his line for action. 
At this time no enemy was anywhere visible 
in rank, but from the woods in the extreme 
front a galling irregular fire poured out upon 
his men. They were then ranged, in no very 
exact order, from right to left, the wings par- 
tially covered by the thicket — portions of the 
centre lying close to the edge of the hill — while 
others boldly stepped forward, delivered their 
fire at the woods, returned to load, and advance 
again and again. The men of the Fifteenth and 
Twentieth Massachusetts were placed on the 
right, the Oalifornians on the left, while the 
artillery, with the Tammany companies, were 
posted in the centre. A quick consultation was 
held. Intimations of a large hostile force near 
were received. No retreat could be effected in 
safety. The fire was growing hot. A retro- 
grade movement would only bring seven- 
teen hundred men to the river's brink, with 
two boats, capable of carrying sixty persons 
each, to transport them over a swift channel, 
while it would cause a rush of the enemy upon 
them. Their only hope was in maintaining 
their ground until troops by the Edwards' 
Ferry could force a way to their aid. The 
enemy had evidently concentrated here under 
the apprehension tliat the principal attack 
would come from this quarter. The battle 
now commenced in earnest on the left and was 



brought on by pushing two com])anie8 forward 
to feel the enemy in the wood, 'i hey advanced 
half the distance, and were met by a murder- 
ous fire from the enemy, which was followed 
by a terrific volley along their whole front. 
They still kept their cover, but the bullets rat- 
tled against the whole Federal line, which gave 
a quick reply. Instantly both ends of the field 
were clouded in smoke, and the contest raged 
hotly for an hour. Feeling their strength, the 
enemy pressed down the sides of the field, and 
the fight grew close until Ool. Baker fell while 
cheering his men, and by his own example sus- 
taining them in the obstinate resistance they 
were making. The command soon devolved 
on Ool. Coggswell, who saw that the day was 
lost, and that the time for retreat had come. 

The enemy pursued to the edge of the bluff, 
over the landing-place, and poured in a heavy 
fire as the Federal force were endeavoring to 
cross to the island. The retreat was rapid, but 
according to orders. The men formed near the 
river, maintaining for nearly half an hour the 
hopeless contest rather than surrender. 

The smaller boat had disappeared, no one 
knew where. The larger boat, rapidly and too 
heavily loaded, swamped at fifteen feet from 
the shore, and nothing was left to the soldiers 
but to swim, surrender, or die. "With a devo- 
tion worthy of the cause they were serving, 
officers and men, while quarter was being 
offered to such as would lay down their arms, 
stripped themselves of their swords and mus- 
kets and hurled them out into the river to 
prevent them falling into the hands of the foe, 
and saved themselves as they could, by swim- 
ming, floating on logs, and concealing them- 
selves in the bushes of the forest, and to make 
their way up and down the river bank to a place 
of crossing. 

The fate of the piece of artillery which had 
been so effective, is thus described by Lieut, 
Bramhall, who commanded it : 

" Finding that the battle was lost to us, and 
with but one man left to aid me, (Booth, of the 
California regiment,) and growing weak and 
stiff from my wounds, of which I received 
three, none dangerous, I caused the piece to he 
drawn down to the edge of the cliff, whence it 
was afterward thrown down, lodging in the 
rocks and logs, with which the descent was 
cumbered, and, assisted by two privates of the 
Fifteenth Massachusetts Eegiment, made my 
way to the boat and over to the island. Here 
I found my own section and the other piece be- 
longing to the Rhode Island section, one of 
which I had had; and leaving directions to 
command the ford at the upper end of the 
island with two pieces, and to hold the other 
in reserve to act where circumstances might 
require aid to cover the retreat of our own in- 
fantry, I crossed to the mainland. I had first 
despatched a messenger for Lieut. Clark, of our 
battery, who soon after arrived and took com- 
mand. The only projectile with which the am- 
munition chest was provided was the James 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



107 



shell, I have been told by those from the right 
and left who could correctly observe their effect, 
that they burst, and with great effect. The 
short range at which they were fired would of 
course hardly admit of any very appreciable 
deviation from a direct course, such as has been 
remarked of the projectile. The piece, I have 
since learned, was taken by the enemy ; with 
it there were but eight or ten rounds of shell, 
and about twenty blanks. I do not think it 
was possible to have saved the piece from cap- 
ture, for it would have required a full half hour 
to have gotten it down to the river, when if it 
were shipped upon the boat it would have been 
necessarily to the exclusion of the wounded, 
who were being conveyed -to the opposite shore. 
Indeed, I very much doubt if it could have 
crossed at all, for the scow sunk with its weight 
of men the next trip after I returned in it. The 
horses belonging to the piece were all shot ; and 
I learn from Oapt. Vaughan, who has since been 
over to bury the dead, that five of them lay 
dead in one heap. I regretted that the canister 
which was to be sent over to us did not reach 
us, as with it I might have at least kept the 
enemy sufficiently in check to have given time 
to many of the wounded who were left on the 
Virginia side to have escaped." 

The report of tlie Confederate General Evans 
states his killed and wounded at three hundred. 
He speaks of his force as twenty-five hundred 
men, without artillery, engaged against ten 
thousand with five batteries. The foroe to 
which he was opposed was about twenty-one 
hundred, with one piece of artillery that was 
served effectively, the other three being fired 
only at intervals. The Confederate forces en- 
gaged were the Eighth Virginia, and Seven- 
teenth and Eighteenth Mississippi Regiments. 
The First Mississippi was held in reserve. 

The Massachusetts Fifteenth lost, in killed, 
wounded, and missing, three hundred and twen- 
ty-two, including a Lieut-Colonel and fourteen 
out of twenty-eight line oflBcers who crossed. 
The Massachusetts Twentieth lost, in all, one 
hundred and fifty-nine. The Tammany com- 
panies lost one hundred and sixty-three. The 
First California Regiment lost three hundred, 
killed, wounded, and missing. 

Meantime at Edwards' Ferry, where the fa- 
cilities for transportation consisted of two 
scows and a yawl boat, Gen. Stone was pre- 
paring to push forward to the road by which 
the enemy's retreat would be cut off, if driven. 
He says: — "The additional artillery had al- 
ready been sent, and when the messenger, who 
did not leave the field until after three o'clock, 
was questioned as to Colonel Baker's position, 
he informed me that the Colonel, when he left, 
seemed to feel perfectly secure, and could doubt- 
less hold his position in case he should not 
advance. The same statement was made by 
another messenger half an hour later, and I 
watched anxiously for a sign of advance on the 
right, in order to push forward Gen. Gorman. 
It was, as had been explained to Colonel Baker, 



impracticable to throw Gen. Gorman's brigade 
directly to the right by reason of the battery in 
the woods, between which we had never been 
able to reconnoitre. 

"At four p. M., or thereabouts, I telegraphed 
to General Banks for a brigade of his division, 
intending it to occupy the ground on this side of 
the river near Harrison's Island, which would be 
abandoned in case of a rapid advance ; and short- 
ly after, as the fire slackened, a messenger was 
waited for, on whose tidings should be given 
orders either for the advance of General Gorman 
to cut oft' the retreat of the enemy, or for the dis- 
position for the night in the position then held. 

" At five p. M. Captain Candy arrived from 
the field and announced the melancholy tidings 
of Colonel Baker's death, but with no intelli- 
gence of any further disaster. I immediately 
apprised General Banks of Col. Baker's death, 
and I rode quickly to the right to assume com- 
mand. Before arriving opposite the island, 
men who had crossed the river plainly gave 
evidence of the disaster, and on reaching the 
same I was satisfied of it by the conduct of the 
men then landing in boats. 

" Orders were then given to hold the island 
and establish a patrol on the tow-path from op- 
posite the island to the line of pickets near the 
Monocacy, and I returned to the left to secure 
the troops there from disaster, and make prepa- 
rations for moving them as rapidly as possible. 

" Orders arrived from Gen. McClellan to hold 
the island and Virginia shore at Edwards' Fer- 
ry at all risks, indicating at the same time that 
reinforcements would be sent, and immediately 
additional means of intrenchments were for- 
warded, and Gen. Gorman was furnished with 
particular directions to hold out against any 
and every force of the enemy." 

The crossing was ultimately continued, and 
by Tuesday morning four thousand infantry, a 
section of Ricketts' battery, and Van Alen's 
cavalry detachment were safely on the Vir- 
ginia shore. Five hundred feet of intrench- 
ment was thrown up. At 3 a. m. on Tues- 
day, Gen. Banks arrived and took command. 

All Tuesday night the whistles of the loco- 
motives bringing Confederate reinforcements 
to Leesburg were distinctly heard. On Tuesday 
morning Gen. McClellan was disposed to hold 
the position on the Virginia side, but further 
information caused a change of purpose. A 
bridge of boats taken from the canal, together 
with others passing up and down which were 
stojjped, was formed, and on "Wednesday the 
entire force returned to the Maryland shore. 

The first cause of failure consisted in the lack 
of suitable means of transportation. The Fed- 
eral force at Ball's Bluff was evidently outnum- 
bered and overpowered. The crossing was at an 
exceedingly unfavorable spot ,• it was the same 
as crossing two ferries at a point where the cur- 
rent being narrow, becomes swifter. The move- 
ment should have ceased with what had been 
done on Sunday night. No suitable preparations 
were made for that afterward undertaken. 



im 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The Hatteras expedition having proved suc- 
cessful, the Government was encouraged to 
prosecute with all diligence a much greater 
and more formidable undertaking, which it had 
already projected. The finest harbor on the 
Southern Atlantic coast was that of Port Royal 
in South Carolina — a broad estuary, formed by 
the junction of Broad and Port Royal Rivers, 
and Archer's Creek and their debouchure into 
the Atlantic. The interlacing of these and 
other rivers in the vicinity has formed a large 
group of islands, of which Hilton Head, Hunt- 
ing, St. Helena, Paris, and Port Royal are the 
principal. This harbor is situated about half- 
way between Charleston and Savannah, with 
both which cities it has an interior water com- 
munication. The parish, of which these islands 
form the greater part, was the richest agricul- 
tural district in South Carolina. It was the 
most important seat of the production of the 
fine long-stapled Sea Island cotton, and was 
also largely engaged in the rice culture. It was 
the largest slaveholding parish in that State, 
having 32,000 slaves to less than 7,000 whites. 
The village of Beaufort and the adjacent coun- 
try on Port Royal and the other interior islands 
was the summer residence of the wealthy plant- 
ers of South Carolina. 

The Government at first seems to have pur- 
posed sending the expedition to some other 
point (perhaps Savannah) on the coast, but 
wisely referred the final decision of the point 
to be first attacked, to the thorough profes- 
sional knowledge and skill of the flag-oflicer of 
the expedition, Com. S. F. Dupont, who, after 
much deliberation and consultation with the 
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Fox, fixed 
upon Port Royal, as being the best spot from 
which to move either northward or southward. 
The preparations for the expedition were on an 
extensive scale, and required a longer period for 
the completion of all its equipments than was 
at first expected. It finally set sail from Hamp- 
ton Roads on the 29th of October, consisting of 
fifty vessels, including transports. A fleet of 
twenty-five coal vessels, to supply the necessary 
fuel, had been despatched the previous day. 

The naval vessels connected with the expe- 
dition were the Wabash (the flag-ship), the Sus- 
quehanna, and the gunboats Mohican, Seminole, 
Pawnee, Unadilla, Ottowa, Pembina, Isaac 
Smith, Bienville, Seneca, Curlew, Penguin, 
Augusta, R. B. Forbes, and Pocahontas, the 
steam-tug Mercury, the trigate Vandaha, and 
the little steam-cutter Vixen. There were also 
thirty-three transports, many of them of the 
first class, such as the Baltic, Ocean Queen, 
Vanderbilt, Illinois, Cahawba, Empire City, 
Ariel, Daniel Webster, Coatzacoalcos, Ericsson, 
Oriental, Philadelphia, S.R. Spaulding, Winfield 
Scott, Atlantic, &c., &c. ; and such sailing ves- 
sels as the Great Republic, Ocean Express, 
Golden Eagle, &c. The naval command was, 
as has already been said, assigned to Com. S. 
F. Dupont, but the transports carried out an 
army of about 15,600 troops, under the com- 



mand of Acting Major-General Thomas W. 
Sherman. This force was divided into three 
brigades, commanded respectively by Brigadier- 
Generals Egbert S. Viele, Isaac J. Stevens, and 
Horatio G. Wright. The first brigade consisted 
of the 3d New Hampshire, 8th Maine, 46th, 
47th, and 48th New York regiments; the 2d 
brigade of the 8th Michigan, 50th Pennsylvania, 
Roundhead Pennsylvania, and 79th New York 
(Highlanders) ; the 3d brigade of the 6th and 
7th Connecticut, the 9th Maine, the 4th New 
Hampshire, and the 8d Rhode Island, with 
Hamilton's (late Sherman's) battery of six rifled 
cannon, and a battalion of SerreU's volunteer 
engineers. 

The weather, which was unsettled when the 
fleet left Hampton Roads, soon changed into a' 
storm of wind of great violence, which, in- 
creasing on the 31st October, became on Fri- 
day, Nov. 2, a hurricane from the southeast, 
and scattered the ships so widely that, on 
Saturday morning, but one of the whole fleet 
was in sight from the deck of the Wabash. On 
Sunday the wind had moderated, and the 
steamers and ships began to reappear. The 
Isaac Smith had been compelled to throw her 
battery overboard to keep from foundering ; 
the Governor and the Peerless, two of the 
transports, sank; but the soldiers and crews 
were saved except seven of the nuirines on the 
Governor, who were drowned by their own 
imprudence. On the moi-ning of the 4th, Com. 
Dupont anchored off the bar of Port Royal 
harbor, with twenty-five of his vessels in com- 
pany. The channel of the harbor was that day 
found, sounded out, and buoyed under the direc- 
tion of Comnjander Davis, the fleet captain. 
The gunboats and lighter transports were, be- 
fore (lark of the same day, anchored inside of 
the bar, in the secure roadstead, and Com. Tat- 
nall's (Confederate) fleet chased under their 
own batteries. The next day a reconnoissance 
in force was made by the Ottawa, Seneca, Cur- 
lew, and Isaac Smith, which drew the fire of 
the Confederate forts, and showed which was 
the strongest. On the 5th, the Wabash and 
Susquehanna, and the large transports crossed 
the bar, and the buoys which marked the shoal 
lines, were planted. A storm postponed the 
attack until the 7th, when it was commenced 
at about half-past nine o'clock, a. m., and con- 
tinued for four hours, closing with the com- 
plete rout and flight of the enemy's force from 
both forts. The fortifications were Fort Wal- 
ker, on Hilton's Head Island, at the right of the 
channel — a strong earthwork mounting twenty- 
three guns, all of the heaviest calibre and most 
approved pattern for sea-coast defence, some 
of them rifled, and several imported from Eng- 
land since the war commenced. A small out- 
work, mounting a single rifled gun, had been 
erected near the fort and beyond it on the sea 
front. Fort Beauregard, at Bay Point, on Phil- 
lips or Hunting Island, on the left bank of the 
channel, 2} miles from Fort Walker, was also a 
strong work, though not as formidable as Fort 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



109 



Walker. It mounted 20 guns of the same gen- 
eral character as those in the other foi't, and was 
supported by an outwork nearly a half mile dis- 
tant, mounting 5 guns. About 2 miles above tlie 
forts, where the Port Royal or Beaufort River 
joins the Broad, Com. Tatnall's (Confederate) 
fleet of six or seven gunboats was stationed. 

The circumstances thus detailed influenced 
Com. Dupont in deciding upon his plan of 
attack. He flrst stationed his transports at 
anchor, beyond the range of the guns of the 
forts ; then leading the way with the Wabash, 
followed immediately by the Susquehanna, Mo- 
hican, Seminole, Pawnee, Unadilla, Ottawa, 
Pembina, and Vandalia, towed by the Isaac 
Smith, he passed up the centre of the channel, 
delivering his fire at the forts on each side, 
and, sailing in an ellipse, passed down within 
600 yards of Fort Walker, firing slowly and de- 
liberately, but never losing the range. Mean- 
while the Bienville, Seneca, Curlew, Penguin, 
and Augusta had passed up on tlie left side of 
the channel, pouring their broadsides into Fort 
Beauregard, and then taking a station where 
they could cut off Tatnall's fleet from any par- 
ticipation in the fight, and at the same time 
maintain a destructive flanking fire upon the 
weak left flank of Fort Walker. Three times 
the line of vessels traversed their elliptical cir- 
cuit, the last time aided by the fire of the Poca- 
hontas, the R. B. Forbes, and the Mercury tug, 
which came up about twelve o'clock, m. At 
the completion of the third circuit, the guns of 
the forts were mostly disabled, and the garri- 
sons, consisting in Fort Walker of two South 
Carolina regiments, and in Fort Beauregard of 
one, had fled in a terrible panic, leaving their 
weapons, overcoats, and even their watches and 
papers behind them. The Federal loss was : 
killed, 8 ; wounded seriously, 6 ; wounded 
slightly, 17. Total killed and wounded, 31. 
Confederate loss not known, but considerably 
larger than this. With these forts were captured 
48 cannon, 43 of them of excellent quality, and 
mostly of large calibre, and large quantities of 
ammunition and stores. On the 9th of Novem- 
ber the Seneca, Lieut. Ammen commanding, pro- 
ceeded to Beaufort, and found the town in pos- 
session of the negroes, the whites having fled. 
The other islands were successively occupied, 
and on the 25th Nov. Com. Dupont reported to 
the Navy Department that he had taken pos- 
session of Tybee Island, commanding the en- 
trance of the Savannah River. Meantime the 
troops under Gen. Sherman, though debarred 
by the circumstances from any active partici- 
pation in the capture of the two forts, had not 
been idle. Having landed on Hilton Head, they 
occupied and strengthened the fortifications, 
and made that point the base of further opera- 
tions on Savannah, Charleston, and other places. 

On the 31st of October Gen. Winfield Scott, 
the Lieutenant-General of the army of the United 
States, or the executive ofiicer under the Pres- 
ident, who is the commander-in-chief, deter- 
mined to resign his position. Age and its infirm- 



ities had imposed this step upon him. This 
oflfice was created and tendered to General Scott 
after the close of the Mexican war, in which he 
conducted the American arms with so much 
glory into the very halls of the Montezumas. 

Born near Petersburg, in Virginia, June 13, 
1785, he entered the army as captain of light 
artillery. May 3, 1808, and seiwed his country 
with unvarying success for more than half a 
century. In that time he proved his right to 
rank with the flrst commanders of the age. 
He was twice honored with a gold medal from 
Congress for distinguished services, and now 
retired from active duty with the reputation, 
after fifty years of command, of never having 
lost a battle when he was present in person. 

To accomplish his purpose, he addressed the 
following letter to the Secretary of War : 

Headquarters of the Army, | 

Washington, October 31, 18C1. ) 
The Hon. S. Cameron, Secretary of War: 

Sir : For more than three years I have been unable, 
from a hurt, to mount a horse, or to walk more than 
a few paces at a time, and that with much pain. Other 
and new infirmities — dropsy and vertigo — admonish 
me that repose of mind and body, with the appliances 
of surgery and medicine, are necessary to add a little 
more to a life already protracted much beyond the 
usual span of man. 

It is under such circumstances — made doubly pain- 
ful by the unnatural and unjust rebellion now raginw 
in the Southern States of our (so late) prosperous and 
happy Union — that I am compelled to request that 
my name be placed on the list of army officers retired 
from active service. 

As this request is founded on an absolute right, 
granted by a recent act of Congress, I am entirely at 
liberty to say it is with deep regret that I withdraw 
myself, in these momentous times, from the orders 
of a President who has treated me with distinguished 
kindness and courtesy; whom I know, upon much 
personal intercourse, to be patriotic, without sec- 
tional partialities or prejudices; to be highly consci- 
entious in the performance of every duty, and of un- 
rivalled activity and perseverance. 

And to you, Mr. Secretary, whom I now officially 
address for the last time, I beg to acknowledge my 
many obligations for the uniform high consideration 
I have received at your hands; and have the honor 
to remain, sir, with high respect, your obedient 
servant, WINFIELD SCOTT. 

This letter was laid before a Cabinet meet- 
ing called for the purpose of considering it, 
and it was concluded, under the authority of a 
recent act of Congress, to place Gen. Scott on 
the retired list of the army, with the full pay 
and allowances of his rank. At 4 o'clock on 
the afternoon of the same day the President, 
accompanied by the Cabinet, proceeded to the 
residence of General Scott, and read to him the 
ofiicial order carrying out this decision. 

The venerable general, oppressed by inflrmity 
and emotion, rose with difficulty to make to 
the President his acknowledgments, which he 
did in touching terms, concluding with the dec- 
laration that the kindness manifested toward 
him on this occasion he felt to be the crowning 
reward of a long life spent in the service of his 
country, and his deep conviction of the ultimate 
triumph of the national arms and the happy 
termination of the unnatural war. 



no 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The President responded, expressing the 
profound sentiment of regret with which the 
country, as well as himself, would pan with a 
public servant so venerable in years, and so 
illustrious for the services he haxl rendered. 

The following was the ofBcial order : 

On the first day of November, a. d. 1861, upon his 
own application to the President of the United States, 
Brevet Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott is ordered 
to be placed, and hereby is placed, upon the list of 
retired oflacers of the army of the United States, 
without reduction of his current pay, subsistence, or 
allowances. 

The American people will hear with sadness and 
deep emotion that Gen. Scott has withdrawn from 
the active control of the army, while the President 
and unanimous Cabinet express their own and the 
nation's sympathy in his personal afHiction, and their 
profound sense of the important public services ren- 
dered by him to his country during his long and 
brilliant career, among which will ever be gratefully 
distinguished his faithml devotion to the Constitution, 
the Union, and the flag, when assailed by parricidal 
rebellion. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

On the same day an order was issued by the 
President, directing Maj.-Gen. George B. Mc- 
Clellan to assume the command of the army of 
the United States. 

It was stated in a previous chapter that Co- 
lumbus, on the Mississippi River, in Kentucky, 
was occupied by Gen. Polk with Southern 
troops, and Paducah, on the Ohio, likewise in 
Kentucky by Gen. Grant, with troops from 
Illinois. Meantime a small body of the enemy 
occupied a position near Belmont, on the Mis- 
souri side of the Mississippi River, under Ool. 
Tappan, This force Gen. Grant determined to 
dislodge or capture. Early on the morning of 
Sept. 7th, he therefore landed with a force a 
few miles above Belmont. This movement was 
detected by the enemy, and Gen. PiUow was 
ordered to cross from the Kentucky side to aid 
Col. Tappan. Gen. Grant immediately ad- 
vanced upon the enemy's position, now reen- 
forced by Gen. PiUow. A sharp contest ensued 
for some hours, when Gen. Pillow finding it 
impossible to maintain himself without reen- 
forcements and a further supply of ammunition, 
fell back in some confusion to the river bank. 
At this time reenforcements arrived, and a flank 
movement up the river upon Grant was made 
by the enemy. Meantime the camp of Col. 
Tappan's forces had fallen into the possession 
of Gen. Grant, and he had also planted batteries 
to attack the steamers bringing reenforcements 
across the river. The flank movement discon- 
certed the Federal troops, and, apprehending 
an attack in the rear, they fell back to the 
transports and rapidly embarked, leaving many 
dead and wounded behind. The loss of the 
enemy was 632 in killed, wounded, and missing. 
That of Gen. Grant was 84 killed, 288 wounded, 
and 235 missing. 

An event occurred at this time in the capture 
of Messrs. Mason and Slidell, which produced 
a profound sensation, from the serious questions 
which it raised. 

The British mail steamer Trentj belonging to 



the line of English merchant steamers which 
run from Vera Cruz and Havana to St. Thomas, 
carrying the mail by contract, and thence con- 
necting with a line to England, left Havana on 
the morning of the 7th of November, under the 
command of Captain Moir, having on board 
Messrs. J. M. Mason and John Slidell — the for- 
mer sent by the Government of the insurrec- 
tionary States, as ambassador to England, and 
the latter to France. Nothing of interest oc- 
curred till about noon on the 8th, when in the 
narrow passage of the old Bahama channel, op- 
posite the Panador Grande light, a steamer was 
observed ahead, apparently waiting, and show- 
ing no colors. 

An officer of the U. S. steamer San Jacinto thus 
reports the afiair : " About 11.40 a. m., the look- 
out at the masthead reported a smoke as from 
a steamer from the westward, and about 11a. m. 
she was visible from the deck. We were all ready 
for her, beat to quarters, and as soon as she was 
within reach of our guns, every gun of our star- 
board battery was trained upon her. A shot from 
our pivot gun was fired across her bow. She 
hoisted English colors, and showed no dispo- 
sition to slacken her speed or heave to. "We 
hoisted the ' Star Spangled Banner,' and as 
soon as she yfas close upon us, fired a shell 
across her bow, which brought her to. Our cap- 
tain hailed her, and said he would send a boat 
on board, and ordered Lieutenant Fairfax to 
board her ; he went in the second cutter ; at the 
same time Lieutenant Greer was all ready in the 
third cutter to shove from the port side should 
his assistance be required. On coming along- 
side the packet, Lieutenant Fairfax ordered the 
other oflBcers to remain in the boat with the 
crew untU force should become necessary, and 
he went on board alone. The captain of the 
mail steamer refused to show his papers and 
passenger list, knowing very well the object 
of our visit and the character and mission 
of the commissioners. But Mr. Mason being 
recognized, a part of the armed crew was 
ordered from the boat, and came on board. 
Messrs. Mason and Slidell were then requested 
to come on board the San Jacinto, but declined, 
and said that they would only yield by force ; 
Mr. Slidell making the remark that ' it would 
require considerable force to take him on board 
the San Jacinto.' Lieutenant Fairfax then or- 
dered Mr. Houston to return to our ship and 
report that the Confederate commissioners were 
on board the mail steamer, and refused to come 
on board the San Jacinto by other means than 
force. Lieutenant Greer then shoved off and 
went alongside the Trent, sent his armed crew 
and marines on board, and stationed them at 
both gangways, and then, after a 'gentle appli- 
cation ' of force, the four gentlemen were taken 
in the second cutter and conveyed on board of 
our ship, where they were received by Captain 
"Wilkes at the gangway, and shown into his 
cabin, which they afterwards occupied. Two 
other boats were then sent on board to remove 
the luggage, and the ladies having declined 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Ill 



the hospitalities oiFered them, at 3.30 we parted 
company from the Trent." 

The commissioners made a protest to Captain 
"Wilkes on the next day, in which they say 
that when the Trent got withing hailing dis- 
tance, her captain inquired what was wanted? 
The reply was understood to be: " They would 
send a boat." Both vessels were then station- 
ary, with steam shut off. A boat very Soon 
put off from the ship, followed immediately by 
two other boats, with fall crews, and armed 
with muskets and side-arms. A lieutenant in 
the uniform of the United States navy, and 
with side-arms, boarded the Ti-ent, and, in 
the presence of most of the passengers then 
assembled on the upper deck, said to Captain 
Moir that he came with orders to demand his 
passenger list. The captain refused to produce 
it, and formally protested against any right to 
visit his ship for the purpose indicated. After 
some conversation, implying renewed protests 
on the part of the captain against the alleged 
object of the visit, and on the part of the officer 
of the San Jacinto that he had only to exe- 
cute his orders, the latter said that two gentle- 
men, naming Messrs. Slidell and Mason, were 
known to be on board, as also two other gentle- 
men, naming Messrs. Eustis and McFarland, and 
that his orders were to take and carry them on 
board the San Jacinto. On first addressing the 
captain, he announced himself as a lieutenant 
of the United States steamer San Jacinto. The 
four gentleman named being present, the lieu- 
tenant addressed Mr. Slidell and afterwards Mr. 
Mason, repeating that his orders were to take 
them, together with Messrs. Eustis and McFar- 
land, and carry them on board his ship. Messrs. 
Slidell and Mason, in reply, protested in the 
presence of the captain of the Trent, his officers 
and passengers, against such threatened violation 
of their persons and their rights, and informed 
the lieutenant that they would not leave the 
ship they were in unless compelled by the em- 
ployment of actual force greater than they 
could resist, and Messrs. Eustis and McFarland 
united with them in expressing a like purpose. 
That officer stated that he hoped he would not 
be compelled to resort to the use of force, but 
if it should become necessary to emjjloy it, in 
order to execute his orders, he was prepared to 
do so. He was answered by the commissioners 
that they would submit only to such a force. 
The lieutenant then went to the gangway 
where his boats were, the commissioners going 
at the same time to tlieir state rooms on the 
next deck below, followed by Capt. Moir and 
by the other passengers. The lieutenant re- 
turned with a party of his men, a portion of 
whom were armed witli side-arms, and others, 
appearing to be a squad of marines, having 
muskets and bayonets. Mr. Slidell was in his 
state room immediately by and in full view. 
The lieutenant then said to Mr, Mason that, 
having his force now present, he hoped to 
be relieved from the necessity of calling it 
into actual use. The gentleman again answered 



that he would only submit to actual force 
greater than he could overcome, when the lieu- 
tenant, and several of his men, by his order, 
took hold of him, and in a manner and in num- 
bers sufficient to make resistance fruitless ; and 
Mr, Slidell joining the group at the same time, 
one or more of the armed party took like hold 
of him, and those gentlemen at once went into 
the boat. 

One account says, an exciting scene took 
place between Mr. Slidell, his eldest daughter, 
a noble girl devoted to her father, and Lieut, 
Fairfax. With flashing eyes and quivering 
lips she threw herself in the doorway of the 
cabin where her father was, resolved to defend 
him with her life, till, on the order being given 
to the marines to advance, which they did 
with bayonets pointed at this defenceless girl, 
her father ended the painful scene by escaping 
from the cabin by a window, when he was im- 
mediately seized by the marines and hurried 
into the boat. The commissioners were taken 
by the San Jacinto to Fortress Monroe and 
transferred to Fort Warren, in Boston harbor, 
where they remained as prisoners. 

A most intense excitement was aroused in 
England upon the arrival of the news of the 
transaction. Preparations for war with the 
United States were commenced, troops were 
sent to Canada, and a formal demand was made 
for the surrender of the commissioners, and an 
apology for the act by the Government. 

On the 30th of November, Mr. Seward writes 
to Mr. Adams that Capt. Wilkes, in the steamer 
San Jacinto, had boarded a British colonial 
steamer, and taken from her deck two insur- 
gents who were proceeding to England on an 
errand of treason against their own country. 
He then proceeds : 

We have done nothing on the subject to anticipate 
the discussion, and we have not furnished you with 
any explanations. We adhere to that course now, be- 
cause we think it more prudent that the ground taken 
by the British Government should be first made known 
to us here, and that the discussion, if there must be 
one, shall be had here. It is proper, however, that 
you should know one fact in the case, without indi- 
cating that we attach much importance to it, namely, 
that, in the capture of Messrs. Mason and Slidell on 
board a British vessel, Capt. Wilkes having acted 
without any instructions from the Government, the 
subject is therefore free from the embarrassment 
which might have resulted if the act had been spe- 
cially directed by us. 

Earl Russell on the same day writes to Lord 
Lyons, the British Minister at Washington, re- 
lating the facts of the case as he had received 
them from the commander of the colonial 
steamer Trent, and thus states the demands of 
his Government in relation to the matter : 

Her Majesty's Government, bearing in mind the 
friendly relations which have long subsisted between 
Great Britain and the United States, are willing to 
believe that the United States naval officer who com- 
mitted the aggression was not acting in compliance 
with any authority from his Government, or that if 
he conceived himself to be so authorized he greatly 
misunderstood the instructions which he had received. 
For the Government of the United States must be 



112 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



fully aware that the British Government could not 
allow such an affront to the national honor to pass 
without full reparation, and her Majesty's Govern- 
ment are unwilling to believe that it could be the de- 
liberate intention of the Government of the United 
States unnecessarily to force into discussion between 
the two Governments a question of so grave a char- 
acter, and with regard to which the whole British 
nation would be sure to entertain such unanimity of 
feeling. 

Her Majesty's Government, therefore, trust that 
when this matter shall have been brought under the 
consideration of the Government of the United States, 
that Government will, of its own accord, ofier to the 
British Government such redress as alone could sat- 
isfy the British nation, namely, the liberation of the 
four gentlemen and their delivery to your lordship, 
in order that they may again be placed under British 
protection, and a suitable apology for the aggression 
which has been committed. 

Should these terms not be offered by Mr. Seward 
you will propose them to him. 

Later, on the same day, Lord John Russell 
addressed another note to Lord Lyons, of a 
private nature, as follows : 

In my previous despatch of this date I have in- 
structed you, by command of her Majesty, to make 
certain demands of the Government of the United 
States. 

Should Mr. Seward ask for delay in order that this 
grave and painful matter should be deliberately con- 
sidered, you will consent to a delay not exceeding 
seven days. If, at the end of that time, no answer is 
given, or if any other answer is given except that of 
a compliance with the demands other Majesty's Gov- 
ernment, your lordship is instructed to leave Wash- 
ington with all the members of your legation, bring- 
ing with you the archives of the legation, and to re- 
pair immediately to London. 

If, however, you should be of opinion that the re- 
quirements of her Majesty's Government are substan- 
tially complied with, you may report the facts to her 
Majesty's Government for their consideration, and 
remain at your post till you receive further orders. 

A copy of the first despatch was sent to Mr. 
Seward by Lord Lyons, who gave him a reply 
on the 26th of December. After stating the 
facts in the case, Mr. Seward proceeds thus : 

Tour lordship will now perceive that the case before 
us, instead of presenting a merely flagrant act of vio- 
lence on the part of Capt. Wilkes, as might well be 
inferred from the incomplete statement of it that went 
up to the British Government, was undertaken as a 
simple legal and customary belligerent proceeding by 
Capt. Wilkes to arrest and capture a neutral vessel 
engaged in carrying contraband of war for the use 
and benefit of the insurgents. 

The question before us is, whether this proceeding 
was authorized by, and conducted according to the 
law of nations. It involves the following inquiries : 

1st. Were the persons named and their supposed 
despatches contraband of war? 

2d. Might Capt. Wilkes lawfully stop and search 
the Trent for these contraband persons and de- 
spatches ? 

3d. Did he exercise that right in a lawful and 
proper manner ? 

4th. Having found the contraband persons on board 
and in presumed possession of the contraband de- 
spatches, had he a right to capture the persons ? 

5th. Did he exercise that right of capture in the 
manner allowed and recognized by the law of na- 
tions ? 

If all these inquiries shall be resolved in the afiirm- 
ative, the British Government will have no claim for 
reparation. 

The first foTir questions are briefly answered 



by himself in the affirmative, and only the fifth 
remained for consideration. 

Other nations besides Great Britain took a 
lively interest in this seizure of Messrs. Mason 
and Slid ell. On the 10th of December, the 
Minister of France for Foreign Affairs writes to 
the representative of that court at Washington 
that " the arrest had produced in France, if not 
the same emotion as in England, at least ex- 
treme astonishment and sensation. Public sen- 
timent was at once engrossed with the unlaw- 
fulness and the consequences of such an act." 
Again he says : 

The desire to contribute to prevent a conflict, per- 
haps imminent, between two powers for which the 
French Government is animated by sentiments equally 
friendly, and the duty to uphold, for the purpose of 
placing the right of its own flag under shelter from 
any attack, certain principles, essential to the security 
of neutrals, have, after mature reflection, convinced 
it that it could not, under the circumstances, remain 
entirely silent. 

After examining the reasons which might be 
urged to .justify the arrest of Mason and Slidell, 
if the United States approved of the act, he pro- 
ceeds to show the disastrous effects which their 
detention would have on the principles govern- 
ing neutral i-ights. 

There remains, therefore, to invoke, in explanation 
of their capture, only the pretext that they were the 
bearers of official despatches from the enemy; but 
this is the moment to recall a circumstance which 
governs all this aflair, and which renders the conduct 
of the American cruiser unjustifiable. 

The Trent was not destined to a point belonging to 
one of the belHgerents. She was carrying to a neutral 
country her cargo and her passengers ; and, more- 
over, it was in a neutral port that they were taken. 

The Cabinet of Washington could not, without 
striking a blow at the principles which all neutral 
nations are alike interested in holding in respect, nor 
without taking the attitude of contradiction of its own 
course up to this time, give its approbation to the 
proceedings of the commander of the San Jacinto. 
In this state of things it evidently should not, accord- 
ing to our views, hesitate about the determination to 
be taken. 

A vote of thanks to Captain Wilkes passed 
the House of Representatives of Congress, but 
the authorities at Washington sent instructions 
to the commandant at Fort Warren to deliver 
the Confederate commissioners to the represent- 
atives of the British Government. They were, 
therefore, quietly jilaced on board of a small 
steamer and taken to an English steam vessel at 
anchor near Provincetown, some distance from 
Boston. In her they were conveyed to the 
island of St. Thomas, and thence by the line of 
steam packets took passage to England, where 
they safely arrived, and were landed without 
any special oflScial attention. 

Next in the order of events was the occupa- 
tion of Virginia, east of the Chesapeake Bay. 
It is a peninsula, having the Atlantic Ocean on 
the east, and the bay above mentioned on the 
west. It was understood, near the close of the 
year, that a body of secessionists, who were 
chiefly residents, were in arms and exercising 
a hostile control over the inhabitants of these 
two counties. Gen. Dix, then in command of 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



113 



that Department, witli his head-quarters at 
Baltimore, despatched a body of troops to re- 
store the Federal authority. At the same time 
he issued a proclamation, stating the objects of 
the expedition, which produced the happiest 
results. The troops as they advanced met with 
no opposition. The people declared their inten- 
tion to submit to the authority of the United 
States before the arrival of the mOitary force. 
On the night of November 15 a force of Con- 
federate troops, in Accomac County, mostly 
drafted militia, disbanded. They gave as rea- 
sons that they were satisfied with the proc- 
lamation, and they believed they could not 
withstand the military force. In Northampton 
County the secessionists, to the number of 1,800, 
laid down their arms, and the Union troops 
held peaceful possession of the entire county. 
The following was the proclamation of Gen. 
Dix: 

IlEADQtTAETTilRS, BALTIMORE, NoV. 13, 1S61. 

To the People of Accomac and Northampton Coun- 
ties, Va. ; 

The military forces of the United States are about 
to enter your counties as a part of the Union. They 
will go among you as friends, and with the earnest 
hope that they may not by your own acts be com- 
pelled to become your enemies. They will invade no 
right of person or property. On the contrary, your 
laws, your institutions, j-our usages, will be scrupu- 
lously respected. There need bo no fear that the 
quietude of any firesides will be disturbed, uuless 
the disturbance is caused by yourselves. Special 
directions have been given not to interfere with the 
condition of any person held to domestic servitude ; 
and, in order that there may bo no ground for mis- 
take or pretext for misrepresentation, commanders 
of regiments or corps have been instructed not to 
permit such persons to come within their lines. 

The command of the expedition is intrusted to 
Brig.-Gen. Heury H. Lockwood, of Delaware — a State 
identical in some of the distinctive features of its so- 
cial organization with your own. Portions of his 
force come from counties in Mar3-land bordering on 
one of yours. From him and from them j'ou may be 
assured of the sympathy of near neighbors, as well 
as friends, if you do not repel it by hostile resistance 
or attack. 

This mission is to assert the authority of the United 
States, to reopen your intercourse with the loyal 
States, and especially with Maryland, which has just 
proclaimed her devotion to the Union by the most 
triumphant vote in her political annals to restore to 
commerce its accustomed guides, by reestablishing 
the lights on your coast ; to afford you a free export 
for the produce of your labor, a free ingress for the 
necessarieS^nd comforts of life which you require in 
exchange, and in a word, to put an end to the em- 
barrassments and restrictions brought upon )'ou by 
a causeless and unjustifiable rebellion. 

If the calamities of intestine war which are deso- 
lating other districts of Virginia, and have already 
crimsoned her lands with fraternal blood, fall also 
upon you, it will not be the fault of the Government. 
It asks only that its authority may be recognized. It 
sends among you a force too strong to be success- 
fully opposed — a force which cannot be resisted in 
any other spirit than that of wantonness and malig- 
nity. If there are any among you, who, rejecting all 
overtures of friendship, thus provoke retaliation and 
draw down upon themselves consequences which the 
Government is most anxious to avert,to their account 
must be laid the blood which may be shed, and the 
desolation which may be brought upon peaceful 
homes. On all who are thus rec'kless of the obliga- 
tions of humanity and duty, and all who are fou'nd 
S 



in arms, the severest punishment warranted by the 
laws of war will be visited. 

To those who remain in the quiet pursuit of their 
domestic occupations, the public authorities assure 
that they can give peace, freedom from annoyance, 
protection from foreign and internal enemies, a guar- 
antee of all constitutional and legal rights, and the 
blessings of a just and parental Government. 

JOHN A. DIX, 
Major-General Commanding. 

The importance of a stringent blockade of 
the harbor of Charleston was early apparent. 
This had been maintained during the temperate 
months of the year; but on the approach of 
winter the Government resorted to another 
method to stop the trade. Tlie attempt was 
made to seal up the channels with sunken ships. 
The Secretary of the Navy thus states the plan : 

" One method of blockading the ports of the 
insurgent States, and interdicting communica- 
tion, as well as to prevent the egress of priva- 
teers which sought to depredate on our com- 
merce, has been that of sinking in the channels 
vessels laden with stone. The first movement 
in this direction was on tlie North Carolina 
coast, where there are numerous inlets to iUbe- 
marle and Pamlico Sounds, and other interior 
waters, which afforded facilities for eluding the 
blockade, and also to the privateers. For this 
purpose a class of small vessels were purchased 
in Baltimore, some of which have been placed 
in Ocracoke Inlet. 

"Another and larger description of vessels 
were bought in the eastern market, most of 
them such as were formerly employed in the 
whale fisheries. These were scut to obstruct 
the channels of Charleston harbor and the vSa- 
vannnh River; and this, if effectually done, 
will prove the most economical and satisfac- 
tory method of interdicting commerce at those 
points." 

Two fleets of vessels were obtained for the 
blockade of Charleston and Savannah. The 
first consisted of twenty-five vessels; the sec- 
ond of twenty. The largest number of these 
vessels had been used in the whale fisheries and 
in the trade to India. They were ships and 
barks of a burden between two and five hun- 
dred tons, which had become too old to encoun- 
ter any longer the hazards of a long voyage at 
sea. They were purchased by the Government 
at about ten dollars per ton, principally in the 
seaports of Now Bedford and New London. 
The vessels, although old, were substantial and 
generally double-deckers. They were stripped 
of their copper and other fittings not necessary 
for so sliort a voyage, and loaded with picked 
stone as deeply as was safe. At light-water 
mark in each vessel one or more holes were 
bored througli the sides, into which a lead pipe 
was carefully inserted, the ends of which were 
nailed down on each side of the vessel, a plug 
was driven in from the outside and another 
from within, and both secured by a rod passing 
through them, and fastened within by a nut and 
screw. Each fleet carried about six thousand 
tons of stone. The vessels were each manned 



114 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



by about fourteen men. Tbe orders given to 
♦lie commander were as follows : 



"To Captain 



Sir: The 



now under 



Tour command, having been purchased by the Navy 
Department for service on the Southern coast of the 
United States, the following are your orders for your 
proposed voyage : 

"You will proceed from this port on , the 

-^ — instant, or with the first fair wind, and when 
clear of the land make a direct passage to the port 
of , and there deliver your ship to the com- 
manding officer of the blockading fleet off said port, 
taking his receipt for her return to me. After the 
delivery of your vessel, yourself and crew will be 
provided with passages to the port of New York, by 
the Navy Department, and on your arrival there you 

will call on , who will furnish you with funds 

to return to this port. 

"On the voyage down it would be well, as far as 
practicable, to keep in company of your consorts, to 
exhibit lights -by night and sound horns or bells in 
case of fog near the coast. 

" You will also examine daily the pipe in the quar- 
ter of your ship under water, to see that it remains 
safe. 

"The only service required of you is the safe de- 
livery of your vessel ; and as she is old and heavily 
laden, you will use special care that she sustains no 
damage from imskilful seamanship or want of pru- 
dence and care. 

" On a close approach to your port of destination, 
begin to put between-decks cargo into lower hold, 
and, before anchoring permanently, have your second 
anchor and chain (if you have one) secured on deck. 
On leaving your vessel, unless otherwise ordered, 
you will bring away papers, chronometer, charts, 
compasses, spy-glass, and any other valuable port- 
able articles not required by the commander of the 
blockading fleet there, and return them safely to me. 

" In case of disaster, to preclude going on, you can 
call at Fortress Monroe, Hampton Roads, to repair 
damages, reporting to the flag-officer there. 

" Wishing you a safe and speedy passage, 

"I am yours, respectfully, ." 

The effect of sunken vessels upon the chan- 
nels of a harbor, if uninfluenced by winds and 
currents, is to stop the navigation. These old 
hulks become points for the accumulation of 
alluvials which the rivers bear down, and of the 
sands which the tides carry back. Becoming 
thoroughly imbedded in the sand, they cause 
the accumulations to increase with time, form- 
ing unconquerable obstacles to reopening the 
channels. The strong westerly winds which 
prevail at Charleston tend to sweep out the 
channels of its harbor by the increased force of 
the ebb tide. Two or three hulks which were 
sunk by the State authorities before the bom- 
bardment of Fort Sumter were soon afterwards 
swept out in this manner. In some instances 
obstructions of this kind have caused the water 
to cut out new channels. On the 21st of De- 
cember seventeen of these vessels were sunk 
across the principal entrance to Charleston by 
orders from the Navy Department at Wash- 
ington. They were placed in three or four rows 
across the channel, not in uniform, but in a 
chequered order. 

The occupation of Beaufort by the Federal 
troops with an immense fleet of transports ex- 
cited great apprehensions at Charleston. An 
increased military force was gathered ; the de- 



fences increased and put in a complete state of 
readiness to resist an attack. 

On Dec. 20th an affair occtured at Dranes- 
ville, in Virginia, near Washington, which was 
so favorable to the Federal side that it was re- 
garded with much gratitication. A brigade of 
Gen. McCall's division, under the command of 
Gen.E. 0. 0. Ord,havuigbeen ordered to advance 
in the direction of DranesviUe, for the pul-pose 
of obtaining a quantity of forage known to be 
in the possession of secessionists, they marched 
from camp about six o'clock in the morning. 
Apprehending that they might be attacked, 
Gen. McCall ordered another brigade, under 
Gen. Reynolds, to follow at eight o'clock. 
Meantime Gen. Ord's brigade, having advanced 
nearly to DranesviUe, were assailed by a Con- 
federate force in ambush. A spirited engage- 
ment ensued, which lasted nearly an hour, when 
the enemy's force fled in the direction of Fair- 
fax Court House, abandoning on the field a 
number of their killed and wounded, besides 
arms, clothing, and other articles. The force 
under Gen. Reynolds did not come up until the 
action was over. The Union force, after re- 
maining at DranesviUe till near sundown, re- 
turned to their camp, which they reached be- 
tween nine and ten o'clock at night, bringing 
with them fifty wagon loads of forage, and the 
prisoners and abandoned articles. 

The enemy's force was composed of the 1st 
and 11th Kentucky regiments, and the 10th 
Alabama, with a regiment of cavalry and a bat- 
tery of cannon, all under the command of Col. 
John H. Forney, acting Brigadier-General. 
They left on the field ninety dead bodies and 
ten of their wounded. Eight of their number, 
unhurt, were taken prisoners. 

On the Union side, about seven were killed 
and sixty-three wounded. 

The position which had thus far been .taken 
by the Federal Government relative to the Con- 
federate States, was to regard them still as a 
part of the United States, whose inhabitants 
were in a condition of insurrection against the 
Government. Those carrying on active hostili- 
ties were to be subdued by military force. When 
all vestiges of military power on the part of the 
insurgents were destroyed, it was expected that 
the good sense of the people of those States 
would convince them of the great blessings of 
the Union, and induce their hearty return to its 
support. From the outset the Government was 
confident of its ultimate success. This was 
founded upon the peculiar character of the in- 
surgent people, being that of masters rather 
than laborers, and upon their commercial ina- 
bility to sustain a long war. The policy of the 
Government, therefore, was to blockade all the 
ports, and thereby shut out all foreign manufac- 
tures and all foreign aid from a people exclu- 
sively devoted to agriculture, and almost entire- 
ly dependent upon other States or nations for 
their market, and for all the comforts and lux- 
uries of fife. The military conquest was ex- 
pected to be very easy and ranid. until the dis- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



115 



aster at Bull Run taught the Government that 
success would result only from the most exten- 
sive, careful, and thoroughly organized military 
preparations. 

On the other hand tlie people of the insur- 
rectionary States had, at first, looked upon seces- 
sion as hopeless, if it should be powerfully op- 
posed by the Federal Government and Northern 
people ; but within a short period they liad be- 
come convinced that the North would not fight, 
and therefore flattered themselves that certain 
success was within their grasp. Their amaze- 
ment at the valor, bravery, and vigor of the 
Northern troops has been inexpressible, and 
with the loss of all hope of foreign assistance, 
they have seen their prospects of success fading 
away. 

The course of the Government relative to the 
slave property in the Confederate States was 
designed to be in strict conformity with its 
views of the Qonstitution and laws. But as the 
Southern States were in insurrection, there was 
no obligation to return fugitive slaves to them ; 
consequently all slaves who came within the 
army lines were treated as fre'emen. 

As to prisoners captured by either side there 
was no recourse but to exchange, according to 
the laws of war. This the Federal Government 
hesitated to do, for the reason that it might be 
construed into acknowledging belhgerent rights 
on the part of the Confederates. The necessity 
of exchange became urgent, and the friends of 
prisoners were clamorous that something should 
be done for their relief. The Administration 
practically ignored the question, being impress- 
ed with the idea that it would derogate from 
the dignity of it^osition to accept any inter- 
change of courtesy. By exchanging prisoners, 
nothing is conceded or admitted except what is 
patent to the world — that actual Avar exists. 
Previous to the battle of Bull Run the number 
of prisoners on either side was not large. By 
that disaster the Southerners captured about 
1,400 northern troops. They released num- 
bers at different points on parole, and the 
matter was compromised in various ways. In 
September an exchange took place between 
Gen. Pillow and Col. Wallace, of the Federal 
army. 

On the 1st of November Gen. Fremont made 
a treaty with Gen. Price, of Missouri, among 
the provisions of which was one for the ex- 
change of prisoners. Certain parties named 
are authorized, whenever applied to for the 
purpose, to negotiate for the exchange of any 
and all persons who may hereafter be taken 
prisoners of war and released on parole ; such 
exchanges to be made upon the fjlan heretofore 
approved and acted upon, to wit : " grade for 
grade, or two officers of lower grade, as an 
equivalent in rank for one of a higher grade, as 
shall be thought just and equitable." This was 
signed by both parties. Gen. Hunter, having 
succeeded Gen, Fremont on tlie 7th of Nov., 
repudiated this treaty. 

At the close of the year three commissioners 



were appointed by the Federal Government to 
proceed to the Confederate States and examine 
the condition of the Union prisoners there. 
They were refused admission within the Con- 
federate territory, and thus the fate of prison- 
ers was left to the discretion of each command- 
er, who exchanged them at his will. But, while 
such were the terras on which exchanges were 
effected for those taken as prisoners on either 
side upon land, only an infoi-mal regulation had 
been established respecting the persons detained 
on a charge of piracy, because found waging 
war against Federal commerce on the high seas, 
and in retaliation for whose treatment the Con- 
federate authorities imprisoned in the common 
jail a corresponding number of United States 
officers. 

In his message to Congress on the 20th of 
July, Mr. Davis refers to a despatch sent to 
Washington, as before statad, and after stating 
the reasons upon which it^as sent, thus pro- 
ceeds: "To this end I despatched an officer 
under a flag of truce to President Lincoln, and 
informed him of my resolute purpose to check 
all barbarities on prisoners of war by such 
severity of retaliation on prisoners held by us 
as should secure the abandonment of the prac- 
tice. This communication was received and 
read by an oflScer in command of the United 
States forces, and a message was brought from 
him by the bearer of my communication that a 
reply would be returned by President Lincoln 
as soon as possible. I earnestly hope this prom- 
ised reply (which has not yet been received) 
will convey the assurance that prisoners of war 
will be treated in this unhappy contest with 
that regard for humanity which has made such 
conspicuous progress in modern warfare. As 
measures of precaution, however, and until this 
promised reply is received, I shall retain in 
close custody some ofiicers captured fi-om the 
enemy, whom it had been my pleasure pre- 
viously to set at large on parole, and whose fate 
must necessarily depend on that of prisoners 
held by the enemy." 

The foreign policy of the Government was 
conducted on the principle that the troubles of 
the country formed a domestic affair of its own, 
and the interference of foreign nations was 
neither desired nor would be allowed. The 
prompt manner in which the Confederate States 
were acknowledged as belligerents by France 
and England is a proof that not a doubt was 
entertained by the Governments of those na- 
tions of the ultimate independence of the new 
Confederacy. 

After the adjournment of the extra session of 
Congress in July, the plan of the Government 
was to make the most ample and perfect prep- 
arations to recover and repossess the strong- 
holds in the Confederate States. In its progress 
due regard was had to the will of Congress, 
and the requirements of the emergency. With 
a surprising unanimity among the people, its 
measures were steadily sustained. 

The army around Washington was reorgan- 



116 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ized, greatly increased in numbers, and brought 
up to the highest state of disciphne. In its 
, front the camps of the flower of the Southern 
States were spread, and the year closed with 
the two armies watching each other. The one 



was growing more formidable and better pre- 
pared for the approaching strife, while the other 
was growing weaker by the overstrained effort 
to maintain a position which it finally yielded 
without a single blow. 



CHAPTEE XII. 

Views of the Combatants — Condition of thie Federal Navy — Its Increase — Iron-Clads — Western Fleet — Numbers and posi- 
tion of the hostile Armies — Campaign in Eastern Kentucky — Battle of Mill Springs — Death of Zollicotfer — Campaign 
in Western Kentucky and Tennessee — Federal Troops engaged — Capture of Fort Henry — Surrender of Fort Donelson — 
Advance of Gen. Buell — Surrender of Nashville. 



When the new year began, the anticipations been chartered steamers, carrying from 2 to 9 

of the two antagonists were materially changed, guns each. By these additions, the naval force 

The South, rendered exultant and hopeful by in commission has been increased to 82 vessels, 

the successes at BuPRun and Leesburg or Ball's carrying upwards of 1,100 guns, and with a 

Bluff", beheved that foreign interference was complement of about 13,000 men, exclusive of 

certain, and that the war would be short, officers and marines. There are also several 

Under these influences a serious state of apathy steamboats and other small craft which are 

was beginning to prevail. The enlistment of temporarily in the service of the department, 
troops was for the short period of twelve months, "Purchases of sailing ships have been made 

and the naval preparations for defence were on for transporting coals to the steamers that are 

a limited scale. performing duty as sentinels before the princi- 

Meanwhile the North had begun to realize pal harbors. * * * 
the gigantic nature of the contest in which it " The squadron on the Atlantic coast, under 
was engaged, and to put forth corresponding the command of Elag-ofiicer S. H. Stringham, 
efforts of preparation. Besides the organization consists of 22 vessels, 296 guns, and 3,300 men. 
of vast armies, naval preparations were com- " The squadron in the Gulf, under the com- 
menced on an immense scale, and embracing maud of Flag-officer William Mervine, consists 
every variety of improvement. The Federal Gov- of 21 vessels, 282 guns, and 3,500 men, 
erument also, in order to strengthen itself, had " Additions have been made to each of the 
resorted to the imprisonment of all persons who squadrons, of two or three«uall vessels that 
by words or actions manifested a strong sym- have been captured and taken into the service, 
pathy for the Southern cause. At the same The steamers Pawnee and Pocahontas, and the 
time many newspapers whose general spirit flotilla under the late Commander Ward, with 
was hostile to the Government, were suppressed, several steamboats in charge of naval officers, 
and their circulation forbidden. have been employed on the Potomac River, to 

The Secretary of the Navy, in his report of prevent communication with that portion of 

July 4th, 1861, presented the following state- Virginia which is in insurrection. Great service 

ment of the vessels at that time in service: has been rendered by this armed force, which 

" Of the 69 vessels, carrying 1,346 guns, has been vigilant in intercepting supplies, and 
mentioned as available for service on the 4th in protecting transports and supply vessels in 
of March last, the sloop Levant has been given their passage up and down the Potomac, 
upas lost in the Pacific; the steamer Fulton " The squadron in the Pacific, under the com- 
was seized at Pensacola ; and one frigate, two mand of Flag-officer John B. Montgomery, con- 
sloops, and one brig were burnt at Norfolk, sists of six vessels, 82 guns, and 1,000 men. 
These vessels carried 172 guns. The other " The West India squadron is under the corn- 
vessels destroyed at Norfolk were considered mand of Flag-officer G. J. Pendergrast, who has 
worthless, and are not included in the list of been temporarily on duty, with his flag-ship, 
available vessels. the Cmnberland, at Norfolk and Hampton 

" These losses left at the disposal of the Roads, since the 23d of March. He will, at an 

department 62 vessels, carrying 1,174 guns, all early day, transfer his flag to the steam-frigate 

of which are now, or soon will be, in commis- Roanoke, and proceed southward, having in 

sion, with the exception of the charge our interests on the Mexican and central 

V rm nt h" f 1' ^"m -^^^^'i'^'^ii coasts, and in the West India Islands. 

Bra^y wine," frigate^.t'. ".".".'.'.".'.'.'.'.' .'.'.'.'. '.V/^'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. i>o " The East India, Mediterranean, Brazil, and 

Decatur, sloop, at San Francisco 16 African squadrons, excepting one vessel of each 

John Hancock, steam tender at San Francisco 3 of the tWO latter, have been recalled. 

" There have been recently added to the navy, " The return of these vessels will add to the 

by purchase, 12 steamers, carrying from 2 to 9 force for service in the Gulf and on the Atlantic 

gvms each, and 3 sailing vessels. There have coast, about 200 guns and 2,500 men." 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



117 



He also stated in his report that 259 oflScers 
of the navy had resigned their commissions, or 
been dismissed from the service, since the 4th 
of March ; for which reason many of the ves- 
sels were necessarily sent to sea without a fall 
complement of officers. Many, however, who 
had retired to civil pursuits, had promptly come 
forward in this time of their country's need, 
and voluntarily tendered their services, while 
many masters and masters' mates were also 
appointed from the commercial marine. So 
promptly did seamen present themselves at the 
naval rendezvous of all the principal seaports, 
under the authorized increase and abbreviated 
term of enlistment, that only one or two ships 
experienced any detention for want of a crew, 
and none beyond two or three days. Never, 
as the Secretary states, has the naval force had 



so great and rapid an increase, and never have 
our seamen come forward with more alacrity 
and zeal to serve the country. 

In the need of a substantial class of vessels 
suitable for performing continuous duty off the 
coast in all weathers, the department contracted 
for the building of 23 steam gunboats, each of 
about 500 tons burden, and made preliminary 
arrangements for several larger and fleeter ves- 
sels, in addition to taking measures for carry- 
ing out the order of Congress of the preceding 
session for the construction of seven sloops of 
wai", with the addition of one more. At each of 
the Northern navy yards, Portsmouth, Boston, 
New York, and Philadelphia, two of this last 
class were directed to bo built. The following 
table comprises a summary of the vessels pur- 
chased for naval service during the year 1861 : 



Class of Vessels. 





Number of 


Total 


No. 


guns to 


number 




each. 


of guns. 


86 


1 tolO 


160 


42 


Ito 9 


ITO 


1 




5 


13 


Ito 8 


52 


17 


2 to 6 


78 


1 






25 


Ito 4 


50 


2 


2 


4 



Tonnage of each. 



Total 
tonnage. 



Side-wheel steamers. 

Screw steamers 

Auxiliary steam bark 

Ships 

Barks 

Barkantine 

Schooners 

BriffS 



123 to 1,800 
65 to 2,100 

334 'to 1,875 
265 to 888 



53 to 
196 to 



349 
264 



26,680 

19,985 

418 

9,998 

8,186 

296 

5,458 

460 



|;1'>,000 to .^200,000 
5,000 to 172,500 



7,000 to 
11,500 to 

6,000 'to" 
9,000 to 



40,000 
32,000 



18,000 
10,000 



*2,41S,103 

2,187,537 

27,500 

313,503 

348,400 

16,000 

241,790 

19,000 



Of side-wheel steamers nine were first-class 
steamships, all of them costing from $85,000 to 
$200,000 each, except one, the Alabama, which 
was bought for $23,000. Among the steamers 
were eighteen ferry-boats and tug-boats, the 
former purchased from the Brooklyn and New 
Jersey companies. 

The armed vessels were almost exclusively 
ordered, on entering into the service, to pro- 
ceed to the Southern ports, for the purpose of 
enforcing their blockade, and the result of their 
operations is shown in the following summary 
of vessels, captured and destroyed from April 
23 to November 15. These are 7 ships, 12 
barks, 9 brigs, 115 schooners, 8 sloops, and Y 
miscellaneous, the last including the steamer 
Salvor, loaded with arms, from Havana, and 
bound to Tampa Bay. Most of these vessels 
contained valuable cargoes, and three of them 
were privateers. A few were recaptured prizes, 
and were restored to their owners. 

The year 1861 will always be famous in naval 
history for the material change then first fairly 
established in the construction of vessels of 
war, by rendering them as nearly impenetrable 
as possible to the heaviest shot, by means of a 
coating of iron plates. The superiority of a 
few guns of the heaviest calibro to the large 
batteries of the older ships was then first gen- 
erally appreciated, and the whole system of 
ship-building in the navies of France and Eng- 
land, as also of some of the minor naval powers 
of Europe, underwent a more complete change 
than had followed the introduction of steam. 
The building of wooden vessels was entirely 
abandoned, except in some special cases where 
they were to be covered with plates of iron, 
and the day of old wooden IVigates and line- 



of-battle ships was looked upon as having 

passed. 

The subject came before Congress in 1861, 
and on the 3d of August an act was approved, 
directing the Secretary of the Navy " to appoint 
a board of three skQful naval officers to inves- 
tigate the plans and specifications that may be 
submitted for the construction and completing 
iron-clad steam-ships or steam-battei-ies, and 
on their report, should it bo favorable, the 
Secretary of the Navy will cause one or more 
armored, or iron or steel-clad steam-ships or 
floating steam-batteries to be built ; and there 
is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the 
treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum 
of $1,500,000." Commodores Joseph Smith 
and H. Paulding, with Oapt. C. H. Davis, were 
appointed this board, and tlieir report was pre- 
sented of the date of Sept. 15. "While consider- 
ing u'on-clad ships as without doubt formidable 
adjuncts to coas-t and liarbor fortification.s, the 
board questioned their advantages and ultimate 
adoption as cruising vessels, chiefly on account 
of the enormous weight added to the vessel by 
the armor, which involved greater ])ower to 
propel her, and at the same time largely increased 
the cost of construction. To meet the immediate 
demand for vessels as far as practicable invul- 
nerable to shot, and adapted by their light 
draught of water to penetrate our shoal harbors, 
rivers, and bayou.s, the board recommended 
" that contracts be made with responsible parties 
for the construction of one or more iron-clad 
vessels or batteries, of as light a draught of 
water as practicable consistent with their weight 
of armor." They also advised the construction 
in our own dock-yards, of one or more of these 
vessels upon a large and more perfect scale 



118 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLIOK 




'wyvtf 



,/,i' 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



119 



when Congress shall see fit to authorize it. 
The report condudes with a synopsis of the prop- 
ositions and specifications submitted, amount- 
ing to 17 in number, the terms of construction 
for the difterent vessels ranging from $82,000 to 
$1,500,000. Three only of these were selected 
as worthy of recommendation, the others being 
put aside, either owing to too great cost or for 
other reasons. The three proposals recom- 
mended were those of J . Ericsson, New York ; 
Merrick & Sons, Philadelphia ; and 0. S. Bush- 
nell & Co., New Haven, Conn. Of these the 
remarks of the board are as follows : 

"J. Ericsson, New York. — This plan of a 
floating battery is novel, but seems to be based 
upon a plan which will render the battery shot 
and shell-proof. It is to be apprehended that 
her properties for sea are not such as a sea- 
going vessel should possess. But she may be 
moved from one place to another on the coast 
in smooth water. We recommend that an 
experiment be made with one battery of this 
description on the terms proposed, with a guar- 
antee and forfeiture in case of failure in any of 
the properties and points of the vessel as pro- 
posed. Price, $275,000; length of vessel, 174 
feet ; breadth of beam, 41 feet ; depth of hold, 
11 J feet; time, 100 days; draught of water, 10 
feet; displacement, 1,245 tons; speed per hour, 
9 statute miles. 

"Merrick & Sons, Philadelphia. — Vessel of 
wood and iron combined. This proposition we 
consider the most practicable one for heavy 
armor. "We recommend that a contract be 
made with that party, under a guarantee, with 
forfeiture in case of failure to comply with the 
specifications ; and that the contract require tlie 
plates to be 15 feet long and 30 inches wide, with 
a reservation of some modifications, which may 
occur as the work progresses, not to afi^'ect the 
cost. Price, $780,000; length of vessel, 220 feet; 
breadth of beam, 60 feet ; depth of hold, 23 feet ; 
time, 9 months; draught of water, 13 feet; dis- 
placement, 3,296 tons ; speed per hour, 9.V knots. 

"S. C. Bushnell & Co., New Haven," Conn., 
propose a vessel to be iron-clad, on the rail and 
plate principle, and to obtain high speed. The 
objection to this vessel is the fear that she wiU 
not float her armor and load sufficiently high, 
and have stability enough for a sea vessel. 
With a guarantee that she shall do these, we 
recommend on that basis a contract. Price, 
$225,250; length of vessel, 180 feet; breadth 
of beam — feet ; depth of hold, 12 5- feet ; time, 
4 months; draught of water, 10 feet; displace- 
ment, — tons; speed per horn-, 12 knots." 

The recommeijdation was adopted by Con- 
gress, and the 3 vessels ordered to be built. 

The contract made with Capt. Ericsson stipu- 
lated for the completion of his battery within 
100 days from the signing of the contract, 
which was October 5, 1861 ; and the extraordi- 
nary provision was introduced, that the test of 
the battery, upon which its acceptance by the 
IT, S. Government depended, should be its with- 
standing the fire of the enemy's batteries at the 



shortest ranges, the United States agreeing to 
fit out the vessel with men, guns, &c. The 
vessel was not completed, and delivered to the 
U. S. Government for trial until March 5, 1802. 

Soon after taking command of the Western 
Department, Maj.-Gen. Fremont became con- 
vinced of the necessity of preparing a fleet of 
gunboats and mortar-boats, for the purpose of 
commanding the Mississippi and other naviga- 
ble waters of the West, and decided upon the 
plans and ordered the construction of the num- 
ber of each he deemed necessary. Their com- 
pletion, and the furnishing of them with tlicir 
armament and crew, and the collection of the 
requisite land force to accompany them, was 
not completed till February, 1862. 

The fleet consisted of twelve gunboats, carry- 
ing an armament in all of 126 guns, viz. : 

Beuton Ifi guns. 

Essex 9 " 

Mound City 13 " 

Cincinnati 18 " 

Louisville 13 " 

Carondelet 13 " 

St. Louis 13 " 

Cairo 13 " 

Pittsburgh 13 " 

LexinfTton i) " 

Couc.iU>:;!i , 9 " 

Tyler..: 9 " 

None of these guns were less than 32-pound- 
ers, some were 42-pounders, some 64-pounders, 
and one (on the Essex) threw a shell weighing 
128 lbs. In addition to these, each boat car- 
ried a Dahlgren rifled 12-pounder boat howitzer 
on the upper deck. Several of the larger guns 
on each boat were rifled. Naval ofiicers re- 
garded the 10-inch Dahlgren shell guns as their 
most efficient weapons. The Benton carried 
two of these guns in her forward battery ; tlxe 
others carried one each. 

Seven of the gunboats were iron-clad, and 
able to resist all except the heaviest solid shot. 
These boats cost on an average $89,000 each. 
The other five were of wood, but strongly and 
substantially built ; all wei-e fast sailers. 

Besides these, thirty-eight mortar-boats were 
ordered, each about sixty feet long and twenty- 
five feet wide, surrounded on all sides by iron- 
plate bulwarks, six or seven feet high. The 
mortar itself weighed 17,200 lbs., had a bore 
easily admitting a 13-inch shell, and from the 
edge of the bore to the outer rim was seventeen 
inches. The mortar bed weighed 4,500 lbs. 

The mortar-boats were thoroughly tested 
before being used in actual ser\'ice, and were 
found to produce but slight recoil, and the con- 
cussion caused by the iron bulwarks was reme- 
died. With a charge of 11 lbs. of powder the 
mortars threw a shell, weighing 215 lbs. a dis- 
tance of 24 miles ; and with a charge of 15 to 23 
lbs. the same shell was thrown from 3 to 3^ miles. 

There was also a sufficient nimiber of steam- 
boats and tugs provided for towing and trans- 
port service. The fleet was placed under the 
command of Flag-officer Andrew H, Foote, an 
experienced and able commander in the navy ; 
and each boat was in charge of a lieutenant 
commanding, who had already seen service. 



120 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



At the commencement of the year 18G2, the 
position of the Federal and of the Confederate 
forces were as follows : At Fortress Monroe 
and Newport News, under the command 
of Gen. Wool, there were estimated to be 
15,000 men in a good state of organization 
and discipline. Thence proceeding up the Po- 
tomac, Gen. Hooker's division, including Gen. 
Sickles's brigade, was south of Washington, and 
partly on the Maryland side of the Potomac. 
They numbered about 10,000 men. South- 
west of Washington, and in the neighborhood 
of that city, was the mass of Gen. Mc Clellan's 
army, consisting of a large portion of the men 
who had volunteered from the middle and east- 
ern States, for the war. They were organized 
into eiglit divisions, and becoming disciplined 
for future operations. The divisions of Gens. 
Keyes and Casey were in and around Washing- 
ton, that of Gen. Stone was at and near Pooles- 
ville, and that of Gen. Banks near Darnestown, 
with detachments on the Potomac to Williams- 
port. The entire force thus organized, was not 
fir from 160,000 men, which, in connection 
with other troops on the line of railroad to 
Baltimore, at that city, and in the vicinity, 
was something less than 200,000 men. This 
force before Washington was subsequently de- 
signated as the Army of the Potomac. It was 
organized into divisions, each commanded by a 
major-general, or by a brigadier-general acting 
as a major-general ; and each division consist- 
ed of three brigades, each brigade of four, a 
few of five, regiments of infantry, making 
twelve infantry regiments in a division, one 
regiment of cavahy, and three and sometimes 
four batteries of artillery, or about twenty 
pieces. To each division generally one regi- 
me 'it of cavalry was assigned, and one or two 
of them had four instead of three batteries. 

Further up the Potomac, was Gen. Kelly's 
force, of which Gen. Lander soon took com- 
mand, looking up the valley of the Shenandoah, 
toward Winchester. Gen. Rosecrans was in 
western Virginia, with a force somewhat less 
•than 20,000 men. 

At Louisville, in Kentucky, Gen. Buell had 
collected and combined the scattered Federal 
forces, and was now organizing and preparing 
for future operations, an army of more than 
100,000 men. At St. Louis and Cairo, Gen. 
Halleck was performing a similar service, and 
at tlie same time holding in check the Confed- 
erate forces in Missouri, and preparing to drive 
them entirely over its southern border. The 
force he was thus organizing, was nearly equal 
to that under Gen. Buell in Kentucky. 

On the western frontier preparations were 
also making for an expedition, which was de- 
signed to be more than 20,000 strong, for the 
purpose of penetrating from Kansas to the Gulf 
of Mexico. A naval force was also collected 
at Cairo and St. Louis, to cooperate, by gun- 
boats, with the military force, at important 
points on the western rivers. The entire Fed- 
eral force, including the troops under Gen. 



Sherman in South Carolina, and those under 
Gen. Burnside on their way to North Caro- 
lina, and the regiments designed for the expe- 
dition under Gen. Butler, made not more than 
450,000 to 475,000 in the field. 

The position and force of the Confederate 
army at the commencement of the year, were 
nearly as follows : At Norfolk and Yorktown 
there was a considerable force, probably over 
80,000 men. The larger portion of this force 
was at Yorktown. A small force also manned 
batteries on tlie James and York rivers. The 
army before Washington was fortified on a very 
extended line. Its right wing rested upon the 
Potomac, beyond Fredericksburg, and at Staf- 
ford Court House, Dumfries, &c., and thus 
formed a support to the batteries which block- 
aded the Potomac river, and endangered the 
navigation between Washington and the lower 
Potomac into Chesapeake Bay. The main body 
was at Centreville and Manassas. The former 
place was strongly fortified, and held not less 
than 75,000 troops. The left wing occupied 
Aldio and Leesburg, and considerable forces 
were stationed at Winchester and Martinsburg. 
This entire force has been estimated to have 
reached 175,000 men, under Gen. Joseph John- 
ston. A small force was in western Virginia. 

In Kentucky, the Confederate forces were 
stationed at Prestonburg, Hazel Green, Bowl- 
ing Green, Columbus, Hickman, Donelson and 
Fort Henry, and amounted to 30,000 men. 

The points occupied by the Confederate 
forces in Tennessee, were Cumberland Gap, 
Nashville, Waverly, Humboldt, Chattanooga, 
Jonesboro, Memphis, and forts Osceola, Wright, 
Randolph, Rector and Harris. These troops 
amounted to 20,000 men. 

There were also Confederate troops stationed 
at Vicksburg, Natchez, New Orleans. Mobile, 
Savannah, Charleston, and at various points in 
Missouri. The total force under arms, was not 
far from 350,000 men. 

The Confederate forces at this time occupied 
half of Missouri, nearly half of Kentucky, in- 
cluding the strong positions of Columbus and 
Bowling Green, western Virginia, nearly as 
far north, as the Kanawha river, the whole of 
eastern Virginia, except a few miles around 
Washington and Fortress Monroe and Newport 
News, the whole of North Carolina, except 
Hatteras Inlet, the whole of Florida except 
Key West, and Santa Rosa Island, and all the 
rest of the Southern States. 

The results of the previous year when com- 
pared with the purposes entertained by the cit- 
izens of the North, appear most insignificant. 
But this is not a true view of* the case. It was 
too soon to expect results, and nothing was 
done which had any influence upon the termi- 
nation of the war. These gigantic combatants 
were yet \mprepared for the conflict. Armies 
had been collected and hastily equipped, and 
the work of organization and discipline to 
change raw militia into men of war was pro- 
gressing on both sides. So unused, however, 




(Jiiiiicyil 




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'1 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



121 



were the peopio to such events, that a. speedy 
close of the contest had been anticipated by 
them. War, iu their minds, was to be begun, 
carried on, and closed up with the despatch of 
ordinary enterprises. 

It was not only necessary to organize and dis- 
cipline armies, but to provide food, munitions, 
and transportation, and to organize artillery 
reserves, the engineer corps, the pontoon trains, 
the telegraphs, and the hospitals; but also to 
manufacture or import from other countries 
cannon, carriage harness, cavalry equipments, 
small arms, artillery, camp equipage, bridge 
trains, &c. The time required to secure these 
objects, under the most favorable circunastances, 
was even longer than had been assigned for the 
duration of hostilities by the people of both the 
Northern and Southern States. 

The Federal Government proposed to block- 
ade the coast to cut off the Confederate 
States from all communication with other na- 
tions. The recovery of the Mississippi valley, 
by which the western States of the Confed- 
eracy would bo separated, and the outlet of 
the Northwest to the ocean recovered, was 
also a part of the purpose of the Government. 
The recovery of tlio Border Slave States 
by actual military force, and their protection 
against invasion by the Confederate Govern- 
ment, which claimed them as a part of its Union, 
was the occasion of the most active and exten- 
sive military operations. It was anticipated that 
the signal success which would attend the exe- 
cution of these purposes, would so emphatically 
convince the Southern people of the irresistible 
power of the North as to satisfy them that the 
attainment of their independence was hopeless. 
At the same time it was believed their efforts 
of resistance would so exhaust their limited re- 
sources as to make a return to the Union on 
tlieir part a necessity. Such appear to have 
been the purposes of the Federal Government, 
and such were the views of the people. On 
the opposite side, the purposes of the Confed- 
erate Government were no less determined, and 
the views of the people no less sanguine and 
exalted. A defence was to be made to the last 
extremity, and if this was successful, an inva- 
sion of the enemy was to follow, when the 
smoking ruins of Philadelphia, New York, and 
Cincinnati would wring humiliating conditions 
from the North. The year which passed has 
thus witnessed most stupendous military opera- 
tions conducted on a theatre which was almost 
the size of a continent, with a profusion of ex- 
penditure and a waste of resources sufficient to 
engulf most nations. The actors in these terri- 
fic scenes now stand forth to receive the judg- 
ment of mankind not only upon their skill, abili- 
ty, and sincerity, but upon those higher and no- 
bler qualities which are the jewels of humanity. 

The military operations in the interior of the 
country have been conducted chiefly with a 
reference to the lines of the railroads and the 
water courses. The facilities for the transpor- 
tation of supplies and for the concentration of 



men furnished by these railroads and the rivers, 
in a country so covered with woods, and so 
poorly supplied with common roads, has result- 
ed in making some of them the base of all im- 
portant movements. 

At the beginning of the year preparations 
were vigorously pushed forward both at the 
West and with the Army of the Potomac. The 
forces of each side on the line between the Fed- 
eral and Confederate States maintained their 
respective positions during the month of Janu- 
ary, excepting in eastern Kentucky, There 
Col. Humphrey Marshall had a few months 
previous intrenched the Confederate forces 
under his command, consisting of a few regi- 
ments of infantry, one battery of artillery, and 
five or six companies of cavalry at a town called 
Paintville. It was expected in the Confederate 
States that he would be able to sweep the whole 
of eastern Kentucky, take possession of Frank- 
fort, the seat of the State Government, and set 
up the authority of the Provisional Governor 
Johnson. Meanwhile Col. John A. Garfield, 
commanding a brigade of Union forces, having 
the 42d Ohio and 14tli Kentucky infantry and a 
squadron of Ohio cavalry, advanced to encounter 
the Confederate force. Embarrassed by the dif- 
ficulty of moving supplies at that low stage of 
the Big Sandy river, it was the Vth of January 
when his advance, consisting of five companies 
of the 42d Ohio, under Lieut.-Col. Sheldon, 
reached Paintville. The Confederate force had 
then evacuated its intrenchments two and a 
half miles south of the town, but a part of it 
was placed in ambush at Jennie Creek, two 
miles west. This body was driven out imme- 
diately by Col. Bolles, of the 1st Virginia cav- 
alry, who had come up. At the same time Col. 
Garfield, with eight companies of the 42d Ohio 
and two companies of the 14th Kentucky, 
moved npon the main position of the enemy, 
who were found to have hastily retreated. On 
the nest day the 40th Ohio, Col. Cranox, and 
six companies of the 1st Kentucky cavalry 
joined Col. Garfield ; a part of the 22d Ken- 
tucky, under Lieut.-Col. Munroe, had also reach- 
ed him. With a portion of this force, the pur- 
suit of the enemy was immediately commenced 
up the road along the Big Sandy river. 

The following despatches from Col. Garfield 
describe his movements : 

Paintsville, January 8. 
To Ca'pt. J. B. Fry, Asmtant Adjutant- General : 

I entered this place yesterday with the 42d Ohio, the 
4th Kentucky, and 800 of the 2d Virginia cavalry. On 
hearing of my approach, the main rebel force left their 
strongly intrenched camp and fled. I sent my cavalry 
to the "mouth of Jennie Creek, where they attacked 
and drove the rebel cavalr}', which had been left as a 
vanguard, a distance of five miles, killing three and 
wounding a considerable number. 

Marshall's whole army is now Hying in utter confu- 
sion. He had abandoned and burned a large amount 
of his stores. We have taken fifteen prisoners. Our 
loss is two killed and one wounded. I start in pursuit 
to-morrow morning. 

(Signed) J. A. GARFIELD, 

Col. commandiu!? Brigade. 



122 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



SECOND DESPATCH. 

To Capt. J. B. Fry, Assistant Adjutant- General : 

I left Paintsville on Thursday noon with 1,100 men, 
and drove in the enemy's pickets two miles below 
Prestonburg. The men slept on their arms. At 4 
o'clock yesterday morning we moved toward the main 
body of the enemy at the forks of Middle Creek, under 
command of Marshall. Skirmishing with his outposts 
began at 8 o'cFock, and at 1 p. m. we engaged his force 
of 2,500 men and 3 cannon, posted on the hill — fought 
them until dark, having been recnforced by 700 men 
from Paintsville, and drove the enemy from all their 
positions. He carried off the majority of his dead and 
all of his wounded. 

This morning we found twenty-seven of his dead 
on the field, llis killed cannot be less than sixty. 
We have twenty-five prisoners, ten horses, and a quan- 
tity of stores. The enemy burned most of his stores, 
and fled precipitately. To-day I have crossed the 
river, and am now occupying Prestonburg. Our loss 
is — two killed and twenty-five wounded. 

(Signed) J. A. GARFIELD, 

Col. commanding Brigade. 

This was a rapid and spirited movement on 
the part of Ool. Garfield, and it resulted in 
forcing Ool. Humphrey Marshall with his 
troops to retire from eastern Kentucky. 

On the 16th of January Ool. Garfield issued 
the following address to the inhabitants : 

Headqitakters Eightebntii Brigade. ) 
Paintsville (Kt.), January 10, 1S62. J 

Citizens of the Sandy Valley : 

I have come among you to restore the honor of the 
Union and to bring back the Old Banner, which you 
all once loved, but which, by the machinations of evil 
men and by mutual misunderstanding, has been dis- 
honored among you. To those who are in arms against 
the Federal Government I ofier only the alternative of 
battle or unconditional surrender. But to those who 
have taken no part in this war, who are in no way 
aiding or abetting the enemies of the Union — even to 
those who hold sentiments averse to the Union, but 
yet give no aid and comfort to its enemies— I ofier the 
full protection of the Government, both in their per- 
sons and property. 

Let those who have been seduced away from the 
love of their country to follow after and aid the de- 
stroyers of our peace lay down their arms, return to 
their homes, bear true allegiance to the Federal Gov- 
ernment, and they shall also enjoy like protection. 
The army of the Union wages no war of plunder, but 
comes to bring back the prosperity of peace. Let all 
peace-loving citizens who have fled from their homes 
return and resume again the pursuits of peace and in- 
dustry. If citizens have suffered from any outrages 
by the soldiers under my command, I invite them to 
make known their complaints to me, and their wrongs 
shall be redressed and the offenders punished. I ex- 
pect the friends of the Union in this valley to banish 
from among them all private feuds, and let a liberal- 
minded iove of country direct their conduct toward 
those who have been so sadly estranged and misguided, 
hoping that these days of turbulence may soon be 
ended and the days of the Republic soon return. 
J. A. GARFIELD, 
Col. commanding Brigade. 

But the most important action of the month 
was fought at a place called Webb's Cross Roads 
on the 19th. It is known as the battle of Mill 
Springs, although this place is about five miles 
distant from the spot where the battle was 
fought. For three months previous the Fed- 
eral General Schoepff had been stationed at 
Somerset, a small town in south-eastern Ken- 
tucky, with a force of about 8,000 men. The 



object was to prevent the advance of the Con- 
federate force any further nortli. At the same 
time the Confederate General Zollicofter, with 
nearly the same force, was intrenched directly 
south on both banks of the Cumberland river, 
for the purpose of defending the approach to 
the Cumberland Gap and the road into east 
Tennessee against any Federal force. About 
two weeks previous to the action, Gen. Zolli- 
cofi'er was reenforced by the division under 
Gen. Crittenden, which had been previously 
stationed at Knoxville, Tennessee. Gen. Crit- 
tenden took command, and issued the following 
proclamation : 

Division IlEADQtTARTERS, Mill Springs, Kt., ) 
January 6, 1S62. ( 
To the People of Kentucky : 

When the present war between the Confederate 
States and the United States commenced, the State of 
Kentucky determined to remain neutral. She regard- 
ed this as her highest interest, and, balancing between 
hope for the restoration of the Union and love for her 
Southern sisters, she declared and attempted to main- 
tain a firm neutralitj^. 

The conduct of the United States Government 
toward her has been marked with duplicity, falsehood, 
and wrong. From the very beginning, the President 
of the United States, in his Messages, spoke of the 
chosen attitude of Kentucky with open denunciation, 
and on the one hand treated it with contempt and 
derision, while on the other hand he privately prom- 
ised the people of Kentucky that it should be respect- 
ed. In violation of this pledge, but in keeping with 
his first and true intention, he introduced into the 
State arms which were placed exclusively in the hands 
of persons known or believed to be in favor of coer- 
cion, thus designing to control the people of Kentucky, 
and to threaten the Confederate States. Then the Gov- 
ernment of the Confederate States, in self-defence, ad- 
vanced its arms into your midst, and oSer you their 
assistance to protect you from the calamity of Northern 
military occupation. 

By the administration ot your State Government, 
Kentucky was being held to the United States, and 
bound at the feet of Northern tyranny. That Gov- 
ernment did not rest upon the consent of your people. 
And now, having thrown it off, a new Government 
has been established aud Kentucky admitted into 
the Southern Confederacy. Can Kentuckians doubt 
which Government to sustain? To the South you 
are allied by interest, by trade, by geography, by 
similarity of institutions, by the ties of blood, and 
by kindred courage. The markets of the North do not 
invite your products — your State is, to the centre of its 
trade, society, and laws, but a distant province, de- 
spised for its customs and institutions — your heroic lin- 
eage forbids association in arms with their warriors of 
Manassas, of Leesburg, and of Belmont; and your for- 
mer devotion to the Union must intensify your hatred 
toward that section which has, in its Abolition crusade, 
broken to pieces the Constitution, and which is now 
vainly endeavoring to destroy the liberty of the South- 
ern States ! 

At first j'ou may have been deceived as to the pur- 
poses of the North. They talked of restoring the 
Union. Do you not see that it is hopelessly lost in the 
storm of war, and that, while the rotten Government 
of the North is shaking over its ruins, the South has 
erected out of them a new, powerful, and free constitu- 
tional republic ! And now, indeed, the mask is thrown 
off, and you find the North, through its President, and 
Secretary of War, and public journals, and party load- 
ers, giving up the claim of Union, and"proclaiming the 
extinction of slavery and the subjugation of the South. 
Can you join in this enterprise? The South would 
never in any event consent to a reconstruction. She 
is contending with unconquerable spirit, with great 



MILITAEY AXD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



123 



military power, with unbroken success, for constitu- 
tional freedom, and for her own national government. 
Where is your spirit of other days, that vou do not 
rush to her victorious standard ? Shall tue sons of 
Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi, and other Southern 
States, with whom you have gathered the laurels on 
other battle fields, win them all in this war of inde- 
pendence, while you are inactive and lost in slothful 
indolence ? May the proud genius of my native Ken- 
tucky forbid it. 

In these mountains, where freedom and patriotism 
stir the human heart, can you sleep with the clarion 
of a glorious war ringing in your ears ? True, you 
have refused to bear the arms and wear the livery of 
Northern despotism. Their base hirelings have been 
among you, but have not seduced you into their ranks. 
Will you stay at homo and let noble bands of soldiers, 
armed in your cause as in their own, puss on to battle 
fields, on your own soil, consecrated by no deed of 
your valor ? 

Having assumed command of the forces of the Con- 
federate States on Cumberland river, in south-eastern 
Kentucky, I make this appeal to you. You are already 
assured that we come among you as friends anil 
brothers, to protect you in your personal liberties and 
property, and only to make war against the invaders 
of your home and our common enemies. I invoke you 
to receive us as brothers, and to come to our camp and 
share with us the dangers and the honor of this strug- 
gle. Come to these headquarters, as individuals or in 
companies, and you will be at once accepted and mus- 
tered in with pay and arms from the Government of 
the Confederate States. At first many Kcntuckians 
entered the army of the South for the groat cause it 
supports ; now this has become the cause of Kentucky, 
and it is your duty to espouse it. Duty and honor 
unite in this cull upon you. Will you /oin in the mov- 
ing columns of the Sonth, or is the spirit of Kentucky 
dead? GEO. li. CRITTENDEN, Major-Geucral. 

Previous to the junction of the force of 
Gen. Crittenden with that of Gen. Zolhcofft-T, 
Gen. Buell, in command of the Federal depart- 
ment, with his headquarters at Louisville, had 
detached fi'om his main body a division under 
Gen. Geo. H. Thomas to attack the rear of 
Gen. Zollicoffer, whose position was a strong 
one. It was about fifteen miles south-west of 
Somerset, forty miles south-east of Columbia, 
and six miles below the head of steamboat navi- 
gation. It was considered to be one of the 
three Confederate strongholds in Kentucky — 
the first being Columbus, in the extreme 
West; the second, Bowling Green in central 
Kentucky ; and the third, tliis one in the south- 
east, commanding the coal mines and many of 
the salts ■w^ells south of the Cumberland, and 
suitable to check any Federal advance into 
east Tennessee. The hills on the immediate 
bank of the river are between three and four 
hundred feet in height and their summits were 
fortified. The actual situation of the Con- 
federate force has been variously represented. 
It was nearly destitute of supplies, and upon 
hearing of the approach of the Federal force, 
the choice was presented to Gen. Crittenden, 
either to retreat without striking a blow, or to 
remain in his position and be stormed out, or 
to surrender upon the approach of starvation, 
or to make an advance. The latter measure 
was chosen, and for this reason the Confederate 
general w-as found without his intrenchraents 
and making an attack upon the approaching 



force. It is probable, however, that tho Fed- 
eral force was supposed to be much smaller than 
it in truth was, and hence the Confederate 
general was tempted to advance and make 
an attack. That day (Sunday) he was defeated 
and retired to his intrenchments. During the 
night he abandoned his camp, and by the aid 
of a small steamboat crossed the Cumberland 
with his entire force. The Federal forces most 
actively engaged were : tho 9th Ohio, Col. 
McCook ; 2d Minnesota, Col. Van Cleve ; 4th 
Kentucky, Col. Fry ; 10th Indiana, Col. Mun- 
son ; with the batteries of Capts. Stanhart and 
Wetmore. These were supported by the 14th 
Ohio, Col. Steadman; and the 10th Kentucky, 
Col. Haskin. The force of Gen. SchcepiF came 
up and joined in the pursuit. The Confederate 
force consisted of 'the 15th Mississippi, Col. 
Walthal ; 19th Tennessee, Col. Cummings ; 
20th Tennessee, Capt. Battle ; 25th Tennessee, 
Capt. Stouton ; iVth Tennessee, Col. Newman ; 
28th Tennessee, Col. Murray ; 29th Tennes- 
see, Col. Powell ; 16th Alabama, Col. Wood, 
with two batteries. The Federal loss was 38 
killed and 194 wounded ; the Confederate loss 
was 190 killed (among whom was Gen. Zolli- 
cotter), 60 wounded, and 89 prisoner.?. The 
forces of Gen. Thomas and Gen. Crittenden 
Avere about equal. Tlie force of Gen. Schoepff, 
however, was equal to a reserve for Gen. Tho- 
mas. Tho artillery of Gen. Thomas was of 
longer range than the Confederate guns. 

The following order of thanks was issued by 
President Lincoln in consequence of this vic- 
tory: 

War Department, January 22, 1S62. 

The President, conunanderin-chief of the army and 
navy, has received information of a brilliant victory 
achieved by the United States forces over a large body 
of armed traitors and rebels at Mill Springs, in the 
State of Kentucky. 

He returns thanks to the gallant officers and soldiers 
who won that victory ; and when the ollicial reports 
shall be received, the military skill and personal valor 
displayed in battle will be acknowledged and reward- 
ed in a fitting manner. 

The courage that encountered and vanquished the 
greatly superior numbers of the rebel force, pursued 
and attacked them in their intrenchments, and paused 
not until the enemy was completely routed, merits and 
receives commendation. 

The purpose of this war is to attack, pursue, and 
destroy a rebellious enemy, and to deliver the country 
from danger menaced by traitors. Alacrity, daring, 
courageous spirit, and patriotic zeal, on all occasions 
and under every circumstance, are expected from the 
army of the United States. 

In the prompt and spirited movements and daring 
battle of Mill Springs, the nation will realize its hopes, 
and the people of the United States will rejoice to 
honor every soldier and officer who" proves his courage 
by charging with the bayonet and storming intrench- 
ments, or in tlie blaze of the enemy's fire. 

By order of tJie President 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

This victory opened the path into east Ten- 
nessee, but no advantage was taken of it by tho 
Federal Government. It also produced &n 
exhilaration in the North far above its im- 
portance. 



124 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



Some important reconnoissances were made 
in western Kentucky at this time, extending 
even to the Tennessee line. The country 
around Fort Columbus was fully explored, the 
length and condition of the roads ascertained, 
the number of bridges and their strength, the 
depth of the streams without bridges, and the 
sentiments of the inhabitants. Fort Henry 
was twice approached by the gunboat Lexing- 
ton, and its strength estimated. These recon- 
noissances were made by forces from the Depart- 
ment of Missouri, then under the command of 
Maj.-Gen. Halleck. Early in January troops 
began to concentrate at Cairo, Paducah, and 
Fort Jetierson from different quarters. To such 
an extent had this progressed that, in the public 
mind, it was supposed that a great movement 
was on foot. 

The plan of the campaign in the West now 
began to be manifest. At the time when 
Gen. Buell was ordered to the command of 
the department of the Ohio, the views of the 
Government were favorable to an expedition 
to the Cumberland Gap and into east Tennes- 
see, for the purpose of seizing the Virginia and 
east Tennessee line of railroad and affording 
aid to the loyal citizens. The Confederate 
line of defence had now become so fully devel- 
oped, with its strong positions of Bowling 
Green and Columbus, that the propriety of an 
expedition by the forces in Kentucky into east 
Tennessee became a question for military in- 
vestigation. The mountainous character of 
the country through which the Gap had to be 
reached, the roughness of the roads, rendering 
the conveyance of artillery extremely difficult 
and slow, and subjecting an army at every 
interval to formidable resistance, were dis- 
couraging obstacles to an advance in that di- 
rection. 

On the other hand, the movement of troops 
from Cairo up the Cumberland river by trans- 
ports and gunboats against Nashville, so as to 
reach the rear of the Confedera'fce army under 
Gen. Buckner, presented an easy manner of 
breaking the enemy's line and compelling the 
evacuation of Kentucky. Its successful achieve- 
ment might be attended with the capture 
of the Confederate force at Bowling Green. 
These views finally prevailed and measures 
were taken to carry them into execution. The 
original plan of the western campaign had been 
for a military and naval expedition to proceed 
from St. Louis and Cairo down the Mississippi 
river. For this purpose the gunboats were 
originally constructed. They were found to be 
of sufficiently light draft to navigate the Cum- 
berland and Tennessee rivers, and the coopera- 
tion of the western department under Gen. 
Halleck was also secured. Indeed the Missis- 
sippi river expedition was thus diverted at the 
outset, and Gen. Halleck, by order of the Presi- 
dent, assumed the entire commahd After a 
union of these two armies, they were expected 
to control the whole country to New Orleans. 

The reoonnoissance of Fort Henry had con- 



vinced Com. Foote, in command of the western 
fleet of gunboats, that it could be easily re- 
duced by his gunboats. At an early day ho 
applied to Gen. Halleck for permission to at- 
tack the fort. These views undoubtedly had 
an important influence on the plan of the 
western campaign. 

The States which contributed chiefly to the 
force organized by Gen. Buell in Kentucky 
were : Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Michi- 
gan, "Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and 
Tennessee, as follows: Ohio, thirty regiments 
of infantry, two and half regiments of cavalry, 
and eight batteries of artillery ; Indiana, twenty- 
seven regiments of infantry, one and half regi- 
ments of cavalry, and five batteries of artillery ; 
Illinois, three regiments of infantry ; Kentucky, 
twenty-four regiments of infantry, four regi- 
ment, of cav.ilry, and two batteries of artillery ; 
Pennsylvania, three regiments of infantry, two 
regiments of cavalry, one battery of artUlery ; 
Michigan, three regiments of infantry, one bat- 
tery of artillery; Wisconsm, three regiments of 
infantry; Minnesota, two regiments of infantry, 
and one battery of artillery; Tennessee, two 
regiments of infantry. Besides these there 
were of regulars, three regiments of infantry, 
and three batteries of artillery. Thus making 
one hundred and two regiments of infantry, 
ten regiments of cavalry, and twenty-one bat- 
teries of artillery ; which might be summed up 
as follows: infantry 100,000, cavalry 11,000, 
artillerists 3,000; total 114,000 men, and 126 
pieces of artillery. This army was divided into 
four grand divisions under the command of Gens. 
Alexander McDowell McCook, Geo. H. Thom- 
as, Ormsby M. Mitchell, Thos. L. Crittenden, 
Among the brigade commanders, of whom 
there were twenty, were the following officers: 
Ebenezer Dumont, Albin Schcepff", Thos. J. 
Wood, Wm. Nelson, Richard W. Johnson, Jerre 
T. Boyle, Jas. S. Negiey, Wm. T. Ward. 

The force organized by Gen. Halleck, with 
his headquarters at St. Louis, was concentrated 
at that place and Cairo and Paducah, excepting 
that portion which was in the field in the State 
of Missouri. It was somewhat less in num- 
bers than the army of Gen. Buell. For opera- 
tions in Kentucky and Tennessee it was placed 
under the command of Gen, Grant, It was 
drawn chiefly from the States adjacent to Mis- 
souri, 

The naval foi;ce prepared to cooperate with 
the military consisted of twelve gunboats car- 
rying an armament in all of one hundred and 
twenty-six guns. None of these guns were 
less than 32-pounders, some were 42-pounders, 
and also 9 and 10-inch naval colnmbiads. In 
addition, each boat carried a rifled Dahlgren 
12-pounder boat howitzer on the upper deck. 
Several of the larger guns on each boat were 
rifled. 

The boats were buUt very wide, in proportion 
to their length, giving them almost the same 
steadiness in action that a stationary land bat- 
tery would possess. They were constructed 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



125 



with the sides sloping upward and downward 
from the water line, at an angle of forty-five 
degrees. The bow battery on each boat con- 
sisted of salid oak timber twenty-six inches in 
thickness, plated on the exterior surface with 
iron two and a half inches thick. 

The side and stern batteries were somewhat 
thinner, but had the same thickness of iron 
over that portion covering the machinery. 

The boats were built so that in action they 
could be kept " bow on ; " hence the superior 
strength of the bow battery. Broadsides were 
so arranged as to be delivered with terrible ef- 
fect while shifting position. To facilitate move- 
ments in action, the engines and machinery were 
of the most powerful kind. The boilers were 
five in number, constructed to work in connec- 
tion with or independent of each other. 

Seven of these boats only were iron clad. 
The number of mortar boats ordered was thirty- 
eight. Each one Avliich was built, carried a 
mortar of 1 3-inch calibre. The charge of 
powder for the mortar was about twenty-three 
pounds. Each boat was manned by a captain, 
lieutenant, and twelve men. Formidable as 
this naval force appears, its preparation was 
very tardily undertaken by the Government, 
and at the moment when first needed, but few 
of the boats were ready. 

On the 27th of January, the President of the 
United States appeared as commander-in-chief 
of the army and navy, and issued the follow- 
ing order : 

Executive Mansion, Washington, Jan. 27, 1862. 
President's General War Order, No. 1. 

Ordered, That the 22d day of February, 1SG2, be the 
day for a general movement of the land and naval forces 
of the United States against the insurgent forces. 
That especially 

The Army at and about Fortress Monroe, 
The Army of the Potomac, 
The Army of Western Virginia, 
The Army near Munfordsville, Kentucky, 
The Army and Flotilla at Cairo, 
And a Naval Force in the Gulf of Mexico, 
be ready for a movement on that day. 

That all other forces, both land and naval, with their 
respective commanders, obey existing orders for the 
time, and be ready to obey additional orders when duly 
given. 

That the Heads of Departments, and especially the 
Secretaries of War and of the Navy, with ail their sub- 
ordinates, and the General-in-Chief, with all other com- 
manders and subordinates of land and naval forces, will 
severally be held to their strict and full responsibilities 
for the prompt execution of thi.s order. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

This order was unproductive of direct mili- 
tary effect, but was viewed as an indication of 
the President's desire that active measures 
should be taken speedily toward the initiation 
of hostilities. Gen. McClellan still continued 
to be general-in-chief, and all the movements 
of Gen. Biiell up to the occupation of Nash- 
ville, and those of Gens. Ilalleck and Grant, 
were made under his instructions up to the 
11th of March, when the order of the Presi- 
dent was issued, relieving him " from the com- 
mand of the other military departments." 



By the "Army near MunfordsviUe,Kentupky," 
were designated the forces of Gen. Buoll. After 
the battle of Mill Springs, movements were made 
by order of Gen. Buell, as if with the purpose 
of advancing into eastern Tennessee in force. 
The Cumberland river was crossed at Waitsboro', 
and a column was pushed toward Cumberland 
Gap, while two brigades were moved from Gen. 
Buell's centre toward his left. The Confeder- 
ates understood that east Tennessee was the 
destination of these troops, and hastily sent a 
large force by railroad from Bowling Green 
through Nashville to Knox^•ille. But the army 
of Gen. Thomas, instead of going to east Ten- 
nessee, turned back to Danville and subse- 
quently marched to join Gen. Nelson, at Glas- 
gow, and flank Bowling Green on the left. 
Thus, instead of dividing his forces. Gen. Buell 
concentrated them by a movement from the 
left to the centre. Meanwhile the centre of 
Gen. Buell's force, under Gen. Mitchell, had 
been advanced toward Munfordsville, on the 
road to Bowhng Green. 

By the term " The Army and Flotilla at Cai- 
ro," was designated the military force of Gen. 
Halleck's department, collected at Cairo, Pa- 
ducah, and Fort Jefferson, under Gen. Grant, 
together with the gunboats, and intended for 
the Tennessee river expedition. 

A movement against Fort Henry on the Ten- 
nessee river was at once undertaken. This fort 
is situated near the line of Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee, on the east bank of the stream. It 
stands on the low lands adjacent to the river, 
about the high water mark, and being just be- 
low a bend in the river, and at the head of a 
straight stretch of about two miles, it commands 
the river for that distance, and very little else. 
On Saturday night, Feb. 1, the gunboats St. 
Louis, Cincinnati, Carondolet, Essex, Tyler, and 
Lexington, in an incomplete state of prepara- 
tion, being the only ones manned, left Cairo, 
and proceeded to the mouth of the Tennessee 
at Paducah. Here they were joined by the 
gunboat Conestoga and a fleet of transports, 
with a land force under Gen. Grant, and on 
Monday afternoon proceeded up the river. By 
Tuesday all were anchored about eight miles 
below the fort, which being an unfavorable 
place for the debarkation of troops, a recon- 
noissance was made by the Essex, St. Louis, and 
Cincinnati. A suitable place for the landing, 
encampment, and general rendezvous of the 
troops was found just below the range of the 
guns of the fort. The troops were landed dur- 
ing the afternoon, and the transports returned 
to'Paducah for more regiments. By Thursday 
morning, Feb. 6, a large force was gathered, 
and a body of troops under Gen. Smith were 
also landed on the west side of the river, where 
it was supposed that a considerable Confederate 
force was encamped. The troops after being 
landed were formed into two divisions; the 
first, consisting of the 8th, 18th, 2rth, 29th, 30th, 
and 31st, making one brigade ; and the 11th, 
20th, 45th, and 48th Illinois regiments making 



126 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 




GUNS. 

A— S2-ponnders, barbette. 10 
B — lO-pounder colum- 

biad, iron carriage 1 

C— 24-poundei-, siege 1 

D— I2-pounder8, siege.... 2 

E — 24-pounder, rille 1 

G — i2-pounder8, barbette. 2 

Total 17 

Q— Quarters, log hats. 
Q' — " frame huts. 
8— Stockade. 
B — Sand bags. 
H — Draw bridge. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



127 



another brigade, with one regiment (the 4th Il- 
linois), and four independent companies of cav- 
alry, and four batteries of artillery, under Gen. 
McClernand. This division was ordered to 
move across the country to a point on the road 
leading from the fort to the town of Dover, on 
the Cumberland river, for the purpose of pre- 
venting reenforcements to the enemy and cut- 
ting of his retreat. The second division con- 
sisted of the Yth, 9th, 12th, 28th, and 41st Il- 
linois regiments, the lltli Indiana, 7th and 12th 
Iowa, 8th and 13th Missouri, with artillery and 
cavalry, under Gen. Smith. About ten o'clock 
tlie land force commenced the march over the 
liilltops, and the gunboats began to move un- 
der steam toward the fort. Passing up the 
narrow passage to the westward of the island 
below the fort, tliey were protected from its 
guns until within a mile, and emerged in line 
of battle, tlie St. Louis, Lieut. Paulding, on the 
left, next the Oarondolet, Commander Walke, 
next tlie flag ship Cincinnati, Commander 
Stembel, and next upon the right the Essex, 
Commander Porter. The other boats acted as 
a reserve. Firing upon both sides soon com- 
menced, but the gunboats continued to approach 
until within six hundred yards of the Confed- 
erate batteries. The action lasted for one hour 
and a quarter, when the flag on the fort was 
hauled down. Meantime the high water and 
muddy roads prevented the arrival of the land 
forces under Gen. Grant, and the Confederate 
troops in the fort retired, and escaped. Com- 
modore Foote, commanding the naval portion 
of the expedition, says : " The garrison, I think, 
must have commenced their retreat last night, 
or at an early hour this morning. Had I not 
felt it an imperative necessity to attack Fort 
Henry to-day, I should have made the invest- 
ment complete and delayed until to-morrow, so 
as to secure the garrison. I do not now believe, 
however, the result would have been anymore 
satisfactory." 

This Confederate force was supposed to num- 
ber between four and five thousand. The fort 
was arme'd with twenty guns, 32 and 34-pound- 
ers, including one 10-inch Columbiad. Before 
the close of the action a shot entered the boiler 
of the Essex, which resulted in wounding and 
scalding twenty-nine officers and men. Eighty- 
three prisoners were taken, among whom was 
Brig. Gen. Tilghman, and a large amount of 
stores, and everything belonging to the re- 
tiring force. On the gunboats two were killed 
and nine wounded in the action, and on the 
part of the Confederates five killed and ten 
wounded. 

The result of this action occasioned great 
joy in the Northern States. The Secretary of 
the Navy, Gideon "WeUes, sent the following 
despatch to Com. Foote : 

Navy Dbpabtment, February 9, 1862. 

Tour despatch announcing the capture of Fort Hen- 
ry, by the squadron which yon command, has given 
the highest gratification to the President, to Congress, 
and the country. It was received and read in both 



Houses of Congress in open session. The country 
appreciates your gallant deeds, and this depart 
nieut desires to convey to you and your brave asso- 
ciates its profound thanks for the service you have 
rendered. 

GIDEON WELLES. 

Secretary of the Navy. 
Flag OfiBcer A. H. Foote, U. S. N., commanding 
the United States naval forces, Cairo, 111. 

By the possession of Fort Henry the Federal 
forces were in the rear of Columbus on the 
Mississippi, and within ten miles of the bridge 
by which the railroad connection was made 
between Columbus and Bowling Green. There 
was now no obstacle to the passage of the gun- 
boats to the sources of the Tennessee river in 
northern Alabama. 

Immediately after the surrender, Commander 
Phelps was ordered to proceed with tlie gun- 
boats Conestoga, Tyler, and Lexington, up the 
river to the railroad bridge, and to destroy so 
much as would prevent its use by the enemy, 
and thence proceed as far up the river as the 
stage of water would permit, and capture the 
gunboats and other vessels which might be use- 
ful to the enemy. 

After dark, on the same day, the expedition 
arrived at the bridge for the railroad crossing 
about twenty-five miles above Fort Henry, 
where considerable camp equipage was destroy- 
ed. Thence the expedition proceeded as far 
up the river as Florence in Alabama, at the 
foot of the Muscle shoals. Here the enemy 
burnt six of their steamers and two were cap- 
tured, beside a half complete gunboat and con- 
siderable lumber. Two hundred stands of 
arms, a quantity of stores and clothing were 
also seized, and the encampment of a regiment 
destroyed. This sudden appearance of the Fed- 
eral gunboats was like an unexpected appa- 
rition to the inhabitants, and loyal and friendly 
feelings were manifested on every side. 

The next step of Com. Foote was to return 
to Cairo to prepare the mortar boats for opera- 
tions against Fort Donelson. He desired a de- 
lay of a few days to complete them, believing 
that thereby the garrison, however extensive, 
could be shelled out without much loss of life 
to the Federal force. But Gen, Halleck re- 
garded an immediate attack as a military ne- 
cessity, and it was made although the fleet 
was reduced to a crippled state, and the loss of 
life was considerable. There is no question 
of the correctness of Gen. Halleck's views rela- 
tive to the attack ; the deficiency resulted from 
a degree of precipitation in the entire move- 
ment after the issue of the President's procla- 
mation. 

At this time Gen. Crittenden, in command 
of the right wing of Gen. Buell's army, having 
advanced to the left bank of Green river near 
South Carrollton and manoeuvred in front of 
the Confederate (Gen. Buckner's) force, sud- 
denly retreated to Calhoun on Green river. 
Steamers were there awaiting him, on which 
his force was embarked and taken down the 
Green river to the Ohio, down the Ohio, and 



128 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



up the Cumberland, where a junction was ef- 
fected with Gen. Grant's army. 

Troops were also sent from St. Louis, Cairo, 
and Cincinnati, until the following regiments 
and batteries were under the command of Gen. 
Grant, not including the force brought by 
Gen. Crittenden : 

Illinois Infantry. — 7th, Col. John Cook, act- 
ing brigadier-general ; Lieut.-Col. Andrew J. 
Babcock ; 8th, Col. Richard J. Oglesby, act- 
ing brigadier-general; Lieut.-Col., Frank L. 
Rhodes ; 9th, Col. Augustus Marsey ; 10th, 
Col. James D. Morgan; 11th, Col. Thomas 
E. R. Ransom; 12th, Col. John McArthur ; 
16th, Col. Robert F. Smith ; 18th, Col. Michael 
K. Lawler ; 20th, Col. C. Carroll Marsh ; 22d, 
Col. Henry Dougherty (invalid) ; Lieut.-Col. H. 
E. Hart ; 27th, Col. Napoleon B. Buford ; 28th, 
Col. Aniory K, Johnson; 29th, Col. James 
S. Riordan ; 30th, Col. Philip B. Fouke, ab- 
sent ; Lieut.-Col. E. B. Dennis ; 31st, Col. 
John A. Logan ; 32d, Col. John Logan ; 41st, 
' Col. Isaac C. Pugh ; 45th, Col. John E. Smith ; 
46th, Col. John A. Davis ; 4Sth, Col. Isham N. 
Haynie ; 49th, Col. "Wm. R. Morrison, wound- 
ed ; Lieut.-Col., Thomas G. Allen ; 50th, Col. 
Moses M. Bane; 52d, Lieut.-Col, John S. Wil- 
cox; 55th, Col. David Stuart; 57th, Col. S. 
D. Baldwin. 

Illinois Artillery. — 2d regiment. Col. Silas 
Noble ; 8d regiment. Col. Eugene A. Carr ; 
4th regiment, Col. T. Lyle Dickey ; 7th regi- 
ment, Col. William Pitt Kellogg. 

Illinois Artillery Batteries. — Schwartz's, 
Dresser's, Taylor's, McAllister's, Richardson's, 
Willard's, and Buell's ; in all, thirty -four guns. 

Troops from other States. — 3d Iowa, Col. N. 
G. Williams; 7th Iowa, Col. John G. Lauman; 
11th Iowa, Col. Abi'aham F. Hare; 12th Iowa, 
Col. Jackson J. Wood; 13th Iowa, Col. Mar- 
cellus M. Crocker ; 14th Iowa, Col. William T. 
Shaw ; 8th Missouri, Col. Morgan M. Smith ; 
13th Missouri, Col. Crafts J. Wright ; 1st Mis- 
souri Artillery, Major Cavender ; 11th Indi- 
ana, Col. George F. McGinniss ; 23d Indiana, 
Col. Wm. L. Sanderson ; 48th Indiana, Col. Nor- 
man Eddy ; 52d Indiana, Col. James M. Smith. 

Gen. Lewis Wallace commanded a third di- 
vision, in which were the following regiments 
. who were engaged in the battle at Donelson : 
28th Kentucky, Col. James L. Shackelford; 
31st Indiana, Mnj. Fred. Arn ; 44th Indiana, 
Col. Hugh B. Reed ; 17th Kentucky, Col. John 
McHenry. 

The force of Gen. Grant had grown within 
a few days into almost gigantic proportions. 
Its numbers have been variously stated. After 
the surrender of Donelson, Gen. Halleck sent 
the tollowing despatch to Gen. Hunter : 

Headqitakters, Department op St. Louts, FeVy 19. 
To Maj.'Gen. D. Hunter, Commanding 

Department of Kansas at Fort Leavenworth, : 
To you more than any other man out of this depart- 
ment, are we indebted for our success at Fort Donel- 
son. 
In my strait for troops to reGnforce Gen. Grant, I ap- 



plied to you. You responded nobly, by placing your 
forces at my disposal. 

This enabled us to win the victory. Receive my 
most heartfelt thanks. 

(Signed) H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. 

A respectable authority wrote as follows, on 
the morning of Feb. 14 : 

At eleven o'clock last night we arrived within two 
miles of the fort. Here we found the Carondolet at 
anchor. She had been engaging the enemy during the 
afternoon, at a distance of a mile, had fired about two 
hundred shots, and retired without receiving any dam- 
age. By six o'clock this morning, sixteen transports 
had arrived from St. Louis, Cairo and Cincinnati, car- 
rying in all about 10,000 troops, cavalry, artillery and 
infantry. The debarkation occupied about four hours. 
The sight of such strong recnforcements encouraged 
all our men greatly. Knowing already that the fort 
was surrounded by Gen. Grant's command — estimated 
at 30,000 — we felt that such a large addition to his 
numbers would make assurance doubly sure. 

Senator Trumbull thus stated, in the Senate 
of the United States, his view of the force en- 
gaged : " I think there is a disposition to over- 
estimate the number of men upon both sides 
in the field. We have seen a statement within 
a few days going the rounds of the papers, that 
Fort Donelson was invested by an army of fifty 
thousand men ; I have seen it in a number of 
papers ; but when we come to see what regi- 
ments were there, instead of being fifty thou- 
sand, there were not thirty thousand men. A 
gentleman direct from Cairo, well acquainted 
with all the troops engaged in that gallant af- 
fair, informs me that the number of our troops 
was less than twenty-eight thousand." 

The Confederate regiments in the fort were 
reported as follows : 

Regiments. — Tennessee, 11 ; Mississippi, 8; 
Texas, 1 ; Kentucky, 2 ; Arkansas, 1 ; Vir- 
ginia, 4; Alabama, 1. 

Cavalry Battalions. — Alabama, 1 ; Tennes- 
see, 1 ; Mississippi, 1. 

The location of the fort was on a fine slope, 
one hundred and fifty feet high, on a slight 
bend on the west side of the Cumberland 
river. At this point the Cumberland and 
Tennessee rivers, both running north, approach 
within about twelve miles of each other. Op- 
posite on the Tennessee is situated Fort 
Henry. There were two batteries at Fort 
Donelson — the first about twenty-five feet 
above the water, consisting of nine guns, eight 
82's and one 10-inch ; the second having one 
rifled 32-pounder and two 32-pound carron- 
ades, located sixty feet higher up. The main 
fort was in the rear of these batteries, occupy- 
ing a high range cloven by a deep gorge open- 
ing toward the south. The outworks con- 
sisted in the main of rifle pits. Along the 
front of the extension line, the trees had been 
felled and the brush cut and bent over breast 
high, making a wide abatis very difiicult to 
pass through. The Confederate camp was he- 
hind the hill and beyond the reach of shot and 
shell from the gunboats. 

At three o'clock on the afternoon of Feb, 
14, Com. Foote began the conflict with four 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



129 



iron-clad gunboats and two ■wooden ones. It 
continued for an hour and a quarter, and the 
latter part of the time within four hundred 
yards of the fort, when the wheel of one ves- 
sel and the tiller of another were shot away, and 
both rendered unmanageable, and drifted down 
the river. At this time the Confederates ap- 
peared to be deserting their batteries along the 
water. The other boats were injured between 
wind and water, and fifty-four had been killed 
and wounded, when all retired. Com. Foote 
deeming his services to be less required on the 
spot than at Cairo, "until damages could be re- 
paired, and a competent force brought up from 
that place to attack the fort," retired to Cairo. 
At the same time he sent a gunboat up the 
Tennessee to render the railroad bridge above 
Fort Henry impassable. This had not been 
done by Lieut. Phelps who had gone up that 
river with three gunboats. 

The land forces under Gen. Grant left Fort 
Henry on the 12th of February, in two divis- 
ions, stated by Gen. Grant as " about fifteen 
thousand strong," — six regiments having been 
sent round on transports. The head of the 
marching column arrived within two miles 
of Fort Donelson at twelve o'glock. The 
Confederate fortifications were from this point 
gradually approached and surrounded, with 
occasional skirmishing on the line. The next 
day the investment was extended on the Confed- 
erate flanks, and drawn closer to their works, 
with skirmishing all day. That night the gun- 
boats and reenforcements arrived. On the 
next day the attack of the gunboats was made, 
and after its failure Gen. Grant resolved to 
make the investment as perfect as possible, and 
to partially fortify and await the repairs to the 
gunboats. This plan was frustrated by a vigor- 
ous attack upon his right under Gen. McCler- 
naud, by the enemy. The battle was closely 
contested for several hours, and with consid- 
erable advantage to the enemy, when they 
were finally repulsed, having inflicted upon the 
Union troops a loss of one thousand two hun- 
dred in killed, wounded, and missing. At this 
time Gen. Grant ordered a charge to be made 
on the left by Gen. Charles F. Smith with his 
division. This was brilliantly done, and the 
contest here, which continued until dark, re- 
sulted in giving to him possession of part of the 
intrenchments. Soon after this charge was 
commenced, an attack was ordered by Gen. 
Grant to be made by Gen. "Wallace of the third 
division, and two regiments of the second divis- 
ion, on the other Confederate flank, by which it 
was still further repulsed. At the points thus 
gained, all the troops remained for the night, 
feeling that, notwithstanding the brave resist- 
ance, a complete victory awaited them in the 
morning. 

The result of this conflict convinced the 
Confederate oflBcers that without fresh troops 
they would be unable to hold their position on 
the next day. Gens. PiUow and Floyd deter- 
mined therefore to withdraw as no reenforce- 
9 



ments would reach them, Iea\'ing Gen. Simon 
B. Buckuer in command. By means of two or 
three snKill steamboats these officers retired 
during the night taking about five thousand 
troops with them. 

Early the next morning a flag of truce was 
sent to Gen. Grant with the following letter : 

Headquarters, Fort Donelson, F(.'l. 16, 1S62. 
Sir : In consideration of all the circumstances gov- 
eruiug the present situation of aftairs at this station, I 
propose to the commanding oflicer of the Federal 
forces the appointment of commissioners to agree upon 
terms of capitulation of the forces at this post under 
my command. In that view I suggest an armistice 
until twelve o'clock to day. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
S. B. BUCKXER. 
Brigadier-General C. S. Army. 
To Brig.-Gen. U. S. Grant, Commanding 

United States forces near Fort Donelson. 

The reply of Gen. Grant to this letter was 
as follows : 

IIe\dquartt:r9, on the field, ) 
Fort Donelson, Feb. 16, 1862. ) 

To Gen. S. B. Bcckner : 

Sir : Yours of this date, proposing an armistice and 
the appointment of commissioners to settle on the 
terms of capitulation, is just received. 

No terms, except unconditional and immediate sur- 
render, can be accepted. 
I propose to move immediately on your works. 
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
U. S. GRANT, 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 

The answer of Gen. Buckner was as follows : 

Headquarters, Dover (Tenn.), Feb. 16, 1S62. 
Brig.-Gen. U. S. Grant, U. S. Army : 

Sir : The distribution of the forces under my com- 
mand, incident to an unexpected change of command- 
ers, and the overwhelming force under your com- 
mand, compel me, notwithstanding the brilliant success 
of the Confederate arms, to accept the ungenerous and 
unchivalrous terms which you propose. 
I am, sir, your servant, 

S. B. BUCKNER. 
Brigadier-General C. S. Army. 

The fort was subsequently given up and oc- 
cupied by the Union troops. 

In the action 231 were killed and 1,007 
wounded on the Confederate side. The num- 
ber was larger on the Union side. About 
10,000 prisoners were made, and 40 pieces of 
cannon and extensive magazines of all kinds 
of ordnance, quartermasters' an^l commissary 
stores were captured. 

The following is a list of the regiments which 
were captured at Fort Donelson : 49th Tennes- 
see regiment. Col. Bailey ; 43d Tennessee regi- 
ment. Col. Abernethy ; 27th Alabama regiment, 
Col. Jackson; 42d Tennessee regiment, Col. 
Quarrells; Captain Guy's battery; 26th Ten- 
nessee regiment. Col. Silliard; 1 4th Mississippi 
regiment. Col. Baldwin; 18th Tennessee regi- 
ment. Col. Palmer ; 2d Kentucky regiment, 
Col. Hanson ; 20th Mississippi regiment. Major 
Brown; Captain Milton's company ; 15th Virgi- 
nia regiment, Lieut. Ilaslep ; Texas regiment, 
Col. Gregg; 15th Arkansas regiment, Col. Lee; 
Capt. Oreston's cavalry ; 15th Tennessee regi- 



130 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




A "Water Batteries— Lower Battery, 8 32-pounder guns ; 1 10-incli Columbiad. 

Upper Battery, 1 32-ponnder heavy rifled gun ; 2 32-pounder carronades. 
B Rifle Pits, carried by General Smith's division. 
General Grant's Headquarters during the siege. 
D Part of Confederate Intrenchments, carried by a portion of General McClernaud's 

division. 
E FaUen Timber. 
F Confederate Tents. 
G Confederate Log Huts. 
H Woods. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



131 



ment, Maj. Clark ; one Company, Col. Lugg ; 
Porter's artillery ; 3(1 Tennessee regiment, Col. 
Brown; 8th Kentucky regiment, Capt. Lyon; 
30tli Tennessee regiment, Maj. Humphrey ; 32d 
Tennessee regiment. Col. Oook ; 41st Tennes- 
see regiment, Col. Forquehanor; Mississippi 
regiment. Col. Davidson. A portion of the 
Federal troops in Gen. McClernand's division 
■were under arms two days and nights, amid 
driving storms of snow and rain. 

The fall of the fort occasioned great rejoic- 
ing in the Northern cities. 

The commanding general (Grant) thus ad- 
dressed his troops : 

IIeadquakters, District op West Tenn., { 
FoBT DONELSON, Feb. 17, 1S62. ) 

The General commanding takes great pleasure in 
congratulating the troops of this command for the 
triumph over rebellion gained by their valor on the 
13th, 14th, and Kith instant. 

For four successive nights, without shelter during 
the most inclement weather known in this latitude, 
they faced au enemy in large force in a position chosen 
by himself. Though strongly fortified by nature, all 
the additional safeguards suggested by science were 
added. Without a murmur this was borne, prepared 
at all times to receive an attack, and with continuous 
skirmishing by day, resulting ultimately in forcing the 
enemy to surrender without conditions. 

The victory achieved is not only great in the effect 
it will have in breaking down rebellion, but has secured 
the greatest number of prisoners of war ever taken in 
any Dattle on this continent. 

Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in capitals 
on the map of our united country, and the men who 
fought the battle will live in the memory of a grateful 
people. By order U. S. GRANT, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 

The following is the order of Gen. Halleck : 

Headquarters, Department of Mirsotjui. ) 
St. Louis, Feb. 19, 1S62. ( 

The Major-General commanding the department con- 
gratulates Flag-OiScer Footc, ]]rig.-Gen. Grant, and 
the brave officers and men under their command on 
the recent brilliant victories on the Tennessee and 
Cumberland. 

The war is not ended. Prepare for new conflicts and 
new victories. Troops are concentrating from every 
direction. We shall soon have an army which will be 
irresistible. The Union Flag must be restored every- 
where, and the enthralled Union men in the South 
must be set free. The soldiers and sailors of the Great 
West are ready and willing to do this. The time and 
place have been determined on. Victory and glory 
await the brave ! 

By command of Maj. Gen. HALLECK. 

N. H. McLean, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

The Confederate Congress being at that time 
in session, the following Message was addressed 
to that body by President Davis • 

Executive Department, March 11, 1S62. 
To the Speaker of the House of Rqrresentatives : 

I transmit herewith copies of such official reports a8 
have been received at the War Department of the de- 
fence and fall of Fort Donelson. 

They will be found incomplete and unsatisfactory. 
Instructions have been given to furnish further in- 
formation upon the several points not made intelligi- 
ble by the reports. It is not stated that recnforcnments 
were at any time asked for ; nor is it demonstrated to 
have been impossible to have saved the army by evac- 
uating the position ; nor is it known by what means 
it was found practicable to withdraw a part of the 



garrison, leaving the remainder to surrender ; nor upon 
what authority or principles of action the senior Clen- 
erals abandoned responsibility by transferring the 
command to a junior officer. 

In a former communication to Congress, I presented 
the propriety of a suspension of judgment in relation 
to the disaster at Fort Donelson, until official reports 
could be received. I regret that the information now 
furnished is so defective. In the mean time, hopeful 
that satisfactory explanation may be made, I have 
directed, upon the exhibition of the case as presented 
by the two senior Generals, that they should be re- 
lieved from command, to await further orders when- 
ever a reliable judgment can be rendered on the merits 
of the case. JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

The successful operations against Fort Donel- 
son were followed by the immediate evacuation 
of Bowling Green by the Confederate troops 
under Gen. Johnston. The centre of Gen. 
BucU's army under Gen. Mitchell was advan- 
cing from MunfordsvUle upon Bowling Green 
on the 14th of February, and by a forced march 
reached the river at that place on the next day. 
He immediately began to reconstruct the 
bridge, which had been burned some hours 
previous to his arrival, and took possession of 
the fortifications on the ftext day. 

Since the battle of Mill Springs the intention 
of holding Bovrling Green had been given up 
by the Confederate commander, and the troops 
were gradually withdrawn. About the 25tb 
of January Gen. Floyd, with a command com- 
posed of his brigade and those of Gens. "Wood 
and Breckinridge, left Bowling Green and went 
to Nashville and east Tennessee. The brigade 
of Gen. Buckner about the same time moved 
in the direction of Hopkinsville, near which 
place he manoeuvred in front of Gen. Critten- 
den until the latter left to join Gen. Grant, 
when Gen. Buckner fell back and combined his 
forces with those at Fort Donelson. The force 
then remaining at Bowling Green consisted of 
the brigades commanded by Gens. Hardee 
and Hindman, which were chiefly Arkansas 
regiments, and twelve in number. This force, 
being about 8,000 men, was totally inadequate 
to defend the position against the forces of 
Gen. Mitchell and the reserve of Gen. Buell 
commanded by Gen. McCook. 

On the 19th of February Com. Foote left 
Fort Donelson with the gunboats Conestoga 
and Cairo on an armed reconnoissance. At 
Clarksville he learned that nearly two thirds 
of the citizens had fled in alarm, and therefore 
issued a proclamation, assuring "all peaceably 
disposed persons that they could with safety 
resume their business avocations, and requiring 
only the military stores and equipments to be 
given up and holding the authorities responsi- 
ble that it should be done without reservation." 
Clarksville is on the line of railroad communi- 
cation between Memphis and Nashville and 
Memphis and Bowling Green and Louisville. 
Below the town were two small forts w^hich 
were taken by the Federal force without any 
resistance. They mounted three guns each. 
One span of the railroad bridge had also been 
destroyed. 



132 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The fate of Nashville was now settled. "With 
a high state of the water of the Oamberland 
river, there were no obstacles to the immediate 
approach of the gunboats with a force on 
transports. The centre of Gen. Buell's arniy 
had already arrived a. Bowling Green, within 




two days' march of Nashville. Its progress 
had been attended with many difficulties, and 
Brig.-Gen. Mitchell in command issued the fol- 
lowing address to his soldiers : 

Bo-svLiNG Green, February 19, 1862. 

Soldiers of the 'ITiird Division ! You have executed a 

march of forty miles in twenty-eight hours and a half 

The fallen tiniber and other obstructions opposed by 

the enemy to your movements, have been swept from 



your path. The fire of your artillery and the bursting 
of your shells announced your arrival. Surprised and 
ignorant of the force that had thus precipitated itself 
upon them, they fled in consternation. 

In the night time, over a frozen, rocky, precipitous 
pathway, down rude steps for fifty feet, you have pass- 
ed the advance guard, cavalry, and infantry, and be- 
fore the dawn of day, you have entered in triumph a 
position of extraordinary natural strength, and by your 
enemy proudly denominated the Gibraltar of Kentucky. 

With your own hands, through deep mud, in drench- 
ing rains, and up rocky pathways next to impassable, 
and across a footpath of your own construction, built 
upon the ruins of the railway bridge, destroyed for 
their protection, by a retreating and panic-stricken foe, 
you have transported upon your own shoulders your 
baggage and camp equipage. 

The General commanding the department, on re- 
ceiving my report announcing these facts, requests me 
to make to the officers and soldiers under my command 
the following communication : 

" Soldiers who by resolution and energy overcome 
great natural difficulties, have nothing to fear in bat- 
tle, where their energy and prowess are taxed to a far 
less extent. Your command have exhibited the high 
qualities of resolution and energy, in a degree which 
leaves no limit to my confidence in them in their future 
movements. 

" By order of " Brig. Gen. BUELL, 

" Commanding Department of the Ohio." 

Soldiers ! I feel a perfect confidence that the high 
estimate placed upon your power, endurance, energy, 
and heroism, is just. Your aim and mine has been to 
deserve the approbation of our commanding officer, 
and of our Government and our country. 

I trust you feel precisely as does your commanding 
General, that nothing is done while anything remains 
to be done. 

By order of Brig.-Gen. 0. M. MITCHELL, 

Commanding. 

The certainty of the capture of Nashville 
showed to the Confederate generals the danger 
in which Columbus, their strong position on the 
Mississippi, was placed. Even the occupation 
of Clarksville by the Union forces put into 
their possession that part of the railroad run- 
ning to Columbus, and opened the way to ap- 
proach that position from the rear. At the 
same time the river in front was under the 
control of the Federal gunboats. Gen. Beaure- 
gard, having previously retired from his com- 
mand at Manassas, was now the commanding 
officer in this Confederate department with 
Gen. Johnston. Orders were accordingly is- 
sued on the 18th of February to destroy a por- 
tion of the track and bridges of the Memphis 
and Ohio railroad preparatory to a removal of 
the forces at Columbus to Island No. Ten, about 
forty-five miles below on the Mississippi river. 

At the same time preparations were made to 
remove the Confederate stores and other pub- 
lic property from Nashville. The near approach 
of the Federal forces filled the authorities of the 
State with great alarm. The Legislature, which 
had just been convened in extra session, retired 
with Gov. Harris to Memphis, taking the ar- 
chives and treasury of the State. Extreme 
measures and the destruction of property were 
proposed by the Governor to the citizens, but 
without gaining their approval. The railroad 
and the suspension bridges over the river were, 
however, destroyed. 



MTLITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



133 



After taking possession of Clarksville, Com. 
Foote returned to Cairo for tlie purpose of ob- 
taining an additional gunboat and six or eight 
mortar boats. Meantime the troops of Gen. 
Grant, under Brig.-Gen. Smith, were pushed 
forward to Clarksville, and at the request of 
Gen. Smith, Lieut. Bryant, of the gunboat Cai- 
ro, preceded seven transports with the brigade 
of Gen. Nelsoij up the rirer to Nashville. They 
arrived on the 24th. The troops were landed 
without any opposition, as there was not any 
hostile force on the banks of the river. On the 
same day the advance of Gen. Buell's centre 
from Bowling Green arrived on the opposite 
side of the river, to see the Stars and Stripes 
already floating in triumph from the staff on the 
Btate capitol. The Confederate force under 
Gen. Albert S. Johnston retired to Murfrees- 
borough, a small town thirty-two miles distant 
on the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad. 
Here they were soon after joined by the force 
Under the Confederate General Crittenden. 

An invasion having now been commenced 
within the limits of the States attached to the 
Confederacy, the Major-General commanding 
the department of Missouri issued the follow- 
ing order for the regulation of the troops : 

IIeadqxtaktebs, Department of Missouri, ) 
St. Loui3, Feb/niary 22. \ 

The Major-General commanding the department de- 
sires to impress upon allofliccrs the importance of pre- 
serving good order and discipline among their troops as 
the armies of (he West advance into Tennessee and the 
Southern States. Let us show to our fellow citizens in 
these States that wc come merely to crush out rebel- 
lion, and to restore to them peace and the benefits of 
the Constitution and the Union, of which they have 
been deprived by their selfish and unprincipled leaders. 

They have been told that we come to oppress and 
plunder. By our acts we will undeceive them ; we will 
prove to them that we come to restore, not to violate, 
the Constitution and laws in restoring to them the flag 
of the Union. We will assure them that they shall 
enjoy under its folds the same protection of life and 
property as in former days. 

Soldiers, let no excess on your part tarnish the glory 
of our arms. The orders heretofore issued in this de- 
partment in regard to pillaging, marauding, the de- 
struction of private property and stealing, and the con- 
cealment of slaves, must be strictly enforced. 

It docs not belong to the military to decide upon the 
relation of master and slave. Such questions must be 
settled by civil courts. No fugitive slave will, there- 
fore, be admitted within our lines or camps except 
when especially ordered by the General command- 
ing. Women, children, merchants, farmers, mechan- 
ics, and all persons not in arms, arc regarded as non- 
combatants, and are not to be molested in their per- 
sons or property. If, however, they aid and assist the 
enemy, they become belligerents, and will be treated 
as such. If they violate the laws of war, they will be 
made to suffer the penalties of such violation. 

Military stores and public property must be surren- 
dered , and any attempt to conceal such property by 
fraudulent transfer or otherwise, will be punished ; but 
no private property will be touched unless by orders 
of the General conmianding. 

Wlienever it becomes necessary to levy forced con- 
tributions for the supply and subsistence of our troops, 
such levies will be made as light as possible, and be so 
distributed as to produce no distress among the peo- 
ple. All property so taken must be receipted" and fully 
accounted for, as heretofore directed. 

These orders will be read at the head of every regi- 



ment, and all officers are commanded to strictly enforce 
them. 
By command of Maj.-Gen. HALLECK. 

N. H. McLean, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

The effect of these military operations was a 
great excitement in the neighboring Confeder- 
ate States. To witness their strongest positions 
for defence flanked and evacuated without a 
blow, to see other fortified points compelled to 
a quick surrender by an irresistible force of 
men and gunboats, revealed to them the gigan- 
tic contest in which they were (^ngaged. They 
said : " No people were ever engaged in a more 
serious struggle. It is emphatically a combat 
for life or death.'* The Governor of Mississij)pi 
issued a proclamation calling upon every citi- 
zen able to bear arms to have his arms in readi- 
ness. Boards of police in all the counties of 
the State were required to appoint "enrollers" 
preparatory to drafting, and to establish gun 
shops to repair arms. The Governor of Arkan- 
•sas issued a proclamation drafting into im- 
mediate service every man in the State sub- 
ject to military duty, and requiring them to 
respond within twenty days. Gov. Harris of 
Teimessee issued a proclamation, saying: "As 
Governor of your State and Commander in 
Chief of its army, I call upon every able-bodied 
man of the State, without regard to age, to en- 
list in its service. I command him who can 
obtain a weapon to march with our armies. I 
ask him who can repair or forge an arm to 
make it ready at once for the soldier. I call 
upon every citizen to open his purse and his 
storehouses of provision to the brave defenders 
of our soil. I bid the old and the young, wher- 
ever they may be, to stand as pickets to our 
struggling armies." Thus was set on foot a 
system of measures which led to the passage 
of a conscription act by the Confederate Con- 
gress and the raising of an immense Confeder- 
ate army during the ensuing summer months. 

Meanwhile, on the morning of the 4th of 
March, an expedition consisting of the gun- 
boats Louisville,Carondelet, St. Louis, Pittsburg, 
Lexington and four mortar boats, left Cairo for 
Columbus on the Mississippi. Transports with 
the following troops formed a part of the ex- 
pedition: 42d and 27th Illinois, 6 companies 
of the 55th Illinois, four companies of the 71st 
Ohio and one company of the 54th Ohio. On 
arrival the fort was found to be unoccupied, 
except by two hundred and fifty of the 2d Illi- 
nois regiment, who had reached it by a land 
march a short time previous. The enemy had 
commenced the evacuation on the 26th ult. 
Almost everything difficult to move had been 
more or less destroyed. Still a large amount 
of army material was obtained. The enemy 
had retired down the river. 

At Nashville order was speedily restored. 
Col. Matthews of the 51st Ohio was appointed 
provost marshal and the troops were all quar- 
tered without the city. An immense amount 
of military stores of the Confederate Govern- 
ment was found in the city. They consisted 



134 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



of pork, beef, rice, corn, and molasses. Gen. 
Buell removed his lieadquarters to the city, and 
the reserve of his army under Gen. McCook 
had arrived and were in quarters before the 2d 
of March. 

This division in its progress had protected 
the raih-oad and repaired the bridges and roads 
on the route to Louisville. All of Gen. BueU's 
force was concentrated at Nashville and en- 
camped along the different turnpikes leading 
from the city in a southerly direction at distances 
from two to five miles from the city, with pick- 
ets extending §0 the distauce of ten miles. 

Thus the Confederate line of defence from the 
Mississippi east to the mountains was swept 
away. The strongholds were evacuated and 
the less impregnable positions captured. There 
was nothing to withstand the triumphant march 
of the Federal forces southward over the coun- 
try but the military force which might be 
gathered from the Confederate States. 

Meanwhile the events which occurred in 
Nashville after the news of the first Southern 
defeat reached there, are too interesting to be 
overlooked Intelligence of the capture of Fort 
Donelson reached the city on Sunday, Februaay 
16th, and produced the utmost consternation. 
The Confederate governor, Harris, immediately 
convened the Legislature, but they speedily ad- 
journed to Memphis, AvhitJier the public archives 
and money were also removed. On the same 
day Gen. A. S. Johnston passed through the 
city on his retreat from Bowling Green, and, be- 
fore nightfall, hundreds of families were aban- 
doning their homes and making their way south- 
ward. The general confusion was increased by 
the destruction of imfinished steamers at the 
wharves, and the free distribution of the stores by 
the military authorities to all who would take 
them. On Monday the public stores were 
closed, and an effort was made by Gen. Floyd, 
who had been placed in command of the city, 
to recover what had already been given out ; but 
on Tuesday the distribution began again, and 
continued until Saturday morning. On Tuesday 
night the troops destroyed the wire bridge and 
railroad bridge across the Cumberland River, in 
spite of the eai-nest remonstrances of the leading 
citizens. The former cost $150,000, and the lat- 
ter $250,000. Governor Harris made a speech 
recommending the citizens to burn their private 
property, and calling on Tennesseeans to rally 
and meet him at Memphis ; but little or no re- 
sponse was made to his appeal. The machinery 
was removed from many of the most important 
workshops and carried to Chattapooga. On the 
23d, the rear guard of the Confederates evacu- 
ated the city, and the same day the advance of 
Gen. BueU's column occcupied Edgefield, a small 
town on the opposite side of the river. The 
next day Mayor Cheatham and a committee 
from Nashville waited upon the general, and 
agreed to surrender the city at a certain hour 
on the following morning (the 2oth), receiving 
assurances that the liberty and property of all 
citizens should be sacredly respected. Before 



the surrender was effected, however, Gen. Nel- 
son arrived with his column on transports, ac- 
companied by the gunboat St. Louis, and land- 
ed at Nashville. The following proclamation 
was afterward issued by the mayor : 

The committee representing the city authorities and 
people have discharged their duty by calling on Gen. 
Buell, at his headquarters, in Edgefield, on yesterda3\ 
The interview was satisfajptory to the committee, and 
there is every assurance of safety andf)rotection to the 
people, both in their persons and property. I there- 
fore respectfully request that business be resumed, 
and that all our citizens of every trade and profession 
pursue their regular vocations. The county elections 
will take place on the regular day, and all civil busi- 
ness will be conducted as heretofore. Commanding 
Gen. Buell assures me that I can rely upon his aid 
in enforcing our police regulations. One branch of 
business is entirely prohibited, viz., the sale or giving 
away of intoxicating liquors. I shall not hesitate to 
invoke the aid of Gen. Buell in case the recent laws 
upon the subject are violated. I most earnestly call 
upon the people of the surrounding country, who are 
inside the Federal lines, to resume their commerce 
with the city, and bring in their market supplies, es- 
pecially wood, butter, and eggs, assuring them that 
they will be fully protected and amply remunerated. 
E. B. CHEATHAM, Mayor. 

The city remained perfectly quiet, and the 
Federal troops, to use the words of the South- 
ern press, " conducted themselves with marked 
propriety. " The Union feehng in the city, 
however, was for many weeks exti'emely faint. 
A correspondent, writing ten days after Gen. 
BueU's arrival, says: "The disagreeable, but 
irresistible couAnction forces itself upon the 
mind of even a superficial observer, that what- 
ever the number and warmness of Unionists 
may have been at the time when, and for some 
time after Tennessee was juggled out of the 
Union, eight out of every ten have been made 
submissionists by. the protracted secession pres- 
sure that was brought to bear upon them." 
The same writer adds: "Most of the stores 
continued closed. But few male and fewer fe- 
male inhabitants are visible upon the streets. 
Victorious soldiery alone enliven them. Half 
of the private residences are deserted, and add 
further gloom to the aspect by their closed 
doors and window shutters and grave-like still- 
ness. Hardly less than a thu-d of the popula- 
tion must yet be absent." 

Senator Andrew Johnson, military governor 
of Tennessee, by appointment of President Lin- 
coln, arrived at Nashville March 12th. 

The newspapers of NashviUe had aU sus- 
pended publication on the evacuation of the 
city, but they soon reappeared, and one of 
Governor Johnson's first ofiicial acts was to 
place them under military supervision. 

On the 25th of March, Governor Johnson re- 
quested the municipal officers to take the oath 
of aUegiance. The city council refused, by a 
vote of sixteen to one. 

On the 29th the mayor and several other 
citizens were arrested for treason, and a few 
days later Governor Johnson issued n procla- 
mation ejecting from office the mayor and most 
of the city councilmen, and appointing other 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



135 



persons to fill their places. Numerous arrests 
were made for disunion practices about the same 
time. The condition of the city on the 1st of 
May is thus described by the " Union " : 

" Our courts are proceeding pretty much as 
formerly. The United States court is in session, 
and the regular business pursuing its accustom- 
ed channels. Process is being issued daily from 
the circuit and chancery courts, returnable to 
their next terms. The magistrates' courts are 



also in continuous session. Business is begin- 
ning to recover and to wear its accustomed ap- 
pearance, and as facilities are being opened 
with the country, it is extending in all direc- 
tions. Our city market is daily improving. 
Prices are rapidly moderating to a reasonable 
standard, and custom proportionately increas- 
ing. The passenger and freight trains on the 
Louisville and Nashville railroad are making 
daily trips. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Gen. Bnmside's Expedition sails — The Fleet and Transports in a Storm — Advance np Pamlico Sound — Capture of Eoanoke 
Island — Other Operations — Provisional Government set np in North Carolina — Operations in South Carolina — Bombard- 
ment and surrender of Fort Pulaski — Operations in Florida — Capture of Femandina, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine — 
Other Naval Operations — Treatment of Slaves by the Federal Government — Organized as Troops at Hilton Head. 



Meantime important events had taken place 
elsewhere. The military and naval expedition 
imder Gen. Burnside was making important 
captures in the most populous and fertile part 
of the State of North Carohna. His force, be- 
ing engaged at the time in active operations, 
was not included in the order of the President 
for a general advance. This army corps com- 
prised three brigades. The first, under the 
command of Brig.-Gen. John G. Foster, con- 
sisted of the 23d, 24th, 25th and 2rth Massa- 
chusetts, and the 10th Connecticut regiments; 
the second, under the command of Brig.-Gen. 
Jesse L. Reno, consisted of the 51st New York, 
51st Pennsylvania, 21st Massachusetts, 6th New 
Hampshire, and 9th New Jersey regiments; the 
third, under the command of Brig.-Gen. John 
G. Parke, consisted of the 8th and 11th Con- 
necticut, 53d and 89th New York, and a batta- 
lion of the 5th Rhode Island, together with bat- 
tery F of the Rhode Island artillery. These 
three brigades numbered about 10,000 men, and 
required more than 30 transports to take them 
to their destination — 5 yessels to transport the 
horses, 8 or 10 to carry the supplies, a siege 
train and 2 pontoon bridge schooners, a division 
hospital, and one for the signal corps. The naval 
portion of the expedition was under the com- 
mand of L. M. Goldsborough, subsequently 
raised to the rank of rear admiral. 

The chief of staff" was Commander A. L. Case, 
stafl[' medical ofiicer S. C. Jones, signal oflScer 
H. G. B. Fisher. The names of the steam gun- 
boats and of their commanders were as follows : 

Nmne. Guns. Commander. Rank. 

Stars and Stripes 7 A. Herden LieutCommanding. 

Valley City 4 J. C. Chaplin. . . . " 

Underwriter.... 2 N. V. .letford.. . " " 

Uetzel 2 H. K. Davenport, " " 

Delaware 6 S. p. Quackenbush " " 

Shawshene 2 T.G.Woodward Act Master. 

Lockwood 3 G. L. Graves " " 

Ceres 2 J. McDiarmid " " 

Morse 2 Petcr Hays " " 

Whitehead 1 Charles A. French " " 

J. N. Seymour. . . 2 F.S.Welles " " 

Phlladelppia . . . . 2 8. Reynolds " " 

Henry Brincker. 1 J. E. Giddiugs " " 

Granite 1 E. Boomer '• " 



General Putnam. 2 2\fcCook Lieut. Commanding- 
Hunchback 4 E. IJ. Calhoun Act. Lieut. Com- 

Southfield 4 C. F.W. Behm.. Act. Vol. Lieut. Com. 

Com. Barney 2 K. D. Ecnshaw Act Lieut. Com. 

Com. Perry 2 Chas. W. Flusser Lieut Com. 

Total 51 

To these may also be added the Virginia, 
Louisiana, Yoimg America, Jenny Lind. These 
steamers were of three classes : screw and side 
wheel tugs, navy screw gunboats, and armed 
ferry boats. Their armaments consisted chiefly 
of 30-pounder Parrotts rifled, and long smooth 
32's, 64's, and some of much heavier calibre. 
A coast division of gunboats, with the trans- 
ports, consisted of the Picket, 4 guns. Pioneer. 
4 gims, Hussar, 4 guns, Vidette, 3 guns, Ran- 
ger, 4 guns. Chasseur, 4 guns. The transport 
portion of the expedition was under the com- 
mand of Samuel F. Hazard of the U. S. Navy. 

Nothing had been withheld that Avas neces- 
sary to secure success, and the accomplished 
officers, the disciplined and gallant men, and 
the abundant material, awakened the most san- 
guine expectations on the p.irt of the Govern- 
ment and the people. 

The expedition sailed from Hampton Roads 
on the 12th of January, consisting of over 100 
vessels of all classes. 

The order to sail was issued on Saturday 
night the 11th, and by daylight on Sunday 
morning the largest portion of the fleet had 
passed outside the capes. Some vessels, and 
especially the water boats, refused to leave the 
capes. The first part of the day was pleasant, 
with a light wind from the southwest. During 
the afternoon it was thick weather, and the 
sailing vessels were generally obliged to cast 
otf from the steamers and take care of them- 
selves, and two or three of the canal boats, with 
hay and horses on board, broke away and were 
blown ashore. " The expedition was bound to 
Hatteras Inlet, which is an entrance-frora the 
ocean to Pamlico Sound. It is a narrow pas- 
sage with seven feet of water on the bar, and 
difficult to enter in rough weather without dan- 



136 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ger of grounding. The entrance to the inlet 
was commanded bv two forts, which were 
captured by an expedition under Gen. B. F. 
Butler and Commodore Stringham during 
the preceding year. (See preceding pages, 
chap 9.) 

The wind changed to the southeast and contin- 
ued blowing in that quarter for several d;iys af- 
ter the vessels began to arrive. This brought 
in a considerable sea or swell, which made it 
dangerous for all the vessels drawing much 
water to cross the bar and attempt to enter ex- 
cept at the top of the tide. Those drawing the 
least water got in first, the others ancliored out- 
side watching an opportunity. In this perilous 
situation, with a high sea, a strong wind blow- 
ing on shore, and shoal water, with a crooked 
channel, several days passed during which the 
fleet was endeavoring one by one to get within 
the inlet. The steamer City of New York 
grounded on the bar, and the sea swept clean 
over her and quickly reduced her to a wreck. 
The gunboat Zouave sunk in the inlet, and two or 
three other small vessels were equally unfortu- 
nate. "Within the inlet the anchorage was narrow 
and the change of the tide brought the vessels in 
contact, and the roughness of the water caused 
a constant chafing of rigging and spars, and 
crashing of bulwarks. 

For two days the wind and sea were so high 
as to prevent all communication with the outer 
vessels, or with each other. The New. Jersey 
regiment was then called to enter upon its work, 
with mourning in its ranks. Its Colonel, J. W. 
Allen, and its surgeon, F. S. Weller, were 
drowned by the overturning of a small boat in 
the breakers at the inlet. 

The gale increased ; dark clouds swept down 
from the east and seemed almost to touch the 
vessels' masts as they swayed to and fro. A 
single person here and there appeared on some 
vessel's deck, holding on by the rail or the rig- 
ging, and a few scattered groups of the soldiers 
who had been landed, were seen hurrying on 
the beach as if in search of shelter from the 
fury of the blast. The tents of the Massachu- 
setts 24th, which had been pitched on the beach, 
were swept away, and the poor soldiers spent 
a fearful night, exposed to the peltings of a 
pitiless storm, with yet a more fearful night to 
follow. Even the brave commander of the 
expedition was heard to exclaim in suppress- 
ed tones, " This is terrible ! When will the 
storm abate ? " 

This violent storm was followed by a high 
tide, and on the 24th, nearly all the vessels 
which had arrived were within the entrance, 
and by the 26th repairs had been made and the 
force was ready to move. Fortunately the few 
Confederate gunboats on the sound kept aloof 
and made no attack. 

Preparations were now made for a speedy 
movement. The object was to proceed up 
Pamlico Sound, and open the passage into Al- 
bemarle Sound. This passage was called Croa- 
tan Sound, and was bounded on the one side by 



the mainland and on the other by Roanoke Isl- 
and, which is low and marshy. As this was 
the principal communication between Pamlico 
and Albemarle, the enemy had erected fortifi- 
cations in the upper part of the passage, on Ro- 
anoke Island, and had also obstructed it by piles 
and sunken vessels. They had a fleet of seven 
small gunboats, prepared to contest the passage, 
and stationed near the batteries. 

On the 3d of February, Gen. Burnside issued 
the following general orders : 

Headquarters, Department of North Caeolina, 1 
Pamlico Sound, Febru^iry 3, 1S62. j 

General Orders, No. 5. 

This expedition being about to land on the soil of 
North Carolina, the General Commanding desires his 
soldiers to remember that they are here to support the 
Constitution and the laws, to put down rebellion, dnd 
to protect the persons and property of the loyal and 
peaceable citizens of the State. In the march of the 
army, all unnecessary injuries to houses, barns, fences, 
and other property will be carefully avoided, and in all 
cases the laws of civilized warfare will be carefully ob- 
served. 

Wounded soldiers will be treated with every care 
and attention, and neither they nor prisoners must bo 
insulted or annoyed by word or act. 

With the fullest confidence in the valor and the char- 
acter of his troops, the General Commanding looks for- 
ward to a speedy and successful termination of the 
campaign. 

By command of Brig.-Gen. A. E. BURNSIDE. 

Lewis Richmond, Asst. Adj. -Gen. 

Further orders relative to signals, and to the 
disembarkation of the troops, were issued on 
the next day. 

Everything being ready, the forward move- 
ment commenced at half past seven on the 
morning of the 5th of February. The naval 
squadron following the flag ofiicer's vessel, head- 
ed the fleet. Their course was at first southward, 
following the zigzag channel, until it flnally 
became north by west. At regular and short 
intervals the gunboats filled their places in the 
line, and with scarcely perceptible motion, 
steadily stretched away to the horizon. Next 
came the transports and gunboats carrying the 
troops, consisting of sixty-five vessels, of all 
classes and characters. Each brigade formed 
three columns, headed by the flag ship of the 
brigade. Each large steamer had one, two, 
and in some instances, three schooners in tow. 
The aisles between the three columns of vessels 
were kept unbroken, through the whole length, 
which extended almost two miles over the sur- 
face of the sound, except by the two or three 
small propellers whose duty consisted in con- 
veying orders. 

At sundown the fleet came to anchor about 
ten miles from the southern point of Roanoke 
Island. The next morning, at eight o'clock, it 
was in motion. The preceding beautiful day 
was followed by a stormy one, and anchors 
were again dropped at the entrance of the inlet 
or strait. This was the day on which Fort Henry 
was taken. The next morning was clear, and 
the sun rose in a sky marked only with clouds 
enough to give it peculiar beauty. By ten 
o'clock all preparations had been made, and the 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



137 



gunboats moved forward, entering the inlet. 
The flag ship of Gen. Burnside next followed, 
but the remainder of the transports were de- 
tained nearly two hours. A gun fired from one 
of the Confederate gunboats announced the ap- 
proach of the Federal squadron. At half past 
eleven the conflict commenced between the 
gunboats at long range, but it was noon before 
they were engaged in close action. The Con- 
federate boats gradually retired, drawing their 
opponents within range of the forts, when fire 
was opened by the latter. 

The contest between the boats and the battery 
continued witii varied energy during the next 
three hours, in which time the barracks within 
the forts were consumed. At three o'clock the 
troops began to land, under the pr6tection of 
the fire of three of the gunboats. At this time 
the Confederate gunboats drew near and re- 
commenced the action, which was continued 
until their ammunition was exhausted. They 
then retired up the inlet or sound. Tlie bat- 
tery continued to fire until the Union gunboats 
retired for the night. The bravery of the Con- 
federate defence was admitted on every side. 
On the Federal side, five had been killed and 
ten wounded. In the fort, the Confederates 
reported one killed and three wounded, and in 
the gunboats five wounded, and the largest 
gunboat sunk, and another disabled. 

By four o'clock the transports had all arrived, 
and the first body of troops were landed unob- 
structed at five o'clock. In a short time sis' 
thousand were on shore, and the remainder of 
the force landed soon after. 

The next morning the troops started in three 
columns, the centre under Gen. Foster, com- 
posed of the 23d, 25th, and 27th Massachusetts, 
and 10th Connecticut ; the next, or left flanking 
column, under Gen. Reno, consisted of the 21st 
Massachusetts, 51st New York, 9th New Jer- 
sey, and 5 1st Pennsylvania; the third, or right 
flanking column, under Gen. Parke, consisted 
of the 4th Rhode Island, first battalion of the 
5th Rhode Island, and the 9th New York. The 
approach to the enemy was by a road through 
a swamp, on each side of which was a thick 
underbrush. An earthwork about thirty-five 
yards wide had been erected across the road 
for defence. The attack was bravely made, 
as it had been planned, upon the enemy's posi- 
tion, and after a most spirited and splendid de- 
fence, as reported by the assailants, they were 
obliged to give way before this overwhelming 
force, and retiring further up the island were 
overtaken, and Col. Shaw, their commander, 
surrendered. Thus six forts, forty guns, over 
two thousand prisoners, and three thousand 
stand of arms were captured. The Union loss 
was thirty-five killed and two hundred Avound- 
ed. The Confederate loss in killed was reported 
to be sixteen, and wounded thirty-nine. The 
artillery of each side consisted of some heavy 
pieces, such as 100-pound Parrotts, and a 100- 
pound Sawyer gun captured by the Confeder- 
ates some time previous. The contest between 



the battery and the gunboats, in the morning, 
was unimportant, and the latter proceeded to 
remove the obstructions in the channel. 

On the reception of the report of Gen. Burn- 
side at "Washington the following order was 
issued by President Lincoln : 

■Washington, Feb. 16. 

The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and 
Navy, returns thanks to Brigadier-General Burnside 
and Flag Officer Goldsboroucli, and to General Grant 
and Flag Officer Foote, and the land and naval forces 
under their respective commands, for their gallant 
achievements in the capture of Fort Henry and at Roan- 
oke Island. While it will be no ordinary pleasure for 
him to acknowledge and reward in a becoming manner 
the valor of the living, he also recognizes his duty to 
pay fitting honor to the memory of the gallant dead. 
The charge at Roanoke Island, like the bayonet charge 
at Mill Springs, proves that the close grapple and sharp 
steel of loyal and patriotic citizens must alwavs put the 
rebels and traitors to flight. The late achievements of 
the navy show that the flag of the Union, once borne in 
proud glory around the world by naval heroes, will 
soon again float over every rebel city and stronghold, 
and that it shall forever be honored and respected as 
the emblem of Liberty and Union iu every laud and 
upon every sea. 

By order of the President. 

(Signed) EDWIN M. STANTON,^ 

Secretary of W'ar. 
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. 

On the afternoon of the next day after the 
surrender. Commodore Rowan, by order of 
Com. Goldsborough, with fourteen steamers, 
proceeded toward Elizabeth city. It is the 
capital of Pasquotank countj, North Carolina, 
situated on the Pascjuotank river, about twenty 
miles from its mouth and thirty miles from 
Roanoke Island. That night the fleet anchor- 
ed aliout eighteen miles from the city. 
Next morning, the 10th, on approaching the 
town, seven Confederate gunboats and one 
schooner were discovered, and after a brief 
contest they retired under the guns of a small 
fort, were set on fire, and abandoned. This 
fort on Cobb's Point, mounting four guns, was 
also abandoned. At the same time the town 
was deserted by the Confederate forces, after 
having set on fire some of the houses, wliich 
were burned. All the Confederate gunboats 
were destroyed excepting one. Two were 
killed and about twelve wounded on the Union 
gunboats. The loss on the other side is not 
known. Commander Rowan immediately sent 
the gunboats Louisiana, Underwriter, Commo- 
dore Perry, and Lockwood, under Lieut. A. 
Maury, to Edenton, on the west end of Albe- 
marle Sound. It is the capital of Chowan coun- 
ty and is at the head of Edenton bay, which 
opens into Albemarle Sound a little below the 
mouth of Chowan river. On the 12th the 
town was taken possession of by Lieut. Maury. 
Part of a light artillery regiment, from one to 
three hundred in number, withdrew without 
firing a gun. No fortifications existed, nor was 
any opposition made. Eight cannon and one 
schooner on the stocks were destroyed. Two 
schooners with four thousand bushels of corn 
were captured on the sound, and six bales of 
cotton taken from the custom house wharf. 



138 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



On the next day, the 14th, Lieut. Jeffers was 
sent by Lieut. Maury with the gunboats Under- 
writer, Lockwood, Shawshene, and Whitehead, 
towing a couple of schooners to the mouth of 
the Chesapeake and Albemarle canal. The 
enemy were found engaged in placing obstruc- 
tions in the mouth of the canal. These works 
were completed by sinking the two schooners 
and burning all that remained above water. 
This small expedition then returned to the 
mouth of North River. This was two days be- 
fore the surrender of Fort Donelson. On the 
18th of February the joint commanders of the 
Union forces in North Carolina issued the fol- 
lowing proclamation, declaring to the people of 
that State the object of their mission : 

Roanoke Island, North Carolina, ( 
February 18, 1S62. J 
To the People of North Carolina : 

The mission of our joint expedition is not to invade 
any of your rights, but to assert the authority of the 
United States, and to close with you the desolating war 
brought upon your State by comparatively a few bad 
men in your midst. 

Influenced infinitely more by the worst passions of 
human nature than by any show of elevated reason, 
they are still urging you astray to gratify their unholy 
purposes. 

They impose upon your credulity by telling you of 
wicked and even diabolical intentions on onr part ; of 
our desire to destroy your freedom, demolish your 
property, liberate your slaves, injure your women, and 
such like enormities — all of which, we assure you, is 
not only ridiculous, but utterly and wilfully false. 

We are Christians as well as yourselves, and we pro- 
fess to know full well, and to feel profoundly, the sacred 
obligations of the character. 

No apprehensions need be entertained that the de- 
mands of humanity or justice will be disregarded. We 
s.hall inflict no injury, unless forced to do so by yaur 
own acts, and upon this you may confidently rely. 

Those men are your worst enemies. They, in truth, 
have drawn you into your present condition, and are 
the real disturbers of your peace and the happiness of 
your firesides. 

We invite you, in the name of the Constitution, nnd 
in that of virtuous loyalty and civilization, to separate 
yourselves at once from these malign influences, to re- 
turn to your allegiance, and not compel us to resort 
further to the force under our control. 

The Government asks only that its authority may be 
recognized ; and we repeat, in no manner or way does 
it desire to interfere with your laws constitutionally 
established, your institutions of any kind whatever, 
your property of any sort, or 3'onr usages in any re- 
spect. L. M. GOLDSBORbUGH, Flag Officer, 
Commanding North Carolina Blockading Squadron. 
A. E. BURNSIDE, Brigadier-General, 
Commanding Department of North Carolina. 

It may be thought that this part of North 
Carolina was in a very defenceless condition. 
In many respects this was not so. It cost the 
United States two military and naval expe- 
ditions before it was reached. The first expe- 
dition, imder the command of Gen. Benjamin F. 
Butler and Commodore S. H. Stringham, con- 
sisted of the steam frigates Minnesota and Wa- 
bash, and armed steamers Monticello, Pawnee, 
and Harriet Lane, and the steam transports 
Adelaide and George Peabody, and the tug 
Fanny. The steam frigate Susquehanna also 
joined the expedition. The military force con- 
sisted of 880 men. These forces captured the 



forts at the entrance of Hatteras Inlet, and 
made no further advance. The result of the 
expedition was the acquisition of the forts cap- 
tured, the control of the island in which they 
were located, and the closing of the inlet against 
the passage of vessels running the blockade. 
The expedition under Gen. Burnside entered 
the inlet and captured the fortifications on 
Roanoke Island and destroyed the Confederate 
navy, when the country lay at its mercy. Small 
fortifications and some military force was found, 
however, at every town of any importance. No 
civil, commercial, or political changes were 
made such as to indicate that the inhabitants 
regarded themselves as restored to the Union. 
Those in whose hands was held the local civil 
and political power, retired to safe quarters upon 
the approach of the Federal force. They ac- 
knowledged another allegiance due to a power 
which they believed or hoped would yet be able 
to expel the Union troops. So long as that 
power retained its strength they either feared 
or declined to acknowledge allegiance else- 
where. That invariable follower of the inva- 
sion of hostile armies, the provost marshal, or 
military governor, attended the footsteps of 
the Burnside expedition as he has almost every 
other which has entered within the limits of the 
Confederate States during this- year. 

On the 19th of February a reconnoitring ex- 
pedition left Edenton for Winton, the capital 
of Hereford county, situated near the head of 
navigation on the Chowan river, about fifty 
miles above its mouth. It consisted of the flo- 
tilla under the command of Com^mander Rowan 
and a company of Col. Hawkins' N. Y. regi- 
ment. This force had been informed at Eliza- 
beth City, that five hundred Union men at 
Winton had raised " the Stars and Stripes " and 
desired protection. Upon arriving opposite the 
landing of the town, which was a short distance 
in the rear, a perfect shower of balls and buck- 
shot were fired upon the advancing vessel. The 
river here is about a himdred yards wide and 
the banks high. The boats ascended and 
brought their guns to bear and fired several 
shells, and retired about eight miles down the 
river for the night. The next morning they 
returned and shelled the village. The military 
were landed and found it deserted, when the 
buildings were set on fire and burned. 

The movements of the Federal forces caused 
efforts to be made by the State authorities to 
resist them. On the 22d Governor Clark issued 
the following proclamation : 

North-Carolinians ! Our country needs your aid 
for its protection and defence against an invading foe. 
The President of the Confederate States has made a 
requisition upon our State to complete her quota of 
troops in the field. Our own borders are invaded by 
the enemy in force, now threatening an advance to 
deprive us of liberty, property, and all that we hold 
dear, as a self-governing and free people. We must 
resist him at all hazards and by every means in our 
power. He wages a war for our subjugation — a war 
forced upon us in wrong and prosecuted without right, 
and in a spirit of vengetul wickedness without a paral- 
lel in the history of warfare among civilized nations. 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



139 



As .you value your rights of self-government and all 
the blessings of freedom— the hallowed endearments 
of home and fireside, of family and kindred — I call 
upon you to rally to their defence, and to sustain the 
noble and sacred cause in which we are engaged. 
North Carolina has always proved true, constant and 
brave, in the hour of trial and of danger. Never let it 
be said, that in the future she has failed to maintain 
her high renown. If we are threatened now more 
than heretofore, and upon our own soil, let our exer- 
tions bo equal to every demand ou our patriotism, 
honor, and glory. No temporary reverses dampened 
the ardor of your ancestors, even though the enemy 
marched in columns through the State. The fires of 
liberty still burned brightly in their breasts. 

They were moved to new energy and resisted by 
gallant deeds, with abiding hope aud unflinching 
courage and perseverance, bravely contending with 
enemies at home as well as the foreign foe, until, after 
a struggle of seven long years, our independence was 
achieved and acknowledged. Let us imitate their 
gloiious example. The enemy is redoubling his efforts 
and straining every nerve to overrun our country and 
subjugate us to his domination — his avarice and ambi- 
tion. Already it is proposed in their Congress to 
establish a territorial government in a portion of our 
State. Now is the time to prove our zeul and animate 
by example. I call upon the brave and patriotic men 
of our State to volunteer, from the mouutaiils to the 
sea. 

You are wanted both to fill up our quota in the con- 
federate army aud for the special defence of the State. 
I rely, with entire confidence, on a prompt and cheer- 
ful response to this call upon your patriotism and 
valor. Tender yourselves in companies and squads, 
under officers of your owu selection. You will be at 
once accepted aud organized into regiments under the 
laws that are or may be made, aud which it is my duty 
to execute. The Adjutant-General will issue the neces- 
sarv orders for this purpose. 

p'ellow citizens ! Your first allegiance is due to North 
Carolina, llally to her banners. Let every man do 
his duty and our country will be safe. 

Given under my hand and the seal of the State, at 
Raleigh, this twenty-second day of February, 18(52. 
[Se.^.l] HENKY T, CLARK. 

Preparations were novr made by Gen. Barn- 
side for an attack upon Ne\vbern. This city is 
situated at the confluence of tlie Neuse and 
Trent rivers, about fifty miles from Pamlico 
Sound near its southern extremity. It is second 
in commercial importance in the State, and is 
connected by railroad with Raleigh the capital. 
On the 11th of March the troops intended for 
the expedition were embarked and ordered with 
the naval force to rendezvous at Ilatteras Inlet. 
The latter force was under Commander Rowan, 
Com. Goldsborough having been ordered to 
Hampton Roads. These forces having com- 
bined left Hatteras the next morning and ar- 
rived about sunset at Slocura's Creek, eighteen 
miles below Newbern, and the place selected 
for disembarking the troops. The landing was 
olTected the next morning with great enthusiasm 
under cover of the gunboats, and after a toil- 
some :naio!i of twelve miles through the mud, 
the head of the column reached, that evening, 
within a mile and a half of the Confederate 
stronghold. The remainder came up during the 
night with eight pieces of artillery, chiefly boat 
howitzers. The gunboats shelled the road in 
advance of the march of the troops, and cover- 
ed their encampment at night. Early the next 
morning Gen, Foster's brigade was ordered by 



Gen. Burnside to proceed up the main country 
road to attack the enemy's left, Gen. Reno up 
the railroad to attack the enemy's right, aud 
Gen. Parke to follow Gen. Foster and attack 
the enemy in front, with instructions to sup- 
port either or both brigades. The engagement 
which ensued continued for four hours, and 
resulted in carrying a continuous line of Con- 
federate field work, over a mile in length, pro- 
tected on the river flank by a battery of thir- 
teen heavy guns and on the opposite flank by 
a line of redoubts over half a mile in length 
for riflemen and field pieces in the midst of 
swamps and dense forests. This line was de- 
fended by eight Confederate regiments of 
infantry, five hundred cavalry, and three bat- 
teries of field-artillery, each of six guns. 

The position was finally carried by a brave 
charge, which enabled the Federal force to gain 
the rear of all the batteries between that point 
and Newbern. This was done by a rapid ad- 
vance of the entire force up the main road and 
railroad, while the gunboats proceeded up the 
river throwing their shot into the forts and in 
front of the advancing forces. The enemy in 
retreating destroyed the country road bridge 
and the draw of the railroad bridge over the 
river Trent, thus preventing pursuit, and es- 
caped by the railroad. Meantime the gunboats 
arrived at the wharves and commanded the 
city, but it was not occupied by the troops until 
Gen. Foster's brigade was brought up by the 
vessels. Thus eight batteries containing forty- 
six heavy guns, three batteries of light artillery 
containing six guns each, two steamboats, a 
number of sailing vessels, wagons, horses, a 
large quantity of ammunition, commissary and 
quartermasters' stores, forage, and two hun- 
dred prisoners were captured. The Union 
loss was ninety-one killed and four hundred 
and sixty-six wounded. The Confederate loss 
was severe, but not so great, as they were ef- 
fectually covered by their works. They retired 
to Tuscarora about ten miles from Newbern. 
Gen, Gatlin being indisposed, they were com- 
manded by Gen. O. B. Branch, 

On the next day Gen. Burnside issued the 
following address to his force : 

HKADQITARTEBa, DePT. Or NORTH CAEOLINA, I 

Newbern, March 15. ) 

Oencral Order, No. 17. 

The General Commanding congratulates his troops 
on their brilliant and hard won victory of the 14tn. 
Their courage, their patience, their endurance of fa- 
tigue, exposure and toil, cannot be too highly praised. 

After a tedious march, drawing their howitzers by 
hand through swamps and thickets, after a sleepless 
night, in a drenching ram, they met the enemy in his 
chosen position, found him protected by strong earth- 
works, mounting many and heavy guns, and in an open 
field themselves — they conquered. With such soldiers, 
advance is victory. 

The General Commanding directs with peculiar 
pride, that, as a well-deserved tribute to valor in this 
second victory of the expedition, each regiment en- 
gaged shall inscribe on its banner the memorable 
name "Newbern." 

By command of Brigadier-General 

A. E. BURNSIDE. 

Lewis Richmond, Adjutant-General. 



140 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 




^^a^sE 



SCALE OF MILES 

I — I 

20 3Q 



MILITAEY AM) NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



141 



On the 20th Gen. Parke's brigade commenced 
to march from Newbern for Beaufort, and 
on the 23d entered Moorhead city, thirty-sis 
miles from Newbern, and found it evacuated. 
It is a short distance from Beaufort and con- 
nected by a steam ferry. A flag of truce was 
then sent over to Fort Macon, and a surrender 
demanded. This was refused, and vigorous 
measures were at once commenced to reduce 
it by a siege. Beaufort is the capital of Car- 
teret county, situated at the mouth of Newport 
river, and a few miles from the sea. The 
harbor is the best in the State, and its entrance 
is defended by Fort Macon. 

Meanwhile, on the 20th, a naval column con- 
sistiug of the gunboats Louisiana, Delaware, 
and Com. Perry, with the transport Admiral, 
having on board eight companies of the 24th 
Massachusetts regiment, proceeded to Washing- 
ton, a small town on the left bank of the Tar 
river about forty miles from Pamlico Sound. 
On the 25th, the force arrived before the town, 
and were received by the authorities without 
opposition. Below the town obstructions had 
been placed in the river, and abandoned for- 
tifications were found on each shore adjacent.* 
The commander, A. Maury, thus reported to 
his superior officer : " I found on further con- 
sultation with the authorities, on whom I made 
my demand for the restoration of the Hatteras 
Light property, that underlying an apparent ac- 
quiescence of the people of the town and 
neighborhood, in permitting the building of 
gunboats, and the construction of batteries to 
repel the approach of the Federal forces, was 
a deep-rooted afl:ection for the old Union, and 
not a little animosity for its enemies ; the lat- 
ter element not being diminished by the im- 
portation of troops from a distant State. The 
result of this state of affairs was, as could be 
anticipated, the abandonment of its defences 
by the troops, followed by the destruction of 
what remained of Confederate property by the 
people. The launched gunboat had been tow- 
ed several miles up the river, loaded with tur- 
pentine, and fired on the night of our arrival. 
A few hundred bushels of meal and corn left 
in the commissary store, were distributed to 
the poor by my orders. All the Hatteras 
Light property in the town was secured. The 
woods and swamps were represented as being 
alive with refugees from the draft. Many of 
them, encouraged by our presence, came in. 
They were bitter and deep in their denunciations 
of the secession heresy, and promised a regi- 
ment if called to aid in the restoration of the 
flag." This force returned to Newbern. 

The force in the neighborhood of Fort Ma- 
con, however, was not idle. A detachment 
from Gen. Parke's brigade, consisting of the 
4th Rhode Island and 8th Connecticut, on the 
night of the 25th, crossed over and took posses- 
sion of Beaufort without opposition. In the 
day time this passage would have been resisted 
by the fort. No military force was found in 
the town. Preparations were now made se- 



riously to invest the fort. All communication 
by land or water was cut olf, and guns were 
put into position to reduce it. The garrison 
consisted of nearly five hundred men under" 
command of Col. White. The regular siege 
operations commenced on the 11th of April, 
when a reconnoissance in force was made by 
Gen. Parke. The pickets of the enemy station- 
ed on Bogue Beach, two miles from the fort, 
were driven in and a good situation for the" 
siege guns was found. Everything being in 
readiness, on the morning of the 25th of April, 
fire was opened upon the fort from a breach- 
ing battery eleven hundred feet distant, and 
flanking mortars planted at a distance of about 
fourteen hundred yards, and behind sand banks 
which prevented the garrison from seeing 
them before the fire was opened. At the same 
time the blockading gunboats Daylight, Com- 
mander Lockwood ; State of Georgia, Com- 
mander Armstrong ; Chippewa, Lieut. Pay- 
son and bark Gemsbok, Lieut. Caverdy ; ap- 
proached the fort and began to fire. The 
three steamers assisted the bark, and kept 
under Avay, steaming round in a circle and de- 
livering their fire ^s they came within range, 
a mile and a quarter distant from the fort. 
After an hour and a quarter, the sea became 
so rough and their fire consequently so in- 
accurate, that the fldet retired. The action 
however continued between the batteries and 
the fort until toward evening, when the lat- 
ter was surrendered with the honors of war. 
All the guns on the side of the fort opposite 
that attacked, were dismounted, and also all 
but three of those bearing upon the Federal 
force, when it became untenable. The firing 
of the fleet did no injury to the fort. The 
Daylight was struck by an 8-inch solid shot 
which entered her quarter. Seven of the gar- 
rison were killed and eighteen wounded. One 
was reported killed on the Federal side. 

While this siege was pressed forward, Gen. 
Burnside, in order to create the impression at 
Norfolk, Va., that he was approaching with 
his whole force, sent Gen. Reno with the 21st 
Massachusetts, 51st Pennsylvania, a part of the 
9th and 89th Ncav York, and 6th New Hamp- 
shire in that direction. Proceeding nearly to 
Elizabeth City, he disembarked at a point about 
three miles below, on the night of the 19th of 
April. Col. Hawkins was ordered forward with 
the 9th and 89th New York and the 6th New 
Hampshire toward South Mills, to be followed 
by Gen. Reno four hours after, upon getting 
the remaining troops ashore. Col. Hawkins 
lost his way and came in behind Gen. Reno on 
the march, and was ordered to follow. HaA ing 
marched about sixteen miles, and within a 
mile and a half of South Mills, a Confederate 
force opened with artillery upon the advanced 
guard before it was discovered. They were 
found posted across the road, with their in- 
fantry in ditches, and their artillery command- 
ing all the direct approaches. Their rear was 
protected by a dense forest. Gen. Reno or- 



142 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



dered fhe 6tli New Hampshire to form in a line 
on the left of the road and support the four 
pieces of artillery, while the 51st Pennsylvania 
and 21st Massachusetts filed to the right and 
passed over to the edge of the wood to turn the 
enemy's flank, and the New York regiments 
supported them. The effect of these move- 
ments, and the sharp firing that ensued, caused 
the enemy soon to retire in a rapid manner. 
The force rested until evening, and then with- 
drew to their boats. The Federal loss was 
fourteen killed and ninety-six wounded, and two 
taken prisoners. The Federal force remained 
on the field for seven hours, buried their dead, 
and transported all the wounded except four- 
teen, so severely wounded that they could not 
be moved, but who were comfortably provided 
for and left in charge of a surgeon and chaplain, 
"In obedience to orders," says Gen. Burnside, 
" Gen. Reno then returned to his fleet and em- 
barked his men." Ten or fifteen prisoners were 
taken, most of whom belonged to the 3d Georgia 
regiment. The loss of the Confederate force was 
unknown ; thirty killed and wounded were left 
on the field. They reported one regiment and 
three pieces of artillery as^the entire force en- 
gaged. 

On the 23d of April a naval expedition, con- 
sisting of the gunboats Lockwood, "Whitehead, 
and Putnam, under Lieut. Flosser, was sent 
to obsti-uct the entrance of the Dismal Swamp 
canal. This was done by means of sinking a 
schooner, and filling the canal with brush, 
stumps, raUs, and earth, and trunks of trees. 

On the 6th of June a sharp engagement oc- 
curred eight miles from Washington near Pac- 
tolus, between a Confederate force under Col. 
Singleterry and the 24th Massachusetts under 
Capt. Potter. This latter officer had been sta- 
tioned at Washington with a small force, and 
hearing of the gathering of the enemy, obtained 
reenforcements, and successfully attacked them. 
Seven were killed and eleven wounded on the 
Federal side. 

Some other military movements, to be here- 
after stated, took place during the succeeding 
months. This portion of North Carolina was 
held by the Union forces throughout the year. 
Its ports were 'closed to imports for the Con- 
federate States, and its commerce ceased en- 
tirely. The principal part of the forces under 
Gen. Burnside were subsequently brought to 
Newport News, where they remained in trans- 
ports until the Army of the Potomac returned 
to Alexandria. They then united with it under 
Gen. Pope. 

This expedition in its outfit, vigor of action, 
and complete achievements, showed that it was 
commanded by an experienced, judicious, and 
able officer. It was necessarily confined in its 
operations to the shores of the country, where 
it could act in concert with the gunboats. It 
had not been in the field four months, when 
the Government found itself entirely without 
soldiers who could be sent to reenforce him. 

At the approach of Gen. Burnside's com- 



mand upon the coast of North Carolina much 
confidence was felt on the part of the authori- 
ties that they would be able to make a success- 
ful resistance. A few days served to dispel 
these delusions, and change the aspect of their 
situation. The entire coast was exposed to the 
invasion of the Federal troops. This change 
quenched a spirit of dissatisfaction with the 
Confederate Government, which was beginning 
to prevail under grievances that the State had 
suftered. Efforts, however, were now made to 
prevent the advance of the Federal troops into 
the interior, and to make as successful opposi- 
tion to their movements as might be possible. 

The election for State officers in North 
Carolina takes place on the second Thm-sday 
in August. Some months before this election 
the person who should be the next governor of 
the State became a subject of active discussion. 
One party desired a man who was not a pro- 
scriptive secessionist, and the other desired one 
who was radical and thorough on secession, and 
who would sustain the Confederate Government, 
even at the expense of State rights. Both parties 
sustained the war. The candidates nominated 
for the office were William Johnson, of Meck- 
lenberg County, and Zebulon B, Vance, of Bun- 
combe County. 

The result of the election was the choice of 
Col. Vance as governor by a large majority. 

On the iVth of November the Legislature 
assembled at Raleigh, and the governor deliv- 
ered his message. He urged a vigorous prose- 
cution of the war, but complained of the bad 
faith of the Confederate Government in send- 
ing agents into the State to obtain clothing and 
supplies, after agreeing not to do so if the 
State undei'took to clothe her own troops. He 
condemned the conscription law, and stated that 
the soldiers were sufleriug greatly for want of 
shoes and clothing. The debt of the State at 
the beginning of the year was $2,098,361. 
Flour and corn commanded such prices as to 
be used only by wealthy persons. 

The Legislature adopted the following reso- 
lutions on the 27th of November : 

Resolved, That the Confederate States have the 
means and the will to sustain and perpetuate the 
Government they have established, and that to that 
end North Carolina is determined to contribute all 
her power and resources. 

Resolved, That the separation between the Confed- 
erate States and the United States is final, and that 
the people of North Carolina will never consent to a 
reunion at any time or upon any terms. 

Resolved, That we hare full confidence in the ability 
and patriotism of his Excellency President Davis, anS 
that his administration is entitled to the cordial sup- 
port of all patriotic citizens. 

Resolved, That we heartily approve of the policy 
for the conduct of the war set forth by his Excellency 
Gov. Vance to the General Assembly, and that he 
ought to be unanimously supported in the manly and 
patriotic stand he has taken for our independence. 

The number of men obtained in the State by 
the Confederate conscription law was stated to 
exceed forty thousand, three-fourths of whom 
were reported by the examining physicians as 
unfit for military duty. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



143 



On the 15tli of May, E(l\yard Stanley, for- 
merly a distinguished citizen of North Carolina, 
arrived at New York from California, for the 
purpose of entering upon the office of tem- 
porary governor of North Carolina, which had 
been tendered to him by President Lincoln. 
The part of Carolina placed under his jurisdic- 
tion was that in which the Federal arms held 
control. The instructions of the Federal Gov- 
ernment to Gov. Stanley w«re similar to those 
given to Gov. Andrew Johnson in Tennessee, 
and were as follows : 

"War Department, WAsninQTOX, D. C, May 2, 1S62. 

Jlon. Edward Stanley, Military Governor of JS'orth 
Carolina : 

Sih: The commission you have received expresses 
on its face the nature and extent of the duties and 
power devolved on you by the appointment of mili- 
tary governor of North Carolina. Instructions have 
been given to Maj.-Gen. Burnside to aid you in the 
performance of j-our duties and the exercise of your 
authority. He has been instructed to detail an ade- 
quate military force for the special purpose of a gov- 
ernor's guard, and to act under your direction. It 
is obvious to you that the great purpose of your ap- 
pointment is to reestablish the authority of the Fed- 
eral Government in the State of North Carolina, 
and to provide the means of maintaining peace and 
security to the loyal inhabitants of that State until 
they shall be able to establish a civil government. 
Upon your wisdom and energetic action much will 
depend in accomplishing that result. It is not deem- 
ed necessary to give any specific instructions, but 
rather to confide in your sound discretion to adopt 
such measures as circumstances may demand. You 
may rely upon the perfect confidence and full support 
of this department in the performance of your duties. 

With great respect, I am your obedient servant, 
EDWIN M. STANTON, 

Secretary of War. 

On the 26th of May he arrived at Newhern, 
and entered upon his duties. On the I7tli 
of June he made an address to the people at 
"Washington, N. C. Permission had been given 
to the citizens to enter the Federal lines for the 
purpose of hearing this addi-ess, and they were 
present from seventeen counties. The speech 
was a review of the past, an examination of 
present aftairs, and an urgent appeal to the 
citizens to resume their allegiance to the Fed- 
eral Government. The result showed that so 
long as the Confederate Government retained 
its organization and power, the citizens could 
not be expected to turn against it; especially 
as the fortune of war might soon place them 
under its control again. 

At all tlie military posts of the Federal Gov- 
ernment in the State, the slaves from the in- 
terior who had run away collected. This was 
especially the case at Newbern, where five 
thousand had come in. When Gov. Stanley 
arrived there he found schools established for 
their instruction, but expressed the opinion 
that it was injudicious, as contrary to the laws 
of the State, and if upheld by him it nnist 
destroy his influence with the people. The 
schools were temporarily suspended. The 
course pursued by the governor was designed 
to restore the confidence and good wiU of the 



people, which had been lost by the belief that 
it was the purpose of the Federal Administra- 
tion to destroy their institutions and subjugate 
the people. A conference was proposed by 
Gov. Stanley to Gov. Vance, for the purpose of 
restoring peace in the State. The latter re- 
fused to meet, but referred the former to the 
Confederate Government at Richmond. Ap- 
parently little had been gained for the Federal 
cause thus far by the miUtary organization on 
th^ borders of the State. 

The achievements of the military and naval 
expedition to the coast of South Carolina and 
Georgia, should be described in this connection. 
For an account of its outfit, departure, and 
occupation of Hilton Head see Chapter XI. 
Undoubtedly there was a double object in thi 
expedition. On the one hand it was designed 
to seize and hold as large a district of the coast 
as might be practicable, and on the other pre- 
pare a base for future operations against Charles- 
ton and Savannah, South Carolina, and the great 
State of Georgia. The point designed for its 
headquarters, and for the base of future opera- 
tions, was occupied at once. The first labor 
was to prejiaro Port Royal for the jmrposes in 
view. Immense cargoes of commissary stores, 
ordnance, and means of transportation were 
landed from the large ocean steamers which 
accompanied the expedition. Extensive ware- 
houses were erected for the preservation of the 
stores; while for the security of the depot 
whence supplies were to be drawn for all por- 
tions of the command, and to enable as many 
troops as possible to be spared for distant oper- 
ations, long lines of defence had to be construct- 
ed. While the works were pushed forward 
reconnoissances were made in every direction 
to ascertain the position and strength of the 
enemy, to learn the depth of water in the nu- 
merous creeks and inlets, and remove all ob- 
structions that might have been placed in im- 
portant channels of communication. 

At the beginning of the year it was observed 
to be the design of the enemy to shut up the 
Federal troops in Port Royal Island, by placing 
obstructions in Coosaw River and Whale Branch, 
by constructing batteries at Port Royal Ferry, 
at Seabrook, and at or near Boyd Creek, and 
by accumulating men in the vicinity so as to 
be able to throw a force of twenty-five hundred 
or three thousand upon any of these points, 
at a short notice. It was determined to arrest 
their designs peremptorily, and in such a man- 
ner as would serve a subsequent purpose. 
Commander E. R. P. Rodgers had charge of 
the naval force of the expedition, consisting of 
the gunboats Ottawa, Lieut. Stevens, Pembina, 
Lieut. Bankhead, and four armed boats of the 
Wabash," carrying howitzers, and imder the 
command of Licuts. Upsher, Lane, Irwin, and 
Master Kempft", which were to enter the Coo- 
saw by Beaufort River ; and the gunboat Seneca, 
Lieut. Ammen, and tugboat Ellen, Master 
Budd, which were to move up Beaufort River, 
and approach the batteries at Seabrook and 



144 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



Port Royal Ferry by "Whale Branch. The tug 
boat E. B. Hale, Master Foster, waa added to 
the expedition after it started. The part assign- 
ed to the naval force was to protect the land- 
ing of the troops at Haywood's plantation, the 
first point of debarkation, to cover the route of 
the advancing column, and the second point of 
debarkation, and to assail the batteries on their 
front. The military force consisted of the 47th 
and 48th New York regiments, Ools. Frazer and 
Perry, the Y9th New York, 50th and 100th 
Pennsylvania, and 8th Michigan, with a naval 
howitzer force of forty men, under Lieut. Ir- 
win. After the forces, landed at the two points, 
had marched, driving all of the enemy who 
'were seen before them, and formed a junction, 
they were divided into centre, right, and left 
wings, and ordered forward to attack the bat- 
teries of the enemy. A sharp skirmish of half 
an hour ensued upon their approach to the bat- 
tery, when the enemy retired, and the works 
were completely destroyed. An incomplete 
work at Seabrook, two miles from Port Royal 
Ferry, was destroyed at the same time. The 
result of the expedition was the destruction of 
the two batteries, driving the enemy five miles 
into the rear, and rendering the Broad and Coo- 
saw rivers secure for the gunboats. The land 
force was commanded by Gen. Stevens. Eleven 
privates were wounded and two of them missing. 
Four of the enemy were found dead. 

"While all the improvements were urged for- 
ward at Hilton Head, reconnoissances were con- 
stantly made. The nest movement of interest 



took place on the 26th of January, in consequence 
of explorations which had been previously made, 
and which were of such an adventurous nature 
as to entitle to honor the parties engaged. The 
city of Savannah is about fifteen miles from the 
mouth of the river of that name, and situated 
on its right or southern bank. The approach 
to it by water is defended by Fort Pulaski 
(captured by the Georgians in 1861), a case- 
mated work on Cockspur Island, at the mouth 
of the river, and Fort Jackson, a barbette work 
on the mainland, only four miles below the city. 
The left bank of the river is formed by a suc- 
cession of islands, and the channel is also inter- 
rupted by large and numerous ones. The net- 
work of creeks and bays which surround Hil- 
ton Head terminates to the southward in Cal- 
ibogue Sound, which is separated from Savan- 
nah river at its mouth by Turtle and Jones 
Islands. The waters that bound two sides of 
Jones Island, which is triangular in shape, are 
called Mud and Wright rivers ; the latter is the 
more southern, and separates Jones from Turtle 
Island, which lies next to Dawfuskie Island, the 
western shore of Calibogue Sound. The water 
on the third side of Jones Island is the Savan- 
nah river. This island is about five miles long, 
and between two and three broad. About half 
way between its upper and lower angles, and 
fronting on the Savannah, is Venus Point, 
where a Federal battery was subsequently 
placed to cut off communication between Savan- 
nah and Fort Pulaski. 

Lieut. J. H. Wilson, of the topographical 




engineers, becoming convinced, from informa- 
tion obtained of negro pilots and others, that 
an interior passage existed, connecting Cali- 
bogue Sound with the Savannah river, and 
which, if passable by gunboats, might lead to 
cutting off Fort Pulaski from communication 
with Savannah, was despatched by Gen. Sher- 
man on a reconnoissance. Taking with him two 
row boats, and about seventy men of the Rhode 
Island regiment, he left Calibogue Sound with 
his negro crew and pilots, and ventured by night 
through the intricate passages. At this time 



the Union troops had not advanced beyond 
Dawfuskie Island, and on some of these rivers 
Confederate pickets were still stationed. The 
oars of the reconnoitring party, however, were 
muffled, and they passed by the pickets with- 
out discovery. Under cover of the darkness 
they penetrated several miles up one of these 
streams, leaving the pickets in their rear. If 
discovered, retreat or escape would have been 
impossible for them, as there was no opportu- 
nity of returning except on the same route by 
which they came. The river which they thus 



MILITARY AND ITAVAL HISTOliY OF THE REBELLION. 



145 



explored led into no other channel, but wasted 
away in a marsh. They got back into another 
stream. Finally tlie creeks became so shallow- 
as to be uunavigable for any but the smdlest 
craft. At one point an artificial channel had 
been constructed about two hundred yards long, 
called Wall's Cut. This led to the roar of Jones 
Island, and into both the Mud and Wriglit rivers, 
both of which, as stated above, empty into the 
Savannah, the former about six miles, and the 
latter about two miles above Fort Pulaski. 
This cut had, however, been obstructed by 
three rows of piles driven across its entire 
width, and by a large brig sunk in the same di- 
rection, across the channel. At high tide the 
reconnoitring party were able to get over the 
piles and pass the brig. The reeds on both 
banks were very high, and the cut altogether 
invisible from Savannah, while the marshy na- 
ture of the region prevented any approach by 
land. There was danger of meeting pickets or 
stray parties of sportsmen, shooting wild ducks 
abounding in those waters. The party remain- 
ed concealed by the reeds during the day, and 
at night pursued their explorations. They found 
the channel of Mud river impassable for large 
vessels by reason of its shallow water, but got 
easily through the Wright river, and rounding 
the point of Jones Island, entered the Savannah. 
There they remained nearly all night, moving 
at times under the guns of Fort Pulaski, near 
enough to hear the challenge of the lonely sen- 
tinels, or the conversation of the gunners on 
the parapets before tattoo. They found the 
depth and bearings of the channel in all direc- 
tions; went up the river beyond Venus Point, 
and even passed the entrance of Mud river, and 
then returned into the Wright, establishing to 
their own satisfaction that gunboats of ten feet 
draught could pass by that route into the Savan- 
nah, without incurring any material risk from 
the guns of Pulaski, which were at the nearest 
point a mile and three-fourths distant. 

Upon this report Gen. Sherman caused an- 
other and fuller reconnoissance to be made. 
Major Beard of the 48th New York was sent 
to remove the obstructions in "Wall's Cut. A 
party of volunteer engineers and a company 
of the 7th Connecticut accompanied him ; and 
while some kept a careful watch, others were 
engaged at the obstructions. They were re- 
moved in three weeks of unremitting night 
labor. All the piles were sawn off a foot be- 
low the bottom of the cut, and the brig turned 
lengthwise, leaving a passage wide enough for 
the gunboats. All this was accomplished 
without awakening the suspicions of the enemy, 
whose pickets had been withdrawn. All 
stragglers, white or black, who approached 
were seized ; of these, four or five whites seem- 
ed to have been hunting, for they were in 
boats loaded with game; others were slaves 
who had escaped from Savannah. All were 
astonished to sec their captors there. No 
scouts were ever detected, and no boats passed 
on the Savannah river except the steamers 
10 



plying to Fort Pulaski from Savannah. On 
some nights the rain fell furiously, but the 
work proceeded. After the obstructions had 
been removed, a violent storm that lasted for 
several days rendered any further operations 
impracticable ; still the pickets kept up their 
Avatch on the dismal and muddy marsh, and 
every straggler or spy was seized. 

A naval reconnoissance was now made by 
Capt. John Rodgers and Lieut. Barnes, in com- 
pany with Lieut. WilsOn. Like all the others 
it was made in tlie night. The party were able 
to pass througli the cut, take soundings in the 
"Wright river, enter the Savannah, and ascer- 
tain all that was necessary to determine the 
practicability of the passage of gunboats. Capt. 
Rodgers reported favorably, and was willing 
to command the movement. It was determined 
therefore that a reconnoissance in force should 
be made, and preparations were commenced for 
that purpuse. 

It had always been known that a passage 
existed on the right side of the Savannah, lead- 
ing from Warsaw Sound through tiie Wilming- 
ton river until it narrows into St. Augustine 
Creek, and finally empties into the Savannah 
just below Fort Jackson. This passage was de- 
fended by a battery. Information was how- 
ever obtained from negroes of another passage 
leading up also from "Warsaw, but much nearer 
to the Savannah and entering it lower down 
than St. Augustine Creek. This second pas- 
sage is called Wilmington Narrows. Several 
reconnoissances were made along its course and 
the result was a determination by Gen. Sher- 
man and Com. Dupont to send a force up 
Wilmington Narrows, at the same time that 
operations should begin in the vicinity of Wall's 
Cut. Accordingly on the 26th of January, 
Gen. Wright with the 4th New Hampshire, 
Col. Whipple, 6th Connecticut, Col. Chatficid", 
and 97th Pennsylvania, Col. Guess, on the 
transports Cosmopolitan, Boston, and Delaware 
were convoyed by the gunboats Ottawa,. Seneca, 
and others under Capt. C. IT. Davis to Warsaw 
Sound. The force then proceeded up the 
Wilmington Narrows for some miles and in 
the rear of Fort Pulaski until it arrived at a 
place where piles had been placed to obstruct 
its further progress. The gunboats remained 
at this spot a short distance from the Savannah 
during the night, while reconnoissances were 
made on land and water. In the morning 
Capt. John Rodgers with three gunboats ap- 
peared on the opposite side of the Savannah 
in Wall's Cut. Two of these vessels passed 
into Wright river. About eleven o'clock in the 
forenoon Com. Tatnall and the five Confed- 
erate steam gunboats attempted to pass down 
the river with scows in tow, when fire was 
opened upon them by the gunboats on each 
side. The country on each side is so flat that 
but little obstruction to the sight intervened. 
In less than half an hour Com. Tatnall and one 
of his vessels were driven back ; the other 
three escaped injury apparently and made 



146 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 



good their passage down to Fort Pulaski. 
They returned at low water and escaped unin- 
jured. The objects of the reconnoissauce be- 
ing now attained the forces returned to Hilton 
Head. The gunboats in Wright river did not 
go down as far as the entrance to the Savannah, 
as they would be in reach of the guns of Fort 
Pulaski, and Capt. Eodgers feared that they 
might get aground. This withdrawal of the 
boats from Wall's Cut was regarded by the 
Confederate commander as an abandonment of 
the purpose to enter the Savannah by that 
route. Confidence was thus restored in the 
minds of the citizens of Savannah, and the 
wisest hoped that the fort, which was the key 
of the city, might be enabled to detain their 
enemy for an indefinite length of time. The 
greatest consternation therefore prevailed in 
Savannah when the fort was ultimately cap- 
tured. 

Gen. Sherman now commenced a series of 
measures by which to cut oft' all communication 
between the city and the fort. This consisted 
in the planting of batteries on the river. The 
most important one was at Venus Point on the 
river side of Jones Island. A road was made 
with almost herculean labor across its marshy 
surface from Wall's Cut, by the 48th New York 
regiment. Over this road the cannon were 
brought and placed in the battery. An attack 
was made on this battery by the Confederate 
gunboats on the 14tli of March. After an en- 
gagement of an hour they were driven oft'. 
Another battery was placed on the extremity 
of Long Island, which was on the other side of 
the channel of the river, and still another Avas 
placed on floats at the mouth of Mud river. 
Some weeks were passed before this work was 
done and the communication entirely cut oft". 
Preparations were next commenced for the re- 
duction of the fort. This was to he done by 
batteries established on Tybee Island adjacent to 
Cockspur Island, on which the fort is located. 
These were not completed until the 9th of 
April, when the following order for the bom- 
bardment of the fort was issued : 

General Orders — Ko. 17. 

Headquarters United States Forces, 1 
Ttbee Island, Ga., April 9, 1863. ( 

The batteries established against Fort Pulaski will 
be manned and ready for service at break of day to- 
morrow. 

The signal to begin the action will be one gun from 
the right mortar of Battery Halleck (2,400 yards from 
the work), fired under the direction of Lieutenant Hor- 
ace Porter, chief of ordnance ; charge of mortar 11 
lbs., charge of shell 11 lbs., elevation 55°, and length 
of fuse 24". 

This battery (two 13-inch Mortars) will continue 
firing at the rate of fifteen minutes to each mortar al- 
ternately, varying the charge of mortars and length of 
fuse, so that the shells will drop over the arches of the 
north and northeast faces of the work, and explode 
immediately after striking, but not before. 

The other batteries will open as follows, viz : 

Battery Stanton (three 13-iiich mortars, 3,400 yards 
distant), immediately after the signal, at the rate of 
fifteen minutes for each piece, alternately from the 
right ; charge of mortar 14 lbs., charge of shell 7 lbs., 



elevation 45°, and length of fuse 23", varying the 
charge of mortar and length of fuse as may be re- 
quired. The shells should drop over the arches of the 
south face of the work, and explode immediately after 
striking, but not before. 

Battery Grant (three 13-inch mortars, 3,200 yards 
distant), immediately after the ranges for Battery 
Stanton have been determined, at the rate of fifteen 
minutes for each piece, alternately from the right ; 
charge of shell 7 lbs., elevation 45°, charge of mortar 
and length of fuse to be varied to suit the range, as 
determined from Battery Stanton. The shells should 
drop over the arches of the south face of the work, and 
explode immediately after striking, but not before. 

Battery Lyon (three 10-inch columbiads, 3,100 yards 
from the work), with a curved fire, immediately after 
the signal, allowing ten minutes between the dis- 
charges for each piece, alternating from the right; 
charge of guns 17 lbs., charge of shell 3 lbs., elevation 
20°, and length of fuse 20" ; the charge and length of 
fuse to vary as required. The shell should pass over 
the parapet and into the work, taking the gorge and 
north face in reverse, and exploding at the moment of 
striking, or immediately after. 

Battery Lincoln (three 8-inch columbiads, 3,045 
yards from the work), with a curved fire, immediately 
after the signal, allowing six minutes between dis- 
charges for each piece, alternating from the right ; 
charge for gun 10 lbs., charge of shell \k lbs., eleva- 
tion 20°, and length of fuse 20", directed the same as 
Battery Lyon, upon the north face and gorge in re- 
verse, varying the charge and length of fuse accord- 
ingly. 

Battery Burnside (one 13-inch mortar, 2,750 yards 
from the work), firing every ten minutes, from the 
range as obtained ibr Battery Sherman ; charge of 
shell 7 lbs. ; elevation 45° ; charge of mortar and 
length of fuse varying as required from those obtained 
for Battery Sherman. The shells should drop on the 
arches of the north and northeast faces, and explode 
immediately after striking, but not before. 

Battery Siierman (three 10 inch-mortars, 2,C50 yards 
from the work), commencing immediately after the 
ranges for Battery Grant have been determined, 
and firing at the rate of fifteen minutes for each piece, 
alternating from the right; charge of shell 7 lbs. ; ele- 
vation 45^ ; charge of mortar and length of fuse to be 
fixed to suit the range as determined from Battery 
Grant. The shells should drop over the arches of the 
north and northeast faces. 

Battery Scott (three 10-inch and one 8-inch colum- 
biads, 1,G77 yards from the work), firing solid shot and 
commencing immediately after the barbette fire of the 
works has ceased. Charge of 10-inch columbiads 20 
lbs., elevation 45° ; chai-ge of 8-inch columbiad 10 lbs., 
elevation 5°. This battery should breach the pan- 
coupe between the south and southeast faces, and the 
embrasure next to it in the southeast face : the ele- 
vation to be varied accordingly, the charge to remain 
the same. Until the elevation is accurately deter- 
mined each gun should fire once in ten minutes ; after 
that, every six or eight minutes. 

Battery Sigel (five SO-pounder Parrotts and one 24- 
pounder' James', 1,620 yards from the work), to open 
with 4|" fuse on the barbette guns of the fort at the 
second discharge from Battery Sherman. Charge for 
30-poundcrs, Si lbs. ; charge for 24-pounder, 5 lbs. ; 
elevation, 40° for both calibers. 

As soon as the barbette fire of the work has been 
silenced, this battery will be directed, with percussion 
shells, upon the walls, to breach the pancoupe between 
the south and sbutheast face, and the embrasure next 
to it in the southeast face, the elevation to be varied 
accordingly, the charge to remain the same. Until 
the elevation is accurately determined, each gun 
should fire once in six or eight minutes ; after that, 
every four or five minutes. 

Battery McClellan (two 42 and two 82-pounder 
James', 1,620 yards from the work) opens fire imme- 
diately after Battery Scott. Charges for 42-pounder, 
8 lbs. ; charge for 32-pouuder, 6 lbs. ; elevation of 42- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



147 



Eounder, 4J°, and 32-pounder, 4°. Each piece should 
re once every five or six minutes after the elevation 
has been established, charge to remain the same. 
This battery should breach the works in the pancoupe 
between the south and southeast faces, and the em- 
brasure next to it iu the southeast face. The steel 
scraper for the grooves should be used after every fifth 
or sixth discharge. 

Battery Totteu (four 10-inch siege mortars, 1,685 
yards from the work) opens fire imm'ediately after Bat- 
tery Sigel, firing each piece about once in five minutes ; 
charge of mortar, 3i lbs. ; charge of shell, ?> lbs. : ele- 
vatio'u, 45°. ; and length of fuse, 18s ". The charge 
of mortar and length of fuse vary, so as to explode tlie 
shell over the northeast and southeast facesof the work. 

If any battery should be unmasked outside the work 
Battery Totten should direct its fire upon it, varying 
the charge of mortars and length of fuse accordingly. 

The fii-e from each battery will cease at dark, except 
especial directions be given to the contrary. 

A signal otficcr at Battery Scott, to observe the effects 
of the 1-3-inch shells, will be in communication with 
other signal officers stationed near Batteries Stanton, 
Grant, and Sherman, in order to determine the range 
for these batteries in succession. 

By order of Brig.-Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE. 

Before the bombardment was commenced on 
the 10th, the fort was summoned to surrender. 
The following is the correspondence: 

IlEADQrrAnTEES Depart.mest op the South, ) 
Tybee Island, Ga., April 10, 1S62. j" 

To the Commanding/ Officer, Fort Pulaski : 

Sir: I hereby demand of you liie immediate surren- 
der and restoi-atiou of Fort Pulaski to the authority and 
possession of the United States. 

This demand is made with a view to avoiding, if pos- 
sible, the effusion of blood which mnst result from the 
bombardment and attack now in readiness to be opened. 

The number, caliber, and completeness of the bat- 
teries surrounding you, leave no doubt as to what must 
result in case of refusal : and as the defence, however 
obstinate, must eventually succumb to the assailing 
force at my disposal, it is hoped you will see fit to avert 
the useless waste of life. 

This communication will be carried to you under a 
flag of truce by Lieut. J. 11. Wilson, United States Ar- 
my, who is authorized to wait any period not exceeding 
thirty minutes from deli\ery lor your answer. 

I have the honor to be, sir, vour most obedient ser- 
vant, DAVID HUNTER, , 
Major-General Commanding. 

Gen. Hunter had been placed in command 
of the Federal forces, and Gen. Sherman, be- 
fore completing the enterprises he had com- 
menced, was recalled. The Confederate com- 
mander of the fort replied to this demand as 
follows: 

IXeadqitartekb, Fokt Pulaski, April 10, 1SC3. 
Maj.- Gen. David Hunter, commanding on Tybee Island : 

Sir : I have to acknowledge receipt of your commu- 
nication of this date, demanding the unconditional sur- 
render of Fort Pulaski. 

In reply I can only say that I am here to defend the 
fort, not to surrender it. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, vour obe- 
dient servant, CHAS. H. OLMSTEAD, 

Colonel First Volunteer regiment of 
Georgia, commanding post. 

On this refusal, and at twenty-three minutes 
of eight o'clock in the morning the fire was open- 
ed. Three minutes after the fort replied from a 
10-inch barbette gun, and soon after the firing 
became general on both sides. After eighteen 
hours the fort was breached in the southeast 



angle, and at the moment of surrender, 2 o'clock 
p. M. of the 11th, preparations had been com- 
menced for storming. Forty-seven guns, a 
great supply of fixed ammunition, forty thou- 
sand pounds of powder, and large quantities 
of commissary stores, and three hundred and 
sixty prisoners were taken. 

It was expected at Savannah that an attack 
would be immediately made upon Fort Jackson, 
to be followed by its surrender, and that of the 
city also. Nothing of the kind, however, was 
contemplated. The Union commander was in 
no condition to underteke such an enterprise, 
and actually was obliged to content himself 
with holding what had been acquired. The 
possession of Fort Pulaski prevented any fur- 
ther attempts to run the blockade into Sa- 
vannah by the mouth of the river. 

While those operations had been going on 
against Fort Pulaski, the other portion of the 
military and naval forces at Hilton Head had 
not been idle. On the 28th of February Cora. 
Dupont sailed from Port Royal in the steam 
frigate "Wabash, accompanied by the following 
vessels : Ottawa, Mohican, Ellen, Seminole, 
Pawnee, Pocahontas, Flag, Florida, James 
Adger, Bienville, Alabama, Key Stone State, 
Seneca, Huron, Pembina, Isaac Smith, Pen- 
guin, Potomska, armed cutter Henrietta, armed 
transport McClellan, the latter having on board 
the battalion of marines under the command 
of Maj. Reynolds, and the transports Empire 
City, Marion, Star of the South, Belvidcre, 
Boston, and George's Creek, conveying a bri- 
gade under the command of IBrig.-Gen. Wright. 

On the 2d of March the expedition came to 
anchor in St. Andrew's Sound, and on the next 
morning a portion of the gunboats and trans- 
ports, under Commander Drayton, proceeded 
down Cumberland Sound toward Fernandina 
on the north extremity of Amelia Island. Cum- 
berland Sound is the passage between Cumber- 
land Island and the mainland. Amelia Island 
is next in order below Cumberland Island; the 
north point of the former and the south point 
of the latter being nearly opposite. The re- 
mainder of the fleet proceeded down outside to 
the entrance between Cumberland and Amelia 
Islands. The object of sending a portion of the 
fleet through Cumberland Sound was to turn 
the works on the south end of Cumberland 
and the north end of Amelia Islands. The 
enemy having received information of the expe- 
dition, abandoned their works on its approach 
and retired. Fort Clinch on Amelia Island was 
taken possession of and garrisoned. The town 
of Fernandina, which was almost deserted, was 
occupied by the Union force, and a small steam 
boat loaded with stores was overtaken and 
captured. The Confederate force stationed at 
Fernandina consisted of the 4th Florida, Col. 
Hopkins, with a number of companies of caval- 
ry and light artillery. Reconnoitring expedi- 
tions were sent out in different directions with 
successful results. New Fernandina on Amelia 
Island, about a mile and a half from Old Fer- 



148 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBEIXION. 




MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



149 



nandina, is the eastern termination of the rail- 
road across the peninsula. The western termi- 
nation is Cedar Keys, a small town located on 
one of a group of small islands close to the west 
coast of Florida. It was captured by a Union 
force on the 16th of January. On the same 
night that Fernandina was taken Commander 
E. R. P. Rodgers in the Ottawa ascended the 
St. Mary's river, and took possession of the 
town of that name, driving out a picket of the 
enemy's cavalry. This town and Fernandina 
were uninjured. Preparations for a most vig- 
orous defence were found to have been made 
at both places, but the State troops were 
probably required for the Confederate army. 
The difficulties arising from the indirectness of 
the channel and from the shoalness of the bar 
would have added to the defences by keeping 
approa-ching vessels a long time exposed to fire 
under great disadvantages. Having turned the 
property over to the military power the expe- 
dition was ready for further movements. 

A principal and ultimate object of this entire 
expedition was, in its first conception, to take 
and keep under control the whole line of sea- 
coast, especially of the State of Georgia. Hav- 
ing heard at Fernandina that the works at 
Brunswick in Georgia had been abandoned, 
Com. Dupont on the 7tli of March despatched 
a force, consisting of the Mohican, Pocahontas, 
and Potoraska, under Commander Gordon, to 
hold the place. It is a port of entry in the ex- 
treme southeastern part of the State of Georgia, 
pleasantly situated on Turtle river, and has a 
spacious harbor. It is the eastern terminus of 
the Brunswick and Florida railroad. Com- 
mander Gordon with his vessels crossed the bar 
on the 8th, and anchored at sundown within 
two miles of the forts commanding the channel. 
The next day he took possession of the batteries 
on St. Simon's Island and on Jekyl Island, 
When abandoned, all their guns and ammuni- 
tion had been removed. The town also was 
entirely deserted, and nearly all the property 
which could be removed had been taken away. 
Proclamations were posted by Commander Gor- 
don on several public buildings, urging the in- 
habitants to return to their homes and promis- 
ing protection to the property of all good citi- 
zens. The force then retired to the vessels. 

On the 13th with the Potomska and Poca- 
hontas Commander Gordon proceeded from St. 
Simon's Sound through the inland passage to 
Darien on the Altamaha river. Piles had been 
driven in two places across the passage, which 
were removed. Darien like Brunswick was 
entirely deserted, and also all the plantations 
on St. Simon's Island. But one white man 
was found on the island, and one old negro, 
although about fifteen hundred troops had been 
quartered there a few months previous. The 
former appeared to be in great dread of the 
coming of the Union force, and had been told 
that they would destroy even women and 
children. 

At the same time when this force was order- 



ed to Brunswick on the 7th of March, Com. 
Dupont sent the gunboats Ottawa, Seneca, Pem- 
bina, and Huron, with the Isaac Smith and El- 
len under Lieut. Stevens to St. John's river with 
instructions to cross its difficult and shallow 
bar, feel the forts if still held, and push on to 
Jacksonville and even Pilatka and capture 
river steamers. St. John's river empties into 
the Atlantic some twenty-five miles south of 
Fernandina. On the 11th Lieut. Stevens suc- 
ceeded in crossing the bar and anchored for 
the night. During the evening large fires were 
seen in the direction of Jacksonville, which 
proved to have been made under the order of 
the Confederate commander. Gen. Trapier, by 
the burning of mills, houses, and property be- 
longing to Northern men suspected of enter- 
taining Union sympathies. On arriving at 
Jacksonville during the next day, the corporate 
authorities came off to Lieut. Stevens and gave 
up the town. The 4th New Hampshire, Col. 
Whipple, was landed and took possession. The 
location of the town is on the northern bank 
of the St. John's, about twenty-five miles from 
its mouth. It contains about three thousand 
inhabitants. From almost all the houses a 
white flag was displayed on the approach of 
the force, and men, women, and children of all 
colors turned out to see the display. A Union 
feeling was aroused and encouraged. A public 
meeting was called and resolutions adopted in 
favor of organizing a Union State Government 
and calling a convention to meet at Jackson- 
ville for that purpose on the 10th of April, 
then approaching. On the 8th of April the 
LTnion commander. Gen. Wright, evacuated the 
town, and then sent information of his move- 
ment to the Confederate commander. Gen. 
Trapier, inviting him to come and re-occupy the 
town, and requesting him to take care of the 
women and children remaining. On the 9th 
the Confederate officers stood on the dock and 
watched the vessels sailing away. On the 10th, 
the Union convention, which had been warmly 
encouraged by these retiring oflficers with their 
force, was called to assemble. Of course it 
was not held. The more active Unionists had 
through fear left with the fleet. 

Com. Dupont, immediately after having de- 
spatched Commander Gordon to Brunswick and 
Lieut. Stevens to Jacksonville, as above stated, 
proceeded himself toward St. Augustine. Ar- 
riving off the harbor he ordered Commander 
Rodgers to approach the city with a flag of truce, 
presuming that if there were any people along 
the coast likely to remain in their houses, they, 
would be found at St. Augustine. As Com- 
mander Rodgers approached the city, a white 
flag was hoisted upon one of the bastions of 
Fort Marion. As he landed upon the wharf 
and inquired for the chief authority, he was 
soon joined by the mayor and conducted to 
the city hall, where the municipal authorities 
were assembled. His report to Com. Dupont 
proceeds as follows : 
I informed them that, having come to restore the 



150 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



authority of the United States, you had deemed it 
more proper to send in an unarmed boat to inform the 
citizens of your determination, than to occupy the town 
at once by force of arms ; that you were desirous to 
calm all apprehensions of harsh treatment, and that 
you should carefully respect the persons and property 
of all citizens who submitted to the authority of the 
United States ; that you had a single purpose to restore 
the state of afiairs which existed before the rebellion. 

I informed the municipal authorities that so long as 
they respected the authority of the Government we 
serve, and acted in good faith, municipal affairs would 
be left in their own hands, so far as might be consistent 
with the exigencies of the times. The mayor and 
council informed me that the place had been evacuated 
the preceding night by two companies of Florida 
troops, and tiiat they gladly received the assurances I 
gave them, and placed the city in my hands. 

I recommended them to hoist the flag of the Union 
at once, and in prompt accordance with the advice, by 
order of the mayor, the national ensign was displayed 
from the fiag staff of the fort. The mayor proposed to 
turn over to me the five cannon mounted at the fort, 
which are in good condition and not spiked, and also 
the few munitions of war left by the retreating enemy. 
1 desired him to take charge of them for the present, 
to make careful inventories and establish a patrol and 
guard, informing him that he would be held respon- 
sible for the place until our force should enter the har- 
bor. 

I called on the clergymen of the city, requesting 
them to re-assure the people, and to confide in our 
kind intentions toward them. About 1,500 people re- 
main in St. Augustine, about one-fifth of the inhabi- 
tants having fled. I believe there are many citizens 
who are earSestly attached to the Union, a large num- 
ber who are silently opposed to it, and a still larger 
number who care veiy little about the matter. There 
is much violent and pestilent feeling among the 
women ; they have a theatrical desire to figure as 
heroines! Their minds have doubtless been filled 
with the falsehoods so industriously circulated in re- 
gard to the lust and hatred of our troops. 

On the night before our arrival a party of women 
assembled in front of the barracks and cut down the 
flag staff, in order that it might not be used to support 
the old flag. The men seemed anxious to conciliate 
in every way. There is a great scarcity of provisions 
in the place. There seems to be no money, except the 
wretched paper currency of the rebellion, and much 
poverty exists. 

In the water battery at the fort are three fine army 
32-pounders and two 8-inch sea coast howitzers, with 
shot and some powder. Several good guns were taken 
awaj' some months ago. The garrison of the place 
left from St. Augustine at midnight on the 18th, for 
Smyrna, where are said to be about 800 troops, a bat- 
tery, the steamer Carolina, and a considerable quantity 
^ arms and ammunition. 

The fort at this place is the second one of 
the old forts ia Florida of which possession had 
then been recovered. The other is Fort Clinch 
at Fernandina. St. Augustine is farther south 
than Jacksonville and situated on the north 
shore of Matanzas Sound about two miles from 
the «ea, from which it is separated by the island 
of Anastasia. The population exceeds two 
thousand. 

The next object of Com. Dupont was to visit 
Musquito Inlet, fifty miles farther south. It 
had been reported to him that the inlet was 
resorted, to by vessels of light draft for the 
introduction of arms transhipped from English 
vessels and steamers at the English colony of 
Nassau. Accordingly the Penguin, Lieut. T. 
A. Budd, and the Henry, Andrew S. W. Mather, 



master, were sent in advance and ordered to 
cross the bar and establish an inside blockade 
and guard from incendiarism the live oak tim- 
ber on the Government lands. On their ar- 
rival they started with four or five light boats 
and forty-three men and moved southward into 
Mosquito lagoon, but when returning, they 
werfe unexpectedly fired on, upon landing, and 
the commanding officers and three men were 
killed, and several wounded, and two taken 
prisoners. 

By these operations along the Florida coast 
some smaU steamers and other vessels were 
captured, and the blockade was rendered more 
effective by the actual occupation of the prin- 
cipal ports. The country appeared to be unde- 
fended and entirely unprepared to make any 
resistance against the overwhelming Union 
force. Many fortified positions were found, 
but the soldiers were not seen. The white 
population in Florida in 1860 was Y7,778, and 
during the previous year the State sent about 
ten thousand men to the Confederate army. 
Her military strength was thus reduced to a 
feeble condition. Whatever progress was made 
in restoring the Union was defeated by the 
sudden evacuation of Jacksonville and the 
abandonment of many Union citizens there. It 
taught the people of the State that so long as 
the Confederate Government existed in se- 
curity, it might at any time return and demand 
their allegiance. 

Commodore Dupont now returned to Port 
Royal, leaving a small force at all the points 
taken. On his arrival on the 2Tth of March, 
he learned that the formidable Confederate 
batteries on Skidaway and Green islands had 
been abandoned, by which complete control 
was obtained of Warsaw and Ossibaw sounds 
and the mouths of Vernon and Wilmington 
rivers, which form a part of the approaches 
from the south to Savannah. 

Toward Charleston the only movement of 
importance which had been made by Gen. 
Sherman was the occupation of Edisto Island 
by the 47th New York. This took place on 
the 11th of February. This island is about 
twelve miles long and nine broad, and is about 
ten miles from the mainland, twenty miles 
from the Charleston and Savannah railroad, 
and forty miles from Charleston. The island 
was found to be entirely deserted except by 
the negroes. Considerable cotton was gathered, 
although the greater portion of that produced 
had been burned. 

On the 31st of March Maj.-Gen, David 
Hunter assumed the command of the depart- 
ment of the South, consisting of the States of 
South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Thus 
Gen. Sherman was relieved of the command 
and assigned to another post. In a proclama- 
tion issued on the same day. Gen. Hunter an- 
nounced the division of his department into 
three districts as follows : 

1. The first, to be called the Northern District, will 
comprise the States of South Carolina, Georgia, and 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



151 



all that part of Florida north and east of a line ex- 
tending from Cape Canaveral northwest to the Gulf 
coast, just north of Cedar Keys and its dependencies, 
and thence north to the Georgia line. The head- 
quarters of this district will be at Port Royal, South 
Carolina, and Brig.-Gen. H. W. Benham (who will 
relieve Brig.-Gen. Sherman) is appointed to command 
this district and the troops therein, which troops will 
constitute a division, to be called the First Division 
of the Department of the South. 

2. The second, to be called the Southci-n District, 
will comprise all of Florida and the islands adjacent, 
south of the said line from Cape Canaveral, extending 
northwest to the Gulf coast, just north of Cedar Keys. 
The headquarters of this di.strict and the troops will 
remain, as at present, under command of Brig.-Gen. 
J. M. Brannan. 

3. The third, to be called the Western District, will 
comprise that part of Florida west of the line before 
described as running north from Cedar Keys to the 
Georgia line. The lieadquarters of this district will 
remain at Fort Pickens, as at present, with Brig.-Gen. 
L. G. Arnold commanding. 

The preparations, commenced by Gen. Sher- 
man for the capture of Fort Pulaski, were 
pushed forward by Gen. Hunter, nntil the fort 
surrendered in April, as has been above de- 
scribed. The subsequent movements under 
Gen. Hunter consisted in reconnoissances in 
force toward Charleston. The southern boun- 
dary of the liarbor of Charleston is formed by 
James Island. This island is bounded on the 
north by the harbor of Charleston and the 
Ashley River, on the northwest by "Wappoo 
Creek, on the south and southwest by Stono 
River, and on the east are a few small islands 
and the ocean. Wappoo Creek connects with 
the Ashley River in the immediate rear of 
Charleston, and by entering Stono River and 
into Wappoo Creek, gunboats can reach Charles- 
ton. The next island south of importance is 
John's Island, and the next Edisto Island. Be- 
tween tliese and Hilton Head are a number of 
islands of much less size. Early in ^lay Com. 
Dupont ordered the channel of Stono River to 
be sounded out and buoys to be placed. This 
was completed on the 20th of May, and the 
gunboats Unadilla, Pembina, and Ottawa crossed 
the bar and entered the river. Along the 
river, owing to its great importance as a means 
of access to the city, a vast number of earth- 







jt-H.jgrrtYW.VY. 



work fortifications had been erected. All of 
these were abandoned as the gunboats pro- 
ceeded. The distance from the mouth of the 
Stono to Wappoo Creek is about eight miles. 
Little was done in the river by the fleet for 
many day.s, except silencing some of the Confed- 
erate batteries, and preventing the erection of 
others in commanding points likely to be need- 
ed on the march toward Charleston, of Avhich 
this was designed as a preliminary movement. 
No signs of the approaching army api)eared for 
two weeks, during which several reconnois- 
sances were made by the fleet. The fire of the 
forts at the entrance to Wappoo Creek was 
drawn from two large rifled cannon at the 
lower battery of seven guns. The Huron and 
Pembina were anchored within range of these 
guns and within three miles of Charleston. 
From their mastheads could be seen a dozen 
spires, cupolas and observatories, the top-masts 
of two or three large ships, and nearly all the 
northwestern part of the city. On the 2d of 
June the military advance with Gens. Hunter 
and Benham arrived and were landed on James 
Island, to await the coming of Gen. Wriglit with 
cavalry, artillery, and additional infantry from 
the Edisto. An important fortification which 
had been vacated was occupied on James Island. 
On the 5th the additional forces arrived, and a 
series of skirmishes ensued for the next ten 
days both on James and John's Islands. On 
the 13th a sharp contest occurred between sev- 
eral new York and Pennsylvania regiments 
and the 47th Georgia. 

Meanwhile a diversion was made by a small 
Southern force against Hilton Head, which 
caused inuch consternation there, but effected 
nothing further. 

It was soon manifest that the Confederate 
force had been increased, and nothing of im- 
portance could be further effected by Gen. 
Hunter without reenforcements. As the Gov- 
ernment had none at this time to send, not 
being able to reenforce tlie more important 
army in Virginia, military operations Avere 
comparatively suspended. 

Some operations of the South Atlantic and 
West Gulf squadrons during the j'ear are 
worthy of notice in this place. On the 
first of January a combined attack was 
made by land and water upon a Con- 
federate post at Port Royal Ferry, S. C, 
the naval forces, consisting of three gun- 
boats, two tugs, and four armed boats 
from the Wabash, being under the direc- 
tion of Commander C. R. P. Rogers. 

On January 27th a fleet of two gun- 
boats, four armed steamers, and two armed 
launches under Fleet Captain C. H. Davis, 
accompanied by 2,400 men on transports 
commanded by Brig.-Gen. Wright, made 
a reconnoissance of Little Tybee River and 
the adjacent waters, with a view of pre- 
paring for the cutting off communication 
between Fort Pulaski and Savannah and 
the ultimate capture of the fort. While on 



152 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF TIIE REBELLION. 



tWs duty tliey were attcacked by five Confed- 
erate vessels under Commodore Ttitnall, which 
they repulsed after a half hour's fight, two of 
the enemy being driven back to Savannah, and 
the others running under the guns of the fort. 

On April 29th Lieut. Rhind, with the steamer 
E. B. Hale, captured and destroyed a battery 
near the junction of the Dawho, Pow Pow, and 
South Edisto Rivers. 

On May 13th the steam-tug planter, an armed 
despatch and transportation steamer attached 
to the engineer department at Charleston, under 
Brig.-Gen. Ripley, was brought out by her 
pilot, Robert Small, a very intelligent slave, 
and surrendered to the blockading squadron. 
She had on board eight men, five women, and 
three children, all negroes, and was armed with 
a 32-pounder pivot gun and a 24-pounder 
howitzer, besides which she had four large 
guns, one of them belonging to Fort Sumter, 
which she was to have transported that morn- 
ing to the new fort on the middle ground. At 
4 o'clock in the morning, while the captain was 
on shore, she left her wharf with Palmetto and 
Confederate flags flying, passed the forts, salut- 
ing as usual by blowing her steam whistle, and 
after getting out of reach of the last gun, hauled 
down the Confederate flags and hoisted a white 
one. The steamer, from her excellent ma- 
chinery and light draught, proved a valuable 
acquisition to the blockaders. 

On the 19th, Flag-Oflicer Dupont, having 
been' led to believe, chiefly by the information 
given by Robert Small, that the Confederates 
were erecting batteries on Stono Inlet, caused 
a recounoissance to be made which established 
the truth of the report. The inlet was imme- 
diately occupied by the gunboats and an im- 
portant base thus secured for future operations 
against Charleston. 

_ The military forces sent to occupy Jackson- 
ville, Fla., after its capture in March, were af- 
terwards withdrawn, and a battery was planted 
by the Confederates on St. John's River, some 
distance below the town, which caused con- 
siderable annoyance to the gunboats employed 
on the inside blockade of the river. Com- 
mander Steedman and Gen. Braunan accord- 
ingly moved on the 30th of September Avith a 
joint naval and land force, silenced and occu- 
pied the battery, capturing nine guns, and af- 
terwards ascended the river as far as Lake 
Beresford, a distance of two hundred and thirty 
miles, and captured a transport steamer. 

The East Gulf squadron was under the com- 
mand of Flag-Oflicer McKeon. Early in Janu- 
ary he sent the steamer Ilatteras, Commander 
Emmons, to Cedar Keys, where about the 10th 
she captured or destroyed a quantity of artil- 
lery and military stores, and several schooners, 
the place being an important depot of the enemy. 
In the latter part of March Commander Stell- 
wagen of the Mercedita arrived ott" Appalachi- 
cola with that vessel and the Sagamore, and 
organized a boat expedition, the immediate ob- 
ject of which was the capture of a number of 



vessels understood to be at or above that city. 
The place, however, had already been evacuated 
by the enemy's troops, and the expedition met 
with no resistance. The inhabitants received 
the sailors favorably and raised the United 
States flag. Several vessels were brought out 
and others were destroyed. 

On the night of AprU 6th a boat expedition 
from the bark Pursuit, under Acting Master 
Elnathan Lewis, surprised and captured at St. 
Andrew's the rebel steamer Florida, of five hun- 
dred tons, with two hundred bales of cotton on 
board, and brought her safely out. 

On the 4th of October a boat expedition from 
the steamer Somerset proceeded to the main 
land near Cedar Keys for the purpose of de- 
stroying some salt works, but was fired upon 
from a house on which a white flag was flying, 
and compelled to return without thoroughly 
accomplishing their purpose. On the 5th a 
stronger force, consisting of four boats from the 
Somerset and four from the gunboat Tahoma, 
landed at the same place, completing the de- 
struction and dispersing a small guerrilla force. 

The movements already described brought 
the Federal forces into more immediate con- 
tact with the slaves, hence the questions rela- 
tive to the political, civil, and social position 
of "colored persons of African descent," be- 
came more prominent during 1862 than in 
any previous period. An elaborate opinion 
was prepared by the U. S. Attorney-Gen- 
eral, Mr. Bates, on the question, "Are colored 
men citizens of the United States? " The chief 
points of the opinion were — that the Constitu- 
tion does not define the word citizen, the At- 
torney-General therefore examines history and 
the civil law from the existence of the Roman 
Empire to the present day to discover its mean- 
ing. His conclusion is — that all free persons, 
without distinction of race or color, if native 
born, are citizens. A distinction is made be- 
tween the inherent rights of citizens and the 
political privileges of certain classes. All citi- 
zens have a right to protection, but only certain 
classes enjoy the privileges of voting and hold- 
ing oflice. Hitherto not only the public but 
jurists have often confounded the two. A 
child or a woman is a citizen, though not al- 
ways privileged to vote or hold office. The 
Drcd Scott opinion is pronounced void and of 
no authoi'ity, since the province of the Sujireme 
Court was only to settle the questions of the 
jm-isdiction of the Circuit Court. They are 
simply entitled to the respect due to the views 
of eminent gentlemen, and no more. 

In Massachusetts, Governor Andrew ordered 
negroes to be enrolled as well as white persons 
for the purpose of drafting soldiers. The At- 
torney-General of the State justified the order 
on the ground that — "Congress and the war 
department both leave out the word white from 
the description of the class to be enrolled." 
He further adds : " The only possible question 
now open is whether colored men are citizens 
of Massachusetts, which no one, I presume, will 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



153 



have the hardihood to deny, inasmuch as they 
are tax-payers, voters, jurors, and ehgible to 
ofBce, and there is no inequahty founded on 
distinction of races known to our Laws." 

On the otlier hand the Circuit Court of lUi- 
nois sitting in Montgomery County decided that 
negroes were not citizens. 

The operations of the Federal forces within 
slaveholding States necessarily released many 
slaves from the restraints of their masters. The 
mass of them took advantage of this circum- 
stance to escape from servitude. Their presence 
witliin the Federal lines led to the adoption of 
various measures by the commanding officers 
and by the Federal Government relative to 
them, all looking toward tlieir ultimate freedom. 

In January tlie Marshal of the District of 
Columbia was instructed by order of the Presi- 
dent "not to receive into custody any persons 
claimed to be held to service or labor witliin the 
District, or elsewhere, and not charged with 
any crime or misdemeanor, unless upon arrest 
or commitment, pursuant to law, as fugitives 
from such service or labor, and not to retain 
any such fugitives in custody beyond a period 
of thirty days from their arrest and commit- 
ment, unless by special order from the civil 
authority." The etiect of this order was to 
Velieve from any fears of apprehension all the 
fugitives tliat liad escaped to the District from 
Virginia. Thousands of slaves flocked to tiie 
District and were sustained throughout the 
year by rations furnished by the Government. 

In Missouri, Gen. Ilalleck had, previous to 
this time, issued an order that fngitive slaves 
should not be permitted to enter the lines of 
any camp, or any forces on the march. This 
order occasioned much discussion, especially in 
Congress, as it cut off an opportunity for escape 
to thousands of slaves. It was explained by 
Gen. Ilalleck in these words : " unauthorized 
persons, black or white, free or slave, must be 
kept out of our camps, unless we arc willing 
to publish to the enemy every thing we do, or 
intend to do." 

In Arkansas, Gen. Curtis issued orders of im- 
mediate emancipation under confiscation of a 
immber of slaves who had been at work for 
the Confederate Government by the consent of 
their masters. 

Similar orders were issued by Gen. Hunter, 
under like circumstances, in the Department of 
South Carolina. These were extended until he 
at length issued an order confiscating and eman- 
cipating all the slaves in his militai'y district, 
embracing South Oarolirui, Georgia, and Florida. 
This was counternumded by the President. 

At Baton Rouge, in Louisiana, Brig.-Gcn. 
Williams issued an order that, in consequence 
of the demoralizing and disorganizing tenden- 
cies to the troops of harboring runaway ne- 
groes, the commanders should turn all such 
fugitives beyond the limits of their respective 
guards and sentinels. Col. Paine of this bri- 
gade refused obedience, and justified himself by 
the following act of Congress : 



Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives of the United States of A merica in Comjress as- 
sembled, That hereafter the following shall be pro- 
mulgated as an additional article of war for the gov- 
ernment of the Army of the United States, and shall 
be obc^'cd and observed as such : 

Art. — . AH officers or persons in the military or 
naval serrice of the United States are prohibited 
from employing any of the forces under their re- 
spective commands for the purpose of returning 
fugitives from service or labor who may have es- 
caped from any person to whom such service or 
labor is claimed to be due, and any officer who shall 
be found guilty, by a court-martial, of violating this 
article, shall be dismissed from the service. 

Sec. '2. And be it further enacted. That this act shall 
take efi'cct from and after its passage. 

The effect of all the regulations adopted, ex- 
cept in Missouri and Baton Rouge, was to se- 
cure freedom to every slave that would make 
the effort to obtain it. Wherever permanent 
headquarters for Federal troops were estab- 
lished within slaveholding States, they soon 
became crowded with hundreds and thousands 
of fugitive slaves. The Government was im- 
mediately obliged to feed them or starvation 
would ensue. At Washington, at Fortress 
Monroe, Newbern, and Port Royal were large 
numbers furnished with quarters and fed at the 
national expense. Various schemes were de- 
vised for the occupation of these negroes, par- 
ticularly in the department of South Carolina. 

Subsequently the Secretary of War issued 
orders, wliich developed the following plan for 
a social experiment with the negroes : 
General Order JVb. 17. 
Headq'rs E. C, Hilton Head, S. C, Ararch 3, 1S62. 

1. Mr. Edward L. Fierce having been appointed by 
the Hon. Secretary of the Treasury General Superin- 
tendent and Director of all persons engaged in the 
cultivation of the land and the employment of tho 
blacks, he is hereby announced as such. 

2. The following instructions to the general com- 
manding are hereby published for the information 
of all concerned ; and commanding officers of all 
posts and stations within the limits of this command, 
will be governed in strict conformity thereto : 

Wae Department, February 13, 1862. 
To Gen. T. W. Sherman, Commajiding at Fort 
Roj/al, S. C. ; 

General : You are hereby directed to afford pro- 
tection, subsistence, and facilities, so far as may be 
consistent with the interests of the service and the 
duties and objects of your command, to all persons 
who may present to you written permits, issued to 
them under the authority of the Secretary of the 
Treasury, setting forth tliat said persons have pro- 
ceeded to Port lloyal under the sanction of the Gov- 
ernment, for the collection, safe keeping, and dispo- 
sition of cotton, rice, and other property abandoned 
by the possessors within your military department, 
aiid for the regulation and employment of person's of 
color lately held to service or labor by enemies of the 
United States, and now within tho occupying lines 
and under the militar}^ protection of the army. 

Such permits, signed by the Collector of Customs 
at New York City, will "be considered by you as 
emanating from the Treasury Department. 

Under the head of subsistence will be included ra- 
tions to such persons as may be employed under the 
direction of the Treasury Department, in the tem- 
porary charge of the abandoned plantations ; or, with 
its sanction, to labor for the instruction and improve- 
ment of the laboring population. 

EDWIN M^ STANTON, Secretary of War. 



154 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



Several societies undertook to take charge of 
the matter, and seventy-two persons, farmers, 
mechanics, physicians, and teachers, were sent 
out by the Government, receiving each one 
ration a day from the commissariat, and paid 
salaries by the affihated societies. They were 
'*to teach Christianity and civilization to the 
freed men of the colored race, to imbue them 
with notions of order, industry, and economy, 
and self-reliance, and to elevate them in the 
scale of humanity, by inspiring them with self- 
respect." The cost of rations to the Govern- 
ment, a part of which were consumed in this 
experiment, Avas estimated at $100,000 per day. 
Educational associations were formed in Boston 
and other places, by Avhom the teachers were 
procured. On the 2d of June the agent, E. L. 
Pierce, made a report to the Secretary of the 
Treasury, Mr. Chase, in which he stated that 
seventy men and sixteen women were engaged 
in missionary work among the negroes, under 
the auspices of the Treasury Department. The 
number of plantations under the care of these 
persons was 189, having on them 9,050 Africans, 
classified as follows: 309 mechanics and house 
servants, 693 old, sickly, and unable to work, 
8,619 children, not useful for field labor, 4,429 
field hands, of whom 3,202 were full hands, 295 
three-quarter hands, 597 half hands, and 335 
quarter hands. The amount of labor perform- 
ed was as follows : 

The aggregate result makes (adding the negro 
patches to the cornfields of the plantations) 8,314.12 
acres of provisions (corn, potatoes, &c.) planted, 
4,489.11 acres of cotton planted— in all, 13,795.23 
acres of provisions and cotton planted. Adding to 
these the 2,394 acres of late corn, to a great extent for 
fodder, cowpens, &c., to be planted, and the crop of 
this year presents a total of 10,189.2 acres. The crops 
are growing, and are in good condition. 

The sum of $5,479 has been distributed among 
4,030 negroes in payment for labor on the plantations. 
The rate is $1 per acre for cotton. 

After the novelty had passed away very little 
was accomplished by the slaves. A report in 
September makes the effective hands 3,817, 
non-eflective 3,110; acres of corn, 6,444; pota- 
toes, 1,407; cotton, 3,384; which was consider- 
ed more than enough for their own support, 
but not sufficient to reimburse the Government. 
The whole experiment finally failed, and was 
abandoned by order of Gen. Hunter, and the 
negroes fell upon the Government for support. 

The negroes near Fortress Monroe made a 
better use of their advantages. The military 
commission to examine into their condition, 
stated that by the report of the provost mar- 
shal at Camp Hamilton, it appears that for the 
five months ending 1st January, 1862, he had 
drawn rations amounting to about three hun- 
di'ed and eighty-three per day, which was issued 
to about six hundred and fifty women and 
children and old infirm men, all of whom re- 
turned little or no equivalent to the Govern- 
ment. But since the 1st of January the rations 
issued there have not exceeded seventy, and 
for part of the time were less than forty per 



day. As a consequence the negroes have beeu 
thrown very much upon their own exertions to 
provide for themselves ; and the commission of 
inquiry do not find that any amount of suffering 
has ensued ; but in many instances the eflbrt at 
self-support has been successful and improving. 

Schools have been in successful operation at 
Camp Hamilton under the charge of clergymen, 
assisted by other teachers, black and white, 
where children and adults were daily instructed 
in reading, writing, and the elements of arith- 
metic ; also religious instruction, and meetings 
were regularly held on Sunday and stated even- 
ings dui'ing the week. 

Another measure undertaken, in order to put 
the negroes to a useful purpose, was to organize 
the able-bodied ones into regiments of soldiers. 
The most conspicuous friends of the negroes, 
who have long urged the measure, have doubt- 
less hoped that so much military spirit might 
thereby be infused into a considerable number 
as to qualify them to strike for the emancipa- 
tion of their race. 

On the 9th of June resolutions of mquiry 
relative to the organization of a negro regiment 
in South Carolina were offered in the House of 
Representatives in Congi-ess, and adopted soon 
after. The resolution was referred to Gen. Hun- 
ter by the secretary, who replied as follows : 

Headqitabters Department op tue Souxn, ( 
Port Eoyal, S. C, June 23, 1S62. ) 
IIo7i. Edwin M. Stanton, Sec^y of War, Wasliington : 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the I'eceipt 
of a communication from the adjutant-general of the 
army, dated June 13, 1862, requesting me to furnish 
you with the information necessary to answer certain 
resolutions introduced in the House of Representa- 
tives, Juno 9, 18G2, on motion ot the Hon. Mr. Wick- 
lifi'e, of Kentucky, their substance being to inquire — 

1st. Whether I had organized or was organizing a 
regiment of " fugitive slaves" in this department? 

2d. Whether any authority had been given to me 
from the War Department for such organization? and 

3d. Whether I had been furnished by order of the 
War Department with clothing, uniforms, arms, 
equipments, &c., for such a force? 

To the first question, therefore, I reply that no regi- 
ment of "fugitive slaves" has been or is being or- 
ganized in this department. There is, however, a fine 
regiment of persons whose late masters are "fugitive 
rebels" — men who everywhere fly before the appear- 
ance of the national flag, leaving theif servants be- 
Jiind them to shift as best they can for themselves. 
§0 far, indeed, are the loyal persons composing this 
regiment from seeking to avoid the presence of their 
late owners, that they are now, one and all, working 
with remarkable industry to place themselves in a 
position to go in full and effective pursuit of their 
fugacious and traitorous proprietors. 

To the second question I have the honor to answer 
that the instructions given to Brig.-Gen. T. W. Sher- 
man, by the Hon. Simon Cameron, late Secretary of 
War, and turned over to me by succession for my 
guidance, do distinctly authorize me to employ all 
loyal persons oifering their services in defence of the 
Union and for the suppression of this rebellion, in any 
manner I might sec fit, or that the circumstances 
might call for. There is no restriction as to the char- 
acter or color of the persons to be employed, or the 
nature of the employment, whetlTer civil or military, 
in which their services should be used. I conclude, 
therefore, that I have been authorized to enlist " fugi- 
tive slaves" as soldiers, could any such be found in this 
department. No such characters, however, have yet 



MILITAEY AND -I^AVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



155 



appeared within view of our most advanced pickets ; 
tLe loyal slaves everywhere remaining on their plan- 
tation's to welcome us, aid us, and supply us with 
food, labor, and information. It is the masters who 
have in every instance been the "fugitives," running 
away from loyal slaves as well as loyal soldiers, and 
whom we have only partially been able to see — chiefly 
their heads over ramparts, "or, rifle in hand, dodging 
behind trees — in the extreme distance. In the ab- 
sence of any "fugitive master law," the deserted 
slaves would be wholly without remedy had not the 
crime of treason given them the right to pursue, cap- 
ture, and bring back those persons of whose protec- 
tion they have been suddenly bereft. 

To the third interrogatory it is my painful duty to 
reply that I never have received any specific authority 
for issues of clothing, uniforms, arms, equipments, and 
so forth, to the troops in question — my general instruc- 
tions from Mr. Cameron to employ them in any man- 
ner I might find necessary, and the military exigencies 
of the department and the country, being my only, but, 
in myjudgment, sufficient justification. Neither have 
I had any specific authority for supplying these per- 
sons with shovels, spades, and pickaxes when employ- 
ing them as laborers, nor with boats and oars when 
using them as lightermen ; but these are not points 
included in Mr. Wicklilic's resolutions. To me it 
seemed that liberty to employ men in any particular 
capacity implied with it liberty also to supply them 
with the necessary tools ; and acting upon this faith 
I have clothed, equipped, and armed the only loyal 
regiment yet raised in South Carolina. 

I must say, in vindication of my own conduct, that 
had it not been for the many other diversified and im- 
perative claims on my time a much more satisfactory 
result might have been hoped for ; and that in place 
of only one, as at present, at least five or six well- 
drilled, brave, and thoroughly acclimated regiments 
should by this time have been added to the loyal forces 
of the Union. 

The experiment of arming the blacks, so far as I 
have made it, has been a complete and even marvellous 
success. They are sober, docile, attentive, and enthu- 
siastic, displaying great natural capacities for acquir- 
ing the duties of the soldier. They are eager beyond 
all things to take the field and be led into action ; and 
it is the unanimous opinion of the officers who have 
had charge of them, that in the peculiarities of this 
climate and country they will prove invaluable aux- 
iliaries, fully equal to the similar regiments so long 
and successfully \ised by the British authorities in 
the West India Islands. 

In conclusion, I would say it is my hope — there ap- 
pearing no possibility of other reenforcements owing 
to the exigencies of the campaign in the Peninsula — 



to have organized by the end of next fall, and to be 
able to present to the Government, from forty-eight 
to fifty thousand of these hardy and devoted soldiers. 
Trusting that this letter may form part of your an- 
swer to Mr. Wickliffe's resolutions, I have the honor 
to be, most respectfully, your very obedient servant, 
D. HUNTER, Jlajor-General Commanding. 

On the ISfh of October Gen. Saxton, in com- 
mand of the Department, issued an order to 
organize the 1st regiment of South Carolina vol- 
unteers as soon as possible. The enlisting of tho 
negroes had proceeded very slowly. Thirteen 
dollars a month, with army rations and clothing, 
was to be the pay of tho soldier. By the close 
of the year tho regiment was completed. 

The attempt was made in Kansas by Gen. 
Lane to enlist negroes, but it failed of success. 

An attempt was made by Gen. Sprague, of 
Rhode Island, to raise a regiment of free ne- 
groes, but it met with no success. An attempt 
was also made at New Orleans to organize 
negro troops, but at the close of the year it 
was still an experiment. 

Another measure proposed relative to tho 
slaves was their colonization in Chiriqui, in 
Central America. For this purpose Senator 
Pomroy, of Kansas, who had been very suc- 
cessful in organizing "Emigrant Aid Expedi- 
tions" from Massachusetts at the time of tho 
Kansas disturbances, received a kind of general 
permission from the President to settle at any 
suitable point within the tropics, being charged 
" to maintain the honor of the republic abroad." 
Some progress was made in organizing this en- 
terprise, but it was abandoned. Another meas- 
ure proposed was the removal of a portion of 
those at Fortress Monroe to Massachusetts and 
other Northern States, both for " humane and 
military reasons." 

Notwithstanding all the measures proposed, 
the Southern slaves remained a great burden on 
the hands of the Government, excepting those 
who had pressed forward to the free States, al- 
ready well supplied with white labor. The ac- 
tion of the President relative to emancipation 
will be stated in a subsequent page. 



CHAPTEK XIY. 



Military Operations in Missonri and Arkansas — Advance of Gen. Curtis — Ilia Address to tho People of tlie Southwest — Bat- 
tle of Tea Ilidge— Kctrcat of Gen. Price — Further Operations— Advance of the Fleet against Columbus, Ky. — Evacuated 
— Further progress down the Mississippi — Island No. 10 : its Bombardment — Gunboats pass ths Batteries in the night — 
Evacuation of the Island— Advance of the Fleet toward Memphis — Naval Battle before the City — Its Surrender — Occu- 
pied by Federal Troops — Proceedings during the Tear. 



Up to this time movements of some import- 
ance had taken place in Missouri and Arkansas. 
Two sharp skirmishes took place — the one at 
Mount Zion, eighteen miles southwest of Stur- 
geon, on December 28, 1861, and the other 
near Fayette, on January 8, 18(52. In the 
former Brig.-Gen. Prentiss commanded, and 
in the latter Major Torneru. They produced 
no special influence on the campaign in that 



department. On the 29th of January, Gen. 
Earl Van Dorn took command of the Con- 
federate forces in the trans-Mississippi dis- 
trict, which comprised a considerable portion 
of the State of Missouri, with his headquarters 
at Little Rock. On the preceding day, the di- 
vision of the Union army under the command 
of Col. Jetf. 0. Davis left Marseilles for Spring- 
field. It consisted of four regunents — the 8th 



156 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



and 22d Indiana, 87th Illinois, and 9th Mis- 
souri, with two batteries, and three compa- 
nies of cavalry. The other foivjes immediately 
moved forward, and combined under Gen. 
Curtis. On the 11th of February this army 
moved forward from Lebanon, formed in three 
divisions — the right under Col. Davis, the cen- 
tre under Gen. Sigel, and the left under Col. 
Oarr. Six miles ft-om Springfield on the 12th, 
a skirmish took place between the advance of 
this force and a body of Confederate troops, 
with serious loss to both sides. During the 
night a continuous fire was kept up between 
the pickets. On the next morning the Con- 
federate force had retreated, and Gen. Curtis 
occupied Springfield without opposition. About 
six hundred sick and a lai-ge amount of stores 
were left behind by the Confederate General 
Price. Gen. Halleck, in command of this de- 
partment, sent the following despatch to the 
commander-in-chief. Gen. McClellan, at Wash- 
ington : 

St. Louis, February 14, 1S62. 
The flag of the Union floats over the court house in 
Springfield. The enemy retreated after a short en- 
gagement, leaving a large amount of stores and equip- 
ments, which were captured by Gen. Curtis. Our cav- 
alry are in close pursuit. 

H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. 

Such had been Gen. Halleck's skilful man- 
agement of this department, that a few days 
previous he had received the following despatch 
from the Secretary of War : 

Washington, Fibruary 8, 18G2. 
Maj.-Gen. HalUch, St. Louis: Your energy and 
ability received the strongest commendation of this 
Department. You have my perfect confidence, and 
you may rely upon my utmost support in your un- 
dertakings. The pressure of my engagements has 
prevented me from writing you, but I will do so fully 
in a day or two. 

EDWIN M. STANTOX, Secretary of War. 

As Gen. Price retreated Gen. Curtis followed 
rapidly in pursuit. On the 16th his army had 
advanced sixty-nine miles south of Springfield, 
and on the 18th had crossed the Arkansas line. 
Several skirmishes took place in the mountain 
defiles. The following despatch was sent to 
Washington by Gen. Halleck : 

St. Louis, February 18, 1862. 
To Maj.-Gen. McClellan, Washington : 

The flag of the Union is floating in Arkansas. Gen. 
Curtis has diiven Price from Missouri, and is several 
miles across the Arkansas line, cutting up Price's 
rear, and hourly capturing prisoners and stores. The 
army of the Southwest is doing its duty nobly. 

11. W. ITALtECK, Major-General. 

On the 19th Gen. Price had been reiinforced 
by Gen. McCulloch, and made a stand at Sugar 
Creek crossing, but was defeated after a short 
engagement, and retreated. Squads of recruits 
from Missouri, on their way to join the Con- 
federate force, were captured at this time, 
among whom was B-rig.-Gen. Edward Price, 
son of Gen. Price. On the 26th Gen. Price had 
been driven from his stronghold at Cross Hol- 
lows, leaving his sick and wounded, and such 
stores aa he could not destroy. He burned his 



extensive barracks at that place. The Federal 
forces had now, for some days, been subsisting 
chiefly on provisions which they had captured. 

On the 27th, Gen. Halleck sent the following 
despatch to Washington : 

Headquaktees, St. Lons, February 27. 
Maj.-Gen. McClellan : 

Gen. Curtis has taken possession of Fayetteville, Ar- 
kansas, capturing a large number of prisoners, stores, 
baggage, &c. 

The enemy burnt a part of the town before they left. 
They have crossed the Boston Mountains in great con- 
fusion. We are now in possession of all their strong- 
holds. 

Forty-two officers and men of the Fifth Missouri cav- 
alry were pokoned at Mud Town by eating poisoned 
food which the rebels left behind them. The gallant 
Capt. Dolfort died, and Lieut. Col. Von Dutch and 
Capt. Lehman have sufiered much, but are recovering. 
The anger of our soldiers is very great, but they 
have been restrained from. retaliating upon the prison- 
ers of war. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. 

Gen. Price thus reported his retreat from 
Missouri, under date of Feb. 25 : 

" About the latter part of January my scouts 
reported that the enemy were concentrating in 
force at RoUa, and shortly thereafter they oc- 
cupied Lebanon. Believing that this move- 
ment could be for no other purpose than to at- 
tack me, and knowing that my command was 
inadequate for such successful resistance as the 
interests of my army and the cause demand- 
ed, I appealed to the commanders of the Con- 
federate troops in Arkansas to come to my as- 
sistance. This, from correspondence, I was 
led confidently to expect, and relying upon it, 
I held my position to the last moment, and, as 
the sequel proved, almost too long ; for on 
Wednesday, February 12, my pickets were 
driven in, and reported the enemy advancing 
upon me in force. No resource was now left 
me except retreat, without hazarding all with 
greatly unequal numbers upon the result of one 
engagement. This I deemed it unwise to do. 
I commenced retreating at once. I reached 
Cassville with loss uuAvorthy of mention in 
any respect. Here the enemy in my rear com- 
menced a series of attacks running through 
four days. Retreating and fighting all the 
way to the Cross Hollows in this State, I am 
rejoiced to say my command, under the most 
exhausting fatigue, all the time with but little 
rest for either man or horse, and no sleep, sus- 
tained themselves, and came through, repulsing 
the enemy upon every occasion with great de- 
termination and gallantry. My loss does not 
exceed four to six killed and some fifteen to 
eighteen wounded." 

On the 1st of March, Gen. Curtis issued the 
following address to the people of the South- 
west: 

Headqttartees Ap.my of the Southwest, J 
Camp Halleck, Ark., March 1, 18C2. J 

I have received a private communication from an in- 
telligent writer, a citizen of Arkansas, who says : " We, 
as citizens, have left our homes and firesides for the 
purpose, as we supposed, of having to defend ourselves 
against a brutal soldiery that would lay waste our hum- 
ble homes, and outrage the chastity of our wives and 
daughters, and place our own lives' in jeopardy. We 



MILITARY AITD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



157 



have organized wliat is called Home Guard Companies, 
partly of Union men and partly of SoutLern men, all 
of whom are anxious to return to their homes. We 
are happy to tind that you and your men are not com- 
posed of that class of persons commonly called jayhawk- 
ers, who do not regard the rights of citizens and prop- 
erty, but contine tiie war to its legitimate object.' 

The falsehoods cii'culated concerning us have driven 
thousands from their homes, and I take the libeity of 
responding publicly to the sentiments expressed by the 
writer, because these falsehoods have involved the 
whole community in the troubles which he seeks to 
mitigate. 

The only legitimate object of the war is peace, and 
the writer only does me justice when he says I adhere 
to this legitimate object. Peaceable citizens shall be 
protected as tar as possible. I act under strict orders 
of Maj.-Uen. Halleck. The flight of our foes from 
their camps, and the imitation of their conduct by the 
citizens, in fleeing from their homes, leaving their ef- 
fects abandoned as it were for the victors, have much 
embarrassed me in my efforts to preserve discipline in 
my command, as these circumstances olfered e:xtraor- 
dinary temptations. 

The burning of farms and fields of grain in Missouri, 
and extensive barracks and valuable mills in Arkansas 
by the enemy, has induced some resentments on the 
part of my troops, which I have severely punished. 
Necessary supplies for my cominand could not keep 
up with my rapid movements, and peaceable citizens 
not being at home to sell them to my quartermasters, 
I am compelled to take them without purchase, mak- 
ing settlement difficult and doubtful; occasioning ir- 
regularities which I have always labored to counteract. 
If peaceably disposed citi;:eus will stay at home, or re- 
turn home, and check the clandestine, stealthy warfare 
that is carried on under the cover and cloak of peace- 
able citizens, much of the havoc of war will be avoided, 
and many poor families can be protected from distress 
and misery. I have, followed the war-path through 
the entire State of Missouri, have seen the havoc and 
devastation surrounding it, and I deplore the prospect 
of these disasters in the virgin soil of Arkansas. 

Armed men, in the garb of citizens, are concealed 
by citizens, and the unfortunate condition of Missouri 
will be transferred to Arkansas, if you allow this com- 
plicity of yourselves in the struggle. If you do not 
discriminate by requiring soldiers to wear some dis- 
tinctive badge, j'ou must not complain if we cannot 
discriminate. 

There is no honor, no glory, no good that can be 
gained by taking up arms in this way, to defend your 
homes, for we do not wish to molest them if you are 
peaceably disposed. We only wish to put down rebel- 
lion by making war against those in arms, their aiders 
and abettors. We come to Vindicate the Constitution, 
to preserve and perpetuate civil and religious liberty, 
under a flag that was embalmed in the blood of our 
Revolutionary fathers. Under that flag we have lived 
in peace and prosperity until the flag of rebellion in- 
volved us in the horrors of civil war. 

We have restored the Stars and Stripes to north- 
western Arkansas, where I am glad to find many who 
rejoice to see the emblem of their former glory, and 
hope for a restoration of the peace and happiness they 
have enjoyed under its folds. A surrender to such a 
flag is only a return to your natural allegiance, and is 
more honorable than to persist in a rebellion that sur- 
rendered to the national power at Forts Henry and 
Donelson, at Nashville and at Roanoke, and throughout 
the most powerful Southern States. Why then shall 
the West be devastated to prolong a struggle which 
the States of Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, North 
Carolina, and Tennessee cannot successfully maintain ? 
_ Disband your companies ; surrender your arms ; for 
in all instances where men in arms have voluntarily 
surrendered and taken the oath of allegiance to our 
common country, they have been discharged. No pris- 
oners have, to my knowledge, been shot or hung, or 
cruelly treated by us. 

I know of no instance where my troops have treated 



females with violence, and I have not heard of a com- 
plaint of any kind. I enjoin on the troops kindness, 
protection, and sunport for women and children. I 
shall, to the best of my ability, maintain our country's 
flag in Arkansas, and continue to make relentless war 
on its foes, but shall rejoice to see the restoration of 
peace in all the States and Territories of our country 
— that peace which we formerly enjoyed and earnestly 
desire; and I implore for each and all of us that ulti- 
mate, eternal peace " which the world cannot give or 
take away." I have the honor to be. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

SAMUEL R. CURTIS, 
Brig.-Gcn. Commanding Army of the Southwest. 

On reaching Arkansas the forces of Gen. 
Price were rapidly rcenforced by regiments 
■which had been stationed in Arkansas and the 
Indian Territory. Knowing this fact, Gen. 
Curtis expected an attack would soon be made 
upon him. He therefore selected Sugar Creek, 
as the strongest of several strong places taken 
from the enemy, to make a stand against any 
and all odds. The position of Gen. Curtis's 
force on the 6th of March was as follows: 
The first and second divisions, under Gens. 
Sigel and Asboth, were four miles soutlnvest 
of Bentonville under general orders to move 
round to Sugar Creek about fourteen miles 
east. The third division, under Col. Jeff. C. 
Davis, had moved to take position at Sugar 
Creek, under orders to make some preparatory 
arrangements and examinations for a stand 
against the enemy. The fourth division was at 
Cross Hollows under command of Col. E. A. 
Carr, about twelve miles from Sugar Creek on 
the main telegraph road from Springfield to 
Fayetteville. The number of his force is stated 
by Gen.. Curtis to have been not more than 
10,500 cavalry and infantry with forty-nine 
pieces of artillery. Tlie following were the 
forces engaged in the battle of Pea Ridge: 1st 
division, under command of Col. Osterhaus, — 
36th Illinois, 12th Missouri, 17th Missouri, bat- 
talion of 3d, two battalions of Benton Hussars 
cavalry, one battalion 39th Illinois cavalry, bat- 
teries A and B, twelve guns. A brigade, con- 
sisting of the 25tli and 44th Illinois, was com- 
manded by Col. Coler. Another brigade was 
commanded by Col. Greusel. 

The second division, commanded by Brig.- 
Gcn. Asboth, consisted of the 2d Missouri, Ool. 
Scha?fer ; 2d Ohio battery, six guns, Lieut. 
Chapman; 15th Missouri, Col. Joliet; 6th Mis- 
souri cavalry, Col. W^right; light battery of 
six guns, Capt. Elbert ; battalion 4th Missouri 
cavalry, Maj. Messaur. These two divisions 
were commanded by Gen. Sigel. 

The third division, commanded by Brig.-Gen. 
JeflT. 0. Davis, consisted of 2 brigades : tlie 1st, 
commanded by Col. Barton, was composed of 
the 8th, 18th and 22d Indiana, and an Indiana 
battery of six guns. The 2d brigade, command- 
ed by Col. White, was composed of the 37th Illi- 
nois, 9th Missouri, 1st Missouri cavalry, and a 
battery of four guns. 

The fourth division, commanded by Col. Carr, 
consisted of 2 brigades ; the l^'t, commanded by 
Col. Dodge, was composed of the 4th Iowa, 35th 



158 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



Illinois, and an Iowa battery. The 2d brigade, 
commanded by Col. Vandever, consisted of the 
9th Iowa, 25th Missouri, 3d Illinois cavalry, and 
a battery. There were also two battalions of 
the Iowa 3d cavalry and a mountain howitzer 
battery of four guns. A considerable number of 
sick soldiers belonging to many of these regi- 
ments had been left at Rolla and Lebanon. 

On the 5th of March, a cold, blustering day, 
snow having fallen so as to cover the ground, 
as Gen. Curtis was engaged in writing, not ap- 
prehending an immediate attack, he was in- 
formed by scouts and fugitive citizens that the 
enemy were rapidly approaching to give battle. 
His cavalry would be at Elm Springs, twelve 
miles distant, that night, and his infantry had 
then passed Fayetteville. Couriers were im- 
mediately sent to Gen. Sigel and Col. Oarr to 
move with their divisions to Sugar Creek. 

The Confederate forces were under the com- 
mand of Gen. Van Dorn, who had arrived at 
their camp on the 2d of March. They were stat- 
ed to be composed of between twenty-five and 
thirty thousand men, as follows: Missouri troops 
under Brig.-Gen. Price ; Arkansas, Louisiana, 
and Texan troops under Brig.-Gen. McCulloch ; 
Choctaw, Cherokee, and Chickasaw Indians un- 
der Brig.-Gen. Pike. 

Gen. Sigel, upon receiving the orders of 
Gen. Curtis to march to Sugar Creek, and be- 
coming aware of the dangerous position of his 
command, immediately ordered Col. Schajfer 
to break up his camp, and send the cavalry 
company to Osage Springs to cover his right 
flank and to march with his regiment to Ben- 
tonville. All the other troops he ordered to 
bo prepared to march at two o'clock on the 
next morning. Commencing his march in the 
morning, he reached Bentonville, and, retaining 
a small force to set as a rear guard, he sent his 
train forward. At ten o'clock it was reported 
that large masses of troops, consisting of in- 
fantry and cavalry, were moving from all sides 
toward the front and both flanks of the rear 
guard at Bentonville. By a mistake a part of 
this force designed to act as rear guard had 
gone forward, leaving about six hundred men 
with five pieces of the light battery. These 
troops were ordered by Gen. Sigel to march 
in the following order : two companies of the 
12th Missouri regiment at the head of the 
column deployed on the right and left as 
skirmishers, followed by the light battery ; one 
company of the same regiment on the right 
and one on the left of the pieces, marching by 
the flank, and prepared to fire by ranks to 
the right and left, the remainder of the regi- 
ment being behind the pieces ; two companies 
of cavalry to support the infantry on the right 
and left, and the rest of the cavalry with one 
piece of artillery following in the rear. Thus 
the troops advanced slowly in this formation, 
modified from time to time according to cir- 
cumstances, fighting and repelling the enemy in 
front, on the flanks, and rear, whenever he stood 
or attacked, for five hours and a half, when re- 



enforcements from Gen. Curtis arrived. "What 
made this march a more diflficult achievement, 
was the condition of the roads, which were in 
many places very narrow and badly cut up. 
This movement brought Gen. Sigel's division 
to the west end of Pea Ridge, where he formed 
a junction with Gen. Davis and Col. Carr. 

On this day Gen. Curtis had been engaged 
in diligently preparing earthwork defences 
and cutting timber to check the progress 
of the enemy along the Fayetteville road, 
where they were confidently expected by him. 
But during the day and the ensuing night Gen. 
Van Dorn moved his entire army around the 
west side of Gen. Curtis's army, so that Gen. 
Price occupied the Fayetteville road north of 
Gen. Curtis's camp, while Gens. McCulloch and 
Mcintosh lay north of Gen. Sigel. Thus the 
Confederate forces fronted south, and the divi- 
sion under Gen. Price formed their left wing. 
The distance apart of the main bodies of the 
two wings of each army was nearly three miles, 
tlius forming in fact four distinct armies. 
Gens. Van Dorn and Price were opposed to 
Gen. Curtis, who had with him Gen. Davis and 
Cols. Carr and Asboth, leaving one division 
to Gen. Sigel opposed to Gens. McCulloch 
and Mcintosh. Gen. Curtis was thus com- 
pelled to make a change of front, and formed 
it almost two miles further north and resting 
on the brow of a range of hills fronting 
north, called Pea Ridge. In this position the 
enemy occupied the line of retreat for Gen. 
Curtis, if defeated. The battle commenced on 
the 7th on the right of Gen. Curtis's column, 
and raged furiously during the entire day. The 
brunt of it was borne by Col. Oarr's division. 
The Confederate forces, owing to their superior 
numbers, the numerous and deep ravines and 
the thick brush which covered the hills, suc- 
ceeded in driving the Union right from the 
ground occupied in the morning, with a severe 
loss on both sides. They encamped on the 
battle ground during the night, and the right 
wing of Gen. Curtis fell back nearly a mile. 
The field occupied by this portion of both 
armies during the day did not exceed three 
fourths of a mile in diameter. 

On the left wing Gen. McCulloch commenced 
in the mo'rning by moving his force to the south 
and east, evidently intending to form a junc- 
tion with Gens. Van Dorn and Price. Gen. 
Sigel, perceiving this movement and the effect 
it would have toward surrounding the Federal 
force, sent forward three pieces of light artil- 
lery, with a supporting force of cavalry, to take 
a commanding position and delay the move- 
ment of the enemy until the infantry could bo 
brought into proper position for an attack. 
Hardly had the artillery obfained their positipn 
and opened fire, when an overwhelming force 
of the enemy's cavalry came down upon them, 
scattering the cavalry and capturing the ar- 
tillery. This terrible onslaught of the enemy 
allowed their infantry to reach unmolested the 
cover of a dense wood. On the west of this 



MILITARY AND iTAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIO:?^. 



159 



wood was a large open field. Hore and in the 
surrounding wood a protracted struggle ensued 
between Gen. McCulloch and the forces of 
Col. Osterliaus. But tlie arrival of Gen. Davis's 
force, as a reenforcement, so strengtiiened Gen. 
Sigol that the enemy were finally routed and 
driven in all directions. At the same time 
Gens. McCulloch and Mcintosh and a number 
of the Confederate ofticers were killed. 

Thus the right wing of Gen. Curtis was de- 
feated, and his left was victorious. The dis- 
cipline of the right wing, however, was such as 
to keep the troops completely together, while 
the right wing of the enemy, which was de- 
feated, was greatly disorganized in consequence 
of their loss of otficers and lack of discipline. 
During the night all the Confederate forces 
formed a junction on the ground held by their 
left wing, which was a strong position, and 
they felt confident of a complete victory on 
the next day. On the Federal side the pros- 
pect was gloomy. The night was too cold to 
sleep without fires, and their position and near- 
ness to the enemy would not allow fires along 
the advance lines. The men were exhausted 
by two days' fighting and the loss of sleep. 
The enemy's forces, in far superior numbers, 
held the only road for their retreat, and nearly 
a thousand of their companions were dead or 
wounded. No alternative was presented to 
them but to conquer or be destroyed. 

"WMth the rising sun the battle commenced. 
Col. Carr's division had been reenforccd by a 
large part of that of Gen. Davis, thus ena- 
bling the right barely to hold its position. Gen, 
Sigel began to form his line of battle by chang- 
ing his front so as to face the right flank of the 
enemy's position. For this purpose he first 
ordered the 25th Illinois, Col. Coler, to take a 
position along a fence in open view of the ene- 
my's batteries, which at once opened fire upon 
the regiment. He next ordered a battery of six 
guns, partly rifled twelve-pounders, into a line 
one hundred paces in the rear of the 25th in- 
fantry, on a rise of ground. The 15th Missouri 
then formed into a line with the 25th Illinois 
on their left, and another battery of guns was 
similarly disposed a short distance behind them. 
Thus more infimtry with batteries in their rear 
was j)laced until about thirty pieces of artillery, 
each about fifteen or twenty paces from the 
other, were in continuous line, the infantry in 
front lying down. Each piece opened fire as it 
came in position, and the fire was so directed as 
to silence battery after battery of the enemy. 

For two hours the Confederate forces stood 
unshaken before that fire, with their crowded 
ranks decimated and their horses shot at their 
guns. One by one their pieces ceased to reply. 
Then onward crept the infantry and onward 
came the guns of Gen. Sigel. The range be- 
came shorter and shorter. No charge of the en- 
emy could face those batteries or venture on that 
compact line of bayonets. They turned and 
fled. Again the Union line was advanced with 
a partial change of front, when an order to 



charge the enemy in the woods was given. 
Then the infantry rising up pressed forward 
into the dense brush, where they were met by a 
terrible volley, which was fiercely returned; 
volley followed volley, still the line pushed for- 
ward until more open ground was obtained, 
when the Confederate force broke in confu- 
sion. As Gen. Sigel advanced, Gen. Curtis 
also ordered the centre and right wing forward. 
The right wing turned the left of the enemy 
and cross-fired into his centre. This placed 
him in the arc of a circle. The charge was 
then ordered throughout the whole line, which 
utterly routed their forces as above stated, 
and compelled them to retire in complete con- 
fusion, but rather safely through the deep and 
almost impassable defiles of Cross Timbers. 
Gen. Sigel followed toward Keetsville, and the 
cavalry continued the pursuit still further. 
The Union loss in this battle was 212 killed, 
926 wounded, and 12-i missing. The Confed- 
erate killed and wounded was larger in num- 
bers, with a loss of nearly 1000 prisoners. 
Among their killed were Gens. McCulloch and 
Mcintosh. 

On the 9th Gen. Van Dorn, under a flag of 
truce, requested permission to bury his dead, 
which Avas readily granted. In the reply to 
this request Gen. Curtis said: "The General 
regrets that we find on the battle-field, con- 
trary to civilized warfare, many of the Federal 
dead, who were tomahawked, scalped, and their 
bodies shamefully mangled, and exjjresses the 
hope that this important struggle may not de- 
generate to a savage warfare." 

To this statement, Gen. Van Dorn replied: 
"He hopes you have been misinformed with 
regard to this matter, the Indians who formed 
part of liis forces having for many years been 
regarded as civilized people. He will, how- 
ever, most cordially unite with you in repress- 
ing the horrors of this unnatural war; and that 
you ma}^ coojierate with him to this end more 
effectually, he desires me to inform you 
that many of our men who surrendered them- 
selves prisoners of war, were reijorted to him 
as having been murdered in cold blood by their 
captors, who were alleged to be Germans. 
The general conniianding feels sure that you 
will do your part, as he will, in preventing 
such atrocities in future, and that the perpe- 
trators of them will be brought to justice, 
whether German or Choctaw." 

Gen. Curtis in answer further said : " I may 
say, the Germans charge the same against your 
soldiers. I enclose a copy of a letter from 
Gen. Sigel, addressed to me before the receipt 
of yours, in which the subject is referred to. 
As ' dead men tell no tales,' it is not easy to see 
how these charges may be jiroven, and the 
General hopes they are mere 'camp stories,' 
having little or no foundation. The Germans 
in the army have taken and turned over many 
prisoners, and the General has not before heard 
murder cliarged against them ; on the contrary, 
they have seemed peculiarly anxious to exhibit 



160 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



the number of their captured as evidence ot 
their valor. Any act of cruelty to prisoners, 
or those offering to deliver themselves as such, 
on the part of the soldiers of this army, coming 
to the knowledge of the General commanding, 
will be punished with the extreme penalty of 
the law." 

The following is Gen. Halleck's despatch to 
"Washington, announcing this battle : 

St. Louis, March 10, 1862. 
To Maj.-Gen. McClellan: 

The army of the Southwest, under Gen. Curtis, after 
three days' hard fighting near Sugar Creek, Arkansas, 
has gained a most glorious victory over the combined 
forces of Van Dorn, McCulloch, Price, and Mcintosh. 
Our killed and wounded are estimated at one thousand. 
That of the enemy still larger. Guns, flags, provi- 
sions, &c., capturei in large quantities. Our cavalry 
is in pursuit of the flying enemy. 

H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. 

The Confederate force retired south of the 
Boston Mountains unpursued by Gen. Curtis, 
to obtain reenforcements and to recover from 
their loss. Meantime reinforcements were 
sent to Gen. Curtis from Kansas and Missouri. 
He fell back to Keetsville, and remained through 
the month. On the 5th of April, it being sup- 
posed that Gen. Price was moving on Spring- 
field, Missouri, Gen. Curtis began a march in 
that direction. On that day he advanced eigh 
teen miles and on the next twenty, to the junc- 
tion of Flat Rock with James river. Failing in 
an attempt to cross the James, the force moved 
to Galena, where a crossing was effected in a 
rain storm. On the next day, the 9th, Bear 
Creek, thirteen miles, was reached, and on the 
10th Forsyth, eighteen miles, where the army 
was concentrated. The high water of the 
river delayed active operations. Gen. Price, 
with a body of mounted men, was encamped 
about five miles south and on the other side of 
the river. On the 16th of April an expedition 
was sent out under Col. McOrellis to destroy 
some saltpetre works located eight miles below 
the Little North Fork, south side of White 
river. It was entirely successful. About ten 
thousand pounds nearly prepared for transpor- 
tation were destroyed. The army next moved 
to West Plains, eighty-seven miles, thence to 
Salem, Arkansa^s, which is southeast of For- 
syth, Mo., and distant one hundred and seven- 
teen miles. Thence it advanced to Batesville, 
crossed the White river, and took the route to 
Little Rock, the capital of the State. It ad- 
vanced to Searcy, fifty miles from Little Rock, 
where an order was received from Gen. Ilalleck 
to send ten regiments by a forced march to Cape 
Girardeau and thence to Corinth. The army 
then fell back to Batesville, wliich is the capi- 
tal of Independence county and the most im- 
portant town in the northeastern part of the 
State. It is situated on the White river about 
four hundred miles from its mouth. The river 
is navigable to this point for small steamers. 
Such was the scarcity of supplies that the army 
suffered severely. An expedition was fitted 
out in June from Memphis to descend the Mis- 



sissippi to the mouth of Arkansas and thenco 
up the White river to Batesville. (See page 
1G8.) It was unsuccessful. Supplies were sub- 
sequently sent by land from Missouri, which 
reached Gen. Curtis about the 1st of July. 
His position during this period was critical, and 
excited much apprehension, as he was known 
to be nearly destitute of provisions, far diotant 
from the sources of supply, and surrounded in 
the midst of a wilderness by foes. From 
Batesville he now advanced to Jacksonport at 
the confiuence of the White and Black rivers, 
thence passing through Augusta and Clarendon 
he reached Helena on the Mississippi river, one 
hundred and seventy-five miles from Bates- 
ville. 

It was reported soon after that Confederate 
troops under Gen. Price were crossing the Mis- 
sissippi at a point between Napoleon and Vicks- 
burg, and Gen. Curtis started with a body of 
troops on transports to make an exploration. 
The steam ferry boat at Napoleon, upon the 
approach of Gen. Curtis, was withdrawn up the 
Arkansas river, whither he followed and cap- 
tured it with fifteen other ferry and fiat boats. 
A large number of boats were destroyed on the 
Arkansas by this expedition, which soon after 
returned to Helena. Gen. Curtis was then ab- 
sent until the close of September, when he was 
appointed to command the department of Mis- 
souri, containing the States of Missouri and 
Arkansas and the adjacent Indian Territory, 
with his headquarters at St. Louis. Helena 
continued to be occupied by the Federal troops, 
but active military operations were suspended. 
This closed the campaign of Gen. Curtis. 

After the departure of Gen. Curtis from He- 
lena on the 15th of November, an expedition 
under Gen. Alvin P. Hovey, consisting of eight 
thousand infantry and cavalry, started for the 
White river ; but in consequence of new bars 
which had formed, and the low stage of the 
water, it entirely failed of the object intended, 
and returned. The command of the post was 
then taken by Gen. Steele, who had arrived with 
a division of troops. Subsequently Gen. Hovey 
was sent upon an expedition from Helena into 
Mississippi to cooperate with Gen. Grant on 
his advance into that State. The particulars 
of this expedition are stated in connection with 
the campaign of Gen. Grant. 

The subsequent military operations in Arkan- 
sas exerted no special infiuence on the conduct 
of the war. They may be briefly stated in this 
place. The Confederate forces in the State, in 
October, were estimated to consist of five thou- 
sand men under Gen. Hindman, posted five 
miles north of Little Rock ; five thousand men 
under Gen. Roan, posted fifty miles southeast 
of Little Rock at White Sulphur Springs, near 
Pine Bluff on the Arkansas river; at Cross 
Hollows in the northwestern part of the State, 
between four and five thousand men, chiefly 
conscripts under Gen. Rains; Gen. Holmes, in 
chief command, was at Little Rock with two 
thousand men; Gen. McBride was at Batest 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



161 




162 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ville with two thousand more. Small forces 
were also at Arkansas, Crystal Hill, and Arka- 
delphia. The latter post had been made the 
seat of government. These forces were esti- 
mated at twenty thousand men with a deficient 
outfit. In the northwestern part of Arkansas, 
near Cross Hollows, twelve mUes south of Fay- 
etteville. Gen. Ilerron had a severe conflict 
with a Confederate force near the end of Octo- 
ber. Again on the 28th of November Gen. 
Blunt made an attack on Gen. Marmadoke with 
about eight thousand men, at Cane HUl, forty- 
five miles north of Van Buren, which caused 
the Confederate force to retreat to Van Buren. 
Again, on the "Tth of December, the combined 
Confederate forces under the command of Gen. 
Hindman, estimated at fifteen thousand men, 
made an attempt to cut off reenforcements for 
Gen. Blunt, ten miles south of Fayetteville. 
The Confederate forces advanced on the flank 
of Gen. Blunt's position, and attacked Gen. 
Herron with the reenforcements, who held them 
in check until they were attacked in the rear 
by Gen. Blunt at Crawford's Prairie. The fight 
continued obstinate until dark, when the Con- 
federate forces retreated across Boston Moun- 
tains. The loss was severe on both sides, and 
the advance of the Confederate troops into 
Missouri was checked. 

The campaign in the "West was now pushed 
through. The evacuation of Columbus, and 
the flanking of other Confederate positions 
on the Mississippi river by the force on the 
advance up the Tennessee river, led to the fit- 
ting out of an expedition to move down the 
Mississippi. On the 4th of March an armed 
reconnoissance, commanded by Flag Officer 
Foote and General Cullum, was made as far as 
Columbus. This consisted of six gunboats, four 
mortar boats, and three transports having on 
board two regiments and two battalions of 
infantry under Gen. Sherman. On arriving 
at Columbus, it was found to have been 
evacuated and subsequently occupied by two 
hundred and fifty of the 2d Illinois on a scout- 
ing expedition. The Confederate troops had 
chiefly retired down the river to Island No. 10 
and New Madrid. The evacuation was a con- 
sequence of the position being flanked on both 
sides of the river. The distances to various 
points down the river are as follows: Cairo 
to Columbus, 20 miles; Hickman, 37; Island 
No. 10, 45 ; New Madrid, 55 ; Point Pleasant, 
87; Plumb Point, 154; Island No. 33, 164; 
Fort Wright, 167; Fulton Landing, 168; Hat- 
che River, 170 ; Island No. 34, 170 ; Fort Ran- 
dolph, 175 ; Fort Pillow, 238 ; Memphis, 242 ; 

This force returned to Cairo, and on the 14th 
a formidable expedition left to move down the 
river. The following vessels formed the fleet : 
flag ship Benton, Lieut. Phelps acting flag 
captain ; gunboats Cincinnati, Commander R. 
N. Stembel ; Carondelet, Commander Walke ; 
Mound City, Commander Kelly; Louisville, 
Commander Dove ; Pittsburgh, Lieut. Thomp- 
son commanding; St. Louis, Lieut. Paulding 



commanding ; Conestoga, Lieut. Blodgett com- 
manding — the only boat in the fleet not iron- 
clad. 

The mortar boats assigned to the expedition 
were designated numerically. Each had a 
mortar of 13-inch calibre and discharging a 
round, shell weighing two hundred and fifteen 
pounds without its contents. The " sailing " 
or " running" crews of these mortar boats con- 
sisted of one captain and two men. The force 
to fire the mortars in action was one captain to 
each brace of mortars, and one lieutenant and 
twelve men to each boat. The Nos. of the 
vessels were, 5, 7, 11, 19, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, 38, 
under command in chief of Capt. H. E. Mayna- 
dier, U. S. Army. The steamers Hammit and 
"Wilson, lashed together, towed four ; the Pike 
and "Wisconsin four others; Lake Erie, No. 2, 
towed two others. Then followed a steamer 
with a barge laden with coal in tow, after which 
came the two ordnance steamers, and two 
transports with the 27th Illinois, Col. Buford, 
and 15th Wisconsin, Col. Hey, infantry — the 
latter regiment being composed exclusively of 
Norwegians — and also a battery of the 2d Illi- 
nois artillery. With the gunboats on the right, 
followed by the mortar fleet, ordnance boats, 
and transports with troops, the gunboat Con- 
estoga brought up the rear, protecting the 
transports, while eight or ten little screw pro- 
pellers, used for conveying orders and despatch- 
es from the flag ship to the fleet, were busily 
darting in all directions. 

The expedition reached ColumbiJs at 1 p. m., 
and at 3 o'clock left for Hickman, where it 
arrived between five and six o'clock. A 
small force of Confederate cavalry left upon 
its approach. The town was partly deserted ; 
a few Union flags, however, were waved. The 
next morning it proceeded down the river to 
within half a mile of the Missouri point above 
Island No. 10, which by an air line was two and 
a half miles distant, while by the river, owing 
to the bend, it was four miles distant. In this 
position the flagship opened fire upon a Con- 
federate battery discovered on the Kentucky 
shore, but, owing to the distance, without ef- 
fect. Two of the mortar boats then, having got 
into position, opened upon and soon silenced it. 
A large Confederate force appeared to be en- 
camped on that side. 

Island No. 10 is situated in the corner 
of that bend of the Mississippi river which 
touches the border of Tennessee, a few miles 
further up the river than New Madrid, although 
nearly southwest of that point. It is situated 
about two hundred and forty miles from St. 
Louis, and nine hundred and fifty from New 
Orleans. The average depth of the water at 
this point is from ninety to one hundred and 
twenty feet, and the breadth of the stream 
from mainland to mainland about nine hun- 
dred yards. The current runs by the island at 
a moderately fast rate, and with the power of 
three rivers — Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio — 
combined. The island is near the southern, or 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



163 



what might be termed the eastern bank of the 
river, but at this point the stream varies from 
its southern course and turns abruptly to the 
nortliwest, leaving this island in the southern 
angle of the bend. It is about forty-five miles, 
by the course of the river, south of Columbus, 
and about twenty-six miles from Hickman. It 
is near Obionville, which is in Obion coun- 
ty, in the northwest extremity of Tennessee, 
where it borders on Kentucky and Missouri. 
The Mississippi river passes to the north and to 
the south of Obionville, leaving a land distance 
between the two waters very inconsiderable, 
and easily walked across in less than an hour, 
although the voyage by water between the 
same points, owing to the bends in the river, 
is about twenty miles. The surface of the sur- 
rounding country is nearly level. Obionville 
is connected by a turnpike road with Columbus, 
in Kentucky, via Hickman, and Avith Troy, the 
capital of the county. 

The fortifications on the island and main- 
land adjacent consisted of eleven earthworks, 
with seventy heavy cannon, varying in caliber 
from thirty-two to one hundred pounders, 
rifled. The bombardment commenced on the 
16th of March, and continued with more or 
less vigor until the 7th of April. A diSferent 
plan, however, was arranged for the capture 
of tile island. This consisted in cutting a 
canal across a portion of the narrow and low 
peninsula, by which the transports could pass 
below the island, and a part of the troops with 
Gen. Pope at New Madrid be taken across the 
river, and thus completely invest the island. 

On the 21st of February, by orders of Gen. 
Halleck, Gen. Pope proceeded to Commerce in 
Missouri above Cairo, and was followed by a 
force numbering in the aggregate about forty 
thousand men. With this army Gen. Pope pro- 
ceeded southwardly in the early part of the 
last week in February, destined for New Mad- 
rid. In a direct line the distance from Com- 
merce to New Madrid is about fifty miles, but 
by the road it is between sixty and seventy-five 
miles. On the 3d of March he arrived with 
his forces before New Madrid, and found the 
place occupied by five regiments of infantry 
and several companies of artillery. The defen- 
sive works consisted of one bastioned earth- 
work, mounting fourteen heavy guns, about 
half a mile below the town, ajid another irreg- 
ular work at the upper end of the town, mount- 
ing seven pieces of heavy artillery, together 
with lines of intrenchment between them ; six 
gunboats, carrying from four to eight heavy 
guns each, were anchored along the shore be- 
tween the upper and lower redoubts. The 
country being perfectly level and the river so 
high that the guns of the boats looked di- 
rectly over the banks. Gen. Pope found the ap- 
proaches to the town commanded for miles by 
guns of heavy caliber. 

His first step was to occupy Point Pleasant, 
twelve miles below, in such a manner that his 
force could not be driven out by the Confed- 



erate gunboats, and thus blockade the river from 
below. He next procured«iege guns from Cairo, 
which arrived on the 12th of March, and were 
placed in battery during the night within eight 
hundred yards of the enemy's main work, so as 
to command that and the river above it. The 
battery consisted of two small redoubts con- 
nected by a curtain, and mounting four heavy 
guns, with rifle pits in front and on the flanks 
for two regiments of infantry. As soon as day 
dawned on the 13th, these batteries opened fire, 
and were rephed to by the whole of the ene- 
my's heavy artillery on land and water. In a 
few hours several of the gunboats were disabled, 
and three of the heavy guns dismounted in the 
enemy's main work. The cannonading contin- 
ued all day without producing any impression 
on the position of Gen. Pope, other than the 
disabling of one gun by a round shot. The ef- 
fect of the contest during the day convinced 
the Confederate commander that he could not 
hold the town, although he had previously re- 
ceived reenforcements of men and guns from 
Island No. 10. Accordingly in the night, dur- 
ing a violent storm of rain, he evacuated the 
town by crossing over to the Kentucky shore. 
This evacuation was made with considerable 
precipitation. Almost everything was left be- 
hind. Even the pickets were abandoned. 
"Thirty-three pieces of artillery, magazines 
full of fixed ammunition, several thousand stand 
of small arms, hundreds of boxes of musket 
cartridges, tents for an army of ten thousand 
men, horses, mules, wagons, &c., were among 
the spoils." 

The Confederate fleet was commanded by 
Com. Hollins, and their land force by Gens. 
McCown, Stewart, and Gantt. The Union loss 
was fifty-one killed and wounded ; the Confed- 
erate loss was estimated by Gen. Pope to be 
larger. A number of their dead were left un- 
buried. By the possession of these works Gen. 
Pope commanded the river, so as to cut oflf all 
communication with Island No. 10 from below. 
It was on the day after this evacuation that the 
fleet left Cairo. 

In order to cut off entirely the retreat of the 
Confederate force from Island No. 10, it was 
necessary that a portion of Gen. Pope's army 
should be taken across the Mississippi to the 
Tennessee shore. To bring down transports a 
channel was made, twelve miles long, six of 
which were through heavy timber. The trees 
standing in water, had to be cut off four feet 
below its surface. While this work was pushed 
forward the bombardment of the island was 
continued. On the night of the 1st of April, 
under the cover of darkness and storm, a 
boat expedition from the fleet, with a small 
force under the command of Col. Roberts of 
the 42d Illinois, landed at the upper or No. 
1 Fort on the Kentucky shore and spiked 
the six guns mounted, and retired without 
injury. The pickets of the enemy fired and 
fled, and the troops in the vicinity also re- 
treated. As the work on the canal approached 



164 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



165 



completion, it was evident that the assistance 
of the gunboats would also be required to make 
a successful landing of the troops across the 
river. The enemy, to oppose any attempt that 
might be made to cross the river, had planted 
field pieces along the left bank for the distance 
of several miles above and below New Madrid. 
Gunboats were also needed to protect the trans- 
ports from any gunboat of the enemy that might 
appear during the passage across the river. 
For these reasons tlie gunboat Carondelet, 
Oapt. "Walke, undertook to run down past the 
batteries of the island on the night of the 4th 
of April. For this purpose her liull was pro- 
tected in all weak places by additional covering, 
and a barge laden above with hay was taken in 
tow on her left side. Starting at ten o'clock on 
the night of the 4th, amid the darkness of an 
impending storm, she proceeded on in silence. 
Twice as she approached the batteries of the 
enemy the soot in the chimneys caught fire, 
and a flame five feet high leaped out from their 
tops, lighting brightly the upper deck of the 
vessel, and everjrthing around. It was seen by 
the enemy, and the anxious listeners for the 
signal of her safety in the fleet above now 
heard the long roll beat in the camps on the 
island. At the same time five rockets were 
sent up from the mainland and the island, and 
were followed by a cannon shot from Fort No. 
2. A full head of steam was now let on, to 
make the greatest possible speed ; and while 
vivid flashes of lightning lit up the hurried 
preparations of the enemy, while peal after peal 
of thunder reverberated along the river, and 
the rain fell in torrents, the moment for cool- 
ness and heroism came. For thirty minutes 
the discharge of cannon and musket ball at the 
dark and silent object, revealed on the waters 
only by the lightning flash, was furious, but 
no injury was done. Then stopping her ma- 
chinery, her ofiicers fired the signal guns to 
inform their companions in the fleet that she 
was safe. On the night of the 6th, the gun- 
boat Pittsburg, Lieut. Thompson, also passed 
the batteries. On the morning of the Yth the 
transports were brought into the river from^ 
the bayou where they had been kept concealed, 
and while the division of Col. Paine was em- 
barking, the gunboats ran down the river and 
silenced the enemy's batteries at the place of 
landing. Then the passage of the wide and 
swift river commenced, and was completed at 
the hour of midnight. 

As soon as the troops began to cross the river 
the enemy began to evacuate the island and 
his batteries along the Kentucky shore. The 
divisions were pushed forward as fast as they 
landed, that of Col. Paine leading. • The Con- 
federate force was driven before him, says Gen. 
Pope ; and although it made several attempts 
to form in line of battle and make a stand, Col. 
Paine did not once deploy his columns. It was 
pushed all night vigorouply until, at four o'clock 
A. M., it was driven back on the swamps and 
forced to surrender. "Three generals, seven 



colonels, seven regiments, several battalions of 
infantry, five companies of artillery, over one 
hundred heavy siege guns, twenty-four pieces 
of field artillery, an immense quantity of am- 
munition and supplies, several thousand stand 
of small arms, a great number of tents, horses, 
and wagons were taken." The force that 
surrendered was under the command of Gen. 
Mackall. Before abandoning Island No. 10, 
the Confederate officers sunk the gunboat 
Grampus and six transports. The force sur- 
rendered consisted of Tennessee, Arkansas, 
Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana regiments, 
and numbered about five thousand. At the isl- 
and a large amount of commissary stores was 
found with the tents and baggage of the enemy. 
Besides there were eleven earthworks, with 
seventy heavy cannon varying in caliber from 
32 to 100-pounders, rifled. The works, erected 
with the highest engineering skill, possessed 
great strength. There appeared to be no concert 
of action between the force on the island and that 
on the shore. Gen. Pope did not lose a man 
or meet with an accident in crossing the river 
or afterward. The canal was made on the sug- 
gestion of Gen. Schuyler Hamilton. A part of 
the distance the route was through a bayou. 
The cut made was about four miles, sufficient 
for steamboats of moderate size, and about one 
thousand trees, ranging from six inches to three 
feet in diameter, were sawed off" about four feet 
under water by means of long saws worked by 
hand. When the canal was finished, the water 
came through with such a current that the 
boats had to be dropped by lines nearly the 
whole distance. The work was done by an 
engineer regiment, under the superintendence 
of Col. Bissell. 

The position thus taken was regarded by the 
Confederate oflScers as one of the highest im- 
portance to the new line of defence proposed 
by them. Upon their ability to hold it depend- 
ed the safety of Memphis, and of the entire 
Mississippi valley thereabout. This line was 
adopted by the Confederate commander, with 
his left resting on the Mississippi, his centre be- 
tween Jackson, Tenn., and Corinth, Miss., and 
his right between Florence and Decatur. 

On the 12th of April the gunboats under 
Com. Foote, with the mortar boats, followed 
by the transports, loft New Madrid, and stood 
down the river. The order of a line of battle 
was observed. A part of Gen. Stanley's divi- 
sion, and those of Gens. Hamilton and Palmer, 
were on the transports. Their destination was 
Fort Pillow or "Wright, which is situated on the 
first Chickasaw Bluffs, near Islands Nos. 83 and 
34, and about seventy miles above Memphis. 
At Plum Point the Mississippi makes a sharp 
bend, running for some distance eastwardly, and 
at the first Chickasaw Bluffs turns off abruptly 
south-southwest, which course it continues bo- 
low Island No. 34, where it again bends ; the 
convex side of the curve being to the Tennessee 
shore. Here are tho second Chickasaw Bluffs, 
surmounted by Fort Randolph, some twelve 



166 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



miles below Fort Pillow. The location of these 
fortifications was admirably adapted for defence, 
and in case of a determined stand it would have 
been very difficult to reduce them. Opposite 
Plum Point is the village of Osceola in Ar- 
kansas. 

On the next day, at evening, the fleet arrived 
at Plum Point and anchored. A force of three 
Confederate gunboats were in sight most of 
the time during that day, but kept at a safe dis- 
tance. The anchorage was about three and a 
half miles from the fort. Operations against 
the fort were commenced by moving the mor- 
tars to the Arkansas shore at Craighead Point, 
and opening upon the enemy's gunboats and 
batteries with shells. The distance of the 
contending forces across the point was three 
fourths of a mile, although by the river around 
the point it was three miles. In the afternoon 
of the 17th of April fire was opened from the 
mortars, and rapidly and accurately answered 
by the fort. This continued until midnight 
and then ceased; daily afterward it was re- 
peated without any expectation of an immedi- 
ate reduction of the fort. The high water of 
the river prevented cooperation of the land 
forces. On the 4th of May a battle occurred 
between the gunboats and a Confederate ram 
and gunboats, which has been thus related: 

" The enemy appeared with four boats — three 
gunboats and a ram — the latter a powerful 
contrivance, combining immense weight and 
strength with high speed and admirable steer- 
ing facilities. Herhull and boilers, as well as 
all the Confederate rams, were those of old 
New Orleans towboats. The upper works of 
these were cut away ; their sides protected, in 
some instances with a layer of railroad iron, 
and in others only with bales of tightly com- 
pressed cotton, hooped and bound together, 
one to the other, with iron bands. Their bows 
were pointed and sharp, and apparently of solid 
iron. 

" At their first appearance the gunboats mani- 
fested no disposition to come up the river, but 
sent the ram ahead to attack and destroy the 
Cincinnati, thinking then, doubtless, to run up 
and make an easy prey of the defenceless 
mortar boats. The commander of the Cincin- 
nati perceived the movement and apprehended 
its intent. The ram was already halfway up 
to her before she was cut loose, and then the 
accumulated driftwood on her bows prevented 
her getting her head out into the stream. To 
back out would be to run directly upon the 
enemy while they were seeking to run into her, 
thus adding to the force of the blow with 
which they would strike her. In this dilemma 
she let fly her stern guns full into the face of 
the enemy, and at the same time attempted to 
crowd along up the shore, hoping, before mov- 
ing far, to succeed in getting her head out. 
Her guns made not the slighest apparent im- 
pression upon the ram, which still held its 
course and was rapidly coming upon the en- 
tangled gunboat. 



" Again the steru guns were let go full into 
the face of the enemy, but still her progress 
was not retarded in the slightest. A moment 
more and her tremendous weight came with 
terrible force upon the starboard stern quarter 
of the gunboat, but without inflicting any 
serious damage The force of the blow, how- 
ever, threw the stern of the vessel in and en- 
abled her to get headway from the shore. 
Then, in turning out, her broadside was dis- 
charged directly into the Confederate craft, 
which was backing off preparatory to renew- 
ing the assault. 

" Again the gunboat prepares to open fire on 
her assailant, and the ram seeks an apportunity 
to renew the assault. The Cincinnati has 
worked herself away from the shore and is 
now more easily handled. Turning to and fro, 
she gives her antagonist broadside for broad- 
side, with no apparent result. Still he comes 
on. As he nearshis object, his steam appara- 
tus is got ready, and his crew, armed with 
small arms, prepare to board the Federal craft. 
Commander Stembel, seeing these demonstra- 
tions, orders out carbines, boarding pikes, and 
cutlasses, and also puts his steam battery in 
readiness to give the enemy a warm reception. 
On they come, closer and closer, and strike! 
The boats collide with fearful violence, followed 
by the crashing of timbers, and the bending of 
iron, and the shouts of men, and the discharge 
of musketry, and, above all, another broadside 
directly into the enemy now immediately along- 
side. Amid this general uproar Commander 
Stembel rushes upon deck, and, seizing a pis- 
tol, with admirable aim discharged its contents 
into the head of the Confederate pilot, killing 
him instantly. The pilot's mate seized a gun 
in retaliation, and shot the gallant commander, 
just as he was turning to give his attention to 
some other duty, the ball entering high up on his 
shoulder behind, and, passing in at an upward 
direction through his neck, went out under his 
chin. He fell instantly, and was carried be- 
low. 

"While this fierce engagement was in pro- 
gress, the shots from the other vessels had ex- 
ploded the boiler on one of the Confederate 
gunboats, and set fire to another which was 
burned to the water's edge. 

" The Cincinnati, thus released from her an- 
tagonist, sought others of the foe. It was 
soon after this withdrawal that the Mallory, 
which is also fitted as a ram, though carrying 
a heavy armament, moved up and singled out 
the crippled Cincinnati as her special victim. 
This craft was more lumbering and slower than 
the rams proper, and could not be so easily 
moved about. She worked very hard to get her 
nose into the Cincinnati's side, but every time 
was foiled by the movements of the latter. At 
last she had apparently secured the desired op- 
portunity, and was crowding all steam to make 
good headway, when an unlooked-for adversa- 
ry appeared. The St. Louis bore down upon 
her, unseen, until close on her, and then came 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



167 



the nnavoidiiblo collision — the ram was cut 
half into and snnk immediately. Her crew 
perished with her, but half a dozen or so es- 
caping by clinging to the St. Louis. This was 
a brilliant manoeuvre on the part of the St. 
Louis, relieving and probably saving the Cin- 
cinnati, Avhich was already half sunk and al- 
most unmanageable from the weight of water 
in her hold. Seeing her condition, the acting 
Hag ofiicer signalled her to withdraw, and she 
was run upon the shoal at the foot of the island, 
and sunk to the bottom. 

" The action had now lasted about forty-five 
minutes. One of the enemy's boats had been 
sunk and two blowi^ up. The rest of their fleet 
was crippled. To prolong the fight was to in- 
sure its destruction. They therefore gradually 
fell back, under cover of the smoke, around the 
point to the protection of their land batter- 
ies. The Cincinnati was the only boat injured 
in tlie Union fleet. Four were wounded on 
board of her." 

On the night of the 4th of June Fort Pillow 
was evacuated. Evcrythingof value was either 
destroyed or remoAed by the Confederate offi- 
cers. On the same night Fort Randolph, some 
miles below, was evacuated. The few guns 
were dismantled. Com. EUet, in his report to 
the Secretary of War, said: "Randolph, like 
Pillow, is weak, and could not have held out 
long against a vigorous attack." The remark 
is worthy of notice, as it raises an inquiry why 
such an attack was not made. The forts were 
not attacked because this expedition, was not 
sustained at the critical time for its success. 
There were no land forces to cooperate with 
the fleet. 

On the 13th of April the gunboats and trans- 
jjorts arrived before Fort Pillow, and on the 
4th of June this fort and the one below were 
evacuated, and the way clear for the fleet to 
attack Memphis. On the 7th of April the bat- 
tle of Pittsburg Landing took place between 
the Federal forces, under Gen. Grant, and the 
Confederate forces, under Gen. Beauregard, 
which resulted in the withdrawal, by Gen. 
Beauregard, of all his forces from the battle 
field to the strong position at Corinth. Reen- 
forcements were required by the Federal army, 
and Gen. Pope was ordered to join it. On the 
21st of April he arrived in transports up the 
Tennessee river at Pittsburg Landing. His 
force numbered between twenty and twenty- 
five thousand men, and were taken on some 
thirty transports. This withdrawal of the force 
of Gen. Pope put a stop to the progress of 
the Mississippi river expedition. Tlie gun- 
boats, however, were obliged to remain in such 
force as to prevent any movement of the Con- 
federate gunboats up tlie river. Soon after the 
withdrawal of Gen. Pope, Com. Foote obtain- 
ed leave of absence, and the command of the 
fleet was taken by Charles Ellet, jr., until the 
arrival of Charles H. Davis, the successor of 
Com. Foote. 

As has been stated. Forts Pillow and Ran- 



dolph were evacuated on the night of the 4th 
of June. This evacuation was in consequence 
of the withdrawal of a large portion of the Con- 
federate army from Tennessee, and their aban- 
donment of Corinth. The positions of Fort 
Pillow, Randolph, and Memphis could not be 
held under these circumstances, and were there- 
fore wisely evacuated. 

Nothing now remained to oppose the Federal 
fleet but the Confederate gunboats. On the 
5th of June the fleet arrived within two miles 
of Memi)his, and came to anchor for the night. 
On the Gth, at 4^ o'clock in the morning, the 
gunboats Benton, Cairo, Carondelet, Louisville, 
and St. Louis, and the four rams Monarch, Lan- 
caster, No. 8, and Queen of the "West, weighed 
anchor, and dropped slowly down toward the 
city. The Confederate gunboats were seen 
approaching in order of battle. This was in 
two lines, the first consisting of the Beauregard, 
Little Rebel, Gen. Price, and Gen. Bragg, the 
second of the Gen. Lovell, Gen. Van Dorn, JefF. 
Thompson, and the Sumter. "When within 
three fourths of a mile, a shot from the Little 
Rebel, the flag ship, fell within a short distance 
of the Cairo, which replied with a broadside, 
and soon the engagement became general. The 
Confederates had fewer guns than their op- 
ponents, but exceeded them in the number 
of gunboats. The scene of the battle was in 
front of the city of Memphis, and the shores 
were crowded with spectators. After half an 
hour two of the rams, Monarch and Queen of 
the "West, which had been lying on the Arkan- 
sas side, in rear of the line of battle, steamed 
out toward the scene of action. The Queen of 
the West started directly for the Beauregard, 
and that gunboat fired at, but missed her. A 
second shot struck the ram but did her no in- 
jury, and she steamed steadily and swiftly to- 
ward her adversary, "When she was within 
ten feet the latter swung round, and the ram 
missed her prey. Not discouraged, however, 
the Queen ran toward the Gen. Price, which 
fired several shots but did no damage, and 
thrust her iron prow into the wheelhouse of the 
Price, crushing it to pieces, and causing the ves- 
sel to leak so badly that she was run to the Ar- 
kansas shore, to prevent her from sinking. Tlie 
Beauregard now determined to avenge the 
Price, and hurried toward the Queen, while 
the ram in full motion was dashing toward her 
foe. They bore down upon each other bravely, 
but the skilful pilot of the enemy contrived to 
evade the shock of the Queen, and struck her 
aft so heavily that the ram was disabled and 
began to leak. The Monarch, seeing the state 
of aflNairs, dashed boldly at the Beauregard. 
The latter fired four times at the ram, and 
struck her bulwarks once, the ball glancing 
harmlessly. She could not, however, avoid the 
unerring aim of the Monarch, which crashed 
through her bow, and caused her to fill in a few 
minutes and go down as far as her cabin, the 
shallowness of the water preventing her sink- 
ing lower, and the white flag she had run up 



168 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Btopping further damage from the fleet. The 
Monarch then looked after her disabled consort, 
the Queen of the West, and towed her ashore, 
placing her in a position of security. The gun- 
boats now increased their lire against the ene- 
my, when the flag ship, having obtained an ex- 
cellent range, threw a 50-pouud ball from a ri- 
fled Parrott, striking the Gen. Lovell aft above 
the water line, tearing a great hole in her, 
through which the water rushed like a torrent. 
She began to sink at once, giving few of the 
officers and crew time to save themselves. In 
less than four minutes the vessel had sunk in 
seventy-five feet of water, and passed entirely 
out of sight. Some of the crew went down 
with the Lovell, but about fifty of them 
leaped into the river, and were struggling in 
the water, when the Benton's crew arrived in 
advance of several other cutters from the flo- 
tilla, and just in time to see the chimneys of 
the hostile gunboat disappear beneath the water. 
Many of the crew had already begun to 
swim for the shore. Some six or seven, how- 
ever, were rescued by the cutter, but the cur- 
rent was so strong that a large number were 
carried off and drowned. The engagement still 
continued warm and desperate. The smoke of 
the battle so obscured the boats that it was dif- 
ficult to see them at any distance, yet the 
levee of Memphis was black with the crowd of 
human beings. From the time the rams made 
their appearance, the Confederate gunboats had 
been steadily falling back, though continuing to 
fire heavily, before the advance of the Federal 
gunboats. 

The Jeff. Thompson, Gen. Bragg, Sumter, 
and Van Dorn were the only vessels remain- 
ing, and these were so frequently struck and 
saw so little opportunity of escaping, that they 
turned their bows ashore. As soon aa the 
Thompson reached the shore her officers and 
crew leaped off, and ran through the woods ; 
but a shell exploding on the vessel, she took fire 
and was burned to the water's edge. The Gen. 
Bragg reached the shore about half a mile be- 
low the Thompson, and her officers and crew 
escaped. The Sumter followed next, and the 
Gen. Van Dorn, which was a swift vessel, alone 
escaped down the river. The Federal fleet now 
came to anchor before the city. The engage- 
ment had lasted over an hour. No one was kill- 
ed on the fleet. The loss of the other side could 
not be stated. About one hundred were made 
prisoners. The other mortar boats, owing to 
a misconception of orders, were not engaged. 

The following correspondence then ensued 
between Com. Davis and the city authorities : • 

United States Flag Stkamee Benton, I 
Off Memphis, June 5, 1862. j 

Sir : I have respectfully to request that you will sur- 
render the city of Memphis to the authority of the 
United States, which I have the honor to represent. 
I am, Mr. Mayor, with high respect, 

C. H. DAVIS, Flag Officer commanding, etc. 
To His Honor the Mayor of the City of Memphis. 

The answer of the mayor was as follows : 



Matoe's Office, Memphis, June 6, 1S62. 
Sir : Your note of this date is received, and contents 
noted. In reply I have only to say that, as the civil 
authorities have no means of defence, by the force of 
circumstances the city is in your hands. 

Respectfully, JOHN PARK, Mayor. 
To C. H. Davis, Flag Officer commanding, etc. 

Commander Davis wrote in reply as follows: 

United States Flag Steamer Benton, ) 
Off Memphis, June 6, 1862. J 

Sir: The undersigned, commanding the naval mili- 
tary forces of the United States in front of Memphis, 
has the honor to say to the Mayor and the city that 
Col. Fitch, commanding the Indiana brigade, will take 
military possession immediately. 

Col. Fitch will be happy to receive the cooperation 
of His Honor the Mayor and the city authorities in 
maintaining peace and order. To this end he will be 
pleased to confer with His Honor the Mayor at the mil- 
itary headquarters at 3 o'clock this afternoon. 
Yours, etc., C. H. DAVIS, 

Flag Officer commanding, etc. 

To the Mayor of the City of Memphis. 

The military occupation of the city followed, 
and the appointment of a provost marshal. 
Memphis is the most populous and important 
town, on the Mississippi river, between St. Louis 
and New Orleans. Its population in 1860 was 
22,625. 

About the 10th of June the gunboats St. 
Louis, Mound City, Lexington, and Conestoga, 
with the transport New National, having on 
board the 40th Indiana regiment. Col. Fitch, 
left Memphis, on an expedition up the White 
river, to open communication with the army of 
Gen. Curtis, and to remove the obstructions in 
that river. The White river is formed by the 
junction of three small branches, which unite 
a few miles east of FayetteviUe, Arkansas. It 
flows first northwesterly into Missouri, and 
after making a circuit of about one hundred 
miles, returns into Arkansas, and pursues a 
southeasterly course to the mouth of Black river. 
Thence its direction is nearly south, until it 
enters the Arkansas fifteen miles above its 
mouth. It is navigable by steamboats to the 
mouth of Black river, three hundred and fifty 
miles, in all stages of water. 

As the expedition approached St. Charles, 
the Mound City, being in advance, was fired 
on from two concealed batteries. This was 
returned. Meantime the troops were landed 
below for the purpose of marching in the rear 
and capturing the batteries. At this juncture 
a ball from a siege gun on the bluff struck the 
forward and left side of the Mound City and 
penetrated the casemate and passed through 
the steam drum. The vessel was immediately 
filled with the escaping vapor and nearly 
every one on board was scalded ; only twenty- 
three of the officers and crew, numbering one 
hundred and seventy-five, escaped uninjured. A 
horrible scene ensued. Many of the crew, 
frantic with pain, jumped overboard, and some 
were drowned. The boats from the Conestoga, 
which was coming up at the time, were sent to 
their relief, but the enemy fired on the men in 
the water with grape and canister from their 
field pieces, killing most of those who wero 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



169 



attempting to escape. Meantime Col. Fitch, 
learning the facts, pushed forward with his 
regiment and carried the works at the point 
of the bayonet. They consisted of two bat- 
teries, the lower of which mounted six field- 
pieces, and the upper one three heavy siege 
guns. About thirty prisoners were taken, 
among whom was Col. Frye, commanding the 
post. This expedition failed to open communi- 
cation with Gen. Curtis, as has been heretofore 
stated. 

As Memphis was the second important city 
in the West captured by the Federal troops, a 
more full statement of aftairs there after its oc- 
cupation will serve as a general illustration of 
the proceedings in the captured cities. 

A satisfactory arrangement was made as 
aforesaid with the civil authorities, all the 
more readily as the mayor and a great many 
of the citizens — according to some accounts 
the majority — were Union men. Although 
previously Col. Ellet, commanding the ram 
fleet, had made an independent movement 
toward placing the city under the Federal au- 
thoi'ity, of which the following is his oiBcial 
report to the Secretary of "War : 

TJ. 8. Ram Switzerland, I 
Opposite Mempdis, June 7, v. m. j 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

Sir: Yesterday, after the eugagcment with the 
rebel fleet had nearly terminated, and the gunboats 
and one of my rams had passed below, I was inform- 
ed that a white flag had been raised in the city. I 
immediately sent my son, a medical cadet, Chas. R. 
Ellet, ashore with a flag of truce and the following 
note to the authorities: 

"Opposite Memphis, June 6. I understand that 
the city of Memphis has surrendered. I therefore 
send my son, with two United States flags, with in- 
structions to raise one upon the custom house and 
the other upon the court house, as evidence of the 
return of your city to the care and protection of the 
Constitution. 

"CHAS. ELLET, Jr., Commanding." 

The bearer of the flags and the above note was ac- 
companied by Lieut.-Col. Conkell, of the Fifty-ninth 
Illinois regiment.and sixty-two men of the boat guard. 

The following is the reply of the mayor of 
the city : 

Memphis, June 6. 
" Col. Chas. Ellet, Jr., Commanding, etc. ; 

"Sir: Your note of this date is received and the 
contents noted. The civil authorities of this city are 
not advised of its surrender to the forces of the United 
States Government, and our reply to you is simply 
to state respectfully that we have no power to oppose 
the raising of the flags you have directed to be raised 
over the custom house and post office. 

"JOHN PARK, Mayor 

On receiving this reply the small party proceeded 
to the post othce to raise the national flag, and were 
there joined by the mavor. It is proper to say that 
the conduct of the mayor and some of the citizens 
was unexceptionable. The party was surrounded 
by an excited crowd, using angry and threatening 
language, but they ascended to the top of the post 
office and planted the flag, though fired upon several 
times and stoned by the mob below. Still I believe 
this conduct was reprobated by the people of stand- 
ing iu the place; indeed, many evidences of an ex- 
tensive Union feehng there reach mc. 

Respectfully, 

CHAS. ELLET, Jr., Commanding Ram Fleet. 



The same evening the citizens, to the number 
of some two thousand', reported themselves, 
armed and equipped, to the provost marshal to 
prevent the destruction of property by the mob, 
who it was feared would fire the city, in fulfil- 
ment of a thi-eat which had been made some 
time previously ; but, beyond the breaking 
open of tlie Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad 
depot, little or no disorder occurred. The same 
day Col. Fitch issued a proclamation to the cit- 
izens, announcing that he had taken military 
possession of the city. " Residents who may 
have fled from their homes," he continues, "are 
exhorted to return ; merchants and others who 
have abandoned their business are requested to 
reopen their stores and shops, excei:)ting those 
dealing in intoxicating liquors, Avho are forbid- 
den to resume that traffic under penalty of 
having the stock immediately destroyed. The 
mayor and common council will continue in 
the exercise of their municipal functions, the 
military authorities simply cooperating with 
them in enforcing all proper ordinances, unless 
some exigency arises rendering it imperative to 
place the city under martial law. it is hoped 
and believed, however, nothing will occur to 
render this step necessary." In fact, the most 
perfect tranquillity continued to prevail ; the 
municipal authorities cooperated cordially with 
the military in preserving order ; and great 
numbers of citizens, who had fled on the de- 
struction of the Confederate fleet, began to re- 
turn to their homes. Before the surrender, 
1,494 bales of cotton, and large quantities of 
sugar and molassses, had been destroyed by 
order of the Confederate Government, but the 
citizens had succeeded in concealing probably 
$150,000 worth of these staples, which now 
began to find their way to the levees. Any 
person was allowed to go North, or ship goods 
thither, on taking the oath of allegiance. 
Trade was extremely dull for a week or two ; 
many of the shops remained closed, and owing 
to the lack of every species of currency except 
Confederate scrip. Northern merchants, who 
had sent goods to Memphis, were in several in- 
stances compelled to reship them. 

The Memphis post office was reopened on 
June 13th. 

On the same day Col. James R. Slack, of the 
47th Indiana volunteers, assumed command of 
the city, and immediately issued the following 
order : 

General Orders Xo. 3. 
JIeadquarters United States Forces, | 
Memphis, Tenn., June 13, 1SC2. ) 

Hereafter the dealing in and passage of currency 
known as "Confederate Scrip" or "Confederate 
Notes" is positively prohibited, and the use thereof 
as a circulating medium is regarded as an insult to 
the Government of the United States, and an im- 
position upon the ignorant and deluded. 

All persons ofl'ending against the provisions of this 
order will be promptly arrested and severely pun- 
ished bv the military authorities. 

By order of JAS. R. SLACK, 

Colonel Commanding Post. 

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen addressed 



170 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



a letter to Col. Slack, representing that in the 
absence of almost all other money the order 
above cited was certain to cause great distress 
and suffering among the laboring class, and re- 
questing him to leave the matter for sixty 
days "to the judgment and discretion of the 
people." Their request was not granted. Col. 
Slack reminding them, in his answer, " that the 
so-called Confederate States issued all their 
notes in bills of the denomination of $50's and 
$20's," and that consequently the laboring class 
probably had very few of them in their posses- 
sion. " The ruinous effect to which you allude," 
lie continued, " will strike a different class alto- 
gether. The calamity of having to contend 
with a depreciated currency, and to which you 
refer, will come upon the people sooner or 
later, and I see no reason why it may not as 
well come now as sixty days hence. 

"Those who have been the most active in 
getting up this wicked rebellion, are the indi- 
viduals whose pockets are lined with Confed- 
erate notes ; and if sixty days' time should be 
given them, it is only giving that much time 
for those who are responsible for its issue to 
get rid of it v,^ithout loss, and the worthless 
trash will be found in the hands of the unsus- 
pecting and credulous, who have always been 
the dupes of designing Shylocks, by inducing 
them to accept of a circulating medium which 
was issued to aid in the destruction of the first 
and best Government ever known to civiliza- 
tion." 

On the 17th Gen. Lewis "Wallace arrived at 
Memphis, and assumed the chief command by 
virtue of his rank. His principal official act, 
during the few days that he remained in Mem- 
phis, was to take possession of the "Argus" 
newspaper office, where he installed the cor- 
respondents of the "New York Herald" and 
" New York Tribune " as editors. The provost 
marshal also issued orders to the guard to shoot 
any one tearing down United States flags, and 
imprison citizens carrying concealed weapons. 

On the 20th Col. Slack issued the following 
"General Orders No. 8:" 

Members of the Board of Aldermen, the Mayor, 
City Eecorder, and all other persons discharging any 
official duty within the city of Memphis, and under 
the charter thereof, are required to come before the 
Provost Marshal and take the oath of allegiance to 
the Government of the United States within three 
days; or, in default thereof, will be regarded as sym- 
pathizing, aiding, and abetting rebellion, and will be 
arrested and treated as only traitors deserve. 

On the 25th a Union meeting was held in 
Court House Square, at which some 350 or 400 
persons were present, about 200 of them being 
citizens. After several speeches had been made, 
a series of resolutions were passed pledging the 
support of the meeting to the Union ticket at 
the municipal election to be held the next day ; 
and the meeting then adjourned, to reassemble 
in the evening for the purpose of nominating 
candidates. The election on the 26th passed 
off quietly, not more than 700 votes being cast. 
John Park, the Union candidate, was reelected 



mayor without opposition. All persons offer- 
ing to vote were required to take the oath of 
allegiance. 

The city was now for some weeks the head- 
quarters of Gen. Grant, and Col. J. D. Webster 
was appointed commandant of the post. The 
editors of the "Argus" were permitted to re- 
sume the direction of their paper, with the 
understanding that their immediate arrest and 
the suppression of the paper would follow the 
appearance of any disunion article in it. 

The Northern shipments from Memphis up 
to the 27th of June were, according to the 
report of the Trade Committee, 9,206 hhds. of 
sugar, 8,117 hhds. of molasses, and 7,061 bales 
of cotton. The number of persons who had 
taken the oath of allegiance in the city at the 
same date was estimated at 3,000. 

On the 1st of July the " Memphis Avalanche" 
was suppressed, but its reissue being allowed 
on condition of the retirement of the chief edi- 
tor, it appeared the next day as a "Bulletin." 

On the 10th of July Gen. Grant published 
the following order : 

The families now residing in the city of Memphis, 
of the following persons, are required to move South 
beyond our lines within five days from the date hereof: 

1. All persons holding commissions in the so-called 
Confederate army, or who are voluntarily enlisted in 
said army, or who accompany and are connected with 
the same. 

2. All persons holding office under or in the employ 
of the so-called Confederate Government. 

3. All persons holding State, county, or municipal 
offices, who claim allegiance to the said so-called 
Confederate Government, and who have abandoned 
their families and gone South. 

Gen. Grant went to Corinth on the 11th, 
and was succeeded at Memphis by Gen. A. P. 
Hovey, who published an order on the 16th 
requiring all male residents of the city, between 
18 and 45 years of age, to take the oath of 
allegiance within six days or go South. About 
1,300 took the oath and 500 were sent South. 
On the 17th it was discovered that a Confed- 
erate telegraph operator had interrupted the 
line between Memphis and Corinth, over which 
passed Gen. Halleck's messages to Flag-Officer 
Davis, Gen. Curtis, and the commandant at 
Memphis, and with the aid of a pocket instru- 
ment had read all the official despatches sent 
over the wires for four days. 

Maj.-Gen. W. T. Sherman reached Memphis 
with reenforcements on the 20th, and took 
command of the post. On the 24th he pub- 
lished an order reopening trade and communi- 
cation with the surrounding country under 
certain restrictions. Travel into and out of 
the city, over five specified roads, without 
passes or any hindrance except the right of 
search by the guard at the discretion of the 
officer in command, was freely permitted to 
farmers, planters, and business men with their 
families and servants. This travel must in all 
cases be by daylight, except in the case of 
market and supply carts. Another order pro- 
hibited the payment of gold, silver, or treasury 



MILITAEY AXD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIO^\ 



171 



notes for cotton, and ordered quartermasters 
to seize all cotton purchased after that date and 
send it North to be sold, the proceeds to be 
held subject to the claim of the owners. Ten- 
nessee or Southern paper might be used for the 
purchase of cotton, or buyers might give obli- 
gations to pay at the end of the war, or at the 
pleasure of the Government, or might deposit 
the value of it with the quartermaster, to be 
held in trust for the planters. This order was 
soon afterward moditied by direction of the 
Government at "Washington. 

A few days later Gen. Grant directed Gen. 
Sherman to " take possession of all vacant stores 
and houses in the city, and have them rented 
at reasonable rates, and to be paid monthly in 
advance." These buildings, with their tenants, 
were to be turned over to the proprietors on 
proof of loyalty. Houses which had been 
leased by disloyal owners were also to be 
seized, and the rents appropriated by the 
United States. Early in August he also ordered 
the families of all persons absent in the Confed- 
erate States to be sent out of Memphis. 

On the 9th of the same month it was an- 
nounced that one artillery and three infantry 
companies, comprising in the aggregate 400 
men, had been enlisted in Memphis for the Fed- 
eral army and had taken the field, and two 
others were recruiting. 

Toward the close of the month Gen. Sherman 
issued an order prohibiting the importation and 
sale, except by permit, of arms, ammunition, 
salt, and salt meat ; and commanding dealers to 
keep an account of goods received and the dis- 
position made of them, said account to be sub- 
ject to inspection at all times by the provost 
marshal. Dealers in arms and medicines, de- 
tected in endeavoring to get the same outside 
the Union lines, were to sufier the extreme 
penalty of military law. 

A meeting of citizens was called by the Gen- 
eral on the 7th of September, at which he made 
an address in answer to various complaints 
which had been made of his administration. 
The attendance was very large, and an unmis- 
takable feeling of loyalty was indicated by the 
assembly. 

About the 10th a joint order was issued by 
Gen. Sherman and W. D. Gallagher, agent of 
the Treasury Department, for the regulation 
of commercial intercourse between Memphis, 
Helena, and other points. No boats were to 
receive goods without permits, and persons 
who had never encouraged secession were to 
receive facilities for shipping supplies on their 
taking oath that no part of the same were to 
bo sold to disloyal parties. 



On the 2oth of October Gen. Sherman pub- 
lished stringent regulations for the government 
of the city. A military commission of three 
army ofiicers was to sit daily to try offenders 
under the laws of war. Vagrants, thieves, and 
other disreputable characters, were to be or 
ganized into gangs and set to work in the 
trenches or on the streets. Citizens lurking 
about the camps were to be treated as spies. 
The inhabitants were to keep within doors be- 
tween tattoo and reveille, unless attending 
church, places of amusement, a party of friends, 
or necessary business. After midnight all per- 
sons must be in their houses, except the guard. 
Assemblages of negroes were forbidden, except 
by permission previously obtained from the 
pcpvost marshal. 

On the 7th of November another Union 
meeting was held at Memphis. 

About the same time the general command- 
ing prohibited the importation of liquors, ex- 
cept by gentlemen-citizens and officers, for the 
exclusive use of themselves and their families; by 
regidar apothecaries for medicinal purposes, to 
be retailed on a physician's i)rescription ; or by 
keepers of hotels and licensed saloons, in limited 
quantities, not exceeding one month's supply at 
a time. 

Gen. Sherman took the field about the 
middle of December, and the command of 
Memphis devolved upon Gen. Ilurlbut, who 
immediately caused all drinking saloons to be 
closed. 

On the 21st of December the guerrillas, who 
had been for some time growing daily bolder 
in their operations about Memphis, burning 
cotton, intercepting supplies, and forcing con- 
scripts into the Confederate army, attacked the 
suburbs of the city, committed great depreda- 
tions, and carried off 100 head of cattle and 180 
mules. The next day a meeting of the citizens 
was held to provide means of defence. On the 
24th the guerrillas appeared again, drove the 
Federal pickets within the fortifications, and 
plundered the neighboring shops and houses. 
Two companies of citizens were immediately 
enrolled for home defence, and the provost 
marshal interdicted for the time all trade with 
the surrounding country. The arrival of two 
regiments of Federal troops, however, soon 
quieted the public alarm. In consequence of 
these occurrences, the election for member of 
Congress in the district of which Memphis 
forms a part, which was to have been held, 
under Gov. Johnson's proclamation, on the 
29th of December, was postponed twenty days. 
A quiet state of affairs ensued. The population 
of Memphis in 1860 was 22,023. 



172 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



CHAPTEE XT. 



A.dvance of Gen. Grant up the Tennessee Kiver — Position of the Southern Forces — Movements of Gen. Buell — Advance 
of Gen. Johnston to attack Gen. Grant— Commencement of the Battle at Shiloh — Arrival of Gen. Buell — Second day 
of Battle — Retreat of Southern Troops — Message of Mr. Davis to Congress at Eichmond — Arrival of Gen. Halleck — 
March on Corinth — Its Evacuation — Movements of Gen. Mitchel — Provisional Government in Tennessee — Its Pro- 
ceedings. 



The military operations in Tennessee, -which 
finally controlled the movements of the Missis- 
sippi River expedition, had paused after the 
capture of Nashville, as above described, but 
were soon resumed again. The first step con- 
sisted in fitting out a great expedition to pi'O- 
ceed under Gen. Grant up the Tennessee River. 
More than fifty-seven steamers and two gun- 
boats were required to transport and convoy 
the force. It was organized in five divisions, 
each consisting of infantry, cavalry, and artil- 
lery. The advance was under the command of 
Gen. Sherman, 2d division under Gen. Hurl- 
but, 8d division under Gen. McClernard, 4th 
division under Gen. L. Wallace, and 5th division 
under Col. Lanman of the 7th Iowa regiment. 
On the 11th of March the transports began to 
arrive at Savannah in Tennessee. On the night 
of the 12th the Tyler and Lexington were sent 
xip the river to reconnoitre as far as Eastport, 
forty miles above Savannah. The enemy was 
found constructing fortifications and with a 
considerable force. It was known that the Con- 
federate forces were also concentrated along 
the lines of railroad south and southwest of the 
river. 

The line of defence now adopted by the Con- 
federate commander after his first line was 
broken up, had for its base the Charleston and 
Memphis Railroad, the preservation of which 
was absolutely necessary to any pretence of 
resistance through northern Mississippi, Ala- 
bama, and Georgia. Along this railroad are 
Tuscumbia and Florence, at the foot of the 
Muscle shoals in the Tennessee River and the 
junction Avith the Florence and Nashville Rail- 
road; Decatur, near the head of the lower 
Muscle Slioal ; Huntsville and Bellefontaine ; 
Stevenson, important as the junction with the 
railroad from Nashville through Murfreesboro' 
and Chattanooga, a strong position. AU these 
points are east of Corinth. On the west of Cor- 
inth the railroad i-uns in a nearly straight line 
to Memphis, ninety-three miles distant; and 
northwest runs the road to Jackson, almost in 
the centre of West Tennessee. 

The Union line was the Tennessee River, ex- 
tending from Paducah, Kentucky, to Eastport 
in Mississippi. The gunboats Lexington and 
Tyler, by moving up and down the river, pre- 
vented the erection of batteries. Above East- 
port, at Chickasaw Bluffs and at some other 
points. Confederate batteries were placed to 
command the navigation of the river. 

On the 5 th of March Gen. Beauregard as- 



sumed the command of the Southern forces in 
this department, when he issued the following 
address to his soldiers : 

Soldiers : I assume this day the command of the 
army of the Mississippi, for the defence of our home- 
steads and liberties, and to resist the subjugation, 
spoliation, and dishonor of our people. Our mothers 
and wives, our sisters and children, expect us to do 
our duty, even to the sacrifice of our lives. 

Our losses since the commencement of this war, in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners, are now about the 
same as those of the enemy. 

He must be made to atone for the reverses we have 
lately experienced. Those reverses, far from dis- 
heartening, must nerve us to new deeds of valor and 
patriotism, and should inspire us with an unconquer- 
able determination to drive back our invaders. 

Should any one in this army be unequal to the task 
before us, let him transfer his arms and equipments at 
once to braver, firmer hands, and return to his home. 

Our cause is as jupt and sacred as ever animated 
men to take up arms ; and if we are true to it and to 
ourselves, with the continued protection of the Al- 
mighty we must and shall triumph. 

Associated with Gen. Beauregard in command 
were Gens. Albert Sidney Johnston, Bragg, 
Polk, Pillow, Cheatham, and others. The Con- 
federate force consisted not only of the troops 
from the adjacent States which had been in 
service for months, but also of new levies now- 
called out by the governors on the requisition 
of Mr. Davis. They were encamped principally 
at Corinth, with (Jetachments at various points 
on the railroad, so situated that they could be 
easily concentrated on any point. 

Corinth is at the intersection of the Mobile 
and Ohio and Memphis and Charleston Rail- 
roads, in Tishemingo Co., Mississippi, forty miles 
from Grand Junction, fifty-eight miles from Jack- 
son, Tennessee, and about eighteen miles from 
Pittsburg on the Tennessee River. It is situated 
in a hilly, semi-mountainous country. 

The Federal forces at first concentrated at 
Savannah, a small town of two hundred inhab- 
itants, on the Tennessee River, about one hun- 
dred and seventy miles above Fort Henry. 
The number of transports which arrived by the 
13th of March, was eighty-two. This force 
comprised all of Gen. Grant's original com- 
mand, with an additional force of infantry, 
almost entirely from the State of Ohio. All 
the steamers that formed the regular line of 
packets between Louisville and New Orleans 
and between Louisville and St. Louis were in 
the fleet, carrying from 1,200 to 1,500 men each, 
and heavily laden. The demonstrations of the 
inhabitants along the shore of the river were of 
the most extravagant character. One declaimed 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 



173 



it to be " the second coming of Christ." The 
command of the army was taken by Gen. 
Grant soon after its arrival at Savannah, and it 
was advanced seven miles to Pittsburg Landing. 
Savannah was made a depot for stores, with 
only a few troops. Here troops and supplies 
wero sent to Gen. Grant by Maj.-Gen. Halleck, 
both from St. Louis and Cairo. There had also 
been such a change in the position of the en- 
emy before Gen. Buell at Nashville, that the 
original plan was altered, and he was directed 
by Maj.-Gen. Ilalleck to make a junction of his 
forces with those under Gen. Grant. By Gen- 
eral AYar Order No. 3 of the President, dated 
March 11th, the Departments of Kansas and 
Kentucky, respectively under the command of 
Cien. Hunter and of Gon. BueU, were united 
with that of the Missouri, under the designation 
of the Department of the Mississippi, and of 
this consolidated Department Gen. Halleck was 
assigned the command. 

It was the original plan of Gen. Buell to 
advance with his army in several columns 
upon northern Alabama over the principal 
roads leading to that region from Nashville. 
With this object in view, the divisions of Gens. 
Mitchell, Nelson and McCook left Nashville 
on the same day, and by difterent roads. But 
the Confederates, having retired from Mur- 
freesboro and formed along the new line they 
proposed to defend, rendered necessary a cor- 
responding change in the plan of Gen. Buell. 
A direct advance upon Alabama by Gen. 
Buell's forces would not only have involved 
an unnecessary amount of labor and slowness 
of movement, owing to the destruction of 
bridges over the watercourses, and other im- 
pediments, but the passage of the Tennessee 
into northern Alabama being practicable for a 
large army at a few places only, the Confederates 
could by means of the railroad have easily 
collected a large force to dispute it at any 
point. This concentration of the main body 
of the Confederate forces in localities within 
the contemplated field of the operations of Gen. 
Grant's array, not only gave to the latter an 
opportunity to employ the whole of his force 
to the best possible advantage, but enabled 
Gen. Ilalleck to order Gen. Buell to turn his 
army toward western Tennessee, to cooperate 
with Gen. Grant and cross the river. Thus 
combined, they were regarded as certain to be 
superior to the Confederate array in the num- 
ber, armament, and fighting trim of their com- 
mands. 

On the 28th of March, Gen. Buell left Nash- 
ville and passed the advance of his divisions at 
Colunibia. On the 2Sth, 29th, and 30th the 
divisions ^f his army had crossed Duck river 
on a new bridge, and advanced through 
Columbia, distant eighty-two miles from Savan- 
nah. 

Meantime most active preparations had been 
made to assemble a large Confederate force at 
Corinth, and to fortify that position, which is 
about eighteen miles south of Pittsburg Land- 



ing. The force of Gen. Grant was posted at 
Pittsburg and along both sides of the river to- 
ward Crump's Landing and Savannah, but kept 
in active service scouring the country. The 
importance of the approaching contest to the 
Confederate States could not be concealed. If 
Corinth fell, Memphis would also fall, and the 
whole territory of the Gulf States would bo 
open to an army larger than that of the Poto- 
mac. The plan adopted by Gens. Johnston and 
Beauregard was to strike an unexpected blow 
before the arrival of Gen. Buell's forces. On 
the 3d of April, Gen. Johnston issued the fol- 
lowing address to his soldiers : 

IlBADQirARTEP.S ArMT OP MISSISSIPPI, ) 

CoKiNTH, Miss., April 3. ) 
Soldiers of the Army of the Mississippi : 

I have put you in motion to offer battle to the in- 
vaders ot your country, with the resolution and dis- 
cipline and valor becoming men, fighting, as you are, 
for all worth living or dying for. \ou can but march 
to a decisive victory over agrarian mercenaries sent to 
subjugate and despoil you of your liberties, property, 
and honor. 

Remember the precious stake involved ; remember 
the dependence of your mothers, your wives, your 
sisters, and your children on the result. Remember 
the fair, broad, abounding lauds, the happy homes 
that will be desolated by your defeat. The eyes and 
hopes of eight million people rest upon you. You are 
expected to show yourselves worthy of your valor and 
courage, worthy of the women of the South, whose 
noble devotion in this war has never been exceeded in 
any time. With such incentives to brave deeds, and 
with the trust that God is with us, your general will 
lead you confidently to the combat, assured of success. 
(Signed) A. S. JOHNSTON, 

General Commanding. 

The orders accompanying the address di- 
vided " the Army of the Mississippi " into three 
corps. Gen. Beauregard was proclaimed to 
be in command of the whole force. The first 
corps was assigned to Gen. Polk, and embraced 
all the troops of his former command, except- 
ing detached cavalry and artillery, and reserves 
detached for the defence of Fort Pillow and 
Madrid Bend. The second corps was assigned 
to Gen. Bragg, and was to consist of the second 
division of the array of the Mississippi, less 
artillery and cavalry "hereafter detached." 
The third corps was assigned to Gon. Har- 
dee, and consisted of " the Array of Kentucky." 
To Gen, Crittenden was assigned a command 
of reserves, consisting of not less than two 
brigades. 

From two to three miles out on the road to 
Corinth from Pittsburg Landing lay the five di- 
visions of Gen. Grant's array. The advance 
line was formed by three divisions : Brig.-Gen. 
Sherman's, Brig.-Gen. Prentiss's, and Maj.-Gen. 
McClernand's. Between these and the landing 
lay the two others, Brig.-Gen. Hurlbut's and 
Maj.-Gen. Smith's, commanded in his absence 
by Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Wallace. On the ex- 
treme left of the line was one brigade of Gen. 
Sherman's division, while the other brigades 
were some two miles distant, forming the ex- 
treme right of the advance line. To the left, 
though rather behind a portion of the line 



MILITAKY AND N^AVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 




MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



175 




176 



MILITAKY AND FAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



formed by Sherman's main brigades, lay Gen. 
McCleruand's division, and between it and 
Gen. Sherman's brigade, on the extreme left, 
lay Gen. Prentiss's division. No preparations 
had been made for any means of defence in case 
of attack, although the position was an exposed 
one. 

The information that Gen. Buell was near at 
hand, determined Gen. Beauregard to make the 
attack at once. The movement of his troops 
from Corinth commenced on the 3d of April. 
Owing to the difficulties of the roads, they did 
not reach the vicinity of the Federal forces 
until Saturday afternoon, the 5th. It was then 
determined that the attack should be made on 
the next morning, at the earliest hour practi- 
cable, and in three lines of battle : the first and 
second extending from Owl Creek, on the Con- 
federate left, to Lick Creek on their right — a 
distance of about three miles — supported by the 
third and the reserve. The first line consisted 
of Gen. Hardee's corps, augmented on his right 
by Gladden's brigade of Bragg's corps, deployed 
in line of battle, with their respective artillery 
following immediately, and the cavalry in rear 
of the wings. The second line followed the 
first at a distance of five hundred yards, in the 
same order as the first. The corps under Gen. 
Polk followed the second line, at the distance 
of about eight hundred yards, in lines of bri- 
gades, deployed with their batteries in rear of 
each brigade, the left wing supported by caval- 
ry. The reserve followed closely the third line 
in the same order, its right wing supported by 
cavalry. These two corps constituted the re- 
serve, and were to support the front lines of 
battle by being deployed, when required, on the 
right and left, or otherwise act according to the 
exigencies of the battle. 

At half past five on the morning of April 6, 
the Confederate lines and columns were in mo- 
tion. Like an Alpine avalanche they came, at- 
tacking first the left of Gen. Grant, under Gen. 
Prentiss, who, with two thousand of his men, 
were soon made prisoners. This attack was in 
part a surprise. Scarcely had the men time to 
seize their weapons and form, after knowing of 
the approach of the Confederates. Gen. Grant 
himself was at Savannah at the commencement, 
but early reached the raging field. Gradually, 
as the Confederate line came up, the engage- 
ment had become general, and as Gen. Pren- 
tiss's division fell back, abandoning their camp, 
they were supported by Gen. Hurlbut, and 
thus for a time checked the progress of the 
Confederates. At the same time the left of 
Gen. Sherman's division on the right was 
forced back, and the brunt of the battle, in the 
centre, fell upon Gen. McClernand's division. 
Desperate as was their determination, yet at 
eleven o'clock this division had been pressed 
back in a line with Gen. Hurlbut. It stiU did 
some gallant fighting; once its right swept 
round and drove the Confederates for a con- 
siderable distance, but again fell back, and at 
the last it brought up near the position of the 



camps of Gen. Smithes division, commanded 
by W. H. L. Wallace. Thus the divisions of 
Prentiss, Sherman, and McClernand were driv- 
en back, their camps were aU in the hands of 
the Confederates, and the whole front line, 
for which Hurlburt and Wallace were but the 
reserves, was gone, excepting Stuart's brigade 
of Sherman's division, on the extreme left. 
The position of this brigade was along the cir- 
cuitous road from the Landing to Hamburg, 
some two miles distant from the former, and 
near the crossing of Lick Creek. They had 
remained isolated until after the division of 
Gen. Prentiss fell back, when the Confederates 
advanced upon them in such force as to be ir- 
resistible m their position, and they fell back 
a fourth of a mile and made a stand for three 
fourths of an hour. At this juncture a brigade 
of Gen. Wallace's reserve, under Mc Arthur, was 
sent over to their support. They were, how- 
ever, soon forced to fall back to one ridge, 
and then to another, and finally at twelve 
o'clock, badly shattered and disordered, they 
retreated to the right and rear of McArthur's 
brigade to reorganize. 

Six hours had passed since the approach of 
the Confederates, and at this time only the 
divisions of Gens. Hurlbut and Wallace stood 
between the army and destruction or surren- 
der. Still all was not lost. The divisions of 
Gens. Hurlbut and Wallace began to make a 
most gallant stand. The brigade of the latter 
had been sent to reenforce McArthur's, and 
thus reunited, filled the space in the lino on 
the left made vacant by the falling back of Gen. 
Prentiss's division and Stuart's brigade of Gen. 
Sherman's division, and thus were on the left 
of Hurlbut's division. By the early breaking 
of Gen. Prentiss's line, the onset of the Con- 
federates had been made to A^eer chiefly to the 
Union left. Here the contest continued stub- 
born. Four times the Confederates attempted 
to charge on Gen. Wallace's men. Each time 
the infantry poured in rapid volleys, and the 
artillery redoubled their efi"orts, thus com- 
pelling them to retreat with heavy slaugh- 
ter. Farther to the right. Gen. Hurlbut's di- 
vision, which had taken an advanced position, 
was compelled to fall back through its camp 
to a thick wood behind. Here, with open 
fields before them, they could rake the ap- 
proach of the Confederates. Three times their 
heavy masses bravely charged upon the divis- 
ion, and each time they were repulsed with 
severe loss. The troops from the driven di- 
visions were reorganized so far as available, 
and re-sent to the field. Thus the right of 
Gen. Hurlbut, which was almost wholly unpro- 
tected, and the weakness of which does not 
appear to have been discovered by the Confed- 
erates, was in a measure patched out. It had 
been previously determined that in case of an 
attack at Pittsburg Landing, the division under 
Gen. L. Wallace at Crump's Landing, five miles 
below, should come up on the right and fiank 
the enemy. But no message was sent to this 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF TUE REBELLION. 



177 



division until nearly noon, and it missed the 
way on coming up, and did not arrive until 
night. The division of Gen. Ilurlbut at length 
became exhausted, and fell back out of sight 
of their camps to a point within half a mile 
of the Landing. lu consequence of losing this 
support, the division of Geii. Wallace, thus in 
isolated advance, was compelled to fall back, 
the last to leave the field. Just at this moment 
its commander was mortally wounded. 

It was now half past four o'clock. The front 
line of the divisions had been lost since eleven 
o'clock, and the reserve line was gone too. The 
Confederates occupied the camps of every divi- 
sion except Smith's, commanded dtn-ing his 
sickness by Gen. Wallace, who had just been 
wounded. The whole army was crowded in the 
region of Wallace's camp, and to a circuit of one 
half to two thirds of a mile around the Land- 
ing. The next repulse would put it into the 
river, and there were not transports enough to 
cross a single division before the enemy would 
be upon them. Nearly half the field artillery 
was lost, nearly all the camps and camp equi- 
page. Prisoners had been taken in great num- 
bers. 

At this time a lull took place in the firing, i 
the first which had occurred since sunrise. It 
was thought tliat the enemy were either pre- 
paring for the grand final rush that was to 
crown tlie day's success, or that they were 
puzzled by the last retreat, and were moving 
cautiously. These few minutes were golden 
ones for that driven and defeated army, and 
they were improved. Col. Webster, chief of 
staff, arranged the guns which he could collect 
of tliose that remained, in a sort of semicircle 
to protect the Union centre and left, upon 
which it was thought the enemy were now 
sure to advance. Corps of artillerists to man 
them were gathered from all the batteries. 
Twenty-two guns were thus placed in position, 
two of which were long 32's. In front was 
a victorious enemy ; behind were the remnants 
of the repulsed divisions of the army driven 
within half a mile of the Landing, beyond 
which was a deep and rapid river. Gen. Wal- 
lace's division at Crump's Landing had not been 
heard from. Across the river now was seen 
the first glitter of the advance of Gen. Bucll, 
but it could not be brought over in time to do 
much good. Suddenly a broad flash of light 
leaped out from the darkening woods, and the 
whistling leaden hail swiftly followed. The 
enemy were about to make their crowning ef- 
fort for the day. Instantly the artillery re- 
plied, and as they approached nearer, the in- 
fantry fired volley after volley. At this time 
the gunboats, Lexington and Tyler, approached 
the mouth of Lick Creek, and were able with 
their guns to reach the field occupied by the 
Confederates near the river. This was a fire in 
their flank, which disconcerted their plans. 
Amid this terrible conflict darkness came on. 
The enemy had been held at bay. 

Meantime Gen. Wallace had arrived with his 
12 



division, and Gen. Buell with his forces, part 
of which took part in the battle of the after- 
noon, and it was decided after the sounds of 
battle had ceased, to attack the Confederates as 
soon as possible after daybreak. Gen. Wallace's 
division was to take the right and sweep back 
toward the position from which Gen. Sherman 
had been driven during the morning, and Gen. 
Nelson was to take the extreme left. Gen. 
Crittenden was to take a position during the 
night next to Gen. Nelson, and Gen. McCook 
with his division next to Crittenden. The space 
between Gens. McCook and Wallace was to 
be filled with the reorganized divisions of Gen. 
Grant's army. Stealthily the troops crept to 
their new positions, and lay down in line of 
battle on their arms. iUl through the night. 
Gen. BucU's men were marching up from Sa- 
vannah to the point opposite Pittsburg Land- 
ing, and were ferried across, or were coming 
up on transports. At nine o'clock, tlie gun- 
boats commenced a cannonade of the Confed- 
erate position, which was kept up allnight. It 
produced little or no effect. 

Gen. Beauregard thus reported his position 
on Sunday night : " At six o'clock p. m., we 
were in possession of all encampments between 
Owl and Lick creeks but one. Nearly all of 
his field artillery, about thirty flags, colors, and 
standards, over three thousand prisoners, in- 
cluding a division commander (Gen. Prentiss) 
and several brigade commanders, thousands of 
small arms, an immense supply of subsistence, 
forage, and munitions of war, and a large amount 
of means of transportation — all the substantial 
fruits of a complete victory — such indeed as 
rarely have foUowed the most successful bat- 
tles ; for never was an army so well provided 
as that of our enemy. 

" The remnant of his army had been driven 
in utter disorder to the immediate vicinity of 
Pittsburg, under the shelter of the heavy 
giins of his iron-clad gunboats, and we remain- 
ed undisputed masters of his well-selected, 
admirably provided cantonments, after over 
twelve hours of obstinate conflict with his 
forces, who had been beaten from them and 
the contiguous covert, but only by a sustained 
onset of all the men we could bring into ac- 
tion." 

The Federal forces arranged for the battle of 
the next day were : the divisions of Gens. Nel- 
son, Crittenden, McCook, Ilurlbut, McClernand, 
and Sherman, including in the three latter the 
shattered and disorganized commands of Pren- 
tiss and W. H. L. Wallace, which were without 
commanders, and the fresh division of Gen. L. 
Wallace. These divisions were arranged in the 
order above named, beginning on the left. 
The change produced in the position of the 
Confederate forces, by the shells of the gun- 
boats during the night, prevented them from 
opening the battle at daylight. 

At seven o'clock in the morning, Gen. Nelson 
on the extreme left formed his line of battle, 
and advanced, with skirmishers thrown out, for 



178 



MILITARY AJfD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



nearly a mile before meeting the enemy in force. 
They immediately became engaged. There was 
no straggling, as upon the previous day. Gen. 
Nelson slowly but steadily advanced, pushing 
the exhausted enemy before him until half past 
ten, when under cover of the timber and a fu- 
rious cannonading they made a general rally. 
Suddenly the masses of the enemy were hurled 
with tremendous force against the Federal lines, 
which now halted, wavered, and fell back. At 
this moment Terrill's battery of 24-pounder 
howitzers rushed up, and in a few minutes was 
unlimbered and firing into the compact and ad- 
vancing ranks of the enemy. Here was the turn- 
ing point of the battle on the left. The enemy 
were only cliecked, not halted ; then followed 
for two hours a contest of artillery and musketry 
at short range. The enemy began to waver, when 
Gen. Buell coming up, saw at a glance the chance 
and ordered a charge by brigades, at "double 
quick." The Confederates fell back for a quarter 
of a mile, became more confused, and at half past 
two that point of the field was cleared. The 
next divisions, of Gens. Crittenden and McOook, 
after an obstinate struggle, were equally success- 
ful. The divisions of Gens. McClernand and Hurl- 
but, nothing daunted by the reverses of the pre- 
ceding day, fought with much bravery. On the 
right the contest was more severe, and longer 
continued. A design was manifested by the en- 
emy to turn the flank of Gen. Wallace's division. 
This was thwarted, and the enemy steadily 
driven back until four p. m., when a general re- 
. treat took place on the right. Thus theoriginal 
plan of the enemy was frustrated. It was his de- 
sign to drive Gen. Grant into his transports and 
the river, or to capture his force in time to profit 
by the victory, and remove to the rear all the 
stores and munitions that would be taken. This 
was to be done before the arrival of Gen. Buell. 
On the retreat of the Confederate army, the 
original ground, and even the tents of Gen. 
Grant's army, were recovered. No regular pur- 
suit was attempted until the next day. The 
number of the Federal army engaged on Sun- 
day, was estimated by Gen. Beauregard at five 
divisions of nine thousand men each, or forty- 
five thousand men. The reenforcetnents of 
Sunday night Avere estimated by him at twenty- 
five thousand from Gen. Buell's army, and 
eight thousand under Gen. Wallace, and the 
entire force on Monday fifty-three thousand. 
This estimate slightly exceeds the Federal force 
engaged, especially in the number of reenforce- 
ments furnished by Gen. Buell. On the other 
hand, the Confederate force was estimated at 
sixty thousand by the Union oflScers, which was 
undoubtedly an overestimate. Gen. Grant had 
a force somewhat less than the enemy on Sun- 
day, but on Monday he outnumbered them. No 
ofiicial statement of numbers has been aftbrded 
on either side. The Federal loss was 1,735 kill- 
ed, 7,882 wounded, and 3,956 taken prisoners. 
Total, 13,573. The Confederate loss was killed 
1,728, wounded 8,012, missing 959. Total, 
10,699. 



At the close of the battle on the first day, 
Gen. Beauregard sent the following despatch to 
Richmond : 

Battle Field of Shiloh, April 6, 1 
via Corinth and Chattanooga. ) 

General S. Cooper, Adjutant- General : 

We have this morning attacked the enemy in a strong 
position in front of Pittsburg, and after a severe bat- 
tle of ten hours, thanks to Almighty God, gained a 
complete victory, driving the enemy from every posi- 
tion. 

The loss on both sides is heavy, including our Com- 
mander-in-Chief, Albert Sidney Johnston, who fell 
gallantly leading his troops into the thickest of the 
tight. 

(Signed) G. T. BEAUREGARD, Gen'l Com'd'g. 

In consequence of the reception of this mes- 
sage. President Davis sent the following Mes- 
sage to the Confederate Congress, then in ses- 
sion at Richmond, on the 8th of April : 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Con- 
federate States of America : 

The great importance of the news just received from 
Tennessee induces me to depart from the established 
usages, and to make to you this communication in ad- 
vance of oflScial reports. From official telegraphic 
despatches, received from official sources, I am able to 
announce to you, with entire confidence, that it has 
pleased Almighty God to crown the Confederate arms 
with a glorious and decisive victory over our invaders. 

On the morning of the Gth, the converging columns 
of our army were combined by its Commander-in-Chief, 
Gen. A. Sidney Johnston, in an assault on the Federal 
army, then encamped near Pittsburg, on the Tennes- 
see fiver. 

After a hard-fought battle of ten hours, the enemy 
was driven in disorder from his position, and pursued 
to the Tennessee river, where, under cover of the gun- 
boats, he was at the last accounts endeavoring to effect 
his retreat by aid of his transports. The details of this 
great battle are yet too few and incomplete to enable 
me to distinguish with merited praise ail of those who 
may have conspicuously earned the right to such dis- 
tinction, and I prefer to delay our own gratification in 
recommending them to your special notice, rather than 
incur the risk of wounding the feelings of any by fail- 
ing to include them in the list. 

When such a victory has been won over troops as 
numerous, well-disciplined, armed, and appointed, as 
those which have just been so signally routed, we may 
well conclude that one common spirit of unflinching 
bravery and devotion to our country's cause must have 
animated every breast, from that of the Commanding 
General to that of the humblest patriot who served in 
the ranks. There is enough in the continued presence 
of invaders on our soil to chasten our exultation over 
this brilliant success, and to remind us of the grave 
duty of continued exertion, until we shall extort from 
a proud and vain-glorious enemy the reluctant acknow- 
ledgment of our right to self-government. 

But an All-wise Creator has been pleased, while 
vouchsafing tons his countenance in battle, to afflict us 
with a severe dispensation, to which we must bow in 
humble submission. The last long, lingering hope has 
disappeared, and it is but too. true that Gen. Albert 
Sidney Johnston is no more. The tale of his death is 
simply narrated in a despatch from Col. William Pres- 
ton, in the following words : 

"Gen. Johnston fell yesterday at half past two 
o'clock, while leading a successful charge, turning the 
enemy's right, and gaining a brilliant victory. A 
Minie ball cut the artery of his leg, but he rode on un- 
til, from loss of blood, he fell exhausted, and died with- 
out "pain in a few moments. His body has been in- 
trusted to me by Gen. Beauregard, to be taken to New 
Orleans, and remain until directions aro received from 
his family." 

My long and close friendship with this departed 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



179 



chieftain and patriot forbids me to trust myself in giv- 
ing vent to tiie feelings which this sad intelligence has 
evoked. Without doing injustice to the living, it may 
safelv be asserted that our loss is irreparable. Among 
the .shining hosts of the great and good who now clus- 
ter around the banner of our country, there exists no 
purer spirit, no more heroic soul, than that of the illus-, 
trious man whose death I .join you in lamenting. 

Iti his death he has illustrated the character for 
which through life he was conspicuous— that of single- 
ness of purpose and devotion to duty— with his whole 
energies. Bent on obtaining the victory which he 
deemed essential to his country's cause, he rode on to 
the accomplishment of his object, forgetful of self, while 
his very life-blood was fast ebbing away. Ilis last 
breath cheered his comrades on to victory. The last 
sound he heard was their shout of victory. His last 
thought was of his country, and long and deeply will his 
country mourn his loss. JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

On the 10th of April, President Lincoln, 
having received reports of the battles at Pitts- 
burg Landing, or Shiloh, issued the following 
proclamation : 

Washington, April 10, 1S62. 

It has pleased Almighty God to vouchsafe signal 
victories to the land and naval forces engaged in sup- 
pressing an internal rebellion, and at the same time to 
avert from our country the dangers of foreign interven- 
tion and invasion. 

It is therefore recommended to the people of the 
United States that, at their next weekly assemblages 
in their accustomed places of public worship, which 
shall occur after the notice of this Prochi-nation shall 
have been received, they especially acknowledge and 
render thanks to our Heavenly Father for these ines- 
timable blessings ; that they then and there implore 
spiritual consolation in behalf of all those who nave 
been brought into affliction by the casualties and ca- 
lamities of sedition and civil war, and that they rever- 
ently invoke the Divine guidance for our national 
counsels, to the end that they may speedily result in 
the restoration of peace, harmony, and unity through- 
out our borders, and hasten the establishment of fra- 
ternal relations among all the countries of the earth. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the seal of the United States to be atfixed. 
Done at the city of Washington, this tenth day of April, 

in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 

and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United 

States the eighty-sixth. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
By the President — Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State. 

On the 8th Gen. Sherman, with a body of 
cavalry and infantry, advanced on the Corinth 
road. His progress was at first checked by a 
force of the enemy's cavalry, which afterward 
was driven back. The roads were found in a 
bad state, in consequence of the heavy rain on 
Sunday night, and strewn with abandoned wag- 
ons, ambulances, and limber boxes. A general 
hospital, containing about two hundred and nine- 
ty wounded Confederate soldiers, was also found. 
The force of Gen. Sherman returned to camp 
at night. 

It was charged against Oon. Grant that the 
commencement of the battle was a surprise to 
the Federal forces, and that he was absent 
from the field until some hours after. In re- 
ply he said : '' As to the talk of our being sur- 
prised, nothing could be more false. If the 
enemy had sent us word where and when they 
would attack, we could not have been better 
prepared. Skirmishing had been going on for 
two days between our reconnoitring parties 



and the enemy's advance. I did not believe, 
however, that they intended to make a deter- 
mined attack, but simply to make a recon- 
noissance in force. My headquarters were at 
Savannah, though I usually spent the day at 
Pittsburg. Troops were constantly arriving to 
be assigned to the dilFerent brigades and divi- 
sions. All were ordered to report at Savannah, 
making it necessary to keep an ofiice and some 
one there. I was also looking for Buell to ar- 
rive, and it was important that I should have 
every arrangement complete for his crossing 
and transit to this side of the river." 

Gen. Beauregard issued the preliminary or- 
ders for his troops to move from Corinth at 
one o clock on the morning of the 3d of April. 
The movement did not commence until during 
the forenoon. It was expected to reach the 
Federal lines in time to commence the attack 
on the 5th. They arrived too late in the after- 
noon of that day to attack. It could not have 
been with the advance of this force that " skir- 
mishing had been going on for two days." 

On the 9th of April, Maj.-Gen. Ilalleck, with 
a portion of his staff, left St. Louis for Pitts- 
burg Landing, to assume command in the field. 
His first efforts were devoted to reorganizing 
the army. Two days after his arrival, an ex- 
pedition was sent under convoy of the gunboats 
to destroy the railroad bridge over Bear Creek, 
seven miles inland from Chickasaw. This was 
successfully done by Gen. Sherman, and cut the 
communication between Richmond, Va., and 
Corinth. The state of the roads delayed for some 
days any movement of importance. Frequent 
skirmishes, however, took place with the Con- 
federate infantry and cavalry hovering near. 
On the 22d of April, Gen. Pope, with his divi- 
sion, numbering about 25,000, arrived at Pitts- 
burg Landing from New Madrid. On the 
2'rth, orders were issued by Gen. Halleck for 
the array to hold itself in readiness for an im- 
mediate movement. Gen. Grant's divisions 
formed the right wing of the army, those of 
Gen. Buell the centre, and those of Gen. 
Pope the left wing. Gens. Grant and Buell 
retained the immediate command of their re- 
spective armies. The advance of the army 
was now gradually cooHHcnced. Day after 
day a division or a brigade was moved a few 
miles, and the outposts extended. On the 1st 
of May, Monterey was occupied. It is a small 
village in McNairy Co., Tenn., four miles from 
the Mississippi line, and about midway be- 
tween Pittsburg Landing and Corinth. A few 
days previously, an expedition under Gen. 
Wallace had gone as far as Purdy, about twen- 
ty miles west of Pittsburg Landing, and de- 
stroyed the bridge of the railroad connecting 
Corinth with Jackson. 

On the 2d of May, Gen. Beauregard issued 
the following address to his soldiers : 

nEADQlTAKTKKS Of THR FOKCES AT CoEUTTH, J 

Mississippi, May 2, 1862. f 
Soldiers of Shiloh and Elkhorn : We are about to 
meet once more, in the shock of battle, the invaders 



180 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



of our soil, the despoilers of our homes, the disturbers 
of our family ties, face to face, hand to hand. We are 
to decide whether we are to be freemen or vile slaves 
of those who are free only in name, and who but yes- 
terday were vanquished, although in largely superior 
numbers, in their own encampments, on the ever-mem- 
orable field of Shiloh. Let the impending battle de- 
cide our fate, and add a more illustrious page to the 
history of our revolution — one to which our children 
will point with noble pride, saying, " Our fathers 
were at the battle of Corinth." I congratulate you on 
your timely junction. With your mmgled banners, 
for the first time during this war, we shall meet our 
foe in strength that should give us victory. Soldiers, 
can the result be doubtful ? Shall we not drive back 
into Tennessee the presumptuous mercenaries collect- 
ed for our" subjugation? One more manly effort, and, 
trusting in God and the justness of our cause, we shall 
recover more than we have lately lost. Let the sound 
of our victorious guns be reechoed by those of the 
army of Virginia on the historic battle field of York- 
town. G. T. BEAUREGARD, 

General Commanding. 
J. M. Otet, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On the 3d of May, the army, commanded by 
Gen. Halleck, numbering 108,000 men, was 
within eight miles of Corinth. The bridges 
burned had been rebuilt, and the roads had 
become dry enough to render transportation 
easy. Few can conceive the difficulty of mov- 
ing such a mass of men with their tents, bag- 
gage, artillery, and supplies, over an uneven, 
marshy country, covered with woods, and witli- 
out roads. 

Corinth is a small village in the northeast 
corner of Mississippi, ninety miles east from 
Memphis, and about twenty miles west from the 
Tennessee river. The Memphis and Charles- 
ton railroad runs through it from east to west, 
and the Mobile and Ohio from north to south. 
The country between it and the Tennessee 
river is very uneven, broken into ridges of 
hills and abrupt valleys, and covered with a 
heavy forest. The bridges over the creeks had 
been destroyed ; the roads over the marshes 
had been torn up, and timber had been felled 
in great quantities over them. 

On the same day Gen. Paine, with his divi- 
sion, made a reconnoissance to Farmington, five 
miles northwest of Corinth, and found about 
4,500 Confederate troops, who, on being at- 
tacked, retreated with a loss of 30 killed and 
200 taken prisoners. At the same time an ar- 
tillery reconnoissance to Glendale on the 
Charleston and Memphis railroad, destroyed 
two trestle bridges and some of the track. 

At this time the organization of Gen. Hal- 
leck's force had been somewhat changed. 
Gen. Thomas was assigned to the command 
of the right wing, composed of five divisions, 
viz. : his own, Hurlbut's, Sherman's, that of 
Geh. Smith, deceased, and Gen. Davies' ; the 
centre consisted of four divisions under Gens. 
McCook, Wood, Nelson, and Crittenden ; the 
left under Gen. Pope, to which was added 
one division of Gen. Curtis's army from Ar- 
kansas. Gen. Grant was appointed second in 
command. The reserve under Gen. McCler- 
nand consisted of his own and Gen. "Wallace's 
divisions. The advance upon Corinth was 



made with the extremity of each wing thrown 
back in echelons to prevent a flank attack. 

Meantime the Confederate forces at Corinth 
were active in strengthening their position and 
accumulating reenforcements. Pensacola and 
New Orleans had at this time been captured by 
the Federal forces, and Gen. Lovell had with 
his force arrived at Corinth from the neighbor- 
hood of the latter city. On the 9th, a strong 
Confederate force drove in the Federal pickets 
beyond Farmington, and advanced upon the 
brigade occupying the farther side of the creek 
in front of the Federal camp. The brigade 
maintained its position for some time, but Gen. 
Pope, finding it would be necessary to move his 
whole force across the creek, contrary to orders, 
in order to sustain it, directed it to retire. 

Great as was the army of Gen. Halleck, the 
Confederates were believed to be stronger, and 
the people of the Southern States now looked 
forward to a signal and brilliant victory. 

The advance of the Federal lines was slow, 
and on the 21st their batteries were within 
three miles of Corinth. The skirmishing of the 
pickets now increased every day, and soon be- 
came constant along the entire line. Almost 
daily the artillery was engaged, and the hour 
for battle was close at hand. 

The railroad communication to the northward 
and eastward of Corinth had been destroyed at 
Purdy and Glendale. With a view to prevent 
still further, so far as it was in his power, either 
the reenforcement or the retreat of the Confed- 
erate armies at Corinth, Gen. Halleck directed 
that the railroad to the southward of Corinth 
and in the direction of Mobile should be also 
cut. To effect this. Col. Elliott, Avith two regi- 
ments of cavalry, started on the night of the 
2'rth, and early on the 30th reached Booneville, 
24 miles south of Corinth. A large amount of 
stores was found and destroyed, consisting of 
five railroad cars loaded with small arms, five 
loaded with loose ammunition, six with officers' 
baggage, and five with subsistence stores, har- 
ness, saddles, &c. Some hundreds of sick Con- 
federate soldiers were paroled. The trains, en- 
gines, and depot were burned. 

On the 28th, Gen. Halleck sent the following 
despatch to Washington : 

Headquaeters Department Mississippi, } 
Camp on Corinth Eoad, May 2S. ) 

Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

Three strong reconnoitring columns advanced this 
morning on the right, centre, and left, to feel the ene- 
my and unmask his batteries. The enemy hotly con- 
tested his ground at each point, but was driven back 
with considerable loss. The column on the left en- 
countered the strongest opposition. Our loss was 
twenty-five killed and wounded. The enemy left 
thirty dead on the field. The losses at other points 
are not yet ascertained. Some five or six officers and 
a number of privates were captured. The fighting 
will probably be renewed to-morrow morning at day- 
break. The whole country is so thickly wooded that 
we are compelled to feel our way. 

H. W. HALLECK, 3Iajor-GencraI. 

The following despatches were sent on the 
30th: 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION, 



181 




182 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Nbae Cokinth, May 30, 1862. 
Eon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

Gen. Pope's heavy batteries opened upon the ene- 
my's intrenchments yesterday, about 10 a. m., and 
soon drove the rebels from their advanced battery. 

Maj.-Gen. Sherman established another battery yes- 
terday afternoon within one thousand yards of their 
works, and skirmishing parties advanced at daybreak 
this morning. 

Three of our divisions are already in the enemy's 
advanced works, about three quarters of a mile from 
Corinth, which is in flames. 

The enemy has fallen back of the Mobile railroad. 
H. W. HALLECK. 

Near Cokinth, May 80, 1862. 
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

Our advanced guard are in Oorinth. There are 
conflicting accounts as to the enemy's movements. 
They are believed to be in strong force on our left 
flank, some four or five miles south of Corinth, near 
the Mobile and Ohio railroad. 

H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. 

Headquakters Camp neae Cokinth, May SO. 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War • 

The enemy's position and works in front of Corinth 
were unexpectedly strong. He cannot occupy a 
stronger position in his flight. 

This morning he destroyed an immense amount of 
public and private property, stores, provisions, wag- 
ons, tents, &c. 

For miles out of the town the roads are filled with 
arms, haversacks, Ac, thrown away by his flying 
troops. 

A large number of prisoners and deserters have 
been captured, and are estimated by Gen. Pope at two 
thousand. 

Gen. Beauregard evidently distrusts his army, or he 
would have defended so strong a position. His troops 
are generally much discouraged and demoralized. In 
all their engagements for the iast few days their re- 
sistaQCe has been weak. 

H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. 

The Confederate officers began to remove 
their sick from Corinth preparatory to an evacu- 
ation on Monday, the 26th of May. On the next 
day, Tuesday the 27th, Gens. Beauregard and 
Bragg were making arrangements for falling 
back, which process was completed in great hasto 
on Thursday night, the 29th. On Wednesday 
the entire line of Gen. Halleck was advanced 
from one half to three quarters of a mile and 
up into easy range of the enemy's works. The 
heavy siege guns were put into position on 
that day on the works thrown up by the 
advanced column. This movement throughout 
was hotly contested, the enemy doubtless seek- 
ing to keep their opponents at a safe distance 
if possible, until their evacuation should be 
completed. They continued to show an un- 
broken front and to work their batteries with 
energy and without interruption throughout 
that and the next day. On Thursday morning 
operations were resumed with the same earnest- 
ness as on "Wednesday. The enemy appeared 
still in position, and contested every inch of 
the Union advance with the utmost determina- 
tion. At nine o'clock on that morning, how- 
ever, their musketry firing ceased, and was 
not again resumed. After that hour there 
were no further close engagements. The bat- 
teries on both sides, however, were kept in 
play, though a gradual diminution of the en- 



emy's fire was observable as the day wore 
away, and before night it had wholly ceased. 
During the night heavy explosions were heard 
in the enemy's works, which were conjectured 
to be the destruction of their magazines and 
ammunition, which subsequently proved true. 
Flames were also seen issuing from the town 
in the latter part of the- night. These indica- 
tions were plain to those in the advance of the 
Federal lines, and were understood to be the 
movements for an evacuation. 

As no opposition was made to the advance 
on Friday morning, some officers dashed ahead 
to satisfy themselves of the enemy's position. 
The first party rode into the town at 6h. 30m. 
in the morning, and then was discovered the 
whole extent of the success gained. Destruc- 
tion, waste, and desolation were visible on 
every hand. Huge piles of commissary stores 
were smouldering in the flames. The remains 
of buildings destroyed were conspicuous on the 
streets. The enemy had fled, taking care that 
what they could not carry away should at least 
not be left for the victors. One large ware- 
house, filled with provisions, Avas all that re- 
mained undamaged of boundless stores of sim- 
ilar goods, sufficient to withstand a much longer 
siege. Sacks were torn open, barrels broken, 
hogsheads knocked to pieces, and their contents 
mixed in common piles, upon and about which 
huge bonfires had been lit. 

So complete was the evacuation that not 
only was the Confederate army successfully 
withdrawn, but they took every piece of 
ordnance. A large quantity of ammunition 
was left behind in a damaged state. 

At Corinth the Confederate line of fortifica- 
tions was about fifteen miles long, with strong 
batteries or redoubts at every road or assailable 
point. Between the fortifications and a marshy 
stream covering the whole front, the dense 
timber had been cut down to form a very strong 
abattis, through which no cavalry or artillery 
could have passed, nor even infantry except as 
skirmishers. The lines thrown up by the Fed- 
eral troops at the end of the day's advance were 
mere rifle pits, while the fortiflcations around 
Corinth were, as stated above, a strong con- 
tinuous line, constructed with great care and 
labor, and, independent of their position, were 
in themselves immeasurably stronger than the 
mere precautionary defences on the Federal 
part against any sudden sortie of the enemy. 
The Confederate works, moreover, were on the 
brow of a ridge considerably higher than any 
in the surrounding country, at the foot of 
which was a ravine correspondingly deep. 
The zigzag course of the line gave to the de- 
fenders the command of all the feasible ap- 
proaches, and hundreds could have been mowed 
down at every step made by an assailing army. 

At the time of the evacuation of Corinth the 
hot weather of summer had commenced and 
the period of low water in the rivers was close 
at hand. Even the Tennessee could not be 
relied upon as a route by which to transport 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



183 



all the supplies required for the Federal army. 
Gen. Ilallcck consequently took immediate 
steps to open a new line direct to Colum- 
bus, Ky., to which place the railroad was 
speedily repaired. These circumstances would 
impose a limit upon the military operations 
of Gen. Halleck's army for some months. 
Even if Corinth was evacuated and a part 
of the Confederate force withdrawn entirely, 
no serious blow could be struck by Gen. Hal- 
leck. These considerations must have pre- 
sented themselves to the Confederate Gov- 
ernment at the time when Richmond was 
closely pressed by Gen. McClellan, and really 
in danger of capture. Without doubt they ex- 
erted an influence in producing the determina- 
tion to evacuate Corinth. And when it be- 
came evident that the position could not be 
held against the force that was advancing upon 
it, they pointed out the manner in which this 

. evacuation could be turned to advantage. 

At this time Gen. McClellan had crossed the 
Chickahominy, Gen. Banks was retreating be- 
fore Gen, Jackson uj) the Virginia valley, Forts 
Pillow and Randolph and the city of Memphis 
had surrendered, and a Fedend force Avas mak- 
ing an attack on Vicksburg. 

The pursuit of the retreating forces of Gen. 
Beauregard was made as follows: On the 
morning after the evacuation. Gen. Pope's forces 
entered the town about twenty minutes before 
seven o'clock, just as the last of the Confed- 
erate cavalry were leaving. One company of 
cavalry, being Gen. Pope's escort, pushed after 
them, and had a brisk skirmish, in which several 
were killed and captured. The pursuit, how- 
ever, was arrested by the burning of a bridge 
over a swampy creek, and the cavalry returned. 
A brigade of cavalry and a battery under Gen. 
Granger were then sent out by Gen. Pope on 
the Booneville road. It left Farmington at 
noon on the 30th, and the same day came up 
with the rear guard of the enemy posted on 
Tuscumbia Creek eight miles south of Corinth. 
The next day they were driven out, and on 
Sunday, Juno 1, the pursuit was recommenced. 
Gen. Granger passed Rienzj only two hours 
behind the retreating army, and found the 
bridges between that place and Booneville 
80 recently fired that the timbers were nearly 
all saved. That afternoon the advance over- 
took the retreating Confederate rear four miles 
from Booneville, and pursued it within one mile 
of the town, and halted for the night. At live 
o'clock on the next morning the town was 
entered, and skirmishing was kept up all day 
with the Confederates on every road leading 
westward or southward as far as Twenty Mile 
Creek. On the next day a reconnoissance with 
force was made toward Baldwin, and the Con- 
federate force driven across Twenty Mile 
Creek ; and on the 4th another reconnoissance 
was made by Col. Elliot via Blocklands, with 

, similar results. On the 10th Baldwin and Gun- 
town were occupied by Federal troops, which 
was the termination of the pursuit. Boone- 



ville, above mentioned, is twenty-four miles 
by the railroad from Corinth. The Confederate 
force fell back to Tupello. The position of the 
forces at Corinth remained unchanged until the 
10th of June, when Maj.-Gen. Buell, under in- 
structions from Gen. Ilalleck, moved his army 
along the line of railroad toward Chattanooga. 
He was then between Huntsville and Steven- 
son, when it became necessary to move upon 
Louisville to counteract the designs of Gen. 
Bragg. Meantime the army under Gen. Grant 
occupied the line of west Tennessee and Mis- 
sissippi extending from Memphis to luka, and 
protecting the railroads from Columbus south, 
which were then their only channels of supply. 
On the 23d of July Gen. Halleck left the de- 
partment to take the position of general-in- 
chief at Washington. Gen. Grant cuntinued in 
the position above stated until a portion of 
his troops were withdrawn from Mississippi 
and sent to Kentucky and Cincinnati to give 
confidence to the new levies brought into the 
field upon the invasion of Kentucky by Gen. 
Bragg. 

It will have been observed that the division of 
Gen. Buell's army, under the command of Gen. 
Mitchell, has not been spoken of as cooperating 
Avith the other divisions at Pittsburg Landing 
and Corinth. This division left Nashville on 
the same day with the others, but took the 
road to Murfreesboro. There it remained in 
occupation of the place and repairing the 
bridges until the 4th of April. Long before 
this time the Confederate troops, which occu- 
pied Nashville and retreated to Murfreesboro. 
had withdrawn and united with those under 
Gen. Beauregard on the new southern line of 
defence. 

On the 4th of April, Gen. Mitchell march- 
ed to Shelbyville, the county seat of Bed- 
ford county, Tenn., twenty-six miles dis- 
tant. On the 7th he advanced to Fayetteville, 
twenty-seven miles farther, and the next fore- 
noon, the 8th, fifteen miles beyond, he crossed 
the State line of Alabama. Continuing his 
march six miles farther, and being within ten 
miles of Huntsville, Ala., he halted for the ar- 
tillery and infantry to come up. No tents 
were pitched. The men lay round camp fires. 
Just as the moon was going down, the shrill 
bugle call was sounded. All were up, and in 
a few minutes ready to move. A battery 
was put in advance, supported by two bri- 
gades. Four miles from Huntsville, the shrill 
whistle of a locomotive was heard, and in 
a few minutes the train came in sight, and 
was stopped by the call of the brass guns 
of the battery. The train was captured to- 
gether with 159 prisoners. On to the town 
was now the order. The citizens were quietly 
sleeping as the army entered. Says a specta- 
tor of the scene : " The clattering noise of the 
cavalry aroused them from their slumber ere 
the dawn vt' the morning, and they flocked to 
door and window, exclaiming with blanched 
cheek and faltering tongue, ' They come, th-ey 



184 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




come, the Yankees come ! ' Never in the his- 
tory of any military movement was surprise so 
complete. Men rushed into the streets almost 
naked, the women fainted, the children scream- 
ed, the darkies laughed, and for a short time 
a scene of perfect terror reigned. This state 
of affairs soon subsided." 

Col. Gazley, of the 37th Indiana regiment, 
was appointed provost marshal, and his regi- 
ment occupied the city as guard. Then com- 
menced an examination of the results of this 
bloodless capture. At the railroad depot were 
found seventeen first-class locomotives and a 
great quantity of passenger and freight cars, 
and at the foundery two or three cannon, to- 
gether with several small arms. Gen. Mitch- 
ell soon made good use of the engines. Before 
the close of day, one hundred miles of the 
Memphis and Charleston railroad were in his 
possession, stretching in one direction as far as 
Stevenson, and in the other as for as Decatur. 
At the latter place, the entire camp equipage 
of a regiment was captured. From Decatur 
he pushed on at once to Tuscumbia. 

Thus, without the loss of a single life, 
Gen. Mitchell placed his army midway be- 
tween Corinth and Chattanooga, prevented 
the destruction of a fine bridge at Decatur, 
opened communication with Gen. Buell, and 
also the navigation of the Tennessee. The 
occupation of Huntsville also cut off all com- 
munication between the east and west by the 
Memphis and Charleston railroad. The ex- 
pedition east on the railroad, under Col. Sill, 
penetrated as far as Stevenson at the junction 
of the Chattanooga road, at which jAace five 
locomotives and an amount of rolling stock were 
captured. An expedition went as far south from 
Tuscumbia as Russelville. Lagrange and Flor- 
ence were also visited, and Confederate proper- 
ty of the military kind was found. 

This extension of Gen. Mitchell's lines to 
hold the railroad rendered his situation pre- 
carious. Soon the enemy began to gather in 
force and threaten him. His course however 
received the commendation of the War De- 
partment. He was raised to the rank of a 
major-general, and ordered to report directly 
to the department, and his force was consti- 
tuted an independent corps. But he got 



no reenforcements. He was left in such 
a condition that he at first hardly had 
anything to report but that he had been 
gradually driven from those positions, 
the gaining of which had made him a 
major-general. On his right, the enemy 
v.-ere now in force, and picket skirmish- 
ing was constant. On his left, at Chat- 
tanooga, a strong force threatened his 
rear and the safety of Nashville. In his 
front, cavalry came up and attacked his 
line at times. Gen. Halleck sent to him 
100,000 rations under convoy of a gun- 
boat. Of these 40,000 were burned to 
prevent their capture. On the 24th 
of April, the retreat from Tuscumbia com- 
menced. On the 26th the bridge at Decatur 
was crossed, when it was fired and burned. 
It was the only crossing of the Tennessee east 
of Florence, above the head of navigation, and 
west of Bridgeport near Chattanooga. The 
bridge was destroyed in an hour and a half, but 
before its destruction was complete, the enemy's 
cavalry appeared on the opposite side. Having 
returned to HuntsviUe, the right wing of the force 
commenced operations toward Chattanooga. 

On the 30th of April, an expedition was sent 
to Bridgeport near Stevenson, the result of 
which placed under the control of Gen. Mitchell 
the bridge across the river. As there was no 
bridge below his position since the destruction 
of the one at Decatur, and as he had control 
of the one above near Chattanooga, and as his 
communication between the extremes of his 
line was by railroad, which was in his posses- 
sion, and the Tennessee river lay in front of 
him, on the farther side of which was all the 
enemy he anticipated, he thus closed his report 
to the Secretary of War under date of May 1 : 
" The campaign is ended, and I now occupy 
Huntsville in perfect security, while all of Ala- 
bama north of the Tennessee river floats no 
flag but that of the Union." It was stated that 
if Gen. Mitchell had been sustained with a suf- 
ficient force, he would have crossed the Ten- 
nessee river at its extreme southern point in 
Alabama, and reached Gunter's Landing — a 
march of forty miles thence would have placed 
in his possession Gadsden on the Coosa river, 
where he could have destroyed the steamboats 
on the river, or seized them and proceeded to 
Rome and destroyed large armories and foun- 
deries. From Gunter's Landing there is also a 
fine road to Rome, eighty miles distant. In two 
days his cavalry could have passed that distance, 
destroyed the founderies at Rome, and cap- 
tured engines and cars enough at that place 
and Kingston to have enabled him to proceed 
up the road with an armed force to protect 
them in burning the bridges. This movement 
would have cut off" Gen. E. Kirby Smith, then 
advancing upon Huntsville, from reenforcements 
or retreat. The Confederate forces in Knox- 
ville, Greenville, and Cumberland Gap, in east 
Tennessee, and even in western Virginia, 
would all have been dangerously exposed by 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



185 



littlo more extended operations along the rail- 
roads by Gen. Mitchell. 

Subsequently he advanced upon Chatta- 
nooga, which compelled the Confederate forces 
in Eastern Tennessee to make a backward 
movement. Only a single stem of railroad 
connects Chattanooga with Atlanta, and tlience 
connects with other parts of Georgia, Alabama, 
and South Carolina, and its loss would com- 
pel evacuation above, as in the case of Bowling 
Green. Several expeditions were sent out by 
Gen. Mitchell during the month of May against 
small bands of cavalry upon the same side of the 
river. One or two skirmishes of considerable 
spirit, and with respectable numbers, also took 
place. On the 6th of June Gen. Negley, from 
the opposite side of the river, made an attack 
with his artillery upon Chattanooga. This 
was replied to from some earthworks. On the 
next day a considerable force under Gen. E. K. 
Smith opened fire upon Gen. Negley, but were 
compelled to retire. Chattanooga was finally 
abandoned by the Federal force in consequence 
of the ditliculty of procuring supplies. 

On the advance of Gen. Buell, this division 
of his army under Gen. Mitchell was placed 
under the command of Gen. Rousseau, and Gen. 
Mitchell was ordered to the command "at Port 
Royal, South Carolina. 

The result of the military operations that 
have been thus far described, Avas at this time 
of the year such as to leave in the hands of the 
Southern Government a large military force, 
which it could use without additional hazard 
wherever it pleased, while the Federal Govern- 
ment, struck with panic from other causes, was 
actually calling upon the governors of the loyal 
States to hurry forward to its protection even 
three months' volunteers. The acquisition of 
territory, however, was all on the side of the 
Federal Government, which had got its hands 
so full in proportion to its military preparations, 
that it must either relinquish some portion of 
it or submit to defeat somewhere, if its antag- 
onist was active, skilful, and dexterous. This 
state of aft'airs culminated in the midst of the 
Virginia campaign, and it was decisive not only 
of that campaign, but it presented to the world 
magnificent displays of the skill and power of 
the respective antagonists. 

It has been said that the Southern Gov- 
ernment had a large military force with which 
it was free to act, without additional hazard. 
This force consisted of part of the levies of the 
previous year, some of the levies raised by the 
governors of the States, under a call from Pres- 
ident Davis in February of this year, and some 
of the troops beginning to come up under the 
conscription act passed by the Richmond Con- 
gress early in April, In Missouri the success 
of Gen. Curtis had been such as to drive out all 
the regular Confederate troops, and he had 
established himself just within the borders of 
Arkansas. But the requisition upon him to send 
ten regiments to the assistance of Gen. Halleck, 
so limited his ability for offensive operations, 



that the troops of Arkansas were t: a consid- 
erable extent free to act wherever the South- 
ern Government needed. Kentucky and Mid- 
dle and Western Tennessee had been evacuated 
by the Confederate forces, which held them at 
the beginning of the year. These forces con- 
gregated at Corinth, and, upon its evacuation, 
the vast army was not in a condition, at that 
hot season of the year, to follow the fugitives 
any considerable distance, or to push forward 
its offensive operations, as has been before ob- 
served. A limited Confederate force was there- 
fore kept in the field, to observe the operations 
of Gen. Halleck. The cessation of military op- 
erations against Charleston and Savannah, and 
also in North Carolina, by the Federal Govern- 
ment, caused the Confederate Government to 
keep no more than a force of observation in the 
field, and left it at liberty to concentrate its 
other troops wherever their presence might be 
most needed. These troops were therefore sent 
to Virginia, to engage in the campaign going on 
in that State. 

On the 23d of February the Confederate 
troops evaciiated Nashville; and on the 25th 
the city was occupied by the advance of the 
Federal array under Gen. Nelson. A large 
portion of the State having now been recon- 
quered to the Union, President Lincoln nom- 
inated Andrew Johnson Military Governor of 
Tennessee, with the rank of brigadier-general 
of volunteers, and the nomination was con- 
firmed by the Senate on the 5th of March. 
Governor Johnson, a native of North Carolina, 
had been five times a Representative in Congress, 
and twice Governor of Tennessee, and at the 
time of his appointment was United States Sen- 
ator from that State. He reached Nashville 
March 12th, in company Avith Emerson Ether- 
idge. Clerk of the House of Representatives, 
and Horace Maynard, Member of Congress from 
Tennessee, and the next evening, in response to 
a serenade, he made an address, which he after- 
wards published as an "Appeal to the People 
of Tennessee." After briefly recounting the 
history of the secession movement, and the 
measures adopted by the Federal Government, 
he proceeded as follows : 

The President has conducted this mighty contest, 
until, as commander-in-chief of the army, he has 
caused the national flag again to float undisputed over 
the Capitol of our State. Jlcanwhile the State Gov- 
ernment has disappeared. The executive has abdi- 
cated; the Legislature has dissolved; the judiciary is 
in abeyance. The great ship of State, freighted with 
its precious cargo of human interests and human 
hopes, its sails all set, and its glorious old fla^ un- 
furled, has been suddenly abandoned by its officers 
and mutinous crew, and left to float at the mercy of 
the winds, and to be plundered by every rover upon 
the deep. Indeed, the work of plunder has already 
commenced. The archiyes have been desecratecl, 
the public property stolen and destroyed ; the vaults 
of the State bank violated, and its treasures robbed, 
including the funds carefully gathered and conse- 
crated for all time to the instruction of our children. 
In such a lamentable crisis the Government of the 
United States could not be unmindful of its high con- 
stitutional obligation to guarantee to every State in 



186 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



this Uuion a republican form of government, an obli- 
gation which every State has a direct and immediate 
interest in having observed toward every other State ; 
and from which, by no action on the part of the peo- 
ple in any State, can the Federal Government be ab- 
solved. A republican form of government in conso- 
nance with the Constitution of the United States, is one 
of the fundamental conditions of our political exist- 
ence, by which every part of the country is alike 
bound, and from which no part can escape. This ob- 
ligation the national Government is now attempting 
to discharge. I have been appointed, in the absence 
of the regular and established State authorities, as 
Military Governor for the time being, to preserve the 
public property of the State, to give the protection 
of law actively enforced to her citizens, and, as speed- 
ily as may be, to restore her Government to the same 
condition as before the existing rebellion. 

In this grateful but arduous undertaking, I shall 
avail myself of all the aid that may be afforded by my 
fellow citizens. And for this purpose I respectfully 
but earnestly invite all the people of Tennessee, desir- 
ous or willing to see a restoration of her ancient Gov- 
ernment, without distinction of party affiliations or 
past political opinions or action, to unite with me, by 
counsel and cooperative agency, to accomplish this 
great end. I find most, if not all of the offices, both 
State and Federal, vacated either by actual abandon- 
ment, or by the action of the incumbents in attempting 
to subordinate their functions to a power in hostility 
to the fundamental law of the State, and subversive 
of her national allegiance. These offices must be 
filled temporarily, until the State shall be restored so 
far to its accustomed quiet, that the people can peace- 
ably assemble at the ballot box and select agents of 
their own choice. Otherwise anarchy would prevail, 
and no man's life or property would be safe from the 
desperate and unprincipled. 

I shall, therefore, as early as practicable, designate 
for various positions under the State and county Gov- 
ernments, from among my fellow-citizens, persons of 
probity and intelligence, and bearing true allegiance 
to the Constitution and Government of the tJuited 
States, who will execute the functions of their re- 
spective offices until their places can be filled by the 
action of the people. Their authority, when their 
appointments shall have been made, will be accord- 
ingly respected and observed. 

To the people themselves, the protection of the Gov- 
arnmeut is extended. All their rights will be duly 
respected, and their wrongs redressed when made 
known. Those who through the dark and weary 
night of the rebellion have maintained their allegiance 
to the Federal Government will be honored. The err- 
ing and misguided will be welcomed on their return. 
And while it may become necessary, in vindicating 
the violated majesty of the law, and in reasserting its 
imperial sway, to punish intelligent and conscious 
treason in high places, no merely retaliatory or vin- 
dictive policy will be adopted. To those, especially, 
who in a private, unofficial capacity have assumed an 
attitude of hostility to the Government, a full and 
complete amnesty for all past acts and declarations is 
offered, upon the one condition of their again yielding 
themselves peaceful citizens to the just supremacy of 
the laws. This I advise them to do for their own good, 
and for the peace and welfare of our beloved State, 
endeared to me by the associations of long and active 
years, and by the enjoyment of her highest honors. 

The address was listened to with respect and 
some favor; but the Union feeling developed 
in NashviUe and other parts of Middle Tennes- 
see, after their occupation by the Federal forces, 
was far from answering the expectations of the 
North, or even of the Tennessee Unionists 
themselves. On the 9th of March the citizens 
of Shelbyville, in Bedford County, burned a 
quantity of stores, to prevent them from falling 



into the hands of the Confederates; and soon 
afterwards the people of Gallatin, a place in 
which the Southern party had before been 
strongly in the ascendant, held a town meeting, 
and expressed a readiness to return to then* al- 
legiance ; but these were exceptional instances, 
and the Federal occupation did not become 
popular until there seemed reason to think it 
would be permanent. 

On the 20th the following letter was ad- 
dressed to the governor by seven Tennessee 
officei-s, confined at Camp Chase, near Colum- 
bus, on behalf of themselves and "a great 
many others whose names were not sub- 
scribed " : 

To Andrew JoTinson, Governor, c&c, of the State of 
Tennessee. 

We the undersigned, citizens of Columbia, Tenn., 
having gone into service, under the last call of Gov. 
Harris, the circumstances of which call, and our en- 
listment, you have by this time become fully aware 
of; are very desirous of returning to loyalty by taking 
the oath of allegiance to the lederal Governmen.t, 
and will ever feel grateful to you for our deUverance 
from our present confinement. 

Several other letters of like import, from Ten- 
nesseaus who had served in the Southern army, 
were published about the same time. 

Trade, for some time after the occupation of 
Nashville, gave no sign of reviving. Northern 
merchants had followed the national armies 
into Tennessee, in the expectation of buying 
cotton, and obtaining markets for their own 
commodities , but there was little or no cotton 
at Nashville and other river ports, and the 
planters of the interior showed no disposition to 
send it forward. Northern products of nearly 
all sorts were in great demand, and quoted at 
high prices ; but the people had no money ex- 
cept the currency of the Southern Confeder- 
acy, which the Northern speculators, of course, 
refused to take. In a few weeks' time, how- 
ever. United States money became compara- 
tively plentiful throughout Middle Tennessee, 
confidence in the depreciated bills of Tennessee 
banks was restored, and cotton gradually found 
its way to the ports of outlet. 

Buyers began to scour the country in all di- 
rections, within, and sometimes even beyond 
the Federal lines. The reluctance of the cot- 
ton planters to sell was soon entirely overcome. 
Good middling brought, in April, 16 and 17 
cents in specie, or United States Treasury notes, 
and 22 and 25 cents in current Tennessee paper. 

Rice was also shipped to some extent, and 
the quantity of both these staples sent into the 
loyal States would have been much greater but 
for guerrilla bands, who made it their object to 
prevent the crops from being sold. A procla- 
mation was issued by the governor, threatening 
to imprison five or more secessionists of the 
neighborhood where such things occurred. 

On May 12, in pursuance of a caU signed by 
a number of prominent citizens, requesting 
"their fellow-citizens of the State of Tennes- 
see, who are in favor of the restoration of the 
former relations of this State to the Federal 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



187 



Union, to be ju-esent at a public meeting to be 
lield at the Capitol, in the city of Nashville," a 
large gathering of persons from different parts 
of the State took place in the Hall of Repre- 
sentatives. Ex-Gov. Wm. B. Campbell (now 
brigadier-general) was chosen president of the 
convention, and on taking the chair made a few 
remarks, in the course of which he said : 

We invite all to help us in restoring the supremacy 
of law over Tennessee, and reinstating her in all the 
privileges and immunities of the Union. We wish to 
welcome back all our deluded fellow-citizens cordially. 
The Government intends no sweeping confiscation, 
nor wild turning loose of slaves against the revolted 
States. It designs no infringement on the rights of 
property. All will be protected who will be loyal to 
the Government. We bear no malice toward any 
one, but deep sympathy for the deluded. Be had dear 
friends and dear relations who had gone astray, and 
his heart )'earned for their return. The Federal Gov- 
ernment will pursue a kind, liberal, and benevolent 
policy toward the people of the South, to bring them 
to the Union. 

Addresses were made by TV. 11. Wiseman, 
Hon. ^Y. B. Stokes, Edmund Cooper, Col. W. 
H. Polk, Gov. Johnson, Col. L. I). Campbell, 
Gen. Dumont, and others. 

At the request of many persons present at 
this convention, the chairman appointed Allen 
A. Hall, John Lellyett, Russell Houston, Horace 
H. Harrison, and M. M. Brien, a " State Cen- 
tral Union Committee," for the purpose of com- 
municating with the friends of Union in various 
parts of the State. 

The United States Circuit Court opened at 
Nashville on the 13th, and in his charge to the 
Grand Jury Judge Catron instructed them to 
ferret out and indict all persons guilty of aiding 
and abetting the marauding parties who infest- 
ed the State. 

On the 14th Ex-Gov. Neil S. Brown, one of 
the leaders of the secession party in Tennessee, 
was arrested, by order of Gov. Johnson, on 
charge of treason, but was afterward released 
on parole. He took the oath of allegiance, and 
became a prominent advocate of the Union. 

The following notice was issued at Nash\'ille 
on May 18 : 

After this date no shipment of merchandise from 
this city or State will be allowed, except upon per- 
mits therefor issued by the proper constituted offi- 
cers of the Government of the United States. 

On the 21st, D. F. Carter, president, and 
John Herriford, cashier of the Bank of the 
Union at Nashville, were arrested on charge of 
treason, and placed in confinement. 

An election for .judge of the circuit court of 
Nashville, held on the 22d, resulted in the 
choice of Turner S. Foster, secessionist, by a 
majority of about 190. The Union vote was 
about 1,000 ; the vote against separation in 
Nashville, in June, 1861, was only 300. 

Judge Foster received his commission from 
the provisional governor on the 26th of July, 
and the same day was arrested and sent to the 
penitentiary. 

On the 24th of May a Union meeting was 
held at Murfreesboro', at which speeches were 



made by Gov. Johnson and others, and the res- 
olutions of the Nashville Union Convention of 
the 12th were unanimously adopted. Thirty- 
four soldiers of a Tennessee regiment in the 
Southern ai-my came belbre the provost mar- 
shal on that occasion, and took the oath of air 
legiance. 

On the same day, under the provisions of the 
general confiscation act of August 6, 1861, the 
United States Marshal for the Middle District 
of Tennessee seized at NashviUe the offices of 
the " Republican Banner," " Union and Amer- 
ican," and "Gazette" newspapers, and the 
Southern Methodist Publishing House, and on 
the 26th the Baptist Publishing House, and 
"Patriot" newspaper oflico, aU having been ac- 
tive supporters of the secession movement. He 
also seized two gun factories in South Nash- 
ville, belonging to stock companies. 

Governor Johnson, about the same time, is- 
sued an order providing that all persons who 
should be arrested for using treasonable and 
seditious language, and who should refuse there- 
after to take the oath of allegiance and give 
bonds in the sum of $1,000 for future good be- 
havior, should be sent South beyond the Fed- 
eral lines, with the distinct understanding that 
if they returned they would be treated as spies. 

On the 7th a Union meeting was held at 
Shelbyville, Gov. Johnson, Col. May of Ken- 
tucky, and James L. Scudder, formerly a prom- 
inant secessionist and assistant inspector gen- 
eral of State troops under Gov. Harris, being 
among the orators. 

On June ITth Gov. Johnson summoned six 
prominent secession clergymen of Nashville to 
meet him at the Capitol, and requested them to 
take the oath of allegiance to the Federal Gov- 
ernment. At their urgent desire, a few days 
were granted them for deliberation. On the 
28th, as they refused to take the oath, five were 
sent to the penitentiary, to be kept in close con- 
finement until arrangements could be made for 
escorting them beyond the lines : the sixth, be- 
ing in feeble health, was paroled. On the same 
day Dr. J. P. Ford, and on the next day the 
Rev. C. D. Elliott, principal of a girls' board- 
ing-school, and Dr. Cheatham, superintendent 
of the State Lunatic Asylum, were arrested at 
Nashville, and similarly disposed of. At a 
Union meeting held in Pulaski June 17, Mr. 
George Baber, formerly identified Avith tlie 
Southern party as editor of the Nashville 
"Banner," delivered an address in which he 
disavowed his past course. Another meeting 
of the people of Giles County was held at the 
same place on the 21st, when resolutions were 
passed, whereby the citizens pledged them- 
selves to use their influence for the speedy res- 
toration of the State to her Federal relationis. 
Giles County is one of the most flourishing in 
Middle Tennessee. It was largely engaged in 
cotton growing, and works over 5,000 negroes. 
On the 23d five of the most prominent seces- 
sionists of Pulaski, including the Rev. Mr. 
Mooney, a Methodist clergyman, were arrested 



188 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



and sent beyond the Federal lines under an es- 
cort of cavalry. 

A Union meeting was held at Valley Springs 
Meeting House, Dickson county, on the 21st. 

The anniversary of American independence 
was celebrated with great enthusiasm, and 
Union speeches were delivered at the capital 
and in other parts of the State. 

Arrests continued frequent, and in the early 
part of July twenty-eight persons were arrested 
at Goodlettsville, but were all released on tak- 
ing the oath of allegiance. 

in the mean time, the Union citizens of the 
State had been almost incessantly harassed 
by roving bands of guerillas and marauders, 
of whom the cavalry forces of Cols. Forrest 
and Morgan acquired the greatest notoriety. 
Scarcely a day passed which did not bring a 
report of their seizing horses, cattle, and stores, 
burning bridges, tearing up railroad tracks, de- 
stroying telegraphic communications, and not 
unfrequently killing prominent Union men or 
falling unexpectedly upon small detachments 
of Federal troops. On the 1st of May a party 
of Col. Morgan's horsemen entered Pulaski 
and destroyed the goods of a shop keeper of 
that place. A military commission examined 
the case on the 20th, and ordered the provost 
marshal to collect from the secession authori- 
ties of the town, or failing in that, from certain 
well-known Confederate citizens, a sum suffi- 
cient to cover all the damages. As soon as Mem- 
phis had fallen the Confederate cavalry began 
to infest the line of the Memphis and Charles- 
ton railroad, burning cotton, carrying off Union 
citizens, and threatening to seize the person 
and destroy the property of any one who at- 
tempted to enter Memphis upon whatever pre- 
text. On the 7th of July the pickets of a Min- 
nesota brigade were attacked near Murfrees- 
boro' by a party of civilians, and two of the 
soldiers were killed. The next day 90 guerillas 
were captured between Gallatin and Hartsville. 
On the 9th a wagon master and a sutler were 
fired upon from an ambush near Franklin, the 
the latter being killed and the former severely 
wounded. Similar murders were perpetrated 
near Memphis. On the 13th Colonels Forrest 
and Warner, with a regiment of Texan Rangers 
and a strong force of other Confederate troops, 
captured Murfreesboro' ; and on the 21st a party 
of Forrest's guerillas captured the Federal pick- 
ets on the Lebanon road. 

The greatest excitement now existed at Nash- 
ville, and the loyal citizens proceeded to enroll 
themselves in anticipation of an attack upon 
the city, but in a few days reonforcements ar- 
rived and the guerillas fell back toward McMinn- 
ville. On the I7th an attack was made by about 
60 guerillas upon a small scouting party belong- 
ing to Gen. Negley's command, between Mount 
Pleasant and Columbia. The Federal soldiers, 
only 8 in number, took refuge in a house and 
defended themselves for 6 hours, the guerillas 
finally retiring. On the 19th a party of 11 
guerillas entered Brownsville and destroyed a 



large quantity of cotton. On the 2d of August 
Gen. Nelson occupied McMinnville, the Con- 
federates falling back before his arrival. Gen. 
Negley about the same time led an expedition 
against the guerillas in the direction of Colum- 
bia, dispersing a large assemblage of the ma- 
rauders at Williumsport, and engaging them 
again with success at Kinderhook. On the 
12th a detachment of Col. Morgan's guerillas 
surprised Gallatin, on the Louisville and Nash- 
ville railroad, making 130 prisoners and cap- 
turing a quantity of government stores, with a 
train of grain and 65 horses on the way from 
Louisville to Nashville. A force was immedi- 
ately sent from Nashville to intercept them, 
but arrived only in time to capture a wagon 
load of arms, and exchange shots with strag- 
glers on the outskirts of the town. On the 
16th a party of workmen sent to repair the 
railroad which had been injured by Morgan 
near Gallatin were captured by guerillas, and 
the same day two Federal couriers were made 
prisoners a few miles south of Nashville. Rail- 
road communication with the latter place was 
now entirely cut off on every side, bridges be- 
ing burned and the track torn up for consider- 
able distances, but the interruption lasted only 
a short time. On the 18th a railroad train was 
fired into near Columbia, a woman and child 
and two Federal soldiers being 'killed. The 
day afterward Clarksville was captured by a 
guerilla force, assisted by the disunion inhab- 
itants of the town. Col. Mason of the 71 st 
Ohio and about 300 men surrendering without 
resistance. 

On the 20th a guard of 20 men under Cap- 
tain Atkinson of the 50th Indiana volunteers, 
being attacked at Edgefield junction by an 
overwhelming force of guerillas under Col. 
iforgan, defended themselves for 3 hours be- 
hind a stockade, repulsing their assailants 
three times, and saving the train to Bow- 
ling Green which it seems to have been Mor- 
gan's intention to capture. 

A second engagement with Morgan at Galla- 
tin on the 22d proved a much more disastrous 
affixir than the raid on the 12th. Gen. R. W. 
Johnson was taken prisoner, and more than 
half his command of 800 men were killed or 
captured. The guerillas emboldened by suc- 
cess now became more than ever troublesome. 
Travel ceased to bo safe even within a few 
miles of the capital; the mails were robbed; 
Union citizens were seized and sent to the 
South, and small detachments of Federal troops 
were frequently surprised by these daring 
horsemen, whose rapid movements generally 
set pursuit at defiance. At McMinnville they 
attacked the stockade, but the little guard re- 
pulsed them with heavy loss ; and on the 28th 
Col. Forrest's band had a severe engagement 
with a Federal Kentucky r«giment near Wood- 
bury, losing 8 killed, 80 wounded, and 15 
prisoners. On the 10th of September some 
Federal officers were captured by guerillas 
while dining at a house two or three miles 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



189 



from Nashville. At Covington, Tipton countj', 
in tlie western part of the State, where such 
raids had been common, the citizens gave bonds 
iu the sum of $50,000 to protect Union resi- 
dents, and dechired their purpose of ]ianf,'ing 
all guerillas who foil into their hands. The 
interior of the State was not only harassed by 
organized bands, such as those of Forrest and 
Morgan, who held regular commissions in the 
Confederate army, but were also ravaged by 
marauders of the worst description, who had 
no object but plunder, and robbed both 
parties alike. The guerillas also gathered 
in considerable force in the counties border- 
ing on the Mississippi, and attacked trans- 
ports and other vessels on the river, gen- 
erally with musketry alone, but sometimes 
with light field artillery. On the 23d of Sep- 
tember a party of twenty-five or thirty men at 
Randolph, armed with rifles, muskets, and 
shot-guns, signalled tlie steamer Eugene to 
land. As the boat had two passengers and 
gt>me freight for that point, she rounded to, 
none of the oflicers perceiving the guerilla 
band, who in fact had kept in the background 
up to that time. It was now apparent, as the 
guerillas sprang from their hiding place, that 
the intention was to seize the boat ; and the 
captain, regardless of the demand to surrender, 
boldly pushed back into the stream amid sev- 
eral volleys of musketry. There were a great 
many passengers on board, including Avomen 
and children, but no one was killed or hurt. 

The outrage having been reported the next 
day to Gen. Sherman, at Memphis, he sent the 
forty-sixth regiment of Ohio volunteers and a 
section of Willard's Chicago battery to destroy 
the town. These troops took passage on the 
steamers Ohio Belle and Eugene, which arrived 
at Randolph on the 25th. The inhabitants 
seemed to have been impressed with the con- 
viction that the town would be destroyed, and 
consequently most of them had left the place. 
The quartermaster of the regiment went through 
the town and took an inventory of the build- 
ings and their probable worth, with their 
owners' names, as far as they could be learned. 
This having been done, and everything in each 
house having been removed, every house in 
the town was burnt to the ground, except the 
Methodist church, which was left standing for 
the accommodation of the few persons turned 
out of doors by the fire. All the cotton and 
other property of value as merchandise was 
brought away. 

The town of Randolph, thus destroyed, con- 
tained about ninety houses, said to be mostly 
in a dilapidated condition. It is situated about 
sixty miles above Memphis, and was the site 
of extensive Confederate fortifications before 
the Mississippi river was opened. 

To prevent similar occurrences in future, 
General W. T. Sherman, commanding at Mem- 
phis, ordered that for every boat fired upon 
ten disloyal families should be expelled the 
city. 



On Oct. 21st the President rvcommonded an 
election for members of Congress to be held in 
several districts of Tennessee, and instructed 
the military commanders to take measures to 
facilitate the execution of the order. 

The progress of the campaign had now 
brought the Confederate forces almost within 
sight of Nashville, and the guerillas, hovering 
over the route of the regular forces, carried 
off stragglers from the Federal columns and 
rendered important service to their cause by 
burning bridges, skirmishing with pickets, and 
threatening the Union supply trains. On the 
19th of October, Col. Forrest was defeated on 
the Gallatin turnpike about 7 miles from Nash- 
ville by a Union brigade under Col. Miller. 
On Nov. 5th Jlorgan made a dash at a Federal 
camp north of the Cumberland, but was re- 
])ulsed with some loss. The same active chief- 
tain on the Otli was driven out of Gallatin by a 
detachment of Gen. Crittenden's corps, and the 
next day was beaten at Lebanon, where the 
Federalists captured a (juantity of stores and 
some prisoners. On the following morning 
Morgan returned and carried oil" thirty men 
from the Union camp, soon after which exploit 
ho joined the rebel army near Murfreesboro'. 

Col. Forrest's cavalry was also active in the 
same part of the State, but the vigorous meas- 
ures of the Federal generals soon succeeded in 
checking this species of irregular warfare. 

Some of the Federal soldiers, however, had 
been guilty of excesses hardly less outrageous 
than those of the guerillas, and rigid orders 
were issued by Gen. Grant to prevent it. 

On the 7th of November, a portion of one of 
the Illinois regiments broke open a shop at 
Jackson, Tenn., and plundered and destroyed 
property to the value of some $1,242. Gen. Grant 
ordered that sum to be assessed against the 
regiment, and such of its oflicers as were ab- 
sent without leave at the time when the depre- 
dations were committed, the money when col- 
lected to be paid to the persons who had suf- 
fered by the outrage ; and two oflicers who 
had failed to prevent it were mustered out of 
the service. 

Toward the close of the same month, a plan 
was matured by the governor and Gen. Rose- 
crans for re(juiring bonds and sureties for good 
behavior from persons suspected as disunion- 
ists, or known to have been formerly secession- 
ists. 

On the 7th, a brigade of Gen. Dumont's 
division was captured by Col. Morgan, at 
Hartsville, near Nashville, having been sur- 
prised in their camp, and forced to surrender 
after a short and desultory resistance. The 
Confederate military authorities proclaimed a 
general conscription in Tennessee, and pro- 
ceeded to draft into the Confederate army all 
able-bodied men under 40, in the portions of 
the State under their control. The Union men 
made a determined resistance, but in general, 
as might be supposed, with little eff'ect. Even 
in Middle and West Tennessee, where the na- 



190 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



tional arms were nominally paramount, the 
guerrillas were employed to drive conscripts 
into the ranks. East Tennessee suffered still 
more severely, and it is stated that particular 
cai-e was had to draft into the Confederate 
ranks those persons who were most conspicu- 
ous for their devotion to the Union, 

In accordance with the President's order of 
October 21st, Governor Johnson, in the early 
part of December, issued a proclamation, calling 
for an election of Representatives to the 37th 
Congress, to be held on the 29th, in the Ninth 
and Tenth Districts of Tennessee. The Ninth 
District embraces the counties of Henry, Weakly, 
Dyer, Oberon, Lauderdale, Tipton, Gibson, Car- 
roll, and Henderson, and the Tenth includes the 
counties of Haywood, Madison, Hardeman, Fay- 
ette, and Shelby. The governor ended his proc- 
lamation with the notice that " no person will 
be considered an elector qualified to vote who, 
in addition to the other qualifications required 
by law, does not give satisfactory evidence to 
the judges holding the election, of his loyalty 
to the Government of the United States." 

About the same time Gov. Johnson reissued 
a former order assessing the wealthy secession- 
ists of Nashville and the vicinity to the amount 
of $60,000, for the support of the poor during 
the winter. The first order was as follows : 
Nashville, August 18, 1862. 

Sir: There are many wives and helpless children 
in the city of Nashville and county of Davidson, who 
have been reduced to poverty and wretchedness in 
consequence of ^heir husbands and fathers having 
been forced into the armies of this unholy and ne- 
farious rebellion. Their necessities have become so 
manifest, and their demands for the necessaries of 
life so urgent, that the laws of justice and humanity 
would be violated unless something was done to re- 
lieve their suffering and destitute condition. 

You are therefore requested to contribute the sum 
of dollars, which you will pay over 

within the next five days to James Whitworth, Esq., 



Judge of the County Court, to be by him distributed 
among these destitute families in such manner as may 
be prescribed. Respectfully, &c., 

ANDREW JOHNSON, Military Governor. 
Attest: Edward H. East, Secretary of State. 

On the 20th a body of Confederate horsemen 
made a raid on the railroad near Jackson, in the 
western part of the State, burned a long trestle 
work, and tore up the track for a considerable 
distance. The day following a small guerrilla 
force entered the suburbs of Memphis, pillaged 
several shops, and carried ofi" 100 cattle and 
180 mules. As the armies of Gens. Bragg 
and Rosecrans began to prepare for battle, the 
guerrilla raids became more numerous and more 
destructive ; Nashville was again almost isolated, 
and the situation of the Union troops, in con- 
tinual danger of having their supplies cut off, 
became extremely precarious. Soon after the 
close of the year, the Chattanooga "Rebel" 
published the following from an official source : 

Gen. Morgan's report of his expedition shows that 
2,000 prisoners were paroled, and several hundred 
of the enemy killed and wounded, and an immense 
quantity of arms and property destroyed. 

Forrest's report shows 1,500 prisoners taken, 1,000 
of the enemy killed and wounded, an immense quan- 
tity of arms, ammunition, and stores destroyed, and 
his whole command splendidly equipped from their 
captures. 

Our operations at Murfreesboro', including the cap- 
ture of 5,000 prisoners and the capture of 2,000 at 
Hartsville and around Nashville, sum up 10,000 pris- 
oners in less than a month. 

We have also captured and sent to the rear 30 can- 
non, 60,000 small arms, with 2,000 more in the hands 
of our troops ; 1,500 wagons destroyed, and the mules 
and harnesses secured. The enemy's loss in killed 
and wounded is estimated at 20,000, including 1 gen- 
erals. 

The exploits of Cols. Forrest and Morgan 
referred to in this summary were performed 
principally in the latter half of December and 
early part of January, 1863. 



CHAPTEE XYI. 

Preparations for the capture of New Orleans— Occupation of Ship Island — The Mortar Fleet — Arrival of Captain Farragnt — 
Bomhardment of the Forts on the Mississippi— Preparation to run past the Forts — The Scones which ensued — Arrival 
of the Fleet hefore New Orleans — Surrender of the City — Advance up the River — Surrender of the Forts to Commodore 
Porter — Gen. Butler occupies New Orleans — His Administration — Superseded by Gen. Banks. 



Peeparations for the capture of New Or- 
leans had early in the war been commenced. 
As a preliminary movement an expedition to 
Ship Island was projected in September, 1861, 
almost immediately after Gen. Butler's retui*n 
from the expedition to Hatteras Inlet, and he 
was authorized to enlist troops for it in New 
England. Coming into collision with Gov. 
Andrew of Massachusetts, in relation to the 
appointment of persons as field-officers for the 
regiments he raised in Massachusetts, whom 
the Governor regarded as unfit for their posts, 
and refused to commission, the expedition was 



delayed for a time. The first instalment of 
troops for it were embarked at Boston, on the 
19th of November, on the U. S. transport Con- 
stitution, and sailed at first for Portland, Me., 
and thence for Fortress Monroe, which they 
reached on the 26th November, and sailed the 
next day for Ship Island, where they arrived 
on the 3d December. They consisted of the 
Twenty-sixth Massachusetts regiment. Col. 
Jones, the Ninth Connecticut, Col. Cahill, and 
the Fourth battery of Massachusetts artillery, 
Capt. Manning, and were under the command 
of Brig.-Gen. John W. Phelps, a native of Ver- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



191 



aiont, and graduate of West Point in 183G. lie 
served for 23 years in the arm.y, but resigned 
in 1859, and was living at Brattleboro', Vt., at 
the commencement of the Avar. 

Having completed the debarkation of his 
command, Gen. Phelps issued a proclamation 
to the loyal citizens of the Southwest, for which 
there seemed no occasion, as his superior in 
command, Maj.-Gen. Butler, had not arrived, 
and there were on the island none but U. S. 
troops, and no invasion had been made upon the 
territory claimed by the Confederate Govern- 
ment. The proclamation \vas not circulated 
upon the mainland to any considerable extent ; 
but it created much dissatisfaction among Gen. 
Phelps's own command. 

The Constitution left Ship Island on the 7th 
of December on her return to the North, and 
arrived at Fortress Monroe on the 15th; in 
January, 1862, she returned with another con- 
siderable body of troops. Thus the military 
part of the expedition for the capture of New 
Orleans under Gen. B. F. Butler, was trans- 
ferred to a position in the neighborhood of 
that city. 

On the 3d of February Capt. D. G. Farragut 
sailed from Hampton Roads in the U. S. steamer 
Hartford to assume the duties of flag-oiEcer 
of the Western Gulf blockading squadron. In 
addition to the ordinary duties of the blockade, 
he was specially charged with the reduction of 
the defences guarding the approaches to New 
Orleans. "There will be attached to your 
squadron," said the Secretary of the Navy in 
his letter of instructions, " a fleet of bomb ves- 
sels, and armed steamers enough to manage 
them, all under command of Commander D. D. 
Porter, who will be directed to report to you. 
* * * When these formidable mortars arrive, 
and you are completely ready, you will collect 
such vessels as can be spared from the blockade 
and proceed up the Mississippi River, and re- 
duce the defences which guard the approaches 
to New Orleans, when you will appear otf that 
city and take possession of it under the guns 
of your squadron, and hoist the American flag 
therein, keeping possession until troops can be 
sent to you. If the Mississippi expedition from 
Cairo shall not have descended the river, you 
will take advantage of the panic to push a 
strong force up the river to take all their de- 
fences in the rear." 

This fleet of mortars spoken of by the Sec- 
retary was fitted out at the Brooklyn Navy 
Yard, and was for some months in preparation. 
It consisted of one gunboat, the Octorara, 
mounting 18 guns, and serving as Com. Porter's 
flag-ship, but subsequently diverted from the ex- 
pedition to Fortress Monroe, and 20 schooners, 
of from 200 to 300 tons each, of great strength 
and solidity, and carrying each a mortar, weigh- 
ing 81 tons, of thirty-nine inches length of bore, 
forty-three inches external and fifteen inches in- 
ternal diameter, and intended to throw a 15-inch 
ahell, weighing, when unfilled, 212 lbs. They 
are elevated or depressed by means of projections 



on the breech. Each vessel also carried two 32- 
pounders, rifled. 

This class of vessels had been selected becanse 
they were stronger in proportion to their size 
than larger ones, at the same time that their light 
draft enabled them to go into shallow water ; and 
from their small tonnage they could be handled 
by a small number of men. 

To fit them to receive the mortars, a bed had 
been prepared, which was supported by an almost 
solid mass of wood, built from the keel to the 
deck. This consisted of timbers over one foot 
square and twelve feet in length, interlaced and 
firml}^ fastened. The bed rose two or three 
inches above the deck, and consisted of a solid 
horizontal surface, circular in form, with a truck 
near its edge, upon which run rollers bearing a 
revolving platform. The bed itself was carefully 
braced and supported by the entire strength 
of the vessel, so as to sustain the recoil of the 
mortar. 

The circular platform surmounting the bed 
and bearing the mortar carriage, was constructed 
of heavy timbers, and was one foot in depth and 
nearly twelve feet in diameter. When in po- 
sition for a discharge, it laid flat and firmly on 
the bed, but by ingenious mechanism it might be 
made to revolve, in order to aim the mortar in 
any direction, or to resight it if the vessel shifted 
its position. The change of direction was easily 
and quickly accomplished. By means of four 
eccentric axles in the platform, to which levers 
were fitted, the mortar and machinery (weighing 
altogether over ten tons) might be raised, and the 
weight transferred by the same movement to 
a great number of metallic rollers attached to a 
framework of immense strength under the plat- 
form. Then, by means of tackle, already ar- 
ranged, the whole mass might be moved to its 
desired position, and instantly, by a reverse 
movement, replaced on the bed. In the centre 
of the platform, and extending into the solid 
mass beneath, was an iron cylinder or spindle 
which prevented any side movement. 

The mortar carriage was constructed almost 
exclusively of wrought-irou. Its length was 
about nine feet, and its height and width each 
four feet. In form it had the slightest pos- 
sible resemblance to a land carriage — gradujiUy 
sloping at the point where the mortar rested, in 
the direction of the breech ; and having wheels, 
yet not resting on them when the mortar was 
discharged. The carriage was composed princi- 
pally of plate iron, riveted together, liraced and 
bolted. It was a framework of excellent design, 
and though weighing probably not more than 
two tons, was capable of resisting a pressure of 
one to two hundred tons. 

Two wheels were set close to the framework, 
directly under the mortars ; and connected with 
them were eccentric axles, so arranged as to per- 
mit so large a part of the weight to be thrown 
on the wheels, that the carriage might be moved 
on them. 

It was not intended, however, that the recoil 
of the mortar should in any degree be taken up 



192 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



or lessened in its effect by the moving of the 
wheels. The carnage laid firnaly on the plat- 
form when the mortar was discharged, and the 
only possible motion was that of the vessel in 
the water. 

The bombs were the most formidable ordnance 
missile known, except those used in the Rod- 
man columbiad of 15-ineh bore. In addition to 
the two 32-pounder guns, the vessels were pro- 
vided with pikes, cutlasses, and other necessary 
weapons. 

The mortars could not be fired directly over 
the sides of the vessels, and therefore the latter 
were partially headed toward the point of 
attack. The vessels were therefore anchored, 
and a part of the rigging removed. The extra- 
ordinary weight and strength of the mortars, 
the unprecedentedly large charge of powder, the 
long range and high velocity of the projectiles, 
with their destructive character, combined to 
render this novel expedition one of the most 
important undertaken during the war. The 
vessels made their first rendezvous at Key 
West, and subsequently proceeded to Ship 
Island, Mississippi. 

Captain Farragut arrived at Ship Island on 
the 20th, having been detained for some time 
at Key "West, and immediately began to or- 
ganize his squadron for the important duty 
which had been assigned to him. There are 
two routes by which New Orleans may be ap- 
proached by water, one through Lake Borgne 
and Lake Pontchartrain, and the other directly 
up the Mississippi River; but the former, on 
aocount of the shallowness of the water, is 
i apracticable for any but vessels of very light 
draft. The Confederates had consequently de- 
voted their labors chiefly to the fortification of 
the Mississippi. Some seventy-five miles below 
the city, and about twenty-five miles from the 
" Passes " or mouths of the river, they had pos- 
session of two strong works constructed many 
years before by the United States Government, 
Fort St. Philip on the left, or north bank, and 
Fort Jackson on the right. Their united arma- 
ment was one hundred and twenty-six guns, 
many of them of the very largest calibre. Start- 
ing opposite Fort Jackson and extending to a 
point a quarter of a mile below Fort St. Philip, 
a stout chain cable was stretched across the 
stream (here seven hundred yards wide) sup- 
ported by a raft of logs and eight hulks securely 
moored. Adjoining Fort Jackson was a water 
battery. Under cover of the forts was a fleet 
of thirteen gunboats, the powerful iron-clad 
battery Louisiana, and the iron-clad ram Manas- 
sas, the naval forces being commanded by Com- 
modore G. N. Hollins. I3etween New Orleans 
and the forts several earthworks, well armed, 
commanded the channel. " Our only fear," said 
tlie press of New Orleans of April 5, "is that 
the Northern invaders may not appear. We 
have made such extensive preparations to re- 
ceive them that it were vexatious if their invin- 
cible armada escapes the fate we have in store 
for it." 



To reduce these formidable defences, Capt. 
Farragut was able to collect the following ves- 
sels : steam sloops Hartford, 24 guns (flag-ship), 
Richmond, 26, Pensacola, 24, Brooklyn, 24, 
Mississippi, 12, Iroquois, 9, Oneida, 9, sailing 
sloop of war Portsmouth, 17, gunboats Varun a, 
12, Cayuga, 6, and Winona, Katahdin, Itasca, 
Kineo, Wissahickon, Pinola, Kennebeck, and 
Sciota, 4 each. The frigate Colorado, 48, could 
not pass over the bar, and the enti'ance of some 
of the other large ships was only effected with 
the expenditure of much time and labor. The 
mortar fleet comprised twenty schooners, each 
mounting one large mortar and two small guns. 
They were accompanied by the steamers Harriet 
Lane, 4, the flag-ship of Commodore Porter, 
Miami, Y, Westfield, 6, Clifton, 6, and Owasco, 
5. Some of these were merely armed tugs, in- 
tended principally to serve the purjDose of tow- 
ing the bomb vessels into position. Including 
the coast-survey steamer Sachem, the number 
of vessels under Capt. Farragut's command was 
therefore forty-six, and their aggregate arma- 
ment, counting boat howitzers placed in the 
maintops, was about three hundred guns and 
mortars. There were no iron-clads in the 
fleet. 

Nearly three weeks were consumed in get- 
ting aU the ships of the squadron over the bars 
at the mouths of the Mississippi. Capt. Far- 
ragut found the depth considerably less than 
it had been laid down on the ofiicial maps; 
no doubt for the reason that the daily passing 
of large ships, before the port was blockaded, 
had kept the channel open. On the 28th of 
March, Fleet Captain II. 11. Bell made a recon- 
noissance with two gunboats from the head of 
the Passes up toward the forts. He found the 
left bank quite clear of trees and bushes, but 
on the west side a thick wood extended about 
four miles below Fort Jackson. By the 8th of 
April the Mississippi and Pensacola were over 
the bar, and the mortar boats were moving up 
toward their appointed stations. On the 13th 
a detachment from the coast survey party set 
out under protection of the Owasco, and spent 
three days in making a minute boat survey of 
the river and banks, much of the time under fire, 
and marking the positions which the mortar 
vessels were to occupy. On the 18th two di- 
visions of Commander Porter's flotilla were 
moored under the lee of the wood on the right 
bank of the river, screened from observation 
by the thick growth of trees interwoven with 
vines ; the masts and rigging were di'essed off 
with bushes, which were renewed as often as 
they were blown away. The head vessel was 
2,850 yards from Foi*t Jackson and 3,680 from 
Fort St. Philip. The remaining division, com- 
posed of six vessels, was stationed under the 
opposite bank, the nearest being 3,680 yards 
from Fort Jackson. There was nothing on this 
side to screen them from observation, but their 
hulls were covered with reeds and willows. 

The bombardment opened on the 18th, the 
mortar vessels taking the lead, and the gunboats 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



193 



^^. 



FORT 8T PHILIP 



9V^ 




A, B, C, D, Ac, are points on the left bank, and 1, 2, 8, 4, 
&c, points on the right bank "of the river, established for 
placing the gunboats and mortar boats in position. 

The position of tho mortar flotilla on the first day of the 
bombardment, April ISth, was as follows: Six mortars on 
the left bank between C and J, distance to Fort Jackson 
S,6S0 to 4,500 yards ; fourteen mortars on the right bank, 
from 1 to 5, distance to Fort Jackson 2.850 to 3,490 yards. 

On the 19th, the second day of tho bombardment, they 
were all on the right bank, and twenty mortars were placed 
distant from Fort Jackson 3,010 to 4,100 yards. They re- 
mained on the third and fourth days nearly in the same po- 
sition. All tho largo armed steamers and gunboats were 
placed from one quarter to one and a quarter miles below 
the lowest mortar vessel. 

On the first day the small steam sloops and tho gunboats 
went to abreast of the Smoke stack, where they engaged the 
forts and the Confederate steamers. 



18 



194 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



running np occasionally to draw tho enemy's 
fire when the mortars required relief. Each 
boat having its precise distance from the forts 
marked out by the surveyors, the firing was re- 
markably accurate. At the given signal they 
opened in order, each one throwing a shell 
every ten minutes. Fort Jackson was the prin- 
cipal object of attack. On the first day the cit- 
adel was set on fire and burned until two o'clock 
the next morning, all the clothing and commis- 
sary stores in the fort being destroyed, and 
great suffering caused by the intense heat. Dur- 
ing the night the firing ceased on both sides. 
Two of the mortar vessels had been injured by 
the enemy's fire and were accordingly moved 
to another position. On the 19th the mortar 
schooner Maria J. Carleton was sunk by a rifle 
shell passing down through her deck, magazine, 
and bottom, but nearly all her stores and arms' 
were saved. One or two men were wounded, 
but very little other damage was done except 
to the masts and rigging of some of the schoon- 
ers. On the other hand the officers' quarters 
in Fort Jackson were set on fire and entirely 
consumed, the artillerists were driven from tho 
parapet guns, and the batteries were silenced 
every time the shells were concentrated on any 
one point. The fuzes being bad, however, a 
great many exploded prematurely in the air. 
Commander Porter accordingly gave up timing 
them and put in full-length fuzes, to burst after 
they had entered the ground. The soil being 
wet and soft, the shells penetrated 18 or 20 feet 
into the ground, and then exploded with an ef- 
fect like an earthquake. The levee "was broken 
in more than 100 places, and the water rushing 
into the fort flooded the parade ground and 
casemates. On the night of the 20th an expe- 
dition was sent up under Commander Bell to 
break the obstructions across the river. With 
the gunboats Pinola, Lieut.-Com. Crosby, and 
Itasca, Lieut.-Com. Caldwell, he made for tho 
hulks, under a heavy fire, while all the mortars 
opened at once upon the forts to distract the 
enemy's attention. Petards were arranged to 
blow up the boom by means of a galvanic cur- 
rent, but they failed to ignite. Lieutenant 
Caldwell however, boarding one of the hulks, 
managed to slip the chain, and thereby made an 
opening sufficiently large for the fleet to pass. 
His vessel was swept ashore by the current, 
which was running with great Aiolence, but the 
Pinola got her off after about half an hour's 
labor in full sight of the forts, the terrible fire 
of the mortar fleet being probably the only 
thing that saved the two boats from destruction. 
The bombardment continued with undiminish- 
ed vigor for 3 days longer, with little damage 
to the squadron. Almost every night the Con- 
federates sent down fire rafts, but Capt. Farra- 
gut easily avoided them, and had them towed 
ashore. On the 23d Commander Porter suc- 
ceeded in breaking a heavy rifled gun on Fort 
St. Philip, which had been annoying him seri- 
ously for some time. Wth this single excep- 
tion the 6 days' bombardment had not dimin- 



ished the fire of the forts in any perceptible 
degree. 

On the 23d orders were issued to the fleet to 
prepare for attacking and passing the forts. 
The mortars were to continue the bombard- 
ment while this movement was in progress, and 
to try to drive the garrisons from their guns. 
The five steamers of Porter's flotilla, assisted 
by the Portsmouth, were assigned the duty of 
enfilading the water battery of six guns, and 
the barbette of guns which commanded the ap- 
proach to the forts. The rest of the ships and 
gunboats were to push on past the forts, engage 
the Confederate fleet, and if victorious proceed 
to New Orleans, leaving the final reduction of 
the forts to Commander Porter and the land 
forces under General Butler. Flag-Ofiicer Far- 
ragut now separated his gunboats into two di- 
visions, of six boats each, the first under Capt. 
Theodoras Bailey, his second in command, and 
the second under Fleet Capt. H. H. Bell. The 
first division of ships comprised the flag ship 
Hartford, Commander Wainwright ; Brooklyn, 
Captain Craven ; and Richmond, Commander 
Alden. The second was composed of the Pe^j- 
sacola. Captain Morris, and Mississippi, Com- 
mander Melancton Smith. "Every vessel," 
says Captain Farragut, " was as well prepared 
as the ingenuity of her commander and officers 
could suggest, both for the preservation of life 
and of the vessel, and perhaps there is not on 
record such a display of ingenuity as has been 
evinced in this little squadron. The first was 
by the engineer of the Eichmond, Mr. Moore, 
by suggesting that the sheet cables be stopped 
up and down on the sides in the line of the en- 
gines, which was immediately adopted by all 
the vessels. Then each commander made his 
own arrangements for stopping the shot from 
penetrating the boilers or machinery that might 
come in forward or abaft, by hammocks, coal, 
bags of ashes, bags of sand, clothes-bags, and' in 
fact every device imaginable. The bulwarks 
were lined with hammocks by some, with splin- 
ter nettings made with ropes by others. Some 
rubbed their vessels over with mud, to make 
their ships less visible, and some whitewashed 
their decks, to make things more visible by 
night during the fight." On the night of the 
23d Lieut. Caldwell made a second visit to the 
obstructions, and ascertained that the passage 
was still clear. He was discovered and fired 
upon by the enemy, who had chosen that time 
to send down some of their fire rafts, and had 
lighted fires on the shore near the chain. At 
two o'clock on the morning of the 24th the sig- 
nal was given to get under way, and the whole 
squadron moved up the river in two columns. 
Captain Bailey in the Cayuga leading the right, 
composed of the 1st division of gunboats and 
the second division of ships, and the Hartford, 
with Captain Farragut, taking the post of honor 
on the left. On passing the barrier chain the 
right column attacked Fort St. Philip, and the 
left Fort Jackson. They were discovered some 
time before they reached tho barrier, and both 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



195 



forts opened upon them a hot fire, to whicli the 
squadron at first could only reply with their 
bow guns. As soon as their broadsides were 
brought \vithin range the engagement became 
general. " The flames," said Commander Por- 
ter, " seemed to be literally eating the vessels 
up." In attempting to avoid a fire raft the Hart- 
ford grounded on a shoal, and in this position 
was set on fire, the flames bursting through 
the ports and running up the rigging; but, 
with great exertion, they were extinguished, 
and the ship's guns, which had meanwhile 
been worked without interruption, were now 
brought to bear upon Fort St. Philip, and that 
work was almost completely .'ulenced. In the 
mean time, the Brooklyn and some other ves- 
sels, owing to the darkness and smoke, became 
entangled in tlie barrier, and were exposed to 
a raking fire from the forts for a few minutes, 
but managed to extricate themselves, and tho 
Brooklyn, finding herself unexpectedly close 
abreast of Fort St. Philip, poured in such a 
storm of grape and canister that the garrison 
were seen, by the flash of the bursting shrap- 
nells. running from their guns. Before the 
squadron had fairly passed the forts, the Con- 
federate fleet of gunboats and rams appeared, 
and took part in the fight. They were first 
encountered by Captain Bailey in the Cayuga, 
who Avas considerably in advance of the rest, at 
a moment when no supporting ship was in 
sight. By skilful steering he frustrated their 
attempts to board and butt, and had forced 
three to surrender, when the Oneida, Com- 
mander Lee, and Varuna, Captain Boggs, hove 
in sight. The Oneida, discovering a Confed- 
erate gunboat crossing her bows, ran into her 
with a full head of steam, and cut her down, 
leaving her to drift down the stream with the 
current. The Varuna, after passing the forts, 
and destroying or driving ashore a gunboat 
and three transports, found herself, about day- 
light, completely surrounded by the enemy. 
The Grovernor Moore, iron-clad about the bdw, 
first attacked her, butting her twice, and send- 
ing a raking fire along her port gangway, 
killing four and wounding nine of the crew ; 
but Captain Boggs, by a few well-directed 
shells, drove her off", partially disabled. "While 
still engaged with her, another Confederate 
steamer, iron-clad, with a prow under water, 
struck the Varuna in the port gangway, doing 
considerable damage. She backed off for 
another blow, and struck again in the same 
place, crushing in the side; "but by going 
ahead fast," says Captain Boggs, " the concus- 
sion drew her bow around, and I was able, 
with the port guns, to give her, while close 
alongside,_ five eight-inch shells abaft her ar- 
mor. This settled her and drove her ashore 
in flames. Finding the Varuna sinking. I ran 
her into the bank, let go the anchor, and tied 
up to the trees. During all this time, the 
guns were actively at work crippling the Mor- 
gan (Governor Moore), which was making 
feeble efforts to get up steam. .The fire was 



kept up until tho water was over tlie gun- 
trucks, when I turned my attention to getting 
the wounded and crew out of the vessel." 
Just at this moment the Oneida came up, took 
off some of the men from the Varuna, and 
completed the destruction of the Gov. Moore, 
which was run ashore and set on fire by the 
crew, part of whom afterward surrendered to 
Commander Lee. Three of the gunboats were 
obliged to put back, one having been disabled 
early in tho action, and the others caught in 
the barrier chain and delayed until the day 
had broken and the rest of the fleet had gone 
past the forts. Within two hours from the 
commencement of the fight, nearly the whole 
Confederate fleet was captured or destroyed, 
and the victory was secured; but, "just as the 
scene appeared to be closing," writes Captain 
Farragut, " the ram Manassas was seen coming 
under full speed to attack us. I directed Capt. 
Smith, in the Mississippi, to turn and run her 
down. The order was instantly obeyed by the 
Mississippi turning and going at her at full 
speed. Just as we expected to see the ram 
annihilated, when within fifty yards of each 
other, she put her helm hard a-port, dodged 
the Mississippi, and ran ashore. Tho Missis- 
sippi poured two broadsides into her, and sent 
her drifting down the river a total wreck." 
As she came into the midst of Porter's flotilla, 
several of the mortar boats and steamers open- 
ed fire upon her; "but I soon discovered," 
writes Porter, "that the Manassas could harm 
no one again, and I ordered the vessels to save 
their shot. She was beginning to emit smoke 
from her ports, or holes, and was discovered to 
be on fire and sinking. Her pipes were all 
twisted and riddled with shot, and her hull 
was also well cut up. She had evidently been 
used up by the squadron as they passed along. 
I tried to save her as a curiosity, by getting a 
hawser around her and securing her to the 
bank, but just after doing so she faintly ex- 
ploded. Her only gun went off", and emitting 
flames through her bow port, like some huge 
animal, she gave a plunge and disappeared 
under the water." About 5 o'clock the Cayu- 
ga came upon the camp of the Chalmetto regi- 
ment, Col. Szymanski, on the right bank of 
the river. Casting anchor. Captain Bailey 
opened upon it with canister, and obliged the 
whole force to surrender, with tlieir arms, 
camp equipage, &c. Soon afterward, the sig- 
nal was given to cease action, and 12 vessels 
dropped anchor above and out of range of the 
forts, and began to prepare for further opera- 
tions. Two of the gunboats were immediate- 
ly sent ahead to cut the telegraph wires in 
various places, and one was sent, by way of 
tho Quarantine bayou, to communicate with 
Commander Porter and General Butler. With 
his nine remaining vessels, Cai)tain Farragut 
then proceeded up to New Orleans, meeting 
on tlie way abundant evidence of the panic 
which prevailed in that city. "Cotton-loaded 
ships, on fire, came floating down, and work- 



196 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOET OF THE EEBELLION. 



ing implements of every kind, sucli as are used 
in shipyards." " I never witnessed sucb van- 
dalism in my life," he writes to the Secretary 
of the Navy, " as the destruction of property ; 
all the shipping, steamboats, &c., were set on 
fire and consumed." The squadron reached the 
English Turn about 10.30 a. m. on the 25th, 
and soon descried the new earthwork forts on 
the old lines on both shores, some 6 or 7 miles 
below the city ; these were known as the 
Chalmette batteries. The fleet formed, as be- 
fore, in two lines, each taking its own work, 
but Captain Bailey, with the Cayuga, was far 
in advance, not having noticed the signal for 
close order, and sustained alone a cross fire for 
about 20 minutes, at the end of which time the 
Hartford ranged up ahead, and gave the bat- 
teries a broadside of shells, shrapnell, and 
grape, the first discharge driving the men on 
the right bank from their guns. The Pensa- 
cola, the Brooklyn, and then the rest of the 
fleet, came up in quick succession, and in about 
15 or 20 minutes "the forts were silenced, and 
those who could run were running in every 
direction." From this point no obstacles were 
encountered, except burning steamers, cotton 
ships, fire rafts, and the like, and at one o'clock 
p. M. the squadron anchored in front of New 
Orleans. 

A terrible and melancholy spectacle was 
presented to the victors. The whole levee, for 
miles, was wrapped in smoke from the burning 
gun carriages and cotton which the authorities 
had ordered to be consumed. In the river were 
many hulls of burning ships, and the utmost 
ingenuity was required to avoid them. As the 
squadron neared the levee the sailors gave a 
cheer which was answered by some persons in 
the crowd on shore. Pistol shots were im- 
mediately fired at these latter by the excited 
multitude, and several persons were wounded. 
After a delay of half an hour or so, Capt. Bailey 
was sent ashore to demand the surrender of the 
city. He was received by the mob with the 
most violent demonstrations, but under escort 
of a number of citizens proceeded unmolested 
to the mayor's office, the mob at his heels con- 
tenting itself with furiously assaulting citizens 
suspected of sympathy with the Federal Union. 
On reaching the City Hall, Capt. Bailey de- 
manded the surrender of the city, and the dis- 
play of the United States flag over the custom 
house, post office, mint, and city hall. The 
mayor replied that he had no authority, the 
city being under military control, and a mes- 
senger was accordingly sent for Gen. Mansfield 
Lovell, the commander of the department. 
Gen. Lovell informed Capt. Bailey that he had 
already evacuated the city, and would now 
turn over the control to the municipal authori- 
ties, leaving them free to act as they saw fit. 
It was then arranged that Capt. Bailey should 
return to his fleet, and await the action of the 
common council. To the demand to haul down 
the flag of Louisiana from the City Hall the 
mayor gave an unqualified refusal. The com- 



mon council was already in session, and the 
mayor at once sent in a message, recommend- 
ing that an answer be returned to Capt. Far- 
ragut, representing that the city being incapa- 
ble of offering any resistance yielded to physi- 
cal force alone, without giving up its allegiance 
to the Confederate Government ; that the cus- 
tom house, post office, and mint were the prop- 
erty of the Confederate Government, and the 
municipal authorities had no control over them ; 
and that all acts involving a transfer of author- 
ity must be performed by the invading forces 
themselves. The sentiments expressed in this 
message were unanimously adopted by the 
council, and on the next day the following cor- 
respondence was opened between Capt. Far- 
ragut and the mayor : 

U. 8. Flag Ship Haktfokd, off New Orleans, ) 
April 26, 1862. ) 

To His Excellency the Mayor of New Of leans: 

Sir : Upon my arrival before your city I had the 
honor to send to your honor Capt. Bailey, U. S. N., 
second in command of the expedition, to demand of 
you the surrender of New Orleans to me as the repre- 
sentative of the Government of the United States. 
Capt. Bailey reported the result of an interview with 
yourself and the military authorities. It must occur 
to your honor that it is not within the province of a 
naval officer to assume the duties of a military com- 
mandant. I came here to reduce New Orleans to obe- 
dience to the laws of and to vindicate the ofi'ended 
majesty of the Government of the United States. 

The rights of persons and property shall be secured. 
I therefore demand of you, as its representative, the 
unqualified surrender of the city, and that the emblem 
of the sovereignty of the United States be hoisted 
over the City Hall, Mints, and Custom House by me- 
ridian this day; and that all flags and other emblems 
of sovereignty other than those of the United States 
be removed from all the public buildings at that honr. 

I further particularly request that you shall exercise 
your authority to quell disturbances, restore order, 
and call upon all the good people of New Orleans to 
return at once to their vocations, and I particularly 
demand that no person shall be molested in person or 
property for sentiments of loyalty to their Govern- 
ment. 

I shall speedily and severely punish any person or 
persons who shall commit such outrages as were wit- 
nessed yesterday, by armed men firing upon helpless 
women and children for giving expression to their 
pleasure at witnessing the old flag. 

I am, very respectfully, 

JD. G. FARRAGUT, 
Flag-Officer Western Gulf Squadron. 

TJ. S. Flao Ship Haetfoed, at anchor off the I 
City of New Orleans, Ap7Hl 26, 1862. J 
To his Honor the Mayor of Mtc Orleans : 

Your honor will please give directions that no flag 
but that of the United States will be permitted to fly 
in the presence of this fleet, so long as it has the power 
to prevent it ; and as all displays of that kind may be 
the cause of bloodshed, I have to request that you will 
give this communication as general a circulation as 
possible. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, vour obe- 
dient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, 

Flag-Officer Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. 

Mayok'8 Office, Crry of New Orleans, City I 
Hall, April 26, 1862. j 

To Flag-Officer D. G. Farragnt, U. S. Flag Ship 

Hartford : 
Sir : In pursuance of a resolution which we thought 
proper to take, out of regard for the lives of the wom- 
en and children who still crowd the metropolis, Gen. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



197 



Lovell has evacuated it with his trooi)s, and restored 
back to me the administration of its government and 
the custody of its honor. 

I have, in council with the City Fathers, considered 
the demand you made of me yesterday of an uncondi- 
tional surrender of the city, coupled with a requisition 
to hoist the lla<i; of the United States on the public 
edifices and haid down the flag that still floats upon 
the breeze from the dome of this hall. 

It becomes my duty to transmit to you an answer 
which is the universal sentiment of my constituents, 
no less than the promptings of my own heart on this 
sad and solemn occasion. 

The city is without the means of defence, and is ut- 
terly destitute of the force and material that might en- 
able it to resist the overpowering armament displayed 
in sight of it. 

I am no military man, and possess no authority be- 
yond that of executing the munici()al laws of the city 
"of New Orleans. It would be presumptuous in me to 
attempt to lead an army to the field, if I had one at 
command, and I know still less how to surrender an 
undefended place, held as this is at the mercies of your 
gunners and your mortars. 

To surrender such a place were an idle and unmean- 
ing ceremony. The city is yours by the power of 
brutal force, not by my choice or the consent of the 
inhabitants. It is for you to determine the fate that 
awaits her. As to hoisting any flag not of our own 
adoption or allegiance, let me say to you that the man 
lives not in our midst whose hand and heart would not 
be paralyzed at the mere thought of such an act ; nor 
could I find in my entire constituency so desperate 
and wretched a renegade as would dare to profane 
with his hand the sacred emblem of our aspirations. 

Sir, you have manifested sentiments which would 
become one engaged in a better cause than that to which 
you have devoted your sword. I doubt not that they 
spring from a noble though deluded nature, and I 
know how to appreciate the emotions which inspired 
them. You have a gallant people to administrate 
during your occupancy of this city — a people sensitive 
to all that can in the least atfect their dignity and self- 
respect. 

Pray, sir, do not fail to regard their susceptibilities. 
The obligations which I shall assume in their name 
will be religiously complied with. You may trust 
their honor, though you might not count on their sub- 
mission to unmerited wrongs. 

In conclusion, I beg you to understand that the peo- 
ple of New Orleans, while unable to resist your force, 
do not allow themselves to be insulted by the inter- 
ference of such as have rendered themselves odious 
and contemptible by their dastardly desertion of our 
cause in the mighty struggle in which we are engaged, 
or such as might remind them too forcibly that they 
*are the conquered and you the conquerors. 

Peace and order may be preserved without resort to 
measures which I could not at this moment prevent. 

Your occupying the city does not transfer allegiance 
from the government of their choice to one which they 
have deliberately repudiated, and that they yield the 
obedience which the conqueror has a right to e.xtort 
from the conquered. Yours, respectfully, 

JOUN F. MONfiOE, Mayor. 

U. S. Flag Ship TIartforh. nt anchor of the City | 
of New Orloiins, April. 28, 1SG3. ( 
To Hts Honor the Mayor and City Council of the City 
of New Orleans; 

Your communication of the 26th instant has been 
received, together with that of the City Council. 

I deeply reajret to see both by their contents, and 
the continued display of the flag of Louisiana on the 
court house, a*deterinination on the part of the city 
authorities not to haul it down. Moreover, when my 
oflicers and men were sent on shore to communicate 
with the authorities, and to hoist the United States 
flag on the Custom House, with the strictest order not 
to use their arms unless assailed, they were insulted in 
the grossest manner, and the flag which had been 



hoisted by my orders on the Mint was pulled down and 
dragged through the streets. 

All of which goes to show that the fire of this fleet 
may be drawn upon the city at any moment, and in 
such an event the levee would, in all probability, be 
cut by the shells, and an amount of distress ensue to 
the innocent population, which I have heretofore en- 
deavored to assure you that I desire by all means to 
avoid. 

The election, therefore, is with you. But it becomes 
my duty to notify you to remove the women and 
children from the city within forty-eight hours, if I 
rightly understood your determination. 

V erv respectfully, your obedient servant, 
■(Signed) D. G. FARIIAGUT, 

Flag-Olficer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. 

City Hall, April 2S, 1S62. 
ToFlag-Oficer D. G.Farragut, United States Flag Ship 
Hartford : 

Your communication of this morning is the first in- 
timation I ever had that it was by your strict ordci's 
that the United States flag was attempted to be hoisted 
upon certain of our public edifices, by officers sent on 
shore to communicate with the authorities. The ofli- 
cers who approached me in your name disclosed no 
such ordcis and intimated no such design on your 
part, nor would I have for a moment entertained the 
remotest suspicion that they could have been invested 
with power to enter on such an errand while the nego- 
tiations for a surrender between you and the city au- 
thorities were still pending. The interference of any 
force under your command, as long as those nef^otia- 
tions were not brought to a close, could not be viewed 
by us otherwise than as a flagrant violation of those 
courtesies, if not of the absolute rights, which prevail 
between belligerents under such circumstances. My 
views and sentiments with reference to such conduct 
remain unchanged. You rtow renew the demand 
made in your former communication, and you insist 
on their being complied with unconditionally, under a 
threat of bombardment within fortj^-eight hours ; and 
you notify me to remove the women and children from 
the city, that they may be protected from your shells. 

Sir, you cannot but know that there is no possible 
exit from this city for a population which still exceeds 
in number one hundred and forty thousand, and you 
must therefore be aware of the utter inanity of such a 
notification. Our women and children cannot escape 
from your shells, if it be your pleasure to murder 
them on a question of mere etiquette. But if they 
could, there are but few among them who would con- 
sent to desert their families and their homes, and the 
graves of their relatives, in so awful a moment. They 
would bravely stand the sight of your shells tearing 
up the graves of those who are so dear to them, and 
would deem that they died not ingloriously by the side 
of the tombs erected by their piety to the memory of 
departed relatives. » 

You are not satisfied with the possession of an un- 
defended city, opposing no resistance to your guns, 
because of its bearing its hard fate with something of 
manliness and dignity, and you wish to humble and 
disgrace us by the performance of an act against which 
ouf^natnres i-ebel. This satisfaction you cannot expect 
to obtain at our hands. 

We will stand your bombardment, unarmed and un- 
defended as we are. The civilized world will consign 
to indelible infamy the heart that will conceive the deed 
and the hand that will dare to consummate it. 
Respectfully, JOHN T. MONROE, 

Mayor of the City of New Orleans. 

Unitbd States Flag-Phip Hartpord, At Anchor { 
otr the City of iSlew Orleans. April 29, 1862. ( 

To His Honor the Mayor of the City of New Orleans : 

Sir : The Forts St. Philip and Jackson having sur- 
rendered, and all the military defences of the city be- 
ing either captured or abandoned, you are required, as 
the sole representative of any supposed authority in 
the city, to haul down and suppress every ensign and 



198 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



symbol of Government, whether State or Confederate, 
except that of the United States. I am now about to 
raise the flag of the United States upon the Custom 
House, and you will see that it is respected with all 
the civil power of the city. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obe- 
dient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, 
Flag-Officer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. 

United States Flag Ship Hartford, At Anchor I 
otl' the City of New Orleans, April 30, 1S62. f 

Gentlesien : I informed you in my communication 
of the 28th of April, that vour determination, as I un- 
derstood it, was not to haul down the flag of Louisiana 
on the City Hall, and that my officers and men were 
treated with rudeness when they landed, even with a 
flag of truce, to communicate with the authorities, &c., 
and, if such was to be the determined course of the 
people, the fire of the vessels might at any moment be 
drawn upon the city. This you have thought proper 
to construe into a determination on my part to murder 
your women and children, and made your letter so of- 
fensive that it will terminate our intercourse ; and so 
soon as General Butler arrives with his forces I shall 
turn over the charge of the city to him and assume my 
naval duties. Very respectfully, &c., 

D. G. FARRAGUT, 
Flag-Officer Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. 
His Honor the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans* 

Captain Farragut then seized all the steam- 
boats which had not been destroyed, — among 
them the famous Tennessee, for which the 
blockaders had long been watching — and sent 
them down to Quarantine for General Butler's 
forces. There were several iron-clad rams 
building, at the time of the capture of the 
city, the principal one of which, the Missis- 
sippi, soon came floating by in flames. An- 
other was sunk in front of the custom house, 
and there were others at Algiers, opposite 
New Orleans, just begun. 

" I next went above the city eight miles, to 
Carrolton," writes Captain Farragut, " where I 
learned there were two other forts ; but the 
panic had gone before me. I found the guns 
spiked, and the gun carriages in flames. The 
first work, on the right, reaches from the Mis- 
sissippi nearly over to Pontchartrain, and has 
29 guns ; the one on the left had 6 guns, from 
which Commander Lee took some 50 barrels 
of powder, and completed the destruction of 
the gun carriages, &c. A mile higher up there 
were two other earthworks, but not yet armed. 

" We discovered here, fastened to the right 
bank of the river, one of the most Herculean 
labors I have ever seen — a raft and chain to 
extend across the river to prevent Footers gun- 
boats from descending. It is formed by placing 
three immense logs of not less than three or 
four feet in diameter, and some thirty feet 
long : to the centre one a 2-inch chain is at- 
tached, running lengthwise the raft ; and the 
three logs and chain are then frapped together 
by chains from one half to one inch, three or 
four layers, and there are 96 of these lengths 
composing the raft. It is at least three quarters 
of a mile long. * * * 

" I sent on shore and hoisted the American 
flag on the custom house, and hauled down 
the Louisiana State flag from the city hall, as 
the mayor had avowed that there was no man 



in New Orleans who dared haul it down ; and 
my own convictions are that if such an indi- 
vidual could have been found he would have 
been assassinated." 

The operations of Commander Porter below 
the forts were as follows : As soon as Cap- 
tain Farragut was ready to proceed, the five 
steamers attached to the mortar flotilla moved 
up and took position under the batteries, the 
leading vessel 500 yards ofi", and the others 
closing up as the fire commenced. As soon as 
the Hartfoi'd, Brooklyn, and Richmond passed 
they opened with shrapnell on the water bat- 
tery and forts, having received the fire ten or 
fifteen minutes before replying to it. As the 
fire was high and they were close in shore, 
nearer the forts than the enemy supposed, they 
occupied, as it turned out, a safer position than 
the vessels farther out, there being only one 
killed and one wounded on board the Harriet 
Lane, while the other steamers remained un- 
touched. The mortars meanwhile poured a 
heavy fire upon Fort Jackson. In one hour and 
ten minutes from weighing anchor, the fleet 
had passed the forts, and Commander Porter, 
having accomplished his part, hung out the sig- 
nal to retire, and sent Lieutenant Commanding 
Guest with a flag of truce to demand the sur- 
render of the forts. The flag was fired upon 
and put back, but a boat soon came down with 
an apology and received the summons, to which 
Lieut.-Col. Higgins, commanding the forts, re- 
plied that until he received official informa- 
tion of the fall of New Orleans no proposition 
for a surrender could be for a moment enter- 
tained. Giving the men one day to rest, 
Commander Porter resumed ths bombardment 
on the 26th, but there was no response. Learn- 
ing that the formidable iron-clad battery Louis- 
iana, mounting 16 heavy guns, had escaped 
Captain Farragut, and with three Confederate 
steamers which the flotilla had also left behind 
them, was about to make an attack upon the 
mortar boats, he sent the schooners, which 
would have been almost defenceless against 
such an adversary, down the river to refit and 
prepare for sea, six of them having orders to 
pass around to the rear of Fort Jackson to pre- 
vent supplies from getting in, and two being 
sent to the rear of Fort St. Philip to 
assist in landing troops. Three of them drifted 
over to the mouth of Barataria Bay, and re- 
ceived the surrender of Fort Livingston. On 
the 27th, the possession of the forts being an 
urgent necessity. Commander Porter renewed 
the demand, offering honorable terms, the offi- 
cers to retain their side arms, and both officers 
and men to be paroled, private property to be 
respected, the arms and munitions of war and 
public property to be surrendered, and no dam- 
age to be done by the garrison t</the defences. 
These tei-ms were accepted the next day, part- 
ly, no doubt, in consequence of the landing of 
General Butler at Quarantine in the rear of 
Fort St. Philip, which entirely cut off reen- 
forcements ; and partly, according to Command- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



199 



er Porter, on account of disaifection in the gar- 
rison. Two hundred and fifty in fact of the 
garrison of Fort Jackson, after spiking the guns 
bearing up the river, surrendered themselves 
to Gen. Butler's pickets on the night of the 
28th, averring that they had been impressed 
and would fight no longer. While the capitula- 
tion was being drawn up, the Confederate naval 
oflicers towed the ram Louisiana to a point 
above the forts, and having set her on fire, turn- 
ed her adrift, with guns shotted, in the expec- 
tation that she ^tould explode in the midst of 
the fleet. The final catastrophe, however, took 
place sooner than they had hoped. Just as the 
battery got abreast of Fort St. Philip it blew 
up with a tremendous noise, and sunk imme- 
diately. The only injury was to a Confederate 
soldier in the fort, wlio was killed by one of 
the fragments. As soon as the capitulation 
was completed, the Harriet Lane turned her 
attention to the three Confederate steamers 
which were lying about half a mile above. 
One of them had already been scuttled ; the 
others surrendered withoxit resistance, and 14 
officers, 7 engineers, the crews of the steamers, 
and 300 men and two companies of marine ar- 
tillery belonging to the Louisiana became pris- 
oners of war. The men were released on pa- 
role ; the officers, in consequence of their con- 
duct in setting fire to the battery, and attempt- 
ing to destroy the fleet while a capitulation 
was in progress, were sent to the North as close 
prisoners. Gen. Phelps now arrived, and 
Poi'ter turned over to him the forts, guns, and 
captured property. The loss of the Confed- 
erates during the bombardment was 14 killed 
and 39 wounded. The casualties in the fleet 
were, during the six days' bombardment, 2 
killed and 24 wounded ; during the passing of 
the forts and the engagement witli the Chal- 
mette batteries, 37 killed, and 147 wounded; 
on board the mortar boats, 1 killed and G 
wounded; total, 40 killed, and 177 wounded. 
Fort St. Philip was very little injured, only 
one of the mortars having fired upon it, be- 
cause its fate evidently depended upon that of 
Fort Jackson. The latter was described by 
Commander Porter after the surrender as " a 
perfect wreck." Over 1,800 shells fell inside 
the work proper, 170 in the water battery, and 
by the estimate of the soldiers, about 3,000 in 
the ditches around the works. All the build- 
ings in and near the fort were burnt ; the ram- 
parts were severely damaged on every side, and 
particularly on the north, but had been repaired 
with sand bags which were constantly sent 
down from New Orleans during the bombard- 
ment ; the walls of the citadel were cracked in 
many places very badly ; the casemates were 
cracked from end to end^ several of them show- 
ing wide fissures in the roofs and sides, and 
their floors were three inches under water. 
Still there is little question that, but for the 
interruption of their communications with New 
Orleans, these works could have held out much 
longer, the extent of the damage being far from 



proportionate to the time and powder expended 
in the bombardment. If the formidable 13-inch 
mortars did not fully answer the expectations 
which had been formed of them, this fact must 
be attributed first to the softness of the soil 
which allowed the shells to sink 20 feet, by 
measurement, before they exploded, and sec- 
ondly to the difficulty of getting accurate range : 
the forts rose but little above the surrounding 
bushes, and the vessels which were moored be- 
hind the wood often had to fire almost at ran- 
dom ; the mortars could only be pointed from 
sights fixed to the mast heads, and the most 
curious expedients were resorted to for obtain- 
ing correct firing. 

After the conquered forts and city had been 
occupied by the military forces. Commander 
Porter was ordered to repair to Ship Island. 
The Portsmouth, the Pensaeola, and one gun- 
boat were stationed at New Orleans; seven 
vessels were sent up the river under command 
of Captain Craven, " to keep up the panic ; " 
and the smaller steamers, under command of 
Captain Lee, were ordered to ascend as far as 
Vicksburg. 

Commander James S. Palmer arrived off Ba- 
ton Rouge with the Iroquois, May 7, and de- 
manded the surrender of the town and jdl prop- 
erty belonging to the Confederate Government, 
promising to respect the rights and property of 
private citizens, but requiring that the United 
States flag should be hoisted on the arsenal. 
The mayor, while admitting that the city was 
without the means of resistance, refused to sur- 
render or to hoist the flag. Com. Palmer 
accordingly landed a force and took possession 
of the arsenal, and Flag-Officer Farragut arriv- 
ing soon afterward took measures to secure 
proper respect for the national ensign, and to 
cause all other flags to be suppressed. 

On the 12th the Iroquois anchored off 
Natchez in company with several other vessels, 
and Commander Palmer sent on shore a de- 
mand for surrender which the people at the 
wharf refused to receive. He then made dis- 
positions for landing an armed force, but was 
met at the shore by a deputation from the com- 
mon council with an apology for the previous 
refusal. The mayor sent a reply to the sum- 
mons similar to that given by the mayor of 
Baton Rouge, but he issued a proclamation 
urging the citizens to commit no act to provoke 
the displeasure of the United States forces. As 
Natchez however had never been occupied as 
a military position. Commander Palmer defer- 
red taking formal possession of it. 

Commander S. P. Lee with the advance of 
the squadron arrived near Vicksburg, May 18, 
and in reply to his demand for surrender re- 
ceived a defiant refusal. Ho then gave 24 hours 
for the removal of women and children, after 
which time he declared lie should consult his 
own judgment as to the propriety of immediate- 
ly opening fire. Flag-Officer Farragut arrived 
a few days afterward, accompanied by a column 
of troops under General "Williams. Subsequent- 



200 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ly an additional naval and military force was 
brought up, including Porter's mortar fleet, and 
the latter opened the bombardment on the 
night of June 26-27, directing their lire partly 
against the town and partly against some for- 
midable batteries on the heights. On the 
morning of the 27th the Owasco, Lieut. Guest, 
ran up abreast of the town and threw in some 
incendiary shells, which failed to explode. At 
3 o'clock on the morning of the 28th the squad- 
ron made a move to pass tjie batteries, the 
mortar fleet supporting them as at the battle 
of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. The Hartford 
and several other vessels succeeded in passing 
the range of batteries, which extended full three 
miles, and did this too in the face of a strong 
current, but as there was not a sutiicient land 
force to cooperate in the attack, no substantial 
benefit resulted from the movement. The 
enemy were several times driven from their 
batteries, but returned to their guns as soon as 
the ships had passed. Forming a junction with 
the western gunboat flotilla of Flag-Officer 0. 
H. Davis, Farragut concerted with that ofllcer 
and Gen. "Williams an exjiedition up the Yazoo 
River, consisting of the gimboats Carondelet 
and Tyler and the ram Queen of the "West, 
strengthened by sharpshooters from the army. 
They started on the morning of July 15, and 
near the mouth of the river encountered the 
Coiifederate ram Arkansas. A severe fight en- 
sued, in which both the Carondelet and ^the 
Tyler were partially disabled, and the Arkan- 
sas then entered the Mississippi and passing 
boldly through the surprised fleets of Farragut 
and Davis, took refuge under the guns of "V'icks- 
burg. Farragut now determined to repass the 
batteries, for the double purpose of supporting 
the rest of his squadron and destroying the 
Arkansas in passing ; to assist in which Flag- 
Oflicer Davis added to his force the ram Sumter, 
Lieutenant-Commanding Erben. Toward even- 
ing Davis opened a bombardment, for the pur- 
pose of covering the movement, and Capt. Fai*- 
ragut succeeded in getting below Yicksburg 
again with little loss of life, but his designs 
against the Arkansas were defeated by the dark- 
ness of the night. On the 22d Commander W. 
D. Porter with the iron-clad gunboat Essex, 
and Lieut.-Col. Ellet, with the ram Queen of 
the West, made another attempt to destroy the 
Confederate vessel, but the attack, thougla ex- 
ecuted with great gallantry under the fire of 
the batteries, did not succeed. The Essex ran 
down to Fai-ragut's fleet, and Farragut having 
been instructed by the navy department to 
drop down the river before the water got too 
low, it was arranged that Commander "W. D. 
Porter should remain below Vicksburg with 
the Essex and Sumter. 

On the 28th of July Farragut arrived at New 
Orleans, leaving the Katahdin and Kineo at 
Baton Rouge. On the 5th of August the Con- 
federates made a vigorous land attack upon the 
latter place, which was repulsed after a severe 
contest. The gunboats were not able to assist 



until toward the close of the action, when they 
threw their shells directly into the midst of the 
enemy with great effect. The Arkansas had 
dropped down the river to take part in the at- 
tack, but was not brought into action, one of 
her engines having broken down. The next 
morning Porter, who was then at Baton Rouge, 
with the Essex, moved up to attack her, but 
before the fight had fairly begun her other en- 
•giue gave way, and she was run ashore, aban- 
doned, and set on fire by the crew. About an 
hour afterward she blew up. On the 11th 
Farragut sailed for Ship Island and Pensacola, 
which latter place, having been evacuated by 
the Confederates, was now made the depot of 
the Western Gulf squadron. 

Commander W. D. Porter remained at Baton 
Rouge until August 23, when the town having 
been evacuated by the Federal troops, he pro- 
ceeded up the river to reconnoitre batteries re- 
ported to be erecting at Port Hudson, and 
thence ascended to Bayou Sara to obtain coal, 
where his boat's crew was flred upon by guer- 
rillas. Some of the buildings were thereupon 
burned, and a few days afterward, as the firing 
was repeated, the rest of the place was destroy- 
ed. Afterward, a boat's crew fi'om the Essex, 
sent ashore at Natchez to procure ice for the 
sick, was attacked by some two hundred armed 
citizens, one of the sailors being killed, and an 
ofl3cer and five men wounded. Commander 
Porter immediately opened fire on the town, 
set a number of houses in flames, and continued 
the bombardment for an hour, after which the 
mayor surrendered. On her way down to New 
Orleans the Essex had a brisk engagement, on 
the 7th of September, with the Port Hudson 
batteries. 

In the mean time, several vessels of Capt. 
Farragut's squadron had been employed on the 
coast of Texas, where acting volunteer Lieut. 
J. W. Kittredge, with the bark Arthur, the lit- 
tle steamer Sachem, and a launch, captured 
Corpus Christi, after several spirited engage- 
ments with the enemy's batteries, but was un- 
able to hold the town, and was himself made 
prisoner, September 14, while on shore ex- 
ploring. 

On May 1, several days after the surrender of 
the city to Flag-Ofiicer Farragut, formal posses- 
sion was taken of New Orleans by the land 
forces of the Enited States under the command 
of Major-Gen. B. F. Butler, who, after a con- 
ference mth the municipal authorities and some 
of the principal inhabitants, issued a proclama- 
tion adapted to the circumstances of the cap- 
tured city and its inhabitants. After assuring 
protection to all well-disposed persons, natives 
as well as foreigners, and requiring keepers of 
public property and manufacturers of arms and 
munitions of war to make a return of the kind 
and quantity of material in their possession, the 
proclamation proceeded as follows : 

All the rights of property of whatever kind will be 
held inviolate, subject only to the laws of the United 
States. All the inhabitants are enjoined to pursue 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



201 



their usual avocations. All shops and places of amuse- 
ment are to be kept open in the accustomed manner, 
and services are to beheld in the churches and relig- 
ious houses, as in times of profound peace. Keepers 
of all public houses and drinking saloons are to re- 
port their names and numbers to the office of the 
Provost Marshal, and they will then receive a license 
and be held responsible for all disorders and disturb- 
ances arising in their respective places. Sufficient 
force will be kept in the city to preserve order and 
maintain the laws. The killing of American soldiers 
by any disorderly person or mob is simply assassina- 
tion and murder, and not war, and will be so regarded 
and punished. The owner of any house in which 
such murder shall be committed will be held respon- 
sible therefor, and the house be liable to be destroyed 
by the military authority. All disorders, disturb- 
ances of the peace, and crimes of an aggravated na- 
ture, interfering with the forces or laws of the United 
States, will be referred to u military court for trial 
and punishment. Other misdemeanors will be sub- 
ject to the municipal authority, if it desires to act. 
Civil causes between party and party will be referred 
to the ordinary tribunals. The levy and collection of 
taxes, save those imposed by the laws of the United 
States, are suppressed, except those for keeping in 
repair and lightmg the streets and for sanitary pur- 
poses. These are to be collected in the usual manner. 
The circulation of Confederate bonds, evidences of 
debt (except notes in the similitude of bank notes), 
issued by the Confederate States, or scrip, or any 
trade in the same, is forbidden. It has been repre- 
sented to the commanding general by the civil au- 
thorities that these Confederate notes, in the form of 
bank notes, in a great measure, are the only substi- 
tutes for money which the people have been allowed 
to have, and that great distress would ensue among 
the poorer classes if the circulation of such notes 
should be suppressed. Such circulation, therefore, 
will be permitted so long as any one will be inconsid- 
erate enough to receive them until further orders. 
No publication of newspapers, pamphlets, or handbills 
giving accounts of the movements of the soldiers of 
the Llnited States within this department, reflecting 
in any wav upon the United States, intending in any 
way to influence the public mind against the United 
States, will be permitted, and all articles on war 
news, editorial comments, or correspondence making 
comments upon the movements of the armies of the 
United States, must be submitted to the examination 
of an officer who will be detailed for that purpose 
from these headquarters. The transmission of all 
communications by telegraph will be under the 
charge of an officer from these headquarters. 

Gen. Butler further requested that outrages 
committed by the soldiery upon the persons or 
property of citizens should be reported to the 
provost guard, prohibited the assemblage of 
persons in the streets, suspended the municipal 
authority so far as the police of the city and 
crimes were concerned (except that, for the 
effective promotion of order, an armed body of 
foreigners known as the European Legion, 
which was employed subsequent to the evacu- 
ation of the city by Gen. Lovell to protect the 
lives and property of the citizens, was invited 
to cooperate with the military authorities), and 
in general imposed upon the city the ordinary 
conditions of martial law. Copies of the proc- 
lamation were sent to all the newspaper offices ; 
and upon the editors unanimously refusing to 
print it, forcible possession was taken of the 
" True Delta" office, and by the aid of Northern 
printers, selected from the different regiments 
of national troops, the document was speedily 



set up, and was worked off in the edition of the 
paper for May 2. 

The landing of troops at New Orleans and at 
Algiers, on the opposite side of the Mississippi, 
meanwhile went vigorously on, and, by the di- 
rection of Gen. Shipley, the military governor, 
the principal points of approach to the city 
were occcupied in force, with pickets thrown 
out as far as the crossing of the Jackson and 
Jefferson Railroad. Gen. Butler established his 
headquarters at the St. Charles Hotel, and an- 
other large hotel, the Evans House, on Poydras 
street, was converted into a hospital. A suf- 
ficient force of gunboats remained in front of 
the city to oppose any sudden rising of the in- 
habitants or attack by a Confederate army, 
while the remainder with a portion of the mor- 
tar fleet proceeded up the river to CarroUton, 
Baton Rouge, and other places. "Whether on 
account of the hopelessness of opposition, or of 
the indifference with which the large foreign 
element in the population (about 40 per cent.) 
regarded the fate of the city, or because perhaps 
the inhabitants were satisfied with tlie immense 
destruction of cotton and sugar which had al- 
ready been accomplished, the city remained 
comparatively ti-anquil. " Our streets," says 
the "Delta" of May 1, "are remarkably quiet. 
Most of the stores have been closed since Fri- 
day last (April 25), and remain closed, with a 
few exceptions. The principal hotels are closed, 
and there is some difficulty among those who 
have been in the habit of making these estab- 
lishments their homes in effecting other ar- 
rangements. The bar rooms have all been 
closed since Friday last. For some days there 
was great difficulty in passing the miserable 
currency we are cursed with, but, thanks to the 
judicious measures taken by the authorities, 
confidence in it has been partially restored. 
The markets are still very meagrely furnished, 
and, to provide regiilar supplies of food for this 
large population, will require all the wisdom of 
those who have our Avelfare in their keeping, 
for the ordinary intercourse between the city 
and country must, to a considerable extent, 
continue broken up." * * * * ^ 

TJie first consideration brought to the notice 
of the military and municipal authorities was 
the destitute condition of a largo portion of the 
population, who were literally at the point of 
starvation ; and in accordance with a recom- 
mendation from the mayor and common coun- 
cil Gen. Butler gave orders, on May 2 and 3, 
for the safe conduct of cargoes of flour, live 
stock, and other necessaries from Mobile and 
various places in the interior. These proving 
ineflectual to relieve the prevailing distress, he 
issued on the 9th of the month a proclamation, 
known as General Order No. 25, the purport 
of which can be best understood by quoting the 
document in full : 

Headqtjakters Department op the Gcxp, J 
New Orleaks, May 9, 1862. j 

The deplorable state of destitution and hunger of 
the mechanics and working classes in this city has 



202 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION". 



been brought to the knowledge of the commanding 
general. 

_ He has yielded to every suggestion made by the 
city government, and ordered every method of fur- 
nishing food to the people of New Orleans that that 
government desired. No relief by those officials has 
yet been afforded. This hunger does not pinch the 
wealthy and influential, the leaders of the rebellion, 
who have gotten up this war, and are now endeavor- 
ing to prosecute it, without regard to the starving 
poor, the working-man, his wife and child. Unmind- 
ful of their suftering fellow-citizens at home, they 
have caused or suffei-ed provisions to be carried out 
of the city for the Confederate service since the occu- 
pation by the United States forces. 

Lafayette Square, their home of affluence, was made 
the depot of stores and munitions of war for the rebel 
armies, and not of provisions for their poor neighbors. 
Striking hands with the vile, the gambler, the idler, 
and the ruffian, they have destroyed the sugar and 
cotton which might have been exchanged for food for 
the industrious and good, and regrated the price of 
that which is left, by discrediting the very currency 
they had furnished while they sloped with the specie, 
as well as that stolen from the United States, as the 
banks, the property of the good people of New Or- 
leans, thus leaving them to ruin and starvation — fu- 
gitives from justice many of them, and others, their 
associates, staying because too puerile and insignifi- 
cant to be objects of punishment by the clement 
Government of the United States. 

They have betrayed their country. 

They have been false to every trust. 

They have shown themselves incapable of defend- 
ing the State they have seized upon, although they 
have forced every poor man's child into their service 
as soldiers for that purpose, while they made their 
sons and nephews oflicers. 

They cannot protect those whom they have ruined, 
but have left them to the mercies and assassinations 
of a chronic mob. 

They will not feed those whom they are starving. 

Mostly without property themselves, they have 
plundered, stolen, and destroyed the means of those 
who had property, leaving children penniless and old 
age hopeless. 

Men of Louisiana, working-men, property-holders, 
merchants and citizens of the United States, of what- 
ever nation you may have had birth, how long will 
you uphold these flagrant wrongs, and by inaction 
suffer yourselves to be made the serfs of these lead- 
ers? 

The United States have sent land and naval forces 
here to fight and subdue rebellious armies in array 
against her authority. We find, substantially, only 
fugitive masses, runaway property-owners, a whis- 
key-drinking mob, and starving citizens with their 
wives and children. It is our duty to call back the 
first, to punish the second, root out the third, feed 
and protect the last. 

Eeady only for what we had not prepared ourselves, 
to feed the hungry and relieve the distressed with 
provisions. But to the extent possible within the 
power of the commanding general it shall be done. 

He has captured a quantity of beef and sugar in- 
tended for the rebels in the field. A thousand barrels 
of those stores will be distributed among the deserv- 
ing poor of this city, from whom the rebels had plun- 
dered it ; even although some of the food will go to 
supply the craving wants of the wives and children 
of those now herdmoj at Camp Moore and elsewhere, 
in arms against the United States. 
_ Capt. John Clark, acting Chief Commissary of Sub- 
sistence, will be charged with the execution of this 
order, and will give public notice of the place and 
manner of distribution, which will be arranged as far 
as possible so that the unworthy and dissolute will 
not share its benefits. 

By command of Major-General BUTLER, 
Geo. C. Strong, Assistant Adjt.-Gen., Chief of Staff. 



In accordance with this proclamation, a pub 
lie distribution of the captured stores was com 
menced on the 13th, by which means, together 
with the subsequent revival of traffic, all appre- 
hensions of immediate distress were dispelled. 
In reply to the severe strictures of Gen. Butler, 
several of the city newspapers stated, that since 
the preceding August the poor had been gratu- 
itously supplied twice a Aveek with provisions, 
that millions of dollars had been subscribed by 
private individuals for similai' purposes, and 
thatthe existing suffering was due to two causes: 
first, the blockade, or non-intercourse with the 
country from which provisions had previously 
been drawn, and, secondly, the derangement of 
the currency, the United States commander hav- 
ing, in his proclamation, warned the people of 
the danger of receiving the only currency in 
circulation, or rather the basis of the only cur- 
rency in circulation. 

With a view to procure a remedy for the lat- 
ter evil, a committee of the Associated Banks 
of New Orleans requested permission to restore 
to their vaults the specie which had been con- 
veyed from the city previous to its occupation 
by the national forces; to which Gen. IButler 
replied that the specie should have safe con- 
duct through his lines and be protected, so long 
as it should be used in good faith to make good 
the obligations of the banks to their creditors 
by bills and deposits. " In order," he added, 
" that there may be no misunderstanding, it 
must be further observd*d that I by no means 
pledge myself that the banks, like other persons, 
shall not return to the United States authorities 
all the property of the United States which they 
may have received. I came to " retake, repos- 
sess, and occupy all and singular the property of 
the United States of whatever name and nature. 
Further than that I shall not go, save upon the 
most urgent military necessity." 

Acting in the spirit of these words. Gen. 
Butler had on the 10th of the month taken 
forcible possession of a large amount of specie 
deposited in the office of M. Conturie, consul 
of the Netherlands, and which, it was supposed, 
belonged to the Confederate Government, or 
was to be expended in their behalf. The pro- 
ceeding drew forth a formal protest from the 
entire consular body of New Orleans, as being 
in contravention of treaties between theu* gov- 
ernments and the United States. In reply 
Gen. Butler expressed his regret that the con- 
suls should have acted without investigating 
the facts of the case, and stated that it would 
be demonstrated at the proper time that the 
flag of the Netherlands had been used to cover 
•and conceal property of an incorporated com- 
pany of Louisiana, secreted under it from the 
operation of the laws of the United States. 
" No person," he concluded, " can exceed me in 
the respect I shall pay to the flags of aU nations 
and to the consular authority, even while I do 
not recognize many claims made under them ; 
but I wish it to be most distinctly understood, 
that, in order to be respected, the consul, his 



MILITAEY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



office, and the use of his flag, must each and 
all be respected." 

The rigor and decision which marked Gen. 
Butler's conduct in this instance characterized 
his administration from the moment of his 
arrival in New Orleans, and by a prompt and 
sometimes severe exercise of the rules of 
martial law, particularly in the matter of ar- 
rests and imprisonments, ho kept the city in 
an orderly condition, although the inhabitants, 
distrusting his ability to maintain his authority 
for any considerable period, at first manifested 
no enthusiasm at the restoration of the national 
supremacy, and carefully abstained from com- 
mitting themselves in favor of the Union. A 
notable exception was found in the conduct of 
a portion of the female population, who availed 
themselves of the license usually permitted to 
their sex, to offer gross insults and indignities 
to the national soldiers, while in the orderly 
discharge of their duties. Apprehending that, 
if this conduct shoidd be unrebuked, the soldiers 
might be induced to retaliate, or brought into 
such contempt as to provoke open assaults from 
the disaliected portions of the populace. Gen. 
Butler issued on May 15 the following order, 
known as General Order No. 28 : 

Headqcartees, Depabtmest of GtTLP, New Oki.e.\j«-s. 

As ofHcers and soldiers of the United States have 

been subject to repeated insults from women, calling 

themselves ladies, of New Orleans, in return for the 

most scrupulous non-interference and courtesy on our 

Eart, it is ordered hereafter, when any female shall 
y mere gesture or movement insult, or show con- 
tempt for any officers or soldiers of the United States, 
she shall be regarded and held liable to be treated as 
a woman about town plying her avocation. 

By command of Major-General BUTLER. 

Its publication excited violent opposition 
from disloyal citizens, and the mayor of the 
city, John T. Monroe, made it the subject of an 
angry communication'to the municipal govern- 
ment, and of a letter to Gen. Butler, placing 
an exceedingly offensive construction upon the 
order. The latter immediately directed him to 
be deprived of his official functions, and com- 
mitted to Fort Jackson until further orders. 
At a subsequent interview with the commander- 
in-chief at headquarters, the mayor was in- 
formed that a withdi-awal of his letter, and an 
apology for the language which it contained, 
would alone relieve him from incarceration ; 
whereupon he made the annexed apology and 
retraction, and was allowed to resume the 
functions of his oflBce : 

Gen. Butler: This communication, having been 
sent under a mistake of fact, and being improper in 
language, I desire to apologize for the same, and to 
withdraw it. JOHNT. MONROE. Mayor. 

May 16, 1862. 

In explanation of the meaning and intent of 
the order. Gen. Butler, at the same time, 
addressed the following letter to the mayor, 
which was published, together with the apology 
of the latter, in the daUy papers of New 
Orleans : 



HEADQtTABTERS, DEPAETStENT OF THE OfLP. ) 

New Orleans, May 16, 1S62. ( 

Sin: There can be, there has been, no room for 
misunderstanding of General Order No. 28. 

No lady will take anj' notice of a strange gentleman, 
and d fortiori of a stranger, simply in such form as to 
attract attention. Common women do. 

Therefore, whatever woman, lady, or mistress, gen- 
tle or simple, who, by gesture, look, or word, insults, 
shows contempt for, tlius attracting to herself the 
notice of my officers and soldiers, will be deemed to 
act as becomes her vocation as a common woman, 
and will be liable to be treated accordingly. This 
was most fully explained to you at my office. 

I shall not, as I have not, abated a single word 
of that order ; it was well considered ; if obeyed, it will 
protect the true and modest women from all possible 
insult. The others will take care of themselves. 

You can publish your letter, if you publish this 
note and your apology. Respectfullv, 

BENJ. F". BUTLER, 
Major-General Commanding. 

John T. Monroe, Mayor of New Orleans. 

The agitation consequent upon the publica- 
tion of Order No. 28 was not confined to New 
Orleans or its neighborhood, but throughout 
all the States, loyal and disloyal, the language 
of Gen. Butler was made the subject of com- 
ments varying with the feelings or circum- 
stances of the writer. Gen. Beauregard read it 
at the head of his army, as an incitement to 
renewed efforts against the " Northern hordes;" 
the Confederate journals denounced it with all 
the resources of the language at their com- 
mand; and even in the North many editors and 
public speakers expressed themselves strongly 
against the order, and called upon the President 
to disavow it publicly and rebuke its author. 
In the European journals unfriendly to the na- 
tional cause, and in some also of opposite views, 
it Wiis criticised with characteristic asperity. 
The order was nevertheless tolerated by the 
President, and, in spite of the obloquy sought 
to be associated with it, was, in the opinion of 
persons competent to judge, in no respect op- 
pressive in its operation, but rather productive 
of substantial good by preventing an indulgence 
in wanton insults by any class of the popula. 
tion. 

On May 29, the further circulation of Con- 
federate money, which had been permitted for 
a limited period, ceased, in accordance with an 
order from the commander-in-chief, and on 
June 1, the port of New Orleans was declared, 
by a proclamation of the President, again open 
to commerce. Charles L. Lathrop, a former 
resident of the city, was appointed collector, 
and steam communication was almost imme 
diately resumed with the Northern States. 

This change was not effected without a 
resort to measures which Avere denounced as 
arbitrary and tyrannical. Arrests of suspected 
persons had constantly to be made, at the dis- 
cretion of the conmiander-in-chief, including, 
among others, Pierre Soule, who was sent 
North; the "thugs," gamblers, and other des- 
perate characters who had long dominated in 
the city, were dispersed or intimidated into 
silence ; the newspapers were on one occasion 
temporarily suppressed for advocating the burn- 



204 



MILITAET AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



ing of cotton and produce ; and the bakers and 
other venders of food who had taken advantage 
of the scarcity of provisions to charge exQr- 
bitant prices, were compelled to conform to the 
tariff fixed by the city ordinances. For the 
further protection of the citizens, stringent 
orders were issued on May 27 and June 5, 
prohibiting officers and soldiers from taking pri- 
vate property or forcibly entering and search- 
ing private dwellings without written authority 
from the proper officers. 

On June 7 took place the first military exe- 
cution since the occupation of the city, the 
sufferer being one William B. Mumford, who 
was arrested for hauling down, on the morning 
of April 26, an American flag hoisted on the 
Mint by a boat's crew from Flag-Officer Farra- 
gut's fleet, and subsequently assisting in tearing 
it into shreds, and otherwise insulting it in the 
presence of a large and riotous crowd of citizens. 
The act, if unnoticed, was deemed to offer so 
pernicious a precedent for future offences, that 
Mumford was directed to be tried before a mili- 
tary commission, by whom he was convicted 
and sentenced to be hung. The sentence was 
approved by Gen. Butler, and carried into effect 
in the presence of an immense throng of citizens, 
who made no demonstrations and dispersed 
quietly to their homes. A universal cry of 
indignation at what was denounced as an act 
of murder went up from the seceded States, the 
hoisting of the flag, pending the formal sm-- 
render of the city, being deemed an unauthor- 
ized and unjustifiable proceeding on the part 
of the United States authorities, and one against 
which the mayor had protested in a written 
communication to Flag-Officer Farragut. On 
the other hand, it was claimed that the flag had 
been hoisted on a public building of the United 
States, and that the tearing of it down was an 
overt act of treason, done for the purpose of ex- 
citing other evil-minded persons to further resist- 
ance to the laws and arms of the United States. 

To the deep feeling of revenge which this 
execution aroused was due the vindictive re- 
taliatory order subsequently issued by Jefferson 
Davis, and the rewards for the assassination of 
Gen. Butler, which have from time to time ap- 
peared in the Southern papers. The clemency 
of Gen. Butler had, however, a few days pre- 
vious, been successfully invoked in favor of six 
Confederate soldiers paroled at Fort Jackson, 
and subsequently sentenced by a court-martial 
to be shot for being engaged in a conspiracy to 
raise a company to serve in Gen. Beauregard's 
army ; and on another occasion he manifested 
his desire to administer justice impartially, by 
causing sentence of death against two soldiers 
of the garrison, convicted of robbery by a court- 
martial, to be carried into effect. These were 
the only military executions which have taken 
place in New Orleans during its occupation by 
the national forces. 

The difficulties with which Gen. Butler had 
become involved at the very outset of his ad- 
ministration, with the foreign consuls in New 



Orleans, foreshadowed a long series of com- 
plications embodying several grave questions 
of international comity. The news of the 
proceeding in the case of the consul of the 
Netherlands made some stir in the Northern 
States, and the subject having been brought to 
the notice of Mr. Seward by the British minister 
in the latter part of May, orders were issued 
from the War Department directing General 
Butler to refrain fi-om practising any severities 
or strictness of doubtful right toward consuls or 
the subjects of any foreign power. 

Business meanwhile began to assume some 
activity ; a degree of order previously unknown 
in the city was maintained, and, owing to the 
stringent quarantine regulations enforced by the 
commander-in-chief, the sanitary condition of all 
classes of the inhabitants was unusually good. 
On June 14, the first of a series of Union meetings 
was held, at which several of the old residents 
were present and made speeches, and the papers 
of the I7th announced a gratifying increase of 
Union sentiment among the population at large. 

During the summer no material change in 
the condition of things was experienced, the 
attention of Gen. Butler being directed toward 
the gradual weakening of the latent disunion 
power which still existed to a considerable ex- 
tent among the wealthy classes. By an order 
issued July 25th, all negroes leaving New Or- 
leans by direction of their masters, and who 
joined the national forces, were declared free; 
and early in the succeeding month a tax of 
$312,716 for the relief of the poor was levied 
on disloyal corporations and firms, being 25 per 
cent, of their contributions in aid of the South- 
ern Confederacy. Confiscations of the property 
of prominent secessionists, as Gen. Twiggs and 
John Slidell, were also ordered. Subsequent to 
August 11, all the inhabitants of New Orleans 
were disarmed by order of the military com- 
mandant of the city, a proceeding which elicited 
a remonstrance from the French consul in be- 
half of French subjects. In reply. Gen. Butler 
stated that he "could see no just cause for 
complaint against the order," and promised the 
protection of the United States troops against 
any attempts at violence upon disarmed per- 
sons, no matter by whom attempted. To the 
Spanish consul, who protested against the strin- 
gency of the quarantine laws, he replied that 
his object in enforcing these laws in their strict- 
ness was " to save the inhabitants of New Or- 
leans, as well Spanish as others, from the 
epidemic of yellow fever." In the latter part 
of August the initiatory step in the formation 
of a negro soldiery was taken by reorganizing 
the " Native Guards," a colored corps of the 
Louisiana State militia, raised under the certi- 
ficate issued by the former governor of the 
State, and placing them in the service of the 
United States. Other organizations of a similar 
kind followed, and by the close of the year this 
branch of the service was established on a per- 
manent footing. 

On September 24, Gen. Lewis G. Arnold 



MILITARY AND NAV^\X HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



205 



assumed comniaad of all the national troops 
at New Orleans and Algiers, and on the same 
day Gen. Butler created a panic among the se- 
cession sympathisers, by ordering all Americans, 
male and female, in his department, to renew 
their allegiance to the United States Govern- 
ment, under pain of fine and imprisonment at 
hard labor, and at the same time to submit a 
return of the amount of their real and personal 
property. The native population consequently 
flocked en masse to register their allegiance, 
and within a comparatively short time upward 
of 60,000 persons had complied with the order. 
Soon afterwards an order was issued prohibiting 
all persons in New Orleans holding moneys or 
other property in trust for persons in or sym- 
pathizing with the Confederate service ; or from 
paying over the same without an order from the 
mihtary headquarters, under penalty of having 
to refund a similar amount to the United States ; 
and on October 22 the relief commission, whose 
labors had been regularly prosecuted since the 
previous ifay, was directed to supply no fomily 
where there was an able-bodied male member 
over 18 and under 45 years of age, who was 
either not employed, or had not enlisted in the 
United States army. 

The month of November was distinguished 
by a further scries of orders. The most im- 
portant of these was one, framed in accordance 
with the provisions of the confiscation act of 
July, 1862, declaring sequestered all the property 
in the district called La Fourche, on the west 
side of the Mississippi, and all in that part of 
the State lying east of the Mississippi, except 
the parishes of Orleans, St. Bernard, and Pla- 
quemines. Within these portions of the State 
sales or transfers of property were prohibited, 
and a commission was appointed to take pos- 
session of the districts in question, under whose 
direction the sugar plantations were Avorked in 
the absence of their owners, and the property 
of disloyal persons inventoried and sold for the 
benefit of the Government. From these sales, 
which continued until the middle of Decem- 
ber, considerable sums were realized. Another 
order suppressed distilleries and other manu- 
factories of intoxicating liquors; another an- 
nounced that any officer found drinking intoxi- 
cating liquors in any public drinking place, 
would be recommended to the President for 
dismissal from the service ; and a third prohib- 
ited the arrest of any slave unless known to 
be owned by a Union citizen, or the imprison- 
ment of a slave unless his expenses should be 
prepaid, the slave to be released when the 
money was exhausted. Gen. Butler also or- 
dered a list of slaves confined in the police jail 
in the month of November to be published, and 
all whose jail fees were not paid within ten 
days to be discharged, adding: "This is the 
course taken in all countries with debtors con- 
fined by creditors, and slaves have not such com- 
mercial value in New Orleans as to justify their 
being held and fed by the city, relying upon any 
supposed lien upon the slave." 



A prominent feature in the history of this 
month was a Union meeting, held on the 15th, 
which was terminated by a grand torchlight 
procession through the principal streets. 

On December 3, in compliance with an order 
from Gen. Shepley, the military governor of 
Louisiana, an election for members of Congress 
was held, at which Benjamin F. Flanders and 
Michael Hahn were chosen to represent the first 
and second districts of the State, the elective 
franchise being accorded to all citizens who had 
taken the oath of allegiance. 

The next event of importance was the ar- 
rival, on the evening of December 14, of Gen. 
Banks, who had been appointed to supersede 
Gen. Butler in command of the Department of 
the Gulf. The news excited surprise among all 
classes, and not a few of those opposed to the 
restoration of the national supremacy were 
sorry to pai't with an officer who, if obnoxious 
from his zeal in the dischai'ge of his duties, had 
brought unexampled order and security to the 
city. A meeting of the two generals took place 
on the loth, at which Gen. Butler tendered a 
cordial welcome to his successor, assuring him 
that the troops would render a cheerful obe- 
dience to his orders; and, on the 16th, Gen. 
Banks issued a general order assuming com- 
mand of the Department of the Gulf and of the 
State of Texas. Another order required aU 
military and civil officers in the department to 
report to him, and a third suspended all public 
sales of property on account of the United 
States until further orders. 

On assuming command. Gen. Banks issued 
the following proclamation : 

Headqitabters Depaetmest op tue GuLr, I 
New Obleans, Dec 16, 1862. ( 

In obedience to orders from the President of the 
United States, I assume command of the Department 
of the Gulf, to which is added, by his special order, 
the State of Texas. 

The duty with which I am charged requires me to 
assist in the restoration of the Government of the 
United States. It is my desire to secure to the people 
of cver3^ class all the privileges of possession and en- 
joyment consistent with public safety, or which it is 
possible for a beneficent and just government to con- 
fer. In execution of the high trust with which I am 
charged, I rely upon the cooperation and counsel of 
all loyal and' well-disposed people, and upon the 
manifest interest of those dependent upon the pur- 
suits of peace, as well as upon the support of the na- 
val and land forces. 

My instructions require me to treat as enemies 
those who are enemies, but I shall gladly treat as 
friends those who are friends. No restrictions will 
be placed upon the freedom of individuals which is 
not imperatively demanded by considerations of pub- 
lic safety ; but", while their claims will be liberally 
considered, it is due also to them to state that all the 
rights of the Government will be unflinchingly main- 
tained. Kespectful consideration and prompt repara- 
tion will be accorded to all persons who are wronged 
in body or estate by those under my command. 

The Government does not profit by the prolonga- 
tion of the civil contest, or private or public suflferings 
which attend it. Its fruits are not equally distrib- 
uted. In disloval States desolation has its empire, 
both on sea and" on land. In the North the war is an 
abiding sorrow, but not yet a calamity. Its cities and 
towns are increasing in population,we£^th, and power. 



206 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Refugees from Ihe South alone compensate in great 
part for the terrible decimations of battle. 

The people of this department who are disposed to 
stake their fortunes and lives upon resistance to the 
Government may wisely reflect upon the immutable 
conditions which surround them. The valley of the 
Mississippi is the chosen seat of population, product, 
and power on this continent. In a few years twenty- 
five millions of people, unsurpassed in material re- 
sources and capacity for wai', will swarm upon its 
fertile rivers. Those who assume to set conditions 
upon their exodus to the Gulf count upon power not 
given to man. The country washed by the waters 
of the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi, can never be 
permanently severed. If one generation basely bar- 
ters away its rights, immortal honors will rest upon 
another that reclaims them. . 

Let it never be said either, that the East and the 
West may be separated. Thirty days' distance from 
the markets of Europe may satisfy the wants of Louis- 
iana and Arkansas, but it will not answer the demands 
of Illinois and Ohio. The valley of the Mississippi 
will have its deltas upon the Atlantic. The physical 
force of the West will debouch upon its shores with 
power as resistless as the torrents of its giant river. 

This country cannot be permanently divided. 
Ceaseless wars may drain its blood and treasure ; do- 
mestic tyrants or foreign foes may grasp the sceptre 
of its power; but its destiny will remain unchanged. 
It will still be united. God has ordained it. What 
avails, then, the destruction of the best Government 
ever devised by man, and the self-adjusting, self-cor- 
recting Constitution of the United States? 

People of the Southwest, why not accept the con- 
ditions imposed by the imperious necessities of geo- 
graphical configuration and commercial supremacy, 
and reestablish your ancient prosperity and renown? 
Why not become founders of States, which, as entre- 
pots and depots of your own central and upper val- 
leys, may stand in aflluence of their resources with- 



out a superior, and in the privileges of the people 
without a peer among the nations of the earth ? 

N. F. BANKS, Maj.-Gen. Com'g. 

The commencement of Gen. Banks's adminis- 
tration was marked by much leniency ; but a 
portion of the people abused his clemency by 
various demonstrations, which brought out the 
following significant warning : 

Headqtiakteks Depaetment of the Gulf. 1 
New Orleans, Dec. 21, 1862. j 

Information has been received at these headquar- 
ters that publications, injurious to the character of 
soldiers of the United States, are circulated in the 
streets, and that anonymous and threatening letters 
are sent to oflBcers connected with the public service. 
Such practices are indecent, offensive, and criminal, 
and must be suppressed. The troops of this depart- 
ment are instructed to observe a respectful deport- 
ment to all persons, and the same deference will be 
exacted from all persons in their favor. Any attempt 
on the part of any person whatever by oS'ensive per- 
sonal conduct to excite passion, or which tends to 
personal altercation or controversy and the disturb- 
ance of the public peace, will be punished with the 
sharpest severity known to the military laws. The 
Commanding General requests that»any violation of 
this order may be reported to these headquarters or 
to the Provost Marshal General, 

By command of Maj.-Gen. BANKS. 

That this did not immediately produce the 
effect intended was shown by the riotous con- 
duct of several citizens, who, on Christmas Day, 
cheered in the public streets fo;i- President Davis, 
and used threatening language toward the mili- 
tary authorities. Prompt measures were taken 
to prevent the repetition of such acts. 



CHAPTER XYII. 



Position of the forces near WasMngton — Movements of Gen. Lander — Fortifications at Manassas — Plans of Gen. McClellac 
— ^Evacuation of Manassas — Commandeft-s appointed by the President — Advance of the Army of the Potomac by water- 
Delay of Gen. McDowell — Safety of Washington — New Departments created — Advance of the Army of the Potomac 
on Yorktown — Its Siege — Evacuation — Pursuit by the Army of the Potomac — Evacuation of "Williamsburg — Nava) 
Battle and destruction of the Iron-clad Merrimac — Capture of Norfolk — Attack on Drury's Bluff— Advance of the Army 
of the Potomac up the Peninsula — Position on the Chickahominy — Withdrawal of Gen. McDowell. 



The position and number of the Federal 
troops in Virginia at the beginning of the year 
have already been stated. The distinct bodies 
of men were those under Gen. Wool at Fortress 
Monroe and Newport News ; those under Gen. 
Hooker south of Washington ; those under Gen. 
McClellan southwest of Washington ; those 
under Gens. Keyes and Casey in and around 
Washington ; those under Gen. Stone at and near 
Poolesville, and those under Gen. Banks near 
Darnestown with detachments on the Potomac 
to Williamsport. Cumberland was the head- 
quarters of Gen. Kelly, and Grafton in western 
Virginia, on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, the headquarters of Gen. Rosecrans, 
while Gen. Cox was up the Kanawha valley. 

On the 5th of January Gen, Lander arrived at 
Hancock, on his way to Cumberland to relieve 
Gen. Kelly, who was sick. He found the enemy, 
under Gen, Jackson, on the other side of the 
Potomac, in considerable strength. It had been 



designed for two months that General Jackson 
should move northwest toward Romney ; but he 
was delayed by the impression of the Confed- 
erate Government that the Federal army would 
make a general advance, and risk a battle during 
the winter. On the 3d or 4th of January he 
left Winchester and moved northward toward 
Hancock, a distance of forty miles, and attacked 
four companies of Federal troops stationed at 
Bath, driving them to Hancock, where, having 
been reenforced by Gen. Lander, they made a 
stand. Here Gen, Jackson made a feint attack 
by throwing some shells across the Potomac, 
which did only slight damage. He then moved 
westward with the intention of coming into 
Romney, on the Union left, by way of Spring- 
field, and thus cut off the supplies from Cum- 
berland and the railroad. The relative positions 
of Winchester, Hancock, and Romney are at 
the points of an equilateral triangle : Hancock 
north of Winchester, and Romney northwest. 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



207 



The day before Gen. Jackson retired from be- 
fore Hancock, Gen. Kelly, who was in Cumber- 
land, sent an order to Col. Dunning, the com- 
mandant at Romney, to make an attack on the 
enemy's force stationed at Blue's Gap, a strong 
position, sixteen miles from Romney, on the 
road to "Winchester. On the night of the 6th 
an expedition, consisting of the 4th, 5th, 7th, 
and 8th Ohio, 14th Indiana, and 1st Virginia, 
with two companies of cavalry and a battery, 
was sent to Blue's Gap, and made an attack 
upon the enemy, who, being in small force, were 
completely driven out. At this time Gen. Lo- 
ring, with a considerable Confederate force, was 
within six miles of the gap, expecting the Fed- 
eral column to push on and attack him. Mean- 
time, as soon as Gen. Jackson left Hancock, 
Gen. Lander, anticipating his intentions, pro- 
ceeded to Cumberland to Gen. Kelly, and assum- 
ed the chief command, and thence to Romney, 
where he arrived on the night of the Tuesday 
on which the expedition returned from Blue's 
Gap. Everything was put in readiness for a 
struggle. On Friday follcrwing it was report- 
ed that Gen. Jackson, in command of his right 
wing of ten thousand men, was within twelve 
miles east of Springfield, resting his men, and 
waiting for his other forces to get into position. 
His centre under Gen. Loring, about eight thou- 
sand strong, was at Blue's Gap, and his left wing 
of three thousand had moved up from toward 
Moorefield, and taken position on the New 
Creek road, some six miles in the rear of Rom- 
ney. Thus, excepting at one point, Romney 
was completely surrounded by Gen. Jackson. 
If Gen. Lander could march nortb eight miles, 
to the Springfield crossing of the South Branch 
of the Potomac, before Gen. Jackson could 
marcb west twelve to Springfield, then Gen. 
Lander could get beyond him, or fight him with 
ten thousand men, at a less disadvantage than 
in Romney, where Gen. Jackson would concen- 
trate twenty thousand. The entire force of 
Gen. Lander was about four thousand five hun- 
dred men. On Friday night everything was 
ready for the march. The sick, the hospital, 
and commissary stores were sent forward un- 
der a strong guard, and at midnight the rear 
guard of Gen. Lander withdrew from the town. 
It had rained during the day, and the rate of 
advance over the bad roads was a mile and a 
quarter to the hour. At five o'clock the next 
morning Gen. Lander reached Springfield. The 
men were so tired and exhausted that, after 
making fires of the fences, they lay down in 
files on the cold, wet ground and slept. In 
two hours they were again on the march. But 
Gen. Jackson, instead of following, went to Rom- 
ney, and thence retired to "Winchester, leav- 
ing the former place occupied by Gen. Loring. 
He also evacuated it after a few days, partly 
in consequence of Gen. Lander having gathered 
bis forces, and prepared for a march upon it. 
Subsequently Moorefield was captured, and 
Bloomcry Gap, by Gen. Lander. On the 11th 
of February Gen. Lander telegraphed to Gen. 



McClellan, the commander-in-chief, as fol- 
lows: "The railroad was opened to-day to 
Hancock; also the telegraph. Papers taken, 
and my own reconnoissance to the south, prove 
the country clear, and Jackson and Loring in 
"Winchester. The enemy have been driven out 
of this department." 

The failure of Gen. Lander's health compelled 
him soon after to resign his command. 

The time was now approacliing when some 
movement should begin among the vast forces 
encamped in northeastern Virginia. "With the 
Confederate Government, which still adhered 
to the defensive policy, the question was, 
whether it should maintain its advanced posi- 
tion before Washington, or fall back on Rich- 
mond? Its position was so well fortified that 
it could resist any attack in front, but would 
be in danger if either of its flanks were turned. 
"Winchester, in the Shenandoah Valley, was the 
extreme point on the northwest occupied by 
the Confederate army, and Aquia Creek and 
Matthias Point on the southeast. This extent 
of line was too great to be maintained before 
the vast Federal forces organized in front. The 
flanks might thus be turned by the way of 
Leesburg on the north, or the Potomac on the 
south, and serious disaster would ensue. At 
the same time, the farther Gen. McClellan was 
drawn from his position before being encoun- 
tered, so mucli the easier would his army be 
overcome, and at a greater cost to the North. 
These and similar considerations determined the 
Confederate Government to evacuate the posi- 
tion held by its army at Manassas. This meas- 
ure was, however, not executed until March. 

On the oOth of January, Gen. Beauregard, 
having been ordered to command in Kentucky 
and Tennessee, issued the following address to 
the soldiers at Manassas : 

Headquarters Finsx Corps Aemt of the Potomac, 1 
Near Centreville, January 80, 1862. J 
Soldiers of the First Corps Army of the Potomac: 

My duty calls me away, and to a temporary separation 
from you. I hope, however, to be with you again, to 
share your labors and your perils, and in defence of 
our homes and our rights, to lead you to new battles, 
to be crowned with signal victories. 

You are now undergoing the severest trial of a sol- 
dier's life; the one by which his discipline and capa- 
city for endurance are thoroughly tested. Jly faith in 
your patriotism, your devotion and determination, and 
in your high soldierly qualities, ia so great that I shall 
rest assured j-ou will pass through the ordeal resolutely, 
triumphantly. Still, I cannot quit j-ou without deep 
emotion, without even deep anxiety, in the moment 
of our country's trials and dangers. Above all, I am 
anxious that my brave countrymen, here in arms, 
fronting the haughty array and muster of Northern 
mercenaries, should thoroughly appreciate the exigen- 
cy, and hence comprehend that this is no time for the 
army of the Potomac — the men of Manassas — to stack 
their arms and quit, even for a brief period, the stand- 
ards they have made glorious by their manhood. All 
must understand this, and feel 'the magnitude of the 
conflict impending, the universal personal sacrifices 
this war has entailed, and our duty to meet them as 
promptly and unbleuchingly as you have met the ene- 
my in line of battle. 

To the army of the Shenandoah I desire to return my 
thanks for their endurance in the memorable march Ut 



208 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



my assistance last July, their timely, decisive arrival, 
ftnd for their conspicuous steadiness and gallantry on 
the Held of battle. 

Those of their comrades of both corps, and of all arms 
of the army of the Potomac, not so fortunate as yet to 
have been with us in conflict with our enemy, I leave 
with all confidence that on occasion they will show them- 
sdves fit comrades for the men of Manassas, Bull Kun, 
and Ball's Bluff. G. T. BEAUREGAED, 

General Commanding. 

Twelve months had now nearly passed since 
the first soldiers of the Confederate army took 
the field, and their term of enlistment was about 
to expire. This fact is not only referred to in 
the address of Gen. Beauregard, but it was made 
the occasion of the following address by Gen. 
Johnston, now in command of the same forces : 

Headqttaeteks, Depaktmentop Northern Vikginia, ) 
Fehruai-y 4, 1862. j 
Soldiers: Your country again calls you to the de- 
fence of the noblest of human causes. To the indomit- 
able courage already exhibited on the battle field, you 
have added the rarer virtues of high endurance, cheer- 
ful obedience, and self-sacrifice. Accustomed to the 
comforts and luxuries of home, you have met and 
borne the privations of camp life, the exactions of 
military discipline, and the rigors of a winter campaign. 
The rich results of your courage, patriotism, and un- 
faltering virtue are before you. Intrusted with the 
defence of this important frontier, you have driven 
back the immense army which the enemy had sent to 
invade our country, and to establish his dominion over 
our people by the wide-spread havoc of a war inau- 
gurated without a shadow of constitutional right, and 
prosecuted in a spirit of ruthless vengeance. By your 
valor and firmness, you have kept him in check, until 
the nations of the earth have been forced to see us in 
our true character — not dismembered and rebellious 
communities, but an empire of confederate States, with 
a constitution safe in the affections of the people, 
institutions and laws in full and unobstructed opera- 
tion, a population enjoying all the comforts of life, and 
a citizen soldiery who laugh to scorn the threat of 
subjugation. 

\ our country now summons you to a noble and a 
greater deed. The enemy has gathered up all his 
energies for a final conflict. His enormous masses 
threaten us on the west ; his naval expeditions are 
assailing us upon our whole southern coast ; and upon 
the Potomac, within a few hours' march, he has a 
gigantic army, inflamed by lust and maddened by 
fanaticism. But the plains of Manassas are not for- 
gotten, and he shrinks from meeting the disciplined 
heroes who hurled across the Potomac his grand army, 
routed and disgraced. He does not propose to attack 
this army so long as it holds its present position with 
undiminished numbers and unimpaired discipline ; but, 
protected by his fortifications, he awaits the expira- 
tion of your term of service. He recollects that his 
own ignoble soldiery, when their term of service ex- 
pired, "marched away from the scene of conflict to the 
sound of the enemy's cannon," and he hopes that at 
that critical moment Southern men will consent to 
share with them this infamy. Expecting a large por- 
tion of our army to be soon disbanded, he hopes that 
his immense numbers will easily overpower your gal- 
lant comrades who will be left here, and thus remove 
the chief obstacle to his cherished scheme of Southern 
subjugation. 

The Commanding General calls upon the twelve 
months' men to stand by their brave comrades who 
have volunteered for the war, to re-volunteer at once, 
and thus show to the world that the patriots engaged 
in this struggle for independence will not swerve from 
the bloodiest path they may be called to tread. The 
enemies of your country, as well as her friends, are 
watching your action with deep, intense, tremulous 
interest. Such is your position that you can act no 
obscure part. Your decision, be it for honor or dis- 



honor, will be written down in history. You cannot, 
you will not, draw back at this solemn crisis of out 
struggle, when all that is heroic in the land is engaged, 
and all that is precious hangs trembling in the balance. 
JOS. E. JOHNSTON, Major-General C. S. A. 

It was not the purpose of Gen. McClellan 
while commander-in-chief to move on Centre- 
ville, but by the lower Chesapeake upon Rich- 
mond. His object was to capture and hold Chat- 
tanooga, Tenn., before the ai-my of the Potomac 
advanced. In this, however, he was overruled 
by the President, who, on the 27th of January, 
issued an order, as above stated, for a general 
advance of all the armies on the 22d of Febru- 
ary. This order was thus undoubtedly prema- 
ture ; and while it served to present the Presi- 
dent before the country as anxious for a move- 
ment, it was really of no benefit to the cause, 
but, on the contrary, an actual injury. Previous 
to its issue a change had been made in the head 
ofthe War Department. Secretary Cameron had 
resigned and was succeeded by Edwin M. Stan- 
ton, who had been a member of the cabinet 
at the close of the previous administration. 

The eflfects upon the Confederate States of 
the movements made in consequence of this 
order were thus described at Richmond: " Had 
not the impatience of the Northern people and 
the pressure of the European Cabinets forced 
the hand of McClellan, and had he been able 
to assemble and arrange his troops and stores 
in the position he desired, without a conflict to 
arouse the attention of the Southern people to 
what was going on, our condition in April and 
May would have been tenfold more dangerous 
than it now is. The disasters we have suffered 
are mortifying to us and exhilarate our enemies ; 
but they have startled without crippling the 
Confederacy. Had it lain still two months more, 
with the army dwindling daily under the fur- 
lough system, disgusted with the inaction of sta- 
tionary camps, while the Government was squab- 
bling with the Generals and the people sinking 
into indiflference, we would have been overrun 
between the 15th of April and the 1st of May." 

Gen. Lander having cleared his department 
of the forces of the enemy, a movement was 
now commenced lower down the Potomac by 
a portion of Gen. Banks's command. On the 
24th of February the 28th Pennsylvania regi- 
ment, Col. Geary, crossed the Potomac from 
Sandy Hook and took possession of Harper's 
Ferry. The object of this movement upon 
Harper's Ferry was to cover the reconstruction 
of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and at the 
same time to draw the attention of the Confed- 
erates to their left flank, which was threatened 
by the movement. The operations of crossing 
the Potomac and the occupation of Harper's 
Ferry and Charlestown were superintended by 
Gen. McClellan in person. The bridges were 
thrown over the Potomac by Oapt. J. C. Duane, 
U. S. engineers, on the 26th of February, and 
on the same day Gen. Banks occupied Harper's 
Ferry permanently, and the advance took pos- 
session of Bolivar Heights. On the 27th recon- 
noissances were pushed forward to Charles- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



209 



town, and some prisonera taken ; Loudon 
Heights were also occupied. On the 28th of 
February Oharlestown was occupied by a strong 
force with the intention of holding it against 
any attack. On the 3d of March Martinsburg was 
occupied by the 13th Massachusetts, who left 
camp at Williamsport on the previous afternoon. 
This is an important town on the Baltimore 
and Ohio railroad between Harper's Ferry and 
Hancock. It is distant from the former fifteen 
miles, and is twenty miles north of "Winchester, 
with which it is connected by a turnpike road. 
All the iron of the double track of the railroad 
had been removed excepting half a mile of 
track made of compound rails. On the 2d, 
Leesburg was occupied by Col. Geary. The 
retreat of the Confederate army had now 
commenced along its entire line from Aquia 
Creek to the Shenandoah. This movement 
threatening its left flank was undoubtedly 
the cause of this abandonment of Manassas. 
All their important positions were occtlpied 
by the Federal troops during the next ten 
days, including the strong one at Centreville. 
"Winchester was evacuated by Gen. Jackson 
on the night of the 11th of March. Gen. 
Shields, in command of Gen. Lander's divi- 
sion, soon followed up this retreat, and on 
the 19th he discovered Gen. Jackson reen- 
forced in a strong position near New Market, 
and within supporting distance of the main 
body of the Confederate army under Gen. 
Johnston. In order to draw him from this 
position Gen. Shields fell back rapidly to "Win- 
chester on the 20th, as if in retreat, having 
marched his whole command thirty miles in 
one day. On the next day the Confederate 
cavalry under Gen. Ashby showed themselves 
in sight of Winchester. On the 22d the entire 
command of Gen. Banks, with the exception of 
Gen. Shields's division, evacuated "Winchester 
and marched for Centreville. This movement, 
and the masked position in which Gen. Shields 
placed his division, led the enemy to believe 
that the town was evacuated with the exception 
of a few regiments to garrison it. That after- 
noon at 5 o'clock Gen. Ashby attacked the 
pickets of Gen. Shields and drove them in, but 
was repulsed by a small force pushed forward 
by Gen. Shields for that purpose, who now 
made preparations for a contest in the morning. 
Only a small Confederate force Appearing in 
the morning, Gen. Shields ordered a portion 
of his artillery forward to open fire and un- 
mask it. This had the desired effect, when a 
battle ensued, during which Gen. Shields by an 
attack upon the Confederate left flank forced that 
wing back upon its centre and placed the enemy 
in a position to be routed by a general attack, 
which was made at five o'clock in the afternoon 
with great success. The Confederates were 
driven from the field. Two guns, four caissons, 
three hundred prisoners, and a thousand stand of 
smfUl arms were captured. The force of Gen. 
Shields was between seven and eight thousand 
men. His lo=;s in killed and wounded was be- 
14 



tween three and four hundred. On the pre- 
vious evening the arm of Gen. Shields was 
broken above the elbow by the fragment of a 
shell. The Confederate loss in killed and 
wounded was large. Considerable numbers 
were subsequently found in the houses of the 
inhabitants as the force of Gen. Banks advanced. 
The Confederate force was estimated at near 
ten thousand men. The brigades of Gens. Jack- 
son, Smith, Garnett, and Longstreet were en- 
gaged, and prisoners were taken from the 2d, 
4th, 5th, 21st, 23d, 27th, 28th, 33d, STth, and 
42d "Virginia ; 1st regiment of the Provisional 
Army, and an Irish battalion. For these move- 
ments Gen. Shields was complimented by the 
"War Department in the following despatch : 

"War Depaetment, March 2G, 1S62. 
To Brig.- Gen. Shields: 

Your two despatches relative to the brilliant achieve- 
ment of the forces under your command have been 
received. "While rejoicing at the success of your gal- 
lant troops, deep commiseration and sympathy are 
felt for those who have been victims in the gallant and 
victorious contest with treason and rebellion. 

Your efforts as well as your success proves that 
Lander's brave division is still bravely led, and that 
wherever its standard is displayed rebels will be rout- 
ed and pursued. To you and to the officers and sol- 
diers under your command the Department returns 
thanks. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

The following was also received by Gen. 
Shields: 

Headquarters Army op the Potomac, ( 
Semixary, J/arcA 27, 1S62. ) 
To Brig. -Gen. Shields : 

The Commanding General congratulates you and 
the troops under your command upon the victory gain- 
ed by your energy and activity and their bravery on 
the 23d. He is pained to learn that the wound you 
have received in the skirmish on the day before is 
more serious than at *^rst supposed. 
By command of 

Jlaj.-Gen. GEO. B. McCLELLAN. 
S. Williams, Assist. Adj. -Gen. 

The following congratulations and instruc- 
tions were sent to Gen. Banks : 

Fairfax Seminary, March 2T, 1862. 
To Maj.- Gen. Banks: 

The General Commanding congratulates you and 
the brave troops under your command on the splendid 
achievement commenced in your dojiartment, news of 
which he has just received, lie desires you to follow up 
rapidly the enemy's troops as far as Strasburg if pos- 
sible. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

This little affair at Winchester is said to have 
caused orders to be issued which were attend- 
ed with momentous consequences. They will 
be stated hereafter. It occurred on the date 
of March 23d. 

The evacuation by the Confederate army of 
their positions before Washington was conduct- 
ed in a most successful manner. When the Union 
troops entered their intrenchments, all were 
gone. Their evacuation had been effected by 
means of the railroad fromManassas to Gordons- 
ville, while the state of the roads wa.s such as 
to prevent an immediate active campaign by 
the Union army. Their retreat was arrested 
at the Rappahannock river, and a new line 
formed for the purpose of defence. It stretch- 



210 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ed from the Rappahannock by a circle to Cum- 
berland Gap near the extreme southwestern 
part of the State, embracing the Central and 
the Virginia and Tennessee railroads, the chief 
cities of Virginia, and the valley of the James 
river with its canal and railroads. It was 
simply a line of defence, and assumed as a 
necessity in view of the immense Federal force 
that had been marshalled and put quietly in 
position. 

The design of Gen. McOIellan, as above 
stated, was, so far as he was master of his own 
movements, to attack Richmond by the water 
line, on the ground that such a movement 
would certainly force the Confederate army 
out of Manassas. By the James river, Rich- 
mond could be approached by transports and 
gunboats of light draft, and without a long line 
for the transportation of supplies. At this 
time the President as commander-in-chief is- 
sued the following order : , 

Executive Mansion, ) 
■Wasuington, March 8, 1S62. ) 

General War Order, No. 2. 

Ordered, I. That the Major-General commanding 
the Army of the Potomac proceed forthwith to organ- 
ize that part of said army destined to enter upon ac- 
tive operations including the reserve, but excluding 
the troops to be left in the fortifications about Wash- 
ington), into four army corps, to be commanded ac- 
cording to seniority of rank, as follows : 

First Corps, to consist of three divisions, and to be 
commauded by Maj.-Gen. I. McDowell. 

Second Corps, to consist of three divisions, and to 
be commanded by Brig.-Gen. E. V. Sumner. 

Third Corps, to consist of three divisions, and to be 
commanded by Brig.-Gen. S. P. Heintzelmau. 

Fourth Corps, to consist of three divisions, and to be 
commanded by Brig.-Gen. E. L. Keyes. 

II. That the divisions now commanded by the offi- 
cers above assigned to the commands of corps, shall 
be embraced in and form part of their respective corps. 

III. The forces left for the defence of Washington 
will be placed in command of Brig.-Gen. James Wads- 
worth, who shall also be Military Governor of the 
District of Columbia. 

IV. That this order be executed with such prompt- 
ness and despatch, as not to delay the commencement 
of the operations already directed to be undertaken 
by the Army of the Potomac. 

V. A fifth army corps, to be commanded by Maj.- 
Gen. N. P. Banks, will be formed from his own and 
Gen. Shields's (late Gen. Lauder's) division. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

In compliance with this order of the Presi- 
dent, Gen. McCIellan, on the 13th, issued an 
order dividing " the active portion of the army 
of the Potomac " into army corp^ as follows : 

The corps of Gen. McDowell was composed 
of the divisions of Gens. Franklin, McCall, and 
King. 

The corps of Gen. Sumner was composed 
of the divisions of Gens. Richardson, Blenker, 
and Sedgwick. 

The corps of Gen. Heintzelraan was com- 
posed of the divisions of Gens. Kearney, Hook- 
er, and Fitz John Porter. 

The corps of Gen. Keyes was composed of 
the divisions of Gens. Couch, Smith, and Casey. 

The corps of Gen. Banks was composed of 
the divisions of Gens. Williams and Shields. 



On the 11th of March, the President issued 
another order relieving Gen. McCIellan from 
the command of all the military departments 
except that of the Potomac, and re-arranging 
the departments as follows : 

Executive Mansion, ) 
Washington, March 11, 1862. ( 

General War Order, No. 3. 
Maj.-Gen. McCIellan having personally taken the 
field at the head of the Army of the Potomac until 
otherwise ordered, he is relieved from the command 
of the other military departments, he retaining com- 
mand of the Department of the Potomac. 

Ordered, further. That the two departments now 
under the respective commands of Gens. Halleck and 
Hunter, together with so much of that under Gen. 
Buell as lies west of a north and south line indefinitely 
drawn through Knoxv'ille, Tenn., be consolidated and 
designated the Department of the Mississippi, and 
that until otherwise ordered, Maj.-Gen. Halleck have 
command of said department. 

Ordered, also, That the country west of the Depart- 
ment of the Potomac and east of the Department of the 
Mississippi be a military department, to be called the 
Mountain Department, and that the same be command- 
ed by Maj.-Gen. Fremont. 

That all the Commanders of Departments, after the 
receipt of this order by them respectively, report sev- 
erally and directly to "the Secretary of War, and that 
prompt, full, and frequent reports will be expected of 
all and each of them. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

The effect of this order was to put under the 
charge of the Secretary of War a class of du- 
ties which had heretofore been under the di- 
rection of the highest military command. It 
relieved Gen. McCIellan from the supervision 
of military operations in any other department 
than his own. He retained still under his im- 
mediate command the five corps of the army 
of the Potomac, as is manifest by his despatch- 
es, dated March 27, to Gens. Banks and Shields, 
after the battle at Winchester. It also shows 
that the corps of Gen. Banks was at that date 
expected to operate under his command, al- 
though he had then embarked a portion of hia 
army to Fortress Monroe. 

Assuming the distinct command of the Army 
of the Potomac, as his forces were now desig- 
nated, for the purpose of conducting a campaign, 
Gen. McCIellan issued the following address to 
his soldiers : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, } 
Fairfax Court House, Va., March 14, 1862, } 

Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : 

For a long t^me I have kept you inactive, but not 
without a purpose. You were to be disciplined, armed, 
and instructed ; the formidable artillery you now have, 
had to be created ; other armies were to move and to 
accomplish certain results. I have held you back that 
you might give the death blow to the rebellion that has 
distracted our once happy country. The patience you 
have shown, and your confidence in your General, are 
worth a dozen victories. These preliminary results are 
now accomplished. I feel that the patient labors of 
many months have produced their fruit ; the Army of 
the Potomac is now a real army — magnificent in ma- 
terial, admirable in discipline and instruction, excel- 
lently equipped and armed — your commanders are all 
that I could wish. The moment for action has arrived, 
and I know that I can trust in you to save our country. 
As I ride through your ranks, I see in your faces the 
sure presage of victory ; I feel that you will do what- 
ever I ask of you. The period of inaction has passed. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



211 



I will bring yon now face to face with the rebels, and 
only pray taat Grod may defend the right. In whatever 
direction you may move, however strange my actions 
mav appear to you, ever bear in mind that my fate is 
linked with yours, and that all I do is to bring you, 
where I know you wish to be — on the decisive battle 
field. It is my business to place you there. I am to 
watch over yoii as a parent over his children ; and you 
know that your General loves you from the depths of 
his heart. It shall be my care, as it has ever been, to 
gain success with the least possible loss ; but I know 
that, if it is necessary, you will willingly follow nie to 
our graves, for our righteous cause. God smiles upon us, 
victory attends us ; yet I would not have you think that 
oiir aim is to be attained without a manly struggle. I 
will not disguise it from you : you have brave foes to 
encounter, foemen well worthy of the steel that you 
will use so well. I shall demand of you great, heroic 
exertions, rapid and long marches, desperate combats, 
privations, perliaps. Wo will share all these together ; 
and when this sad war is over we will return to our 
homes, and feel that we can ask no higher honor than 
the proud consciousness that we belonged to the Army 
of the Potomac. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, 

Major-General Commanding. 

The Prince do Joinville, in a narrative of the 
campaign on the peninsula, has described with 
much detail the reasons for the evacuation of 
Manassas by the Confederate forces, and the 
change of the plan for the campaign under Gen 
McClellan. He states as follows: 

" While we were riding forward, grave events 
were occurring in the highest regions of the 
army. There exists in the American army, as 
in the English, a commander-in-chief, who exer- 
cises over the head of all the generals a supreme 
authority, regulates the distribution of the troops, 
and directs military operations. These func- 
tions, which have been greatly curtailed in 
the British army since the Crimean war, were 
.still exercised in all their vigor in America. 
From the aged General Scott, who had long 
honorably discharged them, they had passed to 
General MoOloUan. We learned, on reaching 
Fairfiix, that they had been taken away from 
him. It is easy to understand the diminution 
of force and the restrictions upon his usefulness 
thus inflicted upon the general-in-chicf by a 
blow in the rear at the very outset of his cam- 
paign. 

" Yet this was but a part of the mischief done 
him. McClellan had long known, better than 
anybody else, the real strength of the rebels at 
Manassas and Centreville. He was perfectly 
familiar with the existence of the ' wooden can- 
non' by which it has been pretended that he 
was kept in awe for six months. But ho also 
knew that till the month of April the roads of 
Virginia are in such a state that wagons and artil- 
lery can only be moved over them by constructing 
plank roads — a tedious operation, during which 
the enemy, holding the railways, could either 
retreat, as he was then actually doing, or move 
for a blow upon- some other point. In any event, 
had McClellan attacked and carried Cen- 
treville, pursuit was impossible, and victory 
would have been barren of results. A single 
bridge burned would have saved Johnston's 
whole army. Such are the vast advantages of 
a railway for a retreating army — advantages 



which do not exist for the army which pursues 
it. 

" We have the right, we think, to say that 
McClellan never intended to advance upon Cen- 
treville. His long-determined purpose was to 
make Washington safe by means of a strong 
garrison, and then to use the great navigable 
waters and immense naval resources of the 
North to transport the army by sea to a point 
near Richmond. For weeks, perhaps for months, 
this plan had been secretly maturing. Secrecy 
as well as promptness, it will be understood, 
was indispensable here to success. To keep the 
secret it had been necessary to confide it to few 
persons, and lience had arisen the long ill feeling 
toward the uncommunicative general. 

" Be this as it may, as the day of action drew 
near, those who suspected the general's project, 
and were angry at not being informed of it; . 
those whom his promotion had excited to envy; 
his political enemies (who is without them in 
America?); in short, all those beneath or beside 
him who wished him ill, broke out into a chorus 
of accusations of slowness, inaction, incapacity. 
McClellan, with a patriotic courage which I have 
always admired, disdained these accusations, 
and made no reply. He satisfied himself with 
pursuing his preparations in laborious silence. 
But the moment came in which, notwithstand- 
ing the loyal support given him by the President, 
that functionary could no longer resist the tem- 
pest. A council of war of all the divisional gen- 
erals was held ; a plan of campaign, not that of 
McClellan, was proposed and discussed. McClel- 
lan was then forced to explain his projects, and 
the next day they were known to tlio enemy. 
Informed no doubt by one of those female spies 
who keep up his communications into the domes- 
tic circles of the Federal enemy, Johnston evacu- 
ated Manassas at once. This was a skilful manoeu- 
vre. Incapable of assuming the offensive, threat- 
ened with attack either at Centrcville,where de- 
fence would bo useless if successful, or at Rich- 
mond, the loss of which would be a great check, 
and unable to cover both positions at once, John- 
ston threw his whole force before the latter of 
the two. 

" For the Army of the Potomac this was amis- 
fortune. Its movement was unmasked before 
it had been made. Part of its transports were 
still frozen up in the Hudson. Such being the 
state of affairs, was it proper to execute as rap- 
idly as possible the movement upon Richmond 
by water, or to march upon Richmond by huid? 
Such was the grave question to be settled by 
the young general in a miserable room of an 
abandoned house at Fairfax within twenty- 
four hours. And it was at this moment 
that the news of his removal as general-in- 
chief reached him ; the news, that is, that he 
could no longer count upon the cooperation of 
the other armies of the Union, and that the 
troops under his own orders were to be divided 
into four grand corps nndcr four separate chiefs 
named in order of rank — a change which would 
throw into subaltern positions some young gen- 



212 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



erals of division who had his personal confi- 
dence. It is easy to see that here was matter 
enough to cast a cloud upon the firmest mind. 
But the general's resolution was promptly taken. 

" To follow the Confederates by land to Eich- 
mond at this season of the year was a material 
impossibility. An incident had just proved this 
to be so. Gen. Stoneman, with a flying column, 
had been sent in pursuit of the enemy. This 
column came up with the enemy on the Eappa- 
hannock, along the railway to Gordonsville, and 
had two engagements with him of no great im- 
portance. Then came the rain. The fords 
were swollen, the bridges carried away, the 
watercourses could no longer be passed by 
swimming; they were torrents. Stoneman's 
column began to suffer for want of provisions, 
and its situation was perilous. In order to com- 
municate with the army, Stoneman had to send 
two of McOlellan's aides-de-camp, who had ac- 
companied him, across a river on a raft of logs 
tied together with ropes. 

" Such was the country before the army. 
Furthermore, the enemy was burning and break- 
ing up all the bridges. Now with the wants of 
the American soldier and the usual extravagance 
of his rations, and with the necessity of trans- 
porting everything through a country where 
nothing is to be found, and where the least storm 
makes the roads impassable, no army can live 
unless it supports its march upon a navigable 
watercourse or a railway. In Europe our mil- 
itary administration assumes that the transpor- 
tation service of an army of one hundred thou- 
sand men can only provision that army for a 
three days' march from its base of operations. 
In America this limit must be reduced to a single 
day. I need only add that upon the roads to 
Eichmond there were viaducts which it would 
have required six weeks to reconstruct, 

"The land march was therefore abandoned, 
and we came back to the movement by water. 
But this operation also was no longer what it 
had been when McOlellan had conceived it. 
The revelation of his plans to the enemy had 
allowed the latter to take his precautions. The 
evacuation of Manassas had preceded instead 
of following the opening of the Federal cam- 
paign. The movement by water could no 
longer be a surprise. Unfortunately it was also 
to lose the advantages of a rapid execution." 

The movement of troops had been as follows : 
The last detachment of the Confederate army 
left Manassas on the 9th of March. On the 
morning of the 10th Gen. McClellan moved the 
Army of the Potomac toward the deserted posi- 
tion. The object of moving to Manassas was 
to verify its evacuation, to take the chance of 
cutting off the enemy's rear guard, to deceive 
the enemy, if possible, as to the real intentions 
of Gen. McOlellan, and to gain the opportunity 
of cutting loose from all useless baggage, and 
to give the troops a few days' experience in 
bivouac and on the march. After reaching 
Manassas, Gen. McClellan returned to Washing- 
ton on the 13th, and the army at once counter- 



marched, and on Sunday the 16th it was massed 
in new positions near Alexandria, ready to em- 
bark with the least possible delay. During the 
ensuing week it began to embark on transports 
at Alexandria for Fortress Monroe. The num- 
ber of transports promised was to be sufiicient 
to convey fifty thousand men, but the number 
collected was found to be hardly enough for 
the conveyance cf half that number. Instead 
of moving the whole army with its equipage 
at once, as it had been intended, a number of 
trips were required. The embarkation com- 
menced on the 17th of March. 

By reference to the order of the President 
issued on the 8th of March {see p. 210), it will 
be seen that the army was divided into five 
corps. Of these, the corps of Gens. Banks and 
McDowell did not embark. Of the second 
corps, under Gen. Sumner, one division, that 
of Gen. Blenker, was withdrawn and sent to 
Gen. Fremont in the Mountain Department. 
There remained therefore to be embarked, 
two divisions under Gen. Sumner, three under 
Gen. Heintzelnian, and three under Gen. Keyes 
— being in all eight divisions. The Prince de 
Joinville, in his statement of the numbers of 
the entire army, says it consisted of " 11 di- 
visions of infantry, 8,000 to 10,000 strong; 1 
division of regulars (infantry and cavalry), 
6,000 strong; 350 pieces of artillery. The total 
effective force may have been 120,000 men." 
From this number are to be deducted the corps 
of Gen. McDowell and the division of Gen. 
Blenker. This will make the effective force of 
Gen. McClellan embarked for Fortress Monroe 
about eighty-five thousand men. T^o weeks 
were occupied in transporting this force to 
Fortress Monroe. 

It has been stated that Gen. Blenker's divi- 
sion was withdrawn from Gen. Sumner's corps, 
and sent to Gen. Fremont in the Mountain De- 
partment. This was done one or two days be- 
fore Gen. McClellan sailed. The reason given 
was "political pressure" exercised to get a 
command for Gen. Fremont. No military 
reason was stated for this withdrawal. The 
following letter from President Lincoln to Gen. 
McClellan, produced at a court martial in Wash- 
ington, thus explains it : 

Washington, April 9, 1862. 
Maj.-Gen. McClellan : 

Mt dear Sir : Your despatches complaining that 
you are not properly sustained, while they do not of- 
fend me, do pain me very much. 

Blenker's division was withdrawn from you before 
you left here, and you know the pressure under which 
I did it ; and, as I thought, acquiesced in it — certainly 
not without reluctance. 

After you left I ascertained that less than twenty 
thousand unorganized men, without a single field bat- 
tery, were all you designed to be left for the defence 
of Washington and Manassas Junction ; and part of 
of this even was to go to Gen. Hooker's old position. 

Gen. Banks's corps, once designed for Manassas 
Junction, was diverted and tied up on the line of Win- 
chester and Strasburg, and could not leave it without 
again exposing the Upper Potomac and the Baltimore 
and Ohio railroad. This presented (or would present, 
when McDowell and Sumner should be gone) a great 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



213 



temptation to the enemy to turn back from the Rappa- 
hannock and sack Washington. 

My explicit order that Washington should, by the 
judgment of all the commanders of corps, be left en- 
tirely secure, had been neglected. It was precisely 
this that drove me to detain McDowell. I do not for- 
get that I was satisfied with your arrangement to 
leave Bunks at Manassas Junction ; but when that ar- 
rangement was broken up, and nothing was substi- 
tuted for it, of course I was not satisfied ; I was con- 
strained to substitute something fbr it myself. 

And now allow me to ask, " Do you really think I 
should permit the line from Richmond, via Manassas 
Junction, to this city, to be entirely open, except what 
resistance could be presented by less than twenty 
thousand unorganized troops?" This is a question 
which the country will not allow me to evade. 

There is a curious mystery about the number of 
troops now with you. When I telegraphed you on the 
6th, saying that you had over one hundred thousand 
with you, I had just obtained from the Secretary of 
War a statement taken, as he said, from your own re- 
turns, making one hundred and eight thousand then 
with you, and en route to you. 

You now say you will have but eighty-five thousand 
when all en route to you shall have reached you. 
How can the discrepancy of twenty-three thousand be 
accounted for? 

As to Gen. Wool's command,*I understand it is do- 
ing for you precisely what a like number of your own 
would have to do, if that command was away. 

I suppose flie whole force which has gone forward 
for you IS with you by this time ; and, if .so, I think it 
is the precise time for j'ou to strike a blow. By delay 
the enemy will relatively gain upon you ; that is, he 
will gain faster by fortifications and reenforcements 
than J'OU can by rei-nfofcements alone. 

And, once more, let me t^l you it is indispensable 
to you that you strike a blow. I am powerless to 
help this. You will do me the justice to remember I 
always insisted that going down the bay in search of 
a field, instead of fighting at or near Manassas, was 
only shifting and not surmounting a difficulty ; that 
we would find the same enemy and the same or equal 
intrenchmftits at cither place. The country will not 
fail to note — is now noting — that the present hesita- 
tion to move upon an intrenched enemy is but the 
story of Manassas repeated. 

I beg to assure you that I have never written you 
or spoken to you in greater kindness of feeling than 
now, nor with a fuller purpose to sustain you so far as 
in my most anxious judgment I consistently can. But 
you must act. 

Yours, very truly, A. LINCOLN. 

When Gen. McClcllan sailed bo supposed 
that Gen. McDowelFs corps would follow* him, 
and it was not until he was before Yorktown 
that he received the first intimation to the con- 
trary. The reason of this change should also 
be stated. 

By reference to a preceding page, it will be 
seen that the battle of Winchester took place 
on the 23d of March, about the time the army 
of tlie Potomac was embarking. It startled 
the Government by revealing a much stronger 
force of the enemy in their immediate front than 
they had supposed. At the same time the num- 
ber of troops at "Washington being limited, it 
was decided that one of the two corps whicli had 
not embarked (either McDowell's or Sumner's) 
should be withheld, and the decision fell upon 
Gen. McDowell. The same question came up in 
Congress on the 26th of May, after Gen. Jackson 
had made his brilliant dash up the Shenandoah, 
and driven Gen. Banks across the Potomac. Al- 



though it may be anticipating some events, it is 
proper that the explanation of the withdrawid of 
McDowell's corps should be here noticed. In the 
Senate, Mr. Wilson of Massachusetts, chairman 
of the Committee on Military Atfairs, said : " I 
will state that the Secretary of War is not re- 
sponsible for the movements charged upon him 
by the Senator from Kentucky. The President 
alone is responsible for whatever has occurred, 
both for arresting the advance of General Mc- 
Dowell to Yorktown, and witlidrawing a por- 
tion of Gen. Banks's forces. The order arrest- 
ing the advance of Gen. McDowell was made 
by the President, with the approval of the 
Secretary of War, General Hitchcock, and sev- 
eral other military men. It was given for the 
best of purposes, and I am sure there was no 
intrigue about it, nor personal objects gained. 
It may have been an error; but, if so, it was 
an error committed by the President for an 
honest and patriotic purpose, under the advice 
of the military men whom he consulted. I 
understand the fact to be that the President 
gave written orders — in fact I have seen the 
orders — that the number of men necessary for 
the defence of Washington should be left here, 
and that that number should be agreed upon 
by the commanders of the various corps of the 
army. The commanders of corps held a con- 
sultation, and decided that forty-five thousand 
men were necessary to be held for the defence 
of this city. All the forces were ordered to be 
withdrawn from this city, with the exception 
of nineteen thousand, and four thousand of that 
number were sent for. Nearly all of the r'ei^'i- 
ments left here were recently brought into the 
service, and four or five of them were cavalry 
regiments, not mounted, and not in a condition 
for service. Under these circumstances, ap- 
prehending precisely what has taken place, the 
President withheld thirty thousand men un- 
der Gen. McDowell. Ten thousand of this 
force, under Gen. Franklin, at the urgent re- 
quest of Gen. McClellan, were sent forward to 
Yorktown, but McDowell was held back with 
twenty thousand men on the Rappahannock 
to protect the capital and menace Richmond. 
The President then, in order to concentrate a 
force hero and threaten Richmond, and aid 
Gen. McClellan's movements, ordered Gen. 
Shields to unito with Gen. McDowell, thus 
making an army of about forty thousand men, 
the intention of which was to move on Rich- 
mond by land, so as to cover Washington in 
their movement. This left Gen. Banks a small 
force, and a movement has been made upon 
him, and he has been compelled to evacuate 
the Shenandoah Valley and recross the Poto- 
mac. These movements were directed by the 
President ; and he is alone responsible for them. 
In doing what he did, I have no doubt he was 
actuated by honest purposes, and he had the 
sanction and support of his military advisers, 
including the Secretary of War." 

Mr. Trumbull of Illinois said: "While the 
Senator from Massachusetts is making his state- 



214 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



ment, I should like to inquire of bim if it was 
not at the urgent and repeated request of Gen. 
McClellan that troops should be sent to him 
to aid in his attack upon Eichmond that this 
has been done ? " 

Mr. Wilson of Massachusetts : " In response 
to the Senator's question, I will say that I 
understand that Gen. McClellan desired to 
have the forces reserved under Gen. McDowell 
sent forward to him by the steamers. Upon 
his request, Gen. Franklin with his division 
was sent forward to Yorktown, The President, 
to protect "Washington, and at the same time 
to aid Gen. McClellan by menacing Eichmond, 
withdrew Gen. Shields's division from Gen. 
Banks, thus concentrating on the Eappahannock 
forty thousand men. This force could move on 
Eichmond, or act directly for the protection of 
Washington, according to circumstances. Yes- 
terday the President, in view of what has oc- 
curred, stated that this force of twenty thou- 
sand men, which he had reserved, and for which 
he takes the entire responsibility, had been 
reserved by him in apprehension of precisely 
such a movement of the enemy threatening 
this city as has already taken place. 

" The President may have made a mistake in 
withdrawing so much of the force of Gen. 
Banks, but I am sure he acted according to the 
best lights he possessed. Gen. Banks has been 
forced to retrace his steps, to abandon the Shen- 
andoah Valley, and to recross the Potomac." 

On Dec. 10, before a court martial at 
Washington, Gen. McClellan, in answer to the 
question, What communication he received from 
the President through Gen. Franklin, &c. ? said : 
" The substance of the communication of Gen. 
Franklin from the President was that the Presi« 
dent assumed the responsibility of the change 
of destination of Gen. McDowell's corps, re- 
garding that corps necessary for the defence of 
Washington, although the troops actually left in 
Washington and in front of it, disposable for its 
defence, were rather more than double the gar- 
rison fixed by the engineer and artillery oflicers, 
and considerably more than the largest number 
recommended by any of the corps commanders 
to be left in the vicinity of Washington." 

The following orders of Gen. McClellan will 
show his plans for the protection of Washing- 
ton: 

Headqtjaeterb, Abmt op the Potomac, I 
JTarcA 16, ISC'2. ) 

Brig. -Gen. James S. Wadsworth, Military Governor 
of the District of Columbia : 
Sir : The coramand to which you have been assign- 
ed, by instruction of the President, as Military Gover- 
nor of the District of Cohimbia, embraces the geo- 
graphical limits of the district, and will also include the 
city of Alexandria, the defensive works south of the 
Potomac, from the Occoquan to Difficult Creek, and the 
post of Fort Washington. I enclose a list of the works 
and defences embraced in these limits. Gen. Banks 
will command at Manassas Junction, with the divi- 
sions of Williams and Shields, composing the Fifth 
Army Corps, but you should, nevertheless, exercise 
vigilance in your front, carefully guard the approaches 
in that quarter, and maintain the duties of advanced 
guards. You will use the same precautions on either 



flank. All troops not actually needed for the police of 
Washington and Georgetown, for the garrisons north 
of the Potomac, and for other indicated special duties, 
should be removed to the south side of 'the river. In 
the centre of your front you should post the main 
body of your troops, in proper proportions, at suitable 
distances toward your right and left flanks. Careful 
patrols will be made to thoroughly scour the country 
in front from right to left. 

It is specially enjoined upon you to maintain the 
forts and their armaments in the best possible order, 
to look carefully after the instruction and discipline oi 
their garrisons, as well as all other troops under your 
command, and by frequent and rigid inspection to in- 
sure the attainment of these ends. 

The care of the railways, canals, depots, bridges, and 
ferries within the above-named limits will devolve 
upon you, and you are to insure their security and 
provide for their protection by every means in your 
power. You will also protect the depots of the public 
stores and the transit of the stores to the troops in ac- 
tual service. 

By means of patrols you will thoroughly scour the 
neighboring country south of the eastern branch, and 
also on your right, and you will use every possible pre- 
caution to intercept mails, goods, and persons passing 
unauthorized to the enemy's lines. 

The necessity of maintaining good order within your 
limits, and especially 4n the capital of the nation, can- 
not be too strongly enforced. You will forward and 
facilitate the movement of all troops destined for the 
active part of the Army of the Potomac, and especially 
the transits of detachments to their proper regiments 
and corps. 

The charge of all new troops arriving in Washing- 
ton, and of all troops temporarily there, will devolve 
upon you. You will form them into provisional bri- 
gades, promote their instruction and discipline, and 
facilitate their equipments. Keport all airivals of 
troops, their strength, composition, and equipment,by 
every opportunity. Besides the regular reports and 
returns which you will be required to render to the 
Adjutant-General of the army, you will make to these 
headquarters a consolidated morning report of your 
command every Sunday morning, aad a monthly re- 
turn on the first day of each month. 

The foregoing instructions are communicated by 
command of Maj.-Gen. McClellan. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Hbadquabtees, Army of the Potomac, ) 
March 16, 1862. j 

To Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks, Commanding Fifth Corps, 
Army of the Potomac : 

Sir : You will post your command in the vicinity 
of Manassas, intrench yourself strongly, and throw 
cavalry pickets well out to the front. Your first care 
will be the rebuilding of the railway from Washington 
to Manassas and to Strasburg, in order to open your 
communications with the valley of the Shenandoah. 
As soon as the Manassas Gap railway is in running 
order, intrench a brigade of infantry — say four regi- 
ments, with two batteries — at or near the point where 
that railway crosses the Shenandoah. Something like 
two regiments of cavalry should be left in that vicini- 
ty to occupy Winchester, and thoroughly scour the 
country south of the railway and up the Shenandoah 
Valley, as well as through Chester Gap, which might 
perhaps be occupied advantageously by a detachment 
of infantry well intrenched. Block houses should be 
built at all the railway bridges occupied by grand 
guard, Warrenton Junction or Warrenton itself, and 
also some still more advanced points on the Orange and 
Alexandria railroad, as soon as the railroad bridges are 
repaired. 

Great activity should be observed by the cavalry. 
Besides the two regiments at Manassas, another regi- 
ment of cavalry will be at your disposal to scout to- 
ward the Occoquan, and probably a fourfh toward 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOIT. 



215 



Leesburg. To recivpitulate, the most important points 
that should engage your attention are as follows: 

Firxi—A strong force, well intrenched, in the vicini- 
ty of Manassas, perhaps even Centreville, and another 
force, a briijade, also well intrenched near Strasburg. 

Second— Ulock houses at the railroad bridges. 

T/iirdr— Constant employment of cavalry \<'ell to the 
front. 

Fourth — Grand giiards at Warren ton, and in ad- 
vance as far as the Rappahannock, if possible. 

Fifth— Great care to be exercised to obtain full and 
early information as to the enemy. « 

^'i.ri!A— The general object is to cover the line of the 
Potomac and Washington. 

The foregoing is communicated by order of Maj.- 

Gen. McClellan. . 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On the 1st of April Gen. McClellan address- 
ed the following additional note to Gen. 
Banks : 

Headqcarters, Aumy of the Potomac, I 
On Board Commodore, April 1, 1S6'2. j" 

Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks, Commanding Fifth Army 
Corps : 

General : The change in affairs in the valley of the 
Shenandoah has rendei-cd necessary a corresponding 
departure, temporarily at least, from the plan we some 
days since agreed upon. 

in my arrangements I assume that you have a force 
amply sufficient to drive Jackson before you, provided 
he is not reenforced largely. I also assume that you 
may find it impossible to find anything toward Manas- 
sas" for some days, probably not until the operations 
of the main army have drawn all the rebel force to- 
ward Richmond. 

You are aware that Gen. Sumner has for some days 
been at Warrenton Junction, with two divisions of 
infantry, six batteries, and two regiments of cavalry, 
and that a reconnoissuuce to the Rappahannock forced 
the enemy to destroy the railroad bridge at Rappahan- 
nock Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad. 
Since that time our cavalry have found nothing on this 
side of the Rappahannock in that direction, and it seems 
clear that we have no reason to fear any return of the 
rebels in that quarter. Their movements near Fred- 
ericksburg also indicate a final abandonment of that 
neighborhood. 

I doubt whether Johnston will now reenforce Jack- 
son with a view to oftensive operations. The time 
has probably passed when he could have gained any- 
thing by so doing. 

I nave ordered one of Sumner's divisions (that of 
Richardson) to Alexandria for embarkation. Blenker's 
has been detached from the Army of the Potomac, and 
ordered to report to Gen. Fremont. Abercrombie is 
probablv at Warrenton Junction to-day ; Geary at 
White Plains. 

Two regiments of cavalry have been ordered out, 
and are now on the way to relieve the two regiments 
of Sumner. Four thousand infantry and one battery 
leave Washington at once for Manassas. Some three 
thousand more will move in one or two days, and soon 
after three thousand additional. 

I will order Blcnker to move on Strasburg and re- 

Eort to you for temporary duty ; so that, should you 
nd a large force in your front, you can avail yourself 
of his aid. As soon as possible, please direct him on 
Winchester, thence to report to the Adjutant-General 
of the Army for orders ; but keep him until you are 
sure what you have in front. 

In regard to your own movements, the most impor- 
tant thing is to throw Jackson well back, and tlicn to 
assume such a position as to enable you to prevent his 
return. As soon as the railway communications are 
reestablished, it will be probably important and ad- 
visable to move on Staunton ; but this would require 
communications and a force of 25,000 to 30,000 for 
active operations. It should also be nearly coinci- 
dent with my own move on Richmond. At all events, 



not so long before it as to enable the rebels to concen- 
trate on you and then return to me. 

I fear that you cannot be ready in time ; although 
it may come in very well with a force less than 1 have 
mentioned, after the main battle near Richmond. 
When Gen. Sumner leaves Warrenton Junction, Gen. 
Abercrombie will be placed in immediate command of 
Manassas and Warrenton Junction, under your gen- 
eral orders. Please inform me frequently by tele- 
graph and otherwise as to the state of things in your 
trout. I am, verv truly yours, 

' GEO. B. McCLELLAN, 

Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

P. S. From what I have just learned, it would 
seem that the two regiments of cavalry intended for 
Wurrenton Junction nave gone to Uarper's Ferry. 
Of the four additional regiments placed under your 
orders, two should as promptly as possible move by 
the shortest route on \\ arrenton Junction. 

I am, sir, very respectfullv, your obedient servant, 
GEO. B. McCLELLAN, 

Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

Headquarters, Army op the Potomac, ) 
Steamer Commodore, April 1, 1802. \ 

To Brig.-Gen. L. Thomas, Aclj.-Gen. U. S. A. : 

General : I have to request that you will lay the 
following communication before the Hon. Secretary of 
War. The approximate numbers and positions of the 
troops left near and in rear of the Potomac are about 
as follows : 

Gen. Dix has, after guarding the railroads under 
his charge, sufficient troops to give him five thou- 
sand men for the defence of Baltimore, and one 
thousand nine hundred and eighty-eight available for 
the eastern shore, Annapolis, &c. Fort Delaware is 
very well garrisoned by about four hundred men. 
The garrisons of the forts around Washington amount 
to ten thousand men, other disposable troops now with 
Gen. Wadsworth being about eleven thousand four 
hundred men. The troops employed in guarding the 
various railroads in Maryland amount to some three 
thousand three hundred and fifty-nine men. These it 
is designed to relieve, being old regiments, by dis- 
mounted cavalry, and to send them forward to Manas- 
sas. Gen. Abercrombie occupies Warrenton with a 
force which, including Col. Geary's at White Plains, 
and the cavalry to be at their disjiosal, will amount to 
Some seven thousand seven hundred and eighty men, 
with twelve pieces of artillery. 

I have the honor to request that all the troops organ- 
ized for service in Pennsylvania and New York and 
in any of the Eastern States, may be ordered to Wash- 
ington. This force I should be glad to have sent at 
once to Manassas — four thousand men from Gen. 
Wadsworth to be ordered to Manassas. These troops, 
with the railroad guards above alluded to, will make 
up a force under the command of Gen. Abercrombie 
to something like eighteen thousand six hundred and 
thirty-nine men. It is my design to push Gen. Blcn- 
ker from AVarrenfon upon Strasburg. Ho should re- 
main at Strasburg long enough to allow matters to as- 
sume a definite form in that region before proceeding 
to his ultimate destination. The troops in the vallejr 
of the Shenandoah will thus — including Blenker's divi- 
sion, ton thousand and twenty-eight strong, with twen- 
ty-four pieces of artillery, Banks's Fifth torps, which 
embraces the command of Gen. Shields, nineteen thou- 
sand six hundred and eighty-seven strong, with forty- 
one guns, some three thousand six hundred and fifty- 
three disposable cavalry, and the railroad guard, about 
twenty-one hundred men — amount to about thirty-five 
thousand four hundred and sixty-seven men. 

It is designed to relieve Gen. Hooker by one regi- 
ment—say eight hundred and fifty men — being, with 
five hundred cavalry, thirteen hundred and fifty men 
on the Lower Potomac. To recapitulate : At Warren- 
ton there are to be seven thousand seven hundred and 
eighty ; at Manassas, say ten thousand eight hundred 
and fifty-nine ; in the Shenandoah Valley, thirty-five 
thousand four hundred and sixty-seven ; on the Lower 



216 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



Potomac, thirteen hundred and fifty — in all, fifty-five 
thousand four hundred and fifty-six. There would 
then be left for the garrisons in front of Washington 
and under Gen. Wadsworlh some eighteen thousand 
men, exclusive of the batteries, under instructions. 
The troops organizing or ready for service in New 
York, I learn, will probably number more than four 
thousand. These should be assembled at Washington, 
subject to disposition where their services may be 
most needed. 
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
GEO. B. McCLELLAN, 
Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

Some explanation of these orders is to be 
found in answers of Gen. McClellan to inter- 
rogatories before the court martial above men- 
tioned. In one answer he said: "The force 
left disposable for the defence of Washington 
was about 70,000 men, independent of the 
corps of Gen. McDowell." Again, he said: 
" My recollection of the suggestions as to the 
forces to be left varied from forty to fifty thou- 
sand. I think Gen. McDowell proposed the 
latter number. Of one thing I am confident : 
that, with the facts fresh in my mind, I thought 
that I left more than was suggested by any 
corps commander." 

As to the necessity that Gen. McDowell 
should remain for the defence of Washington, 
he said: "I think that Gen. McDowell was 
correct in his opinion that it was safe and pro- 
per for him to unite with the Army of the Po- 
tomac. I think that immediately after the oc- 
cupation of Hanover Court House by a portion 
of the Army of the Potomac, there was no 
rebel force of any consequence between Hano- 
ver Court House and Gen. McDowell. I think 
that the main object of Jackson's movement 
against Gen. Banks was to prevent reinforce- 
ments from being sent to the Army of the Po- 
tomac, and expressed that opinion in a telegram 
to the President within a day of the time I re- 
ceived information of Jackson's movements. I 
think that if Gen. McDowell had moved direct 
upon Hanover Court House, instead of in the 
direction of Front Eoyal, Jackson would have 
rapidly retraced his steps to join the main rebel 
army at Eichmond, With a strong army of 
our own in the vicinity of Eichmond, and 
threatening it, I do not think that the rebels 
would have detached a suflScient force to seri- 
ously endanger the safety of Washington." 

Before Gen. McClellan left Washington, an 
order was issued placing Gen. Wool and all his 
troops under his command, and he was ex- 
pressly authorized to detail a division of about 
10,000 men from the troops under Gen. Wool 
and to attach them to the active army. After 
operations had commenced on the peninsula, 
on the 3d of April Gen. McClellan received an 
order from the Secretary of War countermand- 
ing all this. No explanation of this has ever 
been made. 

The design of Gen. McClellan was to make a 
sure and rapid movement upon Eichmond, but 
other causes still occurred to defeat this purpose. 
The contest between the Monitor andMerrimac 
took place on the 9th of March (see below 



pp. 223 &c.), and the insecurity of the trans- 
ports, while the navy really had not entire con- 
trol of the James river, caused the troops to be 
landed at Fortress Monroe, and the march to 
be commenced overland from that point. 

About the 1st of April the force above stated 
had reached Fortress Monroe, Gen. McClellan 
arrived on the 2d, and commenced active opera- 
tions. On the 4th of April the following order 
was issued from the War Department : 

"Wae Department, "Washington, April 4, 1862. 

Ordered, 1. — That the portion of Virginia and Ma- 
ryland lying between the Mountain Department and 
the Blue Ridge shall constitute a military department, 
to be called tne Department of the Shenandoah, and be 
under the command of Maj.-Gen. Banks. 

2. — That the portion of Virginia east of the Blue 
Ridge and west of the Potomac and the Fredericks- 
burg and Richmond railroad, including the District 
of Columbia and the country between the Potomac and 
the Patusent, shall be a military district, to be called 
the Department of the Rappahannock, and be under 
the command of Maj.-Gen. McDowell. 

By order of the PRESIDENT. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 

The eifect of this order was to take from 
under the control of Gen. McClellan the forces 
of Gens. Banks and McDowell, aud the direction 
of all military operations in his department 
west of the Eichmond and Fredericksburg rail- 
road, and in lower Maryland, and to con- 
fine him strictly to the remainder of eastern 
Virginia. On the 11th of April, the following 
order was sent to Gen. McDowell : 

War Department, April 11, 1862. 
Maj.-Gen. McDowell Commanding : 

Sir : For the present, and until further orders, you 
will consider the national Ccapital as especially under 
your protection, and make no movement throwing 
your force out of position for the discharge of this 
primary duty. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

On the 5th of April, firing was opened by 
the enemy at Yorktown on the extreme Fed- 
eral right, to repel a bold reconnoissance. 
While this was going on. Gen. McClellan heard 
for the first time that Gen. McDowell was with- 
drawn from his command. Yorktown is a post 
village, port of entry, and shire town of York 
county, Virginia. It is situated on rising ground 
on the right bank or south side of York river, 
eleven miles from its mouth. It is seventy 
miles east-southeast of Eichmond, and had be- 
fore the war about sixty houses, four hundred 
and fifty inhabitants, and several thousand tons 
of shipping. 

The army of the Potomac had commenced its 
march upon this place wholly in the dark as 
to the nature of the country, or the position 
and strength of the enemy. The maps which 
were furnished by the commanders at Fortress 
Monroe were found to be entirely erroneous. 
The peninsula is bounded on the north by York 
river, which is commanded by Yorktown and 
Gloucester, on either side. Both places were 
strongly fortified to obstruct the entrance of 
the river by gunboats. The Confederate batte- 
ries mounted fifty- six guns, many of which were 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



217 




218 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOET OF THE EEBELLION. 



rifled one-hundred poimders, and could have 
sunk the entire fleet of these gunboats. The 
James river, whicli bounded the peninsula on 
the south, was in full possession of the enemy. 
The line of defence at Yorktown was selected 
with great judgment. Taking advantage of the 
highest ground on the peninsula at that place, 
and projecting a line of intrenchments and forts 
bearing a little southwest to a point connecting 
with the head of "Warwick river, the enemy had 
continued his works down that stream to James 
river, making the entire distance from point to 
point eight and a half miles. While the flat and 
marshy surface of the peninsula, together with 
streams constantly fed with copious supplies 
of water from the swamps, afforded peculiar 
means of defence, it was equally unfavorable 
to olfensive operations, especially when distant 
from the harbor for supplies and with bad 
roads. The country was also covered with 
dense forests of pine, which formed a valuable 
shield to the positions of the enemy. 

From the 5th to the 8th, when the unfavor- 
able weather suspended active hostilities on 
both sides, there were frequent skirmishes, and 
firing by artillery, to prevent the enemy from 
constructing further defences and mounting 
additional guns, with few casualties on either 
side. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th there was a 
succession of extraordinary storms of rain and 
hail with some sleet and snow. The enemy 
took advantage of this weather to complete 
their defences. Much work was done in the 
interval by the Federal army in making and 
corduroying roads to the depots, &c. 

When the army left Fortress Monroe, Gen. 
Keyes with three divisions proceeded along 
the James river until he reached the Warwick. 
In seeking for a ford he discovered the Confed- 
erate line of defence. Dykes had been erected 
in diff'erent parts of this stream, converting it 
into a kind of pond. These dams were defend- 
ed by redoubts, artillery, and rifle pits. 

The supplies of the army consisted in provi- 
sions for two days, which each soldier had taken. 
After these two days the army was entirely 
dependent on the wagons for subsistence. 
It was therefore necessary to construct roads. 
These were made by cutting down trees of 
equal size, and from one foot to eighteen inches 
in diameter, and placing the pieces from twelve 
or eighteen feet in length, side by side, on the 
ground. All the infantry that were not on 
picket duty on the outposts, were employed 
up to their knees in mud and water in this la- 
bor. By this means the cannon and wagons 
arrived at places where otherwise it would 
have been impossible to have brought them. 

In order to avoid the delays of a siege. Gen. 
McOlellan had formed a plan to turn the posi- 
tion at Yorktown. This was to be done by ef- 
fecting a landing on the Severn river, north and 
in the rear of Gloucester, by which this latter 
position might be carried, and thus render the 
York river less difficult of entrance by the gun- 
boats. The Federal force could then have ad- 



vanced up the left bank of the York river, 
in the direction of West Point, and rendered 
the position of the Confederate army most per- 
ilous, if they had persisted in holding it. The 
execution of this movement had been confided 
to the corps of Gen. McDowell, which was to 
have embarked the last of all, at Alexandria, 
and arrive at Yorktown at the moment when 
the rest of the army, coming from Fortress Mon- 
roe, appeared before that place. This corps of 
Gen. McDowell was detained, as has already 
been stated. The eff'ect of its detention is thus 
stated by Prince De Joinville : 

" We received the inexplicable and unexplain- 
ed intelligence that this corps had been sent to 
another destination. The news was received 
by the army with dissatisfaction, although the 
majority could not then foresee the deplorable 
consequences of an act performed, it must be 
supposed, with no evil intention, but with in- 
conceivable recklessness. ' Fifteen days earlier 
this measure, although it would always have 
been injurious, would not have had so bad an 
effect ; for new arrangements might have been 
made. Now, it was the mainspring removed 
from a great work already begun. It deranged 
everything. Among the divisions of the corps of 
Gen. McDowell there was one — that of Franklin 
— which was regretted more than all the rest, 
both on account of the troops themselves and of 
the oflicers commanding them. The command- 
er-in-chief had carefully superintended its or- 
ganization during the winter. He held it in great 
esteem and earnestly demanded its restoration. 
It was sent back to him, without any explana- 
tion, in the same manner as it had been with- 
drawn. This splendid division — eleven thou- 
sand strong — arrived, and for a moment the 
commander thought of intrusting to it alone 
the storming of Gloucester ; but the idea was 
abandoned." 

The next step was to search the Confederate 
line of defence for weak points. It was believ- 
ed that if any were found and forced, the result 
would be, that the enemy would, as is usual 
in such cases, believe that his position was turn- 
ed at both extremities, and his forces would 
become demoralized. Then if he was vigor- 
ously pushed with overwhelming force, a seri- 
ous, if not fatal disaster might be inflicted 
on his army. This point was supposed to 
exist about the centre of the line, on War- 
wick river or creek, below Winn's Mills and 
near Lee's Mills. Here the Federal forces had 
thrown up a considerable work, with wings for 
riflemen, in which guns were mounted. Di- 
rectly opposite the enemy, were protected by a 
demi-lune with two embrasures, with long in- 
fantry epaulements extending from each wing. 
An open field some six or seven hundred yards 
in width intervened. The enemy's works rest- 
ed on the skirts of a pine forest, while the Fed- 
eraWere in the centre of the> field. The forest 
extCTWed like a curtain clear across the north 
edge of the field, in which sharpshooters on 
either side were posted. 



MIUTARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



219 



On tho IGtli four Federal batteries of light 
artillery, under Capts. Ay res, Mott, Kennedy, 
and "Wheeler, opened furiously upon the oppo- 
site work, and soon drove the enemy's cannon- 
eers to shelter. Detachments consisting of 
companies E, F, D, and K, of a Vermont regi- 
ment, were ordered forward through the woods 
to capture the Confederate work. These brave 
men puslied forward firmly under a scattering 
firo of musketry, and were struggling through 
the creek, when the enemy, in superior force, 
opened upon them a galling lire of rides and 
musketry. They still went forward unfalter- 
ingly, and their ranks were rapidly thinning, 
when they were recalled. Not more than half 
their number had crossed the stream. They 
reluctantly obeyed, but soon it became more 
difficult to return tlian it had been to advance. 
The enemy suddenly opened a sluice above, 
and almost overwhelmed them with a flow of 
water which reached their armpits. They 
maintained their order firmly, however, imder 
cover of the batteries, which with the sharp- 
shooters kept the enemy within their intrench- 
ments, and in a short time extricated them- 
selves, bringing away all their dead and wounded 
except six. The casualties exceeded one hun- 
dred and fifty. The attempt to force through 
the enemy's line was afterward abandoned, 
having presented unforeseen difficulties. 

Sharpshooting was a feature of the early 
part of the campaign on the peninsula. An 
officer thus describes one or two scenes : 

" The operations of our fellows were extreme- 
ly interesting. One man was securely posted 
behind an embankment with a glass, and upon 
discovering an enemy, he signalized the active 
riflemen. The latter, covered by rifle pits or 
trees, were constantly blazing away, and at 
each successful shot would make some satisfac- 
tory sign. One of them aftbrded considerable 
amusement by his daring antics. Depositing 
his rifle every now and then behind a tree, he 
would dash across the field from his cover to our 
bastion and back again quickly, courting a shot, 
while his comrades watched for a victim. He 
must have made twenty trips while we observed 
him. Once or twice the enemy's balls knocked 
up tho dust a few feet from him, and quicker 
than thought a leaden messenger would be sent 
after the unlucky enemy. We left the saucy 
fellow continuing his hazardous pranks." 

The siege of Yorktown was now commenced 
in earnest. The Federal army was encamped 
before it in line of battle order. The arrange- 
ment of the columns, however, was influenced 
by the nature and topography of the position 
invested. It is thus summarily described by 
Prince de Joinville : 

" The last operation, like that on Gloucester, 
not being accomplished, nothing remained but 
to begin a regular siege against Yorktown. All 
this wandering in the dark had, unfortunately, 
consumed much time, and the siege itself would 
consume much more, although it should be 
pushed with tho greatest energy. Ten thou- 



sand laborers were unceasingly employed cut- 
ting through tiie woods and forming roads, 
trenches, and batteries. It was a curious spec- 
tacle. A straight arm of the sea, fringed by 
a thick and strong vegetation, mixed with trees 
of all kinds, living and dead, entangled with 
withes and moss, approached in a serpentine 
form to the front of the attack. The first par- 
allel was made. The wood which surrounded 
us was an admirable protection. This arm of 
the sea was covered with bridges. Roads were 
cut along its margin in the midst of tulips, flow- 
ers of Judea, and azaleas in full bloom. From 
this natural parallel others were formed by the 
hands of man, and we rapidly approached the 
place. The defenders opened a terrific firo on 
those works that they could see, as well as upon 
those which they supposed were in progress. 
Shells whistled on every side through the large 
trees, cutting down branches, frightening horses, 
but otherwise doing very little harm. Nobody 
cared about it. In the evening, when all the 
laborers returned in good order, with their ri- 
fles on their backs, and their shovels on their 
shoulders, the fire became more furious, as if 
the enemy had marked the hour of their return. 
"We went to this cannonade as to a show ; and 
when, on a beautiful night in spring time, the 
troops gayly marched along to this martial 
music through the flowering woods ; when the 
balloon, with which we made our reconnois- 
sances, was floating in the air, we seemed to be 
spectators at a fete, and for a moment were 
made to forget the miseries of war. 

" The siege, however, still went on. Power- 
ful artillery, with great difficulty, had been 
brought up; 100 and even 200-pounder rifled 
cannon, and 13-inch mortars were ready to bat- 
ter the place. Fourteen batteries were con- 
structed, armed, and appointed. If our fire 
had not been yet opened, it was because it was 
designed to open all our batteries together 
along the whole line ; and for this reason we 
waited until nothing was wanting to complete 
all our preparations. "We could not, however, 
resist the desire to try the 200-pounders. These 
enormous pieces were handled with incredible 
ease. Four men sufficed to load and aim them, 
without any more difficulty than in the work- 
ing of our old 24-pounders. At a distance of 
three miles their fire was admitably precise. One 
day one of these immense pieces had a kind of 
duel with a rifled piece of somewhat smaller 
caliber, in position on the bastions at Yorktown. 
Tho curious among us mounted on the parapet 
to see where the missiles might fall, and, while 
they communicated their observations to one 
another, the sentry on the lookout would an- 
nounce when the enemy was about to firo in 
turn ; but the distance was so great that, be- 
tween the discharge and the arrival of the pro- 
jectile, everylvody had time to descend without 
any hurry, and to place himself under the shel- 
ter of the parapet. Such, however, -was the 
precision of the fire that we were sure to see 
the enormous projectile passing over the very 



220 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



spot where the group of observers had been 
standing but a moment before ; then it would 
bound along and tear up the earth some fifty 
or sixty yards off, and its inflammable compo- 
sition would burst with a loud explosion, throw- 
ing into the air a cloud of dust as high as the 
water jets of St. Cloud. 

" It was evident that with the powerful means 
at our disposal the capture of Yorktown was 
but a work of time. Shattered beneath the 
tremendous fire which was about to be opened 
upon it, without casemates to cover their sol- 
diers, without any other defence than outworks 
and palisades, the place had not even the chance 
of opposing a lengthened resistance. Every- 
thing was ready for the final blow. Not only 
was a terrific bombardment about to be opened 
, upon the town, not only were the most select 
troops set apart to follow up this bombard- 
ment by a grand assault, but the steam trans- 
ports only awaited a sign to push immediately 
up the York river, and to land Franklin's 
troops at the upper part of the stream, on the 
line of retreat of the Confederate army. A 
part of these troops were also to remain on 
board the transports. They would have taken 
but a few hours to traverse by water the dis- 
tance it would have taken the enemy's army 
two days at least to march by land. Driven 
from the lines of Yorktown by a powerful at- 
,tack, pursued sword in hand, intercepted on 
the route by fresh troops, that army would have 
been in a most critical position, and the Feder- 
als would have obtained what they so much 
desired — an astonishing military success. 

" A great success of the Federal army before 
Yorktown was therefore of vital importance to 
the Government at Washington. Unfortunately, 
the Confederate leaders and generals were of 
the same opinion, and, as able and resolute men, 
they took the best means to render it impos- 
sible." 

On the nights of the 3d and 4th of May, 
Yorktown and the Confederate lines of the 
"Warwick river were evacuated. This Work, 
doubtless commenced several days before, and 
was conducted with great skill and energy. On 
the 3d the fire of the enemies batteries was re- 
doubled in severity. This was done to mask 
their retreat, and it was highly successful. The 
absence of all Sgns of them on the morn- 
ing of the 4th, caused their lines to be closely 
examined, when it was soon ascertained that 
they were abandoned. The capture of this 
strong position of Yorktown and its armament 
with scarcely any loss of life, was a brilliant 
military success. 

The impossibility for the navy to cooperate 
with the army, the want of forces to turn the 
flank of the enemy, as had been originally plan- 
ned, and their obstinate courage and efforts to 
prevent the capture of Yorktown, had caused 
the delay of a month before that place. Dur- 
ing this time the defences of Eichmond had 
been pushed forward, and the spring time of 
the year had so far passed away, that the hot 



season was at hand, which would produce dis- 
eases in the low lands of the peninsula, and 
thus greatly aid the enemy. The loss thus far 
on the Federal side was about three hundred. 
That of the Confederates has not been aS" 
certained. They left in their works at York- 
town two 3-inch rifled cannou, two 4^-inch 
rifled cannon, sixteen 32-pounders, six42-pound- 
ers, nineteen 8-inch columbiads, four 9-inch 
Dahlgrens, one 10-inch columbiad, one 10-inch 
mortar, and one 8- inch siege howitzer, with 
carriages and implements complete. Each 
piece was supplied with 70 rounds of ammu- 
nition. At Gloucester there was captured nine 
9-inch Dahlgrens, two 82-pounders rifled, five 
82-pound navy guns, five 42-pound carronades ; 
making at both places a total of seventy-three 
guns and much ammunition. 

Their force has been estimated at 100,000 
men. Some of the Federal soldiers were killed 
and horses injured by the explosion of instru- 
ments of destruction left by the enemy. It was 
at this time that New Orleans was captured. 

The next important point before the Federal 
army was the city of Williamsburg. There were 
two roads to that city : one direct from York- 
town ; and the other, from the left of the Fed- 
eral army, crossed Warwick river at Lee's Mills, 
and uniting with the first formed a fork near 
Williamsburg. 

This city is the capital of James City county, 
and is situated near the narrowest part of the 
peninsula between the James and York rivers, 
and is three miles from James river and about 
five and a quarter from York river. It is one 
of the oldest towns in the State, and contained 
a population of about fifteen hundred. 

As soon as the evacuation of Yorktown was 
known, the entire cavalry and horse artillery 
with five divisions of infantry were advanced 
in pursuit. Gen. Franklin's division was or- 
dered to move at once by water to the vicinity 
of West Point to endeavor to check the retreat 
of the enemy, and to be supported by other di- 
visions as rapidly as water transportation could 
be obtained. The remaining divisions were 
massed near Yorktown, ready to move by land 
or water, as might be necessary. Gen. Mc- 
Clellan meanwhile remained at Yorktown un- 
til Monday noon, the 5th, pushing the move- 
ment of the troops to West Point by water and 
awaiting the development of events. It was 
not until that time that he was made aware of 
the serious resistance encountered at Williams- 
burg. All the information up to that time in- 
dicated nothing more than an affair of a rear 
guard. As soon as the true state of affairs was 
known he moved rapidly to the front and as- 
sumed the immediate command. 

Gen. Stoneman had led the advance, with his 
cavalry and four batteries of artillery, on the 
direct road from Yorktown. After the bridge 
had been constructed over Warwick river. Gen. 
Smith advanced on the narrow road from the 
Federal left to Yorktown. He encountered a 
Confederate force, which fell back before him. 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



231 



A report of this was sent to the commander- 
in-chief, who ordered Gen. Stoneman on the 
otlier road to press forward, and endeavor to 
intercept this retiring force before its junction 
with the main body, which was supposed to be 
at WUliamsburg. Gen. Stoneman pushed for- 
ward with all the rapidity possible in the miry 
condition of the roads, and as he came out at 
the point where the road from Warwick Creek 
united, he was saluted by an artillery fire from 
numerous fieldworks known as Tort Magruder. 
A vain attempt was made to take this work 
with cavalry, during which Major Williams dis- 
played great bravery, but the column was 
forced to retreat and await the arrival of the 
infantry. Gen. Smith's division subsequently 
arrived, but the lateness of the hour and the 
heavy rain caused the attack to be put oflF. 

The pursuit by Gen. McClellau's forces had 
been so rapid that the Confederate officers 
found it to be necessary to give it a check, in 
order to continue their retreat with success. 
This led to the battle of Williamsburg on the 
next day, and the retreat of the Confederate 
army. Their plan for the campaign was thus 
developed. It was to delay the Federal army 
as long as practicable at Yorktown, and thus 
secure time to place Richmond in a defensive 
condition, and also to meet them in final battle 
near the marshes of the Chickahominy river. 

The Confederate position at Williamsburg 
consisted of thirteen works, extending nearly 
across the peninsula. Excepting two or three 
narrow roads, it was approachable only through 
dense forests. These roads were made worse 
by a heavy rain which commenced on Sunday 
afternoon, the 4th, and continued durhig the 
next day. 

When Sunday night came, the division of 
Gen. Smith, of Keyes's corps, had reached Gen. 
Stoneman's position after he fell back from 
Fort Magruder. Gen. Hancock's brigade form- 
ed the advance of this division. Gen. Hooker, 
of Heintzelman's corps, was approaching on the 
left by the road from Warwick river. His force 
consisted of the 11th Massachusetts, 5th, Cth, 
and 7th Wisconsin, 26th Pennsylvania, Sickles's 
New York brigade, and four batteries. Thus 
the advance of the Federal line had arrived 
within about two and a half miles of the works 
at Williamsburg. The Union troops slept on 
their arms without tents, without food, and in 
a hnrd rain. The Confederates determined to 
make the attack in the morning upon the 
Federal left and rear. About eight o'clock they 
threw out a body of infantry on their right, 
which soon exchanged fire with the advance 
of Gen. n.,'(>ker's division. This continued in- 
termittently for some time. Some light batteries 
became engaged, and drove the enemy back un- 
til they came within range of his heavy guns, 
when the former suffered severely. Bram- 
hall's battery lost all its horses, the guns became 
mired, and the forces of the enemy pressing 
upon it in greatly increased numbers, it was lost. 
Encouraged by this success, the enemy pushed 



forward, and Gen. Hooker was finally forced 
to give way and fall back, leaving his wounded, 
about two thousand in number, behind. The 
Confederates followed him as he fell back, until 
the division of Gen. Kearney came up and re- 
stored the battle. At the same time the enemy 
was strongly rei-nforced, and the fight was sharp 
and fierce. The state of the roads had ])re- 
vented an earlier arrival of Gen. Kearney's di- 
vision. His intrepidity was brilliantly shown 
on this occasion, although Gen. Hcintzelman 
commanded the joint divisions. Meantime the 
part of the army on the road to the right remain- 
ed passive. A single division only had come 
up. Of this the brigade of Brig.-Gen. Peck, of 
Couch's division of Gen. Casey's corps, was 
ordered by Gen. Sumner, who was in chief 
command, into the woods on the left toward 
the point where the battle was raging against 
Gen. Hooker's division. This brigade was com- 
posed of the 93d, 98th, and 102d Pennsylvania, 
the 55th and 62d New York, and West's bat- 
tery. Placed on the right of that division, with 
other regiments amounting to six thousand men, 
it stopped the Confederate advance by repuls- 
ing with great obstinacy every attempt made. 
Supported later in the day by Gen. Palmer's 
brigade, they formed a strong centre. 

Gen. Smith's division had formed on the 
right of the Federal line, and at an early hour 
a reconnoissance was made with a view of find- 
ing a route to the enemy's left flank. One was 
finally found, which had been overflowed with 
water by the enemy, and another was cut 
through the woods. The only obstacles to reach- 
ing the flank were two forts, strong from posi- 
tion and construction. To explore this route 
in force, and if possible occupy these works. 
Gen. Hancock was sent forward in the after- 
noon with his brigade. This consisted of the 
6th and 7th A^'ermont, 5th Wisconsin, 33d and 
49th New York, nnd Kennedy's battery. The 
two works were found to be unoccupied, and 
garrisoned by his men. A third at a distance 
he attacked with artillery and silenced. The en- 
emy, seeing the fatal consequences to themselves 
from this attack, if successful, sent out two 
brigades to drive back the Federal force. The 
latter allowed them to come up, and received 
them with a most destructive fire of artillery. 
The enemy unshaken pushed forward within 
thirty yards of the cannon's mouth, when they 
wavered. Gen. Hancock, seizing the moment, 
ordered his brigade to charge upon them Avith 
the bayonet, which they could not withstand, 
and broke and fled, leaving their dead and 
wounded on the field. Gen. McClellan now ar- 
rived, and gave orders to support Gen. Hancock, 
and to press the advantage already gained in that 
direction. In a few minutes seven thousand 
men were on the march for that point. Night 
fell before they reached it, and no more was 
done that day. The ploughed land and the 
day's rain made a soft bed on which the weary 
soldiers sank down during that night. 

The success of Gen. Hancock on the Confed- 



222 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



erate left flank caused them to retreat that 
night, and at daylight all the forts on the Fed- 
eral front and Williamsburg itself were found 
completely abandoned by the entire Confederate 
army. On the roads and in the woods were 
found the Confederate dead left unburied, and 
the wounded in their agonies. Their loss in 
killed and wounded was estimated at nearly a 
thousand. 

Gen. McOlellan evidently had not anticipated 
so serious a resistance at "Williamsburg. In a 
despatch to the Secretary of War on Sunday 
evening the 4th, he says : " Our cavalry and 
horse artillery came up with the enemy's rear 
guard in their intrenchments about two miles 
on this side of Williamsburg. A brisk fight 
ensued just as my aid left. Smith's division 
of infantry arrived on the ground and, I pre- 
sume, carried his works, though I have not 
yet heard. The enemy's rear is strong, but I 
have force enough up there to answer all pur- 
poses." 

The force that was actually before Williams- 
burg would have been routed on the next day, 
if they had not been sustained by the arrival of 
fresh troops. These troops were delayed great- 
ly by the bad roads. They were a portion of 
those whom Gen. McClellan, unaware of the 
great difficulty of the roads, and uninformed of 
the true state of the case by correct reports 
of the front, supposed were before Williams- 
burg. As it was, Gen. Hooker's division alone 
for hours withstood the enemy, even within 
hearing of other troops who were unable to 
come earlier to his relief. 

In the evening after his arrival Gen. McOlel- 
lan sent a despatch to the Secretary of War, in 
which he says : " After arranging for move- 
ments up York river, I was earnestly sent for 
here. I find Gen. Joe Johnston in front of me 
in strong force — probably greater a good deal 
than my own. 

" I shall run the risk of at least holding them 
in check here while I resume the original plan. 

" My entire force is considerably inferior to 
that of the rebels, who will fight well ; but I 
will do all I can with the force at my disposal." 

On a subsequent day Gen. McOlellan took 
occasion to address three of the regiments of 
Gen. Hancock's brigade, which was engaged on 
the enemy's left. His remarks indicate the 
importance which he afterward ascribed to the 
action of the brigade on that day. 

To the men of the Fifth Wisconsin regiment 
he said : 

My Lads : I have come to thank you for the bravery 
and discipline you displayed the other day. On that 
day you won laurels of which you may ever be proud 
— not only you, but the army, the State, and the coun- 
try to which you belong. "Through you we won the 
day, and Williamsburg shall be inscribed upon your 
banner. I cannot thank you too much, and I am sure 
the reputation your gallantly has already achieved 
will always be maintained. 

To the Seventh Maine regiment he said : 
Soldiers of the Seventh Maine : I have come to thank 
you for your bravery and' good conduct in the action of 



yesterday. On this battle plain you and your comradea 
arrested the progress of tl^e advancing enemy, and 
turned the tide oi' victory in our favor. You have de- 
served well of your country and your State, and in 
their gratitude they will not forget to bestow upon you 
the thanks and praise so justly your due. Continue 
to show the conduct of yesterday, and the triumph of 
our cause will be speedy and sure. In recognition of 
your merit you shall hereafter bear the inscription 
" Williamsburg" on your colors. Soldiers, my words 
are feeble ; but from "the bottom of my heart I thank 
you. 

To the Thirty-third New York regiment he 
addressed the following : 

Officers and Soldiers of the Thirty -third : I have 
come to thank you in person for your conduct and 
bravery on the 5th of May. I will say to you as I have 
said to the other regiments engaged with you at that 

Eart of the field, tli'at all did well — did all that I could 
ave expected. The other troops engaged elsewhere 
fought well and did their whole duty, too ; but you won 
the day, and to you and your comrades belongs the 
credit of the victory of Williamsburg. 

You acted like veterans ! Veterans of many battles 
could not have done better. You shall have " Williams- 
burg " inscribed upon your flag. I have accorded the 
same privilege to the other regiments engaged with 
you. 

You have won for yourselves a name that will last 
you through life. 
Soldiers, again I thank you. 

It has been stated that the division of Gen. 
Franklin, belonging to the corps of Gen. McDow- 
ell, was subsequently sent to the army of Gen. 
McClellan. This division arrived previous to 
the surrender of Yorktown, and remained on 
board of the transports in order to proceed up 
the York river as soon as the enemy's batteries 
might be taken. The division was delayed on 
the 5th by the weather. On the 6th it left 
Yorktown, and landed at Brick House Point 
on the same day. This is the point where the 
Pamunkey river enters the York river and on 
the right bank of the latter. The Pamunkey 
is navigable for gunboats of light draft some 
twenty miles above White House. It unites 
with the Mattapony and forms the York river. 
On the tongue of land between the two rivers 
at their junction is West Point opposite to 
Brick House Point. From West Point a rail- 
road runs to Richmond, and crosses the Pamun- 
key at White House. Although at this time 
an insignificant village, West Point was ancient- 
ly a place of considerable pretensions. It is 
about twenty-five miles by water from York- 
town and about thirty-five by railroad from 
Richmond. The troops were landed on the 
same night, and encamped on a plain surround- 
ed on three sides by woods, and on the fourth 
bounded by the river. That evening a part of 
the division of Gen. Sedgwick, under Gen. Dana, 
arrived. During the next day the enemy were 
discovered in the woods, and made an attack 
in which they had the advantage for a short 
time, but were repulsed and driven a considera- 
ble distance. Two batteries were brought to 
bear, which caused them to press upon the 
Federal left. The gunboats then opened upon 
them and did effective service, contributing 
materially to the success of the day. The divi- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL mSTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



223 



sion of Gen. Porter subsequently arrived on 
transports, but no further skirmishing took 
place at that position. 

The success at Williamsburg proved to be 
more complete than had been at first expected. 
The strong works of the enemy, the town, and 
his sick and wounded being taken, indicated 
that his loss had been great, and that his re- 
treat was rapid and disorderly. The retreat 
was followed up by the Federal cavalry for one 
or two days, and constant skirmishing kept up 
with the Confederate rear guard. The terrible 
condition of the roads rendered a more active 
pursuit out of the question. Three days were 
spent by the army at Williamsburg looking after 
their wounded, who Avcre scattered through the 
woods, and waiting for provisions from York- 
town, the arrival of which was delayed by the 
state of the roads. 

After the movement of General McClellan 
commenced, a serious blow was given to the 
strength of the enemy by the destruction of 
the Merrimac and tlie breaking up of the block- 
ade of the James River, which had been caused 
by the Merrimac taking a position off Craney 
Island, and subsequently by their loss of 
Norfolk. 

The Merrimac was the steam frigate of that 
name which had been sunk at the Norfolk navy 
yard at the time it was abandoned. The vessel 
was subsequently raised by the enemy, razeed 
or cut down and covered with a roof like a 
house, but composed of railroad iron. Her 
sides were also protected with plates of iron. 
She took a position as above stated, and to 
watch her the wooden frigates Cumberland 
and Congress were stationed at Newport News, 
and the Minnesota, Roanoke, St. Lawrence, and 
other ships at Fortress Monroe. At the same 
time iron clads were in process of rapid con- 
struction at New York and elsewhere, with the 
hope of being ready to encounter the Merrimac, 
or Virginia, as she was called by the enemy, 
whenever she should come forth. 

About half-past eleven a. m., on Saturday, 
March 8th, the Merrimac, armed with ten guns, 
appeared to be coming down, accompanied by 
the Patrick Henry, Com. Tucker, six guns; 
the Jamestown, Lieut. Barney, two guns; Ra- 
leigh, Lieut. Alexander ; Beaufoi't, Lieut. Par- 
ker; Teazcr, Lieut. Webb, each one gun, and 
moved directly toward the Cumberland. Im- 
mediately all hands were ordered to their 
places, and the Cumberland was sprung across 
the channel, so that her broadside would bear 
on the Merrimac. The armament she could 
bring to bear was about eleven nine and ten- 
inch Dahlgren guns, and two pivot-guns of 
the same pattern. The former came up at 
the rate of four or five knots per hour, and 
when she arrived within about a mile, the 
Cumberland opened on her with her pivot- 
guns, and soon the whole broadside com- 
menced. The balls bounded from her mailed 
sides like India-rubber, apparently making not 
the least impression. Six or eight broadsides 



had been fired when a shot was received from 
one of her guns whicli killed five marines. It 
was impossible for the Cumberland to get out 
of her way, and the Merrimac soon crushed her 
iron horn or ram into the frigate, just forward the 
main chains, knocking a hole in the side near the 
water-line, as large as the head of a hogshead, 
and dri\ing the vessel back upon her anchors 
with great force. The water came rushing into 
the hold. The Merrimac then backed out and 
discharged her guns again, the shot passing 
through the main bay and killing five sick men. 
The water was all the while rushing in the hole 
made by the ram, so tliat in five minutes it was 
up to the sick-bay on the berth-deck. In the 
mean time her broadsides swept the men away, 
maimed and killed, and also set the frigate on 
fire in the forward part. The fire was extin- 
guished. The sick-bay, berth-deck, and gun- 
deck, were almost literally covered with men 
killed and wounded, but the sur\aving ones 
still fought well, and every one displayed the 
utmost heroism. The fight lasted about three- 
fourths of an hour. The Cumberland fired 
rapidly, and all the time the water poured in 
the hole, and by and by into the ports, as her 
bow kept sinking deeper and deeper. Near the 
middle of the fight, when the berth-deck of the 
Cumberland had sunk below water, one of the 
crew of the Merrimac came out of a port to the 
outside of her iron-plated roof, and a ball from 
one of the guns instantly cut him in two. The 
Merrimac fired occasionally, but every shot told 
upon the wooden vessel, as her guns being 
without the least elevation, pointed straight at 
the Cumberland, and her nearness, being much 
of the time within three hundred yards, m.ade 
it an easy matter to send each ball to its exact 
mark. Finally, after about three-fourths of an 
hour, the frigate sank, the stars and stripes still 
waving. That flag was finally submerged, but 
after the hull grounded on the sands, fifty-four 
feet below the surface of the water, the pennant 
was still flying from the topmast above the 
waves. None of the men were captured, but 
many were drowned as the vessel went 
down. There were about four hundred on 
board, and from one hundred and fifty to two 
hundred were killed during the engagement 
and drowned at the sinking. Lieut. George M. 
Morris was in command of the vessel, Capt. 
Radford being absent on the Roanoke at a 
court of inquiry. Very few of the men swam 
ashore, most of those who were rescued from 
the water being saved by small boats. The 
Merrimac seemed to be uninjured, although her 
small boats and flagstaft' were shot away in the 
commencement of the action. 

The Merrimac next surged up, and gave the 
Congress a broadside, receiving one in return, 
and getting astern, raked the ship fore and aft. 
This fire was terribly destructive, a shell killing 
every man at one of the giSs except one. Com- 
ing again broadside to the Congress, the Merri- 
mac ranged slowly backward and forward at 
less than one hundred yards distant, and fii-ed 



224 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



broadside after broadside into the Congress. 
The latter vessel replied manfully and obsti- 
nately, every gun that could be brought to 
bear being discharged rapidly, but with little 
effect upon the iron monster. Finally the ship 
was on fire in so many places, and the flames 
gathering such force, that the National flag was 
hauled down and a white flag hoisted at the 
peak. 

The loss of life on the Congress was about 
one hundred. The remaining ofiicers and a 
part of the crew escaped ashore, and the others 
were taken off by a gunboat of the enemy. 
During the night the Congress was burned to 
the water's edge and sunk. 

On the first appearance of the Merrimac, the 
steamship Minnesota left Fortress Monroe for 
the scene of action. On approaching within a 
few mUes, the ship got aground. She was fol- 
lowed by the frigate St. Lawrence, which also 
grounded. The Eoanoke also made an attempt 
to get up to the scene, but owing to the shal- 
low water was obliged to return. 

After sinking the Cumberland and firing the 
Congress, the Merrimac, with the Yorktown 
and Jamestown, stood off in the direction of 
the steam-frigate Minnesota, aground about 
three miles below Newport News. This was 
about five o'clock on Saturday evening. The 
commander of the Merrimac, wishing to cap- 
ture this splendid ship without doing serious 
damage to her, did not attempt to run the 
Minnesota down. He stood off about a mile 
distant, and with the Yorktown and James- 
town threw shell and shot at the frigate. The 
Minnesota, though from being aground unable 
to manoeuvre or bring all her guns to bear, was 
fought splendidly. She threw a shell at the 
Yorktown which set her on fire, and she was 
towed off by her consort the Jamestown. She 
received two serious shots : one, an eleven-inch 
shell, entered near the waist; another shot 
through the chain-plate, and another through 
the main-mast. Six of the crew were killed 
outright on board the Minnesota, and nineteen 
wounded. 

About nightfall the Merrimac, satisfied with 
her afternoon's work of destruction, steamed in 
behind Sewall's Point. The day thus closed 
with the most gloomy apprehensions of what 
would occur on the nest. The Minnesota was 
at the mercy of the Merrimac, and there ap- 
peared no reason why the iron monster might 
not clear the Roads of the fleet, destroy all the 
stores and warehouses on the beach, drive the 
troops into the Fortress, and command Hamp- 
ton Roads against any number of wooden ves- 
sels the Government might send there. Mean- 
time the iron-clad, called Monitor, had been 
completed in New York, and was taken in tow 
from New York harbor by a steam-tug, on the 
6th of March, 1862, and propelled by her own 
steam-power also, -rtas hurried towards Hamp- 
ton Roads, to be in readiness, if possible, for the 
threatened descent of the Merrimac. In case 
ot encountering storms, the original plan was 



to make a harbor, and thus avoid the dangers 
to which a vessel of this character would be ,. 
subjected. The voyage, however, was per- 
formed through a heavy gale of wind and 
rough seas, which the vessel happily weathered, 
although the waves rolled over the top of the 
turret, and the water was driven with violence 
through the apertures necessarily left for ven- 
tilation, for the escape of smoke, &c. This 
threatened several times to extinguish the fires, 
and caused the engines to work so feebly that 
they were incompetent to expel the noxious 
gases, or pump out the water. Several of the 
men and ofiicers were rendered senseless by 
the suffocating fumes from the fires, and were 
only restored by being brought up into the tur- 
ret, and exposed to the fresh air. In the height 
of the gale the tiller rope was thrown off the 
wheel, and but for the strong hawser connect- 
ing the battery with the tug-boat ahead, the 
former must have foundered before her move- 
ments could have been brought under any con- 
trol. During the night, when these dangers 
were most imminent, no means whatever were 
available for signalling to the tugboat the need 
of seeking protection nearer the shore, from 
which direction the wind came, and all on 
board were thus kept in constant alarm. 

To those upon whom rested the responsibili- 
ty of the great trial upon which they were 
about to enter, no sleep was afforded after Fri- 
day morning the 7th of March. On Saturday 
evening the Monitor entered Hampton Roads as 
the engagement of the day was terminating. 
During the night the Merrimac lay at anchor 
near Sewall's Point, and the Monitor remained 
near the Minnesota, which was fast aground 
between Fortress Monroe and Newport News. 
Early on Sunday morning the Merrimac was 
seen advancing toward the Minnesota, to re- 
new the work of destruction she had so succes- 
fully prosecuted the day before. When within 
range, her shot were disclJarged at the frigate 
aground without any heed being paid to the 
apparently insignificant stranger within a mUe 
of which she was passing. At this distance, 
those on board the Merrimac must have been 
astonished as one of the 11-inchDahlgrensfrom 
the curious little tower upon the raft-like struc- 
ture opened upon the ship with its hundred 
and sixty-eight pound shot. From that time 
the attack upon the Minnesota was abandoned, 
and attention was directed only to this new an- 
tagonist. The vessels soon came into close ac- 
tion, and no effect resulting from the shot of 
the Merrimac striking the Monitor, an attempt 
was made by the former to run down and crush 
or sink the smaller vessel. Five times the two 
vessels struck each other, and each time one of 
the guns of the Monitor was discharged direct- 
ly against the plated sides of the Merrimac. 
The Minnesota directed her fire against the 
Merrimac, and two of her balls struck the Mon- 
itor, without, however, inflicting any damage. 
After the contest had raged for some hours, 
the Monitor, entirely unharmed, withdrew to 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



225 



some distance for the purpose of hoisting more 
shot into ber turret; -which being done, the 
fight was immediately recommenced. The 
Merrimac soon appeared to be in a disabled 
condition, and gradually worked away towards 
the batteries at Sewall's Point, As afterward 
ascertained, the heavy iron prow, projecting 
six feet from the stem of the Men-iniac, was so 
wrenched by the concussion against the side of 
the Monitor, that the timbers of the frame were 
started, causing the vessel to leak badly. It is 
not known that the shot of the Monitor pene- 
trated the sides of her opponent ; but it has 
been reported and denied that the timbers be- 
hind the iron plating were shattered by the 
tremendous force of the blows. The Merrimac 
received some injury, and loss of life was incur- 
red from the shot of the Minnesota. During 
the fight, the first officer of the Monitor, Capt. 
A. n. Worden, took his station in the pilot- 
house, and directed the firing by signals to the 
First Lieutenant, S. Dana Greene, by whom the 
guns were trained and fired. One of the last 
shots of the Merrimac sti'uck the pilot-house 
near the aperture through which Capt. Worden 
was looking at the instant. The blow, which 
was so heavy as to break one of the great 
wrought-iron beams of the pilot-house, stunned 
this otiScer, seriously injuring his eyes and face. 
On the retiring of the Merrimac, the second 
officer took charge of the vessel, knowing that 
another shot striking the pilot-house would be 
likely to complete its destruction, and render 
the vessel unmanageable by disabling the steer- 
ing apparatus ; and acting under orders which 
restricted the Monitor to a defensive course, 
except so far as might be necessary to protect 
the Minnesota, dechned to pursue the Merrimac, 
and remained by the Minnesota. 

On the Tth President Lincoln arrived at For- 
tress Monroe, and after examining the fortress 
and the camp at Newport News, urged a move- 
ment on Norfolk, which had already been re- 
ported as abandoned in consequence of the ad- 
vance of the army of the Potomac up the pen- 
insula. An expedition was accordingly organ- 
ized, under the direction of Maj.-Gen. Wool, 
which embarked at Fortress Monroe during the 
night of the 9th of May, and landed at Wil- 
loughby's Point, a short distance fi-om the Rip 
Raps and eight miles from Norfolk, at daylight 
on the 10th. The force consisted .of the 10th 
New York, CohBcndix; 20th do., Col. Weber; 
99th do.; 1st Delaware, Col. Andrews; ICth 
Massachusetts, Col. Wyman ; 6Sth Pennsylva- 
nia, Col. Bailey ; a battalion of mounted rifles, 
and a company of 4th regular artillery. Gens. 
Mansfield and Weber proceeded over a good 
road on the direct route to Norfolk, but finding 
the bridge over Tanner's Creek on fire, and a 
small force of the enemy on the opposite side 
with three small howitzers, a march of eight 
miles was then made by the Princess Anne 
road, around the head of the creek to Norfolk. 
The defences of the city were found to have 
been abandoned. At the Iknits of the city 
15 



Gen. Wool was met at half-past four in the 
afternoon by the mayor and a committee of 
the council, who surrendered it. lie immedi- 
ately took possession, and appointed Brig.-Gen, 
Viel6 military governor, with directions to see 
that the citizens were protected in " all their 
civil rights." The troops bivouacked on the field 
outside of the limits of the city for the night. 
About four o'clock the next morning a bright 
light was observed from Fortress Monroe, in the 
direction of Craney Island, which was supposed 
at first to be a signal of some description from 
the Confederate iron-clad steamer Merrimac or 
Virginia. It was closely watched by the officers 
of tlie picket boats, as well as by the various 
naval vessels of the fleet, and precisely at half- 
past four o'clock an explosion took place, which 
made the earth tremble for miles around. In 
the midst of the bright flames that shot up 
through the distant blaze, the timber and iron 
of the monster steamer could be seen flying 
through the air, while immense volumes of 
smoke rose up, and for a time obscured every 
thing. No doubt was entertained that the 
Merrimac had ceased to exist, and had doubt- 
less been abandoned by the crew. 

A naval recomioissance was immediately sent 
out toward Norfolk. The fortifications on 
Craney Island were found to have been aban- 
doned. On the main front of the island, 
commanding the approaches by the river chan- 
nel, the works were casemated. Nine of these 
casemates were finished, in each of which were 
nine or ten-inch guns, principally Dahlgrens, 
and the work of erecting five more casemates 
was in progress at the time of the evacuation, 
in one of which a gun was mounted. The 
Avhole number of guns mounted was thirty-nine, 
of which two were PaiTotts and a number 
rifled Dahlgrens. There were also about six 
guns in the works which had not been mount- 
ed. None of them had been removed. 

On the line of the river leading from Craney 
Island to Norfolk there were not less than sis 
heavy earthworks, mounting in all about sixty- 
nine cannon, all of which were in position, ex- 
cept those that were in the works near the 
Naval Hospital. These had been taken to 
Richmond. 

Not far above Craney Island was the river 
barricade. Although the river is here nearly 
a mile wide, a line of piles had been driven 
from shore to shore, with the exception of an 
opening in the centre of the channel for ves- 
sels to pass in and out. Here were two 
steam pile-drivers which had been used for 
this work, and near the opening was moored 
the hulk of the old frigate United States, 
which it was proposed to sink in case Federal 
vessels should have succeeded in passing the 
fortifications. 

Immediately commanding this river barricade 
was a casemated battery, forming a half circle, 
and mounting eleven heavy guns. On the op- 
posite bank of the river was another battery, 
with two or three other small works, before 



226 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



old Fort Norfolk on one side of the river, and 
the Naval Asylum batteries on the other, were 
reached. 

In addition to the amount of ammunition left 
in the sheds of the batteries, the magazines, 
of which there was a great number, were well 
filled. The amount of powder in the magazines 
was estimated at five thousand pounds, and the 
fixed ammunition could bo enumerated by the 
cargo. All the workshops, storehouses, and 
other buildings at the Gosport navy yard were 
burned, and the dry dock had also been partially 
blown up with powder on the night after Nor- 
folk was surrendered. "While this was taking 
place, another party was engaged in burning 
the shipping and steamboats in the harbor. 
There is no doubt this vast sacrifice was per- 
mitted by the Confederate Government, only to 
enable it to summon to Richmond the troops 
in and about Norfolk under Gen. Huger. They 
were about eighteen thousand in number. 

At the same time when this movement was 
made on Norfolk, steps were taken to open the 
blockade of James river. On the 8th of May 
the gunboats Galena (iron clad), Aroostook, 
and Port Royal started up the river, and were 
successful in silencing the batteries at its mouth 
and on its banks. They were subsequently j oin- 
ed by the Monitor and Naugatuck, and on the 
18th were repulsed by a heavy battery at 
Drury's Bluff, about eight miles below Rich- 
mond. The blockade of the river below that 
point was raised. 

Meantime the army of Gen. McOlellan was 
advancing toward Richmond. On the 8th of 
May the advance was beyond Williamsburg, on 
the 11th it was atBarnhamsville, onthelSthat 
New Kent Court House, and on the 15th at the 
White House. This was the point where the 
railroad from West Point to Richmond crossed 
the Pamunkey river. It took its name from 
a fine building, once the property of Gen. 
Washington, but now of his heirs. The rail- 
road was in good order, and locomotives and 
cars, brought on the transports, were imme- 
diately placed on the track. It was intended 
that the supplies of the army, as it advanced, 
should be taken over this road. The Pamun- 
key river, at the White House, was of sufiicient 
depth to float large vessels, and an immense 
amount of stores was there collected. A re- 
connoissance was made on the 16th by one of 
the smaller gunboats, with two companies of 
infantry under Major Willard, and. one section 
of Ayres' battery, up the Pamunkey river, a dis- 
tance of twenty-five miles, to a point known as 
Russell's Landing. A steamboat, a propeller, 
and fifteen small schooners were found in flames 
upon their arrival. Most of these vessels were 
loaded with corn. On the same day the Con- 
federate troops, consisting chiefly of a corps of 
observation, were driven over the Chickahom- 
iny on the main road to Richmond, at Bottom's 
Bridge, which was burned. When the Federal 
troops arrived within a half mile of the bridge, 
a brisk fire of artillery from the opposite si^de 



opened upon them. The Confederate army 
had now retreated across the Chickahominy, 
determined beyond that river to dispute the 
possession of Richmond, The Chickahominy 
river is formed by the junction of Horsepen 
Branch, Rocky Branch, North Run, and Brook 
Run, near Meadow Bridge, five miles directly 
north of Richmond. All these streams, and 
several others too small to have names, rise 
within ten miles northwest of Richmond, in a 
rough, unfertile country, 'exceedingly broken 
and unfit for cultivation. 

Meadow Bridge is nearly north of Richmond, 
five miles in a direct line by railroad, and is 
the outlet of a considerable swamp, and the 
place of crossing for Meadow Bridge road and 
the Virginia Central and Louisa railroad. The 
stream at this bridge is an insignificant brook, 
receiving another creek from the Richmond 
side, a short distance below. Less than two 
miles from Meadow Bridge is the bridge of the 
Mechanicsville turnpike, four and one half 
miles from the Confederate capital and fifteen 
from Hanover Court House. 

Two miles further on, it receives a small creek 
with the name of Brandy Run, and from this 
point it grows considerably wider, more slug- 
gish, with swampy shores at intervals, and low 
banks often overflowed. Near this place is a 
small bridge, and a road crosses, but little used. 

Four miles from Mechanicsville turnpike 
bridge is New Bridge, in a direct line north- 
east from the city six miles, and seven and a 
half miles by the road. Four miles farther, and 
directly east from the city, is a military bridge. 
From this bridge three miles farther to Bot- 
tom's Bridge the banks of the stream are quite 
swampy, but it is stiU of no considerable size, 
although several creeks have emptied their wa- 
ters into it. A mile before reaching Bottom's 
Bridge it is crossed by the Richmond and York 
River railroad, running to White House and 
West Point, The course of the river from its 
source is east-southeast, so that it is constantly 
leaving Richmond, and at Bottom's Bridge is fif- 
teen miles away from the city. Its nearest 
point is at Mechanicsville bridge. The bank of 
the stream on the north side is for the most 
part rolling bluffs, covered with forests, with 
an occasional opening, where can be seen finely 
situated plantations. Upon the soiith side of 
the stream, and from one to two miles from the 
bank, a considerable bluff extends the entire 
distance to the vicinity of the lower military 
bridge. This bluff is highest opposite New 
Bridge, where a point of it is known as Lewis 
Hill. A road runs along on the brow of this 
hill, and there are some very fine residences 
situated upon it, which, as it is only some 
three or four miles, at most, fix)m the city, 
are very desirable locations. Other bridges 
were constructed by orders of Gen. McClellan. 

The soil along the York River railroad is of 
too pliable a nature to admit of the transporta- 
tion of heavy guns, or, in fact, any others, at 
the time of severe rains. The same may be said 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



227 



of all the localities between the Ohickahominy 
and Richmond. After the passage of a hundred 
teams it becomes necessary to construct new 
roads. Some days passed in bringing up the rear 
of the army, in making preparations to cross the 
Chickahominy, and in securing the conveyance 
of the supplies for the army. The railroad from 
the White House became the base for this pur- 
pose, and was kept open until the 25th of June. 
Meantime the Federal army was diminishing in 
numbers, Avhile the Confederates were gather- 
ing troops by every method they could devise. 
Prisoners were taken, who belonged to regi- 
ments which had opi)Osed Gen. Burnside in 
North Carolina, And Norfolk had been sacri- 
ficed to send her troops to Richmond. The 
conscription act, passed by the Confederate 
Congress in April, made every man between 
the ages of eighteen and thirty-five years a sol- 
dier. The new levies were now collecting be- 
fore Richmond. 

On the evening of the 21st Gen. McClellan 
sent the following despatch to the War Depart- 
ment: "I have just returned from Bottom's 
Bridge; have examined the country on the 
other side, and made a reconnoissance on the 
heels of thcenemy, who probably did not like the 
skirmish of yesterday. The bridge will be re- 
paired by to-morrow morning, and others con- 
structed. All the camps have advanced to-day." 

On the next day the troops began to cross both 
at Bottom's Bridge and at the railroad bridge, 
and took up a position one and a half miles 
beyond. Reconnoissances made during the day 
gave no assurance that the Confederates were 
in any considerable force near at hand, but led 
to the impression that it was their purpose to 
make a stand in a seJected position near Rich- 
mond. On the next day, the 23d, the advance 
was within seven miles of Richmond. The Con- 
federates were at the same time attacked with 
shells on the opposite side of the river near 
New Bridge. This was followed up on the next 
day with more skirmishing. During these days, 
since the army had reached the river, the un- 
usual quantity of rain that fell had rendered the 
roads almost impassable for artillery, at the 
same time it had greatly retarded the construc- 
tion of the numerous bridges which Gen. Mc- 
Clellan wished to build over the Chicka- 
hominy. There were two principal objects 
now before the commander-in-chief: one was 
to capture Richmond, and the other to secure 
supplies for his army. For this latter purpose, 
it was necessary for him to be prepared to de- 
fend the railroad against every attack upon 
it. The Confederate general, Johnston, by hav- 
ing possession of the bridges over the river on 
the north of Richmond, could at any moment 
throw a force over and attack Gen. McClellan's 
line of supplies. The river therefore was ne- 
cessarily made passable to the Federal army at 
all times, to enable the commander to mass his 
troops on either side as might be necessary. 

"While arrangements were making to render 
the position of the Army of the Potomac safe 



and secure its successful advance upon Rich- 
mond, Gen. McClellan began to look anxiously 
for the expected cooperation of Gen. McDow- 
ell. It was evident that the retreat of the ene- 
my could be made but very little farther. The 
campaign had ripened for the battle, and the 
conflict must be near at hand. The enemy had 
always declared that Richmond would never 
be captured so long as any men were left to 
defend it. They had shown their willingness to 
wait, and no one believed tliey would retire with- 
in the defences of Richmond until they were 
forced to do it by the disastrous issue of a battle. 
On the 17th of May, the "War Department 
sent the following instructions to Gen. McClel- 
lan. Unfortunately the ret-nforcements spoken 
of therein, were destined never to arrive : 

"War Depaktmekt, ) 

"Washington Citt, D. C, May 17, 1862. J 
Maj.-Gen. George B. McClellan, Commanding 

Army oftho Potomac before Richmond : 

Your despatch to the President, asking for ret-'n- 
forcements, has been received and carefully consider- 
ed. The President is not willing to uncover the capi- 
tal entirely, and it is believed that even if this were 
prudent, it would require more time to effect a junc- 
tion between your army and that of the Rappahan- 
nock, by the way of the Potomac and York rivers, 
than by a land march. 

In order, therefore, to increase the strength of the 
attack upon Richmond at the earliest possible moment, 
Gen. McDowell has been ordered to march upon that 
city by the shortest route. He is ordered — keeping 
himself always in position to cover the capital from aU 
possible attack — so to operate as to put tiis left wing 
in communication with 3-our right, and you are in- 
structed to cooperate so as to establish this communi- 
cation as soon as possible. By extending your right 
wing to the north of Richmond, it is believed that this 
communication can be safely established, either north 
or south of the Pamunkcy river. In any event, you 
will be able to prevent the main body of the enemy's 
forces from leaving Richmond and falling in over- 
whelming force upon Gen. McDowell. lie will move 
with between thirty-live and forty thousand men. 

A copy of the instruction3 to Maj.-Gen. McDowell 
is with this. The specific task assigned to his com- 
mand has been to provide against any danger to the 
capital of the nation. At your earnest call for reen- 
forcemeuts, he is sent forward to cooperate in the re- 
duction of Richmond, but charged, in attempting this, 
not to uncover the city of Washington, and you will 
give no orders either before or after your junction, 
which can keep him out of position to cover this city. 
You and he will communicate with each other by tele- 
graph or otherwise as frequently as may be necessary 
for efficient cooperation. 

When Gen. McDowell is in position on your right, his 
supplies must be drawn from West Point, and you 
will instruct your staff officers to be prepared tO sup- 
ply him by that route. 

The President directs that Gen. McDowell retain the 
command of the Department of the Rappahannock, 
and of the forces with which he moves forward. 

By order of the President. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

On the 26th, an order was given for a move- 
ment, the design of which was to open a com- 
munication with Gen. McDowell, as well as to 
scatter a force known to be collecting near 
Hanover Court House to threaten the right of 
Gen. McClellan and his communications. 

About four o'clock on the morning of the 
27th, the division of Gen. Morrell, of Gen. Por- 



228 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



ter's corps, commenced its march in a heavy 
rain which had continued all night. It turned 
off from the road to New Bridge, and took that 
to Hanover Court House. The whole column 
marched fifteen miles steadily, with great ra- 
pidity, and with very little straggling. Soon 
after noon the enemy's pickets were met and 
driven in. This was near the railroad and 
about four mUes from the Court House. The 
advance, consisting of Gen. Martindale's bri- 
gade, composed in part of the 18th and 22d 
Massachusetts, 2d Maine, and 25th New Yorli, 
had met the enemy in considerable force. The 
latter regiment suffered severely by the enemy 
on either flank, until the artifiery opened its 
tire. This continued for half an hour, when the 
arrival of Gen. Butterfield's brigade soon settled 
the affair. After an advance of a mile farther 
the Federal force halted. During this halt the 
enemy marched so as to flank it and made an 
attack upon its left, when a severe battle ensued, 
which finally resulted near sundown in driving 
the enemy from the field . The Federals, in both 
contests, had fifty-four killed and one hundred 
and ninety-four wounded and missing. The 
loss was chiefly in the 25th New York. The 
Confederate force was estimated at eight 
thousand, and wounded prisoners were taken 
to the hospitals belonging to fourteen different 
regiments. Their loss was between two and 
throe hundred kUled and wounded, and about 
five hundred taken prisoners. The expedition 
was under the command of Gen. Porter. The 
battle was near Peak's Station, on the Vir- 
ginia Central Raih-oad. Fredericksburg, the 
headquarters of Gen. McDowell, was distant 
about forty -five miles, and his advance was at 
Bowling Green, distant only fifteen mUes. This 
was the moment for the junction of the two 
armies. Prince de Joinville thus speaks of the 
actions of this hour : 

" It needed only an effort of the wUl ; the two 
armies were united, and the possession of Rich- 



mond certain ! Alas ! this effort was not made ; 
I cannot recall those fatal moments without a 
real sinking of the heart. Seated in an orchard 
in the bivouac of Porter, amid the joyous ex- 
citement which follows a successful conflict, I 
saw the Fifth cavalry bring in whole companies 
of Confederate prisoners, with arms and bag- 
gage, their officers at their head. But neither 
the glad confidence of the Federals nor the dis- 
couragement of their enemies deceived me, 
and I asked myself how many of these gallant 
young men who surrounded me, relating their 
exploits of the day before, would pay with their 
lives for the fatal error which was on the point 
of being committed. Not only did not the two 
armies unite, but the order came from Washing- 
ton to burn the bridges which had been seized. 
This was the clearest way of saying to the 
Army of the Potomac and to its chief that in 
no case could they count on the support of the 
armies of upper Virginia." 

Gen. McOleUan, in his testimony before the 
court-martial at Washington in the case of Gen. 
McDowell on December 10, said: "I have no 
doubt, for it has ever been my opinion, that 
the Army of the Potomac would have taken 
Richmond, had not the corjis of Gen. McDowell 
been separated from it. It is also my opinion 
that had the command of Gen. McDowell joined 
the Army of the Potomac in the month of May, 
by way of Hanover Com-t House from Freder- 
icksburg, we would have had Richmond in a 
week after the junction. I do not hold Gen. 
McDowell responsible for a failure to join with 
me on any occasion. I beheve that anwers the 
question." 

The principal bridge burned was the one over 
the South Anna River. The report of the de- 
struction of this bridge, made from the army at 
the time says: "It cuts off the communication 
by railroad between Richmond and the forces 
under Gen. Jackson." On the 29th the expe- 
dition returned to its original camp. 



CHAPTER XYlIl. 

Junction of Gen. Shields with Gen. McDowell— Both ordered to the Shenandoah Valley— March of Gen. Fremont to the 
same point — Previons advance of Gen. Banks up the Shenandoah— Position of the Forces— Advance of Gen. Jackson 
down the Valley — Attack at Front Eoyal — Eetreat of Gen. Banks— Excitement in the Northern States — Gen Jackson 
falls back— Pursuit by Gens. Fremont and Shields— Battle at Cross Keys— Battle at Port Pvcpublic— Advance of 
Gen. Heath. 



The explanation of this failure on the part 
of Gen. McDowell to cooperate with the 
army of Gen. McClellan at this critical mo- 
ment, involves a statement of the military 
operations which had been taking place in 
the Department of the Potomac, the Moun- 
tain Department, and the Department of 
the Shenandoah, and which culminated at 
this time. On the Confederate side, the de- 



sign of these military operations was not only 
to prevent this junction of Gen. McDowell 
with Gen. McClellan, but also to prevent any 
reenforcement whatever to the latter. In this 
last object they were also partly successful. 

The cori)s of Gen. McDowell was not allow- 
ed to embark for Fortress Monroe with the 
other forces of Gen. McClellan by order of the 
President, as has been stated. The Department 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL niSTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



229 



of the Rappahannock created soon after, and 
placed under the command of Gen. McDowell, 
became the field of his operations. The division 
of Gen. Franklin having been sent to Gen. Mc- 
Clellau, the forces of Gen. McDowell consisted 
of the divisions of Gens. McCall and King. 
These forces were in Virginia, southwest of 
Washington. On the loth of April the order 
for their advance was issued. On the night of 
that day the advance reached Catlett's Station. 
On the 17th the march again commenced, and, 
six miles out, the pickets of the enemy were 
found and driven in, and several skirmishes took 
place during the day. On the morning of the 
18th the small force of the enemy were driven 
across the bridges into Fredericksburg, which 
place they were not prepared to defend, and 
Boon after abandoned it, having destroyed every- 
thing of value to themselves which could not 
be carried away. On the next day the city was 
eun-endered by the authorities. It was so com- 
pletely under the guns of the Federal force 
planted opposite the town, that any resistance 
in its unprotected state would have been useless. 
The Confederate force which retired before 
the advance, consisted of one regiment of in- 
fantry and one of cavalry. On the 23d of 
April Gen. McDowell was ordered by the Presi- 
dent not to occupy Fredericksburg for the pres- 
ent, but to prepare the bridges and his trans- 
portation. On the 30th he was authorized 
to occupy it. On the 4th of May the bridges 
across the Rappahannock had been restored, 
and the city was occupied by the Federal troops. 
At the same time when the order was given to 
Gen. McDowell to advance upon Fredericksburg, 
an order was given to Gen. Shields to withdraw 
with his division from the corps of Gen. Banks 
in the Department of the Shenandoah, and to 
join the corps of Gen. McDowell. Upon the 
issue of this order detaching Gen. Shields from 
the command of Gen. Banks, the "War Depart- 
ment was warned by experienced military offi- 
cers that disaster would certainly follow from 
it. Gen. Shields immediately moved to comply 
with the order, and on the 19th his division en- 
camped half a mile south of Catlett's Station. 
He was ordered then to Fredericksburg, and 
reached Falmouth on the 22d of May. 

On the I7th of May the following instructionB 
were given to Gen. McDowell : 

"War Department. I 
WASniNGTON CiTT, D. C, May IT, 1S62. J 
To Maj.- Gen. McDmvell, Commanding Department of 
the EappaJiannoch : 

General : Upon being joined by Shields's division, 
you will move upon Ricbniond by tbe general route of 
the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad, coopera- 
ting with the forces under Gen. McClellan now threat- 
ening Richmond from the line of the Pamunkey and 
York rivers. While seeking to establish as soon as 
possible a communication between your left wing and 
the right wing of Gen. McClellan, you will hold your- 
self always in such position as to cover the capital of 
the nation against a sudden dash by any large body of 
the rebel forces. 

Gen. McClellan will be furnished with acopy of these 
instructions, and will be directed to hold himself in 
readiness to e.stablish communication with your left and 



to prevent the main body of the enemy's army from 
leaving Richmond and throwing itself upon your col- 
umn before a junction between the two armies is etTect- 
ed. A copy of his instructions in regard to the em- 
ployment of your forces is annexed. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

A few days previously a small force had 
crossed over to Fredericsburg by order of Gen. 
McDowell, but the main body of his corps re- 
mained at Falmouth, where it could sustain the 
advance if necessary. The enemy had retired 
only a short distance from the town. So far 
as related to numbers, the division of Gen. 
Shields was not needed by Gen. McDowell ; 
but the soldiers of the former had been on 
many a hard field, while those of the latter had 
hardly stood the shock of battle. The division 
of Gen. Shields, just from a march of ono 
hundred and ten miles, was appointed to take 
the advance upon the enemy. This division 
consisted of the following brigades : first bri- 
gade, Gen. Kimball, 4th and 8th Ohio, 14th 
Indiana, and 7th Virginia ; second brigade, Gen. 
Terry, 7th, 29th, and 66th Ohio, and 7th Indi- 
ana; third bri^de, Gen. Tyler, 5th Ohio, 1st 
Virginia, 84th and 110th Pennsylvania; fourth 
brigade, Col. Carroll acting brig.-gen., 7th and 
62d Ohio, 13th Indiana, and 39th Dlinois. 

On Saturday evening. May 24, the order 
was received for the division of Gen. Shields 
and other forces, to fall back. 

The following was the order : 

WABniNOTON, May 24, 1862L 
Maj.-Gen.McDoxoell : 

Gen. Fremont has been ordered, by telegraph, to 
move to Franklin and Harrisonburg, to relieve Gen. 
Banks, and capture or destroy Jackson and Ewell's 
forces. You are instructed, laying aside for the pres- 
ent the movement on Richmond, to put twenty thou- 
sand men in motion at once for the Shenandoah, moving 
on the line, or in advance of the line, of the Manassas 
Gap railroad. Your object will be to capture the 
force of Jackson and Evvell, either in cooperation with 
Gen. Fremont, or, in case want of supplies or trans- 

fiortation interfered with his movement, it is be- 
icved that the force which you move will be sufficient 
to accomplish the object alone. The information thus 
far received here makes it probable that, if the enemy 
operates actively against Gen. Banks, you will not be 
able to count upon much assistance from him, but may 
have even to release him. Reports received this mo- 
ment are that Banks is fighting with Ewell, eight miles 
from Harper's Ferry. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

The reply of Gen. McDowell to this order 
was as follows : 
Headquarters, Department of the Rappahankock, \ 
May 24, 1S62. f 

Bon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

The President's order has been received, and is in 
process of execution. This is a crushing blow to us. 
IRVIN McDowell, Major-General. 

To this the President responded as follows : 

WashisgtoH, May 24, 1862. 
MqJ.- Gen. McDowell : 

1 am highly gratified by your alacrity in obeying my 
orders, the change was as painful to me as it can 
possibly be to you or to any one. 

Everything now depends upon the celerity and vigor 
of your movements. A. LINCOLN^ 

The reply of Gen. McDowell to this mes- 
sage is important, as showing the probabilities 



230 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



that his movement would be unsuccessful. It 
was as foUows : 

Headquaeteks, Depaetment of the Rappahannock, ) 
Opposite Fkedeeicksburg, May 24, 1S62. j 
His Excellency the President : 

I obeyed your order immediately ; for it wal posi- 
tive aud urgent, and, perhaps, as a subordinate, there 
I ought to stop ; but I trust I may be allowed to say 
something in relation to the subject, especially in view 
of your remark that everything depends upon the 
celerity and vigor of my movements; I beg to say that 
cooperation between Gen. Fremont and myself to cut 
off Jackson and Ewell is not to be counted upon, even 
if it is not a practicable impossibility; next, that I am 
entirely beyond helping distance of Gen. Banks, and 
no celerity or vigor will be available as far as he is 
concerned ; next, that by a glance at the map it will 
be seen that the line of retreat of the enemy s forces 
up the valley is shorter than mine to go against him. 
It will take a week or ten days for the force to get to 
the valley by the route which will give it food and for- 
age, and by that time the enemy will have retreated. 
I shall gain nothing for you there, and lose much for 
you here. It is, therefore, not only on personal grounds 
that I have a heavy heart in the matter, but I feel that 
it throws us all back, and from Richmond north we 
shall have all our large mass paralyzed, and shall have 
to repeat what we have just accomjplished. 

I have ordered Gen. Shields to commence the move- 
ment to-morrow morning. A second division will fol- 
low in the afternoon. Did I understand you aright 
that you wish that I personally should accompany this 
expedition? Very respectfully, 

iRviN McDowell. 

The division of Gen. Shields, accompanied 
by other portions of McDowell's forces, was on 
the march at noon of the next day, and moved 
fifteen miles, and the next day, the 26th, en- 
camped six miles beyond Oatlett's Station. 
Early the next morning, moving again, it pass- 
ed Manassas Junction during the day, where 
it met a poi-tion of the force driven from Front 
Royal, and learned that Gen. Banks was flying 
before Gen. Jackson, and halted at Haymarket. 
Twelve days previous this division had left 
Gen. Banks's army to join Gen. McDowell, on 
his way, as it was believed, to cooperate with 
Gen. McClellan before Richmond. It had been 
the division of Gen. Lander, and had become 
familiar with the Shenandoah Yalley, up 
which they had pursued the enemy from the 
Potomac to the northern base of the Massanut- 
ten Mountains. Now the work of a whole 
winter and spring was before them to do over 
again. In cooperation with Gen. Fremont's 
forces they prepared to aid in cutting off the 
reti-eat of Gen. Jackson after having driven 
Gen. Banks across the Potomac. On the 27th 
a column under Gen. Kimball, embracing, as a 
part of it, the entire division of Gen, Shields, 
commenced its march for Front Royal, which, 
without serious opposition, it was expected to 
reach in three days, and Strasburg in four. 

The advance of Gen. McDowell at the time 
it was countermanded had reached Bowling 
Green, fifteen miles from Hanover Court House, 
which was two days later occupied by a force 
from Gen. McClellan's army under Gen. Porter. 

The order creating the Mountain Department 
Was issued by the President on the 11th of 
March. It was supposed at this time that the 



plan of the campaign for Gen. Fremont was to 
move up the left bank of the Big Sandy river 
in Kentucky, to Prestonville and Pikeville, 
through Cumberland Gap to Knoxville, and 
thus command the southern railroad, and cut 
oif any retreat from or any reiinforcements to 
Richmond. On the 29th Gen. Fremont, at 
Wheeling, assumed the command, and Gen. 
Rosecrans retired and took command of Gen. 
Pope's corps under Gen. Grant. The new de- 
partment was bounded on the east by that of 
the Potomac under Gen. McClellan, and on the 
west by that of the Mississippi under Gen. 
Halleck. Active preparations had been made 
by Gen. Rosecrans for the spring campaign. 
On the same day Gen. Fremont issued an or- 
der assigning Brig.-Gen. B. F, Kelly to the 
command of the railroad district, consisting of 
all of western Virginia, north and east of the 
counties of Jackson, Roane, Calhoun, Braxton, 
Lewis, Barbour, and Tucker inclusive, and 
west of the AUeghanies, Maryland, and Penn- 
sylvania. 

Military operations in this department, un- 
der Gen. Fremont, commenced about the 1st 
of April. Gen. Milroy, who had been some 
time holding the pass of Cheat Mountain in 
Randolph county in the northern part of the 
Slate, advanced twelve miles to Camp Green- 
brier, thence nine miles in a northeasterly di- 
rection to Camp Alleghany, a position occupied 
by the enemy, who retreated before him. On 
the 10th he had occupied Monterey, being an 
advance of sixteen miles. This position was 
evacuated by the Confederates, and also Hun- 
tersville. The next day he moved toward 
McDowell, distant ten miles, and occupied it 
and advanced subsequently to Fort Shen- 
andoah eight miles. Thus far Gen. Milroy 
had followed the retreating foe from Monterey 
in the direction of Staunton in the Shenan- 
doah Valley. 

On the 3d of May pen. Fremont left Wheel- 
ing and arrived at New Creek on the Balti- 
more and Ohio railroad, and on the 5th, accom- 
panied by his staff and body guard, and one or 
two regiments of infantry and a battery, he ad- 
vanced about six miles ; on the 7th he reached 
Petersburg, a small town twelve miles beyond 
Moorefield, and forty-four from New Creek. 
Gen. Schenck's brigade had left Petersburg on 
the 3d. Their aim was to effect a junction with 
Gen. Milroy, whose situation was becoming 
exposed in consequence of forces of the enemy 
advancing from the east. Gen. Milroy in his ad- 
vance had driven the Confederates beyond the 
Shenandoah Mountains, the boundary of Gen. 
Fremont's department, and had made tiis head- 
quarters at McDowell. On the Sth of May the 
32d Ohio regiment was advanced beyond the 
ShenandoahMountains, about sixteen miles from 
McDowell, for the double purpose of scouting 
and foraging. The 75th Ohio and 8d Virginia, 
with Hyman's battery, were encamped at the 
foot of the mountain on the west side, and 
the remainder of Gen. Mikoy's force was at 



MILITAKY AND Js^AVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



231 




WATtns 



232 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



McDowell. This is a small town on the Bull Pas- 
ture river at the foot of mountains bearing the 
same name, and about forty miles distant from 
Harrisonburg in the Shenandoah Valley, where 
Gen. Banks's forces then were. To prevent the 
junction of these forces, or to cut them up 
before Gen. Milroy could be reanforced, Gen. 
Jackson collected all the Confederate forces in 
the region, and marched against him. On the 
Yth he attacked the 32d Ohio, which fell back 
with the loss of their camp equipage and bag- 
gage, through lack of transportation. At the 
same time the force west of the mountain fell 
back in order to McDowell, where a stand was 
determined upon. Gen MUroy at the earliest 
moment sent despatches to Gen. Schenck, who 
was thirty miles distant, to hasten to his assist- 
ance. In the afternoon the enemy appeared 
in large force on the tops of the mountains in 
the rear of the town, arranging for an attack. 
A force was immediately sent forward by Gen. 
Milroy to occupy the hilltops adjacent to the 
ones upon which the enemy appeared, more for 
the purj)ose of skirmishing and reconnoitring 
than for bringing on a battle. A fierce con- 
test ensued, which was increased by the arrival 
of Gen. Schenck with his brigade, and con- 
tinued until night. The forces of the enemy 
being manifestly greatly superior, Gen. MUroy 
determined to retreat. The march was com- 
menced at midnight, and at daybreak they 
Lad retired thirteen mUes. After a halt of two 
Lours it was continued with the enemy press- 
ing upon them. Upon reaching the camp of 
Gen. Schenck, arrangements were made for pro- 
tection. Every hill was surmounted with can- 
non, and ten different regiments were placed 
to support them, and for over thirty hours the 
artillery by a constant fire kept the enemy at a 
distance. On the morning of the 14th all of 
the enemy had disappeared, which was subse- 
quently explained by the arrival of Gen. Fre- 
mont with Blenker's division. The Federal 
loss in this conflict was twenty killed, one 
hundred and seventy-seven wounded, and two 
missing. The Confederate loss was forty 
killed, and two hundred wounded. It was 
nearly a flight of the Federal forces, and only 
the arrival of Fremont probably saved it from 
final capture. The Federal loss in tents, bag- 
gage, and stores was great. The enemy were 
present in much superior numbers. 

Gen. Fremont now made his headquarters at 
Franklin, eighty miles south of New Creek, 
twenty-four miles fi-om Monterey, and sixty- 
five from Staunton. Here he remained quietly, 
reorganizing and refreshing his forces for ten 
days. This repulse of his advance, with his 
withdrawal to Franklin, now gave Gen, Jack- 
son the opportunity to carry out the plans 
against Gen. Banks as soon as the moment 
came for their execution. Consequently no 
further movement of importance was made on 
the^part of Gen. Fremont until he was ordered 
to hurry to the relief of Gen. Banks. This 
order was received by him on Saturday, the 



24th of May, under the form of a despatch 
from the Secretary of War, directing him to 
fall back with his entire command to the sup- 
port of Gen. Banks. That evening the order 
was given to be ready for a movement early on 
the following morning. As early as half past 
three o'clock on Sunday morning the noise of 
preparation was heard, and at six o'clock the 
army was in motion. 

It seems that when Gen. Fremont was order- 
ed to go to the relief of Gen. Banks, the order 
prescribed the route by which he should go. {See 
p. 237.) This route, thus specified by the Presi- 
dent, would have brought Gen. Fremont in the 
rear of Gen. Jackson ; whereas that taken by 
Gen. Fremont brought him in front of Gen. Jack- 
son. But Gen. Fremont, judging it to be an im- 
practicable route, took the responsibility of go- 
ing by another. The President telegraphed to 
him, saying : " You are ordered to go so and so. 
I hear of you elsewhere. "What does this mean ? " 
To which Gen. Fremont replied, giving the 
reasons, viz. : that he knew of a shorter and 
easier route by which he could more effectual- 
ly perform the service desired, and on which 
his half-famished troops would meet their 
transportation and supplies. He also stated 
that when one is "in the field," it is essentially 
diflicult to obey literally orders transmitted 
from one necessarily unaware of present exi- 
gencies, but that if it was expected of him so 
to do, he would do it. To this the President, 
with characteristic simplicity, replied that he 
was satisfied. , 

The first six miles of the road were inde- 
scribably bad, owing to the recent rains and 
the heavy wagons that had been passing over 
it. "Wounded and sick had been left at 
Franklin, but the entire train of wagons was 
taken. At night the army bivouacked about a 
mile beyond the upper crossing of the South 
Branch of the Potomac on the road to Peters- 
burg. The distance marched was fourteen 
miles. On Monday, the 26th, the advance 
reached Petersburg after noon, having marched 
sixteen miles, and halted until the next morn- 
ing. Orders were here issued that knapsacks, 
tents, and baggage of every description, which 
could possibly be dispensed with, should be 
left behind. Five days' rations of hard bread 
were given to the troops, and on Tuesday, the 
27th, after marching twelve miles, they halted 
on the highlands east of the village of Moore- 
field. On "Wednesday, the 28th, the army ad- 
vanced ten miles, passing over Hunting Ridge, 
and about two o'clock halted to rest and await 
supplies. The roads continually grew worse, 
and the rain fell steadily. Thursday, no move- 
ment was made. A small force under Col. 
Downey, on a reconnoissance, encountered a 
small body of Confederate cavalry. On Friday, 
the 30th, an advance of twenty mUes was made, 
and the army bivouacked at "WardensviUe. A 
heavy rain fell during the afternoon. On Sat- 
urday, the 31st, the last of the intervening 
mountain ranges was crossed, and the western 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



233 



barrier of the Shcnandoahi Valley alone re- 
mained to be traversed. The troops pushed 
on twelve miles through the rain, and halted at 
night where the Winchester and Strasburg 
roads divide. On the narrow ridges, along 
which the path wound in constant ascent, there 
was no plane or table land for camp. That 
rainy night the tired troops dropped and slept 
by the roadside or in the swimming fields. 
The next morning, Sunday, June 1, the ad- 
vance moved at sis o'clock, ^d at eight the 
whole column was in motion on the road to 
Strasburg. In about an hour and a half later 
a skirmish ensued near Strasburg, and Gen. 
Fremont had reached the position to cooperate 
with the force of Gen. McDowell against the 
advance of the enemy upon Gen. Banks. 

After the battle of Winchester, on the 23d 
of March, the retiring Confederate forces in the 
Shenandoah Valley were followed up by Gen. 
Banks. On the 1st of April ho moved from 
Strasburg to Woodstock, where his entrance 
was disputed by a force of cavalry, infantry, 
and artillery under Col. Ashby. They how- 
ever retreated to Edinburg, destroying one 
railroad and two turnpike bridges. The ad- 
vance was subsequently continued with occa- 
sional skirmishes, and on the 26th Harrisonburg 
was occupied. A considerable body of Con- 
federate troops was in the neighborhood, but 
in a position from which a retreat could easily 
be made. 

The order of the President, which divided 
the army in Virginia into five corps, placed the 
fifth under the command of Gen. Banks. It 
was to be composed of his division and that of 
Gen. Shields, which had previously been com- 
manded by Gen. Lander. This was the force 
now encamped near Harrisonburg. About the 
15 th of May an order was issued from the War 
Department withdrawing the division of Gen. 
Shields from the corps of Gen. Banks, and di- 
recting him to report immediately at Catlett's 
Station on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, 
as above stated. At the same time orders 
were given to Gen. Banks to fall back to Stras- 
burg and fortify. Gen. Shields left at once, 
and on his arrival at Catlett's Station he was 
ordered to join Gen. McDowell at Fredericks- 
burg immediately. 

At Strasburg the Massanutten range of 
mountains rise in the middle of the valley, 
and divide it. Strasburg is favorably located 
for defence against an attack from the south 
by the western valley. But the eastern valley, 
by opening out at Front Royal, affords another 
road to the Potomac, and abo a good plank 
road, which runs direct to Winchester, going 
round Strasburg. 

Gen. Banks had not actually fallen back to 
Strasburg when Gen. Shields marched over 
the mountain and down the eastern branch 
of the valley to Front RoyaJ. At that very 
time an attack was expected on the front, and 
a portion of his forces had been daily skirmish- 
ing with a Confederate force in the gap of the 



Massanutten Mountains. It -was also known 
that Gen. Jackson, having attempted to dis- 
lodge Gen. Milroy in the Mountain Department, 
was returning to the Shenandoah Valley, and 
that Gen. Ewell was with a strong force on the 
road running from Harrisonburg to Gordons- 
ville, and also that Gen. Taylor was still higher 
up the valley with another Confederate force. 
In addition. Gen. Jackson could be easily reen- 
forced from Gordonsville. With this force 
menacing the valley, Gen. Banks was left with 
less than six thousand men, including cavalry 
and artillery, to defend the whole valley, and 
that, too, before he had time to prepare him- 
self for resistance by fortifications. 

Eastward of Front Royal there was another 
force under Gen. Geary, charged with the pro- 
tection of the Manassas Gap railroad. The 
headquarters of Gen. Geary were at Rector- 
town, and there were only between seven and 
eight hundred troops at Front Royal. Still 
farther east, at Catlett's Station, on the Orange 
and Alexandria railroad, about ten miles south 
of Manassas Junction, was the brigade of Gen. 
Duryea, consisting of three New York and one 
Pennsylvania regiment. These forces formed 
the connection between Gen. Banks and the 
main body of the army of the Rappahanno.ck, 
under Gen. McDowell, at Fredericksburg. 

The enemy,knowing the position and strength 
of these forces, formed a plan to capture the en- 
tire force of Gen. Banks. This plan was to be 
executed on the proper signal being given from 
Richmond. At this time Gen. McClellan was 
within fifteen miles of Richmond. Gen. Mc- 
Dowell had been reenforced by Gen. Shields, 
and orders were expected every hour for him 
to advance toward Richmond. It was all-impor- 
tant for the defence of that capital that reen- 
forcements should be prevented from reaching 
Gen. McClellan. After the junction of Gens. 
Shields and McDowell, dense columns of 
smoke could be seen at evening ascending for 
miles south of Fredericksburg, which were 
caused by the burning of bridges to retard 
the Federal advance. Something greater than 
the mere burning of bridges was needed ; for 
it was not only necessary to prevent the Fed- 
eral rcenforceraents to Gen. McClellan, but 
also to gain time to accumulate the Confederate 
forces before Richmond from such parts of 
the South as they could be t^en, and by the 
levies of the conscript law. The moment had 
come for the clash on Gen. Banks, and the 
signal from Richmond was given. Mean- 
while Gen. Banks, according to the orders of 
the War Department, had fallen back, and now 
occupied Strasburg. The first movement of the 
enemy, who had retired from their advance on 
Fremont, and were already concentrated under 
Gens. Jackson and Ewell for the purpose, 
was to advance a heavy column rapidly up the 
valley between the Blue Ridge and Massanutten 
mourtain range to Front Royal, with the de- 
sign of capturing the force there, and then press 
on by a good plank road to Winchester, and 



234 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



thus get in tlie rear of Gen. Banks. The guard 
at Front Royal consisted of tlie 1st Maryland 
regiment, Col. Kenly, with three companies of 
the 29th Pennsylvania, two rifled guns of 
Knapp's battery, and two companies of the 
5th New York cavalry. To their bravery is due 
the partial defeat of the Confederate plan. On 
Friday noon, May 23, the enemy were reported 
to be approaching, and Col. Kenly formed in a 
position about one mile east of the Shenandoah 
river. The fight commenced by a strong dash 
of cavalry under Col. Ashby upon this position. 
After a contest of two hours the enemy were 
repulsed with considerable loss. Finding that 
a large force of infantry was approaching to 
the aid of the cavalry, Ool. Kenly ordered his 
men to fall back to the west side of the Shenan- 
doah and to destroy the bridges after them. 
This was done in good order and the smaller 
bridge destroyed ; but a flanking force of the 
enemy fording above came upon them before the 
larger one was destroyed. Col. Kenly imme- 
diately got his guns in position and formed his 
men, and another struggle ensued, which check- 
ed the enemy a couple of hours longer. Finding 
the force of the enemy increasing, he placed his 
artillery in the rear and commenced falling 
back. This was continued for three miles, 
when the force was overwhelmed by a charge 
of the enemy, their lines broken, and no further 
resistance could be made. Ool. Kenly was 
severely wounded, but afterward recovered. 
This check retarded the Confederate advance. 

The news of this affair reached Gen. Banks 
that evening, with such details as convinced him 
that the enemy were at hand with a force from 
fifteen to twenty thousand strong. It was evi- 
dent to him from the large Confederate force, 
composed as it must be of all their troops in the 
valley concentrated, that they were close upon 
him for some purpose not yet developed. That 
purpose must be nothing less than the defeat of 
his own command, or its possible capture by 
occupying Winchester, and thus intercepting 
supplies or reiinforcements and cutting oft' all 
opportunity for retreat. Under this interpreta- 
tion of the enemy's plans, one of three courses 
was open for him to pursue: first, a retreat 
across the little North Mountain to the Potomac 
river on the west; second, an attack on the 
enemy's flank on the Front Royal road ; third, 
a rapid movement direct upon Winchester with 
a view to anticipate the occupation of the town 
by the enemy, and thus place his own command 
in communication with its original base of oper- 
ations in the line of reenforcements by Harper'a 
Ferry, and secure a safe retreat in case of disaster. 

To remain at Strasburg was to be surrounded ; 
to move over the mountains was to abandon his 
train at the outset, and to subject his com- 
mand to flank attacks, without possibility of 
succor ; and to attack the enemy in such over- 
whelming force could only result in certain de- 
Btruction. It was, therefore, determined by Gen. 
Banks that to enter the lists with the enemy in 
a race or a battle, as he should choose, for the 



possession of Winchester, the key of the val- 
ley, was, for him and his force, the path to 
safety. 

Accordingly, the advance guard was called in, 
and at three o'clock on the next morning several 
hundred disabled men, left in charge by Gen. 
Shields's division, were put upon the march to 
Winchester, followed by the wagon train under 
escort of cavalry and infantry. The rear was 
protected by nearly the whole force of cavalry 
and six pieces of artillery. The attack of the 
enemy was expected in the rear. When all the 
column except the rear guard had passed Cedar 
Creek, three miles from Strasburg, informa- 
tion was received from the front that the enemy 
had attacked the train and was in full possession 
of the road at Middletown. The danger being 
now in front, the troops were ordered to the 
head of the column and the train to the rear. 
After this change the head of the column en- 
countered the enemy in force, fifteen miles from 
Winchester, who were attacked with artillery 
and infantry and driven back some two miles. 
The neglect of the enemy to attack the train 
and throw it into confusion when at the head 
of the column secured a successful continuation 
of the march. On the remainder of the route 
to Winchester, the enemy pressed the main 
column with the utmost vigor, and defeated at 
every point all efforts of detachments to effect 
a junction with it. At five o'clock in the after- 
noon the advance guard arrived at Winchester, 
and Gen. Banks became satisfied that the force 
of the enemy was not less than twenty-five 
thousand men. His command consisted of two 
brigades of less than four thousand men, with 
nine hundred cavalry, ten Parrott guns, and one 
battery of smooth six pounders. To this should 
be added the 10th Maine regiment of infantry 
and five companies of Maryland cavalry, station- 
ed at Winchester. During the night Gen. 
Banks determined to test the strength of the 
enemy by actual collision, and measures were 
promptly taken to prepare the troops. The 
rolling of musketry was heard during the latter 
part of the night, and before the break of day 
a sharp engagement occurred at the outposts. 
Soon after four o'clock the artillery opened its 
fire, which continued without cessation until 
the close of the engagement. 

The main body of the Confederates was hid- 
den during the early part of the action by the 
crest of a hill and the woods in the rear. 

Their force was massed apparently upon the 
Federal right, and their manoeuvres indicated 
a purpose to turn them upon the BerryviUe 
road, where, it appeared subsequently, they had 
placed a considerable force with a view of pre- 
venting reenforcements from Harper's Ferry. 
But the steady fire of the Federal lines held them 
in check until a small portion of the troops, on 
the right of the Federal line, made a movement 
to the rear. This was done under the erroneous 
impression that an order to withdraw had been 
given. No sooner was this observed by the 
enemy than its regiments swarmed upon the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



235 



crest of the hill, advancing from the woods upon 
the Federal right, which, still continuing its fire, 
steadily withdrew toward the town. 

The overwhelming Confederate force thus 
suddenly showing itself, made further resistance 
unwise, and orders were sent to the left to with- 
draw, which was done in an orderly manner. 
By this engagement the enemy were held in 
check five hours. 

The retreat was now continued in three paral- 
lel columns, each protected by an efficient rear 
guard, in the direction of Martinsburg, with the 
hope of meeting rccnforcements. The pursuit 
of the enemy was prompt and vigorous, and 
the retreat rapid and without loss. At Martins- 
burg the columns halted two hours and a half, 
and the rear guard remained in tlie rear of the 
town until seven in the evening, and arrived at 
the river at sundown, forty-eight hours after 
the first news of the attack on Front Royal. It 
was a march of fifty-three miles, thirty-five of 
which were performed in one day. The scene 
at the river when the rear guard arrived was 
of the most animated and excited description. 
A thousand camp fires were burning on the 
hillside; a thousand carriages of every de- 
scription were crowded upon the banks of the 
broad stream between the exhausted troops and 
their coveted rest. The ford was too deep for 
the teams to cross in regular succession ; only 
the strongest horses, after a few experiments, 
were allowed to essay the passage over before 
morning. The single ferry was occupied by 
the ammunition trains, the ford by the wag- 
ons. The cavalry was secure in its form of 
crossing. The troops only had no transporta- 
tion. No enemy appeared in sight. Fortu- 
nately there were several boats belonging to 
the pontoon train brought from Strasburg, 
which were launched and devoted exclusively 
to the soldiers. Gen. Banks says in his report : 
" There never were more grateful hearts in the 
same number of men than when at midday, on 
the 2Gth, we stood on the opposite shore." The 
loss was as follows: killed, 38; wounded, 155; 
missing, 711; total, 904. The wagon train 
consisted of nearly five hundred wagons, of 
which fifty-five were lost. All the guns were 
saved. The loss of the enemy has not been 
stated. 

On the morning of the 28th, Gen. Jackson 
issued the following address to his soldiers : 

nEADQITABTEP.S, V. D.. J 

Winchester, May 28, 1S63. J 
General Order, A'o. 53. 
Within four weeks this army has made long and rap- 
id marches, fought six combats and two battles, sig- 
nally defeating the enemy in each one, capturing several 
Btands of colors and pieces of artillery, with numerous 
prisoners and vast medical and army stores, and final- 
ly driven the boastful host, which "was ravishing our 
beautiful country, into utter rout. The General com- 
mandiug would warmly express to the officers and 
men under his command his joy in their achievements, 
and his thanks for their brilliant gallantry in action, 
and their obedience under the hardships of forced 
marches, often more painful to the brave soldier than 
the danjjers of battle. 



The explanation of the severe exertions to which the 
commanding General called the army, which were en- 
dured bythem with such cheerful confidence in him, is 
now given in the victory of yesterday. He receives 
this proof of their confidence in the past with pride 
and gratitude, and asks only a similar coulidenceiu the 
future. But Lis chief duty to-da}', and that of the 
army, is to recognize devoutly the hand of a protecting 
Providence in the brilliant successes of the last three 
days, which have given us the result of a great victory 
without great losses, and to make the oblation of our 
thanks to God for his mercies to us and our country in 
heartfelt acts of religious worship. For this purpose 
the troops will remain in camp to-day, suspending as 
far as practicable all military exercises, and the chap- 
lains of^ the regiments will hold divine service in their 
several charges at 4 o'clock r. m., to-day. 

By order of Maj.-Gen. JACKSOX. 

R. I). Danby, Asbt. Adj. -Gen. 

When the news of the attack on the Maryland 
regiment at Front Royal on the 23d, reach- 
ed Gen. Geary, who, with his force, was 
charged with the protection of the Manassas 
Gap railroad, he immediately began to move 
to Manassas Junction. His troops hearing the 
most extravagant stories of the fate of the 
Maryland regiment, and supposing tliey were 
about to be swallowed up, burnt their tents 
and destroyed a quantity of arms. Gen. Dur- 
yea, at Catlett's Station, became alarmed on 
learning of the withdrawal of Gen. Geary, took 
his three New York regiments, leaving the 
Pennsylvania one behind, and hastened back 
to Ccntreville, and telegraphed to Wasliington 
for help. He left a large quantity of army 
stores behind, and also for two days his camp 
equipage. A panic prevailed at Catlett's Sta- 
tion and Manassas Junction for two days. At 
night the camps were kept in constant alarm 
by the sentinels firing at stumps or bowing 
bushes, which they mistook for Confederate 
guerillas. The alarm spread to "Washington, 
and Secretary Stanton issued orders calling for 
the militia of the loyal States to defend that 
city. 

The following is the despatch sent to the 
Governor of Massachusetts : 

Washington, May 25, 1SC2. 
To the Governor of Massachusetts : 

Intelligence from various quarters leaves no donbt 
that the enemy in great force are marching on Wash- 
ington. You will please organize and forward imme- 
diately all the militia and volunteer force in yout 
State. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

This alarm at "Washington, and the call for 
its defence, produced a most indescribable panic 
in the cities of the Northern States, on Sunday, 
the 25th, and two or three days afterward. 

The Governor of New York," on Sunday 
night, the 25th, telegraphed to Buffalo, Roches- 
ter, Syracuse, and other cities as follows : 

Orders from Washington render it necessary to for- 
ward to that city all the available militia force. What 
can Buffalo do? E.D.MORGAN. 

Governor CurtLn, of Pennsylvania, issued the 
following order : 

IIeadqitactkbs Pennbtlvania Militia, } 
IIabribbitrg, May 26. J 
General Order, No. 23. 
On pressing requisition of the President of the Unit- 
ed States in the present emergency, it is ordered that 



236 



MILITAKY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the several major-generals, brigadier-generals, and 
colonels of regiments, throughout the Commonwealth, 
muster, without delay, all military organizations with- 
in their respective divisions or under their control, to- 
gether with all persons willing to join their com- 
mands, and proceed forthwith to the city of Washing- 
ton or such other points as may be indicated by future 
orders. 

By order A. G. CURTIN, Governor and Commander- 
in-Chief. 

(Signed) A, L. Russell, Adjt.-Gen. 

The Governor of Massachusetts issued the 
following proclamation : 

Men of Massachusetts/ — The wily and barbarous 
horde of traitors to the people, to the Government, to 
our country, and to liberty, menace again the national 
capital. They have attacked and routed Maj.-Gen. 
Banks, are advancing on Harper's Ferry, and are 
marching on Washington. The President calls on 
Massachusetts to rise once more for its rescue and 
defence. 

The whole active militia will be summoned by a 
general order, issued from the office of the Adjutant- 
General, to report on Boston Common to-morrow ; 
they will march to relieve and avenge their brethren 
and friends, and to oppose with fierce zeal and cou- 
rageous patriotism the progress of the foe. 

May God encourage their hearts and strengthen 
their arms, and may He inspire the Government and 
all the people ! 

Given at Headquarters, Boston, 11 o'clock, this 
(Sunday) evening, May 25, 1862. 

JOHN A. ANDREW. 

Over three thousand men responded on 
Monday. 

The Governor of Rhode Island issued the 
following order : 

Peovidence, May 25, 1862. 

Citizens of the State capable of bearing arms will at 
once report themselves to the nearest military organ- 
izations. 

The commandants of the chartered and volunteer 
military companies will at once organize their com- 
panies, and the men so reporting mto companies of 
eighty-three men rank and file, and report to these 
headquarters, when they will be armed, equipped, and 
moved under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief 
to Washington, to protect the national capital from 
the advance of the rebels who are now rapidly ap- 
proaching. 

Gen. Robbins is directed to organize and command 
the first regiment, and will order his brigade under 
arms and form it into a regiment. 

The second regiment will be under command of 
Capt. Bliss, of the United States Army. 

The Providence Marine Corps of artillery will be 
placed under the command of Lieut.-Col. E. C. Gallup 
as captain, and he is directed to organize the same. 

Col. Shaw is ordered to assemble the National 
Guard for organization. 

Rhode Island troops will move through Baltimore, 
and if theirprogress is impeded by the rebel mob of 
that city, they will mete out to it the punishment 
which it has long merited. Our regiments will move 
to Washington to defend the capital in common with 
thousands of our patriotic countrymen, who will rush 
to arms to ward off the danger which is imminent. 

WM. SPRAGUE. 

Aug. Hoppin, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

The Governor of Ohio issued the following 
proclamation : 

CoLTTMBirs, O., 3fay 26. 
To the Gallant Men of Ohio : I have the astounding 
intelligence that the seat of our beloved Government 
is threatened with invasion, and am called upon by 
the Secretary of War for troops to repel and over- 
whelm the ruthless invaders. 



Rally, then, men of Ohio, and respond to this call, 
as becomes those who appreciate our glorious Gov- 
ernment. Three classes oi troops will be accepted : 

First. For three years, or during the war. 

Second. For a term of three months. 

Third. For guard duty within the limits of the State. 

All are requested to report for duty at Camp Chase, 
where the organization will take place. 

The number wanted from each county has been in- 
dicated by special despatches to the several Military 
Committees. 

Everything is valueless to us if our Government is 
overthrown. 

Lay aside, then, your ordinary duties, and help to 
bear afloat the glorious flag unfiirled by our fathers. 
DAVID TOD, Governor. 

At the same time the Secretary of "War at 
"Washington, caused the following order to be 
issued : 

Washington, May 25, 1862. 

Ordered. By virtue of the authority vested by an 
act of Congress, the President takes military posses- 
sion of all the railroads in the United States, from and 
after this date, until further orders, and directs that 
the respective railroad companies, their officers and 
servants, shall hold themselves in readiness for the 
transportation of troops and munitions of war, as may 
be ordered by the military authorities, to the exclusion 
of all other business^ 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General. 

"When the alarm thus indicated in the head- 
quarters of Government had disseminated itself 
throughout the military and social ramifica- 
tions of society, the excitement was almost 
tumultuous. In Baltimore, crowds pursued 
persons suspected of sympathy with the cause 
of the South, until all such disappeared from 
the streets. The display of flags was demand- 
ed from public buildings. Almost half a mil- 
lion of men offered themselves for the defence 
of "Washington within twenty-four hours after 
the issue of the proclamations. 

Meanwhile Gen. Jackson, having seen Gen. 
Banks safely escaping to the ford of the Poto- 
mac, turned away from further pursuit tcf carry 
out the other details of his plan, little conceiv- 
ing of the panic his movements had occasioned 
in the departments at "Washington and the 
offices of the Governors of States. In fact a 
captured despatch from Gen. Johnston to Gen. 
Jackson shows that the chief object of Gen. 
Jackson's movement was to prevent reenforce- 
ments to Gen. McClellan. The effect of this 
causeless panic on the part of the authorities at 
"Washington was extremely disastrous to the 
Federal cause ; fully as much so as the ground- 
less fears for the safety of the capital, which 
determined the detention of Gen. McDowell's 
corps from the army of the Potomac ia the be- 
ginning of the month of April. The "War De- 
partment manifestly did not realize the self- 
evident fact, that "Washington being strongly 
fortified, its surest defence consisted in the 
presence of a large army threatening Rich- 
mond from the peninsula. 

On the 28th Gen. Jackson advanced upon 
Harper's Ferry from Charlestown, driving in be- 
fore him a Federal reconnoitring force consisting 
of the 111th Pennsylvania infantry, Col. Schlan- 



MILITARY AND NAA'AL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



237 



decker ; the Ist Maryland cavalry, Major Deems, 
and a section of Reynolds's battery. _ Small bo- 
dies of the enemy appeared in the neighborhood 
during that and the ensuing day, as if with the 
object of alluring the Federal forces from their 
strong defensive position to one where they 
could be more easily attacked and overpower- 
ed. This was the opinion of the Federal com- 
mander. The whole force of Gen. Jackson 
was not before Harper's Ferry. Finding the 
strength of front presented against him, he 
determined to collect all the plunder he could 
convey with prisoners, and retire. To eft'ect this 
object more securely and to deceive his enemy 
respecting his movements, he left a force with 
Gen. Ewell, which became his rear guard, and 
which made the demonstration upon Har- 
per's Ferry. Gen. R. Saxton, who was in com- 
mand at Harper's Ferry, fearing a flank move- 
ment on the part of the enemy, crossing the 
Potomac above and occupying Maryland Heights 
on the Maryland side at tlje same time that an 
attack should be made in front, determined to 
defeat it. He therefore withdrew his forces 
from Bolivar Heights on the Virginia side to 
an inner line of defence, on the heights known 
as Camp Hill, immediately above the town of 
Harper's Ferry. The occupation of this inner 
line presented a twofold advantage : First, that 
being much less extended, it could be held by 
a smaller force — the enemy, from the nature 
of the ground, being unable to bring into action 
a larger force than the Federal ; secondly, that 
it would enable Gen. Saxton to bring his naval 
battery on the Maryland Heights to bear upon 
the enemy, as they advanced down the declivity 
of Bolivar Heights into the valley which sep- 
arates it from Camp Hill. They would thus 
be exposed for a considerable time to a heavy 
fire from this formidable battery, where great 
elevation would enable it to throw shells 
directly over the heads of the Federal forces on 
Camp Hill into the face of the advancing foe. 
"With the force rendered by this contraction of 
his front available for other purposes, he deem- 
ed it prudent to occupy the crest of the hill 
above the naval battery, on the Maryland shore, 
to frustrate any attempt of the enemy to take 
this hill in the rear and turn his batteries 
against him. 

On Friday night, the 30th, about dark, the 
enemy advanced beyond Bolivar Heights to 
storm the works on Camp Hill. The batteries 
on Camp Hill, and the one on Maryland Heights, 
opened upon them. The scene at this time 
was very impressive. The night was intensely 
dark ; the hills around were alive with the 
signal lights of the enemy; the rain descend- 
ed in torrents ; vivid flashes of lightning illu- 
mined at intervals the green and magnificent 
scenery, while the crash of the thunder, echo- 
ing among the mountains, drowned into com- 
parative insignificance the roar of Federal ar- 
tillery. 

After an action of about one hour's duration 
the enemy retired. He made another unsuc- 



cessful attack at midnight, with regiments of 
Mississippi and Louisiana infantry, and after a 
short engagement disappeared. Signal lights 
continued to be seen in every direction. 

A reconnoissance the next day developed 
that the rear of the Confederate force passed 
through Charlestown about one hour before 
the arrival of the Federal reconnoitring force 
from Harper's Ferry. 

Gen. Jackson was now on his retreat. If he 
had not accomplished all that he aimed at, the 
result will show that he was completely suc- 
cessful in cutting off nearly all reOnforcements 
to Gen. McClellan. The fear of having his 
own retreat cut off now caused his rapid move- 
ments. Gen. Fremont from the west, and Col. 
Kunball with the division of Gen. Shields from 
the east, were on the march to intercept him. 
The Confederate movements, which had been 
made to prevent the retreat of Gen. Jackson 
from being cut off, consisted in the march of Gen. 
Smith up the Shenandoah from Strasburg to 
prevent Gen. Fremont from crossing over, as 
he was ordered, to Harrisonburg. If Gen. 
Fremont could have successfully crossed to 
this point, he might have taken up a posi- 
tion so far in the rear of Gen. Jackson as 
tohave effectually cut him off. It has been 
said that it was impossible for Gen. Fremont 
to cross to Harrisonburg. When he received 
the order to come to the aid of Gen. Banks 
he was at Franklin, sixty-five miles from 
Staunton, and a less distance from Harrison- 
burg. Instead of taking this route, he march- 
ed a hundred miles to Strasburg. The Confed- 
erate forces which attacked Gen. Milroy and 
drove him back from McDowell, crossed the 
mountains, whence they retired to Staunton 
or Harrisonburg. This was some three weeks 
previous. The enemy also expected Gen. Fre- 
mont to cross to New Market or Harrisonburg, 
thus showing tliat no local obstacles prevented. 
The means of transportation were limited ; the 
supplies could hardly have been found by that 
route. 

On Thursday, the 29th, Gen. Jackson ordered 
a retrograde movement, and sent off his train 
and prisoners. Early Friday morning, he left 
camp between Halltown and Charlestown, and 
his advance rested the first night at or near 
Middletown, and the next day (Saturday) en- 
tered Strasburg. On Saturday morning, Gen. 
Ewell, disappearing from Harper's Ferry with 
the rear guard, followed Gen. Jackson, and en- 
camped on Saturday night at Middletown, thus 
performing a march of thirty-four miles in one 
day. 

Where now were the pursuers of Gen. Jack- 
Bon, who were to cut off his retreat ? On Sat- 
urday night the advance of Gen. Fremont ar- 
rived at Brent's Gap, about six miles northwest 
of Strasburg. It was at noon of the previous 
day that Gen. Fremont was expected to be in 
Strasburg by Gen. Shields, who was advancing 
from the east, having been ordered to be in Front 
Royal at that hour, which he was. The ad- 



238 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



vance of Gen. Fremont's force ou Sunday, June 
1, encountered the enemy three or four miles 
from Strasburg, on the road to Winchester. 
Gen. Jackson had arrived in Strasburg on the 
previous day, and tarried to secure the safe 
arrival and departure of all his force. This 
encounter of the advance of Gen. Fremont was 
vrith the rear of Gen. Jackson. Col. Cluseret, 
with the 60th Ohio and 8th Virginia and a bat- 
tery, formed this advance. The contest was 
with artillery, and was continued by Col. 
Cluseret until about noon, when he was order- 
ed to retire under the hope of drawing Gen. 
Jackson on to attack the position which Gen. 
Fremont had in the meanwhile taken. He had 
formed a line of battle in a strong position, with 
Gen. Milroy on the left. Gen. Schenck on the 
right, and Gen. Stahl in the centre, with Blen- 
ker's division iu reserve. In this affair five of 
the 8th Virginia and two of tlie 60th Ohio were 
wounded. While Gen. Jackson's rear was thus 
engaged with the advance of Gen. Fremont, the 
main body of his troops was pushing on 
through Strasburg, which was accomplished on 
Sunday. Thus Gen. Jackson reached Stras- 
burg just in time to pass between Gen. McDow- 
ell on the one side, and Gen. Fremont on the 
other. The advance of Gen. McDowell reached 
Strasburg soon after the advance of Gen. Fre- 
mont. The afternoon wore away without any 
appearance of Gen. Jackson. The truth was 
that the attack on the advance of Gen. Fremont 
was made to divert his attention from the 
retreating movement Gen. Jackson was then 
making. A reconnoissance was made during 
the night beyond Strasburg. On Monday 
morning, June 2, Gen. Fremont pushed on to 
Strasburg only to find that Gen. Jackson was 
on his way to Woodstock unchecked and un- 
injured. The advance of Gen. Fremont's main 
force as it entered Strasburg met the 1st New 
Jersey and the 1st Pennsylvania cavalry under 
Gen. Bayard, then just coming in, as a part of 
Gen. McDowell's force. 

Meanwhile the force of Gen. Shields which 
had been ordered to cooperate, had left Ma- 
nassas Junction, and halted at Haymarket on 
Tuesday, the 2'rth of May, as has been stated. 
On the 28th this division, followed by other 
troops from Gen. McDowell's corps, advanced 
as far as Rectortown, thirteen miles, having 
passed over steep and rocky roads through 
Thoroughfare Gap. On Thursday, the 29th, it 
started at five o'clock p. m., with orders to be 
in Front Royal, twenty-eight miles distant, on 
the next day at noon, at which time Gen. 
Fremont was to reach Strasburg. Their entire 
train was left behind and at the appointed time 
their advance brigade, under Gen. Kimball, 
struck the enemy at Front Royal, completely 
routing them and taking a number of prisoners 
and a large amount of commissary and quarter- 
master's stores. On the next day a party of 
eighteen cavalry entered the outskirts of Stras- 
burg. Finding that the enemy had retired 
before Gen. Fremont, and that he was follow- 



ing them. Gen. Shields moved up the east Bide 
of the Massanutten range of mountains to 
Luray, while Gen. Fremont advanced on the 
west side. Gen. Shields was in hopes of strik- 
ing the enemy at New Market, but finding the 
Whitehouse and Columbia bridges burned, he 
resolved to push on further up the east side of 
the Shenandoah, to intercept the enemy at 
Conrad's Store (Miller's Bridge), Port Repub- 
lic, or Waynesborough on the railroad eleven 
miles east of Staunton. Col. Carroll, in com- 
mand of the 4th brigade, moved rapidly for- 
ward with one regiment, followed by the re- 
mainder of the brigade. A violent rain on the 
night of the 3d caused a delay, and various 
portions of the command were separated by 
rapid streams overflowing their banks. He, 
however, reached Port Republic in advance of 
the enemy. 

At this time forces were gathering in other 
quarters. The 5th New York cavalry. Col. De 
Forrest, left Williartisport on Friday night, the 
30th, at the time the attack at Harper's Ferry 
was made, and advanced to Martinsburg on Sat- 
urday morning, the 31st, and occupied the town. 
On the 2d of June Gen. Banks, having recrossed 
the Potomac, reached Bunker Hill, twelve miles 
from Winchester. Also by special train from 
Baltimore, Gen. Sigel arrived at Harper's Ferry 
on Sunday evening, June 1. During the next 
forenoon, he inspected the positions of the 
forces, and ordered a march at four o'clock in 
the afternoon. The next morning the advance 
of his division, consisting of Gen. Cooper's bri- 
gade, was beyond Charlestown, pushing forward 
to Winchester, where a junction was formed 
with Gen. Banks. 

Meantime Gen. Fremont was in full chase of 
the swift-footed foe. Finding that the enemy 
had escaped him at Strasburg, and being joined 
by an advance of Gen. McDowell's, consisting 
of Gen. Bayard's cavalry, he ordered the cav- 
alry and artillery to the front, and pursuit to 
be given. 

A stand was made several times by the re- 
treating enemy, during Monday, the 2d. A 
mile and a half beyond Strasburg, at a narrow 
and defensible pass called Fisher's Hill, the 
road, after crossing a bridge, turns abruptly to 
the right, and curving to the left passes the 
base of a thickly wooded hill with a deep ra- 
vine on the right, and continues up the hill 
through a deep and densely wooded defile. 
Here the first stand was made by the rear 
guard under Gen. Ewell. His artillery occu- 
pied elevated positions overlooking the road 
on his front for a mile, and commanding a 
range of hills adjacent to the road on the right 
of Gen. Milroy. Finding it to he impossible to 
drive the enemy's centre. Gen. Milroy chose 
other elevated positions for his guns on the 
right, and a fierce contest ensued for several 
hours. The enemy at night encamped three 
miles beyond Woodstock, while the forces of 
Gen. Fremont occupied the town. 

The pursuit was commenced at seven o'clock 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



239 



on the next morning, Tuesday, June 3. The 
advance to Edinburg was made without inci- 
dent. A military bridge constructed by Gen. 
Banks across Stony Creek, a swift, wide stream, 
was half burned by the flying enemy. The de- 
lay in repairing the bridge and crossing gave 
the enemy time to move to Mt. Jackson, eight 
miles beyond Edinburg, where he halted until 
noon of the next day, the 4th, when he was 
again in motion, owing to the approach of Gen. 
Fremont's advance. One mile beyond Mt. 
Jackson, is a long bridge over the Shenandoah, 
a river too swift and deep to be forded. Gen. 
Jackson left his artillery in position long enough 
to delay the advance of Gen. Bayard's cavalry, 
then crossed the bridge before the guns of his 
pursuers could be brought up, and burned the 
bridge in face of their cavalry. The bridge was 
rebuilt by noon of the next day, the 5th, and 
the army of Gen. Fremont was again in motion. 
At three o'clock the advance entered New Mar- 
ket, a distance of seven miles, and encamped 
two miles beyond. On the 6th, Friday, the ad- 
Vance reached Harrisonburg about two o'clock 
p. M. None of the enemy were seen on the 
way. Almost every bridge, however small, 
was found to have been burned. Information 
was immediately received that a body of Con- 
federate cavalry was near the town. Cannon 
were planted on the highlands north, and a 
force of cavalry, under Col. "Wyndham, was 
Bent out to reconnoitre, with instructions to en- 
gage the enemy if the force was only two or 
three companies, but not if it was in force 
and supported by infantry. Some three miles 
beyond the town, Col. Wyndham discovered 
the Confederate cavalry and made an eftbrt 
to oppose them, but unfortunately came upon 
a large force of infantry, which opened such a 
volley upon him that his troops were thrown 
into confusion, and suffered severely, and he 
himself was taken prisoner. Later in the day 
Gen. Bayard and Col. Cluseret with a force of 
cavalry and infantry encountered the enemy. 
One regiment, the Bucktail riHes of Pennsylva- 
nia, numbering one hundred and twenty-five, 
under Col. Kane, suffered a severe loss of fifty- 
five men. This small force was rashly led 
against an overwhelming Confederate mass. 
The Union forces were finally withdrawn, and 
the enemy subsequently disappeared. Among 
tlie killed of tlie Confederate force was Col. 
Ashby, a brave and dashing cavalry officer. 
The forces of Gen. Fremont remained at Har- 
risonburg on Saturday, the 7th of June. A re- 
connoissance was made by Gen. Milroy, about 
seven miles on the road to Port Republic, 
where the enemy was found in a position well 
protected by woods. It seems that Gen. Jack- 
son, before reaching the final bridge across the 
Shenandoah, determined to fight Gen. Fremont, 
and thereby check his pursuit. For this pur- 
pose he had chosen his position as above stated, 
at a spot called Cross Keys, near Union Church. 
At six o'clock on Sunday morning, June 8, 
the army of Gen. Fremont began to move, and 



at half past eight his advance opened upon the 
enemy. Gen. Fremont says : 

"The battle began with heavy firing at 
eleven o'clock, and lasted, with great obstinacy 
and violence, until four in the afternoon, some 
skirmishing and artillery firing continuing from 
that time until dark." 

The right wing was under Gen. Schenck, 
the left under Gen. Stahl, and the centre under 
Gen. Milroy. The right wing was not assailed, 
except by skirmish fighting. The contest was 
hot on the centre, and Gen. Milroy forced the 
enemy back from point to point, lie had pen- 
etrated the centre, and almost reached the en- 
emy's guns, when the order to retire was given. 
This filled him with indignation, but he obeyed. 

Gen. Stahl's brigade was all engaged. Of 
this, the 45th New York and the 27th Penn- 
sylvania first met the enemy, and being threat- 
ened by superior numbers, the 8th New York 
was sent to support them on the left, and the 
41st New York on the right. These regiments 
were soon all engaged, and the enemy appeared 
to bo bearing heavily upon this wing of the 
army. It finally gave way, and the whole line 
was ordered back to a more favorable position. 
The enemy did not advance, but commenced a 
retreat. The army encamped that night on 
tlie ground where their line was first formed 
in the morning. They drove the enemy's pick- 
ets and skirmishers over it at first, for no at- 
tempt was made on the other side to support 
them. The place where the fighting occurred, 
and the dead and wounded were strewn over 
the field, was in the enemy's possession all night. 

The loss was very severe on both sides. In 
Gen. Stahl's command the loss was 69 killed, 
wounded 254, missing 79. The total loss was 
estimated by Gen. Fremont, immediately after 
the battle, at 125 killed and 500 wounded. 
The enemy's loss was less than this, owing to 
the shelter of their forces. 

The despatch of Gen. Fremont to the "War 
Department, dated on the next morning, says : 

" There was no collision with the enemy 
after dark last night. This morning we renew- 
ed the march against him, entering the woods 
in battle order ; his cavalry appearing on our 
flanks. Gen. Blanker had the left. Gen. Milroy 
the right, and Gen. Schenck the centre, with 
a reserve of Gen. Stahl's and Gen. Bayard's 
brigades." 

Port Republic is a small town on the south 
fork of the Shenandoah river, near which is 
the bridge by which the river is crossed. It is 
a few miles distant from Cross Keys, where the 
conflict between Gens. Fremont and Jackson's 
forces took place. It has already been stated 
that Col. Carroll, in command of the advance 
of Gen. Shields's division up the east side of 
the Shenandoah, arrived at Port Republic in 
advance of Gen. Jackson. This means, in ad- 
vance of the main force of the enemy. On 
Saturday, the 7th, Col, Carroll received orders 
to move forward to Waynesborough, distant 
some thirty-five or thirty-seven miles, by the 



240 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



way of Port Republic, for the purpose of de- 
stroying the railroad depot, track, and bridge, 
at that place, and to seize Gen. Jackson's train 
and throw his force upon Gen. Jackson's flank. 
Col. Carroll marched in obedience to these 
orders, on Saturday afternoon. His infantry, 
cavalry, and artillery had in the mean time 
come up, and he started for Conrad's Store 
with less than a thousand of the former, with 
one hundred and fifty cavalry, and with a sin- 
gle battery of six guns. 

Halting, in the night, six miles before reach- 
ing Port Republic, Col. Carroll sent forward a 
party of scouts, who returned with the informa- 
tion that Gen. Jackson's train was parked near 
Port Republic, with a drove of beef cattle 
herded near by, and the whole guarded by 
about two or three hundred cavalry. On learn- 
ing this he pushed forward, with the design 
of capturing the train and cattle, as his orders 
directed. He halted some two miles from the 
town, made a reconnoissance, and received 
further information confirming the report of 
bis scouts, and then dashed into the town with 
his cavalry and two pieces of artillery; driving 
the enemy's cavalry out and taking possession 
of the bridge. He halted there for his infantry 
to come up, and disposed his pieces and little 
force to prevent a repulse from the train guard, 
when, before he had occupied the village any 
length of time, he was attacked by a force of 
the enemy superior to his own, and forced to 
retire and abandon his further march to 
Waynesborough. Thus the enemy recovered 
possession of the bridge and held it. 

Col. CarroU brought his forces to a stand at 
the first defensible position, about two miles 
north of the town. At this time the conflict 
was going on between Gens. Fremont and 
Jackson at Cross Keys, several miles distant, 
and it was over this bridge that Gen. Jackson 
must retreat or be placed between the forces 
of Gens. Fremont and Shields. At two o'clock 
in the afternoon Gen. Tyler arrived to the aid 
of Col. Carrol.. As commanding one of the 
brigades of Gen. Shields's division, he had also 
been ordered to proceed to "Waynesborough. 
He left Columbia Bridge on the 7th, and 
reached Naked Creek on the same day, and 
went into camp under orders to march at four 
A.M. When within six miles of Port Republic he 
learned of the engagement of Col. (acting brig.- 
gen.) Carroll, and pressed forward immedi- 
ately with infantry and artillery to his sup- 
port, and reached him at two p. m. 

Gen. Tyler in his report thus explains his 
proceedings : " From Col. Daum I learned the 
enemy had eighteen pieces of artillery, planted 
so as to completely command all the ap- 
proaches to the town, and from the engage- 
ment with Gen. Carroll that morning, had ob- 
tained the range of the diflfcrent points. Im- 
mediately on tlae arrival of my command, Col. 
Daum urged an attack with the combined force 
of infantry and artillery, to which I so far con- 
sented as to order the infantry into position 



under cover of a thick wood which skirted the 
road, and commenced observing the enemy's 
position myself, which appeared to me one to 
defy an army of 50,000 men. I at once sent 
for Col. Carroll, Lieut.-Col. Schriber, Capts. 
Clark and Robinson, who had been over the 
ground; they all agreed in the opinion that 
an attack would result in the destruction of 
our little force." 

The infantry was ordered back to bivouac for 
the night, and early in the morning Gen. Tyler 
was informed that the enemy were advancing 
evidently with the intention of outflanking 
him on his left. Forces were ordered up to 
counteract this movement, which was sucess- 
fully done. The enemy retired into the woods, . 
and a part crossed over and joined the forces 
attacking the right wing. The engagement 
now became very heavy on the right, addi- 
tional troops having been brought up on both 
sides. Under cover of this conflict, the enemy 
threw another force into the woods, pressed 
down upon the battery on the left, and with a 
sudden dash captured it. The contest con- 
tinued until Gen. Tyler, perceiving additional 
reenforcements for the enemy approaching, 
about ten o'clock ordered his troops to fall 
back, with a view of retreating until he should 
meet reenforcements. The retreat, he says, 
"save the stampede of those who ran before 
the flght, was as orderly as the advance." The 
number of his force is stated at three thousand, 
and that of the enemy much larger. This was 
evidently the rear guard of Gen. Jackson's 
army, which had been engaged, and some re- 
enforcements were sent back to it. Gen Jack- 
son retired from before Gen. Fremont on Sun- 
day night, and on Monday morning crossed the 
bridge at Port Republic, and while the main 
body continued to retreat. Gen. Tyler was 
thus held in check. 

Meanwhile Gen. Fremont, as has been stated, 
commenced his march for Port Republic that 
morning, with his army in battle array. Dur- 
ing the afternoon his whole army reached the 
river opposite the town, and he learned that a 
portion of Gen. Shields's division had engaged 
the enemy on both Sunday and Monday on the 
other side of the river. During the march of 
Gen, Fremont's forces from the battle field of 
the preceding day to the river, they could hear 
brisk cannonading, and see the heavy volumes 
of smoke arising from the valley where the 
contest was going on. "When they arrived the 
Confederate force was gone. Thus closed the 
pursuit of Gen. Jackson with a portion of the 
forces of four major-generals of the XJ. S. army 
on his line of retreat, beside those of Brig.-Gen. 
Shields. The loss of men on both sides occa- 
sioned by this expedition was not very great 
either in killed, wounded, or prisoners. No ac- 
curate details are at present accessible; but 
the destruction of Federal stores was vast. 

On the night of the arrival of Gen. Fremont's 
forces at the river, an alarm was raised in 
camp. Horses were harnessed^ and men placed 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



241 



in a condition for an immediate movement, but 
affairs finally became quiet, and a part of a 
night's rest was obtained. On the next morn- 
ing, the 10th, orders to march were issued, and 
the army was soon in motion back to Harrison- 
burg, a distance of twelve miles, which it 
reached in a pitiless storm during the after- 
noon. On Wednesday it moved eighteen miles 
to New Market, and on Thursday reached Mt. 
Jackson, seven mUes, and encamped for rest. 
Some forces of Gen. Jackson's army returned 
to Ilarrisonburg almost as soon as the Federal 
troops had left it. The division of Geui Shields 
also fell back to New Market. 

The force of Gen. Jackson was estimated by 
his opponents at twenty-five thousand men. 
The force of Gen. Fremont, on leaving Frank- 
lin, was stated to be about twenty thousand men. 

It should be stated in this connection, that 
on the very day on which Gen. Jackson at- 
tacked the 1st Maryland, under Col. Kenly, at 
Front Royal, the 23d of May, the Confederate 
General, Heath, in the western part of the 
Mountain Department, advanced rapidly and 
boldly with nearly three thousand men and at- 
tacked Col. Crook, acting brigadier-general, 
at Greenbrier Bridge, thu'ty-fivc miles from 
McDowell, and nine miles from Camp Alleghany. 
The command of Col. Crook consisted of the 



36th and 44th Ohio and some batteries. The 
advance of Gen. Heath was met with so much 
vigor and promptness, that his forces wero 
soon defeated, with the loss of his four pieces 
of artillery, and one hundred and fifty killed 
and wounded, and three hundred stand of 
arms, and a number taken prisoners. On his 
retreat, the Greenbrier bridge was burned to 
check or prevent pm'suit. This affair occurred 
on the day previous to the reception cf the 
order by Gen. Fremont to mai'ch to the aid of 
Gen. Banks. The ill success of this enterprise 
was such that it failed to cause any diversion 
from Gen. Fremont's command. 

This exploit of Gen. Jackson, undoubtedly one 
of the most brilliant and successful thus far of 
the war, if its objects are considered, introduced 
into the W'hole campaign in Virginia a disturb- 
ing element of considerable magnitude. It di- 
verted largo masses of men from movements 
designed to accelerate events on the peninsula, 
delayed the advance of Gen. McClellan, and de- 
prived him of the reinforcements he expected. 
The time required for the ti'ansfer of troops in 
the South and Southwest, where the Confed- 
erate campaign had been a failure, to Richmond, 
was thus gained, and when Gen. McClellan was 
next prepared to move, he found the enemy in 
accumulating force in front of him. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

General McClellan crosses the Chickahominy— Battle of Fair Oaks— Eetreat of the Enemy — March in the rear of Gen. 
McClellan — Bridges over the Chickahominy completed — Battle at Mechanicsville — Gen. McClellan mores toward 
the James — Battles at Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, and Charles City Cross Eoads — Confusion of the Enemy — 
Attack at Malvern Hill — Army at Harrison's Landing — Arrival of Gen. Halleek — His Views — Army of the Potomac 
withdrawn from the reninsula. 



On the 25th of May Gen. McClellan issued 
a general order, which was read throughout the 
camps, directing the troops, as they advanced 
beyond the Chickahominy, to be prepared for 
battle at a moment's notice, and to be entirely 
unencumbered, with the exception 6f ambu- 
lances; to carry three days' rations in their 
haversacks, leaving their knapsacks with their 
wagons, which w^ere on the eastern side of the 
river, carefully parked. Besides practical di- 
rections as to conduct, this order says to officers 
and soldiers : " Let them bear in mind that the 
Armyof the Potomac has never yet been checked, 
and let them preserve in battle perfect coolness 
and confidence, the sure forerunners of suc- 
cess." 

The divisions from the corps of Gens. Heint- 
zelman and Keyes were among the first to cross 
the Chickahominy. They took a position on 
the right bank somewhat advanced therefrom. 
The right wing rested near New Bridge, the 
centre at Seven Pines, and the left flank on 
the White Oak Swamp. Gen. Sumner's corps 
remained on the east side of the river. On the 
16 



30th the Confederate Gen. Johnston made ar- 
rangements for an attack upon the Federal 
army, for the purpose of cutting oft", if possible, 
the corps of Gens. Ileintzelman and Keyes be- 
fore they could be joined by Gen. Sumner. 
He selected the divisions of Gens. Longstreet, 
Huger, G. W. Smith, D. H. Hill, and Whiting, 
His plan was that Gens. Hill and Longstreet 
should advance by the road to Williamsburg 
and make the attack in front, and that Gen. 
Huger should move on the road to Charles 
City and attack in flank the troops assailed by 
Gens. Hill and Longstreet. Gen. Smith was 
ordered to the junction of the New Bridge 
Road and the Nine Mile Road, and to be in 
readiness to fall on the right flank of Gen. 
Keyes and to cover the left of Gen. Longstreet. 
The forces of Gens. Hill, Longstreet, and Smith 
were in position early on the morning of Sat- 
urday, May 31, and waited until afternoon for 
Gen. linger to get into position. Prince de 
JoinviUe, who was a competent spectator, thus 
describes the scenes which followed this attack : 
"At the moment it was thus attacked the 



242 



MILITamY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Federal army occupied a position having the 
form of a V. The base of the V is at Bottom 
Bidge, where the railroad crosses the Ohicka- 
hominy. The left arm stretches toward Rich- 
mond, with this railroad and the road from that 
city to Williamsburg. There stood the left 
wing, composed of four divisions echeloned, 
one behind the other, between Fair Oaks and 
Savage stations, and encamped in the woods on 
both sides of the road. The other arm of the 
V, the right, follows the left bank of the river ; 
that is the right wing. There are these five 
divisions and the reserve. Should one desire 
to communicate from one extremity to the 
other of those two wings, going by Bottom's 
Bridge, the way is very long, not less than 12 
or 15 miles. In an air line the distance, on the 
contrary, is very trifling, but between the two 
arms of the V flows the Chickahominy. It 
was to connect both arms, in the space between 
them, that the construction of 3 or 4 bridges 
had been undertaken, only one of which was 
serviceable on the 31st of May. It had been 
built by Gen. Sumner, nearly halfway between 
Bottom's Bridge and the most advanced point 
of the Federal lines. It saved the army that 
day from a disaster." The other bridges were 
not ready. They were structures of logs, and 
time was required to build them. The ap- 
proaches were always bad, and the tedious 
labor of corduroying long distances was ne- 
cessary. 

" It was against the left wing of the army that 
every effort of the enemy was directed. That 
wing had its outposts at Fair Oaks station, on 
the York river railroad, and at a place called 
Seven Pines, on the Williamsburg road. There 
the Federals had thrown up a redoubt in a 
clearing, where a few houses were to be seen, 
and constructed abatis, to increase the field for 
sharpshooting of the troops posted there. The 
rest of the country was completely covered 
with woods. The previous day there had been 
a frightful storm, with torrents of rain, and the 
roads were frightful. 

" All at once, about one o'clock in the after- 
noon, the weather being dark and gloomy, a 
very spirited fusilade is heard. The pickets 
and sentries are violently driven in ; the woods 
which surround Fair Oaks and Seven Pines are 
filled with clouds of the enemy's sharpshooters. 
The troops rush to arms and fight in despera- 
tion ; but their adversaries' forces constantly 
increase, and their losses do not stop them. 
The redoubt of the Seven Pines is surrounded, 
and its defenders die bravely. Col. Bailey, 
of the artillery, among others, there upon his 
pieces finds a glorious death. In vain Gens. 
Keyes and Naglee exhaust themselves in a 
thousand effortsl:o keep their soldiers together : 
they are not listened to. In this moment of 
confusion they perceive a little French bat- 
talion, known as the Garde Lafayette, which 
has remained in good order. They rush to it, 
place themselves at its head, charge the enemy 
and retake a battery. The battalion loses a 



fourth of its men in this charge ; but, like true 
Frenchmen, always and everywhere the same, 
they cry, " They can call us the Garde Lafour- 
chette now ? " alluding to an ofi'ensive nickname 
that had been given them. 

" Meanwhile Heintzelman rushes to the res- 
cue with his two divisions. As at Williams- 
burg, Kearney arrives in good time to reestab- 
lish the fight. Berry's brigade, of this division, 
composed of Michigan regiments and an Irish 
battalion, advances firm as a wall into the 
midst of the disordered mass which wanders 
over the battle field, and does more by its ex- 
ample than the most powerful reenforcements. 
About a mile of ground has been lost, fifteen 
pieces of cannon, the camp of the division of 
the advanced guard, that of Gen. Casey; but 
now we hold our own. A sort of line of battle 
is formed across the woods, perpendicularly to 
the road and the railroad, and there the repeat- 
ed assaults of the enemy's masses are resisted. 
The left cannot be turned, where is the White 
Oak Swamp, an impassable morass ; but the 
right may be surrounded. At this very mo- 
ment, in fact, a strong column of Confederates 
has been directed against that side. If it suc- 
ceeds in interposing between Bottom's Bridge 
and the Federal troops, which hold beyond 
Savage's Station, the entire left wing is lost. 
It will have no retreat, and is doomed to yield 
to numbers ; but precisely at this moment — 
that is to say, at 6 o'clock in the evening — new 
actors appear on the scene. Gen. Sumner, who 
has succeeded in passing the Chickahominy, 
with Sedgwick's division, over the bridge con- 
structed by his troops, and Avho, like a brave 
soldier, has marched straight through the 
woods to the sound of the cannon, arrived sud- 
denly on the left flank of the column with 
which the enemy is endeavoring to cut off 
Heintzelman and Keyes. 

" He plants in the clearing a battery which 
he has succeeded in bringing with him. They 
are not those rifled cannon, the objects of ex- 
travagant admiration of late, good for cool 
firing and long range in an open country : these 
are the true guns for a fight — twelve-pound 
howitzers,* the old pattern, throwing either a 
round projectile, which ricochets and rolls, or 
a heavy package of grape. The simple and 
rapid discharging of these -pieces makes terri- 
ble havoc in tlae opposing ranks. In vain John- 
ston sends against this battery his best troops, 
those of South Carolina — the Hampton Legion 
among others. In vain he rushes on it him- 
self; nothing can shake the Federals, who, at 
nightfall, valiantly led by Gen. Sumner in per- 
son, throw themselves upon the enemy at the 
point of the bayonet, and drive him furiously, 
with frightful slaughter and fear, back as far 
as Fair Oaks Station. 

" Night put an end to the combat. On both 
sides nothing was known of the result of the 
battle but what each one had seen with his 

♦ They were "Napoleon" guns.— [Ed. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



243 



own eyes. I'riends and enemies, lost in woods 
they were nnacquainted with, hiy down amid 
heaps of dead and wounded, wherever dark- 
ness overtook them. The fatigue of this obsti- 
nate struggle as well as the obscurity of the 
night had imposed on the combatants one of 
those tacit truces so frequent in war. 

" Evidently Johnston had flattered himself, 
in throwing all his forces on the four divisions 
of the left wing, that he could annihilate them 
before any aid could come to them from the 
main body of the army on the left bank of the 
Chickahominy. For the moment he had re- 
ooiled before the energetic resistimce of those 
four divisions, and also before the furious and 
unforeseen attack of Sumner's troops. No 
doubt he had counted on the terrible storm of 
the previous day to have swelled the Chicka- 
hominy so as to render the establishment of a 
bridge impossible, or to sweep away in its over- 
flowing waters those already established ; but 
the capricious river baffled his plans, as it did 
some hours later those of his adversaries. The 
eff"ect of the deluge was not immediate ; the 
rise in the water delayed its appearance 24 
hours. Was this unhoped-for delay turned to 
account with all desirable activity on the part 
of the Federals ? That is a question which will 
remain always in dispute, as are so many others 
of the same kind, which form one of the ne- 
cessary chapters of the history of most great 
battles. 

" It was only at one o'clock in the afternoon 
that the action had commenced. TTe had 
waited some time to ascertain if the attack on 
that side was not a feint, intended to draw the 
Federal troops to that point while the bulk of 
the enemy's forces was hastening to debouch 
on the left bank. We had been promptly re- 
lieved of our uncertainty by the violence of 
the attack and by the reports of the aeronauts, 
who saw the entire Confederate army marching 
to the point of attack. 

" Then Sumner had received orders to cross 
the water with his two divisions. He had exe- 
cuted the movement with rapidity, marching at 
the head of his column, without any other 
guide than the sound of the cannon, and he 
arrived at the right moment and at the critical 
place. But some persons thought then, and 
still think, that if, at the moment Sumner re- 
ceived the order to cross the river, the same 
order had been given to all the divisions of the 
right wing, it would have been practicable. 
"We fancy what might have happened if, in 
place of throwing 15,000 men on Johnston's 
flank, 50,000 had been thrown. Sumner's 
bridge, doubtless, would not have answered for 
the crossing of so many. At midnight the tail 
end of his column was still crossing, struggling 
against all the difficulties which bridges formed 
of trunks of trees that turn under the feet, 
muddy sloughs and a dark night— the darkness 
rendered still deeper by the thickness of the 
woods — present to horses and artillery. Sev- 
eral bridges were, however, ready to be thrown 



across at other points. Jt was necessary to 
work without a moment's loss to construct 
them, and not be disturbed by the obstacles the 
enemy would not have failed to present to the 
undertaking. A brigade was displayed for fuU 
effect and scarecrow fashion, opposite the points 
naturally marked out for crossing; but the 
stake was so large, the result so important, and 
the occasion itself so unforeseen and so favor- 
able for playing a decisive part, that nothing, 
in our opinion, should have prevented that 
operation from being attempted. 

" Here, again, was evident that American 
slowness which belongs much more to the char- 
acter of the army than that of its chief. It 
was not until 7 o'clock in the evening that the 
idea of securing all the bridges without delay, 
and causing the whole army to cross at day- 
break to the right bank of the Chickahominy, 
was entertained. 

" It was now too late. Four hours had been 
lost, and the opportunity — that moment bo 
fleeting, ii war as in other circumstances — had 
gone. The rise, on which Johnston had vainly 
counted, and which had not hindered Sumner 
from crossing, came on during the night. The 
river rose suddenly from two feet, and continu- 
ed to swell with rapidity, carrying away the 
new bridges, tearing up and sweeping off the 
trees which formed the planking of Sumner's 
bridges, and covering the entire vaUey with its 
overflowing waters. Nothing could cross. 

" At the earliest dawn of day the combat 
was resumed with great fury on the left bank. 
The enemy came on in a body, but without 
order or method, and rushed upon the Federals, 
who, knowing that they were inferior in num- 
bers and without hope of being supported, did 
not attempt to do more than resist and hold 
their ground. They fought with fierce deter- 
mination on both sides, without any noise, 
without any cries, and whenever they were too 
hardly pressed they made a charge with the 
bayonet. The artillery, placed on the emi- 
nences in the rear, fired shell over the com- 
batants. Ah! I could have wished that all 
those who, forgetful of the past, and impelled 
by I do not know what kind of egotistical cal- 
culation, have lavished their encouragement on 
the fatal rebellion of slaveowners, could have 
been present at this fratricidal struggle. I 
could have wished them, as a punishment, a 
sight of this terrible battle field, where the 
dead and dying were piled up by thousands. I 
wished that they could have seen those tem- 
porary ambulances formed around the few habi- 
tations found here and there. Oh I what mis- 
ery — oh ! what suffering ! The ambulances 
had something about them particularly horri- 
ble. The houses were altogether too few to 
contain the smallest proportion of the wound- 
ed, and they were therefore compelled to lay 
them outside ; but although they did not make 
any complaints, and bore their fate with the 
most stoical courage, their exposure in one po- 
sition beneath the ravs of the sun of the middle 



244 



MILITx\RY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



of June soon became intolerable. They were 
then to be seen putting forth all their remain- 
ing strength, and crawling to seek a little shade. 
I will always remember a bed of roses, whose 
sweet-scented flowers I was admiring while 
conversing with one of my friends, when he 
drew my attention to one of these unfortunate 
men, who had just died beneath its bushes. 
We looked at each other without saying a word, 
the heart being oppressed with the most pain- 
ful emotion. Mournful scenes, from which the 
pen of the writer, like the eye of the specta- 
tor, hastened to turn away. 

" Toward midday the fire gradually dimin- 
ished, then ceased. The enemy retreated ; but 
the Federals were not in a position to pursue 
them. No one then' knew what a loss the 
Southerners had just suffered in the person of 
their commander. Gen. Johnston, who was se- 
verely wounded. It was to his absence that 
was owing, in a great measure, the unskilful 
attacks against the Federal army in the morn- 
ing. When the firing ceased at midday, the 
Confederates, tired of the prolonged strife 
which they had been sustaining, and being no 
longer commanded, were, it is said (for in the 
midst of these immense woods one sees nothing, 
and is compelled to guess everything), in a 
state of inextricable confusion. Who can say 
what would have been the result if at this mo- 
ment the 35,000 fresh troops Left on the other 
side of the Ohickahominy had appeared on the 
flank of this disordered mass after having suc- 
cessfully crossed the bridges? 

" Such is the history of this singular battle, 
which, although complicated by incidents su- 
perior to human will, must not be taken other- 
wise than as a type of American battles. The 
conflict was a bloody one, for the North had lost 
6,000 men, the South at least 8,000 ; but the 
results were barren on one side as on the other. 
Although the losses of the enemy were much 
greater than those of the Federals, the result 
was especially distressing to the latter. They 
had lost a rare opportunity of striking a deci- 
sive blow. These occasions did not return, and 
therefore, in the circumstances in which they 
were placed, the result was against them." 

The crossing of Gen. Sumner's corps com- 
menced aboiit four o'clock in the afternoon. 
At that time the head of the advance. Gen. 
Gorman's brigade, turned from the swamps on 
the left bank of the river to cross by the bridge 
built by Gen. Sumner, — a battery moved next, 
then Gen. Burns's brigade, then artillery, and 
finally Gen. Dana's brigade, all of Gen. Sedg- 
wick's division. In consequence of the mo- 
rasses, all the batteries except Kirby's were left 
behind ; but all the troops except the 19th 
Massachusetts, which was detached to assist 
the artillery, were moved swiftly onward to 
the scene of action. Gen. Richardson's division 
was detained until quite late in the evening by 
the obstructed causeway. At seven o'clock, 
it was in the position to which it had been as- 
signed. It took no part in the battle on Saturday. 



Now was the time to capture the city. The 
retreat of the army caused great consternation 
at Richmond. The Confederate force had re- 
tired in confusion, and if they had been sharply 
followed up, the gates of the city would have 
been reached, if friend and foe had not gone in 
together. It is useless to speculate on possi- 
bilities. The force with which Gen. McClellan 
commenced his march had been diminished 
before Yorktown and Williamsburg, and by 
constant skirmishing. It garrisoned York- 
town and Williamsburg, and occupied the 
White House, and the line of the railroad. It 
had received no reinforcements up to this time 
except the division of Franklin. It was also 
impossible for him to move the corps of Gens. 
Porter and Franklin over the Chickahominy at 
the decisive moment, as even the bridge on 
which Gen. Sumner had crossed had been so 
far destroyed by the river, which was swollen 
by the rains of Friday and Saturday, that it 
was impassable for a single horseman. The 
three corps which had been engaged in the 
battles of Saturday and Sunday were too much 
cut up and wearied, by their conflict with supe- 
rior numbers, to be able to pursue the retreat- 
ing Confederates, particularly as they might 
probably have been met at the outworks of the 
city by fresh troops, in numbers fully equal to 
themselves, and a strong artillery in position. 
He was in no condition to risk anything. He 
had fought the enemy in equal or superior num- 
bers, and they had retired in confusion. The 
corps of Gen. McDowell, if on hand now, might 
have taken Richmond, but without it the com- 
manding general was not strong enough to risk 
its immediate attack. There were other con- 
'siderations to govern his conduct. He was 
leading an invading army without reserves to 
fall back upon. A repulse would have ended 
in serious, if not complete disaster. Such a 
result to the peninsular campaign would have 
been fatal to the cause to which the Army of 
the Potomac was devoted. It would have con- 
vinced foreign powers that there was such a 
degree of military strength in the Confederacy 
as to render the immediate recognition of its 
independence both safe and politic. But there 
was probably one consideration which out- 
weighed all others, and exerted a decisive in- 
fluence upon the movements. This was the 
certain and safe reception of sufficient sup- 
plies. The single line of railroad was not 
capable of transporting them. The horses 
were kept on half forage, and if the distance 
had been increased, the army itself would have 
suffered. What hope was there of holding 
Richmond, even if it had been taken, with a 
line of transportation not capable of bringing 
forward sufficient to sustain the army, and one 
which, from the inadequate force to guard it, 
was liable at any moment to be broken up? 
Finally, for many days after the battle, the 
fields and roads were in such condition as to 
render it impossible to move any amount of ar- 
tillery over them. To have advanced without 



i 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



245 



it would have placed infantry in front of works 
armed with heavy guns. 

The danger of his position was soon demon- 
strated to the commanding general. It was 
determined in Richmond at this time, to pene- 
trate the lines of the Federal army, and make 
a full and thorough reconnoissance of its posi- 
tion and strength. For this purpose, early on 
the 8th of June, Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, with the 
Ist, Ool. Fitz Hugh Lee ; 9th, Col. F. H. Fitz 
Hugh Lee ; and 4th Virginia cavalry, Lieut. 
Gardner; the Jeff. Davis troop, with two 
pieces of flying artillery, a 12-pound howitzer, 
and a 6-pound rifled English piece, numbering 
about fifteen hundred men, left Richmond and 
proceeded down the Charlottesville turnpike. 
That night they encamped at Ashland, not 
deeming it safe to proceed after dusk, and com- 
municated by signal rockets with Richmond. 
As soon as day dawned, they proceeded care- 
fully and cautiously, and penetrated the Fed- 
eral lines. Near Hanover Court House, two 
or three small bodies of Federal cavalry were 
met, and skirmishing ensued, but the latter, be- 
ing unable to withstand the heavy Confederate 
force, were quickly routed. The camps of 
these Federal outposts were visited and de- 
stroyed ; wagons on the road were overtaken 
and burnt, and the entire route from Ashland 
by Hanover Court House to Tunstall's Station, 
on the York River railroad, was to this force 
a continuous scene of triumph and destruction. 
Commissary and quartermasters' stores were 
seized and burned ; prisoners and horses were 
taken and sent to the rear. The amount 
of property destroyed, however, was very 
small. 

Upon approaching the railroad, cars were 
heard advancing, and the whistle sounded. 
By orders, every man was instantly dismount- 
ed and ranged beside the track. Thinking the 
force to be a friendly one, the train was stop- 
ped, when one company of the troop opening 
fire, disclosed its character. The train was 
immediately started under full steam for the 
Chickahominy, and despite logs placed on the 
track, made its escape. It consisted chiefly 
of uncovered platform cars, on which were 
some soldiers who were fired upon and killed 
or wounded. A detachment was immediately 
sent toward the "White House on the Pamun- 
key river, where a number of wagons loaded 
with stores, and four transport vessels were 
found. Two of the vessels with their stores 
were destroyed, and a few wagons at Garlick's 
Landing. New Kent Court House was made the 
rendezvous whither the main body had gone, 
and where they were soon joined "by this de- 
tachment. Here a halt was made until mid- 
night. Some prisoners were taken, and sutlers' 
stores consumed or destroyed. At midnight 
they quietly moved by a lonely road toward the 
Chickahominy, and passing near a considerable 
body of the Federal forces, they reached its 
banks a little before dawn on Sunday, the llth, 
and were ready to cross. They had arrived 



far below the bridges, and where deep water 
flows, and knew not how to cross. Their per- 
plexity is thus described by a Confederate 
writer : " Here was an awful situation fur a 
gallant band ! Directed to Blind Ford, it was 
fifteen feet deep ! The enemy had blocked up 
all the main roads, and had thousands scouring 
the country, eager to entrap or slaughter it. And 
without means to cross ! Quietly taking pre- 
cautions against all surprise, strict silence be- 
ing enjoined upon the prisoners, first one 
horseman plunged into the flood, and then 
another at different points — all too deep ; no 
ford discoverable, no bridge ! The horses, it 
was thought, would follow each other, and 
Bwim the stream — it was tried, and the horsea 
carried away by the current ! Breaking into 
small parties, the cavalrymen swam and re- 
swam the river with their horses, and when 
some fifty or more had been landed, a strange 
but friendly voice whispered in the dark, 
' The old bridge is a few yards higher up — it 
can be mended ! ' 'Twas found, and m§nded 
it could be ! Quietly working, tree after tree 
was felled, earth and twigs and branches were 
carried and piled up on the main props ; old 
logs were rolled and patched across the stream ; 
yet after long and weary labor the bridge waa 
built, and the long and silent procession of 
cavalry, artillery, prisoners and spoils, safely 
and quietly passed this frail impromptu bridge, 
scarcely any sounds being heard but the rush 
of waters beneath. Once across and in the 
Bwamps, all was industry and expedition. Ar- 
tillery axles sank low in the mire — ten Yankee 
horses were hitched to each piece, and as the 
first rays of morning crimsoned the tree tops, 
the long line rapidly sought the shade of wooda 
away from the Federal lines. Yet the troops 
had not proceeded far when the advance was 
halted. 'Who comes there?' cried the Fed- 
eral horsemen in the swamp. ' "Who goes 
there?' calls another, and quicker than' 
thought the advance guard dashes away into 
the open ground ; the Federals fire half a dozen 
shots, and rush in pursuit. Into the thicket 
some half dozen Federal horsemen dart and 
are surrounded and made prisoners." 

The crossing was made thirteen miles from 
Gen. McClellan's headquarters, and five miles 
from his pickets. They were now soon within 
the lines of the Confederate army. The delay 
caused by the vigorous skirmishing with the 
enemy encountered, caused them afterward to 
make so much haste to escape, that the amount 
of property destroyed was small, and estima- 
ted at fifty thousand dollars. Three hundred 
mules and some prisoners were taken away. 
This small force of the enemy's cavalry had 
passed entirely round and in the rear of the 
Federal array. The hope for the cooperation 
of Gen. McDowell amid these perilous scenes 
was again, for the third time, now rekindled 
in the mind of Gen. McClellan, and not entire- 
ly in vain. On the 10th of June, Gen. Mc- 
Dowell wrote as follows: 



246 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Jwne 10, 1862. 
Maj.-Gen. G, B. McClellan, Commanding Department 
of Virginia, before Richmond : 
For the third time I am ordei'ed to join you, and 
hope this time to get through. In view of the remarks 
made with reference to my leaving you and not joiu- 
ing you before, by your friends, and of something I 
have heard as coming from you on that subject, I wish 
to say I go with the greatest satisfaction, and hope to 
arrive with my main body in time to be of service. 
McCall goes in advance by water. I will be with you 
in ten days with the remainder by Fredericksburg. 

iRviN McDowell, 

Major-General Commanding. 
On the 12th, he again wrote, as follows: 

Headquaktees Department op the Eappahannock, I 
Manassas, Jxt,n& 12, 1862. J 
Maj.-Gen. G. B. McClellan, Commanding Department 
of Virginia, before Richmond : 
The delay of Maj.-Gen. Banks to relieve the division 
of my command in the valley beyond the time I had 
calculated on, will prevent my joining you with the re- 
mainder of the troops I am to take below at as early a 
day as I named. My third division (McCall's) is now 
on the way. Please do me the favor to so place it that 
it may be in a position to join the others as they come 
down from Fredericksburg. IRVIN McDOWELL, 
• Major-General Commanding. 

Contrary to the expectation of both, the divi- 
sion of Gen. McGall was the only one of Gen. 
McDowell's corps which subsequently reached 
the army of the Potomac. 

On the next day after the battle of Fair Oaks, 
above described, Gen. McClellan recovered 
without resistance the stations of Fair Oaks 
and Seven Pines, and the two armies were 
once more in the same position as before. 

On the 2d of June President Davis issued 
the following address to the Confederate army: 

Executive Office, Jwne 2, 1862. 
To the Army of Richmond : 

I render to you my grateful acknowledgments for 
the gallantry and good conduct you displayed in the 
battles of the 31st of May, and the 1st instant, and 
with pride and pleasure recognize the steadiness and 
intrepidity with which you attacked the enemy in po- 
sition, captured his advanced intrenchments, several 
batteries of artillery, and many standards, and every- 
where drove them from the open field. 

At a part of your operations it was my fortune to be 
present. On no other occasion have I witnessed more 
of calmness and good order than you exhibited while 
advancing into the very jaws of death, and nothing 
could exceed the prowess with which you closed upon 
the enemy when a sheet of fire was blazing in your 
faces. 

In the renewed struggle in which you are on the eve 
of engaging, I ask and can desire but a continuance of 
the same conduct which now attracts the admiration 
and pride of the loved ones you have left at home. 

You are fighting for all that is dearest to men ; and, 
though opposed to a foe who disregards many of the 
usages of civilized war, your humanity to the wounded 
and the prisoners was the fit and crowning glory to 
your valor. 

Defenders of a just cause, may God have you in His 
holy keeping ! JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

Gen. McClellan now set to work to complete 
in a substantial manner the bridges across the 
Chickahominy and put the two wings of his 
army in communication with each other in 
spite of any inundations. Entrenchments were 
then thrown up along the whole line. The 
right wing, consisting of the divisions of Gens. 
McCall, Morrell, and Sykes, was posted on the 



left bank of the Chickahominy from Beaver 
Dam Creek to a point below New Bridge. 
The centre, consisting of Gens. Smith's, Sedg- 
wick's, and Richardson's divisions, was stretch- 
ed in a line from Golding on the right bank of 
the river to a point south of the York river 
railroad. The left wing, consisting of Gelis. 
Hooker's, Kearney's, and Couch's divisions, ex- 
tended from the left of Gen. Richardson's posi- 
sion to a point considerably south of the Wil- 
liamsburg stage road, on the borders of White 
Oak swamp. The Confederate line pressed so 
close to the Federal line on the right bank of 
the river that neither could advance a regiment 
outside their respective breastworks without 
provoking a contest. In this position the two 
armies remained until near the close of the 
month. 

The demonstration in the rear of the Federal 
army had convinced the commanding general 
that a change of position might become neces- 
sary, and some vessels loaded with ammuni- 
tion, provisions, and other supplies were wisely 
sent to James river near City Point, but no 
further steps for this purpose were taken. 

On Wednesday, the 25th of June, the first 
movement on the part of Gen. McCleUan was 
made. This consisted in directing Gen. Hooker 
to take up an advanced position of a mile on 
Fair Oaks farm, near the Williamsburg road 
leading directly to Richmond. It was calculat- 
ed that this movement might be followed by a 
general resistance on the part of the Confed- 
erates, which would renew the battle of Fair 
Oaks, and by the advantage of the bridges the 
whole army could be concentrated. If the bat- 
tle was not renewed then it would be one step 
in advance toward Richmond. The ground 
Gen. Hooker was ordered to occupy was taken, 
lost and retaken with a loss of from four to five 
hundred men. He was ably supported by 
Brig.-Gens. Grover and Sicjkles." During the 
ensuing night information was received that 
Gen. Jackson, returned from the Shenandoah 
Valley, was in force near Hanover Court House. 
This indicated that the Confederate army had 
now been concentrated, and the object of Gen. 
Jackson in that position was to attack the Fed- 
eral communications, and cut them oif by seiz- 
ing the York river railway in their rear. The 
advance upon Richmond could not therefore 
be further prosecuted by the diminished forces 
of the Federal army. Gen. Hooker was conse- 
quently recalled from his advanced position on 
the next day. 

It appears that on the 25th a council of all 
the Confederate generals was held at Richmond. 
Gens. Lee, Baldwin, Jackson, A. P. Hill, D. H. 
Hill, Huger, Longstreet, Branch, Wise, Ander- 
son, Whiting, Ripley, and Magruder were pres- 
ent. It was determined that Gen. Jackson 
should move upon the right flank of the Fed- 
eral army, and if Gen. McDowell remained in- 
active in his position near Fredericksburg, then 
a general and simultaneous attack was to be 
made upon the whole line of Gen. McClellan. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



247 



A demonstration along the Richmond road 
made at that time by Gen. McDowell would 
have rendered the flank march of Gen. Jack- 
son entirely impracticable. This demonstra- 
tion was feared by Gen. Lee ; biit he was un- 
aware that it had then been determined at 
"Washington to concentrate the corps of Gen. 
McDowell with the other forces before Wash- 
ington and form the army of Virginia under 
Gen. Pope. The order for that purpose was 
issued on the 27th, at Washington, the 2nd 
day after the council of officers at Richmond ; 
and thus prevented entirely the movement 
feared by Gen. Lee. 

On the 2Gth Gen. Jackson reached Ashland, 
there to commence his flanking operations. 
His advanced guard drove in the little Federid 
force posted there and pushed on without loss 
of time to Hanover Court House, where ho 
threw forward Gen. Branch's brigade between 
the Chickahominy and the Pamunkey rivers to 
establish a junction with Gen. Hill, who was to 
cross the former stream at Meadow Bridge. 
It was the movement of Gen. Hill's troops, 
seen pouring out of Richmond by. the Federal 
army, in the direction where Gen. Jackson was 
known to be, which convinced them of the se- 
rious work at hand on their right. Gen. D. H. 
Hill began his oflfensive operations about 1 p. m. 
by an attack upon Mechanicsville and met with 
a brave resistance. Gen. McCall's Pennsylva- 
nia reserves were stationed there supported by 
Gen. Morrell and Gen. Sykes, and strongly in- 
trenched for defence. Storming attacks were 
made again and again with fury, and were as 
often repelled with a cool determination. In 
vain Gen. D. H. Hill sent his aids in quest of 
Gen, Branch. The latter did not arrive until 
night, when the conflict had ended. 

At this time eight divisions of the Federal 
army were on the right bank of the Chicka- 
hominy occupying entrenchments fronting 
Richmond. Before these troops lay the mass 
of the Confederate army also in entrenched 
positions. Upon the left bank of the river 
connected by numerous bridges was Gen. Fitz- 
John Porter with two divisions and Gen. Sykes' 
regulars. It was against this latter force that 
the Confederate attack was made. Two sepa- 
rate armies of great force were thus about to 
attack Gen. McClellan, and his position was 
extremely critical. If he concentrated on the 
left bank of the Chickaliominy, he abandoned 
the attempt to capture Richmond, and risked 
a disastrous retreat upon the White House and 
Yorktown with the entire Confederate army in 
pursuit, and where he could hope for no sup- 
port. If he moved to the right bank of the 
river, he risked the cutting ofl:' of his communi- 
cations with the White House by the enemy, 
who might seize the railroad over which his 
supplies came. He would then be forced to 
open new communications with James river, 
and move at once in that direction. There ho 
would receive tlie support of the navy, and if 
reenforced could operate against Richmond or 



Petersburg, the fall of the latter place involving 
the fall of the former. This latter movement 
had been thought of some time previous, and 
transports, with a prudent foresight, had been 
sent to the James river. It was now deter- 
mined upon. The distance from Fair Oaks to 
the James river was about seventeen miles. A 
single road only existed by which the baggage 
and stores could bo moved. This was exposed 
in front to the enemy, who, by several roads 
radiating from Richmond, could throw a con- 
siderable force at once upon difi'erent points. 
The activity with which this movement was 
performed was such that it was nearly com- 
pleted before it was anticipated by the enemy. 
During the night in which Gen. D. H. Hill 
was held in check at Mechanicsville, the whole 
of Gen. Porter's baggage was sent over to the 
right bank of the river and united with the 
long train which was to set out on the evening 
of the 27th for James river. At the same time 
orders were given to rcship or destroy all the 
stores along the railroad to White House and 
to evacuate that depot. This duty was assigned 
to Gen. Stoneman with a flying column. He 
was also ordered to delay the advance of the 
enemy and to fall back after the execution of 
these orders on Yorktown. AH this was suc- 
cessfully done. 

For the next day, Friday, the 27th, the 
orders to Gen. McCall on the extreme right 
were to fall back on the bridges thrown across 
the Chickahominy at Gaines's Mill. Joining 
the other troops of Gen. Porter's corps, con- 
sisting of the division of Gen. Morrell and the 
regulars of Gen. Sykes, their duty was to make 
a stand in front of the bridges in order to give 
the army time to execute its general movement. 
Gen. Porter, with this force, was not to cross 
the bridges until evening, and then to destroy 
them. The manner in which these orders were 
executed will now appear. 

Scarcely had the morning of the 27th dawned, 
when the Confederate forces, under Gen. D. H. 
Hill, that had been held in check the previous 
evening, opened a tremendous fire of artillery 
upon the front of Gen. McCall, who, upon see- 
ing the brigade of Gen. Branch, ordered on the 
previous day to support Gen. Hill, advancing 

'to attack his right, began to fall back, fighting, 
further down the stream. This secured the 
crossing of the Chickahominy at Mechanicsville 
to the Confederates, and the first reenforcements 
ordered from their main body during the night, 
consisting of the veteran corps of Gen. Long- 
street, and the division of Gen. A. P. Hill, now 
arrived. An order to advance was now given 
all along the Confederate line, except the right 
wing under Gen. Magruder, which now con- 
fronted Gen. McClellan on the right bank of 

. the Chickahominy. The divisions of Gens. A. 
P. Hill, Anderson, and Whiting formed, the 
centre, and moved toward Coal Harbor, while 
Gens. Jackson, D. H. Hill, and Longstreet 
formed the left nearer the Pamunkey river. 
Apprehensions were still entertained by Gen. 



248 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



249 



Lee of the approach of Gen. McDowell, and it 
was not until he received reliable intelligence 
of the latter's inactivity that he resolved upon 
a general attack. As soon, therefore, as he 
was informed that Gen. Jackson had reached 
Coal Harbor, steps were taken for an immediate 
attack on the retiring corps of Gen. Porter, 
which was supposed to be the mass of Gen. 
McCIellan's army, and which had taken up the 
position it was ordered to hold on the left bank 
before the bridges. The Confederate attack 
was opened by the columns of Gen. D. H. Hill, 
Anderson, and Pickett. These brave masses 
rushed with " thundering hurrahs " upon the 
musketry of Gen. Porter's corps, and whole 
ranks went down under the terrible fire that 
met th£m. After a fierce struggle the Con- 
federate troops began to give way, and at length 
all orders and encouragements were vain. They 
were falling back in the greatest disorder. Im- 
mediately Gen. Cobb appeared on the field with 
his legion, and the 19th North Carolina, and 
14th Virginia, and renewed the attack, but all 
their eflTorts were in vain. Broken to pieces 
and disorganized, the fragments of that legion 
came rolling back from the charge. The 19th 
North Carolina lost eight standard bearers, and 
most of their officers were either killed or 
wounded. The shattered regiments of Gens. 
Hill and Anderson were again led up, but their 
foes quietly and coolly held out against every 
attack that was made. During this moment of 
success for the Federal army. Gen. McCIellan 
hastened to throw upon the left bank all the 
troops not absolutely necessary to guard the 
lines in front of Richmond. It was nearly night 
when some of the divisions reached the river, 
and at this time the Confederate left and re- 
serves had been brought up. The weight of 
their attack was made on tlie Federal left, 
where the troops had sustained an unequal 
fight all day, and were worn out, having fired 
almost their last cartridge. The left gave way 
and disbanded. This disorder extended until it 
reached the centre of the Federal lines, which fell 
back in increasing confusion, until the fresh bri- 
gades of Gens. Meagher and French were met. 
The vigorous shouts of these troops, and the 
placing a few guns anew in battery and opening 
fire served to check the enemy, who paused at 
this final determination, and darkness closed the 
contest at Gaines's Mill. 

The left wing, under Gen. Porter, subse- 
quently supported from the main body, had ac- 
complished the purpose of holding the Con- 
federates in check, and that niglit the train of 
five thousand wagons, the seige train, a herd of 
twenty-five hundred oxen, and other material 
was in motion for James river. During the 
night tlie troops of Gen. McClellau repassed the 
bridges of the Chickahominy in perfect order, 
destroying them after they had passed. The 
field of battle, with the dead, and those most 
seriously wounded, a few guns and some pris- 
oners, was abandoned. The corps of Gen. 
Keves in the advance toward James river took 



possession of the road across the "White Oak 
Swamp, and the principal lines of communica- 
tion by which the Federal army could be an- 
noyed by their enemies. 

Meantime the Confederate ofiicers and men 
supposed, from the manner in which the day 
closed, leaving them in possession of the field 
of battle and its spoils, that Gen. McCIellan 
was completely cut off from his base of retreat. 
The capture or destruction of the entire Fed- 
eral army was regarded as certain. The re- 
joicing bordered on frenzy. Their demonstra- 
tion on the 28th was made to the White House, 
where the immense stores which were expected 
to fall into their hands were found to have been 
destroyed, and nothing but ruins remained. 
The burial of the dead, and the care for the 
wounded, and repose for the troops, and un- 
certainty as to the position of the Federal army, 
caused the day to pass without any movement 
of the Confederate troops. The mass of them 
were now on the left bank of the Chickahominy, 
over A'hich the bridges had been destroyed, 
while Gen. McCIellan's army united was on the 
right bank. Time now was worth everything 
to them. Before they could be attacked, how- 
ever, it was necessary for the Confederate force 
to rebuild the bridges, or to fall back some dis- 
tance to the Mechanicsville bridge. It was not 
until the reports of the state of affairs at the 
White House were made in the afternoon of 
the 28th, and the statements of prisoners, that 
Gen. Lee comprehended the real movements of 
Gen. McCIellan, and that he was on his Avay to 
James river to form a junction with the fleet. 
The twelve brigades of Gens. D. H. Hill and 
Longstreet were instantly put in motion to givo 
the death blow to the enemy, whom they sup- 
posed now to be flying. 

The position of Gen. McCIellan on Saturday 
night was such that the Confederate oflScers, 
who were unaware of his design, were confident 
of his capture. Having abandoned, and, as they 
supposed, been driven from all his strongholds 
on the north side of the Cliickahominy, cut off 
from all communication with his supplies at the 
White House, and with the Chickahominy in 
his rear, and the divisions of Gens. Longstreet, 
Magruder, and Huger in his front, all hopes of 
his escape were thought to be impossible. 

The morning of the 20th was spent by Gen. 
McCIellan's troops in destroying all that could 
not be carried away from the camps. A com- 
plete railroad train, locomotive, tender and cars, 
which had been left on the track, was sent 
headlong over the broken bridge into the river. 
Notliing was left but three siege guns which 
could not be moved. 

The corps of Gens. Sumner and Franklin had 
been left in the works at Fair Oaks with in- 
structions to evacuate and protect the baggage 
and supply trains on their way to the river. 
Hardly had tliey commenced to fall back on the 
railroad and Williamsburg turnpike, when the 
enemy, perceiving the movement, pressed for- 
ward, giving the former barely time to place 



250 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



their men in position. The attack was com- 
menced by the Confederates about two o'clock 
p. M., about one mile and a half above Savage's 
Station, and the conflict continued until near 
night. The enemy, advancing in solid masses 
to within a short distance of the artillery, suffer- 
ed severely and were repulsed. During the 
night Gens. Sumner and Franklin fell back to 
"White Oak Swamp bridge. 

On the morning of Monday, the 30th of June, 
all the troops and all the trains were in safety 
beyond White Oak bridge, which presented a 
new obstacle to the Confederates. Gens. Sum- 
ner and Franklin were left to act as a rear 
guard, and hold the passage of the White Oak 
Swamp, whilst Gens. Ileintzelman, with the 
divisions of Gens. Hooker, Kearny, Sedgwick, 
and McCall, were placed at the point of inter- 
Bection of the roads leading from Richmond, 
called Charles City cross roads. These move- 
ments protected the trains until they arrived 
at the James river, precisely at the time when 
the transports with provisions and ammunition 
and hospital stores arrived from Fortress Monroe. 

The advance of the Confederate force was 
actively resumed early in the morning. Gens. 
D. H. Hill, Whiting, and Ewell, under the com- 
mand of Gen. Jackson, crossed the Chicka- 
hominy by the Grapevine bridge, and followed 
the Federal retreat by the Williamsburg road 
and Savage's Station. Gens. Longstreet, A. P. 
Hill, Huger, and Magruder took the Charles 
City road with the intention of cutting off the 
Federal retreat. At the White Oak Swamp 
the left wing under Gen. Jackson came up with 
the Federal force under Gens. Franklin and 
Sumner, about 11 a, m. They had crossed the 
stream and burned the bridge behind them. 
An artillery fire was opened upon both sides, 
which continued with great severity and de- 
struction until night. The result of tliis battle 
was to prevent the further advance of the ene- 
my in this direction, which was the single line 
of road over which the trains had passed. 

Late on the same day, a battle was fought 
between the forces under Gen. Heintzelman and 
the main force of the enemy, which attempted 
to advance by the Charles City road to cut off 
the retreat. This force was led by Gens. Long- 
street, A. P. Hill, and Huger. The former, 
however, being called away, the command de- 
volved upon Gen. nui. As the masses advanced 
upon the Federal batteries of heavy guns they 
were received with such a destructive fire of 
artillery and musketry as threw them into dis- 
order. Gen. Lee sent all his disposable troops 
to the rescue, but the Federal fire was so terri- 
ble as to disconcert the coolest veterans. Whole 
ranks of the Confederate troops were hurled 
to the ground. Says an actor in the conflict, 
"The thunder of the cannon, the cracking of 
the musketry from thousands of combatants, 
mingled with the screams of the wounded and 
the dying, were terrific to the ear and to the 
imagination." The conflict thus continued 
within a narrow space for hours, and not a foot 



of ground was won by the Confederates. Night 
was close at hand. The Federal lines were 
strengthened and the confidence of the Con- 
federate general began to falter. The losses of 
his exhausted and worn out troops in attempt- 
ing to storm the batteries were terrible. Orders 
were given to Gen. Jackson to cover the re- 
treat in case the army should have to fall back, 
and directions were sent to Richmond to get 
all the public property ready for removal. Tho 
Federal forces, perceiving the confusion, began 
step by step to press forward. The posture of 
affairs at this time is thus related by a Confed- 
erate officer : " The enemy, noticing our confu- 
sion, now advanced, with the cry, ' Onward to 
Richmond ! ' Yes, along the whole hostile 
front rang the shout, ' Onward to Richmond ! ' 
Many old soldiers who had served in distant 
Missouri and on the plains of Arkansas wept 
in the bitterness of their souls like children. 
Of what avaU had it been to us that our best 
blood had flowed for six long days? — of what 
avail all our unceasing and exhaustless endu- 
rance? Everything, everything seemed lost, 
and a general depression cam« over all our 
hearts. Batteries dashed past in headlong 
flight ; ammunition, hospital and supply wagons 
rushed along, and swept the troops away with 
them from the battle field. In vain the most 
frantic exertion, entreaty and self-sacrifice of 
the staff officers 1 The troops had lost their 
foot-hold, and all was over with the Southern 
Confederacy. 

"In this moment of desperation Gen. A. P. 
Hill came up with a few regiments he had man- 
aged to rally, but the enemy was continually 
pressing nearer and nearer ; louder and louder 
their shouts, and the watchword, ' On to Rich- 
mond ! ' could be heard. Cavalry ofl5cers 
sprang from their saddles and rushed into the 
ranks of the infantry regiments, now deprived 
of their proper officers. Gen. Hill seized the 
standard of the Fourth North Carolina regi- 
ment, Avhich he had formerly commanded, and 
shouted to the soldiers, ' If you will not fol- 
low me, I will perish alone.' Upon this a num- 
ber of oflScers dashed forward to cover their 
beloved general with their bodies; the soldiers 
hastily rallied, and the cry ' Lead on. Hill ; head 
your old North Carolina boys ! ' rose over the 
field. And now Hill charged forward with 
this mass he had thus worked up to the Avildest 
enthusiasm. The enemy halted when they saw 
these columns, in flight a moment before, now 
advancing to the attack, and Hill burst upon 
his late pursuers like a famished lion. A fear- 
ful hand to hand conflict now ensued, for there 
was no time "to load and fire. The ferocity 
with which this combat was waged was in- 
credible. It was useless to beg the exasperated 
men for quarter ; there was no moderation, no 
pity, no compassion in that bloody work of 
bayonet and knife. The son sank dying at his 
father's feet ; the father forgot that he had a 
child — a dying child ; the brother did not see 
that a brother was expiring a few paces from 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



251 



him ; the friend heard not the last groans of a 
friend ; all natural ties were dissolved ; only 
one feeling, one thirst, panted in every bosom 
— revenge. Here it was that the son of Major 
Peyton, but fifteen years of age, called to his 
father for help. A ball had shattered both his 
legs. ' When we have beaten the enemy then 
I will help you,' answered Peyton ; ' I have 
here other sons to lead to glory. Forward!' 
But the column had advanced only a few paces 
farther when the major himself fell to the earth 
a corpse. Prodigies of valor were here per- 
formed on both sides. History will ask in vain 
for braver soldiers than those who have fought 
and fell. But of the demoniac fury of both 
parties one at a distance can form no idea. 
Even the wounded, despairing of succor, col- 
lecting their last energies of life, plunged their 
knives into the bosoms of foemen who lay near 
them still breathing. 

"The success of General Hill enabled other 
generals to once more lead their disorganized 
troops back to the fight, and the contest was 
renewed along the whole line, and kept up un- 
til deep into the night ; for everything depended 
upon our keeping the enemy at bay, counting, 
too, upon their exhaustion at last, until fresh 
troops could arrive to reiinforce us. At length, 
about half past ten in the evening, the divisions 
of Magruder, Wise, and Holmes, came up and 
deployed to the front of our army. 

" So soon as these reenforcements could be 
thrown to the front our regiments were drawn 
back, and as far as possible reorganized during 
the night, the needful officers appointed, and 
after the distribution of provisions, which had 
also fortunately arrived, measures were adopt- 
ed for the gathering up of the wounded and 
the burial of the dead." 

In this conflict Gen. McOall was taken prison- 
er by the Confederates. 

During the same day an attack was made 
upon the corps of Gen. Porter by the divisions 
of Gens. Wise and Holmes near Malvern HiU, 
but without success. 

On the night of the 30th all the divisions of 
the Federal army were united at Malvern Hill, 
a strong position where the whole train, includ- 
ing the siege guns, were sheltered. The army 
was thus in communication with its transports 
and supplies. Five days of incessant marching 
and fighting had passed, during which many 
had been sun struck by the heat, and others 
from exhaustion had quitted the ranks and fell 
into the procession of sick and wounded. At- 
tacked by a force far superior to itself, it had 
succeeded in reaching a position where it was 
out of danger and from which, if reenforced, it 
could have advanced. 

Gen. McClellan immediately put his army in 
a position for defence by arranging his batte- 
ries along the high grounds so as not to inter- 
fere with the defence by the infantry of the 
sort of glacis upon which the enemy would be 
obliged to advance to the attack. About four 
P. M. on the 1st of July, the Confederate forces 



advanced to storm the position. But a destruc- 
tive fire of grape mowed them down until the 
fragments of their divisions were compelled to 
seek shelter in the woods. The position being 
within range of the gunboats they also opened a 
destructive fire with their hundred pounders 
upon the enemy. The attack was a failure, the 
loss of the Confederates being immense while 
that of the Federal troops was insignificant. 
On the evening after the battle the exhausted 
enemy retired to Richmond to appear no more, 
and the army of the Potomac took up a posi- 
tion at Harrison's Bar, a spot chosen by the 
engineers and naval officers as the most favora- 
ble for defence and for receiving supplies. 

These battles were fought at a time when the 
military strength of the Confederate States had 
been brought into the field and concentrated at 
Richmond. Thus the Confederate army great- 
ly outnumbered the Federal force, reduced by 
losses during the campaign and by sickness, on 
the banks of the Chickahominy. No official 
reports have appeared of the losses on either 
side. They were not far from fifteen thou- 
sand men. On the 3d of July the War Depart- 
ment published a despatch from Gen. McClel- 
lan dated at Berkeley, Harrison's Bar, stating 
that he had lost but one gun, which broke 
down and was abandoned, and that the rear 
of his train was then within a mile of camp 
and only one wagon abandoned. 

On the 4th of July Gen. McClellan issued 
the following address to his army : 

IIeadqtjarteks, Army of the Potomac, } 
Camp Neae Haekison's Landing, July 4, 18G2, s 

Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : Your 
achievemeuts of the past ten days have illustrated the 
valor and endurance of the American soldier. Attack- 
ed by superior forces, and without hopes of i-eenforce- 
ments, you have succeeded in changing your base of 
operations by a flank movement, always regarded as 
the most hazardous of military operations. You have 
saved all your guns except a few lost in battle, taking 
in return guns and colors from the enemy. 

Upon your march you have been assailed, day after 
day, with desperate fury, by men of the same race and 
nation, skilfully massed and led. Under every disad- 
vantage of number, and necessarily of position also, 
you have in every conflict beaten back your foes with 
enormous slaughter. 

Your conduct ranks you among the celebrated 
armies of history. None will now question what each 
of you may always, with pride, say: "I belonged to 
the Army of the Potomac." You have reached this new 
base complete in organization and unimpaired in spirit. 
The enemy may at any time attack you — we are pre- 
pared to meet them. I have personally established 
your lines. Let them come, and we will convert their 
repulse into a final defeat. 

Your government is strengthening you with the re- 
sources of a great people. On this, our nation's birth- 
day, we declare to our foes, who are rebels against the 
best interests of mankind, that this army shall enter 
the capital of the so-called Confederacy ; that our na- 
tional Constitution shall prevail, and that the Union, 
which can alone insure internal peace and external 
security to each State, must and shall be preserved, 
cost what it may in time, treasure, and blood. 

GEO. E. McCLELLAN, 
Major-General Commanding. 

On the 5th President Davis issued the fol- 
lowing address to the Confederate army : 



252 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Richmond, July 5, 1862. 
To the Army in Eastern Virginia : 

Soldiers ; I congratulate you on the series of brill- 
iant victories whicli, under the favor of Divine Provi- 
dence, you have lately won, and as the President of 
the Confederate States, do heartily tender to you the 
thanks of the country, whose just cause you have so 
skilfully and heroically served. Ten days ago, an 
invading army, vastly superior to you in numbers and 
the material of war, closely beleaguered your capital 
and vauntingly proclaimed its speedy conquest ; you 
marched to attack the enemy in his intrenchments ; 
with well directed movements and death-defying valor, 
you charged upon him in his strong positions, drove 
him from field to field over a distance of more than 
thirty-five miles, and despite his reenforcements com- 

Eelled him to seek safety under the cover of his guu- 
oats, where he now lies cowering before the army so 
lately derided and threatened with entire subjugation. 
The fortitude with which you have borne toil and pri- 
vation, the gallantry with which you have entered into 
each successive battle, must have been witnessed to be 
fully appreciated ; but a grateful people will not fail to 
recognize you and to bear you in loved remembrance. 
Well may it be said of you that you have " done enough 
for glory ;" but duty to a suffering country and to the 
cause of constitutional liberty, claims from you yet 
further effort. Let it be your pride to relax in nothing 
which can promote your future efficiency ; your one 
great object being to drive the invader from your soil, 
and, carrying your standards beyond the outer 
boundaries of the Confederacy, to wring from an un- 
scrupulous foe the recognition of your bii'thright, com- 
munity, and independence. 

[Signed] JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

Early in July Gen. Halleck resigned his com- 
mand of the army of the "West, and in obedi- 
ence to an order of the President assumed, on 
the 23d of July, the duties of general-in-chief 
of the entire army of the United States. This 
■was the position held by Gen. McCIellan, pre- 
vious to his departure from "Washington to con- 
duct the peninsular campaign. Its duties had 
been subsequently performed by the Secretary 
of "War, under the supervision of President Lin- 
coln, assisted by the counsel of Maj.-Gen. Hitch- 
cock, an elderly oflBoer of the army. Gen. Hal- 
leck, upon assuming these duties, had his at- 
tention immediately called to the army of the 
Potomac. He thus relates his action in relation 
to it : 

*' The first thing to which my attention was 
called on my arrival here (at "Washington), was 
the condition of the army at Harrison's Land- 
ing, on the James river. I immediately visited 
Gen. McClellan's headquarters for consultation. 
I left "Washington on the 24th and returned on 
the 27th. The main object of this consultation 
was to ascertain if there was a possibility of an 
advance upon Richmond from Harrison's Land- 
ing, and if not to favor some plan of uniting 
the armies of Gen. McCIellan and Gen. Pope 
on some other line. Not being familiar with 
the position and numbers of the troops in Vir- 
ginia and on the coast, I took the President's 
estimate of the largest number of reenforce- 
ments that could be sent to the army of the 
Potomac. 

" On the day of my arrival at Harrison's 
Landing Gen. McCIellan was of opinion that 
he would require at least 50,000 additional 
troops. I informed him that this number could 



not possibly be sent ; that I was not authorized 
to promise him over 20,000, and that I could 
not well see how even that number could be 
safely withdrawn from other places. He took 
the night for considering the matter, and in- 
formed me the next morning that he would 
make the attempt upon Richmond with the ad- 
ditional 20,000, but immediately on my return 
to "Washington he telegraphed that he would 
require 35,000, a force which it was impossible 
to send him without leaving "Washington and 
Baltimore almost defenceless. The only alter- 
native now left was to withdraw the army of 
the Potomac to some position where it could 
unite with that of Gen. Pope, and cover Wash- 
ington at the same time that it operated 
against the enemy. After full consultation 
with my ofiicers, I determined to attempt this 
junction on the Rappahannock, by bringing 
McClellan's forces to Aquia Creek. 

"'Accordingly, on the 30th of July, I tele- 
graphed to him to send away his sick as quick- 
ly as possible, preparatory to a movement of 
his troops. This was preliminary to the with- 
drawal of his entire army, which was ordered 
by telegraph on the 3d of August. In order 
that the transfer to Aquia Creek might be made 
as rapidly as possible, I authorized Gen. Mc- 
CIellan to assume control of all the vessels in 
the James river and Chesapeake Bay, of which 
there was then a vast fleet. The quartermas- 
ter-general was also requested to send to that 
point all the transports that could be procured. 
On the 5th I received a protest from Gen. Mc- 
CIellan, dated the 4th, against the removal of 
the army from Harrison's Landing. On the 
1st of August I ordered Gen. Burnside to im- 
naediately embark his troops at Newport News, 
transfer them to Aquia Creek, and take position 
opposite Fredericksburg. This officer moved 
with great promptness, and reached Aquia 
Creek on the night of the 3d. His troops were 
immediately landed, and the transports sent 
back to Gen. McCIellan. 

" About this time I received information that 
the enemy were preparing a large force to 
drive back Gen. Pope, and attack either Wash- 
ington or Baltimore. The information was so 
direct and trustworthy that I could not doubt 
its correctness. This gave me serious uneasi- 
ness for the safety of the capital and Maryland, 
and I repeatedly urged upon Gen. McCIellan 
the necessity of promptly moving his army so 
as to form a junction with that of Gen. Pope. 
The evacuation of Harrison's Landing, however, 
was not commenced till the 14th, eleven days 
after it was ordered." 

The following correspondence, respecting 
this removal of the army of the Potomac, took 
place between Gen. McCIellan and Gen. Hal- 
leck : 

Beekelev, Va., August 4, 12 M. 
Maj.-Gen. Halleck, Commander-in-Chief: 

Your telegraph of last evening is received. I must 
confess that it has caused me the greatest pain I ever 
experienced, for I am convinced that the order to with- 
draw this army to Aquia Creek will prove disastrous in 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



253 



the extreme to our cause. I fear it will be a fatal blow. 
Several days are necessary to complete the prepara- 
tions for so important a movement as this, and while 
they are in progress, I beg that careful consideration 
may be given to my statement. This army is now in 
excellent discipline and condition. We hold a de- 
bouche on both banks of the James river, so that we 
are free to act in any direction, and, with the assist- 
ance of the gunboats, I consider our communications 
as secure. 

We are twenty-five miles from Richmond, and are 
not likely to meet the enemy in force sufficient to fight 
a battU; until we have reached fifteen to eighteen miles, 
which brings us practically within ten miles of Rich- 
mond. Our longest line of land transportation would 
be from this point twenty-five miles, but with the aid 
of the gunboats we can supply the army by water, dur- 
ing its advance, certainly to within twelve miles of 
Richmotid. At Aquia Creek we would be seventy-five 
miles from Richmond, with land transportation all the 
way. From here to Fortress Monroe is a march of 
about seventy miles, for I regard it as impracticable 
to withdraw this army and its material, except by land. 
The result of the movement would thus be to march 
one hundred and forty-five miles to reach a point now 
only twenty-five miles distant, and to deprive ourselves 
entirely of the powerful aids of the gunboats and water 
transportation. Add to this the certain demoralization 
of this army, which would ensue ; the terrible depress- 
ing eSect upon the people of the North, and the strong 
probability that it would influence foreign Powers to 
recognize our adversaries; and these appear to me 
sufficient reasons to make it my imperative duty to 
urge in the strongest terms afibrded by our language, 
tliat this order may be rescinded, and that, far from re- 
calling this army, it may be promptly recnforced to 
enable it to resume the offensive. 

It may be said that there are no reenforcements 
available. I point to Gen. Burnside's force, to that of 
Gen. Pope, not necessary to maintain a strict defence 
in front of Washington and Harper's Ferry; to those 
portions of the Army of the West not required for a 
strict defence there. Here, directly in front of this 
army, is the heart of the rebellion. It is here that all 
our resources should be collected to strike the blow 
which will determine the fate of this nation. All points 
of secondary importance elsewhere should be abandon- 
ed, and every available man brought here. A decided 
victory here, and the military strength of the rebellion 
is crushed. It matters not what partial reverses we 
may meet with elsewhere, here is the true defence of 
Washington ; it is here, on the bank of the James river, 
that the fate of the Union should be decided. 

Clear in my conviction of right, strong in the con- 
sciousness that I have ever been, and still am, actuated 
solely by love of my country, knowing that no ambi- 
tious or selfish motives have influenced me from the 
commencement of this war; I do now what I never 
did in my life before, I entreat that this order may be 
rescinded. If my counsel does not prevail, I will, with 
a sad heart, obey your order to the utmost of my pow- 
er, devoting to the movement, which I clearly foresee 
will be one of the utmost delicacy and difficulty, what- 
ever skill I may possess, whatever the result may be, 
and may God grant that I am mistaken in my fore- 
bodings. I shall at least have the internal satisfaction 
that I have written and spoken frankly, and have 
sought to do the best in my power to arrest disaster 
from my countrv. 

GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major General. 

Gen. Halleck to Gen. McClellan. 

"WAsniNGTON, Aug 6, 1S62. 
Maj.-Gen. Geo. B. McClellan, Commanding, &c., 
Berkeley, Va. : 
General — Your telegram of yesterday was re- 
ceived this morning, and I immediately telegraphed a 
brief reply, promising to write you more fully by mail. 
You, General, certainly could not have been more 
pained at receiving my order than I was at the neces- 
sity of issuing it. I was advised by high officers, in 



whose judgment I had great confidence, to make the 
order immediately on my arrival here, but I determined 
not to do so until I could learn your wishes from a per- 
sonal interview ; and even after that interview I tried 
every means in my power to avoid withdrawing your 
army, and delayed my decision as long as I dared, to de- 
lay it. I assure you. General, it was not a hasty and 
inconsiderate act, but one that caused me more anxious 
thought than any other of my life. But after full and 
mature consideration of all the pros and cons, I was re- 
luctantly forced to the conclusion that the order must be 
issued. There was to my mind no other alternative. 

Allow me to allude to a few of the facts of the case. 
You and your officers, at our interview, estimated the 
enemy's forces in and around Richmond at 200,000 
men. Since then you and others report that they have 
received and are receiving large reenforcements from 
the south. General Pope's army, now covering Wash- 
ington, is only 40,000. Your effective force is only 
about 90,000. You are thirty miles from Richmond, 
and Gen. Pope eighty or ninety. With the enemy 
directly between you, ready to fall with his superior 
numbers upon one or the other, as he may elect, 
neither can reenforce the other in case of such an attack. 

If Gen. Pope's army be diminished to reenforce you, 
Washington, Maryland, and Pennsylvania would be 
left uncovered and exposed. If your force be reduced 
to strengthen Pope, you would be too weak to even 
hold the position you occupy should the enemy turn 
round and attack you in full force. In other words, the 
old Army of the Potomac is split into two parts, with 
the entire force of the enetay directly betv^een them. 
They cannot be united by land without exposing both 
to destruction, and yet they must be united. To send 
Pope's forces by water to the peninsula is, under pres- 
ent circumstances, a military impossibility. The only 
alternative is to send the forces on the peninsula to 
some point by water — say Fredericksburg — where the 
two armies can be united. Let me now allude to some 
of the objections which you have urged. 

You say that to withdraw from the present position 
will cause the certain demoralization of the army, 
which is now in excellent condition and discipline. I 
cannot understand why a simple change of position to 
a new and by no means distant base will demoralize an 
army in excellent discipline, unless the officers them- 
selves assist in the demoralization, which I am satisfied 
thCT will not. Your change of front from your extreme 
rignt at Hanover Court House to your present position 
was over thirty miles, but I have not heard that it 
demoralized your troops, notwithstanding the severe 
losses they sustained in effecting it. 

A new base on the Rappahannock, at Fredericks- 
burg, brings you within about sixty miles of Rich- 
mond, and secures a reenforcement of forty or fifty 
thousand fresh and disciplined troops. The change, 
with such advantages, will, I think, if properly repre- 
sented to your army, encourage rather than demor- 
alize your troops. Moreover, you yourself suggested 
that a junction might be effected at Yorktown, but 
that a flank march across the peninsula would be more 
hazardous than to retire to Fort Monroe. You will 
remember that Yorktown is two or three miles further 
from Richmond than Fredericksburg is. Besides the 
latter is between Richmond and Washington, and 
covers Washington from any attack by the enemy. 

The political efl'ect of the withdrawal may at first 
look unfavorable, but I think the public are beginning 
to understand its necessity ; and that they will have 
much more confidence in a united army than in its 
separate fragments. But you will reply, Why not re- 
enforce me here, so that I can strike Richmond from 
my present position? To do this, you said at our 
interview that you required 50,000 additional troops. 
I told you that it was impossible to give you so many. 
You finally thought you would have " some chance " 
of success with 20,000 ; but you afterward telegraphed 
to me that you would require 35,000, as the enemy was 
being largely reenforced. 

If your estimate of the enemy's strength was correct, 
your requisition was perfectly reasonable j but it waa 



254 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



utterly impossible to fill it until new troops could be 
enlisted and organized, which would require several 
weeks. To keep your army in its present position 
until it could be so reenforced would almost destroy it 
in that climate. The months of August and Septem- 
ber are almost fatal to whites who live on that part 
of James River; and even after you got the reenforce- 
ments asked for, you admitted that you must reduce 
Fort Darling and the river batteries before you could 
advance on Richmond. It is by no means certain 
that the reduction of these fortifications would not 
require considerable time, perhaps as much as those 
at Yorktown. This delay might not only be fatal to 
the health of your array, but in the mean time Gen. 
Pope's forces would be exposed to the heavy blows 
of the enemy, without the slightest hope of assist- 
ance from you. 

In regard to the demoralizing efifect of a withdrawal 
from the peninsula to the Rappahannock, I must re- 
mark that a large number of your highest officers — 
indeed a majox-ity of those whose opinions have been 
reported to me — are decidedly in/avor of the move- 
ment. Even several of those who originally advocated 
the line of the peninsula now advise its abandonment. 
I have not inquired, and do not desire to knmv, by 
whose advice or for what reason the Army of tne Po- 



tomac was separated into two parts, with the enemy 
before them. I must take things as I find them. I 
find our forces divided, and I wish to unite them. 
Only one feasible plan has been presented for doing 
this. If j^ou or any one else had presented a better 
one, I certainly should have adopted it ; but all of your 
plans require reenforcements which it is impossible to 
give you. It is very easy to ask for reenforcements, 
but it is not so easy to give them when you have no 
disposable troops at your command. I have written 
very plainly as I understand the case, and I hope you 
will give me credit for having carefully considered 
the matter, although I may have ari'ived at difi'erent 
conclusions from your own. Very respectfully, your 
obedient servant, 

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 
(OflScial Copy.) J. C. Kelton, Assistant Adj. -Gen. 

Thus the campaign was closed. The once 
proud Army of the Potomac was withdrawn 
from the peninsula to Aquia Creek and Alexan- 
dria, and its corps were immediately ordered 
into the field to reenforce the army of Gen. Pope 
southeast of Washington, and to act under his 
command. 



CHAPTER XX. 

General Pope takes command of the Army of Virginia— Call of the President for more Men— Advance of Gen. Lee — Battle 
of Cedar Mountain — Capture of Louisa Court House — Gen. Pope falls back — Dash on Catlett's Station — Further ad- 
vance of the Enemy — Attack at Manassas— Attack at Bristow's Station — Battle near Manassas — Battle at Gainesville — 
Battle near Bull Run— Excitement in the Northern States — Retreat of Gen. Banks — Battle at Chantilly — Retreat of 
Gen. Pope to the fortifications at Washington. 



Bx an order of the President on the 27th of 
June, Maj.-Gen. Pope, who had been in com- 
mand of a force in the West, entered upon the 
chief command of the army of Virginia. 

The following is the order of the President 
creating the Army of Virginia, and putting Gen. 
Pope in command, dated June 27, 1862 : 

I. The forces under Maj-Gens. Fremont, Banks, 
and McDowell, including the troops now under Brig.- 
Gen. Sturgis, at Washington^ shall be consolidated 
and form one army, to be called tha Army of Virginia. 

II. The command of the Army of Virginia is spe- 
cially assigned to Maj.-Gen. John Pope as command- 
ing general. 

The troops of the Mountain Department, heretofore 
under command of Gen. Fremont, shall constitute the 
First Army Corps, under the command of Gen. Fre- 
mont. 

The troops of the Shenandoah Department, now 
under Gen. Banks, shall constitute the Second Army 
Corps, and be commanded by him. 

The troops under the command of Gen. McDowell, 
except those within the fortifications and the city of 
Washington, shall form the Third Army Corps, and be 
under his command. 

The creation of the several separate and in- 
dependent commands which constituted the 
forces west and southwest of Washington had 
always been looked upon with distrust. Hence 
the consolidation of these forces under one com- 
mander was regarded with much satisfaction by 
the public, as a wise and prudent measure. 

The appointment of Gen. Pope to the chief 
command was not favorably received by Maj.- 



Gen. Fremont. Consequently an order was 
issued from the War Department, relieving him 
from command. 

On the next day Gen. Fremont issued an or- 
der declaring his resignation of the command 
of his forces and assigning it to Brig.-Gen. 
Schenck. The ground upon which the resig- 
nation of Gen. Fremont was made, was under- 
stood to be that Gen. Pope, who had been ap- 
pointed to the command of the Army of Vir- 
ginia, was his inferior in rank, and he could not 
consistently command a corps under him. Gen. 
Schenck, on assuming command, issued his 
orders. 

At niglit of the same day he learned that 
Gen. Rufus King had been ordered to the com- 
mand of that corps, and sent in his request to 
be relieved of command in that portion of the 
army. But on the subsequent day, still further 
learning that Gen. King had been detached and 
Gen. Sigel ordered to the same command, he 
withdrew his resignation. 

Meantime Maj.-Gen. Pope was making his 
arrangements to take the field. On the 14th 
of July he issued the following address to his 
army : 

To tlie Officers and Soldiers of the Army of Virginia : 
By special assignment of the President I have as- 
sumed command of this army. I have spent two weeks 
in learning your whereabouts, your condition, and 
your wants, in preparing you for active operations, and 
in placing you in a position from which you can act 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



255 



promptly and to the purpose. These labors are nearly 
completed, and I am about to join you in the field. 
Let us understand each other. I have come to you 
from the West where we have always seen the backs 
of our enemies— from an army whose business it has 
been to seek an adversary and beat him when found ; 
whose policy has been attack and not defence. In but 
one instance has the enemy been able to place our 
Western armies in a defensive attitude. I presume I 
have been called here to pursue the same system, and 
to lead you against the enemy. It is my purpose to 
do so and that speedily. I am sure you long for an 
opportunity to win the distinction you are capable of 
achieving ;" that opportunity I shall endeavor to give 
you. In the mean time I desire you to dismiss certain 
phrases I am sorry to find much in vogue amongst 
you. I hear constantly of taking strong positions and 
holding them— of lines of retreat and bases of supplies. 
Let us discard such ideas. The strongest position a 
soldier should desire to occupy is one from which he 
can most easily advance agamst the enemy. Let us 
study the probable line of retreat of our opponents, 
and leave our own to take care of itself. Let us look 
.before us, and not behind. Success and glory are in 
the advance — disaster and shame lark in the rear. 
Let us act on this understanding, and it is safe to pre- 
dict that your banners shall be inscribed with many a 
glorious deed, and that your names will be dear to 
your countrymen forever. 

(Signed) JOHN POPE, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

Subsequent orders issued by Gen. Pope at 
this time indicate the manner in which he pro- 
posed to conduct the campaign, as follows: 

IIbadqtjarters op the Army of Vikoinia, I 
Washington, July IS, 1862. | 
General Orders, No. 5 : 

Hereafter, as far as practicable, the troops of this 
command will subsist upon the country in which their 
operations are carried on. In all cases supplies for 
this purpose will be taken by the officers to whose de- 
partment they properly belong, under the orders of 
the commanding officer of the troops for whose use 
they are intended. Vouchers will be given to the 
owners, stating on their face that they will be payable 
at the conclusion of the war upon sufficient testimony 
being furnished that such owners have been loyal 
citizens of the United States since the date of the 
vouchers. 

Whenever it is known that supplies can be furnish- 
ed in any district of the country where the troops are 
to operate, the use of trains for carrying subsistence 
will be dispensed with as far as possible. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. POPE. 

Geo. D. Ruogles, Col. A. A.-G. and Chief of Staff. 

IlEADQUARTEItS OF THE AkMT OF VIRGINIA, July IS, 1862. 

General Orders, No. 6 : 

Hereafter in any operations of the cavalry forces in 
this command no supply or baggage trains of any de- 
scription will be used unless so stated especially in the 
order for the movement. Two days' cooked rations 
will be carried on the persons of the men, and all vil- 
lages and neighborhoods, through which they pass, will 
be laid under contribution in the manner specified by 
General Orders, No. 5, current series, from these head- 
quarters, for the subsistence of men and horses. 

Movements of cavalry must always be made with 
celerity, and no delay in such movements will be ex- 
cused hereafter on any pretext. 

Whenever the order for the movement of any por- 
tion of the army emanates from these headquarters, the 
time of marching and that to be consumed in the exe- 
cution of the duty will be specifically designated, and 
no departure therefrom will be permitted to pass un- 
noticed without the gravest and most conclusive rea- 
sons. 

Commanding officers will be held responsible for 
strict and prompt compliance with every provision of 
this order. By command of Maj.-Gen. POPE. 

Geo. D. RtJGGLES,"Col. A. A.-G. and Chief of Staff. 



Another order was issued on the same day, 
declaring that the inhabitants along the lines 
of railroads and telegraphs and the routes of 
travel, would be held responsible for any in- 
jury done to track, line, or road, or for any 
attacks on trains or stragglers by bands of 
guerillas in their neighborhood. In cases of 
damage to roads the citizens, within five miles, 
would be turned out in mass to repair the dam- 
age. If a soldier or legitimate follower of the 
army was fired upon from any house, the same 
should be razed to the ground. By another 
order all disloyal citizens within the lines of 
the army, or within the reach of its respective 
officers, were to be arrested at once. Those 
taking the oath of allegiance, and giving sufii- 
cient security for its observance, were to be 
allowed to remain ; all others were to be con- 
ducted to the South, beyond the extreme 
pickets, and if again found anywhere within 
the lines, were to be treated as spies and sub- 
jected to the extreme rigor of military law. 
These orders of Gen. Pope were followed by 
the pillaging of private property and by insults 
to females to a degree unknown heretofore dur- 
ing the war. The Confederate Government, by 
way of retaliation, issued an order declaring that 
Gen. Pope and the commissioned ofiicers serv- 
ing under him, were " not entitled to be coa- 
sidered as soldiers, and therefore not entitled 
to the benefit of cartel for the parole of future 
prisoners of war. Ordered, further, that in 
the event of the capture of Maj.-Gen. Pope, or 
any commissioned officer serving under him, 
the captive so taken shall be held in close con- 
finement so long as the orders aforesaid shall 
continue in force, and unrepealed by the com- 
petent military authority of the United States, 
and that in the event of the murder of an un- 
armed citizen or inhabitant of this Confederacy 
by virtue or under pretence of the order herein- 
before recited, it shall be the duty of the com- 
manding general of the forces of this Confed- 
eracy to cause immediately to be hung, out of 
the commissioned ofiicers prisoners as aforesaid, 
a number equal to that of our own citizens thus 
murdered by the enemy." 

The main divisions of Gen. Pope's army 
were now stationed at Culpepper Court House 
and Fredericksburg. Culpepper Court House 
is about seventy miles from Washington and 
equally distant from Richmond. The route 
crosses the Long Bridge at Washington, thence 
through Alexandria, Fairfax, Manassas, War- 
renton, &c. Fredericksburg is connected 
with Washington by steamboat navigation on 
the Potomac to Aquia Creek, thence by rail- 
road, fifteen miles, to Fredericksburg, which is 
sixty miles by railroad from Richmond. Gen. 
Pope, although not personally in the field until 
the 27th of July, ho-d been engaged in concen- 
trating his forces. His delay in taking the field 
was occasioned by the absence of Maj.-Gen. 
HaUeck, who arrived at Washington on the 
23d of July, and entered upon the duties of 
general-in-cliief. 



256 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



A show of force had been kept tip in the 
Shenandoah Valley, and east of the Blue Ridge, 
by the Confederate Government throughout 
the month of July, chiefly for the purpose of 
preventing reenforcements to Gen. McClellan. 
The knowledge which it had of the position 
and strength of the Federal forces made it 
manifest that no reenforcement to the Army 
of the Potomac would come from any other 
quarter. The departure of the division of Gen. 
Burnside from Newport News, where it had 
been for some weeks ready to cooperate with 
Gen. McClellan in any forward movements 
to Aquia Creek on the 1st of August, was 
immediately known in Richmond. It showed 
not only that no reenforcements were com- 
ing to the Army of the Potomac, but also that 
this army would soon evacuate the peninsula. 
The star of their fortune now appeared to be in 
the ascendant. The day, so long and anxiously 
looked for, had come, in which they should be 
able to take their great and powerful adversary 
at a disadvantage, and demonstrate to civilized 
nations their own military strength and ability 
to win that independence which they had pro- 
claimed. Consultations were immediately held 
at Richmond, and their purposes were soon 
formed. It was resolved to abandon the 
defensive policy and to repeat the exploit 
■which Gen. Jackson had performed by driving 
Gen. Banks out of the Shenandoah Valley, on 
a scale of national magnitude. Rumors were 
set afloat that Tennessee, Kentucky, and the 
whole of Virginia were to be recovered at 
once ; Maryland liberated from her oppression, 
and not only "Washington and Baltimore cap- 
tured, but also Harrisburg and Philadelphia 
In the east, and Cincinnati in the west. It was 
a magnificent enterprise for a people situated 
like those in the Confederate States at that 
time. Measures were immediately adopted for 
the execution of these plans. Gen. McClellan 
was to be left to retire from the peninsula with- 
out any further attacks than were necessary to 
cover their real designs, and their forces were 
to be prepared for an immediate movement 
northward. The Confederate forces at this 
time were greater than ever before. Not less 
than one hundred and fifty thousand men were 
at Richmond and in communication with it. 
All this force, excepting a strong corps of ob- 
servation, was to bo precipitated at once upon 
Maryland. 

The preparations to advance into Maryland 
which were making at Richmond, were imme- 
diately known at Washington and awakened 
great anxiety. An order was issued to Gen. 
Cox in western Virginia to send his main 
forces, with all possible despatch, by railroad to 
join Gen. Pope. To facilitate the withdrawal 
of the army from Harrison's Landing, as stated 
by Gen. Halleck, and to gain time also by a 
demonstration against the enemy. Gen. Pope 
was ordered to push his forces across the Rap- 
pahannock, and occupy Culpepper and threaten 
Gordons ville. At the same time President Lin- 



coln issued the following order, calling out an 
additional three hundred thousand men to . 
serve for nine months : 

"War Depaetment, Washington, August 4, 1862. 

Ordered First — That a draft of three hundred thou- 
sand mihtia be immediately called into the service of 
the United States, to service for nine months, unless 
sooner discharged. The Secretary of War will assign 
the quotas to the States, and establish regulations ior 
the draft. 

Second— 'Yhai if any State shall not by the 15th of 
August furnish its quota of the additional three hun- 
dred thousand volunteers authorized by law, the de- 
ficiency of volunteers in that State will also be made- 
up by a special draft from the militia. The Secretary 
of War will establish regulations for this purpose. 

Third — Regulations will be prepared by the War 
Department, and presented to the President, with the 
object of securing the promotion of officers of the army 
and volunteers for meritorious and distinguished 
services, and of preventing the nomination and appoint- 
ment in the military service of incompetent or un- 
worthy officers. The regulations will also provide for. 
ridding the service of such incompetent persons as 
now hold commissions. 

By order of the PRESIDENT. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 

The Confederate army began to move imme- 
diately after the 1st of August, and the divisions 
of Gens. ^Jackson, Ewell, and Hill were hurried 
to the Rapidan river, which is the south fork 
of the Rappahannock. On Friday, the 8th of 
August, Gen. Pope reached Culpepper Court 
House, from his last encampment near "Wash- 
ington, the county seat of Rappahannock. At 
the same time the corps of Gen. Banks was in 
motion in the direction of Culpepper. The 
corps of Gen. Sigel was encamped at Sperry ville, 
twenty miles from Culpepper, and on the road 
from "Washington, Rappahannock county. At 
Culpepper Court House was Brig.-Gen. Craw- 
ford, with his brigade belonging to Gen. Banks's 
corps, and Gen. Ricketts's division, belong- 
ing to Gen. McDowell's corps. They had ar- 
rived two days previous from "Warrenton with 
Gen. McDowell, who took command of all the 
forces then at Culpepper, Gen. Bayard with 
his cavalry had been guarding the fords of the 
Rapidan from Racoon Ford to a point fourteen 
mUes below, and south of the railroad at Bur- 
nett's Ford, where he connected with the caval- 
ry of Gen. Buford. At noon on Friday he sent 
information to Culpepper Court House that the 
enemy had early that morning crossed the river 
and driven in his pickets with such force that 
he was obliged to retire before them. He was 
retiring to the north and east side of Robertson's 
river, about eight miles from Culpepper, there 
to await a supporting force. The numbers of 
the enemy he estimated at two regiments of in- 
fantry, two pieces of light artillery, and three 
small regiments of cavalry. Gen. Buford at 
the same time reported the enemy to be ad- 
vancing in heavy force npon Madison Court 
House, thus leaving it in doubt whether the 
movement was directed toward Culpepper or 
Madison. "Wishing to maintain the communica- 
tion with Fredericksburg at all hazards. Gen. 
Pope resolved to concentrate at Culpepper, in 
order to keep his forces interposed between 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



257 




258 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the main body of the enemy and the lower 
fords of the Rappahannock. He accordingly 
immediately ordered Brig.-Gen. Crawford to 
march to Gen. Bayard with his brigade, which 
consisted of the 28th New York, 10th Maine, 
4Gth Pennsylvania, 25th Connecticut, with ten 
pieces of artillery. He proceeded rapidly to 
the front, and occupied a position about seven 
miles from Culpepper, immediately in rear of 
the line of Gen. Bayard's cavalry. Soon after, 
Gen. Pope ordered the remainder of Gen. 
Banks's corps to move rapidly from Hazel River 
bridge, nine miles from Culpepper, where it 
was the night before, to the scene of expected 
conflict. By eight o'clock that night, the head 
of Gen. Banks's column was descried marching 
around the village to its destination, which it 
reached before midnight. That point was im- 
mediately in the rear of Gen. Crawford. Gen. 
Sigel was at the same time ordered up from 
Sperryville by a forced march of twenty 
miles, his advance reaching Culpepper late in 
the afternoon, where it was halted. 

Throughout Friday night and Saturday fore- 
noon, skirmishing was continued between Gen. 
Bayard's cavalry and the advance of the enemy, 
until the latter had advanced within long 
range of Gen. Crawford's artillery. The enemy 
soon developed a strong force, and occupied 
both sides of Cedar Mountain, a sugar-loaf emi- 
nence situated two miles west of the Orange and 
Alexandria railroad at Mitchell's Station. The 
artillery of the enemy opened early in the af- 
ternoon of Saturday, but he made no advance 
until near five o'clock, at which time a few 
skirmishers were thrown forward on each side 
under cover of a heavy wood, in which his 
force was concealed. A strong force was push- 
ed forward in the rear of the skirmishers, and 
Gen. Banks advanced to the attack. The en- 
gagement did not fairly open until after six 
o'clock p. M., but for an hour and a half was 
furious and unceasing. The report of Gen. 
Banks to Gen. Pope had expressed the opinion 
that no action was imminent that afternoon, and 
it was not until after it was fully commenced 
that the latter ordered Gen. McDowell to ad- 
vance Gen. Ricketts's division to the support 
of Gen. Banks, and also Gen. Sigel to bring his 
men on the ground as soon as possible. At 7 
p. M., when Gen. Pope arrived, the action waa 
raging fiercely, but Gen. Banks held the posi- 
tion he took early in the morning. During the 
action he had fallen back about one mile from 
the spot where it first commenced, but without 
any disorder or confusion. The enemy were 
evidently pressing close, and the artillery was 
firing at short range. The division of Gen. 
Ricketts pushed forward and occupied the right 
of Gen. Banks, taking the place of his right wing, 
which was ordered to mass upon the centre. 
Before this change could be effected it was quite 
dark, and the musketry firing ceased, but the ar- 
tillery kept up an intermittent firing until near 
midnight. The Federal troops rested on their 
arms during the night in line of battle. At day- 



light the next morning the enemy fell back two 
miles, and still higher up the mountain, and the 
pickets of Gen. Pope advanced and occupied 
the ground. The army rested during the day. 
Monday was spent in burying the dead and in 
getting oflT the wounded, and during the night 
the enemy disappeared, leaving many of his 
dead unburied and his wounded on the ground. 
The slaughter on both sides was severe ; much 
of the fighting having been hand to hand. A 
cavalry and artillery force under Gens. Buford 
and Bayard was thrown forward in pursuit, and 
followed the enemy to the Rapidan, over which 
his rear guard passed about ten o'clock on Tues- 
day morning. The Federal loss was fifteen hun- 
dred killed, wounded, and missing, of whom 
near three hundred were taken prisoners. Gen. 
Pope also lost two Napoleon guns, fifteen hun- 
dred muskets, and considerable ammunition. 
The Confederate loss was severe, among whom 
were Gens. "Winder and Trimble. The battle 
commenced with the advance of Gen. Ewell, 
consisting of ten thousand men, who were re- 
enforced by Gen. Jackson with five thousand ' 
more, and the balance of his command got into 
position early in the night. 

On the Federal side the contest was main- 
tained entirely by the command of Gen. Banks, 
and was conducted with great skill and bra- 
very. The object of this attack on the part of 
Gen. Lee was undoubtedly to feel the strength 
and temper of Gen. Pope's army. His forces 
retired across the river, a few miles toward 
GordonsviUe, to await the approach of the 
main army, while Gen. Pope pushed forward 
his whole force in the direction of the Rapidan, 
where he occupied a strong position, extending 
from Robertson's Rise on the right to near 
Racoon Ford on the left. 

On the 16th a party of Confederate cavalry 
were surprised and captured at Louisa Court 
House. Upon them were found important 
despatches, including an autograph letter from 
Gen. Lee, which informed the Federal Gov- 
ernment that Gen. Lee was moving by forced 
marches the main body of the Confederate 
army to attack Gen. Pope before a junction 
could be formed between him and the Army of 
the Potomac. Thus their plan was to throw 
overwhelming forces upon him, cut off his 
rear, and annihilate, if possible, his entire 
army. In consequence of this reliable infor- 
mation, Gen. Halleck, the gencral-in-chief, on 
the 17th ordered Gen. Pope not to cross the 
Rapidan, but advised him to take a position in 
rear of the North Fork, where he could be more 
easily reenforced. This movement was com- 
menced by Gen. Pope on the 18th, and during 
the 19th the main body of his forces was behind 
that river, and prepared to hold its passes. 

Ten miles above Fredericksburg the Rap- 
pahannock river receives the two tributa- 
ries which form it. The southern stream is 
called the Rapidan, the northern one is 
called the North Fork. This latter is the 
stream behind which Gen. Pope was advised to 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



259 



retire, and which he effected on the 18th and 
the subsequent day. Below the junction of the 
tributaries the stream is called the Eappa- 
hannock. This junction is twenty miles be- 
low the spot where the Culpepper or Orange 
and Alexandria railroad crosses the North Fork. 

Gen. Lee commenced reconnoitring on the 
day that Gen. Pope retired, and at night a 
considerable body of his troops had crossed the 
Eapidan. On the 19th he crossed with a large 
force, comprising cavalry, infantry, and artillery. 

Gen. Pope had thus far received some re- 
enforcements from Gen. Burnside, who landed 
at Fredericksburg from the mouth of the James 
river on the 4th of August. On the 6th, at six 
p. M., Gen. Eeno, with his division of Gen. 
Burnside's corps, left camp to march to Gen. 
Pope. On the 10th Gen. King, of McDowell's 
corps, hurried forward to Culpepper Court 
House for the same purpose, and on the 13th 
Gen. Stevens, with six regiments of his division, 
and four of Gen. Wright's, which had been de- 
tached from Port Eoyal, S. C, followed. 
Thus nearly forty regiments of infantry, fully 
armed and provided with trains and a large 
force of artillery and cavalry, were sent for- 
ward from Fredericksburg. He was also au- 
thorized to call the main portion of Gen. Cox's 
forces from western Virginia. 

The Orange and Alexandria railroad, which 
runs from Alexandria, and connects with the 
Virginia Central railroad at Gordonsville, was, 
at the end near Alexandria, the route by which 
Gen. Pope received his supplies. The stations 
on that part of the road were as follows: 
Alexandria, to Springfield, 9 miles ; to Burke's, 
14 miles ; to Fairfax, 18 miles ; to Union Mills, 
23 miles ; to Manassas Junction, 27 miles ; to 
Bristol, 31 miles; to Catlett's, 38 miles; to 
Warrenton Junction, 41 miles; to Bealeton, 
47 miles; to Eappahannock, 51 miles; to Bran- 
dy, 56 miles; to Culpepper, 62 miles; to 
Mitchell's, 69 miles. The road crosses the 
North Fork at the Eappahannock station, ten 
miles beyond "Warrenton Junction. At Manas- 
sas Junction the Manassas Gap railroad comes 
in from the northwest. The first station west 
of Manassas Junction is Gainesville, distant 8 
miles ; the next is Thoroughfare, distant from 
Manassas Junction 14 miles. At the Warren- 
ton Junction comes in from the northwest the 
Warrenton railroad. It connects Warrenton 
with Warrenton Junction. All these positions 
were in the rear of Gen. Pope's army on the 
North Fork, and were involved in the subse- 
quent movements. 

When the retreat of Gen. Pope commenced, 
Gen. Sigel's command was in the advance, Gen. 
Eeno's held the left in the vicinity of Mitchell's 
Station, on the line of the Orange and Alexan- 
dria railroad, and Gen. McDowell's forces, sup- 
ported by Gen. Banks, occupied the right centre. 
At half-past ten on the night of the 18th of 
August, Gen. Sigel commenced moving back 
toward Culpepper. Previous to this hour, 
however, the troops in the rear were in motion. 



The night was dark and cold, and the march 
slow in consequence of the immense train of 
transportation wagons placed in advance of 
the troops. The usual camp fires were extin- 
guished, excepting those necessary for the safe 
passage of the trains, and all unnecessary noise 
was avoided. At midnight the advance of Gen. 
Sigel reached Cedar Mountain, the scene of the 
late battle, and at a late hour on Tuesday morn- 
ing, the 19th, it reached Culpepper. The forces 
of Gen. McDowell, including Gen. King's divi- 
sion, had then passed through the town. Gen. 
Banks's division was at an encampment on the 
right of the road, and Gen. Sigel brought up 
the rear. Far as the eye could reach, there waa 
to be seen nought but moving masses of infan- 
try, cavalry, and artillery ; beyond that it could 
catch an occasional glimmer of the white-cov- 
ered tops of the wagon trains slowly winding 
up the distant hills. All the sick and wounded, 
excepting eighty-five men whose injuries were 
of such a kind as to prevent their removal, and 
all the stores of the medical department, had 
been sent off by railroad before five o'clock that 
afternoon. The rear guard of the army con- 
sisted of the cavalry under Gen. Bayard. The 
movement of the troops during the day, although 
made in different directions, all tended toward 
ope point, the Eappahannock station on the 
railroad, at which was the bridge crossing the 
North Fork. During the forenoon of the 19th, 
the advance crossed, and the rear, which was 
that day under Gen. Sigel, encamped at night 
some four miles from the bridge. All night, 
long army trains, infantry, and artillery were 
moving across the bridge, and by noon on the 
20th the cavalry composing the rear guard 
made its appearance just on the west side of 
the bridge, and was then drawn up in line of 
battle to meet the enemy's cavalry, with whom 
Gen. Bayard had been skirmishing from Cedar 
Mountain. About one o'clock the Confederate 
cavalry made a charge, but accomplished noth- 
ing except wounding a few men. The Feder- 
al cavalry then came across the bridge, and the 
retreat behind the North Fork of the Eappa- 
hannock was complete. 

During the afternoon and night, the Confed- 
erate artillery came up. On the next day, the 
21st, being Thursday, an attempt was made by 
them to cross a few miles above the bridge. . 
The New York battery of Crowell and the 
Third Maryland regiment, stationed at the ford, 
would have been driven off except for the ad- 
ditional batteries sent to their support. At the 
same time an attack was made at Kelly's Ford ; 
this was also repulsed. An attack of the enemy 
was expected during the night, and the Federal 
force slept on their arms. Early the next morn- 
ing a Confederate battery opened at the spot 
where the first attempt to cross was made, 
which kept up a fire for some time. A little 
farther up the stream a bridge was discovered 
which the enemy had. erected during the night. 
A Federal battery opened, which slackened fire 
soon after and appeared to be silenced by the 



260 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 



batteries of the enemy. It was apparently 
withdrawn, when the enemy began to cross. 
The batteries of Gen. Sigel's command again 
opened upon their approach, and they were 
here also driven back. It was on this occasion 
that Gen. Henry Bohlen lost his life. Attempts 
to cross were also made at other fords. On 
Friday afternoon and night of the 22d, rain fell 
80 heavily as to swell the river and make it 
unfordable between tlie mountains and a few 
miles back of Warrenton Springs, which check- 
ed the efforts of the enemy. The fii-ing of 
artillery at nearly all the fords was kept up on 
the 23d and 24th with more or less spirit, but 
with no special results. On the 23d the bridge 
at the Rappahannock station was burned by 
Gen. Ricketts. While this was going on during 
the 24th, Gen. Lee made a flank movement, ad- 
vanced higher up, and attempted to throw a 
portion of his force over at Waterloo bridge, 
about twelve miles above the Rappahannock 
bridge, which was burned. This attempt was 
defeated. The strategy of the movements of 
Gen. Pope consisted in tl;e hope that by his fall- 
ing back across and holding the fords of the 
North Fork, sufficient time would be gained for 
the Army of the Potomac to come to his aid. 

On Friday evening, the 22d, while the Feder- 
al force was thus in possession of the fords of 
the Rappahannock, a body of Confederate caval- 
ry under Gen. Stuart, consisting of detachments 
of the Ist, 4th, and 9th Virginia cavalry, made 
a dash upon Catlett's Station on the Orange 
and Alexandria railroad, thirty-five miles from 
Washington, and thirteen miles in the rear of 
the Rappahannock station. They met with only 
slight resistance. There were a great number 
of trains in a circle round the station at the 
time, which first occupied their attention ; but a 
terrible storm of rain setting in a few moments 
after their arrival, the wagons could not be de- 
stroyed by fire, and only few were injured. 
They remained some hours, and left at four 
o'clock in the morning, their pickets having 
been driven in. They took away over two 
hundred horses of Gen. Pope's train, and twen- 
ty from Gen. McDowell's. They took all Gen. 
Pope's baggage and everything belonging to his 
staff officers. All the sick were taken from the 
hospitals, and most of them put on the captured 
. horses to ride. A few were killed on both sides, 
and the number of prisoners taken was about 
two hundred. This force had crossed the North 
Fork at Porter's Ford, two miles above White 
Sulphur Springs. The Federal force at Catlett's 
consisted of a small guard from the Pennsylva- 
nia regiment under Col. Kane, and the Purnell 
Legion of Maryland. In the neighborhood 
were other trains likewise having small guards, 
upon some of which an attack was made. 

After a body of the Confederate force had 
crossed at Waterloo bridge on the 24th, as above 
stated, an attack was made upon them by order 
of Gen. Pope, with the hope of cutting them 
off. This was unsuccessful, but the enemy was 
compelled to retire, move farther up the river, 



and enter the valley which lies between the Blue 
Ridge and the Bull Run mountains. The object 
of this movement was to get in the rear of Gen. 
Pope and cut off his supplies from Washington. 

It put the Confederate army in such a posi- 
tion that it could move either upon Washington 
or upon Leesburg, for the purpose of crossing 
into Maryland. Nevertheless, Gen. Pope was 
successful in preventing the enemy from cross- 
ing at any of the fords of the North Fork, and 
compelling him to move still higher up on the 
west side of the Bull Run mountains. Thus, 
during eight days. Gen. Lee had advanced no 
nearer to Washington. It now remained for 
Gen. Pope to guard the passes of these moun- 
tains in order to prevent the approach of the 
enemy any nearer to Washington, or to meet 
him after crossing the mountains and defeat him. 
On the other hand it was the object of Gen. 
Lee to pass the mountains and take Gen. Pope 
in the rear if possible. At all events it was 
necessary for him to get rid of the army of Gen. 
Pope if he intended to cross over the Potomac 
into Maryland. 

When it appeared doubtful if the North Fork 
river could be held long enough to effect a junc- 
tion of the forces of Gen. McOlellan with those 
of Gen. Pope, a part of the former were order- 
ed to land at Alexandria and move out by rail- 
road as rapidly as possible. After this move- 
ment of Gen. Lee, the remainder of Gen. Mc- 
Clellan's forces were ordered to land at Alexan- 
dria, and Gen. Burnside was ordered to evacu- 
ate Fredericksburg and Aquia Creek. 

As soon as Gen. Pope discovered that a large 
force of the enemy was turning his right to- 
ward Manassas, and that the divisions which 
he expected to be there from Alexandria had 
not arrived, he broke up his camps at Warren- 
ton and Warrenton Junction and marched rap- 
idly back in three columns. At this time the 
corps of Gen. II«intzelraan from Gen. McClel- 
lan's army had reached Warrenton Junction, 
although without artillery, wagons, or horses 
for the field and general officers. One division 
of the corps of Gen. Porter from Gen. McOlel- 
lan's army coming by the way of Fredericks- 
burg, arrived at Bealston's Station, eleven miles 
south of Warrenton Junction in advance of 
Gen. Heintzelman, about four thousand five 
hundred strong. The other division was at Kel- 
ly's Ford. This corps had marched night and 
day to join the army under Gen. Pope, and was 
broken down with excessive labor. Both these 
divisions were immediately concentrated at War- 
renton Junction, When Gen. Pope determined 
to fall back he had no other course to pursue, ex- 
cept to detach a sufficient force to defeat the Con- 
federate troops attempting to turn his flank, and 
still preserve his front before the main body of 
the Confederate army. The reason assigned by 
Gen. Pope for not pursuing the latter course 
was the lack of a sufficient force to maintain 
his front after a suitable body had been detach- 
ed to defeat Gen. Jackson on his flank. He 
estimates the number of his troops at forty 



MTLITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



261 



thousand, before the arrival of Gen. Heintzel- 
man with ten thousand. The Confederate army 
before him was not less than eighty thousand 
in number. On evacuating Warrenton and 
Warrenton Junction, Gen. McDowell was or- 
dered to march rapidly with his own corps and 
that of Gen. Sigel, and the division of Gen. 
Reynolds, by the turnpike upon Gainesville, the 
first station west of Manassas Junction, on the 
Gap railroad, for the purpose of intercepting 
any reenforceraents coming through Thorough- 
fare Gap to Gen. Jackson, who he learned 
was on the railroad. At the same time Gen. 
Reno, from Gen. Burnside's corps, and Gen. 
Kearny, from Gen. Heintzelman's corps, were 
ordered to march upon Greenwich, so as to sup- 
port Gen. McDowell if necessary. Greenwich 
is a little south of Gainesville, and a little south- 
west of Manassas Junction. The division of 
Gen. Hooker, under Gen. Pope, moved back 
upon Manassas, on the line of the railroad. 
Gen. Porter was ordered to remain with his 
corps at "Warrenton Junction until relieved by 
Gen. Banks marching from Fayetteville, and 
then to push forward.in the direction of Gaines- 
ville, where the main collision with the enemy 
was expected. 

On Tuesday night, the 26th, the pickets at 
Manassas Junction were driven in, and two 
companies of Pennsylvania infantry, one com- 
pany of Pennsylvania cavalry, and a battery 
of artillery stationed there were surprised and 
attacked by a large force under Gen. Ewell. 
The tJnion force, after a brief skirmish, retreat- 
ed across Bull Run. There, at Union Mills, 
were the 11th and 12th Ohio regiments under 
Col. Scammon, being a portion of Gen. Cox's 
division brought on from western Virginia. 
They immediately advanced to meet the Con- 
federate force, and early on Wednesday morn- 
ing, the 27th, a conflict took place between 
Manassas Junction and Bull Run. This con- 
tinued for a couple of hours, when Col. Scam- 
mon was forced to retire across BuU Run bridge, 
which he attempted to hold. About noon, 
after considerable loss, he was obliged to retire 
along the railroad in the direction of Alexan- 
dria, halting at a point midway between Cen- 
treville and Fairfax Court House. About two 
o'clock on the same morning, the New Jersey 
brigade under Brig.-Gen. Taylor, being a por- 
tion of Gen. Franklin's division of Gen. McClel- 
lan's army, left their encampment near Alexan- 
dria, and proceeding out the Fairfax road some 
distance, made a detour to the left, and during 
the forenoon arrived on the old battle ground 
near Manassas. The enemy, being aware of 
their approach, were drawn up to meet them. 
As they emerged from the woods the enemy 
opened upon them with a severe fire of artillery. 
Gen. Franklin, having no artillery, was compel- 
led either to make a charge or retire. He re- 
solved to charge upon the enemy's battery, but 
as these were supported by infantry, it proved 
ineflfectual, and he then fell back in order to 
Songster's Station, toward Fairfax, holding the 



enemy in check. At this station two Ohio regi- 
ments, sent to reenforce him, came up, who were 
at first mistaken for a body of the enemy. The 
troops of Gen. Taylor were now thrown into 
confusion, but finding out the mistake, rallied 
and joined in an attack upon the enemy, who 
now retired toward Manassas. Gen. Taylor 
then fell back to Fairfax Court House, having 
left one regiment at Sangster's Station as a 
guard. The losses during these actions were 
about three hundred. 

On the same night of the 26th, when Man- 
assas Junction was taken, a body of Confede- 
rate cavalry, being a detachment of the force 
of the enemy at Manassas, made an attack upon 
a railroad train at Bristow's Station, four miles 
from Manassas Junction. This train was the one 
which had conveyed, a few hours previous, the 
division of Gen. Hooker to Warrenton Junction, 
and was now returning empty. The cars were 
destroyed and the track torn up for a consider- 
able distance. This force was increased by the 
arrival of more troops from Gen. Ewell's divi- 
sion, who had taken Manassas Junction, where 
was an immense depot of Federal stores valued 
at nearly one million of dollars. This was the 
body of the enemy which Gen. Pope had de- 
signed to intercept by ordering Gen. McDowell 
to fall back on Gainesville. Unfortunately, his 
order was too late, for the first reenforcements 
to Gen. Jackson, then in the rear of Gen. Pope, 
had passed through Thoroughfare Gap and 
Gainesville, and were in possession of Manassas 
at the time when the order was given to Gen. 
McDowell. The stores captured at Manassas 
served to sustain the Confederate army in extend- 
ing its march into Maryland. Vast quantities, 
however, were burned, because, as Gen. Lee re- 
ported, "they had captured more than they could 
use or carry away." On the 23d, the next day 
after the attack upon Catlett's Station, Gen. Hal- 
leck had sent a despatch to Gen. Pope in these 
words: "By no means expose your railroad 
communication with Alexandria. It is of the 
utmost importance in sending your supplies and 
reenforcements." Gen. Pope, in his report, 
says : " The movement of Gen. Jackson to- 
ward White Plains and in the direction of 
Thoroughfare Gap, whUe the main body of the 
enemy confronted me at Sulphur Springs and 
Waterloo bridge, was well known to me, but I 
relied confidently upon the forces which I had 
been assured would be sent from Alexandria, 
and one strong division of which I had ordered 
to take post on the works at Manassas Junction. 
I was entirely under the belief that these would 
be there, and it was not until I found my com- 
munication intercepted that I was undeceived. 
I knew that this movement was no raid, and 
that it was made by not less than twenty-five 
thousand men." 

The army of Gen. Pope was now on the 27th 
on the retreat in three columns. The one 
moving back along the railroad toward Manas- 
sas Junction, under Gen. Hooker, was the first 
to encounter the Confederate forces in the 



262 



MILITARY AFD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



rear. It was the advance of the same force, a 
portion of which had repulsed Col. Scammon 
and Gen. Taylor in separate actions during the 
forenoon. That portion of the force had ceased 
to follow them beyond Sangster's Station, as 
they would thereby have been drawn away 
from the main body, and also from the support 
of Gen. Lee's army marching upon White 
Plains and Thoroughfare Gap, and because 
Gen. Pope was falling bact upon them. Upon 
the approach of Gen. Hooker's force to Bris- 
tow's Station the Confederate forces fell back 
about one and a half miles across Kettle Rim, 
and formed upon its left bank. Their main 
body was at Manassas, a little farther in the 
rear, to which their line of battle extended. A 
severe action ensued, which terminated at 
dark. Gen. Ewell's force was driven from the 
field, with the loss of his camp equipage and 
about three hundred killed and wounded. Gen. 
Hooker's division had brought with them only 
forty rounds of ammunition, and at night there 
were only five rounds to the man left. Upon 
learning this fact, Gen. Pope immediately sent 
back orders to Gen. Porter to march with his 
corps at one o'clock that night, so as to be with 
Gen. Hooker at daylight in the morning, the 
28th, with Morell's division, and also directed 
him to communicate with Gen. Banks the or- 
der to move forward to Warrenton Junction. 
All trains were ordered this side of Cedar Run, 
and to be protected by a regiment of infantry 
and a section of artillery. Owing to insur- 
mountable obstacles and the limited time given 
him to make the march, Gen. Porter did not 
arrive as early as expected. 

The position of Gen. Jackson after the defeat 
of Ewell on the night of the 27th was dangerous. 
Without reenforcements he must retreat before 
the powerful foe in front. Only two routes were 
open for him. The one by which he had come, 
which was through Gainesville and Thorough- 
fare Gap ; and the other toward Centreville. 
If he attempted the first one, he would meet 
the forces of Gens. McDowell and Sigel, and 
the Pennsylvania reserve under Gen. Reynolds, 
who were already at Gainesville, whither they 
had been ordered two days previous by Gen. 
Pope. His only course of safety was to fall 
back toward Centreville, which he did that 
night, and took position on the farther line of 
Bull Run. At noon on the 28th Manassas was 
occupied by the troops of Gen. Pope, and on 
the same day Gen. Heintzelman's corps, con- 
sisting of the divisions of Gens. Hooker and 
Kearny, pushed on to Centreville, and enter- 
ed the place soon after the rear of Gen. Jack- 
son had retired. At this time Gen. Reno, who 
had cooperated with Gen. McDowell, had 
reached Manassas Junction, and Gen. Porter 
was at Broad Run, where he had been or- 
dered to halt. It was now of the utmost im- 
portance to Gen. Lee that Gen. Jackson 
should be reenforced, or he might be cut off. 
Foreseeing the danger. Gen. Lee had ordered 
Gen. Longstreet to proceed on the 24th from 



Warrenton by way of Thoroughfare Gap, a 
pass in the Bull Run mountains, fifteen miles 
west of Centreville, and unite with Gen. Jack- 
son. The advance of Gen. Longstreet appears 
to have reached Thoroughfare Gap on the 
evening of the 2Sth, and encountered Gen. 
Eicket's division, which retired that night to 
Bristow's Station. The enemy was thus free 
to join Gen. Jackson both by Thoroughfare 
and Hopeville Gaps. The advance of Gen. 
Jackson retiring to join Gen. Longstreet en- 
countered, near Gainesville on the Warrenton 
turnpike. Gen. Gibbon's brigade of King's divi- 
sion — or all of King's division — which was a 
part of Gen. McDowell's force. The division 
behaved handsomely, and suffered severe loss. 
The contest closed with the darkness, and the 
division retired to Manassas Junction before day 
of the 29th. The road was open for the union 
of Gen. Longstreet with Gen. Jackson, and the 
junction was effected on the morning of the 
29th, at 10 A. M., in person and with large force. 

Hopeville is about three miles northeast of 
White Plains, on the road from White Plains 
to Aldie. The road across the mountains is 
some three miles north of Thoroughfare Gap. 
Gen. Halleck in his report says : " McDowell 
had succeeded in checking Lee at Thoroughfare 
Gap ; but the latter took the road from Hope- 
ville to Haymarket, and hastened to the relief 
of Jackson, who was already in rapid retreat." 

The nest morning found Gen. King's division 
fallen back from Warrenton turnpike toward 
Manassas Junction. It had been driven back 
by the forces of Gen. Jackson. The passage 
of the Gap was no longer disputed, and re- 
enforcements to Gen. Jackson were passing 
through during the whole day. Gen. Lee, in 
his despatch to Richmond, says that Gen. Long- 
street reached Gen. Jackson on the 29th. The 
posture of affairs was now changed. The over- 
whelming forces of Gen. Lee were at hand, and 
it became a question with Gen. Pope what the 
consequences to him might be. He seems to 
have apprehended the facts. He cautioned 
Gen. Porter, in his order, not to go farther in 
his march to effect a junction with Gen. Heint- 
zelman than might be necessary, adding, "as 
he might be obliged to retire behind Bull Run 
that night for subsistence, if nothing else." It 
is worthy of notice that the movements of Gen. 
Jackson for the last two days had been in the 
direction of Thoroughfare Gap, in order to be 
nearer the approaching reenforcements, which 
he was confident would surely come. Soon 
after daylight on the next morning, the 29th, 
the contest began on the part of Gens. Sigel and 
Reynolds's divisions of Gen. McDowell's corps 
and the Confederate forces. The divisions were 
on the west toward Gainesville. The plan of 
Gen. Pope was for Gen. Heintzelman, with Gens. 
Hooker, Kearny, and Reno, to proceed from 
Centreville toward Gainesville and attack the 
enemy on that side, and Gen. Porter, with 
Gen. King's division, to make another attack 
from the south, and Gens. McDowell and Sigel 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



263 



from the west, thus attacking them on three 
sides. The contest, as has been stated, com- 
menced early in the morning on the part of Gens. 
Sigel and Reynolds, and was continued rather 
feebly until the afternoon, when Gen. Heint- 
zelman's corps joined Gen. Sigel, and soon 
after Gen. Longstreet had joined Gen. Jackson. 
Here Gen. Grover's brigade of Gen. Hooker's 
division made a brilliant bayonet charge 
through two lines of the enemy and into a 
third one, losing thirty per cent, of its force in 
twenty minutes. Gen. McDowell also brought 
his whole corps into the field in the afternoon, 
and, as Gen. Pope says, " taking a conspicuous 
part in that day's operations." Gen. Porter, 
reduced by the withdrawal of Gen. King's divi- 
sion, was on the direct road to Gainesville, 
along the railroad from Manassas Junction, 
holding in check a large force of the enemy's 
right wing, strongly posted to guard the flank 
of that portion confronting Gen. Pope's right. 
About 7 p. M. Gen. Heintzelman's right division 
under Gen. Kearny turned the enemy's left to- 
ward Sudley Springs and went into action, driv- 
ing them back fully a mile. Thus the day ended 
successfully for the Federal arms. The entire 
force of Gen. Pope, except Gen. Banks's corps, 
was thus engaged with the two wings of Gen. 
Lee's army. The loss on this day by Gen. Pope 
was reported at eight thousand, which was an 
overstatement. Both parties slept upon their 
arms that night on the same spot, near the old 
battle ground of Bull Run. The contest was re- 
newed the next day, the 30th. The object now 
with Gen. Pope was, if possible, to maintain his 
position. The design of the enemy appeared to 
be to accumulate such a force on his right as to 
crush the Federal left and occupy the road to 
Centreville in its rear. Gen. Lee, of the Confed- 
erate af my, thus reports the action of this day : 
" The enemy, being reenforced, renewed the at- 
tack on the afternoon of the 30th, when a general 
advance of both wings of the army was ordered, 
and after a fierce combat, which raged until 
after nine o'clock, he was completely defeated 
and driven beyond Bull Run. The darkness 
of the niglit, his destruction of the stone bridge 
after crossing, and the imcertainty of the fords, 
stopped the pursuit." The only additional 
force brought into this part of the field on this 
day by Gen. Pope was the corps of Gen. Porter, 
which was moved from the extreme left to the 
centre, travelling a distance of six miles. Gen. 
Pope, in his report, thus describes the conflict of 
the 30th : " The enemy's heavy reenforcements 
having reached him on Friday afternoon and 
night, he began to mass on his right for the 
purpose of crushing our left, and occupying the 
road to Centreville in our rear. His heaviest 
assault was made about five o'clock inthe after- 
noon, when, after overwhelming Fitz John 
Porter, and driving his forces back on the cen- 
tre and left, mass after mass of his forces was 
pushed against our left. A terrible contest, 
with great slaughter, was carried on for sever- 
al hours, our men behaving with firmness and 



gallantry under the immediate command of 
Gen. McDowell. When night closed our left 
had been forced back about half a mile, but still 
remained firm and unshaken, while our right 
held its ground. Gen. Franklin, with his 
corps, arrived after dark at Centreville, six 
miles in our rear, whilst Sumner was four miles 
behind Franklin. I could have brought up 
these corps in the morning in time to have re- 
newed the action, but starvation stared both 
men and horses in the face, and, broken and 
exhausted as they were, they were in no con- 
dition to bear hunger also. I accordingly retir- 
ed to Centreville that night in perfect order." 

It appears that the contest with artillery 
commenced early in the day, and but little 
damage was done on either side. Early in 
the afternoon an attempt was made to break 
the line of Gen. Porter stationed on Gen. 
Pope's centre. This was unsuccessful, but 
caused a severe loss to Gen. Porter. In the 
latter part of the afternoon the enemy's forces 
were concentrated upon the corps of Gen. 
McDowell on the left of the centre. The bat- 
teries there, Lapine's 5th Maine, Thompson's 
New York, and Howell's, not being sufiiciently 
supported by infantry, were soon captured, and 
McDowell's troops were driven irresistibly 
back. The right and centre stiU maintained 
their positions, but the disaster on the left, and 
the apprehended design of the enemy to occu- 
py the road to Centreville in their rear, made 
it necessary for them to fall back. In doing 
so the bridge across Bull Run Avas destroyed. 
The field of battle with its dead and wounded 
was left in the hands of the enemy. The 
right wing of the army was this day command- 
ed by Gen. Heintzelman, and did not give one 
inch of ground to the enemy until ordered so to 
3o after the repulse received by the left wing. 
The losses on both sides were severe, but have 
never been oflncially made public. The report 
of Gen. Pope was made before the reports of his 
subordinate oflicers were received. These, in 
consequence of his absence in the "West, had not 
been made near the close of the year. The 
entire loss of Gen. Pope was estimated at be- 
tween 15,000 and 20,000. 

At Richmond the following despatch was 
received from Gen. Lee: 

Headquakteks Aemt Nokthern Virginia, Geote- | 
TOWN, Aug. 30, P. M., via Eapulan. ) 

To President Davis : 

This army achieved to-day, on the plains of Manas- 
sas, a signal victory over the combined forces of Gens. 
McClellan and Pope. On the 28th and 29th each win^, 
under Gens. Longstreet and Jackson, repulsed with ^ 
valor attacks made on them separately. We mourn 
the loss' of ^ur gallant dead in every conflict, yet ovtc 
gratitude to Almighty God for His mercies rises higher 
each day. To Him and to the valor of our troops a 
nation's gratitude is due. R- E. LEE. 

This was followed on the 2d of September 
by the following Message of President Davis to 
the Confederate Congress : 

To the Senate andlTcuse of Etpresentatives of the Con- 
federate States : 

I have the gratification of presenting to Congress 



264 



MILITARY AND FAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



two despatches from Gen. Robert E. Lee, commanding 
the army of Northern Virginia, communicating the 
result of the operations north of the Rappahannock. 
From these despatches it will be seen that God has 
again extended His shield over our patriotic army, 
and has blessed the cause of the Confederacy with a 
second signal victory on the field already memorable 
bv the gallant achievement of our troops. 

JIIFFERSON DAYTS. 

At WasMngton, on Saturday, the 30th, the 
"War Department invited the citizens to go out 
to the battle-field and assist in taking care of 
the wounded soldiers. A large number re- 
sponded to the invitation. From three to seven 
o'clock, p. M., the streets swarmed with people 
and conveyances loaded with blankets and 
baskets and rolls of lint. Every public carriage 
and vehicle was impressed into the service. 
A thousand persons at least went out. More 
would have gone on Saturday morning, but 
the invitation was recalled, and passes re- 
fused. The entire movement turned out as ill 
advised. Very few persons were allowed to go 
far enough to find the wounded they sought, 
and some were made prisoners by the Confed- 
erates. The movement thus begun at Wash- 
ington instantly extended through all the prin- 
cipal cities of the Northern States. In Boston, 
Massachusetts, which wiU serve as an illustra- 
tion of the others, the greatest excitement pre- 
vailed on Sunday, the 31st. A despatch had 
been received on the previous evening from 
Washington, by Gov. Andrew, asking that 
the surgeon-general of the State should send 
on twenty surgeons with hospital supplies as 
soon as possible. This demand was made pub- 
lic at an early hour in the morning, with the 
notice that contributions would be received at 
Tremont Temple. Those notices were also 
read from pulpits, which is the usual manner 
of advertising on Sunday in New England, and 
many congregations were immediately dismissed 
to procure contributions. At an early hour 
these contributions began to be received at the 
Temple, and continued to pour in during the 
whole day — old sheets for bandages, shirts, 
dressing gowns, pillows, liquors, jellies, and 
sweetmeats of all kinds — in a word, every va- 
riety of article which could suggest itself to a 
kind heart as necessary to the comfort of the 
wounded soldier. Bundles and packages of 
every conceivable size and shape were momen- 
tarily arriving. Ladies brought bundles, who 
were never seen to carry bundles before ; and 
stout gentlemen in gold spectacles were seen 
driving heavy-laden carts through the streets, 
• or lending a hand at the boxes. AU these ar- 
ticles were received at the side doors of the 
Temple and taken within, where corpe of pack- 
ers inclosed them in boxes, which were then 
taken out of the main entrance to the express 
wagons, which crowded the streets. Thus twen- 
ty-one hundred cases were packed, and aU sent 
forward by the evening train, except about one 
hundred and fifty. At the same time subscrip- 
tions were taken at stands on the sidewalks, 
and over five thousand dollars collected. 



To an application from Gen. Pope for a truce 
to gather the wounded. Gen. Lee on the same 
day, August 31st, replied as follows : 

Sir : Consideration for your wounded induces me 
to consent to your sending ambulances to convey 
them within your lines. I cannot consent to a truce 
nor a .saspension of the military operations of this 
army. If you desire to send for your wounded, should 
your ambulances report to Dr. Gullet, Medical Direc- 
tor of this army, he will give directions for their 
transportation. The wounded will be paroled, and 
it is understood that no delay will take place in their 
removal. Very respectfully, your obedient serv't, 
R. E. LEE, General. 

On Sunday, the 31st, the Confederate army 
was put in motion toward the Little River 
turnpike for the purpose of turning the right 
of Gen. Pope. During Sunday night and Mon- 
day morning. Gen. Pope, anticipating this de- 
sign of the enemy, changed his front by caus- 
ing his right wing to fall back to the heights 
of Germantown. Thus when the enemy reached 
Ox Hill on Monday, he discovered Gen. Pope's 
army in his front on these heights. The ulti- 
mate design of the enemy was to cut the rear 
of Gen. Pope in the direction of Fairfax Court 
House. The Little River turnpike runs from 
Middleburg to Alexandria, and intersects the 
Oentreville turnpike about a mile east of Fair- 
fax Court House. Germantown is a small village 
between Fairfax Court House and Centreville, 
and about one-fourth of the whole distance be- 
yond the former. 

MeanwhUe, during the conflict on Friday and 
Saturday, Gen. Banks, with his command, was 
covering the extreme left of Gen, Pope's line, 
to keep off reenforcements for the enemy, and 
to be used as a reserve. He crossed to Bris- 
tow's Station, on the railroad four miles beyond 
Manassas Junction, and on Sunday was ap- 
proached by a large force of the enemy, before 
which he fell back and joined Gen. Pope. The 
bridge at Bristow's station having been de- 
stroyed by the enemy at the time of their attack 
upon it, and that over Bull Run not having 
been repau-ed, he destroyed the property of the 
United States before retiring. This consisted 
of some 200 raih'oad cars, five locomotives, and 
a large quantity of fixed ammunition, ordnance 
stores, &c. The enemy, however, obtained 
great spoil. On the same day, Sunday, Sept, 1, 
Fredericksburg was evacuated by Gen, Eurnside. 
Falmouth station was burned, and a quantity 
of commissary stores. The bridge erected in 
place of the old raUroad bridge, the wire bridge, 
and the boat bridge were destroyed. The evac- 
uation of Aquia Creek followed. 

Gen. Pope states that by the reports of the 
commanders of corps of his army it consisted 
on the 1st of September, of less than 60,000 
men. The position taken by his orders on this 
day was as follows : The division of Gen. Couch 
and one brigade of Gen. Sumner's corps were at 
Fairfax Court House. Gen. Hooker was posted at 
or in front of Germantown, and had command 
of his own troops and those at Faii'fax. Gen. 
McDowell's corps was stationed on the Warren- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



265 



ton turnpike about two miles west of Fairfax. 
Gen. Reno was pushed north of the turnpike 
at a point about two and a half miles east of 
Centreville, and supported bj Gen. Kearny's 
division of Gen. Heintzelman's corps. 

Late in the afternoon the force of Gen. Lee, 
composed of infantry and cavalry, approached 
Germantown by the Little River turnpike, and 
were met by Gen. Hooker at that place and bj- 
Gen. Reno farther west. The conflict raged for 
an hour, when they concentrated their force on 
the left of Gen. Reno's line, which was com- 
manded by Gen. Stevens. Their intention was 
to turn his left flank. Gen, Stevens was soon 
killed by a bullet through his head, and his 
troops were driven back. The Confederate 
force now began to advance on the main body 
of Gen. Reno, which was short of ammunition, 
when the division of Gen. Kearny came up 
and took the position occupied by the troops 
of Gen. Stevens. Night had now set in, ren- 
dered thickly dark by a thunder storm. The 
rain fell in torrents, and the position of the 
contending armies was revealed only by the 
flashes of lightniog. At this time Gen. Kear- 
ny, anxious to know the nature of the ground 
upon which he expected so soon to fight, rode 
out to examine it. Inadvertently he passed the 
line of his own pickets and approached those 
of the Confederate force, when he was shot hy 
one of them. He was soon missed from his 
camp, and not being found. Gen. Birney took 
command of the division. During the next 
day his body was brought in under a Confed- 
erate flag of truce. Thus two most valuable 



officers and brave soldiers were slain in this 
conflict. After Gen. Birney had taken com- 
mand, he ordered a bayonet charge to bo made 
by Col. Egan, commanding the 1st and 40th, 
and Col. Ward, of the 38th New York regiments, 
before which the enemy retired. 

By morning, on the 2d of September, the 
whole of Gen. Pope's army was massed behind 
Difficult creek, between Germantown, Flint 
Hill, and Fairfax. On that day orders were 
issued by the general-in-chief for the Army of 
Virginia to fall back within the defences of 
"Washington. The object of the general-in-chief 
in giving this order was " to reorganize the 
diff'erent corps, to get the stragglers back into 
the ranks, and to supply deficiencies of ammu- 
nition, clothing," &c. This movement was exe- 
cuted on the 2d and 3d of September. During 
these days might be seen on the roads leading 
to Alexandria and the fortifications around 
"Washington, the worn and bleeding fragments 
of the once proud armies of the North, as they 
straggled in from their fifteen bloody days of 
fighting and retreating. There were the rem- 
nants of the decimated I'egiments of Maine, 
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, 
and Michigan — stragglers belonging to every 
army corps, wounded, weak, and dispirited, 
retiring before a victorious enemy to obtain 
safety in the fortifications. Many of them had 
fought their way up the peninsula, contesting 
almost every inch from "Williamsburg ag&inst 
buUets and bayonets until they stood m sight 
of the spires of Richmond, and then were re- 
quired to abandon their position and withdraw. 



CHAPTEE XXI. 

Advance of Gen. Lee into Maryland — His Address to the People — Gen. McClellan ordered to take command at Washington 
— His Orders — ^Advances into Maryland to meet Gen. Lee — Confidential Order of Gen. Lee — Battle of South Moun- 
tain — ^Attack of the Enemy on Harper's Ferry — Its Surrender — Battle of Antietam— Eetreat of Gen. Lee. 



The rebel force which was repulsed near 
Centreville on Monday night, September 2d, 
moved toward Vienna, about twelve miles west 
from Washington, for the purpose of making a 
demonstration near the Chain Bridge, and the 
fords of the Potomac above Washington. The 
chief object in this movement was to divert 
the attention of the Federal officers from what 
Gen. Lee was doing elsewhere. The with- 
drawal of the army of Gen. Pope left the field 
clear for the army of Gen. Lee to follow it, 
and assault the strong fortifications of Wash- 
ington, or to pass over the Potomac into Mary- 
land. The assault upon the fortifications of 
Washington was not to be thought of. But 
the invasion of Maryland might be followed by 
such a welcome from the mass of the citizens, 
and such cooperation, as to enable Gen. Lee 
not only to hold a portion of the State, but to 



attack Washington in the rear, and perhaps in- 
vade Pennsylvania. In any event it would be a 
demonstration to the Federal Government, and 
to nations in Europe, of the vigorous energy 
and strength of the Richmond Government. 
Accordingly, on the 31st of August, while Gen. 
Pope was resting his exhausted forces at Cen- 
treville, Gen. Lee drew off the main body of 
his army and moved to Leesburg. Thence 
he moved to the Potomac, near Point of 
Rocks, and crossed at Noland's Ford, five 
miles below, and at a ford three miles above 
on the 5th. His force consisted of the divisions 
of Gens. Longstreet, Jackson, Ewell, A. P. Hill, 
and D. H. Hill. It proceeded along the eastern 
slope of the Catoctin Mountains, in the direc- 
tion of Frederick, Maryland. On the night of the 
5th the advance reached White Oak Springs, 
about three miles from that city, which is fifty 



266 



MILITAEY AND NA7AL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



milos from Oentreville. On the same night in- 
formation was received at Frederick of the ap- 
proach of the Confederate force, and it pro- 
duced much excitement. A large number of 
the inhabitants fled toward Pennsylvania and 
Baltimore. Frederick, the capital of the State 
of Maryland, is forty-four miles northwest of 
"Washington, and sixty miles west of Baltimore. 
It is the second city of the State in wealth and 
commercial importance, and the third in popu- 
lation, containing 8,143 inhabitants. The mil- 
itary force in the city consisted of only one 
company, which could make no opposition. 
The Federal provost marshal removed all tho 
military stores possible, and, leaving enough for 
tho hospitals, in which there were about six 
hundred patients, burned the remainder. About 
ten o'clock the next morning, the 6th, the Con- 
federate troops quietly entered the city. These 
soldiers were in a destitute condition, in re- 
spect to clothes and shoes, yet the most scru- 
pulous regard was had to private property. 
They had no tents, nor were burdened with any 
baggage. Their only trains were ammunition 
trains. If enduring great hardships without a 
murmur, and most bravely and heroically fight- 
ing, are evidences of good soldiers, seldom has 
the world witnessed better than those who 
composed the army of Gen. Lee. A Confeder- 
ate provost marshal was appointed (Bradley 
Johnson), and a proclamation issued to the citi- 
zelfs, stating that the army came as friends, and 
not as enemies, to relieve the people of Mary- 
land from the tyranny by which they were op- 
pressed ; that they did not purpose to interfere 
with any non-combatants, or to disturb private 
property, or to inquire into the opinions of cit- 
izens ; and that whatever stores they required 
would be paid for, either in Confederate notes 
or United States Treasury notes, as the seller 
might prefer. At night tlie soldiers were all 
ordered to their camps outside of the city. 
Meantime foraging parties were sent out in 
various directions, which returned at evening 
with droves of sheep, cattle, hogs, and horses. 
These droves were all taken toward the Poto- 
mac. Pickets were thrown out from Frederick 
both east and west for considerable distances. 
On Sunday they were reported to have ad- 
vanced within seven miles of Westminster, 
causing a great excitement in the town, but 
disappeared during the night. No Confederate 
force, however, came farther east at that time 
than Uniontown, twenty miles from Westmin- 
ster. The main body encamped for some days 
on a line between Frederick and the Potomac 
river. Recruiting oflices were opened in the 
city, and citizens invited to enlist. Very few 
volunteers, however, were obtained. 

On the 8th, Gen. Lee issued the following ad- 
dress to the people of Maryland : 

nKADQUAKTERS, Ap.MY OF NOETUBP.N VIRGINIA, I 

Neae Fredkrickiown, Sept. 8, lSti2. j 
To the People of Maryland : 

It i3 right that you should know the purpose that 
has brought the army under my command within the 



limits of your State, so far as that purpose conceme 
yourselyes. 

The people of the Confederate States have long 
watched with the deepest sympathy the wrongs and 
outrages that have been inflicted upon the citizens of 
a Commonwealth allied to the States of the South by 
the strongest social, political, and commercial ties, and 
reduced to the condition of a conquered province. 

Under the pretence of supporting the Constitution, 
but in violation of its most valuable provisions, your 
citizens have been arrested and imprisoned, upon no 
charge, and contrary to all the forms of law. 

A faithful and manly protest against this outrage, 
made by a venerable and illustrious Marylander, to 
whom in his better days no citizen appealed for right 
in vain, was treated with scorn and contempt. 

The government of your chief city has been usurped 
by armed strangers ; your Legislature has been dis- 
Bolved by the tinlawful arrest of its members ; freedom 
of the press and of speech has been suppressed ; words 
have been declared offences by an arbitrary decree of 
the Federal executive ; and citizens ordered to be tried 
by military commissions for what they may dare to 
speak. 

Believing that the people of Maryland possess a 
spirit too lofty to submit to such a government, the 
people of the South have long wished to aid you in 
throwing off this foreign yoke, to enable you again to 
enjoy the inalienable rights of freemen, and restore 
the independence and sovereignty of your State. 

In obedience to this wish, our army has come among 
ycM, and is prepared to assist you with the power ot 
its arms in regaining the rights of which you have been 
so unjustly despoiled. 

This, citizens of Maryland, is our mission so far as 
you are concerned. No restraint upon your free will 
IS intended — no intimidation will be allowed within the 
limits of this army at least. Marylanders shall once 
more enjoy their ancient freedom of thought and 
speech. We know no enemies among you, and will 
protect all of you in every opinion. 

It is for you to decide your destiny freely and with- 
out constraint. This army will respect your choice, 
whatever it may be ; and, while the Southern people 
will rejoice to welcome you to your natural position 
among them, they will only welcome you when you 
come of your own free will. 

li. E. LEE, General Commanding. 

On the 10th Gen. Lee began to evacuate 
Frederick, and by the 12th his entire force had 
left. His forces moved in the direction of Ha- 
gerstown. That same night the city was occu- 
pied by the advance of Gen. McClellan's army, 
under Gen, Hooker. 

On the afternoon of the 10th, Hagerstown 
was entered by a Confederate force. On the 
6th and 7th the banks of the town, anticipating 
this approach, removed their specie to Uarris- 
burg and other places east for safety. The 
Government stores there were also removed. 

Meantime, on the first approach of the Con- 
federate army across the Potomac, the greatest 
excitement prevailed in Pennsylvania, especially 
in York and Adams counties, and through the 
Susquehanna and Cumberland valleys. The 
farmers sent away their wives, children, and 
cattle, and hastened to take up arms. In 
many of the towns of the State stores were 
closed, bells rung, guns fired, public meetings 
held, and citizens in their excitement assembled 
in mass to drill. On the lOtli Gov. Curtin is- 
sued an order calling upon all the able bodied 
men of Pennsylvania to organize immediately 
for the defence of the State, and to be ready 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



267 



for marclimg orders upon an hour's notice. On 
the 11th ho issued a call for fifty thousand of 
the freemen of the State to enter immediate 
service to repel the imminent danger of inva- 
sion. On the same day he addressed the fol- 
lowing despatch to the mayor of Philadelphia : 
We have reliable information this evening that the 
rebel generals have moved their entire army from 
Frederick to Cumberland Valley, and their destination 
is now Harrisburg and Philadelphia. We need every 
available man immediately. Stir up your population 
to-night. Form them into companies, and send us 
twenty thousand to-morrow. No time can be lost in 
massing a force on the Susquehanna to defend the 
State and your city. Arouse every man possible and 
send him here. 

Gov. Bradford, of Maryland, also issued a 
proclamation calling upon the citizens to or- 
ganize without delay such a force as might 
effectually assist in defending their homes and 
firesides. The eff'ect of these appeals, especially 
in Pennsylvania, was to bring to the governor 
a response from more than seventy-five thou- 
sand men. Harrisburg, the capital, overflowed 
with troops. The excitement, however, was 
not confined to Pennsylvania. In the adjacent 
States, troops under the first call for three hun- 
dred thousand men were hurried to "Washing- 
ton and to Harrisburg. It created another 
military excitement, and volunteers promptly 
came forward in all the States to fill up the call 
of the President. 

On the 2d of September, the following order 
was issued by the general-in-chief : 

Wab Depabtment, Adjutant-General's Oefice, } 

Wabuington, September 2, 1862. ) 

General Orders, Ko. 122. 

Maj.-6en. McClellan will have command of the 

fortifications of Washington, and of all the troops for 

the defence of the capital. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. HALLECK. 
E. D. TowNSEND, Assist. Adj. -Gen. 

"When Gen. McClellan arrived at Washington 
from Harrison's Landing, he was in the de- 
partment of Gen. Pope, which included the 
District of Columbia. This was about the mid- 
dle of August. Subsequent to that time he was 
without a command, excepting a body of nine- 
ty-six men, until this order was issued. Each 
corps of his army had been sent forAvard to 
Gen. Pope. In fact the active forces under the 
command of Gen. Pope consisted of the Army 
of Virginia, embracing the corps of Gens. 
McDowell, Banks, Sigel, a portion of Gen. Cox's 
force from western Virginia, a part of Gen. 
Burnside's force from North Carolina, about 
ten regiments from Port Royal in South Caro- 
lina, under Gen. Stevens, and the Army of the 
Potomac, consisting of the corps of Gens. 
H'eintzelman, Sumner, Porter, and Franklin, 
and tlie divisions of Gens. McCall and Couch, 
without including the troops stationed in the 
fortifications around Washington. With this 
force he was not able to withstand the over- 
whelming march of the Confederate army. 
Yet this same Confederate army was the force 
which the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. 
McClellan, single handed and, unaided, was re 



quired to meet and conquer, and thus obtain 
the capital of the Confederacy, which was in 
their possession. In this unequal struggle no 
dishonor ever tarnished the Army of the Poto- 
mac. 

On the 4th of September, Gen. McClellan, 
having received the order above stated, issued 
another assuming command of the forces above 
mentioned, together with some new levies which 
had arrived at Washington under the call of 
the President for three hundred thousand men. 
His order assuming the command acted like 
an electric shock upon these dispirited, defeat- 
ed masses. It was as follows : 

IIeadqitakteks, Washington, Sept. 4, 1S62. 
General Orders, i\o. 1. 

1. Pursuant to General Orders No. 122, from the 
War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, of the 2d 
instant, the undersigned hereby assumes command of 
the fortifications of Washington and of all troops for 
the defence of the capital. 

2. The heads of the staff departments of the Army 
of the Potomac will be in charge of their respective 
departments at these headquarters. 

8. In addition to the consolidated morning reports 
required by circular of this date from these headquar- 
ters, reports will be made by corps commanders as to 
their compliance with the assignment to positions here- 
tofore given them, stating definitely the ground occu- 
pied and covered by their command, and as to what 
progress has been made in obedience to orders already 
issued to place their commands in condition for imme- 
diate service. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Maj.-Gen. 

Official : S. Williams, Assist. Adj. -General. 

It was now known that Gen. Lee had march- 
ed into Maryland, and the orders given to Gen. 
McClellan were to pursue him with all the 
troops which were not required for the defence 
of Washington. On the next day most of his 
army was in motion, and rapidly advanced into 
Maryland. Gen. Couch's division, consisting 
of three brigades, commanded by Gens. Howe, 
Devens, and Cochrane, on the morning of the 
6th had reached the road from Rockville to 
Great Falls, eight miles beyond Tenallytown. 
Other corps were rapidly pressing on. Three 
days after assuming command, on the Yth, at 
BIX p. M., he left Washington to take the field. 
That night he passed through Rockville, fifteen 
miles from Washington, stopping only long 
enough to refresh his horses. On the morning 
of the 10th, the army had advanced to DaTnas- 
cus, thirty-four miles from Washington and 
sixteen miles from Frederick. The first move- 
ments of the army were such as to occupy po- 
sitions which commanded all the lower fords 
of the Potomac, thus presenting to the Con- 
federate army the alternative of meeting him 
in battle, or retiring before him, and crossing 
the Potomac higher up, which would take 
them further from Washington, and oblige them 
to retreat through the Shenandoah Valley. 

Meantime Gen. Lee, after his successes 
against Gen. Pope, had no reason to apprehend 
that the same army would soon be in pursuit 
of him ; yet, like a prudent commander, he, upon 
learning of the approach of Gen. McClellan, 
immediately took precautions to secure his 
own safety. His army had met with no such 



268 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



welcome from the citizens of Maryland a3 to 
give any hope that the State would, under any 
circumstances, rise in opposition to the Federal 
Government. On the contrary the people had 
shown that it was the Government of their 
choice. Very few recruits had joined the Con- 
federate army, and no contributions of import- 
ance had been made to it. The following is a 
copy of Gen. "Lee's order of march, found at 
Frederick, on the 13th of September. It dis- 
closes his plans : 

[confidential.] 

Headquarters, Army of Northerk Virginia, I 
Sept. 9, 1862. f 

Special Order, No. 191. 

III. The army will resume its march to-morrow, 
taking the Hagerstowii road. Gen. Jackson's com- 
mand will form the advance, and after passing Middle- 
ton with such portion as he may select, take the route 
toward Sharpsburg, cross the Potomac at the most 
convenient point, and by Friday morning take posses- 
sion of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, capture such 
of the enemy as may be at Martinsburg, and intercept 
such as may attempt, to escape from Harper's Ferry. 

IV. Gen. Longstreet's command will pursue the 
main road as far as Boousboro', where it will halt with 
reserve, supply, and baggage trains of the army. 

V. Gen. licLaws, with his own division and that of 
Gen. R. H. Anderson, will follow Gen. Longstreet, on 
reaching Middleton will take the route to Harper's 
Ferry, and by Friday morning possess himself of the 
Maryland Heights, and endeavor to capture the enemy 
at Harper's Ferry and vicinity. 

VI. Gen. Walker with his division, after accomplish- 
ing the object in which he is now engaged, will cross 
the Potomac at Check's Ford, ascend its right bank to 
Lovettsville, take possession of Loudon Heights, if 
praticable, by Friday morning, keep the ford on his 
left, and the road between the end of mountain and the 
Potomac on his right. He will, as far as practicable, 
cooperate with Gen. McLaws and Gen. Jackson in in- 
tercepting the retreat of the enemy. 

VII. Gen. D. H. Hill's division will form the rear 
guard of the army, pursuing the road taken by the 
main body. The reserve artillery, ordnance, and sup- 
ply trains will precede Gen. Hill. 

YIII. Gen. Stuart will detach a squadron of cavalry 
to accompany the commands of Gens. Longstreet, 
Jackson, and McLaws, and with the main body of the 
cavalry will cover the route of the army, and bring up 
all stragglers that may have been left behind. 

IX. The commands of Gens. Jafkson, McLaws, and 
Walker, after accomplishing the objects for which 
they have attached [been detached?], will join the main 
body of the army at Boonsboro' or Hagerstown. 

A. Each regiment on the march, will habitually carry 
its axes in the regimental ordnance wagons for use of 
the men at their encampments to procure wood, &c. 
By command of Gen. R. E. LEE. 
(Signed) R. H. Chilton, A. A.-Geueral. 

ForMaj.-Gen. D. H. Hill, Comd'g Division. 

It is clear from this order that Gen. Lee in- 
tended first to capture the garrison at Harper's 
Ferry, and then to enter Pennsylvania by the 
Cumberland Valley ; at all events, that he had 
no idea of abandoning Maryland until forced to 
do so by the battles of South Mountain and 
Antietam. He evacuated Frederick, and taking 
the road to Hagerstown crossed the Catoctin 
Mountains, passed through the valley in which 
Middletown is situated, and drew up his forces 
along the crest of South Mountain there to await 
the advance of Gen. McClellan. At the same 
time he detached a portion of his force, amount- 



ing to twenty -five thousand men, and sent them 
to Harper's Ferry by the route of Williamsport, 
where they crossed the Potomac. The chief 
command of this force was given to Gen. Jack- 
son, It embraced his division with those of 
Gens. A, P. Hill and Walker, and one or two 
others. By this route, although longer, they 
were more certain to reach Harper's Ferry with- 
out the knowledge of the Federal Government 
than if their movement had been more direct. 
The distance from Frederick to Williamsport 
was thirty mUes, and from Williamsport to 
Harper's Ferry thirty mUes, 

The advance of Gen. McClellan entered Fred- 
erick on the 12th, and he immediately sent for- 
ward cavalry and artUlery to follow and harass 
the Confederate rear. Gen, Pleasanton was in 
command of the cavalry, and several skirmishes 
took place during the succeeding days. The line 
of the Federal army extended from the Potomac 
river in the region of Point of Rocks in a north- 
easterly direction to the region near Frederick, 
and thence in an easterly and southerly direc- 
tion along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad to 
Baltimore. On Saturday the 13th, the main 
column of Gen. McCleUan's army reached 
Frederick, and was received with the highest 
demonstrations and encamped two miles be- 
yond. The same afternoon the Confederate 
rear was driven by his advance out of Middle- 
town, which was held by the latter during the 
night. West of Frederick and running nearly 
due south is the Catoctin range of mountains, 
a continuation of the Blue Ridge, On the 
south it terminates in Maryland at Point of 
Rocks, but still continues in Virginia, On the 
north it unites at the Pennsylvania State line 
with the South Mountain range, which, tending 
to the southwest, slopes down to the Potomac 
at KnoxviUe four miles east of Harper's Ferry. 
Between these two ranges, nestles the loveliest 
valley in Maryland — the vaUey of Catoctin. 
The village of Middletown, ten miles from Fred- 
erick, is in the centre of this valley. On Sunday 
morning, the 14th, the Confederate army were 
found posted on the east side of the South 
Blue Ridge Mountain and stretching on a line 
from north to south from points immediately 
opposite Middletown and Jefferson, both of 
which villages are about eight mUes from Fred- 
erick. Middletown is on the road to Hagers- 
town and Jefferson on the direct road to Har- 
per's Ferry, The right of the Federal army, at 
that time under Gen, Burnside, rested on Mid- 
dletown, and the left under Gen, Franklin on 
Jefferson, Early in the morning, the advance 
beyond Middletown overtook the Confederate 
rear, who retreated slowly, contesting the road 
toward Boonsboro' step by step. The conflict 
that ensued during the morning was chiefly 
with artillery, and came to closer quarters in 
the afternoon. At this time the Confederate 
line of battle was formed with the left rest- 
ing upon Turner's Gap and the turnpike road 
toward Hagerstown which passes through the 
gap, and the right covering Crampton's Gap. 



MILITAEY AND ITAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



269 



Preparations for moving the main body of the 
Federal army had commenced at daylight, and 
shortly after the whole army was advancing 
rapidly toward the mountains followed by the 
ambulances-, artillery, and baggage wagons. 
Middletown was reached with ease, beyond 
which was now the scene of conflict. As they 
approached the field the long black lines of in- 
fantry were halted and opened to make way for 
the artillery and ammunition trains which ad- 
vanced to their positions. 

The battle of South Mountain really com- 
menced at a bridge over Catoctin Creek half a 
mile west of Middletown, where Confederate 
artillery had been posted to dispute the pas- 
sage. Dislodged from this position it re- 
treated to a stronger one up the mountain side. 
The main body was massed on wooded bluffs 
to the right and left for a distance of more than 
two miles. On the right of Turner's Gap they 
were stormed out of their stronghold by Gen. 
Burnside's corps. Gen. Cox's Kanawha division 
in Gen. Reno's corps, attacked and carried the 
crest on the left of the gap. Of this division, 
the 23d Ohio, known as the " psalm singers of 
the Western Reserve," here came in contact 
with the 23d South Carolina, and the encounter 
was most stormy. So desperate were the Caro- 
linians in the fight that before a single man sur- 
rendered he would beat his gun against a rock 
or tree to render it useless to his enemy. The 
Kanawha division was supported by the divi- 
sions of Gens. Wilcox, Rodman, and Sturgess. 
After very severe fighting they repulsed several 
attacks of the enemy, and retaiued entire pos- 
session of the crest. About 3 p. m.. Gen. Hooker 
attacked the heights on the right of the pass, 
the Pennsylvania reserves leading, and after a 
desperate resistance carried the crest about 
dark, and held it. Shortly before dark Gen. 
Gibbon's brigade of Gen. Hooker's corps, at- 
tacked by the main road, and after an obstinate 
conflict gained the entrance to the pass some 
time after dark. Only by a display of equal 
valor in all the other regiments, and often at 
close quarters', was the enemy driven over 
the crest of the mountain into the vaUey on 
the west side of the South Mountain. In the 
centre and on the left, equally desperate was 
the battle. A severe fire of artillery had been 
opened all along the front. Under cover of 
this, the infantry advanced, and poured in a 
fire of musketry ; this continued until 3 o'clock 
p. M. when the battle raged at its height. Suc- 
cess being soon gained on the right, desperate 
charges were made with the bayonet before 
which the Confederate troops wavered, broke, 
and fell back in confusion. The loss sustain- 
ed by the Union forces was 2,325 killed and 
wounded. Among the kUled was Gen. Reno, 
who was shot through the body. Turner's Gap, 
where the last desperate stand of the Confed- 
erate force on the right was made, is two miles 
from the base of the mountain. Six miles 
south is Crampton's Gap, through which passes 
the road from Jefferson to Roherville. This 



strong position on the left was carried by Gen. 
Franklin's corps, after a succession of brilliant 
bayonet charges. Gen. Franklin had followed 
the line of the Potomac closely. On Satur- 
day he reached Sugar Loaf Mountain, and 
drove out»the Confederate cavalry occupy- 
ing it for a signal station. On Sunday, he 
passed through the small village of Burkits- 
ville, and advanced about a mile, when he met 
the Confederate pickets at the South Mountain 
range, and near Crampton's Gap. The gap 
was strongly held by a Confederate force un- 
der Gen. Howell Cobb, and his artillery im- 
mediately opened fire upon the Federal ad- 
vance, which was under the command of Gen. 
Slocum. The division of Gen. Slocum consist- 
ed of three brigades under Gens. Bartlett, Tor- 
litt, and Newton. These were formed in line 
of battle and ordered to advance up the side 
of the mountain. They had proceeded only a 
short distance before they came under the tire 
of a strong Confederate force concealed behind 
a stone wall running along the base of the gap. 
At this point a desperate hand to hand fight 
ensued which lasted nearly an hour, when 
the Confederate troops were routed. They 
did not attempt to make a stand again imtil 
they reached the crest of the mountain, where 
they turned and prepared to hold the Federal 
advance at bay. It came rushing up, composed 
of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania 
regiments, until the top of the mountain was 
gained, when another bloody struggle ensued. 
The Confederate force finally gave way and 
fell back in disorder down into the valley, 
leaving four hundred prisoners, three regi- 
mental colors, two pieces of artillery, and 
three thousand stand of arms. The Federal 
loss in this affair was one hundred and five 
killed, and four hundred and forty-eight wound- 
ed. The Confederate loss was still larger. 
The seizure of this gap exposed the fiank of 
Gen. Lee's army, and brought the Federal left 
into Pleasant Yalley, and within five miles of 
Harper's Ferry. That night the Federal army 
occupied the battle ground, and the Confederate 
army fell behind Antietam Creek and took a 
position admirably adapted for defence. 

Meantime the Federal garrison at Winchester 
and Martinsburg had been ordered to Harper's 
Ferry, and the commanding ofiicer at that post 
had been advised to confine his defence, in case 
he was attacked by a superior force, mainly to 
the position of Maryland Heights, which could 
be held a long time against overwhelming 
numbers. A large amount of artillery and stores 
had been collected at Harper's Ferry by the 
Federal Government, which it would have been 
necessary to destroy or leave to the enemy if 
the troops there had been withdrawn. It was 
therefore determined by the general-in-chief 
(Halleck) to hold the position until Gen, Mc- 
Clellan could relieve it, or open communication 
so that it could be evacuated in safety. 

On Friday, the 12th of September, two days 
before the battle of South Mountain, the Confed- 



270 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



erate force of Gen. Jackson, which had been 
ordered to Williamsport and thence to Har- 
per's Ferry, commenced an attack on Maryland 
Heights. As early as the 15th of August Col. 
Miles, then in command, received orders from 
Gen. Wool, commanding the department, to 
fortify Maryland Heights, which is considered 
to be the key of the position. He,however, dis- 
obeyed the orders, and did nothing to improve 
its defences. On the 5th of September Col. 
Thomas H. Ford took command of the force 
stationed on the heights, and, apprehending an 
attack from the Confederate army, sent a re- 
quisition to Col. Miles for reenforcements and 
for tools necessary to erect defensive works. 
He received reenforcements, but not the tools ; 
and with a few borrowed axes constructed a 
slight breastwork of trees near the crest of the 
hill on the same day upon which the advance 
of Gen. Jackson appeared. The forces at Har- 
per's Ferry had been increased that day to 
about thirteen thousand men, of whom twenty- 
five hundred were cavalry, by the arrival of 
Gen. Julius "White with the garrison from 
Martinsburg. Gen. White, although entitled to 
the command, waived his right in favor of Col. 
Miles. The only position fortified by Col. 
Miles was Bolivar Heights behind the town of 
Harper's Ferry. This is commanded by Mary- 
land Heights and by Loudon Heights situated 
on the Virginia side of the Potomac and on the 
right bank of the Shenandoah. 

The attack of the Confederate force was re- 
newed, on the morning of the 13th, on the 
forces stationed on Maryland Heights, and they 
were driven behind the breastwork. This 
was soon after attacked, and the enemy were 
repulsed. Subsequently, through the precipi- 
tate flight of a portion of the troops and the 
premature retreat of the remainder, in conse- 
quence of a mistake of orders, the heights were 
about midday entirely abandoned. Col. Miles, 
who had visited the position early in the morn- 
ing, left Col. Ford with permission to exercise 
his discretion in determining whether to hold 
or abandon the heights. Subsequently Col. 
Miles sent to him the following order. 

IIaepee's Febky, Sept. 18, 1862. 
Col. Ford, Commandinq Maryland Heiglits : 

Since I returned to tliis side, on close inspection I 
find your position more defensible than it appears 
when at your station, covered as it is at all points by 
the cannon of Camp Hill. You will hold on, and caa 
hold on until the cows' tails drop off. 

Yours, D. S. MILES, Col. 21st Infantry. 

The answer of Col. Ford to this order, as 
stated by Col. Miles, did not indicate that he had 
the slightest intention of giving up the heights. 

Col. Ford, after the events above mentioned, 
disobeyed this order of Col. Miles, abandoned 
the position, and withdrew his forces across the 
river. It was only necessary, after this dis- 
graceful retreat, for the enemy to plant their 
batteries and the position of Harper's Ferry 
must surely fall. The heights were not, how- 
ever, immediately occupied by the enemy, and 



on the next morning a detachment of the 
39th volunteers, sent there by Col. D'Utassy, 
returned with four field pieces and a wagon 
load of ammunition. On the 13th the Con- 
federate force began to establish batteries on 
Loudon Heights, and on the next day opened 
fire from those heights and also from Maryland 
Heights. On the night of the 13th, Col. Miles 
sent a despatch to Gen. McClellan that the posi- 
tion could not be held forty-eight hours longer 
without reenforcements. This was the night 
before the battle of South Mountain. On the 
night of the 14th, the cavalry force under Col. 
Davis cut their way through the enemy's lines 
and reached Greencastle, Penn., in safety on 
the next morning, having captured by the 
way an ammunition train belonging to the 
corps of the Confederate general Longstreet. 
Early in the morning of the 15th Col. Miles 
surrendered. At that time Gen. McClellan's 
left wing was in Pleasant Valley, within 
five miles of him. It has been stated that 
the ammunition for the batteries was nearly 
exhausted, and for this reason the place be- 
came no longer tenable. The enemy, not per- 
ceiving the white flag that had been raised, 
continued their fire some time afterward, by 
which Col. Miles was mortally woimded by the 
fragment of a shell. The principal fighting took 
place on Saturday ; there was very little on Sun- 
day, and none worthy of mention on Monday, 
when the surrender took place. The military 
mistake was in abandoning Maryland Heights. 
No enemy could have occupied the village, or 
disturbed the railroad or pontoon bridges so 
long as they were held. Provisions and forage 
for a siege of four or five days could have been 
readily transferred to the heights by a road 
made some months previous. There are abun- 
dant springs of good and cool water gushing 
out from its jocky and wooded sides. When 
these and the other heights came into the pos- 
session of the enemy, surrender or destruction 
were the only alternatives to Col. Miles. If 
his entire force had been transferred to Mary- 
land Heights, the Confederate force present 
could not for many days have taken Harper's 
Ferry. By the terms arranged for the surrender, 
the ofl5cers were allowed to go on parole with 
side arms and private property, and the privates 
with everything except equipments and guns. 
The forces which surrendered were as follows : 



Col. Downje, 3d 
Maryland" Home 
Brigade 

Col. Maulsby, 1st 
Maryland Home 
Brigade 

115th New York... 

120th Mew York... 

S9th New York 

111th New York... 

125th New York... 

82d Ohio 

12th New York S.M. 

S7th Ohio 

9th Vermont 



600 



900 
1,000 
1,000 

530 
1,000 
1,000 

654: 

504 
900 
800 



C5th Illinois 

Graham's battery.. 

McGrath's battery. 

15th Indiana batt'y. 

Phillips's N. Y. bat- 
tery 

Potts's battery .... 

Rigby's battery . . 

Scatt'd companies. 

Officers connected 
with Headquar- 
ters and Commis- 
sary Department 



850 
110 
115 
142 

120 

100 

100 

50 



50 



Total 11,583 



The following guns were surrendered: 12 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



271 



2-iiicli rifled, 6 James's rifled, 6 24-pound how- 
itzers, 4 20-poimd Parrott guns, 4 12-pounders, 
4 12-pound howitzers, 2 10-inch Dahlgrens, 1 
50-pound Parrott, and 6 6-pound guns. 

The Federal loss in killed and wounded was 
reported at about two hundred; the Confed- 
erate loss has not been stated. In the latter 
part of the year the circumstances attending 
this surrender were examined by a court of in- 
quiry at "Washington, in accordance with whose 
suggestions Col. Ford and other officers were 
dismissed from the United States army. The 
conduct of Col. Miles was stated in their report 
to have exhibited "an incapacity amounting 
almost to imbecility." 

The surrender of this position with so little 
resistance was followed by serious conse- 
quences. It took place on the 15th. On the 
next day, the 16th, most of the Confederate force 
left it in great haste, crossed the pontoon 
bridge into Maryland, and joined Gen. Lee at 
Antietam in time to engage in the great battle 
on the next day, the 17th. "Without the assist- 
ance of this force Gen. Lee's army would un- 
doubtedly have been badly defeated and his 
retreat into Virginia probably cut off. That 
the importance of their aid was known to their 
commander, is manifest from the haste of the 
evacuation and the subsequent celerity of their 
movements. By their arrival the Confederate 
army outnumbered the Federal army in the 
battle of Antietam. 

The battle on which was staked " the invasion 
of Marj^land " in the view of the Federal, and 
"the deliverance of Maryland" in the view of 
the Confederate Government, but in reality the 
sovereignty of the Union, was now near at hand. 

On the morning of the 15th the whole right 
wing and centre of Gen. McClellan's forces 
were pushed forward in pursuit of the enemy, 
who were found in the strong position made 
memorable by the battle of the Antietam. 
The troops were not up in sufficient force to 
make the attack on that day ; but soon after 
night fell the greater part were in bivouac 
behind the heights on the left bank of the An- 
tietam, sheltered from, but within range of the 
enemy's batteries. 

On the left the three divisions of Gen. Frank- 
lin were ordered to occupy RoherviUe, and to 
push in the direction of Brownsville in order 
to relieve Harper's Ferry if possible. During 
the morning Gen. Franklin received intelli- 
gence of the surrender of Harper's Ferry, and 
found the enemy in force in a strong position 
near Brownsville. As he had but two divi- 
sions with him, the third not having yet ar- 
rived, he was not in sufficient force to dislodge 
the enemy, and was obliged to content himself 
with watching them and endeavoring to hold 
them in check. 

The morning of the 16th was occupied in 
reconnoissances of the enemy's position, in rec- 
tifying the position of the Federal troops, and 
perfecting the arrangements for the attack. 
"Very sharp artillery firing took place without 



any material loss on the Federal side. The 
position of Gen. McClellan's forces on that 
morning was as follows : Gen. Hooker's corps 
was on the right, next that of Gen. Sumner, 
with Gen. Mansfield's corps in the rear ; in the 
centre was Gen. Porter's corps, only two divi- 
sions being present ; on the left was Gen. 
Burnside's ninth corps. Gen. Franklin was 
still in Pleasant Valley. 

At about 3 p. M., Gen. Hooker crossed the 
Antietam by the bridge in the village on the 
Hagerstown road and an adjacent ford, and soon 
gained the crest of the height on the right bank 
of the stream. He then turned to his left and 
followed down the ridge under a strong oppo- 
sition, until brought to a stand still by the 
darkness. During the evening Gen. Mansfield 
was ordered to follow Gen. Hooker so as to be 
in a position to support him at daybreak. 

At daylight on the 17th, Gen. Hooker at- 
tacked the forces in his front, and for a time 
drove them before him. The enemy however 
rallying, and strengthened from their support- 
ing columns, repulsed him. Gen. Mansfield's 
corps was then drawn to Gen. Hooker's sup- 
port, and the two masses repelled the enemy. 
Gen. Mansfield was killed and Gen. Hooker 
wounded at this crisis, and obliged to withdraw 
from the field. Shortly afterward Gen. Sum- 
ner's corps reached this portion of the field 
and soon became hotly engaged. This corps 
suffered greatly at this period of the contest, 
Gens. Sedgwick and Crawford being wounded, 
and portions of the line were compelled to fall 
back. The enemy were here, however, check- 
ed by the Federal artillery. Gen. Franklin 
shortly arrived to the relief of Gen. Sumner's 
line with two divisions of his corps, one of 
which, that of Gen. "W. F. Smith, drove back 
the enemy and recovered the lost ground. 
The enemy did not retake it. Gens. Richard- 
son's and French's divisions held the extreme 
left of the Federal right with tenacity during 
the day. Gen. Richardson was wounded. 

In the centre Gen. Porter's corps was held 
as a reserve with cavalry and horse artillery. 

The contest on the right had been most ob- 
stinate, and the several corps which partici- 
pated in it had lost heavily. 

Gen. Burnside's corps on the left was order- 
ed early in the day to carry the bridge across 
the Antietam at Eohrback's farm, and to at- 
tack the enemy's right. The approaches to 
the bridge being in the nature of a defile, and 
being swept by batteries of the enemy, the op- 
posite bank of the Antietam was only reached 
after a severe struggle. It was afternoon be- 
fore the heights were in his possession. The 
enemy were driven back, and a portion of their 
line in disorder. By the most desperate ef- 
forts, however, the enemy rallied their retreat- 
ing regiments, strengthened their line with 
all their available fresh troops, and opened 
batteries on the hills, from positions which the 
amphitheatrical character of the ground, _ it 
seems, abundantly furnished. Gen. Burnside 



272 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



could not maintain Ms advantage, and was 
obliged to withdraw from the extreme position 
which he had gained near Sharpsbm-g to one 
slightly in rear of it. He, however, lield his 
bank of the river completely, and maintained 
much ground beyond it which ho had taken 
from the enemy. During the advance on the 
left Gen. Rodman was wounded. 

The Federal artillery is represented to have 
played an important part during this battle. 

Notwithstanding substantial and decided suc- 
cesses of the day, the Federal forces had suffer- 
ed so severely during the conflict, having lost 
11,426 in killed and wounded, and among them 
many general and superior officers, that it was 
deemed prudent by Gen. McOlellan to reorgan- 
ize and give rest and refreshment to the troops 
before renewing the attack. The 18th was 



accordingly devoted to those objects. On the 
night of the 18th, however. Gen. Lee withdrew 
his forces ha§.tily across the Potomac, abandon- 
ing further contest with the Union forces, and 
yielding aU hope of further remaining on the 
Maryland soil. 

The Confederate army is supposed to have 
lost nearly 30,000 men dm-ing its brief campaign 
in Maryland. The Federal forces captured 39 
colors, 13 guns, more than 15,000 small arms, 
and more than 6,000 prisoners. 

On the 20th Harper's Ferry was evacuated 
by the Confederate troops, which fell back in 
the direction of Charlesto wn and Winchester. 
Gen. McClellan took a position along the left 
bank of the Potomac, and active movements 
were suspended for a short time in order to 
prepare for a vigorous advance. 



CHAPTEE XXII. 

Message of the President recommending Emancipation with Compensation — His Conference with Members of Congress — 
Proclamation tlireatening Emancipation— Finances of the Federal Government— Increase of the Armies — Eiforts of the 
South to raise Armies — Conscription — Officers of the Southern Government — Its Finances — Its JTavy Department — 
Cruisers— The Oreto — The Alabama : vessels destroyed by her — Other Operations — Diplomatic Correspondence with 
the British Government. 



Measures to secure the emancipation of the 
slaves were early adopted by the Government. 
On March 6th President Lincoln sent a mes- 
sage to Congress, then in session, recommend- 
ing that a joint resolution should be passed, 
substantially declaring that the United States, 
in order to cooperate with any State which 
might adopt gradual abolition of slavery, would 
give pecuniary aid to be used by such State, 
in its discretion, to compensate it for the incon- 
veniences, public and private, produced by such 
a change of system. Again, on May 19th, after 
Gen. Hunter had issued an order at Hilton 
Head, declaring slavery and martial law incom- 
patible, the President issued another proclama- 
tion, declaring the emancipation of the slaves 
to be a question reserved to himself for decision, 
and he further added, relative to the resolution 
above mentioned : " The resolution in the lan- 
guage above quoted was adopted by large ma- 
jorities in both branches of Congress, and now 
stands an authentic, definite, and solemn pro- 
posal of the Nation to the States and people 
most interested in the subject matter. To the 
people of these States now I mostly appeal. 
I do not argue — I beseech you to make the 
arguments for yourselves. You cannot, if you 
would, be blind to the signs of the times. 

" I beg of you a calm and enlarged consider- 
ation of them, ranging, if it may be, far above 
partisan and personal pohtics. 

"This proposal makes common cause for a 
common object, casting no reproaches upon 
any. It acts not the Pharisee. The change it 
contemplates would come gently as the dews 



of Heaven, not rending nor wrecking any thing. 
"Will you embrace it? So much good has not 
been done by one effort in all past time, as in 
the Providence of God it is now your high priv- 
ilege to do. May the vast future not have to 
lament that you have neglected it." 

Subsequently, on July 12th, he held a con- 
ference with the members of Congress from 
Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri, 
in which he urged them to use their efforts to 
secure with their respective States the adoption 
of a system of emancipation, with compensation 
to the owners of slaves. This measure was dis- 
cussed in those States, but not adopted by any 
one. 

Subsequently, on September 22d, the Presi- 
dent issued a proclamation, as follows : 

PROCLAMATION. 

I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States 
of America, and Commander-in-Chief of the army and 
navy thereof, do hereby proclaim and declare that 
hereafter, as heretofore, the war will be prosecuted 
for the object of practically restoring the constitu- 
tional relation between the United States and each 
of the States, and the people thereof, in which States 
that relation is or may be suspended or disturbed. 

That it is my purpose, upon the next meeting of 
Congress, to again recommend the adoption of a 
practical measure tendering pecuniary aid to the free 
acceptance or rejection of all Slave States, so called, 
the people whereof may not then be in rebellion 
against the United States, and which States may then 
have voluntarily adopted, or thereafter may volun- 
tarily adopt, immediate or gradual abolishment of 
slavery within their respective limits ; and that the 
effort to colonize persons of African descent, with 
their consent, upon this continent or elsewhere, with 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



273 



the previously obtained consent of the governments 
existing there, will be continued. 

That on the first day of January, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all 
persons held as slaves within any State, or designated 
part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in 
rebellion against the United States, shall be then, 
thenceforward, and forever free ; and the Executive 
Government of the United States, including the mili- 
tary and naval authority thereof, will recognize and 
maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no 
act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, 
in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom. 

That the Executive will, on the first day of January 
aforesaid, by proclamation, designate the States and 
parts of States, if any, in which the people thereof 
respectively shall then be in rebellion against the 
United States ; and the fact that any State, or the 
people thereof, shall on that day be in good faith 
represented in the Congress of the United States, by 
members chosen thereto at elections wherein a major- 
ity of the qualified voters of such State shall have 
participated, shall, in the absence of strong counter- 
vailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence 
that such State, and the people thereof, are not then 
in rebellion against the United States. 

That attention is hereby called to an Act of Con- 
gress entitled " An Act to make an additional Article 
of W£tr," approved March 13, 1862, and which act is 
in the words and figures following : 

Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives of the United States of America in Congress assem- 
bled, that hereafter the following shall be promulgated 
as an additional article of war for the government of 
the army of the United States, and shall be obeyed and 
observed as such ; 

Article. — All ofiicers or persons in the military or 
naval service of the United States are prohibited from 
employing any of the forces under their respective 
commands for the purpose of returning fugitives from 
service or labor who may have escaped from any per- 
sons to whom such service or labor is claimed to be 
due ; and any officer who shall be found guilty by a 
court-martial of violating this article shall be dis- 
missed from the service. 

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That this act shall 
take eSect from and after its passage. 

Also, to the ninth and tenth sections of an act en- 
titled "An Act to Suppress Insurrection, to Punish 
Treason and Rebellion, to Seize and Confiscate Prop- 
erty of Rebels, and for other Purposes," approved 
July 17, 1862, and which sections are in the words 
and figures following: 

Sec. 9. And be it further enacted. That all slaves of 
persons who shall hereafter be engaged in rebellion 
against the Government of the Uniled States, or who 
shall in any way give aid or comfort thereto, escap- 
ing from such persons and taking refuge within- the 
lines of the army; and all slaves captured from such 
persons, or deserted by them and coming under the 
control of the Government of the United States; and 
all slaves of such persons found or being within 
any place occupied by rebel forces and afterwards 
occupied by the forces of the United States, shall be 
deemed captives of war, and shall be forever free of 
their servitude, and not again held as slaves. 

Sec. 10. And be it furiJier enacted, That no slave 
escaping into any State, Territory, or the District of 
Columbia, from any other State, shall be delivered 
up, or in any way impeded or hindered of his liberty, 
except for crime, or some oftence against the laws, 
unless the person claiming said fugitive shall first 
make oath that the person to whom the labor or ser- 
vice of such fugitive is alleged to be due is his lawful 
owner, and has not borne arms against the United 
States in the present rebellion, nor in any way given 
aid and comfort thereto ; and no person engaged in 
the military or naval service of the United States 
shall, under any pretence whatever, assume to decide 
on the validity of the claim of any person to the ser- 
18 



vice or labor of any other person, or surrender up 
any such person to the claimant, on pain of being 
dismissed from the service. 

And I do hereby enjoin upon and order all persons 
engaged in the military and naval service of the 
United States to observe, obey, and enforce, Avithin 
their respective spheres of service, the act and sec- 
tions above recited. 

And the Executive will in due time recommend 
that all citizens of the United States who shall have 
remained loyal thereto throughout the rebeUion shall 
(upon the restoration of the constitutional relation 
between the United States and their respective States 
and people, if that relation shall have been suspended 
or disturbed) be compensated for all losses by acts 
of the United States, including the loss of slaves. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
and caused the seal of the United States to be aflixed. 
Done at the city of Washington, this twenty- 
second day of September, in the year of our 
[l. s.] Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- 
two, and of the Independence of the United 
States the eighty-seventh. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
By the President : 

William H. Seward, Secretary of State. 

The finances of the Federal Government 
steadily improved after the commencement of 
the diflBculties. There seemed to be a settled 
purpose on the part of the people to furnish the 
Government with aU the men and money it 
might need to restore the Union, The vast 
expenditures incident to the military and naval 
operations were met with a promptitude and 
certainty unusual under similar circumstances. 
On January 1st, 1862, the state banks of the 
country suspended specie payments, which 
made large issues of United States notes una- 
voidable. These were subsequently, by act of 
Congress, made a legal tender, and constituted 
the chief circulating medium of the country to 
the close of the war. 

The receipts into the Treasury from all sources • 
duiing the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1862, 
were $583,885,247; of this amoulit the sum of 
$529,692,460 was raised by loans of various 
forms. The disbursements for the same period 
were $570,841,700 ; of this amount there was 
expended by the War Department the sum of 
$394,368,407, and by the Navy Department 
$43,674,569. 

The commerce of the country was shorn of 
its proportions by the war, and became haz- 
ardous on the ocean. No trade of importance 
took place fi-om ports captured from the enemy. 

The forces in the field were largely increased 
by calls from the President for more men. 
About June 1st a call for militia to serve three 
months was made on the States of Massachu- 
setts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, 
and Ohio. Nearly 40,000 men were sent for- 
ward. On July 1st the President called for 
300,000 more volunteers for the war, and on 
August 9th for 300,000 for nine months, who 
were to be drafted unless they volunteered 
promptly. There was subsequently consider- 
able vacillation on the part of the Government 
in regard to the force to be raised under these 
two calls. In Pennsylvania a part of those 
enlisted under the first call were enlisted for 



274 



MILITARY AXD ITAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



t'welve months only ; in other States an excess 
raised under the first was allowed to be credited 
to the second; and in some instances an excess 
under the previous calls was allowed to count 
on these. There was very little drafting ; prob- 
ably up to February 1st, 1863, there were not 
10,000 drafted men in the army. This was 
mainly due to the great exertions made in the 
loyal States to promote volunteering, and the 
very liberal bounties offered by States, counties, 
cities, towns, and indi-\iduals, to those who 
would enUst. 

In the new Confederacy formed by the in- 
surrectionary States, the demand for men early 
became urgent. This arose in part from the 
short term of enlistment and a disposition on 
the part of large numbers to desert. On Feb- 
ruary 1st Mr. Davis called upon the States for 
an additional quota of men, and on April 16th 
the Congress at Richmond passed an act de- 
claring every man between the ages of eighteen 
and thirty -five years, with a few exceptions, to 
be a soldier owing ser^^ce to the Confederacy. 

On the 16th of April the conscript act, hav- 
ing passed both Houses of Congress, was ap- 
proved by the President. This act annulled aU 
previous contracts made with volunteers, and by 
cxphcit terms made all men under the age of 
thii-ty-five years and over eighteen years, sol- 
diers for the war, or until they attained the 
age of thirty-five years. It drew every male 
citizen within the prescribed ages immediately 
and entirely from the control of State action, 
and placed them at the disposal of the Presi- 
dent during the war. It also provided, " That 
all persons under the age of eighteen years, or 
over the age of thirty-five years, who are now 
enrolled in the military service of the Confed- 
erate States, in the regiments, squadrons, bat- 
tahons, and companies hereafter to be organ- 
ized, shall be required to remain in their re- 
spective companies, squadrons, battahons, and 
regiments for ninety days, unless their places 
shall be sooner supplied by other recrtiits, not 
now in the service, who are between the ages 
of eighteen and thirty-five years ; and all laws 
and part of laws provided for the reorganiza- 
tion of volunteers, and the organization thereof 
into companies, squadrons, battalions, and regi- 
ments, shall be, and the same are hereby re- 
pealed," 

The existing organization of companies, regi- 
ments, etc., was preserved, but the companies 
were required to be filled up to the number of 
one hundred and thirty-five men, When thus 
filled up, the privates had the privilege of 
electing their officers in the same manner as 
under former laws, but the commissions were 
issued by the President. The provision of the 
law annulling the contract with volunteers, and 
requiring those under eighteen years or over 
thirty-five to continue in service ninety days 
after its passage, without regard to their term 
of enhstment, was construed by these volun- 
teers as entitling them to a discharge on the 
16th of July. Previous to that date, however, 



an order was issued by the "War Department 
placing them on the same footing as conscripts, 
and requiring them to continue in the service. 
So extreme was this order that it retained in 
service all enlisted men without regard to the 
time of their enlistment or their ages. Thus 
youths of seventeen and men of fifty were not 
allowed to withdraw, nor any who were in the 
army at the time of the passage of the law. In 
a word, the law set aside all contracts, and the 
Government retained all soldiers in the field, 
and sought to add to them every man between 
the required ages. Not even physicians were 
exempted. Mr. Davis, in a 'letter to the Gov- 
ernor of Georgia, thus states the reason for this 
injustice to the volunteers : 

I would have very little diflBcultj in establishing to 
your entii'e satisfaction that the passage of the law was 
not only necessary, but that it was absolutely indis- 
pensable ; that numerous regiments of twelve months' 
men were on the eve of being disbanded, whose 
places would not be supplied by new levies in the 
face of superior numbers of the foe, without entailing 
the most disastrous results; that the position of our 
armies was so critical as to fill the bosom of every 
patriot with the liveliest apprehension, and that the 
provisions of the law were effective in warding off a 
pressing danger. 

The regulations for executing the law de- 
tailed an ofiicer in each State to take charge of 
the enrolment, mustering in, subsistence, trans- 
portation, and disposition of the recruits. The 
cooperation of State officers in making the 
enrolment was requested of the governors of 
the States, and in any case in which such 
assistance might be refused, the duty was per- 
formed by officers of the army. Not more 
than two camps of instruction were estabhshed 
in each State, where the recruits were made 
ready for the field with the utmost despatch. 
The recruits were not organized in force as 
separate bodies, but were sent to supply defi- 
ciencies in regiments, battalions, squadrons, or 
unattached companies, and, so far as practica- 
ble, in corps from their own region of country. 
Recruits were allowed to choose any corps to 
which they desired to be attached, in which 
vacancies existed. They could also join any 
corps, the formation of which had been author- 
ized by the Government. All twelve months' 
volunteers in service were requii'ed to reorgan- 
ize by the election of new officers within forty 
days after the act passed. Those who preferred 
a guerrilla service were authorized to form as 
partisan rangers by an act specially passed for 
that purpose. The operation of the act was 
suspended in Missouri and Kentucky, under a 
provision authorizing it to be done by the 
President. Troopsk from those States were 
received under the acts passed previous to the 
conscription law. Maryland was regarded as 
exempt from the law, as appears by the follow- 
ing from the Secretary of "War, dated April 26 : 

Major J. A. Weston : 

In reply to your letter of the l7th inst., you are 
respectfully informed that Marylanders are not sub- 
ject to the conscription act. 

G. W. KANDOLPH, Sec. of War. 



MILITARY AKD NAYAL HISTOPwY OF THE EEBELLION. 



275 



This extreme measure met -svith much oppo- 
sition on the part of the people in the Southern 
States. It Tvas an evidence, in itself, that the 
ardor of the people had ceased to he a safe 
medium of reliance in the conduct of the war. 
It was a measure which had never hefore been 
adopted in the States of the Union during any- 
previous war. It necessarily established a con- 
solidated government founded on military prin- 
ciples, and was thus spoken of by some of the 
Southern leaders : 

If it be absolutely necessary to save us from a con- 
quest by the North, we are willing to submit to it ; 
but we fear the public mind must prepare itself for a 
great change in our government. 

Mr. Davis, in the letter to Governor Brown, 
of Georgia, above mentioned, argued at much 
length that the act may be pronounced " con- 
stitutional" in spite of its seeming invasion of 
State rights, and said : 

There seems to me to be a conclusive test on that 
whole subject. By our constitution, Congress may 
declare war offensive as well as defensive. It may 
acquire territory. Now, suppose that, for good cause 
and to right unprovoked injuries. Congress should 
declare war against Mexico and invade Sonora. The 
militia could not be called forth in such case, the 
right to call it being limited " to repel invasion." Is 
it not plain that the law now under discussion, if 
passed under such circumstances, could by no possi- 
bility be aught else than a law to "raise an army" ? 
Can one and the same law be construed into a " call- 
ing forth the militia," if the war be defensive, and a 
" raising of armies " if the war be offensive ? 

At some future day, after our independence shall 
have been established, it is no improbable supposi- 
tion that our enemy may be tempted to abuse his 
moral power by depredations on our commerce, and 
that we may be compelled to assert our rights by 
offensive war. How is this to be carried on? Of 
what is the army to be composed ? If this Govern- 
ment cannot call on its arms-bearing population more 
than as militia, and if the militia can only be called 
forth to repel invasion, we should be utterly helpless 
to vindicate our honor or protect our rights. War 
has been well styled " the terrible litigation of na- 
tions." Have we so formed our government that in 
litigation we may never be plaintiff? Surely this 
cannot have been the intention of the framers of our 
compact ? 

A permanent form of Government was or- 
ganized in these States in February, 1862, of 
which the officers were as follows : 

President. — Jefferson Davis, of ilississippi. 

Vice-President. — Alex. H. Stephens, of Ga. 

The term of office for which they were 
elected was six years. The cabinet of Mr. 
Davis was composed as follows : 

Secretary of State. — J. P. Benjamin, of La. 

Secretary of TTa/-.— George W. Randolph, of 
Virginia. 

Secretary of the N'avy. — S. R. Mallory, of 
Florida. 

Secretary of the Treasury. — C. G. Memmin- 
ger, of South Carolina. 

Attorney- General. — ^Thomas H. "Watts. 

Postmaster- General. — James H. Reagan, of 
Texas. 

In Ifovember, 1862, the Secretary of War 
resigned, and James A. Seddon, of Vu-ginia, 
was appointed in his place. 



The finances of the Government soon began 
to indicate weakness. The main reliance was 
paper money, and depreciation began almost 
with the first issues. Cut off by the blockade 
from all commerce with foreign countries, their 
great stax)les, which would readily command 
gold in the markets of the world, perished on 
their hands. The receipts of the Government, 
including loans and paper issues, amounted in 
August, 1862, to $302,482,096, and the expend- 
itures $347,272,958. At this date the issues 
of currency amounted to $183,244,135. Bonds 
$41,577,240. "Whenever there was a danger of 
the capture of cotton by the Federal troops it 
was ordered by the Confederate Government 
to be burned. 

The navy department organized by the Gov- 
ernment at Richmond, not only devoted its 
energies to fit out iron-clad vessels in the ports 
of the States for harbor defence, but to procure 
armed vessels on the ocean. 

The early operations of the privateer Sumter 
have been stated on a previous page. Her 
career was closed in the year 1861 by the ref- 
uge of the vessel in Gibraltar, where, being 
unable to procure coal, she remained watched 
by the Federal ship Tuscarora. The Sumter 
was finally sold, and the Federal steamer left 
Gibraltar, January 13th, for the Spanish waters 
of Algesiras. The efforts of the Confederates 
were then turned to the formation of an exten- 
sive navy by purchasing vessels in England. 
It very soon became apparent that a number 
were in process of construction at the ship- 
yards near Liverpool, and the attention of the 
British Government was called to the fact, 
which became the basis of diplomatic corre- 
spondence. Early in April the American min- 
ister, Mr. Adams, addressed Earl Russell rela- 
tive to the Oreto, then in a forward state, and 
by general report destined for the rebel service. 
On her arrival at Nassau she was immediately 
seized by the captain of her Majesty's steamer 
Greyhound, but almost as quickly released. 
Shortly after she was seized again, but, after 
some difficulty, released again. The authorities 
appeared to have great doubts as to whether 
she was or was not intended for the Con- 
federate service. On one occasion, when the 
British gunboat Bulldog went to seize her, she 
was discharging shell. The Oreto, on the 4th 
of September, suddenly appeared off MobOe 
harbor, which was blockaded by a steamer 
under Commander George Henry Preble, whose 
instructions were emphatic against giving 
offence to foreign nations while enforcing the 
blockade. The Oreto approached flying the 
English flag and pennants. Commander Preble 
hesitated to fire lest the stranger should really 
prove an English man-of-war. The few mo- 
ments' time Tost in the hesitation sufficed for 
the Oreto to pass out of range and gain her 
object, getting safely into Mobile bay with her 
freight. For this want of success Commander 
Preble was summarily dismissed from the 
service without a hearing. 



276 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



On the 27th of December, the Oreto again 
left Mobile bay, fully armed for a cruise, under 
the command of John Newland MafEt, who 
was born in Ireland, and when quite young 
was brought to this country by his father, a 
celebrated preacher of the same name ; was 
appointed to the United States navy from the 
State of New York. He originally entered the 
naval service in the year 1832, and became a 
citizen of Georgia. 

After the sale of the Sumter her captain, 
Semmes, was active in England in building a 
now vessel, and it was soon ascertained that 
one was in a forward state for the Confed- 
erate service. Complaint was made to the 
British Government of infringement of the 
neutrality laws, and means were taken to pre- 
vent the departure of the vessel as she ap- 
proached completion. The orders came, how- 
ever, too late. Meantime a barque had loaded 
iri London with arms, and sailed from the 
Thames. The United States ship Tuscarora was 
at the same time watching for the Alabama to 
make her appearance, but she avoided her by 
taking the North Channel out. After a short run 
she arrived at the "Western Islands, giving an ex- 
cuse to the authorities for making harbor there. 
Soon after the barque arrived, alleging stress 
of weather. The Alabama at once hauled along- 
side of the barque, and cranes were rigged by 
the order of the Alabama's captain. When in 
readiness he began to transfer the cargo, and 
this infringement of quarantine rules excited 
the ire of the Portuguese authorities, but it was 
alleged that the bark was sinking and it was 
necessary to save the cargo. On the following 
day, when the transfer was nearly completed, 
the British screw steamer Bahama arrived, 
bringing Capt. Semmes and other late officers 
of the Sumter, the remainder of the armament, 
and 20 more of the crew. This arrival exhaust- 
ed the patience of the authorities, and all three 
vessels were ordered to leave at once. The 
Bahama handed over to the Alabama what 
was destined for her and left immediately, follow- 
ed by the "290" towing the bark. They went 
a few leagues to Angra bay and remained 24 
hours, when they were again ordered to leave, 
which they did, all being now in readiness. 
The bark left for Cardiff to load coal for the 
Alabama. Capt. Semmes then took command, 
mustered the crew, read his commission as 
post captain in the Confederate navy. It was 
a document duly attested at Richmond, and 
bore the signature of " Jefferson Davis, Presi- 
dent, Confederate States of America." He 
then opened and read his sealed orders from 
the President, directing him to assume com- 
mand of the Confederate sloop-of-war Alaba- 
ma, hitherto known as the 290, in which (hav- 
ing been duly commissioned) he was to hoist 
the Confederate ensign and pennant, and " sink, 
burn, and destroy everything which flew the 
ensign of the so-called United States of Ameri- 
ca." Captain Semmes then ordered the first 
lieutenant to fire a gun, and run up the Con- 



federate flag and pennant. The gun was fired 
by the second lieutenant (Armstrong, a relation 
of the famous inventor), and ere its smoke had 
cleared away, the stars and bars of the Con- 
federacy were floating on the breeze, and the 
ceremony was complete ; Captain Semmes de- 
clared the vessel, henceforth to be known as 
the Alabama, to have been duly commissioned. 
The next step was formally to engage the crew 
to serve and fight under the Southern flag, 
which having been done, the men were ad- 
dressed by their captain, who informed them 
that if any of the crew were dissatisfied they 
could leave in the Bahama about to take her 
departure for England. The offer was declined, 
the two vessels parted company, the Bahama 
for England and the Alabama in chase of a 
whaler. The operations of the vessel were 
very active. The following is a list of vessels 
captured and destroyed by her: 

Sept. 6, Ship Ocmulgee Edgartown, Burned. 

" 7, Schooner Starlight Boston, " 

" 9, Bark Alert 

" 9, Schooner "Weather Gauge Provincetown, " 

" 9, Bark Ocean Eover Mattapoisett, " 

" 13, Ship Benjamin Tucker.. New Bedford, " 

Bark Osceola '• 

Bark Virginia, Tilton.... " " » 

Ship Elisha Dunbar, Gif- 

ford " " « 

Brig Allanaaha Sippican, " 

Schooner Courser Provincetown, " 

Oct 8, Ship Brilliant, Hagar.... New York, " 

" 8, Ship Emily Earnham, 

Simms " " Keleased. 

" 10, Ship Tonawanda Philadelphia, Bonded. 

" 15, Ship Lamplighter New York, Burned. 

" 15, Ship Manchester " " '' 

" 15, Brig Dunkirk " " " 

" 23, Ship Lafayette, Small... " " « 

" 23, Schooner Ocean Cruiser. " " " 

" 26, Schooner Crenshaw " " '• 

" 28, Bark Laurietta, Wells... Boston, " 

" 29, Brig Baron de Castine, 

Saunders Bonded. 

Nov. 2, Schooner Alice 

" 8, Ship L B. Wales Boston, Burned. 

" 18, Steamer Ariel New York, Bonded. 

Ship Levi Starbuck 

" 30, Bark Parker Cook, Ful- 
ton Boston, Burned. 

Dec. 5, Schooner Union Baltimore, Bonded. 

Ship Lafayette had a cargo consisting of 13,869 bushels of 
wheat, 47,663 bushels of corn, and 16,850 lbs. of lard. 
Bark Lamplighter had a cargo of 800 hhds. of tobacco. 
Bark Laurietta had a cargo of 1,424 bbls. of flour, 225 kegs 
of nails, 99S bbls. of flour, 205 boxes of herring, and 7,200 
staves. 

Schooner Crenshaw had a cargo of 1,298 bbls. of flour and 
9,272 bushels of wheat. 

Ship Manchester had on board 45,141 bushels of wheat and 
14,666 bushels of corn. 

Brig Dunkirk had a cargo of 2,967 bbls. of flour and 6,000 
staves. 

Ship Tonawanda, her cargo being Insured in England, was 
released on giving a bond for $80,000. She had a cargo of 
48,700 bushels of wheat, 40 bbls. of flour, 86 hhds. of bark, 
172 cases of wine, 128 bales of hemp, and 50 bales of hops and 
rags. 

The course of the Alabama was to destroy, 
since under the regulations of foreign powers 
she had no means of landing and condemning 
her prizes. Her case is certainly a very pecu- 
liar one. She has neither register nor record, 
no regular ship's papers nor evidence of trans- 
fer, and no vessel captured by her has ever been 
sent into any port for adjudication and con- 
demnation. All forms of law which civiliza- 
tion has introduced to protect and guard pri- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



277 



vate rights, and all those regulations of public 
justice which distinguish and discriminate the 
legalized naval vessel from the pirate, are dis- 
regarded and violated by this famous rover, 
which, though built in and sailing from Eng- 
land, has no acknowledged flag or recognized 
nationality, nor any accessible port to which 
to send any ship she may seize, nor any legal 
tribunal to adjudge her captures. She was 
built and fitted out in British ports in alleged 
violation of British law and of the royal proc- 
lamation of neutrality, and her crew is com- 
posed almost exclusively of British subjects, or 
persons who, pursuing a lawful voyage, would 
be entitled to ship and receive protection as 
British seamen. Most of the crew sailed from 
Liverpool to join her, and others vokinteered 
from captured vessels, as in the case of the 
crew of the ship Brilliant. The prize money 
or half the value of the vessels and cargoes 
destroyed was, it was stated, regularly paid in 
money to the crew, who were thus large gain- 
ers, and their prosperity tempted the men of 
captured vessels, from which also supplies were 
procured. Among the first of the captured 
were the Virginia and the Elisha Dunbar. The 
statements of the captains of those vessels in- 
dicate the course pursued by the Confederate 
commander. 

Captain Tilton, of the Virginia, says that 
he was overhauled by the Alabama on the 
morning of the 17th of September, in lat. 39° 
10', and long. 34° 20'. The enemy showed 
British colors, but when a quarter of a mile 
from tho Virginia set Confederate colors, and 
sent an armed boat's crew on board. Captain 
Tilton was informed that he was a prize to the 
Alabama, and was ordered to take his papers 
and go on board that steamer. The Confeder- 
ates then stripped the ship of all the valuable 
articles on board, and at 4 p. m. set fire to tho 
vessel. Captain Tilton adds : 

I went on the quarter deck with my son, when they 
ordered me into the lee waist, with my crew, and all 
of us put in irons, with the exception of two boys, 
cook and steward. I asked if I was to be put in irons ? 
The reply was that his purser was put in irons and his 
head shaved by us, and that he was going to retaliate. 
We were put in the lee waist, with an old sail over us 
and a few planks to lie upon. 

The steamer was cruising to the west, and the next 
day they took the Elisha Dunbar, her crew receiving 
the same treatment as ourselves. The steamer's guns 
being kept run out the side ports could not be shut, 
and when the sea was a little rough or the vessel rolled, 
the water was continually coming in on both sides and 
washing across the deck where we were, so that our 
feet and clothing were wet all the time, either from the 
water below or the rain above. 

We were obliged to sleep in the place where we 
were, and often waked up in the night' nearly under 
water. Our fare consisted of beef and pork, rice, 
beans, tea and coffee, and bread. Only one of our 
irons was allowed to be taken off at a time, and we had 
to wash in salt water. We were kept on deck all the 
time, night and day, and a guard placed over us. 

The steamer continued to cruise to the northwest, 
and on the 3d of October fell in with the ships Brilliant 
and Emily Farnham — the former of which they burnt, 
and her crew, with ourselves, were transferred to the 
latter ship, after signing a parole. On the 6th instant 



was taken on board the brig Golden Lead, of Thomas- 
ton, Captain Smith, from Jersey for New York ; was 
treated with great kindness. 

Captain Gifford, of the Elisha Dunbar, stated 
as follows : 

On the morning of the 18th Sept., in lat. 39° 50', long. 
35° 20', with the wind from the southwest and the bark 
heading southeast, saw a steamer on our port quarter 
standing to the northwest. Soon after found she had 
altered her course and was steering for the bark. We 
soon made all sail to get out of her reach, and were 
going ten knots at the time ; but the steamer gaining 
on us under canvas alone, soon came up with us and 
fired a gun under our stern, with the St. George's cross 
flying at the time. Our colors were set, when she dis- 
played the Confederate flag; being near us, we hove 
to, and a boat with armed officers and crew came 
alongside, and upon coming on board, stated to me 
that my vessel was a prize to the Confederate steamer 
Alabama, Captain Semmes. I was then ordered on 
board the steamer with my papers, and the crew to 
follow me, with a bag of clothing each. On getting 
aboard, the captain claimed me as a prize, and said my 
vessel would be burnt. Not having any clothes with 
me, he allowed me to return for a ,small trunk of 
clothes — the ofiBcer on board asked me what I was 
coming back for, and tried to prevent me from coming 
on board. I told him I came after a few clothes, which 
I took and returned to the steamer. It blowing very 
hard at the time and very squally, nothing but the 
chronometer, sextant, charts, &c., were taken, when 
the vessel was set fire to and burnt ; there were 65 bar- 
rels sperm oil on deck, taken on the passage, which 
were consumed. We were all put in irons, and re- 
ceived the same treatment that Captain Tilton's officers 
and crew did, who had been taken the day before. 
While on board we understood that the steamer would 
cruise off the Grand Banks for a few weeks to destroy 
the large American ships to and from the Channel 
ports. They had knowledge of two ships being load- 
ed with arms for the United States, and were in hopes 
to capture them. They were particularly anxious to 
fall in with the clipper ship Dreadnought, and destroy 
her, as she was celebrated for speed ; and they were 
confident of their ability to capture or run away from 
any vessel in the United States. The steamer being 
in the track of outward and homeward bound vessels, 
and more or less being in sight every day, she wiil 
make great havoc among them. 

DAVID R. GIFFORD, 
Late Master of Bark Elisha Dunbar. 

The Brilliant was built in Boston in 1861, 
was 839 tons, and was valued at $80,000. The 
Confederate commander, in reply to the cap- 
tain of the Virginia, on protesting against his de- 
tention, stated : " You Northerners are destroy- 
ing our property, and New Bedford people are 
having their war meetings, oflEering $200 bounty 
for volunteers, and send out their stone fleets 
to block up our harbors, and I am going to re- 
taliate ! " The ofiicers were in some cases 
ironed in accordance with this view of retalia- 
tion. The number of prisoners had now in- 
creased to 68, and these were placed on board 
the Emily Farnham, which was captured on 
the same day as the Brilliant, and released be- 
cause the ship's papers showed the cargo to be 
on English account. The large number of 
prisoners exceeded the accommodations of the 
vessel, and eight of the number were put on 
board the brig Golden Lead. The Alabama 
landed 170 prisoners at the Island of Flores. 
Her action in relation to British ownership 
seemed to be a little eccentric. When the ship 



278 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Lafayette was captured, Capt. Small produced 
his British consular certificate and remarked 
lie supposed that would be sufliicient protection. 
Captain Semmes replied, " The New York peo- 
ple are getting very smart, but it won't save 
you ; it's all a hatched up mess." He then gave 
orders to burn the ship. It was the case that 
the property of a large circle of merchants 
known to Capt. Semmes was respected much 
more scrupulously than that of strangers. It 
is obvious that, as 290 merchants were subscrib- 
ers to build the Alabama, any of their names 
upon a manifest would be a safe passport. 

When the news of these depredations reached 
New York great excitement was created. The 
insurance companies advanced the war risks. 
British consular certificates were in demand, 
and freights were placed in British bottoms 
rather than American. The New York Cham- 
ber of Commerce held a meeting in relation to 
the matter, on the 21st day of October, and a 
series of resolutions were adopted. 

Captain C. H. Marshall submitted the follow- 
ing letter from the Secretary of the Navy : 

Navt Department, "Waseington, 1862. 

SiE : I received your letter of the 14th instant, also 
your letter of yesterday, referring to it, inquiring, as 
the chairman of a special committee of the Chamber 
of Commerce, what measures have been taken to cap- 
ture the rebel pirate Alabama, and also whether the 
Government will grant commissions to private vessels, 
if fitted out under promise of reward by citizens, for 
that purpose. An earlier reply to the inquiry of the 
committee has been unavoidably delaj'ed. The depart- 
ment has several vessels in search of the Alabama, in 
addition to the flying squadron of Acting Rear Ad- 
miral Wilkes in the West Indies, and other ships of 
war on the European coast. Additional force will be 
despatched in this service as early as practicable. 
There is no authority for granting commissions to pri- 
vate vessels to search for the Alabama or other pirati- 
cal vessels or privateers. I am, respectfully, your 
obedient servant, 

GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. 

C. H. Marshall, Esq., Chairman. 

The events also produced some excitement 
in England. The vessels destroyed and threat- 
ened were those sailing under the Federal 
flag. But vessels so sailing have hitherto 
carried more property of British owners than 
of any others. And as Capt. Semmes burns 
vessels and cargoes without distinction, and 
the cargo is commonly much more valuable 
than the vessel, the English, as a neutral na- 
tion, have hitherto been, probably, the chief 
sufferers. Time, of course, soon changed this 
aspect of the case. Vessels under the Federal 
flag became by so much less eligible for safe 
conveyance ; and, though a corresponding pre- 
mium of insurance avUI always cover the war 
risk, it in this case so enhanced the ordinary 
charges as to put Federal vessels to a very 
serious disadvantage in the market of freight ; 
thus affording some compensation to English 
interests. 

An attempt was made to obtain redress from 
the Confederate Government for British losses 
in the manner indicated in the following cor- 
respondence : 



To his Excellency tTie British Minister, WasJungton ; 
PniLADELPUiA, Nov. 7 1862. 

Excellency: As a British subiect and a shipper 
of merchandise upon the ship Tonawanda, lately 
overhauled by the Confederate war steamer Alabama, 
I beg most respectfully to call your attention to thia 
matter. 

The Tonawanda, as you are no doubt aware, was re- 
leased from capture, and allowed to proceed on her 
voyage under a bond of $60,000, as a ransom, and this 
sum will be rated upon ship and cargo by the average 
staters, on her arrival in Liverpool. 

I respectfully suggest that your Excellency make 
application to the Government of the Confederate 
States that consent be given that all sums so rated 
upon property belonging bona fide to British subjects 
be remitted, and that the same shall be deducted from 
amount of said bond of $(30,000, with similar proceed- 
ings in all such cases as may arise. 

I have also merchandise on board the ship Lancas- 
ter, American, now in this port, and advertised to sail 
on Tuesday next. To my bills of lading, which the 
captain takes with him, I have attached the British 
consul's certificate that the property belongs to British 
subjects ; but, as it is feared that this may not be suffi- 
cient to save from destruction, in the event of capture, 
I beg that your Excellency will be so good as to fur- 
nish me with a letter protesting, as the highest British 
authority in this country, agamst the destruction of 
British merchandise, to be used by the captain of the 
Lancaster, if necessary. Any cost attending such let- 
ter I will gratefully pay, and trust your Excellency 
will think that I only do right in seeking to protect * 
my friends in England from loss, for whom i have 
shipped these goods, by appealing thus to our own 
Government. 

It will mitigate the horrors of this war if your Ex- 
cellency shall succeed in preventing the destruction of 
ships holding certificates of British property, and it 
will be but just that British merchants should be ex- 
empt from contributing to the ransom of ships and 
merchandise belonging to belligerents. I cannot but 
think that your Excellency's protest, which I ask for, 
will be respected on the seas, and also that the Con- 
federate Government will readily grant the exemption 
desired. 

Your immediate action in these matters will, I feel 
certain, be satisfactory to yourself, and will be hailed 
with much gratitude by British merchants every- 
where, and meet with the approval of the home Gov- 
ernment. 

I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obe- 
dient servant, W. H. TKENWITH. 

"Washington, Nov. 3, 1S63. 
VT. 11. Trenwith, Esq., Philadelphia; 

Sir : I have received your letter of the 7th instant, 
in which you suggest that I should make an applica- 
tion to the Government of the so-styled Confederate 
States with reference to the ransom of British prop- 
erty on board American vessels, in consequence of the 
recent proceedings of the war steamer Alabama; and 
that I should furnish you with a letter of protest, 
for the purpose of protecting some merchandise which 
you have shipped on board the American ship Lan- 
caster. 

While greatly regretting the risk to which British 
property is exposed by being shipped in belligerent 
vessels, it is not in my power to accede to either of 
your suggestions. 

You are aware that the so-styled Confederate States 
have not been recognized by her Majesty the Queen, 
and for that reason I shall not be justified in entering 
into communication with the Government of those 
States, except under special instructions from her Maj- 
esty's Government. Neither do I feel at liberty to sup- 
ply you antecedently with the protest which you desire, 
having no authority to issue such a document, and 
seeing no reason to believe that it would insure a more 
effective protection to your goods upon the high seas 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



279 



than the consular certificate, with which you seem to have supplied 
yourself. 

I am, Sir, your obedient servant, W. STUART. 

On the 18th of November the Alabama fell in with the 
steamship Ariel, on her way from New York to Aspin- 
wall. The steamer was bonded and allowed to proceed 
with her passengers; but the alarm occasioned by her 
seizure prevented her from bringing back her usual freight 
of gold. A United States gunboat was sent to bring it. 
In the mean time, however, it arrived by the next boat 
of the company. A number of armed vessels were sent 
out to cruise in the track of the Alabama, without much 
success. The Yanderbilt sailed from New York for Fayal, 
December 11. Two other steamers left New York, one 
from Boston, one from Philadelphia, and one from Ports- 
mouth, N. H, None of these were, however, of sufficient 
speed. The U. S. frigate Sabine, Com. Cadwalader Ring- 
gold, left New London, November 3, in search of the 
Alabama. Arrived at the Azores November 28. Sailed 
thence December 2, and arrived at Cape de Verde De- 
cember 23, and left there January 2. Absent 100 days, 
cruising 93 days, and sailed 10,000 miles in vain. 

The Alabama meantime, having captured the Ariel on 
the 18th, arrived on the 26th, two days before the Sabine 
reached the Azores, at Martinique, where she took in coal 
from a British bark. The United States steamer San 
Jacinto, at the same date, was off St. Thomas watching 
for the Alabama, which on the 30th captured the Parker, 
Cook, off the Moro Passage. December 5 she captured 
the Union off Cape Mais, and was off Havana December 
31. Thus she does not appear to have left the American 
coast, while the Vanderbilt and other vessels sent in 
search were seeking her elsewhere. In some cases the 
Alabama released her prizes on a ransom bill being sign- 
ed by the captain, and agreeing to pay a sum of money 
after the close of the war. By the general law of nations 
these bills or contracts are recognized as between bel- 
ligerents, and a captain may by his contract bind his 
owners, the whole cargo as well as the ship. Those ran- 
soms were forbidden by the English Government under 
George III, but have never been prohibited by the United 
States. 

The theory of ransom is that it is a repurchase of the 
actual right of the captors at the time the bill or bond is 
given, be that what it may ; or, more properly, it is a re- 
linquishment of aU the interest or benefit which the cap- 
tors might acquire or consummate in the property by 
regular adjudication of a prize tribunal, whether it may 
be in the interest of the ship and cargo, or a lien on the 
same, or a mere title to expenses. These ransom bills are, 
by rules of international law, an exception to the general 
doctrine that no contract with an enemy is valid. 

In the case of the ransom bill given by the Ariel, it 
seems not to be payable till six months after the recogni- 
tion of the Southern Confederacy. If then, that con- 
tingency should happen, what court would have jurisdic- 
tion to enforce the agreement ? Primarily, all questions 
of prize belong to the tribunals of the capturing power ; 
and foreign tribunals will not interfere, unless where 
their territorial rights have been violated. Ransoms be- 
long to the same jurisdiction, and may there be enforced 
or set aside, as the facts disclose a good or bad prize. 
It is, however, competent for the captors to change the 
forum in cases of ransom, and apply for redress in any 
country where the person of the owner of the Ariel may 
be found, or the ship itself. 



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280 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



On the 11th of January, 1863, ahout 3 p. m., 
as the Federal squadron, consisting of the 
steamers Brooklyn, Hatteras, and five others, 
was cruising off Galveston, a vessel hove in 
sight at the southeast, which the Hatteras was 
ordered to proceed to and learn her character. 
As she came in sight she appeared to the 
officers of the Hatteras to be endeavoring to 
escape. Just after dark the officers of the Hat- 
teras could perceive that she was bark rigged, 
and set a topgallant sail; and, as they ap- 
proached, found her lying to, under steam. 
The crew of the Hatteras were at quarters, and 
Capt, Blake hailed and asked what ship it was. 
The answer was, " Her Britannic Majesty's ship 
Spitffi-e." Oapt. Blake replied that he would 
send a boat aboard. The Alabama ranged a 
little ahead, her officer declaring that she was 
the Confederate steamer Alabama, and imme- 
diately opened fire on the Hatteras It was 
returned by the Hatteras, and both started 
ahead under a full head of steam, exchanging 
broadsides as fast as they could load and fire, 

The heavy guns of the Alabama soon dis- 
abled the Hatteras, so that it vfas impossible 
to keep her afloat. Two guns were tired to the 
leeward, the contest ceased, and the officers and 
crew of the Hatteras, which soon sunk, were 
taken to Kingston, Jamaica, and paroled. 

The following were the pi-incipal officers of 
the Alabama : Captain, Raphael Semmes ; First 
Lieutenant and Executive Officer, J. M. Kell; 
Second Lieutenant, R. T. Armstrong; Third 
Lieutenant, J. D. Wilson; Fourth Lieutenant, 
J. Low ; Sailing Master, Arthur St. Clair ; Sur- 
geon, F. M. Gait; Assistant Surgeon, R. H. 
Lewelien ; Lieutenant of Marines, B. K. How- 
ell; Engineer, Michael Freeman; Paymaster, 
C. T. Young (since discharged) ; Midshipmen, 
Maffit (son of Capt. Maffit, of the Oreto), St. 
Clair, Bullock, and Anderson. 

The diplomatic correspondence which took 
place between the Government of the United 
States and that of Great Britain, relative to 
these vessels, it may not be out of place here to 
notice, especially as the subject may at some 
period be again discussed between the two 
nations. •» 

On the 18th of February, 1862, Mr. Adams 
writes to Earl Russell that he had been informed 
of the preparation at Liverpool of an armed 
steamer, evidently intended for hostile opera- 
tions on the ocean. In reply. Earl Russell 
stated that the commissioners of the customs at 
Liverpool reported that she was built for certain 
parties in Liverpool, and intended for the use 
of Thomas, Brothers, of Palermo, one of whom 
had fi-equently visited the vessel during the 
process of building ; that she had taken nothing 
on board but coal and ballast ; that she was not 
fitted for the reception of guns, nor were the 
builders aware that she was to be supplied with 
guns while she remained in England, and the 
collector at Liverpool stated that he had every 
reason to believe that the vessel was for the 
Italian Government — also that special direc- 



tions had been given to the officers at Liverpool 
to watch the movements of the vessel. Mr. 
Adams subsequently writes to Mr. Seward: 
" The nominal destination of the Oreto to 
Sicily is the only advantage which appears to 
have been derived from my attempt to procure 
the interference of the Government to stop her 
departure." 

On the 25th of March Mr. Adams writes 
again to Earl Russell, enclosing a letter from 
the American Consul at Liverpool, stating cer- 
tain facts relative to the Oreto. Mr. Adams 
says: "It is with great reluctance that I am 
driven to the conviction that the representations 
made to your lordship of the purposes and des- 
tination of that vessel were delusive, and that 
though at first it may have been intended for 
service in Sicily, yet that such an intention has 
been long since abandoned in fact, and the pre- 
tence has been held up only the better to con- 
ceal the true object of the parties engaged. 
That object is to make war on the United 
States. AH the persons thus far known to be 
most connected with the undertaking are either 
directly employed by the insurgents in the 
United States of America, or residents of Great 
Britain, notoriously in sympathy with, and giv- 
ing aid and comfort to them on this side of the 
water." 

On the 8th of April Earl Russell replied to 
Mr. Adams, enclosing a report from the Lords 
Commissioners of her Majesty's Treasury, which 
states that the Oreto was registered on the 3d 
of March in the name of John Henry Thomas, 
of Liverpool, as sole owner; that she cleared 
on the following day for Palermo and Jamaica 
in ballast, but did not sail xmtil the 22d, having 
a crew of fifty-two men, aU British with the 
exception of three or four, one of whom was an 
American. She had no gunpowder, nor even a 
signal gun, and no colors save Marryatt's code 
of signals and a British ensign, nor any goods 
on board excepting the stores enumerated in an 
accompanying copy of her victualling bill. 

On the 15th of April a conference took place 
between Mr. Adams and Earl Russell. Its close 
is thus stated by the former : 

In the case of the Oreto, upon which I had addressed 
a note to him, he had directed an investigation to be 
made and the authorities at Liverpool had reported 
that there was no ground for doubting the legality 
of her voyage. 

■ I replied that this was exactly what gave such un- 
pleasant impressions to us in America. The Oreto, 
by the very paper furnished from the custom-house, 
was shown to be laden with a hundred and seventy 
tons of arms, and to have persons called troops on 
board, destined for Palermo and Jamaica. The very 
statement of the case was enough to show what was 
really intended. The fact of her true destination was 
notorious all over Liverpool. No commercial people 
were blind to it. And the course taken by her Maj- 
esty's oflScers in declaring ignorance only led to an 
inference most unfavorable to all idea of their neu- 
trality in the struggle. It wj^ just such action as 
this that was making the difficulties of our Govern- 
ment in the way of giving the facilities to the supply 
of cotton, which they hoped to furnish in a short time 
if the whole control of means to put an end to the 
contest was left to them. 



MILITARY AND In'AVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



281 



His lordship concluded by a polite expression of 
regret at these circumstances, at the same time that 
be could not see how the Government could change 
its position. 

The assertion of Mr. Adams relative to troops, 
&c., is not sustained by the copy of the paper 
from the custom house contained in the diplo- 
matic correspondence. The only part referring 
to troops and guns is as follows : " Men, 52 ; pas- 
sengers or troops, ; guns, ; 178 tons." 

Again, on the 26th of June, Mr. Seward writes 
to Mr. Adams that a gunboat called the Oreto, 
built in England for the service of the insur- 
gents, with ports and bolts for twenty guns, 
and other equipments, arrived at Nassau ; and 
that the United States Consul, on the basis of 
the facts relative to her, made a protest upon 
the subject and she was seized by the authori- 
ties. She was, however, released soon after, on 
the arrival at Nassau of Capt. Semraes, late of 
the Sumter, and was about to start on a priva- 
teering cruise. This release by the authorities 
of Nassau, Mr. Seward was instructed by the 
President to protest against, as it seemed to be 
particularly at variance with her Majesty's pro- 
clamation of neutrality — and to ask the consid- 
eration of her Majesty's Government upon the 
proceeding as one calculated to alarm the Gov- 
ernment and people of the United States. The 
subject was duly brought to the notice of Earl 
Russell, who, on the 29th of August, replied 
that the Oreto had been seized at Nassau, and 
was to be tried before the admiralty court for 
a breach of the foreign enlistment act. This 
was accompanied by the statements of the col- 
lector, surveyor and inspector of the port of 
Liverpool, and the affidavit of the pilot, that the 
vessel, when she went to sea, had no munitions 
of war in her, that is, guns, carriages, shot, shell, 
or powder. 

No further reference is made to the Oreto in 
this correspondence, but the 290, or Alabama, 
is introduced as a more formidable object. On 
the 23d of June, Mr. Adams writes to Earl Rus- 
sell, saying : — " I am now under the painful 
necessity of apprising your lordship that a new 
and still more powerful war steamer is nearly 
ready for departure from the port of Liverpool 
on the same errand as the Oreto. This vessel 
has been built and launched from the dockyard 
of persons, one of whom is now sitting as a 
member of the House of Commons, and is 
fitting out for the especial and manifest object 
of carrying on hostilities by sea." Accompa- 
nying this was a letter from the United States 
Consul at Liverpool in confirmation of these 
and other statements. 

The subject was immediately referred to the 
Lords Commissioners of her Majesty's treasury, 
who, on the 1st of July, report that the fitting 
out of the vessel had not escaped the notice of 
the revenue officers, but that as yet nothing 
had transpired concerning her which had ap- 
peared to demand a special report. The vessel 
was intended for a ship of war, reported to be 
built for a foreign government, but as yet had 



neither guns nor carriages on board, and the 
builders did not appear disposed to reply to 
any questions respecting the destination of the 
vessel after she left Liverpool. Their solicitor, 
however, reported his opinion that there was 
not at that time sufficient ground to warrant 
the detention of the vessel, or any interference 
by the department. The Consul at Liverpool 
was then instructed by Mr. Adams to lay his 
evidence before tlie Commissioners. At the 
same time, he called Capt. Craven, in command 
of the U. S. gunboat Tuscarora, to Southamp- 
ton. To Capt. Craven was given all the infor- 
mation respecting the objects and destination of 
the 290 in possession of Mr. Adams, who advised 
him to take such measures as might in his opin- 
ion be effective to intercept her on her way out. 

Meanwhile evidence was procured of the 
character and objects of the vessel by the U. S. 
Consul at Liverpool, which, in the opinion of a 
Queen's solicitor, was sufficient to justify the 
collector of the port in seizing the vessel, and 
laid before the commissioners. While the 
subject was under their consideration the 290 
sailed from Liverpool, without register or clear- 
ance. The captain of the Tuscarora was im- 
mediately notified by Mr. Adams and he started 
in pursuit. Earl Russell, in a conference with 
Ml". Adams, stated that a delay in determining 
upon the case had most unexpectedly been 
caused by the sudden development of a malady 
of the Queen's advocate, Sir John D. Harding, 
totally incapacitating him for the transaction 
of business. This had made it necessary to call 
in other parties, whose opinion had been at last 
given for the detention of the gunboat, but before 
the order got to Liverpool the vessel was gone. 
He should however send directions to have her 
seized if she went, as was probable, to Nassau. 

On the 30th of Sept. Mr. Adams wrote to 
Earl Russell, relating the injuries done by the 
290 or Alabama, saying, " I have strong reasons 
to believe that stUl other enterprises of the 
same kind are in progress in the ports of Great 
Britain at this time. Indeed they have attained 
so much notoriety, as to be openly announced 
in the newspapers of Liverpool and London." 
Earl Russell, acknowledging the letter, in reply 
said: "I have to state to you that, much as 
her Majesty's Government desii-e to prevent 
such occurrences, they are unable to go beyond 
the law, municipal and international. 

On the 16th of October Mi*. Adams writes 
home to Mr. Seward that, " It is very manifest 
that no disposition exists here to apply the 
powers of the Government to the investigation 
of the acts complained of, flagrant as they are, 
or to the prosecution of the offenders. The 
main object must now be to make a record 
which may be of use at some future day." 

Among the papers laid before Earl Russell 
by Mr. Adams was an affidavit of a person who 
sailed from Liverpool in the 290, stating that 
arms were furnished to her in or near Augra 
Bay, part of the Azores. To which Earl Rus- 
sell replies that the transaction does not appear 



282 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



to have talcen place in. any part of the United 
Kingdom, or of her Majesty's dominions, hut in 
part of the Portuguese dominions. No offence, 
therefore, cognizable by the laws of the coun- 
try, appears to have been committed by the 
parties engaged in the transaction. Respect- 
ing a statement in a letter of the American 
consul at Liverpool, that a bark was to take out 
a cargo of coals, either from Cardiff or Troon, 



near Greenock, for the 290, Eai'l Russell re- 
plies that " there would be great difficulty in 
ascertaining the intention of any parties making 
such a shipment, and we do not apprehend that 
our officers would have any power of interfer- 
ing with it, were the coals cleared outward for 
some foreign port in comphance with the law." 
No further correspondence relative to the 290 
and the Oreto took place during 1862. 



CHAPTEE XXIII. 

Guerrillas in Kentucky — Invasion of the State by Gen. E. Kirby Smith — Gen. Buell falls back from Tennessee as Gen Bragg 
advances toward Kentucky — Movements in Kentucky — Battle at Pcrryville — Retreat of Gen. Bragg — Cumberland Gap 
— Invasion of West Virginia — Operations in Mississippi — Battle of luka — Battle at Corinth— Eetreat of the Enemy — 
Expedition of Gen. llovey — Gen. Eosecrans takes command in Tennessee — Position of Gen. Bragg's Forces — Battle of 
Stone Eiver. 



Early in June the guerrilla operations became 
troublesome in some of the lower counties of 
Kentucky. At Madisonville, in Hopkins coun- 
ty, a descent was made by a small body of 
them at night. The county clerk's office was 
broken open and the records of the court car- 
ried off or destroyed. In other cases horses 
and other property were taken. Their own 
friends, equally with Union citizens, were rob- 
bed. In Jessamine, Mercer, Boyle, and Gar- 
rard counties bridges over the streams were 
burned. On the 5th of July Lebanon was 
taken. It is at the termination of the Lebanon 
branch of the Louisville and Nashville road. 
About the same time Murfreesborough in Ten- 
nessee was captured by a strong guerrilla force 
under Col. Forrest. Vigorous opposition was 
however made by the small body of Federal 
troops stationed there. The 9th Michigan 
regiment was captured entirely by surprise, 
with Brig.-Generals Duffield and Crittenden, 
of Indiana. On the 18th of July an attack 
was made by Col. John Morgan on a small 
Federal force stationed at Cynthiana, Ky. 
Subsequently he was overtaken near Paris by 
Gen, Green C. Smith and defeated. About 
the same time Henderson was occupied by citi- 
zens of Kentucky and other States, acting the 
part of guerrillas, and the hospital and other 
stores carried oft". At the same time Newburg, 
in Indiana, on the Ohio River, was occupied by 
a band from Kentucky. They soon, however, 
left. The activity of the bands under Col. 
Morgan produced a great excitement in the in- 
terior of the State. Many towns were visited 
and much plunder obtained. It had been his 
conviction that large numbers of the citizens 
would flock to his standard. In this he was 
greatly mistaken, and the indifference and hos- 
tility of the people, together with the prepara- 
tions to resist him, checked his movements. 
Active operations continued in Tennessee, 
whither Col. Morgan retired. Clarksville was 
captured with its military stores. 

The increase of guerrilla operations in Ken- 
tucky about the 1st of September, with the 



manifestations of the existence of a Confederate 
force, indicated some hostile movements. It 
was soon known that the Confederate general 
E. Kirby Smith was approaching from KnoxvUle 
in Tennessee. On the 22d of August he left 
Jacksborough with a train of one hundred and 
fifty wagons, and passed through Big Creek 
Gap. So difficult were some parts of the route 
in Tennessee that for two or three days the 
rear of the trains was only able to reach at 
night the point from which the advance started 
in the morning. Rations failed, and the men 
were obliged for several days to subsist on 
green corn. Hungry, thirsty, footsore, and 
choking with dust, his men marched steadily 
on to a land of plenty. The ordnance stores 
were brought safely through without the loss 
of a wagon. On Saturday, August 30, a battle 
took place between his forces and a Federal 
force near Richmond, Ky., in which the latter 
were defeated. Richmond is the capital of 
Madison County, situated about fifty miles 
south-southeast of Frankfort, the capital of 
the State. The Federal force there consisted 
of one Ohio regiment and five Indiana regi- 
ments and part of a sixth, two Kentucky regi- 
ments, all raw troops, and a squadron of Ken- 
tucky cavalry, under the command of Brig.- 
Gens. Mahlon D. Manson and Crufts, with nine 
field pieces. It made an attack upon this Con- 
federate column under Gen. Smith at Rogers- 
vUle about four miles from Richmond, and after 
a severe battle, continuing from six o'clock in 
the morning until night, it was entirely defeat- 
ed, with a large number killed and wounded 
and with the loss of eight field pieces. Gen. 
Nelson, who had come from Lexington, arrived 
at the commencement of the retreat, and en- 
deavored to rally the troops, was wounded and 
obliged to retire. At that time the Legislature 
of the State was in session, and it met on Sun- 
day evening, and passed resolutions adjourning 
to Louisville, &c. The archives of the State 
and about one million of treasure from the 
banks of Richmond, Lexington, and Frankfort 
were transferred during the night to Louisville. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



283 



At the same time the governor of the State is- 
sued the following proclamation : 

Feakkfoet, Ky., August 31, 1862. ' 
To the People of Kentucky : 

A crisis nas arisen in the history of the common- 
wealth which demands of every loyal citizen of Ken- 
tucky prompt and efficient action. The State has been 
invaded by an insolent foe, her honor insulted, her 
peace disturbed, and her integrity imperilled. The 
small but gallant army, raised upon the emergency of 
the occasion for her defence, under the brave and chiv- 
alric Nelson, has met with a temporary reverse, and 
the enemy is advancing for the accomplishment of his 
purpose — the subjugation of the State. He must be 
met and driven from our border, and it is in your 
power to do so. I, therefore, as Governor of the Com- 
monwealth, deem it my duty to call upon every loyal 
citizen of Kentucky to rally to the defence of the State; 
not a moment is to be lost. I appeal to you as Ken- 
tuckians, as worthy sons of those who rescued the dark 
and bloody ground from savage barbarity, by the mem- 
ories of the past of your history, and by the future of 
your fame, if you are but true "to yourselves, to rise in 
the majesty ot your strength and drive the insolent in- 
vader of your soil from vour midst. Now is the time 
for Kentuckians to defend themselves. Each man 
must constitute himself a soldier, arm himself as best 
he can, and meet the foe at every step of his advance. 
The day and the hour, the safety of your homes and 
firesides, patriotism and duty, alike demand that you 
rush to the rescue. I call upon the people, then, to 
rise up as one man, and strike a blow for the defence 
of their native land, their property, and their homes. 
Kally to the standard, wherever it may be nearest, 
place yourselves under the commanders, obey orders, 
trust to your own right arm and the God of battle, and 
the foe will be driven back, discomfited and annihilat- 
ed. To arms ! to arms ! ! and never lay them down 
till the Stars and Stripes float in triumph throughout 
Kentucky. I but pertorm my duty in thus summon- 
ing you to the defence of your State, and I am assured 
that it will be promptly responded to. I promise that 
I will share with you the glory of the triumph which 
surely awaits you. 

Done in the city of Frankfort, this 31st day of Au- 
gust, 1802. 

(Signed) JAMES F. ROBINSON. 

By the Governor, 
D. C. WiCKLiFFE, Secretary of State. 

On the 2d the Confederate advance guard 
entered Lexington. All the Government stores 
had heen previously safely removed. The stock 
of horses and mules had also heen sent oflT, and 
all the cars withdrawn from the railroad. 

In explanation of the object of the invasion, 
Gen. Smith issued the following proclamation : 

Kentuckians : The army of the Confederate States 
has again entered your territory under my command. 

Let no one make you believe we come as invaders, 
to coerce your will, or to exercise control over your 
soil. Far from it. The principle we maintain is, that 
government derives its just powers from the consent 
of the governed. 

I shall enforce the strictest discipline, in order that 
the property of citizens and non-combatants may be 
protected. I shall be compelled to procure subsistence 
for my troops among you, and this shall be paid for. 

Kentuckians : We come not as invaders, but libera- 
tors. "We invoke the spirit of your resolutions of 
1798. We come to arouse you from the lethargy 
which enshrouds your free thought, and forebodes the 
political death of your State. 

We come to test the truth of what we believe to be a 
foul aspersion, that Kentuckians willingly join the at- 
tempt to subjugate us, and to deprive us of our proper- 
ty, our liberty, and our dearest rights. 

We come to strike off the chains which are riveted 
upon you. We call upon you to unite your arms, and 



join with us in hurling back from our fair and sunny 
plains the Northern hordes who would deprive us of 
our liberty, that they may enjoy our substance. 

Are we deceived? Can you treat us as enemies' 
Our hearts answer NO 1 E. KIRBY SMITH, 

Major-General C. S. A. 

On the 6th Frankfort, the capital of the 
State, was quietly occupied by about fifteen 
hundred Confederate cavalry. The govern- 
ment of the city was reorganized, and recruit- 
ing stations opened. The guerilla force, under 
Col. Morgan, also joined Gen. Smith. 

Meanwhile, on the first approach of the Con- 
federate force toward Lexington, excitement 
commenced in Cincinnati, and preparations for 
defence began to be made. Gen. Lewis "Wal- 
lace took command of Cincinnati, Covington, 
and Newport on the 1st of September. Mar- 
tial law was declared, and on the next day all 
places of business in Cincinnati were ordered 
to be closed at nine o'clock in the morning, and 
the citizens were required to assemble at ten 
o'clock and organize for defence. The street 
railroad cars were stopped, and no male citizen 
was allowed to leave. Preparations to throw 
up intrenchments and to fortify the city were 
immediately commenced. This excitement ex- 
tended into the interior of the State and into 
the adjoining State of Indiana. The governor 
of Ohio issued the following proclamation: 

Cincinnati, September 2, 1862. 
To the loyal People of the River Counties : 

Our southern border is threatened with invasion. I 
have, therefore, to recommend that all the loyal men 
of your counties at once form themselves into military 
companies and regiments to beat back the enemy at 
any and all points he may attempt to invade our State. 
Gather up all the arms in the country, and furnish 
yourselves with ammunition for the same. The ser- 
vice will be of but few days' duration. The soil of 
Ohio must not be invaded by the enemies of our glori- 
ous Government. DAVID TOD, Governor. 

About the 10th of June Gen. Buell left Corinth 
with the main body of his army for Chattanoo- 
ga. On reaching Huntsville he appointed Gen. 
Rousseau to command the division of his army 
previously under Gen. Mitchell, and completely 
reorganized the state of aft'airs in that part 
of his department. Depredations by soldiers 
were stopped, discipline restored, and order 
established. His army then took positions 
at Battle Creek, Huntsville, and McMinnville. 
At the same time the Confederate general Bragg 
massed his army at Chattanooga and Knoxville. 
This was done by suddenly moving his force 
from Tupello, in Mississippi, through the States 
of Alabama and Georgia, and thus reaching 
Chattanooga in advance of Gen. Buell. It was 
divided into three corps under Maj. -Gens. "Wm. 
J. Hardee, Leonidas Polk, and E. Kirby Smith, 
each of which numbered about fifteen thousand 
men. The two former of these ofiicers had 
been at Corinth, and their forces consisted of 
some of the troops which evacuated that place, 
increased by new levies under the conscription 
law. The division of Gen. Smith was stationed 
at Knoxville, where it safely remained while 
Chattanooga was occupied by the corps of 



284 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOET OF THE EEBELLION. 



Gens. Hardee and Polk. Gen. Smith moving 
from Knosville succeeded in flankmg the J^ ed- 
eral general G. W. Morgan, and with no battle of 
any consequence, except at Tazewell, effected 
the design of getting into his rear, and thence 
advanced into Kentucky as above stated. Ihe 
next movement was made by the other two 
corps, for the purpose of forming a junction 
with Gen. Smith after he had reached Lexing- 
ton. Accordingly, on the 21st of August, Gen. 
Bragg crossed the Tennessee river at Harrison, 
a few miles above Chattanooga, and turning the 
left of Gen. Buell he marched westward by the 
mountain road to Dunlap, which he reached on 
the 2nh. His force then consisted of five regi- 
ments of cavalry, thirty-six of infantry, with 
forty pieces of field artillery. Thence he moved 
upthe Sequatchie Valley, and reached Pikeville 
on the 30th. On the same day he threw a large 
force forward toward McMinnville, the capital 
of Warren county, Tennessee, and seventy-five 
miles southeast of Nashville. The Confederate 
cavalry advanced far toward McMinnvdle, and 
one or two smart skirmishes took place with 
the Federal cavalry thrown forward from that 
point In the mean time the rest of the Con- 
federate army moved northeast toward Cross- 
ville, and on the 1st of September reached the 
mountains at that place, haying ascended the 
Grassy Cave road, while the force thrown to- 
ward McMinnville was suddenly withdrawn 
and followed the main army. On the 5th ot 
September this Confederate force entered Ken- 
tucky, and moved on toward Bowling Green. 
On the 13th of September an advance of this 
force appeared before MunfordsviUe, at the 
crossin"- of the Louisville and Nashville rail- 
road over Green river, and demanded its sur- 
render Col. Wilder then in command refused, 
and early on the next morning an attack was 
made by the Confederate force, under Gen. 
Duncan, who after a struggle of seven hours 
was repulsed. The force at Munfordsvdle, 
which had been stationed there for the pro- 
tection of the bridge, consisted of three thou- 
sand one hundred infantry with four pieces ot 
artillery. The Federal loss was eight killed 
and twenty wounded. The Confederate loss 
was larger. The attack was renewed again on 
the 16th with great spirit, and on the next day 
the place was surrendered by Col. C. L. Dun- 
ham who had arrived with his regiment, and 
then had command. The troops surrendered 
consisted of the 17th, 60th, 67th, 68th, 69th In- 
diana, a company of Louisville cavalry, a part 
of the 4th Ohio, and a section of the 18th In- 
diana battery; amounting in all to about four 
thousand five hundred men, and ten guns, ifie 
bridge over the Green river was burned at this 

During this period Gen. Buell had not been 
idle. While on the Tennessee river, near Chat- 
tanooga, his army was dependent on Louisville 
as its base for the supply of provisions and mu- 
nitions. To render this available it was_ neces- 
sary to protect over three hundred miles of 



railroad, over which every pound of these sup- 
plies had to be transported. Every care which 
prudence could suggest was exercised to retain 
the command of this road. Stockades were 
built and guards were stationed at the places 
most liable to attack, but they were not able 




to resist the dashes of the Confederate cavalry, 
who in many cases were aided by the synipa- 
thies of the local residents. In the meanwhile 
the Confederate conscription act had been rigid- 
ly enforced, and a large army under Gen. Bragg 
was massed near Chattanooga, as above stated, 
the definite object of which was long unknown. 
For several weeks the utmost vigilance was 
exercised over the enemy at Dechard, McMinn- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



285 



ville, and the valley of the Sequatchie before 
it vras assuredly ascertained where he intended 
to strike his blow. It was expected that Nash- 
ville was the point he desired to reach, but 
subsequent movements soon made it evident 
that was not the projected point of attack. 
Finally despatches to Gen. Bragg were inter- 
cepted, which proved conclusively that Louis- 
ville in Kentucky was the point toward which 
the Confederate strategy was directed. This 
was to be etfected by forced marches of the 
Confederate force without supplies, subsisting 
on the country, and reaching the city when 
in a condition unprepared for defence. It was 
then intended to destroy the canal around the 
falls of the Ohio, to seize all the public stores, 
and to hold the city, under the impression that 
the Federal army would make no effort to re- 
cover it, for fear of injuring it by a bombard- 
ment. 

While Gen. Bragg made his way slowly to- 
ward the Cumbei'land river, which he struck at 
Carthage, Gen. Buell was on his left flank, at 
Lebanon, guarding against his approach to the 
city of Nashville. The march of Gen. Bragg 
was commenced on the 21st of August, as above 
stated, and all the way he was felt by Gen. 
Buell, whose object was to guard the railroad 
as much as possible, and allow his enemy to 
get no distant start of him. All this time Gen. 
BueU was drawing his supplies from the depots, 
collecting at Nashville and Bowling Green ; but 
Gen. Bragg was warmly received in many 
places, and bountifully supplied by friends. 
Gen. Buell harassed his rear as long as pos- 
sible, shelled him out of "Woodsonville, and ford- 
ed the Green river and drove him out of Mun- 
fordsville, and followed him along the turnpike 
road from Nashville to Louisville, until the 
road through Hodgenville to the east was 
reached, into which Gen.Bragg's forces defiled. 
It was evident from the movement of Gen. 
Bragg that he was hurrying in a direction in 
which he expected to find Gen. E. K. Smith, 
Gen. Humphrey Marshall, and Col. Morgan 
with their forces, with whom he could unite 
and make a combined attack on Louisville. 
Gen. Buell, however, was forced by the need 
of supplies to move directly to the city, around 
which his army encamped. 

The chief object of this Confederate move- 
ment upon the State of Kentucky was to obtain 
supplies of meat. There were more hogs and 
cattle in the State available for general con- 
sumption, two or three to one, than were left 
in all the South besides. The grain growing 
and provision raising country which stretched 
from the Potomac at Harper's Ferry to Mem- 
phis, on the Mississippi, was now exhausted of 
its provisions. Much of the productive por- 
tions of North Carolina, and of the Gulf States, 
were also exhausted, and a general scarcity ex- 
isted. "Wheat was two dollars and a half per 
bushel in the heart of a fine wheat country, and 
cattle sold for seven cents gross per pound in the 
chief cattle-raising region of the whole South. 



Pork could not be had at an advance of four 
hundred per cent. At the same time it was 
thought that a powerful force might secm-e 
the State to the Southern Confederacy. 

On the 18th of September Gen. Bragg issued 
the following address to the people of the 
State : 

Glasgow, Kt., September 18, 1862. 

Kentuckians ! I have entered your State with the 
Confederate army of the West, and offer you an oppor- 
tunity to free yourselves from the tyranny of a despotic 
ruler. We come, not as conquerors or despoilers, but 
to restore to you the liberties of which you have been 
deprived by a cruel and relentless foe. We come to 
guarantee to all the sanetity of their homes and altars; 
to punish with a rod of iron the despoilers of your 
peace, and to avenge the cowardly insults to your 
women. With all non-combatants the past shall be 
forgotten. Needful supplies must be had for my army, 
but they shall be paid for at fair and remunerating 
prices. 

Believing that the heart of Kentucky is with us in 
our great struggle for Constitutional Freedom, we have 
transferred from our own soil to yours, not a band of 
marauders, but a powerful and well-disciplined army. 
Your gallant Buckner leads the van. Marshall is on 
the right, while Breckinridge, dear to us as to you, is 
advancing with Kentucky's valiant sons, to receive the 
honor and applause due to their heroism. The strong 
hands which in part have sent Shiloh down to history, 
and the nerved arms which have kept at bay from our 
own homes the boastful army of the enemy, are here 
to assist, to sustain, to liberate you. Will you remain 
indifferent to our call, or will you not rather vin- 
dicate the fair fame of your once free and envied 
State? We believe that you will, and that the mem- 
ory of your gallant dead who fell at Shiloh, their faces 
turned homeward, will rouse you to a manly effort for 
yourselves and posterity. 

Kentuckians ! We have come with joyous hopes. 
Let us not depart in sorrow, as we shall if we find you 
wedded in your choice to j'our present lot. If you 
prefer Federal rule, show it by your frowns, and we 
shall return whence we came. If you choose rather to 
come within the folds of our brotherhood, then cheer 
us with the smiles of your women, and lend your will- 
ing hands to secure you in your heritage of Liberty. 

Women of Kentucky 1 Your persecutions and heroic 
bearing have reached our ear. Banish henceforth, for- 
ever, from your minds the fear of loathsome prisons or 
insulting visitations. Let your enthusiasm have free 
rein. ]3uckle on the armor of your kindred, your bus- 
bands, sons, and brothers, and scoff with shame him 
who would prove recreant in his duty to you, his coun- 
try, and his God. BRAXTON BRAGG, 

General Commatiding. 

From Munfordsville the Confederate force 
moved toward Bardstown, Glasgow, and the 
central part of the State. Thence guerillas 
in large and small bands scoured almost every 
other portion, penetrating in various places to 
the Ohio river, and even making dashes to 
within four or five miles of Louisville. Every 
day, during which they continued these oper- 
ations, was estimated to aflPord them a gain of 
a hundred thousand dollars, and to bring a loss 
to the loyal people of at least two hundred 
thousand. Everything which could be of use 
to the army or to the Southern people was 
seized. Hundreds of drovers almost daily took 
away horses, cattle, and hogs, and almost in- 
terminable trains were hauling away bacon, 
pork, and all kinds of breadstuflfs. Regarding 
Kentucky as belonging to the Confederacy, 



286 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION 



287 



the conscription act was enforced, and men 
wero forced into the ranks of the Confederate 
army hy the point of the bayonet. The stores 
of the towns were ordered to be opened, and 
the goods taken and paid for -in Confederate 
scrip. 

On the 1st of October Gen. Buell, who had 
been previously removed from command and 
reinstated again, moved from Louisville, where 
he had lost thousands by desertion, to meet 
the Confederate force, and on the 4th his army 
arrived at Bardstown. On the previous day 
a force of Gen. Bragg had evacuated that 
place. This force consisted of about sixty- five 
regiments, averaging about three hundred men 
each, and amounting in total to twenty thou- 
sand. It moved from Bardstown in the direc- 
tion of Springfield. The force of Gen. Buell 
was stated by the general-in-chief to number 
about one hundred thousand men. From the 
first approach of the Confederate forces, every 
effort had been made to collect new troops at 
Cincinnati and Louisville, and to fortify these 
places against a coup de main. To give confi- 
dence to the new levies, a portion of Gen. 
Grant's army was withdrawn from Mississippi 
and sent to Kentucky and Cincinnati. 

The army of the Ohio, as Gen. Buell's force 
was designated, was now divided into , three 
corps, commanded by Gens. Gilbert, Crittenden, 
and McCook. The new regiments sent to Louis- 
ville were placed in brigades with the old ones, 
which had seen nearly a year's service. On the 
march from Louisville the corps of Gen. Mc- 
Cook, forming the left wing, took the road to 
TaylorsviUe, Gen. Gilbert the road to Shepherds- 
ville, and Gen. Crittenden, forming the right 
wing, the road to Bardstown. With the latter 
corps Gen. Buell moved. 

On the 4th, Richard Hawes was inaugurated 
at Frankfort as Confederate Provisional Gover- 
nor, and on the same day the city was evacuated, 
and he retired with the troops. 

On the 6th the army of Gen. Buell arrived 
at Springfield, sixty-two miles from Louisville. 
Its slow progress had been owing to its num- 
bers, the difficulty of the route and the conflicts 
with the Confederate rear guard. The main 
body of the Confederate army was twenty-four 
hours in advance when Gen. Buell left Louis- 
ville, and thus far had been constantly gaining. 
The order of Gen. Bragg to his rear guard was 
to prevent the arrival of Gen. Buell at Bards- 
town before the 4th, if possible, in order to give 
time to the Confederate wagon train to gain an 
advance of some twenty miles. Gen. Critten- 
den's corps only entered the place, and those 
of Gens. McCook and Gilbert kept on toward 
Springfield, retaining their position on the left 
and centre. Gen. Crittenden followed on the 
5th. On the Yth it was reported to Gen. Buell 
that a considerable Confederate force was at 
Perryville, forty-two miles south of Frankfort. 
The three army corps were then marching on 
that place by different roads. Gen. BueU de- 
termined to surround the enemy, if possible, 



and ordered all the divisions to march with- 
out delay, leaving behind their transportation. 
Gens. McCook and Gilbert continued their 
march, but Gen. Crittenden lost half a day on 
a circuitous route to obtain water. Gen. Bragg, 
learning of the united approach of the Union 
forces, immediately began to retreat. It was 
the design of Gen. Buell that the three corps 
should participate in the battle, but Gen. Bragg 
hearing of the delay of Gen. Crittenden, imme- 
diately determined to fight the corps of Gens. 
McCook and Gilbert, and defeat them if possible, 
and then to fall upon Gen. Crittenden or to re- 
treat before his arrival. The Confederate general 
Hardee's corps, which had retreated sis miles, 
was accordingly ordered back in haste to Per- 
ryville. Suddenly, on the 8th, Gen. McCook 
found himself in front of the Confederate line 
of battle, with his men marching in columns, 
and without skirmishers in advance, nothing 
in front but a small advance guard which at- 
tempted to attack the enemy's outpost. The 
Confederate infantry rushed forward and a divi- 
sion of raw troops had to be formed in line of 
battle under a heavy fire. The raw troops fled in 
confusion, but the old troops stood their ground. 
Gen. McCook had approached Perryville by the 
Knoxville road. Gen. Gilbert had marched di- 
rect from Springfield, and had arrived with- 
in two miles of Perryville on the preceding 
evening, the 7th. To Gen. McCook's request 
for reenforoements, they were ordered from 
Gen. Gilbert's corps. At the same time Gen. 
Crittenden was ordered to push forward on the 
Lebanon road to attack the Confederate left. 
The advance of Gen. Gilbert's reenforcements 
arrived at half-past three o'clock in the after- 
noon to support Gen. McCook on the left. His 
forces were found badly cut up and hotly pressed 
by the Confederate force, having retreated 
nearly a mile. The contest continued violent 
until dark, the Federal force retiring from the 
field. During the evening Gen. Crittenden's 
corps came up, but no movement was made till 
noon of the next day, when it was ascertained 
that the Confederate force had retired. The 
Federal loss was about four hundred and sixty- 
six killed, among whom were Brig.-Gens. Jack- 
son and Tyrrell, fourteen hundred and sixty- 
three wounded, and one hundred and sixty 
missing. The Confederate loss was nearly the 
same. The forces of Gen. Bragg, which he had 
been able to draw from aU. quarters, were now 
about sixty thousand. The arrival of Gen. 
Crittenden's corps undoubtedly induced Gen. 
Bragg to continue his retreat. On that evening 
the Federal troops returned to Perryville. 

It was now expected that Gen. Bragg would 
make a stand at Camp Dick Robinson. The 
position of this place is such that it can easily 
be defended against an approach in front by a 
few batteries on the cliffs which line Dick river. 
It, however, can be easily flanked. It was the 
plan of Gen. Buell, therefore, to make a feint 
in front and a strong attack on the flank of the 
Confederate position. Accordingly, Gen. Crit- 



288 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



tenden "was ordered to march to Dick river, 
giving the semblance of a contemplated attack 
in front. Gens. McCook and Gilbert were to 
approach by different roads, so as to cut off the 
escape of Gen. Bragg and leave to him no alter- 
native but to light or surrender. By the night 
of the 12th the entire army of the Ohio was 
within a mile of Danville, which is forty-two 
miles south of Frankfort, in one of the most 
fertile and highly improved parts of the State, 
But Gen. Bragg penetrated the designs of his 
antagonist in consequence of a retrograde move- 
ment by the advance of Gen. Crittenden's corps, 
under Gen, Wood, and determined to frustrate 
them. His spoils loaded heavily nearly four 
thousand wagons, a majority of which were 
branded with the letters U. S., having been 
captured during the year ; in addition there 
were several thousand head of cattle, a thou- 
sand mules, and as many sheep. 

The following statement from a highly credi- 
table source at Lexington, Ky., has been made 
of property taken by Gen. Bragg's forces : 

We were here in Lexington and saw something 
of the removal of Government stores, and witnessed 
the plunderings of the Confederate armies of our dry- 
goods stores, groceries, &c. Upon the resumption of 
the publication of our paper (" Observer") we stated 
that an immense amount of Government stores, 
amounting perhaps to $1,000,000, besides arms suffi- 
cient to arm eighteen or twenty thousand men, were 
taken off, and we stated precisely the truth, and there 
are hundreds liere who will bear us out in the state- 
ment. We are not inclined to think the " Richmond 
Examiner" far wrong when it published that the 
" wagon train of supplies brought out of Kentucky by 
Gen. Kirby Smith was forty miles long, and brought 
a million yards of jeans, with a large amount of cloth- 
ing, boots, and shoes, and 200 wagon loads of bacon, 
6,000 barrels pork, 1,500 mules and horses, 8,000 
beeves, and a large lot of swine." 

From the city of Frankfort it is stated that 74,900 
yards of jeans were taken from the establishment of Mr. 
Watson. From one concern in this city (Lexington) 
thev took ^106,000 worth of jeans and linseys, from 
ano'ther ^10,000 worth, another$9,000, another $10,000, 
another $5,000. These different amounts in woollen 
goods we know to have been removed from this city, 
as we have the names before us from whom they were 
taken. Aside from this, in boots, shoes, &c., we know 
of $30,000 worth that they carried off, and also have 
the names to show from whom the goods were taken. 
From one house seven boxes of new Springfield rifles 
and nine boxes of muskets, with all the tents belong-, 
ing to Metcalfs cavalry, forty kegs of horse shoes, and 
one hundred and twenty boxes belonging to four regi- 
ments, containing clothing and subsistence. The arti- 
cles taken from this house were valued by the Confed- 
erates themselves at more than $10,000, and they so 
declared at the time. The Adams Express office was 
robbed of everything it contained. All the goods that 
had been sent and deposited in the establishment from 
all parts of the country were seized and appropriated. 
For four weeks, during the stay of the enemy here, a 
train of cars were running daily to Nicholasville, bear- 
ing away mess pork and other articles necessary to the 
subsistence of armies, while trains of wagons — huge in 
number — were moving out on the Richmond, Ver- 
sailles, and Nicholasville' roads, day and night, loaded 
with valuable commodities. We were here and saw 
and know what occurred, and can prove what we 
assert. Lexington afforded the Confederates, when 
they entered it, the richest harvest they have reaped 
during the war, and nothing is to be made by disguis- 
ing the fact. 



On the night of the 11th the evacuation of 
Camp Dick Robinson commenced. The desti- 
nation of Gen. Bragg was Cumberland Gap. 
Two routes for retreat were open to him, both 
leading to that point ; one by the way of Rich- 
mond and Big Hill, through Madison county, 
and the other, called the Crab Orchard road, 
by the way. of Mt. Vernon and Barboursville. 
These two roads converge at Pitman's Junc- 
tion, twenty-two miles from Mt. Vernon, and 
fifty-eight miles from Cumberland Gap. 

At midnight, on the night of the 12th, orders 
were received from the headquarters of Gen. 
Buell at Perry ville, by the army encamped near 
Danville, for an immediate advance. Transpor- 
tation of all kinds was ordered to remain be- 
hind. Only ambulances were to accompany the 
troops. Gen. BueU had been informed of the 
retreat of the Confederate army. At one o'clock 
the army was in motion toward Stanford, nine 
miles from Danville, a town through which it 
was supposed the Confederate force was then 
retreating. The march was rapid, and the ad- 
vance arrived in time to see the rear of the 
Confederate rear guard pass unmolested. Two 
or three regiments of cavalry, one of which 
was the Texan Rangers, and two hoAvitzers, was 
the force of this rear guard. Familiar with the 
topography of the country, and taking advan- 
tage of it whenever favorable to themselves, 
these troops were able to conceal their small 
numbers and to check the Union advance until 
late in the afternoon. Having thus accomplish- 
ed their object, which was to gain time for the 
main body, they then retired toward Crab Or- 
chard, From a few prisoners, taken by the 
Union troops, they learned that the main body 
of Gen, Bragg's army and half his wagon train 
had passed through Stanford on the previous 
day, and the other half of the wagon train had 
gone safely through Lancaster, and were re- 
treating on the Richmond and Big Hill road. 
That night the Union army encamped at Stan- 
ford. Early the next morning, the 14th, it 
was on the march, and soon reached Crab 
Orchard, a distance of ten miles. As it ap- 
proached the town, the Confederate rear guard 
made its appearance drawn up in battle array. 
It had taken possession of two hills, and was 
in a good position to make a formidable resist- 
ance for a short time. This caused the Federal 
column to halt. The artillery was then brought 
up into position, a line of battle was formed, a 
reconnoissance made, an advance of skirmishers 
thrown out, and other details performed which 
caused a delay of several hours. During all 
this time the army of Gen. Bragg was unmolest- 
ed and in full retreat. When all the Federal 
preparations were complete, the Confederate 
rear guard hastily retired. The Union advance, 
on the next day, reached Mt, Vernon. On the 
next day, the 16th, the division of Qens, Van 
Cleave and Smith were ordered forward ; the 
rest of the advance halted. At this time Gen. 
McCook's corps and a pai't of Gen. Gilbert's 
were at Crab Orchard, and all the cavalry had 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



289 



been ordered to the rear in consequence of the 
difficulty of obtaining forage in the mountain- 
ous region. On the hills and in the defiles 
between Mt. Vernon and the State line, ten 
thousand men would be as effective as forty 
thousand in resisting an army. The pursuit of 
the Confederate forces now lost all of its impor- 
tance. 

The result of the invasion of Kentucky was 
undoubtedly regarded by the Confederate lead- 
ers as successful in obtaining supplies, but they 
were greatly chagrined at the tardiness of the 
Kentuckians to rally around the Confederate 
standard. The desertions from their force ex- 
ceeded the number of recruits obtained. The 
Confederate forces now retired into east Ten- 
nessee, and Gen. Buell fell back to the line be- 
tween Louisville and Nashville, where he was 
superseded in the command by Major-Gen. 
Eosecrans, under the orders of President Lin- 
coln. Col. Morgan, with a small guerilla force, 
still remained in the State. The invasion of 
eastern Kentucky, by the Confederate forces, 
cut off the line of communication between the 
Federal forces at Cumberland Gap in east Ten- 
nessee and the north. It was followed by the 
evacuation of that strong position by the Union 
General, G. W. Morgan. 

Cumberland Gap is south and a little east of 
Lexington, Ky., and about one hundred and 
fifty miles distant. It is a natural gap in a 
mountain nearly eighty miles in length. There 
are other places in this long mountain which 
are called gaps, but this name is given more from 
the fact that the summit at those places is of 
more easy access than because of any natural 
depression of the mountain. At the place called 
Roger's Gap, next to Cumberland, and eighteen 
miles west, there is actually no gap ; but the 
road, taking advantage of a succession of ridges 
on the northern side and running diagonally on 
the southern side, is rendered passable by man 
and beast, and may, by great exertions, be 
passed over by wagons and cannon. The dis- 
tance from the beginning of the ascent on the 
one side to the ending of the descent on the 
other is a little more than five miles. Sixteen 
miles further west is Big Creek Gap, the cross- 
ing at which is a little more difficult. 

The mountain on each side of Cumberland 
Gap is about twelve hundred feet high. In 
the gap it is only four hundred feet. The road 
through the notch is a good one. On the 
southern side the mountain is abrupt in some 
places and almost perpendicular, and the sum- 
mit is inaccessible without the greatest danger, 
except by entering the gap and ascending on 
either the right or left. The northern side is 
more irregular, breaking off in a succession of 
smaller mountains and hills, to the valley lying 
between the gap and Cumberland Ford, But 
the main- mountain towers far above its neigh- 
bors. Two roads from Lexington, Ky., lead 
to the gap. One passes through Nicholasville, 
Crab Orchard, and Mt. Vernon, by tlie way 
of Wild Cat. The other passes through Rich- 



mond, by way of Big Hill. From Loudon, 
Ky., there is but one road. It is flanked on 
each side by a succession of hiUa and moun- 
tains, and passes through Barboursville, and 
crosses the Cumberland Ford. "Wagons or 
cannon could scarcely pass by any other route. 
This position was important to the Confed- 
erate Government, as by its occupation in 
force they could hold possession of east Tennes- 
see, and prevent any approach from the north 
to cut their northern railroad line of connec- 
tion between Richmond and northern Alabama, 
Mississippi, Nashville, Memphis, and other 
towns on the Mississippi. Its occupation was 
also necessary to sustain their advance into 
eastern Kentucky. A smaU Confederate force, 
therefore, took possession of the gap soon after 
the commencement of hostilities. On the 
other hand, its possession was important to the 
Federal Government, as thereby it prevented 
the invasion of Kentucky from the southeast. 
It was also the stronghold of east Tennessee, 
a section in which there existed among the 
people a stronger and more invincible attach- 
ment to the Union than in any other portion 
of the seceded States. After the defeat of the 
Confederate forces in southeastern Kentucky, 
under Gen. Zollicoffer, a body of Federal 
troops advanced in the direction of Cumberland 
Gap. On the 15th of February, they were en- 
camped near Cumberland Ford, about ten miles 
from the gap, which was then occupied by 
about two thousand Confederate soldiers. 
Scouting parties were sent out from the camp 
near the ford, one of which penetrated the gap 
and captured a few prisoners. On the 13th 
of March, another expedition consisting of 
about 12 companies of infantry and 86 cav- 
alry, started from camp near Barboursville, 
Ky., and crossing the mountain near Big Creek 
Gap, after four days reached Powell's Valley, 
five miles from Jacksborough, where a body of 
about four hundred Confederate cavalry was 
surprised and routed, and their camp taken 
possession of. Another body at Jacksborough, 
about two hundred in number, was next driven 
out. After remaining four days, the Federal 
force retired. On the 21st, a strong expedi- 
tion moved upon the gap and made an attack, 
and cannonading ensued without any impor- 
tant result except developing the Confederate 
strength. The Confederate occupation of the 
gap continued without any serious interference 
until Chattanooga was occupied by the forces 
of Gen. Mitchell, as has been stated. This led 
to its evacuation about the 10th of June. Pre- 
vious to that date. Gen. Geo. "W. Morgan, with 
a division of Union troops, advanced from 
Cumberland Ford, and crossing at Roger's 
Gap, prepared to cut off the supplies for the 
small force then at Cumberland Gap. Their 
stock at the time was small ; the Confederate 
forces under Gen. E. K. Smith had moved 
south from east Tennessee, and the Union 
forces at hand being large, and threatening in 
front and rear, no alternative remain^ to the 



290 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



garrison but to surrender or evacuate the po- 
sition. On the 14th of July, an expedition 
was sent against a body of Confederate cavalry 
at "Wallace Cross Roads, and after a brief skir- 
mish the latter retired. Again, on the 9th of 
August, Col. De Oourcy was on a foraging 
expedition with the 16th and 42d Ohio, 14th 
and 22d Kentucky, when the 14th Kentucky, 
being advanced a short distance beyond Taze- 
well, was attacked by the 11th and 42d Ten- 
nessee, 30th Alabama, and 21st Georgia, nnder 
Col. Rains. A severe conflict ensued, in which 
the Confederate forces were compelled to retire 
before the artillery that was brought to the aid 
of the Federal forces. 

On the 17th of August, a small Confederate 
force ai)proached in front of the position, and 
attacked a body of Union cavalry some two 
miles out in the valley, who were compelled to 
retire with a loss of two or three killed and 
wounded. Their camp, however, was pro- 
tected from the approach of the Confederate 
force by the guns on the mountain. On the 
same day information was received by Gen. 
Morgan that a large Confederate force had ap- 
peared at Barboursville and London, Ky., and 
captured his supply trains nearly as far bade as 
Crab Orchard. Its object was to hold the 
Blue Grass region of Kentucky, and ultimately 
to force the entire division of Gen. Morgan to 
surrender or hastily evacuate the position. 
The comparative success of Gen. Bragg in his 
movements in Kentucky, cut off all the com- 
munications of Gen. Morgan, and by Sept. 
11, his corn was all gone and nothing re- 
mained for his troops but a scanty supply of 
beans and rice. The force, however, had not 
remained inactive during this period ; about 
three hundred prisoners and two hundred 
horses had been captured. The destitute con- 
dition of the force for clothes and food, caused 
the evacuation of the gap by Gen. Morgan on 
the mh of September. On that day the 23d 
Indiana and the 9th Ohio battery left with 
all the ammunition. During the succeeding 
night all the troops left except a squad 
that remained to finish the work of destruc- 
tion. The magazine was blown up, and the 
commissary building burned. Nothing but 
ammunition and a few of the most useful 
cooking utensils were brought away. Tents, 
wagons, gun carriages, arms, and accoutre- 
ments were changed to a mass of fragments 
and ashes. The line of retreat was two hundred 
and fifty miles with a large Confederate force 
intervening. But the position was one of the 
strongest in the country, and Gen. Morgan had 
represented that his supplies were abundant. 
By the 4th of October the division reached the 
Ohio river. It had foraged on the country, 
but suffered at times for water. During the 
entire march, a Confederate cavalry force har- 
assed the retreat. During nineteen nights the 
troops bivouacked without a tent. New roads 
were made, trees cut out, provisions gathered, 
a hovering enemy kept at check, and a large 



force brought safely through to the borders of 
Ohio. 

This body of troops under Gen. Morgan 
numbered more than ten thousand men. It 
brought twenty-eight pieces of artillery, six of 
which were 20-pounder siege guns, and four 
hundred wagons. Four heavy siege guns 
were destroyed before evacuating the gap, and 
a large number of sick men were left behind. 

The march was through a mountainous and 
unproductive country, A court of inquiry was 
subsequently ordered to investigate the causes 
of this evacuation. The position was soon 
afterwards occupied by a small Confederate 
force. 

It has been stated, that on the advance of 
the Confederate army from Richmond to at- 
tack the forces of Gen. Pope, troops were sum- 
moned by the general-in-chief from points ad- 
jacent to come to his support. Among others a 
portion of the troops of Gen. Cox in western 
Virginia were brought on to unite with the 
army of Virginia. The effect of thus reducing 
the force in western Virginia was an invasion 
by a Confederate force under Gen. Loring. He 
advanced up the Kanawha Valley as far as 
Charleston, which he occupied for some time. 
His troops were finally required to reenforce 
Gen. Lee's army, when he retired. The chief 
advantage derived from this invasion by the 
Confederate people was the seizure of the salt 
works in the Kanawha Valley. Perhaps there 
was no article of which they were so destitute 
in comparison to its importance as salt. It was 
exchanged by the Confederate colonel Echols, 
who had charge, for forage for his troops. 
Affairs remained in this situation untU the 
return of Gen. Cox's forces early in November, 
when the Confederate forces retired. 

It has also been stated that, on the invasion 
of Kentucky by Gen. Bragg, a portion of Gen. 
Grant's troops were withdrawn from Missis- 
sippi and sent to Kentucky and Cincinnati to 
give confidence to the new levies, and to re- 
enforce Gen. Buell. The consequence of the 
withdrawal of these troops was to induce 
the Confederate officers to renew their opera- 
tions in north Mississippi and western Tennes- 
see. On the departure of Gen. Halleck to 
take the position of general-in-chief. Gen. Grant 
was put in command of the department of 
west Tennessee, including the districts of 
Cairo and Mississippi, that part of the State of 
Mississippi occupied by Federal troops, and that 
part of Alabama which might be occupied by 
the troops of his particular command, includ- 
ing the forces heretofore known as the army 
of the Mississippi. 

In the department of Gen. Grant it became 
apparent in August that the Confederate forces 
south of his position had assumed a threaten- 
ing attitude upon his line between Corinth in 
Mississippi, and Tuscumbia in Alabama. On 
the 10th of September the 2d brigade of Gen. 
Stanley's division, commanded by Col. Murphy, 
evacuated Tuscumbia, and fell back thirty 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



291 



miles upon luka. On the next day the Ohio 
brigade, which had been occupying luka, fell 
back to Corinth, leaving the force with Col. 
Murphy in its place. Scarcely, however, had 
it reached Corinth before information was re- 
ceived that a body of Confederate cavalry had 
dashed into luka, and after a slight skirmish 
put the force of Col. Murphy to iiight. A con- 
siderable amount of medical and commissary 
stores was captured, among which were six 
hundred and eighty barrels of flour that Col. 
Murphy had neglected to destroy. Col. Murphy 
was immediately placed under arrest by Gen. 
Rosecrans, who now commanded the forces 
previously under Gen. Pope, and the brigade 
was ordered back to luka under Col. Mower, 
It, however, finally reached the neighborhood 
of Jacinto, and was there instructed to await 
farther orders. The preparations of the army 
for an active campaign were now commenced. 
Transportation and baggage were reduced, and 
the supply of tents cut down. At this time 
information was received that the Confederate 
general Price had not only occupied luka in 
force, but was endeavoring to cross the Tennes- 
see river for the purpose of getting in the rear 
of Gen. Buell, then falling back toward Nash- 
ville. It was also a part of the plan of Gen. 
Price, by his movement upon luka, to draw 
the Federal forces away from Corinth, and 
thus render its capture easy by Gen, Van Dorn, 
who was to attack it during the absence of 
Gen. Grant's forces. The design was then 
formed by Gens. Grant and Rosecrans to cut 
off the retreat of Gen. Price, and force him to 
surrender. For this purpose eighteen thousand 
men under Gens. Grant and Ord were to move 
by way of Burnsville, and attack Gen. Price, 
while Gen. Rosecrans should move with part 
of his force by the way of Jacinto, and attack 
him on tlie flank ; at the same time the re- 
mainder of Gen. Rosecrans' force was to move 
on the Fulton road and cut off Gen. Price's re- 
treat if he should attempt it. With this under- 
standing the army was put in motion on the 
mopping of the 18th of September. The divi- 
sions of Gens. Stanley and Hamilton under Gen. 
Rosecrans, after a fotiguing march in a drench- 
ing rain, bivouacked at Jacinto. Early the next 
morning they were again on the march, and at 
ten o'clock the advance encountered the Con- 
federate pickets at Barnett's Corners. A sharp 
skirmish ensued, which resulted in driving 
them six miles toward luka, with a small 
loss. At this time the entire column had ar- 
rived at Barnett's Corners, and awaited, ac- 
cording to the previous understanding, for Gen. 
Grant to commence the attack, which would 
be known by the sound of his artillery. After 
two hours had elapsed a despatch arrived from 
Gen. Grant, seven miles distant, to the effect 
that he was waiting for Gen. Rosecrans to open 
the battle. The column was immediately moved 
forward within two miles of luka, when the 
Confederate force was discovered posted on a 
broad ridge commanding the country for some 



distance. The Confederates opened fire upon 
the skirmishers as they advanced in sight, un- 
der which Gen. Hamilton's division formed in 
line. They were also received by a hot fire of 
artillery and musketry, which was replied to 
by the 11th Ohio battery, that had now got 
into position. The engagement soon became 
general, and continued for two hours, when 
darkness prevented any further advantage to 
either side. The contest was exceedingly fierce, 
and the troops behaved with great bravery. 
The 11th Missouri and the 5th Iowa stood the 
severest portion of the contest, and the former 
lost seventy-six, and the latter one hundred 
and sixteen in killed and wounded. The 11th 
Ohio battery was exposed to a severe fire of 
musketry, and in less than half an hour seventy- 
two of its men were killed or wounded. The 
Confederate oflicers, perceiving that it was 
poorly supported, ordered a charge to be made 
on it, by which the six guns were captured, 
and two of them spiked. It was afterward 
retaken twice by the 5th Iowa at the point of 
the bayonet, but finally fell into the possession 
of the Confederates. The night was spent in 
taking care of the wounded and burying the 
dead, while the troops lay on their arms awaiting 
the dawn of the next day to renew the battle. 
Early in the morning, as no movement was 
perceived on the part of the Confederate force 
like renewing the contest. Gen. Rosecrans or- 
dered his line of pickets to advance. Not meet- 
ing with any opposition the whole force was 
thrown forward, and within a half mile of the 
town a flag of truce was seen approaching. It 
reported that Gen. Price had evacuated the 
town during the night. Pursuit was immedi- 
ately made and kept up by three companies of 
cavalry during the day, skirmishing with the 
Confederate rear guard, and capturing many 
prisoners. The loss of Gen. Rosecrans's force 
was 148 killed, 570 wounded, and 94 missing. 
The Confederate loss was supposed to be larger 
in killed and wounded, and about one thousand 
prisoners were taken by Gen. Rosecrans. At 
luka the six pieces of the 11th Ohio battery 
were found, having been abandoned, and also 
a large number of wounded, and commissary 
stores and camp equipage. Among the killed 
were the Confederate generals Lytle and 
Berry. Gen. "Whitfield also was mortally 
wounded. The road by which Gen. Price re- 
treated being unobstructed, he marched that 
day twenty-seven miles to Bay Spring. 

The force of Gen. Grant left Corinth at the 
same time when Gen. Rosecrans marched, and 
reached Burnsville, Miss., in the afternoon. 
There it remained one night and the next day, 
and then pushed forward until it met the Con- 
federate pickets. Then it retired and awaited 
the next morning, when a flag of truce was 
sent to the Confederate camp, which did not 
return until late in the afternoon. Thus while 
Gen. Rosecrans engaged the Confederates on 
the south. Gen. Grant was prevented from en- 
gaging them on the west and north. 



292 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The effect of this battle was to relieve Gen. 
Biiell from all danger of an attack by Gen. 
Price on his rear, while moving against Gen. 
Bragg. On the 22d Gen. Grant's forces re- 
turned to Corinth, and Gen. Rosecrans to Ja- 
cinto. Gen. Van Dorn through delays had 
not reached Corinth as soon as had been plan- 
ned, and Gen. Grant by now abandoning luka 
reached the former place in advance of Gen. 
Van Dorn. On the 26th Gen. Rosecrans pro- 
ceeded to Corinth, and took command of that 
position. Gen. Grant having been ordered to 
Jackson, and Gen. Ord to Bolivar. Jackson is 
forty-seven miles, and Bolivar nineteen miles 
by railroad north of Grand Junction, which is 
forty-one miles by railroad west of Corinth, 
By the ordinary routes Jackson is fifty-one 
miles north, and Bolivar forty miles northwest 
of Corinth. Meantime, Gen. Price retreating 
southwesterly from luka by Bay Spring, reached 
Baldwin, Miss., thirty miles. Thence he moved 
northwest to Dumas, fifteen miles, where he 
joined Gen. Van Dorn ; thence to Pocahontas, 
thirty miles, where he was joined by Gen. 
Lovell ; thence down the Chewalla, and from 
thence to Corinth by the old State Line road. 
Gen Van Dorn took the chief command at 
Dumas. 

Meanwhile Gen. Rosecrans, anticipating that 
an attack would be made on his position at 
Corinth, prepared to meet it. The fortifica- 
tions constructed by Gen. Beauregard in tlie 
beginning of the year were on the north and 
east, and two miles from the centre of Corinth, 
and required an immense force to occupy them. 
After Gen. Halleck took possession of the 
town he constructed a line of intrenchments 
inside those of Gen. Beauregard. Afterward, 
upon consultation betAveen Gens. Grant and 
Rosecrans, it was determined to construct a 
line inside that of Gen. Halleck. This was 
done under the direction of Cajjt. Prim of the 
U. S. engineers. It consisted of a chain of re- 
doubts, arranged for the concentric fire of 
heavy batteries. Learning the approach of the 
Confederate forces, Gen. Rosecrans ordered 
Gen. Ogleby with his brigade to proceed up 
the Chewalla road and meet them, with instruc- 
tions to resist strongly enough to draw them un- 
der the defences of Corinth. McArthur next 
went forward and sent back for assistance. Gen. 
Davis was then ordered to send a small force, 
but moved with his whole division. This oc- 
cupied the 30th of September, and the 1st and 
2d of October. On the Sd the Confederate 
force was greatly increased, and the fighting be- 
came severe ; Gen. Oglesby was wounded, and 
Gen. Ilackelman killed, and the loss in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners was considerable, and 
the Union troops were driven back to their 
defences. 

On the north and east of Corinth, hill and 
swampy ground alternate, which is on the 
whole heavily timbered. On the left hand 
side of tlie railroad there is occasionally an 
open field. The Union army faced to the 



north. On the front of its right centre there 
was a heavily thicketed swamp almost impass- 
able for masses of infantry. On the left cen- 
tre the ground was quite hilly. Where the 
right wing was posted it was rolling, but fell 
off in front into heavily timbered ground, such 
as to be swampy in rainy weather. The Che- 
walla road enters the town on the left, and the 
Bolivar road on the right centre. Excepting at 
this last named point Corinth was approach- 
able in an unbroken line of battle. The new 
line of fortifications consisted of four revetted 
redoubts, covering the*v\'hole front of the town, 
and protecting the flanks. The front of the 
extreme right was strengthened by the old 
works of Gen. Beauregard. On the left of the 
extreme right, which was held by Gen. Hamil- 
ton's division, a new five-gun battery was con- 
structed on the night of Friday the 3d. This 
was in direct range of the point where the Boli- 
A'ar road entered the town. The previously 
mentioned fort on the extreme right flanked 
that road. The hills over which the Chewalla 
road entered the town were commanded by 
Fort Williams, which mounted twenty -pounder 
Parrotts. On a high, narrow ridge was located 
Fort Robinson, which with Fort Williams en- 
filaded both the Chewalla and Bolivar roads. 
Another fort on the extreme left protected the 
left and strengthened the centre. Several 
forts in the rear were so located as to be of 
much service during the action. Their guns 
were reversed, and turned toward the centre. 

On the extreme right was stationed the divi- 
sion of Gen. Hamilton. Its right rested near 
the fort first mentioned and the old works of 
Gen. Beauregard, and stretched from the south 
side of the road to Purdy. Its left rested be- 
hind Fort Richardson. On the left Gen. Davies' 
division joined it, and in consecutive order six 
companies of Illinois sharpshooters and Burke's 
Missouri sharpshooters; Gen. Stanley's division, 
consisting of two brigades, and Gen. McKeon's 
division, with Gen. Arthur's brigade, were on 
the extreme left. The cavali'y, under the com- 
mand of Col, Misener, was stationed on the 
wings and in the rear. Suitable forces were 
held as reserves and to protect the rear. The 
front line was covered by crests of undulations 
on the surface. On the night of the 3d, the 
Confederate line was formed within a thousand 
yards of the Union position. Before daybreak 
the Confederates were heard at woi'k planting a 
battery on a hill in front of and about 200 yards 
from Fort Robinett, and soon after they opened 
a furious fire on Corinth. At daylight, the 
Parrott guns in Fort Williams opened upon 
this Confederate battery and in a few minutes 
silenced it. Two of the guns were removed, 
but the third was taken and drawn within the 
Federal line. Skirmishing also opened at vari- 
ous points in front, which was constantly in- 
creasing to the magnitude of a battle. The 
Confederate lines, however, were still invisible. 
About half past nine o'clock dark and threat- 
ening masses of Confederate troops were sud- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



293 



denly discerned on the east of the railroad 
moving up the Bolivar road. They assumed a 
wedge-like form and advanced impetuously. 
It was now manifest that the Confederate force 
had been enticed to attack at the very point 
where the Federal artillery could sweep it with 
direct, cross, and enfilading fire. These batter- 
ies rent hideous gaps in those massive lines, 
but they were closed at once and inflexibly 
pressed forward. Suddenly the Confederate 
force extended to the right and left, and ap- 
proached covering the whole field. In front 
of them, however, was a broad turfed glacis 
sloping upward to a crest, fringed with deter- 
mined soldiers and covered with frowning bat- 
teries. The few obstructions from fallen tim- 
ber produced no disorder in the approaching 
lines but what was quickly restored. The en- 
tire Federal line next opened fire, but the Con- 
federate forces, as if insensible to fear, steadily 
pressed forward undismayed. As they ap- 
proached the crest of the hill in front and to 
the right of Fort Richardson, the division of 
Gen. Davis, although not in immediate danger, 
began to fall back in disorder. Gen. Rosecrans, 
seeing the disgraceful scene, dashed forward 
inflamed with indignation and began thrash- 
ing the fugitives with the blade of his sabre. 
His staff, and even his orderlies, followed his 
example, and the panic was checked and the 
line restored. Much space was thus lost, and 
the enemy reached the headquarters of Gen. 
Rosecrans and took possession. The loss of 
fort Richardson now appeared certain. The 
Confederates gained the crest of the hill, 
swarmed around the little redoubt, and were 
swept away. Again they came like infuriated 
tigers, and with a yell made a desperate dash 
before which the battery, unsupported, gave 
way. The guns were seized, but before they 
could be manned, the 56th Illinois, rising from 
cover in the ravine, fired a deadly volley and 
with a shout made a sweeping charge, before 
which the Confederates fled. When the divi- 
sion of Gen. Davis broke, it was necessary for 
all to fall back, but this charge of the 56th 
Illinois recovered the ground. The whole line 
advanced, and the Confederates were broken 
and fled to the woods, whither they were pur- 
sued. The attack on the Federal right was 
made by Gen. Price. On the left Gen. Van 
Dorn was expected to make a simultaneous ap- 
proach and thus carry Corinth by assault. In 
the extension of the Confederate right, artificial 
obstructions interfered. Gen. Van Dorn was 
obliged to move with his left over a rugged ra- 
vine through dense thickets and over a heavy 
abatis up hill. His centre moved down hill 
under the fire of Fort Williams, the siege guns 
in the rear of the town, and under heavy mus- 
ketry. His right was obliged to move round a 
ridge and advance over almost insurmountable 
abatis under the direct fire of both Fort Wil- 
liams and Fort Robinett well supported by ex- 
perienced troops. Gen. Van Dorn's advance 
had necessarily been slower than that of Gen. 



Price, and the latter was overwhelmed and de* 
feated when the former was ready to commence 
the attack. His forces advanced steadily, with 
troops from Mississippi and Texas in front. 
Huge gaps were made through their ranks by 
the great guns of the batteries, but they closed 
and at once moved unflinchingly onward. The 
slaughter was great, but none wavered. As 
they reached the ditch a pause, as if for 
breath, was made. That pause was fatal to 
them. The two redoubts. Fort Robinett and 
Fort Williams, were on the same ridge, and the 
former, which was in front, was commanded by 
the latter. They were about 150 yards apart. 
The Ohio brigade. Col. Fuller commanding, 
was formed behind the ridge on the right of 
the redoubts. The left of the 63d Ohio rested 
on Fort Robinett, and its right joined tlie left 
of the 27th Ohio ; the 39th Ohio was behind 
the 2Vth supporting it ; the right of the 43d 
Ohio joined the left of the 63d, forming a right 
angle with it, and extending to Fort Williams 
behind the crest of the ridge. The 11th Mis- 
souri was formed behind the 63d Ohio, with 
its left in the angle and the regiment facing 
obliquely to the right of the 63d. The brigade 
were required to lie flat on their faces, and re- 
serve their fire until the Confederates were 
close upon them. At the moment when the 
Confederate advance paused, as above stated, 
the 63d Ohio was ordered to fire. An offi- 
cer has thus described the scene which en- 
sued : " There were only 250 of the 63d in the 
conflict, but their volley was fearful. It is 
said 50 Confederates fell at once. Six volleys 
were fired and the enemy was gone. The 63d 
again lay down. Directly the supporting Con- 
federate brigade advanced. The 63d was order- 
ed to make a half left wheel to sweep the front of 
the redoubt, and the manoeuvre was handsomely 
executed. The 11th Missouri moved on the 
left into line into the vacant space ; the 43d 
moved by the right of companies to the left, 
and the 27th half-faced to the left. Suddenly 
the enemy appeared, and a furious storm of 
lead and grape was launched at them. The 63d 
fired five or six volleys and the enemy rushed 
upon them. A terrific hand to hand combat 
ensued. The rage of the combatants was furi- 
ous and the uproar hideous. It lasted hardly 
a minute, but the carnage was dreadful. Bayo- 
nets were used, muskets clubbed, and men were 
felled with brawny fists. Our noble fellows 
were victors, but at a sickening cost. Of the 250 
of the splendid 63d, 125 lay there on the field, 
wounded, dead, or dying. The last final strug- 
gle terminated with a howl of rage and dismay. 
The foe flung away their arms and fled like 
frightened stags to the abatis and forests. The 
batteries were still vomiting destruction. With 
the enemy plunging in upon him, brave Robi- 
nett, with his faithful gunners of the 1st U. S. 
artillery, double shotted his guns and belched 
death upon the infuriate host, and now he 
sent the iron hail after the fugitives with re- 
lentless fury. The abatis was full of them, 



294 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



but they were subdued. Directly they began 
to wave their handkerchiefs upon sticks in 
token of submission, shouting to spare them 
"for God's sake." Over 200 of them were 
taken within an area of a hundred yards, and 
more than 200 of them fell in that frightful 
assault upon Fort Robinett. Fifty-six dead 
were heaped up together in front of that re- 
doubt, most of whom were of the 2d Texas 
and 4th Mississippi." 

The battle was now over. It had begun in 
earnest about 9 o'clock, and at half past 11 the 
Confederate force was falling back. The front 
was so thoroughly masked that it was late in 
the afternoon before it could be determined 
whether a second assault Avas intended. Pur- 
suit in force could not be attempted before ra- 
tions and ammunition were provided. It was 
3 o'clock on the morning of the next day, Sun- 
day the 5th, before the column moved in light 
order and swiftly. The vigor and determina- 
tion with which Gen. Rosecrans would pursue 
a flying foe may be understood from his views 
expressed to his officers : " Follow close ; force 
them to pass to the rear ; compel them to form 
often in line of battle and so harass and dis- 
courage them; prevent them from communi- 
cating from front to rear ; give them no time 
to distribute subsistence; don't let them sleep." 
Meantime, after the Confederate force had re- 
tired, Gen. McPherson arrived with 3 regiments 
from Jackson, and led the van of the pursuit. 

The Confederate force retreated by the route 
on which they had advanced, which was the 
Chewalla road. It was necessary for them to 
cross the Tuscumbia river in the neighborhood 
of Pocahontas. They sent a body of troops to 
protect the Hatchie river bridge, which is two 
miles from the bridge across the Tuscumbia. 
On the 4th Gens. Ord and Hurlbut, from Gen. 
Grant's force, moved down and encountered 
this detachment and defeated it, capturing a 
large number of prisoners and two batteries of 
6 guns. The Federal loss here was 50 killed, 
493 Abounded, and 17 prisoners. This action 
compelled the Confederate force to retrace 
their steps and by making a wide circuit they 
finally crossed the Hatchie at Crum's Mill, 
about 6 miles farther up. Gen. Rosecrans, 
however, continued the pursuit to Ripley, 
whence he was ordered by Gen. Grant to return. 
He captured nearly 1,000 prisoners, part of the 
Confederate ammunition and baggage trains, 
and 11 guns. The Federal loss at Corinth was 
stated at 815 killed, 1,312 wounded, and 232 
prisoners, taken chiefly on Friday, and two 
Parrott guns. The additional effects of the 
battle are thus stated by Gen. Rosecrans in 
an address to his troops, dated October 25 : 

I have now received the reports of the various com- 
mander.s. I have now to tell you that the magnitude 
of the stake, the battle and the results, become more 
than ever apparent. Upon the issue of this fight de- 
pended the possession of west Tennessee, and perhaps 
even the fate of operations in Kentuck}'. The entire 
available force of the rebels in Mississippi, save a few 
garrisons and a small reserve, attacked you. They 



were commanded by Van Dorn, Price, Villipigue, Kust, 
Armstrong, Maury, and others in person. They num- 
bered, according to their own authorities, nearly 40,000 
men — almost double your own numbers. You fought 
them into the position we desired on the Sd, punishing 
them terribly ; and on the 4th, in 3 hours after the in- 
fantry went into action, they were completely beaten. 
You killed and buried 1,423 oflicers and men ; some 
of their most distinguished officers falling— among 
whom was the gallant Colonel Kogers, of the I'd Texas, 
who bore their colors at the head of his storming col- 
umn to the edge of the ditch of "Battery Robinett," 
where he fell. Their M'ouuded, at the usual rate, must 
exceed 6,000. You took 2,268 prisoners, among whom 
are 137 field ofiiccrs, captains, and subalterns, repre- 
senting 53 regiments of infantry ; 16 regiments cav- 
alry ; 13 batteries of artillery ; 7 battalions ; mak- 
ing 69 regiments, 13 batteries, 7 battalions, besides 
several companies. You captured 3,300 stands of 
small arms, 14 stands of colors, 2 pieces of artillery, 
and a large quantity of equipments. You puisued his 
retreating columns 40 miles in force with infantry, and 
69 miles with cavalry, and were ready to follow him to 
Mobile, if necessary, had you received orders. I con- 
gratulate you on these decisive results ; in the name of 
the Government and the people, I thank you. I beg 
you to unite with me in giving humble thanks to the 
Great Master of all for our victories. 

After the battle at Corinth and the pursuit 
of the Confederate force, the troops of Gen. 
Grant returned to their respective positions. 
Gen. Rosecrans, on the 25th of October, was or- 
dered from Corinth to Cincinnati to take com- 
mand of the forces preparing for a new cam- 
paign. On the 4th of November the forces of 
Gen. Grant advanced from Jackson and Boli- 
var to Lagrange, 3 miles east of Grand Junc- 
tion on the Cairo and New Orleans railroad. 
The scattered forces of Gens. Van Dorn and 
Price had rallied and were within 20 miles of 
the same place, at Cold Water and Holly Springs, 
Mississippi. Their numbers had not been in- 
creased by reenforcements, but they had been 
rendered more eflective by concentration. The 
forces of Gen. Grant had been slightly increased 
by the new levies. His army was required to 
garrison Columbus, Humboldt, Trenton, Jack- 
son, Bolivar, Corinth, and Grand Junction, and 
was now designated as the army of west Ten- 
nessee. The position of the army was un- 
changed until near the end of November. It 
required reenforcements and supplies. Active 
efforts were made to repair the Memphis rail- 
road in order that supplies might be brought 
from that point instead of Columbus in Ken- 
tucky. The distance to the latter place is 138 
miles, and to the former, from Lagrange, 49 
miles. On the south a small body of troops 
was thrown forward a few miles to Davis's 
Mills, and on the west a heavy force had been 
stationed at Moscow. On the 28th, however, 
the advance of Gen. Hamilton's corps began to 
move in the direction of Holly Springs, which 
place was reached on the 29th. By the 1st of 
December, Gen. Grant's forces had arrived and 
were chiefly encamped at Lumpkin's Mills, south 
of Holly Springs, and V miles north of the Tal- 
lahatchie river. The Confederate force had re- 
tired to the river. At the same time that the 
movement was commenced from Davis's Mills, 
a division of Gen, Curtis's army left Helena, 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



295 



Ark., for the purpose of making a flank move- 
ment on the Confederate force on the Tallahat- 
chie and getting in their rear, and thus cutting 
off their retreat while the main army advanced 
upon them. On the river extensive fortifica- 
tions had been thrown up as if for the purpose 
of making a determined stand against the prog- 







■J 



res3 of the Federal army. These, however, 
were abandoned on Dec. 1 by Gen. Van Dorn 
and his forces retired farther south. It was 
supposed that information of the flank move- 
ment from Helena led to the evacuation of his 
strong position on the Tallahatchie. On the 2d 
i-ear guard passed through Abbeville, and 
. on the 3d through Oxford, with some sharp 



skirmishes with the Federal advance. On the 
4th Gen. Grant's headquarters were at Oxford 
Ihe mam body of the army was at AbbeviUe' 
As It advanced, the bridges and culverts of the 
railroad were repaired, the track restored and 
the cars run. At the same time the Confed- 
erate force continued to fall back toward Gre- 
nada, presenting only a strong rear guard 
Meantime the expedition from Helena above- 
; mentioned, moved on the 27th of Novem- 
ber with seven thousand men under Gen Al- 

Jl"" ?^- ??°7^^V. ^"^ ^^^ ^^^* ^'^y ^e crossed 
the lallahatchie. The passage was disputed 
by Confederate pickets without loss. On the 
30th a second skirmish occurred at the Yack- 
napatapha, after the crossing of which the 
Confederate forces retired toward Coffeeville 
The next movement of Gen. Hovey was to cut 
the Mississippi Central railroad and the tele- 
graph line. The railroad line was destroyed 
lor a considerable distance. The Confederate 
communication on the Mississippi and Tennes- 
see railroad for a short distance was next cut 
near Panola, by a cavalry force sent out by 
Gen. Hovey under Col. Washburn. In exe- 
cuting this order, on Dec. 1, Col. Washburn 
unexpectedly encountered a cavalry force near 
Oakland, on the Mississippi and Tennessee 
railroad, and a sharp skirmish ensued. The 
Buperiority of the Federal artillery soon put an 
end to it, and the Confederate forces retired in* 
the direction of Cofi"eeville, with a loss of five 
killed, several wounded, and about fifty taken 
prisoners. The loss of Col. Washburn was 
fifteen men wounded and fifteen horses killed. 
The steamboats and small craft on the Talla- 
hatchie river were destroyed, and two loco- 
motives and some cars on the railroad, and the 
expedition then returned to Helena. The efi'ect 
of this movement was to cause the Confederate 
force under Gen. Pemberton to fall back from 
the lallahatchie, evacuate Grenada, and re- 
tire toward Canton, under the impression 
tfiat the entire command of Gen. Grant was 
very strong. The eftect of the return of this 
force to Helena was to restore the confidence 
of the Confederate general Van Dorn, and an at- 
tack upon Gen. Grant's rear, in order to cut 
ott his supplies, was immediately organized and 
on the 20th, while Gen. Grant's headquarters 
were at Oxford, an attack by surprise was 
made on the garrison at Holly Springs, thirty 
miles north, by a considerable force of cavalry, 
to_ whom the place was surrendered. The 
prisoners were paroled, the immense stores 
collected there for Gen. Grant's army were 
destroyed, also a large quantity of cotton which 
had been purchased of the people in the vicin- 
ity. On the same day a similar attack was 
made at Davis's Mills, a little farther north, 
which was bravely repulsed. Near Jackson, 
m Tennessee, previously the headquarters of 
Gen. Grant, an attack was made on the 19th 
by a body of cavalry with artillery, under Col. 
Forrest. It was first made upon a train loaded 
with wood. The telegraph wire was also cut, 



296 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



and the road destroyed. On the next day 
Humboldt was captured, and an attack was 
made on Trenton, which was soon surrendered 
by Col. Fry in command. The railroad depot 
was burned with all the stores and cotton in 
it. Other stations on the road, as Dyer, Ruth- 
erford, and Keaton, were taken on the same 
day. The purpose was to destroy every bridge 
on the railroad from Columbus to Corinth and 
Grand Junction, and thus cut off the route for 
supplies to Gen. Grant's army. The conse- 
quence of destroying his depot of supplies, and 
disturbing his line of communication, was to 
make Gen. Grant fall back upon Holly Springs. 
Subsequently Col. Forrest's force was entirely 
routed by Col. Sweeney. 

Meanwhile troops had been collected at 
Cairo and Memphis, for an expedition against 
Vicksburg. This had been done within the 
department of Gen. Grant, and the command- 
er of the expedition. Gen. Sherman, was sta- 
tioned at Memphis in the same department, and 
under the command of Gen. Grant. It was 
an object of Gen. Grant's movements into 
Mississippi, just related, to reach Jackson 
in the rear of Yicksburg, and thus cooperate 
with Gen. Sherman. In this design he was 
unsuccessful, and obliged to fall back in con- 
sequence, of the attacks on his line of com- 
munication. After falling back upon Holly 
Springs, a division of his troops was sent to 
join Gen. Sherman. The future proceedings 
of Gen. Grant and of this Expedition properly 
belong to the record of 1863. 

The second campaign in Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee during the year was virtually ended. 
The forces of Gen. Grant were reduced by 
a detachment of ten thousand men to aid 
Gen. Sherman in the capture of Vicksburg-, - 
which was a part of the new campaign. 

Meanwhile the calls of the President for six 
hundred thousand additional troops were pro- 
ducing their effect. Vast forces were gather- 
ing, and new campaigns were about to com- 
mence. The great march of the Northwest 
sweeping everything before it to the Gulf of 
Mexico, was now to be made. The Govern- 
ment had found that the "Western people would 
bear no longer with its futile efforts to open 
the Mississippi and to seize the Southern val- 
ley. "What we need," said President Lin- 
coln, " is a military success ; " money and men 
had been promptly furnished to the full extent 
of the request. 

This new campaign contemplated the ad- 
vance of a powerful army under Gen. Rose- 
crans through Tennessee into Alabama; the 
movement of a military and naval expedition 
from Cairo upon Vicksburg ; the cooperation 
of an expedition under Gen. Banks from New 
Orleans, and thence into Texas ; and an ad- 
vance from Missouri upon Arkansas ; and also 
from Kansas upon the Indian country and 
northern Texas. Thus the Federal Govern- 
ment would not only open the Mississippi river, 
but occupy all the Southwestern States, and re- 



duce the Confederate forces to the limits of the 

Atlantic States. 

On the 25th of October, Gen, Rosecrans was 
ordered to Cincinnati to take command of the 
army of the Ohio, as already stated. This com- 
mand consisted of what remained of the splen- 
did army of Gen. Buell, reenforced by new but 
raw levies, until it became the second army in 
size of the United States. The preparation for 
his campaign was no ordinary effort. 

The new troops were to be drilled, disci- 
plined, and made reliable ; equipments, arms, 
horses, and stores of every kind were needed. 

The country in which he proposed to march 
had just been swept of its forage by two ar- 
mies — that of Gen. Buell, and that of Gen. 
Bragg. His supplies must come from the 
States of the Northwest. Only two routes ex- 
isted for their conveyance : the Cumberland 
river, which was at too low a stage of water 
for successful navigation, and the Louisville 
and Nashville railroad, on which the bridges 
had been burned, and the tunnel at Gallatin de- 
stroyed. The Avork of preparation and organi- 
zation was vigorously begun, and his army 
soon began to move southward. On the 1st 
of November Gen. Rosecrans moved to Bow- 
ling Green, and on the 5th three divisions of 
Gen. McCook's corps moved farther on their 
way to Tennessee. 

The commanders of the corps of the whole 
army were Gens. Thomas, McCook, Rousseau, 
and Crittenden. On the 7th the corps of Gen. 
McCook passed through Nashville. 

The Louisville and Nashville railroad was 
completed on the 8th to Mitchellsville on the 
northern line of Tennessee. On the 10th, Gen. 
Rosecrans arrived at Nashville, and from 
that time to the close of the year he was con- 
stantly engaged in concentrating, reorganizing, 
reequipping, and disciplining his army, accu- 
mulating supplies by the railroad, of which 
there was only a single track, and preparing for 
a forward movement. As early as the 26th of 
November, the Confederate army manifested 
a purpose to contest the occupation of middle 
Tennessee. The railroad bridge at Bridgeport 
was repaired and troops hurried to Murfrees- 
borough. Gen. Joseph Johnston had been placed 
in command of this Confederate department, 
although unable to engage in active field oper- 
ations. The Confederate forces were stationed 
atLavergne, Murfreesborough, McMinnville, &c. 
Their numbers, under Gen. Bragg, were esti- 
mated at forty-five thousand effective men. He 
had been led to believe by the spies of Gen. 
Rosecrans that the latter intended to go into 
winter quarters at Nashville, and had despatch- 
ed one body of cavalry under Gen. Forrest to 
cut off Gen. Grant's communication, and an- 
other body under Col. Morgan to cut the com- 
munication of Gen. Rosecrans in Kentucky, 
and also a body of infantry to the Confederate 
army of Mississippi. This appeared to be the 
opportunity for Gen. Rosecrans to strike an 
effective blow. At this time, the Federal army 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



297 



occupied a line of about ten miles on the south- 
easterly front of Nashville facing south, the right 
resting on the right of the Franklin turnpike, 
the centre extending out to Breakville on the 
Nolinsville turnpike, and the left covered by 
Mill Creek, some six or eight miles from Nash- 
ville, with outposts describing an irregular 
semicircle, covering a distance of nine miles 
from the city. To this front the Confederate 
army presented its force with outposts about 
two miles distant. Gen. E. Kirby Smith's corps, 
with part of Col. Morgan's cavalry, occupied 
the Confederate right ; the corps of Gen. Polk, 
with Col. Wheeler's cavalry brigade, occupied 
the centre at Lavergne; Gen. Hardee's corps 
at Triune and Nolinsville, with Col. Wharton's 
cavalry in front, occupied the left. On the 
night of the 25th, Christmas, the determina- 
tion for an advance the next day was made. 
The respective columns were so disposed as to 
move down Wilson's, the Nolinsville, Marfrees- 
borough, and Jetferson turnpikes. The general 
plan was to move a brigade down Wilson's 
turnpike to protect the right, while Gen. Negley 
should endeavor to turn the Confederate left 
and get into its rear ; Gen. McCook's corps 
■was to press directly upon Gen. Hardee at No- 
linsville and Triune, while Gen. Crittenden push- 
ed down the Murfreesborough and Jefterson 
turnpikes. At dawn on the 26th, the troops 
broke up camp with wild shouts and poured 
along the highways. Gen. McCook's corps 
marched steadily down the road with skirmish- 
ers widely spread out. The Confederates re- 
sisted sharply, but were steadily driven, the 
Federal loss being small. Gen. Crittenden ad- 
vanced to Lavergne without opposition. The 
Confederates retired rapidly before his skir- 
mishers. On the next day, the 27th, the Con- 
federate force continued to retire as the Fed- 
erals advanced with sharp skirmishing. At 
four o'clock p. M., the Confederate right had 
been driven over the bridge across Stewart's 
Creek, on the Jefferson turnpike, which they 
were prevented from destroying. They were 
also driven overthe bridge across the same creek 
on the Murfreesborough turnpike so rapidly 
as to be unable to destroy it. Both structures 
came into the possession of the Federal forces, 
all the columns of which had now closed up. 
It was now apparent from the course of the 
Confederate retreat that their purpose was to 
concentrate near Stone Creek or river. On 
Sunday the 28th, Gen. Thomas advanced his 
camp across Stewart's Creek, and joined the 
left. Next day. Gen. McCook moved within 
seven miles of Murfreesborough, and Gen. Crit- 
tenden moved within three niiles. Gen. Negley 
advanced to the centre, and Gen. Rousseau's 
division was placed in reserve, on the right of 
Gen. Crittenden. On the 30th, Gen. McCook 
advanced through thickets, stubbornly resisted 
by the Confederates, and pressed Gen. Hardee's 
corps in his front in line of battle. The front 
of this Confederate corps crossed the Federal 
right obliquely, in a position which, if extend- 



ed, -would flank it. The centre, under Gen. 
Negley, was slightly advanced into a cedar 
wood, and was engaged in reconnoitring un- 
der sharp resistance, and in cutting roads 
through the dense forest to open communica- 
tion with the right. The left was in a line 
corresponding with the course of Stone river. 
The right division of Gen. McCook now faced 
to the southeast, and two brigades were 
thrown out on the extreme right, some- 
what in reserve. The Confederate force was 
concentrated within two miles of Murfrees- 
borough, with its right resting on the Lebanon 
turnpike, thence extending west across Lytle's 
Creek and the Nashville turnpike, and under 
the command of Gen. Leonidas Polk. It con- 
sisted of three divisions under Gens. Cheatham, 
Breckinridge, and Buckner. The Confederate 
centre was composed of three divisions of Gen. 
E. Kirby Smith ; the left was under the com- 
mand of Gen. Hardee, and rested on the Frank- 
lin and Murfreesborough road. This position of 
the Confederate army gave to it the advantage 
of strong natural fortifications, with their centre 
effectually masked by almost impenetrable ce- 
dar forests. Constant skirmishing was going 
on between both forces, and it was manifest 
that another day would witness the impending 
battle. At this time assaults were made by 
cavalry on the Federal rear, and several trains 
were captured. During the night it was evi- 
dent that the Confederate forces were massing 
on the right of Gen. Rosecrans, and his plan 
was formed to give ground a little, if necessary, 
on that wing, and to advance the left at the 
same time into Murfreesborough. The execu- 
tion of this purpose was prevented by the great 
force of the Confederate attack on the right. 
» Early on the morning of the 31st, the attack 
was made along the entire line of the Federal 
right under Gen. McCook. The weather was 
foggy, and the appearance of the Confederate 
force was sudden. No preparations up to this 
time for an advance or an assault had been . 
made. An attack very early in the morning 
had been anticipated ; but as it did not come, a 
degree of carelessness and indifference had 
taken possession of both officers and men, and 
all precautions were in a degree abandoned. 
The opposing lines of the two hostile' wings 
had formed on the opposite sides of a val- 
ley which narrowed toward the Federal left. 
Gen. McCook's corps consisted of three divi- 
sions which formed this line. On the left was 
the division of Gen. Sheridan, in the centre 
that of Gen. Davis, and on the right that of 
Gen. Johnson. The attack was made along the 
entire front at once by the Confederate force, 
rapidly advancing in double columns. Before 
the divisions of Gens. Johnson and Davis could 
form, the Confederate batteries opened upon 
them, and their infantry soon after became en- 
gaged at short range, rapidly advancing and 
preparing to charge bayonets. Two batter- 
ies of Gen. Johnson's division were taken be- 
fore a gun was fired ; and the irregular fire of 



298 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the others, many of which had no horses near 
at hand, and the desultory fire of the incom- 
plete line did not cause the Confederate line to 
waver, much less repulse it. One brigade of 
Gen. Johnson's was broken and fled to the 
rear, leaving the artillery they should have 
supported, and the men -were shot down at 
the guns. The rest of the division fell back, 
and with them a few of the guns. The line of 
Gen. Davis's division, which was attacked at the 
same time, was also imperfectly formed. In 
vain it attempted to hold its position. Like 
that of Gen. Johnson, it was crushed and bro- 
ken, and three entire batteries lost. The di- 
vision of Gen. Sheridan, when first assailed, 
withstood the shock, and forced back the Con- 
federate line ; but when tlie division of Gen. 
Davis was driven back it stoutly resisted, and 
endeavored to hold the position until the 
others could be rallied in the rear, and ad- 
vanced to its support. The efi'ort, however, 
was unsuccessful, and like the others, his divi- 
sion retreated. The divisions of Gens. Johnson 
and Davis had in the mean time formed in the 
rear, and endeavored to stay the Confederate 
progress. They were unsuccessful, but main- 
taiiied their line and fell back in good order, 
and again formed at the first good position. 
In like manner Gen. Sheridan proceeded. No 
guns were captured after the first assault, and 
the mass of prisoners Avas taken during this 
retreat. The object of Gen. Bragg was to turn 
the right flank, but this failed. Gen. Eosecrans, 
on the other hand, prepared to stop the prog- 
ress of the Confederates on his right, without ex- 
posing his centre and left to immediate danger. 
His left wing could not be advanced to Mur- 
freesborongh, because his right was gone. He, 
therefore, massed his artillery upon his centre, 
at the probable point of assault. These move- 
ments were concealed by forests, and were un- 
perceived by the enemy. Gen. Negley now 
ordered forward the advance of the centre, con- 
sisting of two small brigades to protect the re- 
treating forces of Gen. McCook. These were 
supported by the division of Gen. Rousseau, and 
served to check the Confederate force in its 
pursuit of the right wing. As the enemy ap- 
proached these brigades, they retired slowly. 
The former, unsuspecting it to be a decoy, 
rushed forward, and were received with such 
a cross-fire of double shotted canister from 
two batteries and a volley from a brigade, as 
caused their line to waver for a moment. It 
dashed forward again. In the mean time Gen. 
Rousseau had come up on the right of Gen. 
Negley, and his regular troops on his left ad- 
vanced at the moment when the right of the 
Confederate left wing dashed forward. The 
combined fire of Gen. Negley's force and of the 
regular troops drove the Confederate main 
force back with terrible loss, and a large num- 
ber of Confederate prisoners were taken. The 
struggle was maintained a few moments, when 
the Federal force under orders fell back, and 
the Confederate line, flushed with success, and 



consisting of their centre and right of left wing, 
rushed in overwhelming mass upon the batter- 
ies which had been so placed as to rake them 
in almost every direction. A horrible slaughter 
ensued. The Confederate line wavered, fell 
back, and attempted to rally. On another 
discharge, they fled from the fire which they 
could not face. Meanwhile Gen. McCook had 
got into line on the right of Gen. Rousseau, and 
received reeuforcements of artillery, and was 
ready for another attack. The Confederate 
force had now fallen back, and a suspension of 
fire took place along the entire line. It was 
midday. The Federal line had been driven 
back between two and three miles, thirty pieces 
of artillery had been lost, and the dead and 
wounded with many prisoners were in Confed- 
erate hands. The spirit of the troops was still 
resolute. 

These movements had somewhat changed 
the position of the Federal line. The left and 
centre recovered their position at right angles to 
the Murfreesborough road and across it. They 
extended from the river to the distance of a 
mile west of it. The right wing had fallen 
back until it was nearly parallel to this road, 
and extending from Stewart's Creek to the 
right of Gen. Rousseau. The Confederate left 
was opposite the Federal right and a few hun- 
dred yards from it. In this position both of 
Gen. Rosecrans's flanks were protected by 
streams with good bridges and fords in his rear. 

About three o'clock, the battle opened again 
by a Confederate attack upon the Federal 
centre and left. Although this Was made by 
large masses, yet such was the favorable posi- 
tion occupied by the Federal line on a crest or 
ridge of ground, and such was the strength of 
its batteries that no advantage was gained by 
the Confederates. The slaughter on both sides 
was great and the contest very determined. 
It continued until five o'clock when the ex- 
hausted armies suspended operations for the 
night. This was so clear and beautiful that 
some batteries continued their fire. The re- 
sult of the day was that the Federal right had 
been driven in almost upon the left, and a change 
of front had been made under fire, leaving in 
possession of the Confederate troops that part 
of the field. They also held the ground occu- 
pied in the morning by the Federal pickets on 
the left, which wing had receded to draw the 
Confederate troops on. During this time the 
communication to Nashville had often been cut 
off", and a strong force of Confederate cavalry 
had made a dash in the Federal rear within a 
mile of the front, and captured a considerable 
amount of hospital stores. The ammunition 
train of the right wing was twice captured and 
twice retaken. The Federal loss on that day 
was estimated at three thousand killed and 
woxmded, twenty-five pieces of artillery, and a 
large number of prisoners. The Confederate 
loss in killed and wounded was not less. 

On Thursday the 1st of January, 1863, the 
line of Gen. Rosecrans was restored to it3 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



299 



original position by the success of Gen. Mc- 
Cook's efforts to recover and hold it, on the 
thu-d attempt. The division on the extreme 
left was also moved across Stone River. The 
position on the right wing was intrenched and 
the communications in the rear completed. 
On the morning of the 2d, sharp demonstra- 
tions were made along the whole Federal line 
by the Confederate army, but nothing serious 
was attempted until three o'clock in the after- 
noon. At that time the Confederate force 
burst in mass upon the division across Stone 
River, as if having discovered the intention of 
Gen. Rosecrans to advance it in their rear. 
Tliis attacking force consisted of their entire 
right wing. The three brigades of the Federal 
division under Col. Beatty were prepared for 
the attack and stood their ground manfully, 
but the overwhelming force finally drove them 
back across the creek. Gen. Negley's division, 
which had been formed iu reserve as if for this 
occasion, now advanced, supported by the divis- 
ion of Gen. Davis and the pioneer battalion 
of Morton. The most bitter conflict of the 
battle now ensued. Both sides massed their 
batteries and used them with desperate vindic- 
tiveness. *The Confederate line wavered and 
fell back. Gen. Davis was ordered to cross the 
stream, and Col. SirweU of the 78th Pennsyl- 



vania, placing his hat on the point of his sword, 
led the way with a shout. Col. Beatty's divis- 
ion followed. An overwhelming and irresist- 
ible charge was made on the Confederate line, 
and it broke and fled. A battery was captured, 
and a stand of colors. The entire division of 
Gen. Negley followed up rapidly, and Gen. 
Rosecrans's whole line immediately advanced. 
The enemy's right wing was now broken, and 
the Federal force was gaining the Confed- 
erate flank, when resistance on its part became 
vain and the entire force receded with the loss 
of many prisoners. The next morning found 
the Federal line intrenched in its advanced 
position, but a storm was raging. Quiet pre- 
vailed through the day, excepting one or tvo 
sharp conflicts resulting in the capture of a 
small breastwork. On the next morning the 
Confederate army had retired from Murfrees- 
borough, which was subsequently occupied 
by Geu. Rosecrans. Two divisions were soon 
sent forward in pursuit of the forces of Gen. 
Bragg, who fell back to TuUahoiua. The Federal 
loss was 8,485 killed and Avounded, and 3,600 
missing. The enemy's loss is not known. 

The original plan of Gen. Rosecrans to tm'n 
the right of the Confederate army and cut off 
its retreat, was entirely defeated by the failure 
of the right wing to maintain itself. 



CHAPTEE XXIY. 



Conclnsion of the Campaign in Virginia— Gen. McClellan crosses the Potomac— Causes of his Delay— Presses Gen. Lee — 
Gen. Bnrnside ordered to take Command — His Orders— Gen. Lee falls back — Advance of Gen. Bm-nside toward Fred- 
ericksburg — Its Surrender Demanded— Occupied by Gen. Lee — Battle of Fredericksburg — Withdrawal of Gen. Burn- 
side's Forces— Losses. 



The conclusion of the campaign in Vir- 
ginia remains to be described. Immediately 
after the battle of Antietam, the Confederate 
army retired across the Potomac and occupied 
strong positions on its right bank. All hopes 
that the State of Maryland would unite her 
destinies Avith the Southern Confederacy were 
now banished. The invasion had been made 
by crossing the Potomac within a limit of 
twelve miles, which is about a mile above the 
Point of Rocks and five miles below the Mono- 
cacy aqueduct on the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Canal. The army then marched through fields, 
woods, and roads for Frederick. The line of 
the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal for twelve 
miles presented a scene of desolation. It was 
tapped at five places. Several floodgates were 
cut to pieces, and fi-om heights above large 
boulders of rock were dislodged and thrown 
into the canal. An unsuccessful attempt was 
made to blow up the aqueduct at Monocacy. 
The telegraph lines and the track of the Balti- 
more and Ohio Railroad were much injured. 



The bridge at Monocacy and portions of the 
abutments were destroyed. Private property 
did not escape. Fences were torn down and 
fields laid desolate. 

The army of Gen. McClellan remained on the 
north bank of the Potomac in the vicinity of 
Sharpsburg and Harper's Ferry. On the 1st 
of October it was visited by President Lincoln, 
who was cordially received and tarried until 
the 4th. On the Tth Gen. McClellan issued 
the following order relative to the proclama- 
tion threatening emancipation of the Southern 
slaves : 

Headqitartees Akmt op the Potomac, October 7, 1863. 
General Order, 163. — The attention of the officers 
and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac is called to 
General Orders, No. 139, War Department, September 
24, 1862, publishing to the army the President's proc- 
lamation of September 22. 

A proclamation of such grave moment to the nation, 
ofE cially communicated tothe army.affordstothe Gen- 
eral commanding an opportunity of defining specific- 
ally to the officers and soldiers under his coniraand the 
relation borne by all persons iu the military service 



300 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



of the United States toward the civil authorities of the 
Government. 

The Constitution confides to the civil authorities — 
legislative, Judicial, and executive — the power and 
duty of making, expounding, and executing the Federal 
laws. Armed forces are raised and supported simply 
to sustain the civil authorities, and are to be held in 
strict subordination thereto in all respects. The fun- 
damental law of our political system is essential to the 
security of our republican institutions, and should be 
thoroughly understood and observed by every soldier. 

The principle upon which and the objects for which 
armies shall be employed in suppressing rebellion 
must be determined and declared by the authorities, 
and the Chief Executive, who is charged with the 
administration of the national affairs, is the proper and 
only source through which the views and orders of the 
Government can Be made known to the armies of the 
nation. 

Discussion by otScers and soldiers concerning public 
measures determined upon and declared by the Gov- 
ernment, when carried beyond the ordinary, temperate, 
and respectful expression of opinion, tend greatly to 
impair and destroy the discipline and efficiency of the 
troops, by substituting the spirit of political faction 
for the firm, steady, and earnest support of the authori- 
ty of the Government, which is the highest duty of the 
American soldier. The remedy for political errors, if 
any are committed, is to be found only in the action 
of the people at the polls. 

In thus calling the attention of this army to the true 
relation between the soldiers and the Government, the 
General commanding merely adverts to an evil against 
which it has been thought advisable during our whole 
history to guard the armies of the Republic, and in so 
doing he will not be considered, by any right-minded 
person, as casting any reflection upon that loyalty and 
good conduct which have been so fully illustrated upon 
so many battle-fields. 

In carrying out all measures of public policy this 
army will, of course, be guided by the same rules of 
mercy and Christianity that have ever controlled its 
conduct toward the defenceless. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. McCLELLAN. 

Jas. a. Hardie, Lieut.-Col., 
Aide-de-Camp and Act'g Ass't Adj. -General. 

On Monday night, Oct. 10, a body of Con- 
federate cavalry of about twenty-five hundred, 
nnder Gen. Stuart, suddenly appeared at Cham- 
bersburg, Penn., and occupied the place. The 
Government storehouses and machine shops 
were burned by them ; also the Cumberland 
Valley railroad depot. On the next day Gen. 
Stuart marched to Emmettsburg, thence to 
TVoodsborough, New Market, and Monrovia, 
which place he reached early on Sunday morn- 
ing. Thus far his force had gathered about one 
thousand horses. He next pushed for the Poto- 
mac, at Noland'sEord, at the mouth of the Mono- 
cacy ; but finding a Federal force there, he divided 
his troops and crossed at different places, chiefly 
at Conrad's Ferry, and six miles below the Mono- 
cacy. The entire distance of his march north 
of the Potomac, was a little over one hundred 
miles, A large number of Federal troops were 
put in motion to effect his capture, but without 
success. Eeconnoissances made on the 1 6th and 
17th discovered the Confederate army occupy- 
ing a position extending from Bimker Hill to 
the Shenandoah river. 

It had been expected that Gen. McCleUan 
would take the forces of Gen. Pope's shat- 
tered army and march into Maryland and 
conquer the victorious Confederate force and 



pursue them even to Richmond. The in- 
activity of his army after the battle of An- 
tietam became a subject of complaint. It was 
overlooked that the low water in the Poto- 
mac required time to line its north shore with 
troops to prevent another invasion of Maryland. 
It was overlooked that most of his troops had 
been in active service in the field during the 
previous six months, and might require most 
important supplies. On the 6th of October the 
following despatch was sent by the general-in- 
chief, Gen. Halleck, to Gen. McCleUan : 

Washington, D. C, Oct. 6, 1863. 
Maj.-Gen. McOUllan: 

I am instructed to telegraph to you as follows : 
The President directs that you cross the Potomac and 
give battle to the enemy or drive him south. Your 
army must move now while the roads are good. If you 
cross the river between the enemy and Washington, 
and cover the latter by your line of operation, you can 
be reenforced with 80,000 men. If you move up the 
valley of the Shenandoah, not more than 12,000 or 15,- 
000 can be sent to you. The President advises the in- 
terior line between Washington and the enemy, but 
does not order it. He is very desirous that your army 
move as soon as possible. You will immediately report 
what line you adopt and when you intend to cross the 
river. Also, to what point the reenforcements are to 
be sent. It is necessary that the plan of your opera- 
tions be positively determined on before orders are 
given for building bridges and repairing railroads. I 
am directed to add that the Secretary of War and the 
General-in-Chief fully concur with "the President in 
these instructions. 

H. W. HALLECK, Gen.-in-Chief. 

According to the report of Gen. HaUeck, Gen. 
McCleUan disapproved of the plan of crossing 
the Potomac south of the Blue Ridge, and said 
that he would cross at Harper's Ferry and ad- 
vance on Winchester. The advance, however, 
did not take place untU the 26th of October. It 
became the subject of speculation on the part 
of the public as to the real nature of the causes 
of delay. Subsequently, upon the removal of 
Gen. McCleUan from the command of the army, 
on the 7th of November, the following letter 
was published : 

Ueadqttaeters op the Aemt, ) 
Washington, Oct. 28, 1862. J 

Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

Sir: In reply to the general interrogatories contained 
in your letter of j-esterday, I have to report : 

1st. That requisitions for supplies to the army under 
Gen. McCleUan are made by his staff officers on the 
chiefs of bureaus here ; that is, for quartermasters' 
supplies, by his chief quartermaster on the Quarter- 
master-General ; for commissary supplies, by his chief 
commissary on the Commissary-General, &c. No such 
requisitions have been, to my knowledge, made upon 
the Secretary of War, and none upon the General-in- 
Chief. 

2d. On several occasions Gen. McCleUan has tele- 
graphed to me that his army was deficient in certain 
supplies. All these telegrams were immediately refer- 
red to the heads of bureaus, with orders to report. It 
was ascertained that, in every instance, the requisitions 
had been immediately filled, except one, where the 
Quartermaster-General had been obliged to send from 
Philadelphia certain articles of clothing, tents, &c.,not 
having a full supply here. There has not been, so far 
as I could ascertain, any neglect or delay, in any de- 
partment or bureau, in issuing all supplies asked for 
by Gen. McClcllan, or by the officers of his staff. De- 
lays have occasionally occurred in forwarding supplies 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



301 



by rail, on account of the crowded condition of the 
depots, or of a want of cars ; but whenever notified of 
this, agents have been sent out to remove the difficulty. 
Under the excellent superintendence of Gen. Haup, I 
think these delays have been less frequent and of short- 
er duration than is usual with freight trains. An army 
of the size of that under Gen. McClellan will frequently 
be for some days without the supplies asked for, on ac- 
count of neglect in making timely requisitions and un- 
avoidable delays in forwarding them and in distributing 
them to the different brigades and regiments. From 
all the information I can obtain, I am of opinion that 
the requisitions from that army have been tilled more 

Eromptly, and that the men, as a general rule, have been 
etter supplied than our armies operating in the West. 
The latter have operated at much greater distances 
from the sources of supply, and have had far less faci- 
lities for transportation. In fine, I believe that no 
armies in the world, while in campaign, have been more 
promptly or better supplied than ours. 

Sd. Soon after the battle of Antietam Gen. McClellan 
was urged to give me information of his intended move- 
ments, in order that, if he moved between the enemy 
and Washington, reenforcements could be sent from 
this place. Ou the first of October, finding that he pro- 
posed to operate from Harper's Ferry, I urged him to 
cross the river at once and give battle to the enemy, 
pointing out to him the disadvantages of delaying till 
the autumn rains had swollen the Potomac and impaired 
the roads. On the 6th of October he was peremptorily 
ordered to "cross the Potomac and give battle to the 
enemy or drive him south. Your army must move now, 
while the roads are good." It will be observed that 
three weeks have elapsed since this order was given. 

4th. In my opinion there has been no such want of 
supplies in the army under Gen. McClellan as to pre- 
vent his compliance with the orders to advance against 
the enemy. Had he moved to the south side of the 
Potomac he could have received his supplies almost as 
readily as by remaining inactive on the north side. 

5th. On the 7th of October, in a telegram in regard 
to his intended movements, Gen. McClellan stated that 
it would require at least three days to supply the first, 
fifth, and sixth corps ; that they needed shoes and other 
indispensable articles of clothing, as well as shelter 
tents. No complaint was made that any requisitions 
bad not been filled, and it was inferred from his lan- 
guage that he was only waiting for the distribution of 
his supplies. 

On the 11th he telegraphed that a portion of his sup- 
plies sent by rail had oeen delayed. As already stated, 
agents were immediately sent from here to investigate 
tiiis complaint, and they reported that everything had 
gone forward. On the same date (the 11th) he spoke 
of many of his horses being broken down by fatigue. 
On the "l2th he complained that the rate of supply was 
only *' one hundred and fifty horses per week for the 
entire army there and in front of Washington." 

I immediately directed the Quartermaster-General 
to inquire into this matter and report why a larger sup- 
ply was not furnished. Gen. Meigs reported on the 
14th that the average issue of horses to Gen. McClel- 
lan's army in the field and in front of Washington for 
the previous six weeks had been 1,459 per week, or 
8,754 in all. In addition, that large numbers of mules 
had been supplied, and that the number of animals with 
Gen. McClellan's army on the upper Potomac was over 
thirty-one thousand. He also reported that he was then 
sending to that army all the horses he could procure. 

On the Isth Gen. McClellan stated, in regard to Gen. 
Meigs's report that he had filled every requisition for 
shoes and clothing: "Gen. Meigs may have ordered 
these articles to be forwarded, but they have not reached 
our depot, and, unless greater efibrt to insure prompt 
transmission is made by the department of which Gen. 
Meigs is the head, they might as well remain in New 
York or Philadelphia, so far as this army is concerned." 
I immediately called Gen. Meigs's attention to this ap- 
parent neglect of his department. On the 25th he re- 
ported, as the result of his investigation, that 48,000 
pairs of boots and shoes had been received by the quar- 



termaster of Gen. McClellan's army at Harper's Ferry, 
Frederick, and Hagerstown ; that 20,000 pairs were at 
Harper's Ferry depot on the 21st; that 10,000 more 
were on their way, and 15,000 more ordered. Col. 
Ingals, aide-de-camp and chief quartermaster to Gen. 
McClellan, telegraphed, ou the 25th : " The sutfering for 
want of clothing is exaggerated, I think, and certainly 
might have been avoided by timely requisitions of regi- 
mental and brigade commanders." On the 24th he 
telegraphed to the Quartermaster-General that the 
clothing was not detained in cars at the depots : " Such 
complaints are groundless. The fact is, the clothing 
arrives and is issued, but more is still wanted. I have 
ordered more than would seem necessary from any data 
furnished me, and I beg to remind you that you have 
always very promptly met all my requisitions, so far as 
clothing is concerned. Our department is not at fault. 
It provides as soon as due notice is given. I foresee no 
time when an army of over 100,000 men will not call for 
clothing and other articles." 

In regard to Gen. McClellan's means of promptly 
communicating the wants of his army to me or to the 
proper bureaus of the War Department, I report that, 
in addition to the ordinary mails, he has been in hourly 
communication with Washington by telegraph. 

It is due to Gen. Meigs that I should submit herewith 
a copy of a telegram received by him from Gen. Mc- 
Clellan. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. W. HALLECK, Gen.-in-Chiefl 

United States Military Telegraph. 

Received, Oct. 22, 1862—9 40 P. M. 
From McClellan's Eeadquarters. 

To Brig.-Gen. Meigs : Your despatch of this date is 
received. I have never intended, in any letter or de- 
spatch, to make any accusation against yourself or your 
department for not furnishing or forwarding clothing as 
rapidly as it was possible for you to do. I believe that 
everything has been done that could be done in this re- 
spect. The idea that I have tried to convey was, that 
certain portions of the command were without clothing, 
and the army could not move until it was supplied. 

G. B. McCLELLAN, Maj.-Gen. 

Nothing has been made public on the part of 
Gen. McClellan alluding to or explaining the 
causes of the delay of the movements of the 
army. Strict justice requires that, in estimat- 
ing the importance of the preceding letters, the 
testimony of Gen. Burnside on a subsequent 
page should be considered. It was generally 
understood that Gen. McClellan's movement 
■was delayed by the want of clothing and other 
supplies, and especially on account of his deli- 
ciency in cavalry and artillery horses. The 
purchase and forwarding of these was going on 
even up to the day of his crossing the Potomac. 
One army corps did not receive its clothing 
until it had commenced its march in A-'irginia. 
It was stated by several commanders that they 
made every eftbrt to get the clothing for their 
troops, repeatedly sent teams to the railroad 
depots for it, and until a short time previous to 
the marching of the army they were invariably 
told that the clothing had not arrived. 

Early on the 26th of October a cavalry force, 
under Col. Pleasanton, crossed the Potomac 
on the new pontoon bridge at Berlin, and 
moved on in the direction of PurcellviUe. Soon 
after the corps of Gen. Burnside began to cross 
in light marching order, followed by an im- 
mense train of wagons, and took a position 
near Lovettsville. On the next day a heavy 
reiinforcement joined him. About the same 



302 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



time the Confederate force prepared to abandon 
the line of the Potomac and to fall back. The 
crossing of the Federal troops was now con- 
stant, until the entire army was south of the 
river. On the 30th of October Gen. Sedgwick 
advanced from Boliver Heights, and crossed the 
Shenandoah in the direction of Shannondale, 
and Gen. Hancock pushed forward, pressing on 
the Confederate lines in front of Charlestown. 
Gen. Burnside moved along the eastern base of 
the Blue Ridge, followed by the corps of Gen. 
Porter. 

The situation of the respective forces at this 
time was as follows : The Federal army reen- 
forced by the divisions of Gens. Sigel and Sick- 
les, who had advanced from Washington, occupi- 
ed all the region east of the Blue Ridge, with 
the right resting on Harper's Ferry, and the left 
extending nearly to Paris, on the road from 
Aldie to Winchester. The centre was at Snick- 
ersville ; with Snicker's Gap in its possession. 
The Confederate line was on the south side of 
the Blue Ridge, with the Shenandoah river im- 
mediately in its front, extending from Front 
Royal down to Charlestown, with the great body 
of their troops massed between Berryville and 
Winchester. On the 4th Ashby's Gap was oc- 
cupied without opposition by the Federal troops. 
The cavalry corps, under Col. Pleasanton, 
pushed on from Piedmont, and occupied Mar- 
guette, holding the approaches to Manassas 
and Chester Gap, on the left side of the Blue 
Ridge. The condition and spirit of the army 
at this time were unequalled by that of any force 
before organized. On the 6th Gen. McClellan's 
headquarters were at Rectortown near Front 
Royal. The army was steadily advancing and 
the Confederate force falling back, with some 
skirmishing. Warrenton was occupied by the 
Federal troops on the same day. On the 7th a 
severe snow storm commenced, and continued 
throughout the day. On the 8th the bridge at 
Rappahannock Station was taken and held by 
Gen. Bayard. On the night of the 7th, near 
midnight. Gen. Buckingham arrived, from Wash- 
ington, at Gen. McClellan's tent, and delivered 
to him an order from President Lincoln, to sur- 
render the command of the army to Gen. Burn- 
side, and to report himself immediately at 
Trenton, the capital of the State of New Jersey. 
This order was entirely unexpected by Gen. 
McClellan, and probably by every officer of the 
army. The only reasons for it which have of- 
ficially appeared, will be found in the above 
letter of Gen. Halleck, dated October 28, 
which was given to the public a few days after 
this removal. 

Gen. McClellan immediately wrote the fol- 
lowing address to his troops preparatory to his 
departure : 

Headquarters of the Aemt or the Potomac, ) 
Camp near Eeotortown, Va., November 1. f 

Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : 

An order of the President devolves upon Maj.-Gen. 
Burnside the command of this army. In parting from 
you I cannot express the love and gratitude I bear to 
you. As an army you have grown up in my care. In 



you I have never found doubt or coldness. The battles 
you have fought under my command will probably live 
in our Nation s history. The glory you have achieved 
over mutual perils and fatigues ; the graves of our com- 
rades fallen in battle and by disease; the broken forms 
of those whom wounds and sickness have disabled ; the 
strongest associations which can exist among men unite 
us by an indissoluble tie. We shall ever be comrades 
in supporting the Constitution of our country and the 
Nationality of its people. 

(Signed) GEO. B. McCLELLAN. 

Major-General U. S. A. 

The next day was devoted by Gen. McClellan 
to the transfer of his command to Gen. Burn- 
side. The most cordial feelings existed be- 
tween the two officers, the latter of whom ac- 
cepted a promotion which he had before twice 
declined, only upon the peremptory order of 
the War Department. On Sunday evening his 
officers assembled at his tent, for a final parting 
of commander and officers. It was such a scene 
of deep feeling as could occur only where offi- 
cers reposed the highest confidence in their 
commander, who had led them successfully 
through some of the most fearful battles of 
modern wars. Monday was occupied in pass- 
ing among the various camps, reviewing the 
troops, and taking a final leave of both officers 
and men. A spectator of these scenes has 
summed them up in these words : 

"As Gen. McClellan, mounted upon a fine 
horse, attended by a retinue of fine-looking mil- 
itary men, riding rapidly through the ranks, 
gracefully recognized and bid a farewell to the 
army, the cries and demonstrations of the men 
were beyond bounds — wild, impassioned, and 
unrestrained. Disregarding all military forms 
they rushed from their ranks and thronged 
around him with the bitterest complaints 
against those who had removed from command 
their beloved leader." 

On the next day, the 10th, he withdrew, tak- 
ing the railroad cars at Warrenton. On reach- 
ing Warrenton Junction a salute was fired. The 
troops, which had been drawn up in line, after- 
ward broke ranks, when the soldiers crowded 
around him and many eagerly called for a few 
parting words. He said in response, while on 
the platform of the railroad depot, "I wish 
you to stand by Gen. Burnside as you have 
stood by me, and all will be well. Good-bye." 
To this there was a spontaneous and enthusi- 
astic response. 

The troops were also drawn up in line at 
Bristow's Station and Manassas Junction, where 
salutes were fired and he was complimented 
with enthusiastic cheers. On reaching Wash- 
ington he proceeded immediately to the depot, 
and passed on to Philadelphia and Trenton, 
where he arrived early on the 12th. 

What was now the military aspect? The 
movement of Gen. McClellan's army, after 
crossing the Potomac, was toward Gordonsville. 
This made a movement on the part of the Con- 
federate general Lee necessary in order to pre- 
vent the Federal army from getting between 
him and Richmond. For this purpose he at- 
tempted to move from Winchester through the 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



303 



gaps of the Blue Ridge to Culpepper. The larger 
part of his force had passed through, when the 
gaps were taken and held by Gen. McOlellan. 
At the same time Gen. Sigel had advanced from 
"Washington, and lay near the Blue Ridge, cov- 
ering at once Washington, observing the gaps 
to the Rappahannock, and protecting the rail- 
road communication to that river. The bridge 
at Rappahannock Station had already been 
seized by the cavalry, under Gen. Bayard. The 
available force of Gen. McOlellan was about 
one hundred and twenty thousand men ; that of 
Gen. Lee consisted of about sixty thousand able 
men at Culpepper and Gordonsville, and thirty 
thousand in the Shenandoah Valley, near Stras- 
burg. The distance from "Wari*enton to Gor- 
donsville is about fifty miles, and from "War- 
renton to the Rapidan, thirty-five miles ; from 
Strasburg to Gordonsville, by Staunton and 
Charlottesville, one hundred and thirty-five 
miles ; and by the only other practicable roiite, 
one northwest of Gordonsville, and perpendic- 
ular to Gen. McClellan's line of advance, about 
one hundred miles. In his position it was ne- 
cessary for Gen. Lee to defend the line of the 
Rapidan, or endeavor to eflfect a junction with 
the force in the Shenandoah Valley, under 
Gen. Jackson, or fall back upon Richmond, in 
a country without a line of defence, witli Gen. 
McOlellan close upon him, leaving Gen. Jack- 
son to shift for himself. The defence of the 
Rapidan was impracticable from the course 
of the river from the Alexandria railroad to the 
Blue Ridge. The efforts to join Gen. Jackson 
would have uncovered Richmond, and the at- 
tempt to fall back on Richmond would have at 
least hazarded the demoralization of his array, 
and enabled Gen. McOlellan to turn the defen- 
sible parts of the Rappahannock, and the line of 
the North Anna. The appointment of Gen. 
Burnside was followed by the organization of 
a portion of the army into divisions, and a 
movement to concentrate it at Fredericksburg. 
On the 12th Gen. Burnside issued the following 
address to the army : 

Headqttaktees Akmt of the Potomac, Nov. 10, 1862. 

In accordance with General Orders, No. 1S2, issued 
by the President of the United States, I hereby assume 
command of the Army of the Potomac. Patriotism, 
and the exercise of my every energy in the direction 
of this army, aided by the full and hearty cooperation 
of its officers and men, will, I hope, under the blessing 
of God, insure its success. 

Having been a sharer of the privations, and a wit- 
ness of tlie bravery of the old Army of the Potomac in 
the Maryland campaign, and fully itlentified with them 
in their feelings of respect and esteem for Gen. 
McClellan, entertained through a long and most friend- 
ly association with him, I feel that it is not as a stranger 
I assume command. 

To the 9th army corps, so long and intimately asso- 
ciated with me, I need say nothing. Our histories are 
identical. With diffidence for myself, but with a proud 
confidence in the unswerving loyalty and determina- 
tion of the gallant army now intrusted to my care, I 
accept its control, with the steadfast assurance that the 
just cause must prevail. 

[Signed] A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General Commanding. 

On the 12th the general-in-chief (Halleck) 



and Gen. Meigs proceeded from "Washington 
to the headquarters to confer with Gen. Burn- 
side. On the same day the advance of the 
army was across the Rappahannock and fifteen 
miles south of Warrenton. On the 14th Gen. 
Burnside issued the following order reorgan- 
izing a portion of his army : 

Headquaetees, Aemy op the Potomac, I 
Waeeenton CVa.), Nov. 14, 1863. ) 

General Order, No. 184. 

First. The organization of a portion of this army in 
three grand divisions is hereby announced. These 
grand divisions will be formed and commanded as 
follows : 

The Second and Ninth Corps will form the right 
grand division, and will be commanded by Maj.-Gen. 
E. V. Sumner. 

The First and Sixth Corps will form the left grand 
division, and will be c(nnmanded by Maj.-Gen. W. B. 
Franklin. 

The Third and Fifth Corps will form the centre grand 
division, and will be commanded by Maj.-Gen. Joseph 
Hooker. 

The Eleventh Corps, with such others as may here- 
after be assigned to it, will constitute a reserve force, 
under the command of Maj.-Gen. F. Sigel. 

Assignments of cavalry and further details will be 
announced in future orders. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. BURNSIDE. 

S. Williams, A. A.-G. 

A movement was made at this time by Gen. 
Jackson for the purpose of detaching a portion 
of the army of the Potomac. He occupied all 
the roads west and north of "Winchester as far 
as Big Cacapon Bridge on the northwestern 
turnpike, and from Pughtown to Bath and 
Hancock. He was thus looking westward, at 
the same time he was in a position to cross the 
Potomac. His movement failed to eifect his 



Meanwhile the mass of Gen. Lee's forces re- 
tired to Gordonsville. On the 16th the forces 
of Gen. Burnside began to move for Fredericks- 
burg, as had been previously determined in 
consultation on the 12th between Gens. Hal- 
leck and Burnside. On the 15th the evacuation 
of Warrenton and the adjacent places was com- 
menced, and by the morning of the ISth it was 
entirely completed. The advance was led by 
Gen. Sumner. At the same time supplies were 
sent to Aquia Creek, and the repairs of the 
railroad track to Fredericksburg commenced, 
and the army concentrated at Falmouth oppo- 
site Fredericksburg. 

The march to Richmond, it appeared, was 
to be made by the route from Fredericksburg. 
This city is on the south bank of Ae Rappa- 
hannock, and sixty-five miles distant from Rich- 
mond. It is connected with the latter place by 
a railroad, of which there is a double line 
nearly to Hanover Junction, twenty-three miles 
from Richmond. The railroad crosses the Mat- 
tapony river at Milford, thirty-seven miles from 
Fredericksburg, and the Pamunkey, twenty- 
five miles from Richmond, besides a number 
of smaller streams. Between Falmouth, where 
the Federal army concentrated, and Richmond 
there are two main and two minor lines of de- 



304 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



fence. The first that of the Rappahannock 
river. Above Falmouth its abrupt banks, 
which are lined with high hUls, diflBcult of ac- 
cess, and its narrow fords and rocky bottom 
render a rapid crossing for a large force al- 
most impossible. Below, the valley of the river 
expands, spreading often into spacious plains, 
while the winding course of the stream forms 
numerous necks of land, easily commanded 
from the north side, and giving secure crossing 
places, and ample ground for the formation of 
troops. At Fredericksburg the north com- 
mands the south bank and much of the dis- 
tance, which is a mile and a half, to the frown- 
ing hUls or table land beyond. But these 
heights equally command this intermediate 
plain, and are unassailable in front except by 
infantry. Next in the retir and twelve miles 
distant, is the line of the Po river and Stan- 
nard's Marsh, which is hardly available except 
to hold a pursuing foe in check. The North 
Anna is about forty miles from the Rappahan- 
nock, and affords another principal line of de- 
fence. It is a deep . and rapid stream, with a 
narrow valley. The table land on its north 
bank is about one hundred feet above the bed 
of the river, and about one hundred and fifty 
on the south bank. The extension of its line 
after it turns to join the South Anna, and be- 
comes the Pamunkey, presents scarcely less ob- 
stacles than the river itself, so well is the 
ground guarded by swamps and flanked by 
Btreams. The last and a minor line of defence 
is the South Anna river, with the southern com- 
manded by the northern bank, and too near 
the North Anna for a second formation by a 
force that has been badly defeated. Numerous 
Email streams parallel to the line of advance 
present suitable points for resistance, and pro- 
tect foes attacking the line of communication, 
while the bridges over them are weak points 
necessary to be securely guarded. 

By the 20th a considerable force had reached 
Falmouth. Gen. Sumner on the next day sent 
to Fredericksburg the following summons to 
surrender : 

Headqttaetkes Aemy of tite Potomac, J^ov. 21, 1S62. 
To the Mayor and Common Council of Fredericksburg : 

Gentlemen : Under cover of the houses of your 
city shots have been fired upon the troops of my com- 
mand. 

Your mills and manufactories are furnishing provi- 
Bions and materials for clothing for armed bodies in 
rebellion against the Government of the United States ; 
your railroads and other means of transportation are 
removing supplies to the depots of such troops. 

This condition of things must terminate, and by di- 
rection of Gen. Burnside, I accordingly demand the 
surrender of the city into my hands, as the represent- 
ative of the Government of the United States, at or 
before five o'clock this afternoon. 

Failing an affirmative reply to this demand by the 
hour indicated, sixteen hours will be permitted to 
elapse for the removal from the city of women and 
children, the sick and wounded, and aged, &c. ; which 
period having expired, I shall proceed to shell the 
town. 

Upon obtaining possession of the city, every neces- 
sary means will be taken to preserve order and secure 



the protective operation of the laws and policy of the 
United States Government. 
I am, very respectively, your obedient servant, 
E. V. SUMNER, 
Brevet Maj.-Gen. U. S. army, 
Commanding Eighth Grand Division. 

In reply the mayor of the city, M. Slaughter, 
stated that the firing complained of occurred 
in the suburbs, and was the act of the Confed- 
erate officer in command, for which neither 
the citizens nor authorities were responsible. 
The other matters complained of, he said, 
should no longer exist, and proceeded thus: 
" The civil authorities of Fredericksburg have 
no control ; but I am assured by the military 
authorities of the Confederate army near here 
that nothing will be done to infringe the con- 
ditions herein named, as to matters within the 
town ; but the latter authorities inform us that, 
while their troops will not occupy the town, 
they will not permit yours to do so." 

The late hour at which the summons was re- 
ceived rendered it impossible to remove the 
women and children in the time allowed. 

The reply of Gen. Sumner to the mayor was 
as follows : 

IIeadquabtees Bight Grand Division, Camp near ) 
Falmodth, Nov. 21, 1862. ( 

To the Mayor and Common Council of Fredericksburg : 
Your letter of this afternoon is at hand, and in con- 
sideration of your pledge that the acts complained of 
shall cease, and that your town shall not be occupied 
by any of the enemy's forces, and j'our assertion that 
a lack of transportation renders it impossible to move 
the women, children, sick, wounded, and aged, I am 
authorized to say to you that our batteries will not 
open upon the town at the hour designated. Gen. 
Patrick will meet a committee of representatives from 
your town to-morrow morning at nine o'clock at the 
Lacy House. 

Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

E. V. SUMNER, 
Brevet Maj.-Gen. Commanding Division. 

An interview was subsequently held as 
above mentioned, which resulted in the follow- 
ing note from Gen. Sumner : 

Headquarters Eight Grand Division, Nov. 22, 1862. 
To the Mayor and Common Council, Fredericksburg : 

I am authorized to say that so long as no hostile 
demonstration is made from the town it will not be 
shelled. I have also to say that there will be no firing 
upon the cars before 11 o'clock p. m. to-morrow. 
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 

E. V. SUMNER, 
Brevet Maj.-Gen. U. S. A., Commanding. 

The firing upon the cars of the railroad 
above mentioned was in consequence of the be- 
lief that they were used to remove military 
stores from Fredericksbui g. 

As Gen. Burnside's army concentrated on 
the north bank. Gen. Lee's forces concentrated 
on the heights in the rear of Fredericksburg. 
Had the pontoon bridges required been at hand 
when the advance reached Falmouth, the line 
of the Rappahannock would have been taken 
without opposition. Then, with proper sup- 
plies and bridges, thirty of the sixty miles to 
Richmond would have been placed within the 
reach of Gen. Burnside, and perhaps a lodg- 



MILITARY AND NAA^AL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



305 



ment have been effected on the banks of the 
North Anna. Nearly thirty days elapsed be- 
fore the pontoons arrived and the bridges were 
completed. The ensuing military operations 
were investigated by a committee of Congress, 
before whom Gen. Burnside testitied as follows : 

Gen. Halleck came down to see me on the 11th of 
November. On the 9th I made out a plan of opera- 
tions, in accordance with the order of Gen. Halleck, 
which directed me not only to take the c6mmand, but 
also to state what I proposed to do with it. That plan 
I wrote on the morning of the iith of November, and 
sent it by special messenger to Washington. I can 
furnish the committee a copy of that plan if they de- 
sire it. I do not have it here now. 

Question. — State the substance of it, if you please. 
That may do as well. 

Answer.— I stated, in substance, that I thought it 
advisable to concentrate the army in the neighborhood 
of Warrenton, to make a small movement across the 
Rappahannock as a feint, with a view to divert the at- 
tention of the enemy, and lead them to believe we 
were going to march in the direction of Gordonsville, 
and then to make a rapid movement of the whole 
army to Fredericksburg, on this side of the Rappa- 
hannock. 

As my reasons for that, I stated that the farther we 
got into the interior of Virginia, the longer would be 
our lines of communication and the greater would be 
the ditficultj we would have in keeping them open, as 
the eneni)' had upon our right flank a corps that al- 
most at any time could, by a rapid movement, serious- 
ly embarrass us. If we were caught by the elements 
so far from our base of supplies, and at the same time 
in the enemy's country, where they had means of get- 
ting information that we had not, it might, I thought, 
prove disastrous to the army, as we had but one line 
of railway by which to supply it. 

In moving upon Fredericksburg we would all the 
time be as near Washington as would the enemy, and 
after arriving at Fredericksburg, we would be at a 
point nearer to Richmond than we would be even if 
we should take Gordonsville. On the Gordonsville 
line, the enemy, in our opinion, would not give us a 
decisive battle at any place this side of Richmond. 
They would defend Gordonsville until such time as 
they felt they had given us a check, and then with so 
many lines of railroad open to them, they would move 
upon Richmond or upon Lynchburg, and in either 
case the difficulty of following them would be very 
great. 

In connection with this movement I requested that 
barges tilled with provisions and forage should be 
floated to Aquia Creek, where they could easily be 
landed ; that materials be collected for the reconstruc- 
tion of the wharves there, and that all the wagons in 
Washington that could possibly be spared should be 
filled with hard bread and small commissary stores, 
and, with a large number of beef cattle, started down 
to Fredericksburg on the road by way of Dumfries; 
and that this wagon train and load of cattle should be 
preceded by a pontoon train large enough to span the 
Rappahannock twice. I stated that this wagon train 
could move in perfect safety, because it would be all 
the. time between our army and the Potomac ; or in 
other words our army would be all the time between 
the enemy and that train. But at the same time I 
said that if a cavalry escort could not be furnished 
from Washington, I would send some of my cavalry 
to guard the train. 

On the morning of the 14th of November, feeling 
uneasy with reference to the pontoons, as I had not 
heard of their starting, I directed my chief engineer to 
telegraph again in reference to them. 

He telegraphed to Gen. Woodbury or to Major 
Spaulding. It subsequently appeared that that was 
the first they ever had heard of any wish to have the 
pontoon train started down to Fredericksburg, although 
the authorities in Washington had bad my plans sent 
20 



to them on the 9th of November ; and it had also been 
discovered by Gen. Halleck and Gen. Meigs, at my 
headquarters, on the night of the 11th and liith of No- 
vember; and after discovering it fully there, they sat 
down and sent telegrams to Washington, which, as I 
supposed, fully covered the case, and would secure the 
starting of the pontoon trains at once. I supposed, 
ot course, that those portions of the plan which re- 
quired to be attended to in Washington would be car- 
ried out there at once. I could have sent officers of 
my own there to attend to those matters, and perhaps 
I made a mistake in not doing so, as Gen. Halleck af- 
terward told me that I ought not to have trusted to 
them in Washington for the details. 

In reply to the telegram I had ordered to be sent. 
Gen. Woodbury telegraphed back that the pontoon 
train would start on Sunday morniag probably, and 
certainly on Monday morning, which would have been 
on the IGth and 17th of November, and would have 
been in time. They did not, however, start until the 
20th, and on that day it commenced raining, which 
delayed them so much and the roads became so bad 
that when they got to Dumfries they floated the pon- 
toons off the wagons. We then sent to Washington 
for a steamer, and carried them down to Aquia Creek 
by water, sending the wagons around by land. The 
pontoons did not get here until the 22d or 23d of No- 
vember. 

On the 15th of November I started the column down 
the road to Fredericksburg, not knowing anything 
about the delay in the starting of the pontoons, because 
the telegram announcing the delay did not reach War- 
renton Junction until I had left to come down here 
with the troops, and that telegram did not reach me 
until I arrived here on the morning of the 19th, when 
it was handed to me by an orderly who had brought it 
down to Warrenton Junction. 

After reaching here I saw at once that there was no 
chance for crossing the Rappahannock with the army 
at that time. It commenced raining and the river be- 

fan to rise — not to any great extent, but I did not 
now how much it might rise. Thewe were no means 
of crossing except by going up to the fords, and it 
would be impossible to do that because of the inability 
to supply the troops after they should cross. 

Gen. Sumner, with his command, arrived here in 
advance. He sent to me, asking if he should cross the 
river. He was very much tempted to take his own 
men across to Fredericksburg by a ford near Falmouth, 
as there was no enemy there except a very small force. 
I did not think it advisable that he should cross at 
that time. 

The plan I had in contemplation was, if the stores 
and these bridges had come here as I expected, to 
throw Sumner's whole corps across the Rappahan- 
nock, fill the wagons with as many small stores as we 
could, and having beef cattle along for meat, then to 
make a rapid movement down in the direction of Rich- 
mond and try to meet the enemy and fight a battle be- 
fore Jackson could make a junction there. We knew 
that Jackson was in the valley, and felt confident that 
there was force enough on the upper Rappahannock to 
take care of him. We felt certain that as soon as the 
enemy knew of our crossing down here, the force of 
Jackson would be recalled, and we wanted to meet this 
force and beat it before Jackson could come down on 
our flank and perhaps cripple us. 

I had recommended that some supplies should be 
sent to the mouth of the Rappahannock with a view 
of establishing a department at Port Royal. After 
we had advanced to Fredericksburg, and after the 
first delay in starting the pontoons, I think they were 
sent as quickly as they could have been, and the sup- 
plies and quartermasters' stores have been always m 
as great abundance as we could have expected, for 
after the 19th of November the roads were particular- 
ly bad. Horses and mules were sent down to us, so 
that our cavalry and teams were in very good condi- 
tion. 

After it was ascertained that there must be a delay, 
and that the enemy bad concentrated such a force 



306 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



as to make it very difficult to cross, except by a num- 
ber of bridges, we commenced bringing up from 
Aquia Creeic all the pontoons we could. After enough 
of them had been brought up to build the bridges, I 
called several councils ot war to decide about crossing 
the Rappahannock. It was at first decided to cross 
at Shinker's Neck, about twelve miles below here, 
but our demonstration was simply for the purpose of 
drawing down there as large a force of the enemy as 
possible. 

I then decided to cross here because, in the first 
place, I felt satisfied that they did not expect us to 
cross here but down below. In the next place I felt 
satisfied that this was the place to fight the most de- 
cisive battle, because if we could divide their forces 
by penetrating their lines at one or two points, sepa- 
rating their left? from their right, then a vigorous at- 
tack with the whole army would succeed in breaking 
their army in pieces. 

The enemy had cut a road along on the rear of the 
line of the heights where we made our attack, by 
means of which they connected the two wings of 
their army, and avoided a long detour round through 
a bad country. I obtained from a colored man from 
the other side of the town information in regard to this 
new road, which proved to be correct. 1 wanted to 
obtain possession of the new road, and that was my 
reason for making an attack on the extreme left. I 
did not intend to make the attack on the right until 
that position had been taken, which I supposed would 
stagger the enemy, cutting their lines in two. And 
then I proposed to make a direct attack on their front, 
and drive them out of the works. 

By Mr. Gooch : Do I understand you to say that it 
was your understanding that Gen. Halleck and Gen. 
Meigs, while at your headquarters in Warrenton, and 
before you commenced the movement of your army, 
sent orders to Washington for the pontoons to be im- 
mediately forwarded to Falmouth? 

Answer : That was my understanding, certainly. 

Question: In your judgment, could the pontoons 
have been forwarded to you in time for you to have 
crossed the Rappahannock when you expected, if all 
possible efforts had been made by those charged with 
that duty ? 

Answer : Yes, sir, if they had received their orders 
in time. 

Question : Did the non-arrival of these pontoons at 
the time you expected prevent your crossing when you 
expected to cross and interfere with the success of 
your plans? 

Answer : Yes, sir. 

Thus it was the design of Gen.Bnrnside that 
the pontoons should leave Alexandria on Nov. 
11, and arrive at Falmouth at the same time 
with the advance of his army. The right grand 
division reached Falmouth on Nov. 17. The 
pontoons left Alexandria on Nov. 19, and ar- 
rived at Frederickshurg after the movements 
of Gen. Burnside had not only become known, 
but after Gen. Lee had advanced his forces 
from Gordonsville to the heights in the rear of 
Fredericksburg, and had fortified them. They 
were not used until the night of Dec. 10. 

A plan for the movements of Gen. Burnside 
had now been arranged between President 
Lincoln, Gen. Halleck, and himself, by which it 
was determined that the army should move 
across the Rappahannock at a certain place 
and at a certain time. This was departed from 
by Gen. Burnside, who was induced to move 
the army across at a different place and at an 
earlier day. His reasons for this change he 
thus states in his report : 

During my preparations for crossing at the place 



I had first selected, I discovered that the enemy had 
thrown a large portion of his force down the river and 
elsewhere, thus weakening his force in front, and also 
thought I discovered that he did not anticipate the 
crossing of our whole force at Fredericksburg, and I 
hoped by rapidly throwing the whole command over 
at that place to separate by a vigorous attack the 
forces of the enemy on the river below from the force 
behind and on the crest in the rear of the town, in 
which case we could fight him with the greatest ad- 
vantage in our favor. To do this we had to gain a 
height on the extreme right of the crest, which height 
commanded a new road latelj' made by the enemy for 
the purpose of more rapid communication along his 
lines ; which point gained, his position along the 
crest would have been scarcely tenable, and he could 
have been driven from them easily by an attack on 
his front in connection with a movement in rear of the 
crest. 

During the night of the 10th of December, 
therefore, the pontoons were conveyed to the 
river, and the artillery to the number of one 
hundred and forty -three pieces was placed, in 
position opposite the city. Between four and 
five o'clock on the morning of the 11th, the 
work of building four bridges was commenced. 
One was to be made at the point where the 
railroad bridge formerly crossed, and two oth- 
ers opposite the city but nearer Falmouth, and 
the fourth nearly two miles below for the 
crossing of the left wing under Gen. Franklin. 
A dull haze so obscured the movement, that it 
was not discovered for some time by the Con- 
federate pickets. The bridges were thus part- 
ly constructed, when a brisk and deadly fire 
of musketry from along the banks of the river 
and windows of the houses was opened, which 
compelled the workmen to stop. They fled to 
the cover of the surrounding hills where they 
formed again, and about six o'clock the work 
was recommenced. The Confederates had 
now become aroused to a sense of what was 
going forward, and with reenforcements of 
sharpshooters swarmed the opposite bank and 
houses. The pontonniers, nothing daunted by 
the hot fire poured upon them, went bravely 
to work. A storm of bullets covered them. 
The planks and boats were riddled by every 
volley. Once more they were compelled to 
withdraw, and again fell back to the cover of 
the ridge of hills running parallel with the 
river. Orders were now given to the artillery 
to open fire on the city. The Federal batter- 
ies commenced an almost simultaneous bom- 
bardment, directing their fire chiefly at the 
houses in which the sharpshooters had con- 
cealed themselves. At the first fire they be- 
came untenable, and the riflemen retreated to 
the rear of the town, and took shelter behind 
the buildings unharmed. The fire of the ar- 
tillery, which commenced at seven o'clock, was 
continued incessantly until one o'clock. The 
fog somewhat obscured its results, but bod- 
ies of the Confederates with great stubborn- 
ness still kept within the city. The Confed- 
erate batteries on the heights in the rear con- 
tinued silent. Not a gun was fired, About 
ten o'clock, the workmen were again formed 
for a third attempt to buUd the bridges. Vol- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



307 



■unteers joined them from tte 8th Connecticut. 
Some planks were seized and carried out to the 
end of a string of boats and placed in position, 
when a galling fire from sharpshooters in rifle 
pits near the edge of the water again interrupt- 
ed them, and they were recalled. Meantime 
the bombardment was continued, and several 
houses in the city had taken fire. In the after- 
noon, several pontoon boats, loaded with vol- 
unteers from the 7th Michigan and 19th Mas- 
sachusetts, were sent ovei*. They chased the 
Confederate sharpshooters from their hiding 
places, and the bridges were finished without 
further interruption. On the other side a 
scene of destruction presented itself. The 
walls of houses were breached, roofs had fallen 
in, and the interiors were destroyed. 

No sooner were the bridges completed than 
the troops began to cross, and before dusk 
Gen. Sumner's grand division had gone over, 
and a section of Gen. Hooker's. All had ra- 
tions for three days, and blankets for a 
bivouac. The grand division of Gen. Franklin, 
consisting of the corps of Gens. Reynolds and 
Smith, crossed over at the lower bridge, which 
was built earlier in the day without interrup- 
tion, as there was a plain before it which the 
artillery could easily have swept. The troops 
commenced crossing again early on the morn- 
ing of the 12th without molestation. Some 
sharp resistance had been made by the Confed- 
erate soldiers to those who crossed on the pre- 
vious day, but these were driven out of the 
city or killed. During the afternoon fire was 
opened upon the city by the Confederate bat- 
teries on the nearest heights, which was re- 
plied to by the Federal batteries, and soon 
ceased. The occupation of Fredericksburg had 
now been successfully made. No greater op- 
position had been presented by the forces of 
Gen. Lee than was sufficient to tempt the Fed- 
eral troops to press forward with greater ardor. 

The next movement was to drive the Con- 
federate forces from their positions on the 
heiglits. These positions consisted of two lines 
of batteries, one a mile in rear of the other, and 
both overlookin<T the city. They extended, in 
the form of a semicircle, from Port Royal to a 
point about six miles above Fredericksburg. 
Their right wing, under Gen. Jackson, extended 
from Port Royal to Guinney's Station on the 
Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad; the 
centre, under Gen. Longstreet, extended to the 
telegraph road; the left, under Gen. Stuart, 
was west of Massaponax Creek. A reserve 
corps was commanded by Gen. A. P. Hill. 
This was the force which had fought at Rich- 
mond and in Maryland. 

Friday night and Saturday morning, the 13th, 
were spent by Gen. Bnrnside in making a prop- 
er disposition of his forces. The left was oc- 
cupied by Gen. Franklin with his grand divi- 
sion, the centre by Gen. Hooker, and the right 
by Gen. Sumner. 

The right of Gen. Franklin rested on the 
outskirts of the city, his centre was advanced 



about a mile from the river, and his left was 
on the Rappahannock, about three miles be- 
low. The action commenced on the extreme 
left by an annoying fire from a Confederate 
battery, which the 9th New York was ordered 
to charge and capture. In this attempt they 
were repulsed. A brigade was brought to 
their aid by Gen. Tyler, and another attempt 
made, but the fire was so deadly that it failed 
of success. The battle now became more gen- 
eral, and another attempt was made to capture 
the battery. No advantage was gained at this 
time, but a severe loss was sufi'ered. The con- 
flict now extended along the whole line of the 
left, and a desperate efl'ort was made to-drive 
the Confederates across the Massaponax Creek 
by turning their position. The ground was 
contested most obstinately, but the Confed- 
erates gradually fell back, occasionally making 
a most desperate stand, until night, when Gen. 
Franklin had succeeded in gaining nearly a 
mile, and his troops occupied the field. The 
right of Gen. Franklin's division, under Gen. 
Reynolds, encountered the fire of the Confed- 
erate artillery on the heights, and although the 
conflict was most deadly, no advantage was 
gained. 

On the right, under command of Gen. Sum- 
ner, the action commenced about ten o'clock 
and was furious during the rest of the day. 
The Confederate forces occupied the woods 
and hills in the rear of the city, from which it 
soon became evident they could not be driven 
except at the point of the bayonet. The 
charge was ordered to be made by the divi- 
sion of Gen. French supported by that of Gen. 
Howard. Steadily the troops moved across the 
plain, until they were within a dozen yards of 
the ridge, when they were suddenly met by a 
galling fire from the Confederate infantry post- 
ed behind a stone wall. For a few minutes 
the head of the column exhibited some con- 
fusion ; but quickly forming into line it retired 
back to a ravine within musket shot of the 
Confederates. Here they were reenforced by 
fresh troops who fearlessly advanced to their 
aid under a most destructive fire of artillery. 
The line of assault was now formed again, 
and with bayonets fixed and a double-quick 
step, they rushed forward to seize the Con- 
federate artillery. From the first step they 
encountered a terrific fire of infantry and 
artillery. No veterans could face that shock. 
They were thrown into confusion and brought 
to a sudden halt. At this juncture the 
centre quivered, faltered, and fled in disorder, 
but was afterward rallied and brought back. 
Three times was the attack thus made io dis- 
lodge those batteries. But each time it was in 
vain. The ranks of the storming party, shrunk 
to small limits, retired. The entire force of his 
artillery was now brought by Gen. Sumner to 
bear upon the enemy, and thus the contest was 
kept up until dark. At night the Confederate 
force occupied their original position, and the 
wounded and the dead remained where they 



308 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



had fallen. Every attempt to remove them 
by the Federal troops was defeated by the 
Confederate infantry. 

In the centre, under the command of Gen. 
Hooker, skirmishing commenced early in the 
morning ; and during the forenoon, while the 
fog prevaUed, a terrific contest, chiefly with ar- 
tillery, was kept up on both sides. The Con- 
federate position appeared to be invulnerable 
to artillery, and about noon preparations were 
made for storming it. The troops marched 
steadily up within musket shot of the batteries, 
and were there met by such a destructive fire 
of artillery and rifles as drove them back with 
a heavy loss. Reenforcements were obtained, 
and the attempt to take the batteries was re- 
peated in the afternoon, but without success. 
The contest continued wath great fierceness 
until night. About half past five the firing of 
musketry ceased, but that of the artillery con- 
tinued until long after dark. 

On the next day, Sunday the 14th, both ar- 
mies remained comparatively quiet. Some 
skirmishing and artillery fire took place for a 
short time. Gen. Burnside sent the following 
despatch to President Lincoln early in the 
morning : 

Headquarters Army Potomac, ) 
FcTTK O'CLOCK, A. M., Dccembtv 14. f 

The President: I have just returned from the field. 
Our troops are all over the river and hold the first 
ridge outside the town and 3 miles below. We hope to 
carry the crest to-day. Our loss is heavy — sav 5,000. 
A. E. BURNSIDE, 
Major-General Commanding. 

On Monday, both armies continued in the 
same position. The Confederates had strength- 
ened some of their works. During the ensu- 
ing night, the army evacuated Fredericksburg 
and retired across the river to its former 
position. The artillery crossed first, followed 
by the infantry, the last of whom left about 
daylight. The pontoon bridges were then re- 
moved and all communication cut ofi*. The 
movement was not perceived by the Confeder- 
ates until it was too late to do any injury to 
the retreating force. The following is the de- 
spatch of Gen. Burnside annovmcing this move- 
ment: 

HEADQrAETERB ArMY PoTOMAO, ) 

Six O'CLOCK p. m., December 16, 1862. J 
Maj.-Gen. Halleck: The army was withdrawn to 
this side of the river because I felt the position in front 
could not be carried, and it was a military necessity 
either to attack or retire. A repulse would have been 
disastrous to us. The army was withdrawn at night, 
without the knowledge of the enemy, and without loss 
either of property or men. A. K. BURNSIDE, 
Major-General Commanding. 

The Federal loss was as follows : Gen. Sum- 
ner's division on the right, killed, 473 ; wound- 
ed, 4,090; missing, 748, Total, 5,311, 

Gen. Hooker's division on the centre, killed, 
326; wounded, 2,468; missing, 754. Total, 
8,548. 

Gen. Franklin's division on the left, killed, 
839 ; wounded, 2,547 ; missing, 576. Total, 



8,462. Grand total, killed, 1,138 ; wounded, 
9,105; missing, 2,078. Total, 12,321. 

The Confederate loss was comparatively 
small, having been sheltered by their works. 

Gen. Burnside, in his report to the general- 
in-chief, thus explains his defeat : 

How near we came to the accomplishment of onr 
object future reports will show. But for the fog, and 
the unexpected and unavoidable delay in building the 
bridges, which gave the enemy 24 hours to concentrate 
his forces in his strong position, we would almost cer- 
tainly have succeeded, in which case the battle would 
have been, in my opinion, far more decisive than if we 
had crossed at the places first selected. As it was, we 
came very near success. Failing in accomplishing the 
main object, we remained in order of battle two days, 
long enough to decide that the enemy would not come 
out of his strongholds to fight me with his infantry, 
after which we recrossed to this side of the river un- 
molested, without the loss of men or property. 

As the day broke our long lines of troops were seen 
marching to their different positions as if going on pa- 
rade — not the least demoralization or disorganization 
existed. 

To the brave officers and soldiers who accomplished 
the feat of thus recrossing in the face of the enemy, I 
owe everything. For the failure in the attack, I 'am 
responsible, as the extreme gallantry, courage, and 
endurance shown by them were never exceeded, and 
would have carried the points had it been possible. 

To the families and friends of the dead I can only 
ofier my heartfelt sympathies, but for the wounded I 
can ofier my earnest prayer for their comfort and final 
recovery. 

The fiict that I decided to move from Warrenton on 
to this line rather against the opinion of the President, 
Secretary of War, and yourself, and that you have 
left the whole movement in my hands, without giving 
me orders, makes me the more responsible. 

Thus closed the third campaign against 
Richmond. No further hostile demonstrations 
were made by either army during the year. On 
the 31st of December, the Confederate general 
Lee issued the following address to his troops : 

Headquaeteeb Army op Northern Virginia, } 
Dec. 21, 1832. \ 

General Order, No. 38. 

1. The General commanding takes this occasion to 
express to the oflBcers and soldiers of the army his high 
appreciation of the fortitude, valor, and devotion dis- 
played by them, which, under the blessing of Almighty 
God, have added the victory of Fredericksburg to the 
long lists of their triumphs. 

An arduous march, performed with celerity under 
many disadvantages, exhibited the discipline and 
spirit of the troops and their eagerness to confront the 
foe. 

The immense army of the enemy completed its pre- 
parations for the attack without interruption, and 
gave battle in its own time, and on ground of its own 
selection. 

It was encountered by less than twenty thousand of 
this brave army, and its columns, crushed and broken, 
hurled back at every point with such fearful slaughter 
that escape from entire destruction became the boast 
of those who had advanced in full confidence of 
victory. 

The war is not yet ended. The enemy is still nu- 
merous and strong, and the country demands of the 
army a renewal of its heroic efforts in her behalf. 
Nobly has it responded to her call in the past, and she 
will never appeal in vain to its courage and patriotism. 

The signal manifestations of Divine mercy that have 
distinguished the eventful and glorious campaign of 
the year just closing, give assurance of hope that, un- 
der the guidance Of the same Almighty hand, the com- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



309 



ing year will be no less fruitful of events that will 
insure the safety, peace, and happiness of our beloved 
country, and add new lustre to the already imperish- 
able name of the Army of Northern Virginia. 

E. E. LEE, General. 

As a part of the campaign against Rich- 
mond undertaken when Gen. Burnside took 
command of the army in Virginia, the efforts 
which were made to cut the Confederate line of 
communication between Richmond and the 
southwestern States, should be stated. There 
are three lines of railroad running south and 
southwest. The one running southwest passes 
through southwestern Virginia, eastern Ten- 
nessee, northern Alabama, and connects with 
roads to western Tennessee and to New Orleans. 
One line running south connects Richmond 
with Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, and 
parts of Alabama. A southern line from Rich- 
mond, recently completed, passes through cen- 
tral North Carolina and South Carolina. By 
cutting the former of these roads at Cumber- 
land Gap, reenforcements and supplies could 
not be brought from the southwest to the Con- 
federate army under Gen. Lee. Neither could 
reenforcements be taken from Gen. Lee's 
army to Gen. Bragg at Murfreesborough. By 
cutting the second line the most direct com- 
munication between Richmond and the prin- 
cipal cities of the Confederate States was de- 
troyed. 

At the time when Gen. Rosecrans was pre- 
pared to move from Nashville to attack the Con- 
federate army near Murfreesborough, an expe- 
dition was sent into east Tennessee to destroy 
the railroad, in order to prevent any reenforce- 
ments to Gen. Bragg from Richmond. Gen. 
Carter, with a force of cavalry numbering one 
thousand men, left London, in Kentucky, on 
Dec. 21. They entered Virginia between Cum- 
berland Gap and Pound Gap, and advanced 
within six miles of Bristol, burned the bridges 
across the Halston and Watauga rivers, and 
tore up portions of the track, destroying the 
rails for a distance of nearly one hundred 
miles, almost to Jonesborough. They captured 
nearly five hundred prisoners, seven hundred 
stand of arms, and a large amount of stores. 
They reached Manchester, Ky., on the 6th of 
January, having lost only ten men. The enter- 
prise was a most hazardous one. 

The expedition against the second line of 
railroads was undertaken in North Carolina. 
It forms the only subsequent military move- 
ment of importance, in addition to those hereto- 
fore described, which was made in that depart- 
ment during the year. It was a march upon 
Goldsborough, and the destruction of the rail- 
road at that place. This is the line connecting 
Charleston and Savannah with Richmond. 
Gen. J. G. Foster, who commanded the depart- 
ment after the departure of Gen. Burnside, 
took charge of the expedition. The force con- 
sisted of four brigades under Cols. Wessels, 
Amory, Stevenson, and Lee; the 3d New 
York and 1st Rhode Island batteries; also sec- 



tions of the 23d and 24th New York Independ- 
ent batteries, and the 3d New York cavalry. 
It left Newbern on the morning of Dec. 11, 
and moved on the Kinston road fourteen 
miles. Some parts of the road were obstructed 
by felled trees. On the next morning it ad- 
vanced to the Vine Swamp road, having some 
sharp skirmishing with a small Confederate 
force. At this point three companies of cav- 
alry were sent up the Kinston road as a de- 
monstration, and the main force took the Vine 
Swamp road, thereby avoiding the obstruc- 
tions and the Confederate forces. It was de- 
layed to build the bridge over Beaver Creek, 
where the 51st Massachusetts and a section of 
artillery were left to hold it, and support the 
cavalry on the main road, and halted at a dis- 
tance of four miles. The next morning the 
main column advanced, turning to the left and 
leaving the road it was upon to the right. At 
the intersection the 46th Massachusetts and a 
section of a battery were left as a feint and to 
hold the position. On reaching Southwest 
Creek a Confederate force was found posted on 
the opposite bank, about four hundred strong, 
and with three pieces of artillery. The creek 
was not fordable, and ran at the foot of a deep 
ravine. Under the protection of a battery the 
9th New Jersey effected a passage and formed 
on the opposite bank, where it was afterward 
supported by the 85th Pennsylvania. This 
caused the Confederate force to retire with 
some skirmishing. On the next day an ad- 
vance upon Kinston was made, and the Con- 
federate force found posted in a strong posi- 
tion about one mile from the place. An attack 
was at once made with the 9th New Jer- 
sey in advance, and the position taken. The 
Confederate force retired across the Neuse 
river, with a loss of four hundred prisoners. 
On crossing, the bridge was set on fire, but 
soon extinguished by the advance of Gen. Fos- 
ter. The bridge was immediately repaired, 
and the column crossed, and occupied the 
town of Kinston. With constant skirmishing 
the force of Gen. Foster continued to advance 
until the 17th, when it reached Goldsborough. 
Here it burned two trestle-work culverts, de- 
stroyed a train of four railroad cars, water 
station, depot, &c., and some small arms, 
which it was unable to carry oflF. After de- 
stroying other bridges, and capturing some 
small positions that had been occupied by a 
Confederate force, the expedition successfully 
returned to Newbern. This enterprise was 
very skilfully executed. In connection with 
movements upon Richmond it would have pos- 
sessed considerable importance, but in the ab- 
sence of such movements it only served to in- 
terfere for a few days with one line of the Con- 
federate internal communication. 

These expeditions, although successful in 
themselves, secured no important advantages 
as the great movement upon Richmond had, 
in the mean time, been suspended. They were 
useful reconnoissances, and the former may have 



310 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION. 



delayed the arrival of reenforcements from 
Gen, Lee to Gen. Bragg before the battle of 
Murfreesborough. They developed the impor- 



tance of these roads to the Richmond Gov- 
ernment, and proved that their permanent loss 
virould have caused serious embarrassment to it. 



CHAPTEE XXY. 



Attempt to capture "Wasliington, North Carolina — ^Expedition from Port Eoyal — Attack on Baton Eouge — Contest near 
Donaldsonville — Attack on Vlcksburg-r-Surrender of Natchez — Capture of Galveston — Attack on the Federal Fleet and 
capture of several Vessels— Military Operations in New Mexico — Expedition to the Indian Territory — Operations in 
Arkansas and Missouri — Campaign against the Northwestern Indians— Eesults of the Year. 



Some military movements took place dui-ing 
the year, which have not been stated in the 
preceding pages, as they were rather isolated 
operations than a part of the campaign at the 
time*progressing. 

On the 6th of September a body of Confed- 
erate troops surprised the garrison at "Wash- 
ington, in the Department of North Carolina. 
A vigorous resistance was made, and the at- 
tacking party was repulsed with a loss of thirty- 
three killed and nearly one hundred wounded. 
The Federal loss was eight killed and thirty- 
three wounded. 

On the 22d of October an ^ expedition was 
sent out from Port Royal in the Department of 
the South, which was then under the command 
of Gen. Mitchell, to destroy the trestle-work 
bridges of the Charleston and Savannah Railroad 
across the Pocotalico, Tullifinny, and Coosaw- 
hatchie, tributaries of the Broad River, and to 
make a reconnoissance of these streams. The 
expedition was under the command of Gens. 
Brannan and Terry. The main body of the 
troops was landed at Mackey's Point, about 
fifteen miles from the railroad, and marched 
seven miles inland, where the Confederates 
were met in force. After a sharp fight of an 
hour tliey retired to a point two miles distant 
and made a second stand. From this point they 
again fell back to the village of Pocotaligo, and 
having burned the long bridge across the stream, 
they were inaccessible. Meanwhile Col. Bar- 
ton, with three hundred and fifty men, pene- 
trated to the railroad at Coosawhatchie, and de- 
stroyed some of the rails, cut the telegraph wire, 
and fired upon a train containing troops. The 
engagement by the main force was severe, and 
the Federal loss was thirty-two killed, and one 
hundred and eighty wounded. The Federal 
force retired on the next day, having failed in 
the object of the expedition, except the recon- 
noissance. The rebel loss has not been stated. 

On the 5th of August an attack was made on 
Baton Rouge, in the Department of the Gulf, 
which was under the command of Gen. Butler. 
The Federal force of this city was under com- 
mand of Brig.-Gen. "WiUiams. The Confeder- 
ate force making the attack was under the com- 
mand of Gen. John C. Breckinridge. The con- 
test was sharp and bloody, and the attack was 
successfully repulsed. The Federal loss was 



ninety killed, and two hundred and fifty woun- 
ed. Among the killed was Gen. Williams. 
Three hundred of the enemy were reported to 
have been killed and buried by the force of 
Gen. Williams. The city was subsequently 
evacuated by the Federal force on May 1 6. 

On the 24th of October Brig.-Gen. Weitzel 
commanded an expedition from New Orleans 
to the west bank of the Mississippi in the La 
Fourche district. An engagement took place 
with a considerable Confederate force on the 
next day, about nine miles from Donaldson- 
ville, in which they were defeated with the loss 
of their commander, and a large number killed 
and wounded, and two hundred and sixty-eight 
prisoners. The Federal loss was eighteen kill- 
ed, and sixty-eight wounded. 

No further resistance was made to his march 
to Thibodeaux, the capital of La Fourche Inte- 
rior Parish. On the 9th of November all the 
property of this parish was confiscated by an 
order of Maj.-Gen. Butler. Citizens who had 
been loyal to the Government of the United 
States were to be secured in their rights of 
property. The plantations not confiscated were 
to be worked by hired negroes for the benefit 
of the United States. 

In Mississippi, June 17th, Holy Springs was 
first occupied by Federal troops from the army 
of Gen. Halleck. This movement of troops in 
the northern part of the State and the defence- 
less condition of the counties on the river against 
the approach of the Federal gunboats caused 
the removal of the archives of the State from 
Jackson, the capital, to Columbus, near the 
border of Alabama. On June 26th the first at- 
tack on Vicksburg was made, which continued 
for eleven days. On September 10th Natchez 
surrendered to the commander of the gunboat 
Essex, after a bombardment of two hours. The 
result of these operations was the firm occupa- 
tion of the northern extremity of the State by 
the Federal forces, while the coast at the south- 
ern extremity was completely under the control 
of the Federal naval forces in tlie neighborhood. 
Two points on the Mississippi River within the 
State, Port Hudson and Vicksbm-g, were strong- 
ly fortified by the Richmond Government in 
order to preserve its communication with 
Texas, and to prevent the complete control of 
the river from falling into possession of the 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



311 



Federal Government. These were measures 
of the utmost importance to the insurrection- 
ary States. 

Some military movements of interest took 
place on the coast of Texas. On the 17th of 
May the commander of the Federal naval forces 
before Galveston, Henry Eagle, summoned the 
place to surrender "to prevent the effusion of 
blood and the destruction of property, which 
would result from the bombardment of the 
town," also stating that the land and naval 
forces would appear in a few days. The reply 
was that " when the land and naval forces made 
their appearance the demand would be answer- 
ed." The city, however, was finally taken on 
the 8th of October. The military and the 
municipal authorities retired, and the inhab- 
itants appointed a temporary mayor. On the 
morning of that day Commander Renshaw, 
with four steamers, approached so as to com- 
mand the city with the guns of his vessels, and 
upon a signal the mayor came off to the flag- 
ship. The mayor requested Commander Ren- 
shaw to communicate to him his intentions in 
regard to the city, informing him at the same 
time of its abandonment by the military, of tlie 
absence of the mayor and city council, and of 
Ms appointment as mayor pro tern, by a meet- 
ing of citizens. 

Commander Renshaw replied that he had 
come for the purpose of taking possession of 
the city; that it was at his mercy under his 
guns ; that he should not interfere in the muni- 
cipal affairs of the city ; that the citizens might 
go on and conduct their business as hereto- 
fore ; that he did not intend to occupy the city 
for the present, nor until the arrival of a mili- 
tary commander; but that he intended to hoist 
the United States flag upon the public buildings, 
and that his flag should be respected. Where- 
upon the mayor jsro tern, answered that he 
could not guarantee to him the protection of 
the flag ; that he would do every thing in his 
power, but that persons over whom he had no 
control might take down the flag and create a 
difficulty. 

Commander Renshaw replied that, although 
in his previous communications with the mili- 
tary commander he had insisted that the flag 
should be protected by the city, still he thought 
it would be onerous upon the good citizens; 
and, to avoid any difiiculty like that which oc- 
curred in New Orleans, he would waive that 
point, and when he sent the flag ashore, he 
would send a sufficient force to protect it, and 
that he would not keep the flag flying for more 
than a quarter or half an hour — sufficient to 
show the absolute possession. 

Commander Renshaw further said that he 
would insist upon the right for any of his men 
in charge of an officer to come on shore and 
walk the streets of the city, but that he would 
not permit his men to come on shore indis- 
criminately or in the night ; that, should his men 
insult citizens, he gave the mayor the right to 
arrest and report them to him, when he would 



punish them more rigidly than the mayor pos- 
sibly could; but, on the other hand, should 
any of his men be insulted or shot at in the 
streets of Galveston, or any of his ships or 
boats be shot at from the land or wharves, he 
would hold the city responsible and open his 
broadsides on the same instantly ; that his guns 
were kept .shotted and double shotted for that 
purpose ; that it was the determination of his 
Government to hold Galveston at all hazards 
until the end of the war. 

Commander Renshaw thus held the city, in 
which a small military force was placed, until 
the 1st of January, 1863, when it was captured 
by the Texans. The Federal naval force in 
possession at this time consisted of the gunboats 
"Westfield, Harriet Lane, Clifton, Owasco, Cory- 
pheus, and Sachem, the latter being broken 
down. The troops on shore were two hundred 
and fifty men under Col. Burnel, of the Massa- 
chusetts 42d regiment. On the night previous 
information was received by the commanding 
officers of both the land and naval forces that 
such an attack would be made. At 1.30 a. m. 
on the night of the 1st two or three Confed- 
erate steamers were discovered in the bay by 
the Clifton and "Westfield. Soon after the force 
on shore was informed by their pickets that 
the Confederate artillery was in possession of 
the market place, about one quarter of a mUe 
distant from the wharf on which they were 
quartered. 

The attack commenced on shore about 3 
A. M., by the enemy, upon the Federal troops, 
which were defended by the Sachem and Cory- 
pheus, with great energy, the troops only reply- 
ing with musketry, having no artillery. About 
dawn the Harriet Lane was attacked, or, rather 
attacked two Confederate steamers, one of 
which, the Bayou City, was armed with 68- 
pouuder rifle guns, had 200 troops, and was 
barricaded with cotton bales, some twenty feet 
from the water line. The other, the Neptune, 
was similarly barricaded, and was armed with 
two small brass pieces and 160 men — (both 
were common river steamers). The Hai'riet 
Lane was under way in time, and went up to 
the attack, firing her bow gun, which was an- 
swered by the Confederates, but their ' 68- 
pounder burst at the third fire. 

The Harriet Lane then ran into the Bayou 
City, carrying away her whole guard, passed 
her and gave her a broadside that did her little 
or no damage. The other Confederate steamer 
then ran into the Harriet Lane, but was so dis- 
abled by the collision that she was soon after- 
wards obliged to back in on the flats, where she 
sunk in about eight feet of water, near to the 
scene of action. The Bayou City turned into 
the Harriet Lane, and she remained secured to 
her by catching under her guard, pouring in in- 
cessant volleys of musketry, as did the other 
steamer, which was returned by the Harriet 
Lane, with musketry. This drove the Harriet 
Lane's men from her guns, and probably wound- 
ed Commander Wainwright and Lieutenant- 



312 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOIT. 



Commander Lee — the latter mortally. She 
was then carried by boarding, by the Bayou 
City; her commander was summoned to sur- 
render, which he refused to do, gallantly de- 
fending himself with his revolver until killed. 
But five of the Harriet Lane's men were killed, 
and five wounded. One hundred and ten, in- 
clusive of ofiicers and wounded men, were land- 
ed on shore, prisoners. 

The Owasco, which had been anchored below 
the town, moved up at the commencement of 
the attack, and engaged the Confederate artil- 
lery on shore. When it was light enough for 
her to observe the two Confederate steamers 
alongside of the Harriet Lane, she moved up to 
her assistance, grounding several times, owing 
to the narrowness of the channel. Occasionally 
she brought her 11-incli gun to bear, but was 
soon driven otf by the fire of the Confederate 
musketry. Soon the howitzers of the Harriet 
Lane opened on her, and she backed down be- 
low, continuing her engagement on shore. All 
her rifle gun crew were wounded. 

The Clifton, before the action commenced, 
went around into Bolivar Channel to render 
assistance to the steamer "Westfield, which had 
got under way when the Confederate steam- 
ers were first discovered. Soon after, she got 
hard and fast ashore, at high water, and made 
a signal for assistance. When the Clifton was 
in the act of rendering this assistance, the 
flashes of the Confederate guns were first seen 
in the town. Commander Eenshaw then di- 
rected Lieutenant Commander Law to leave 
him and to return to the town. 

The moon had now gone down, and it be- 
came quite dark, yet the Clifton, with some 
difllculty, got around in the other channel, 
opening her batteries upon Fort Point, which 
the Confederates now had possession of, shell- 
ing them out and driving them out up the beach 
as she neared the town. Here she anchored, 
and continued the engagement, but did not 
proceed up to the rescue of the Harriet Lane, 
owing to the failure of the Owasco, the intri- 
cacy of the channel, and the apprehension of 
killing the crew of the Harriet Lane, who were 
then exposed upon her upper deck. It was 
now about half-past seven a. m. A white flag 
was hoisted on the Harriet Lane. A boat 
bearing a flag of truce, with a Confederate 
officer and an acting master of the Harriet 
Lane, came down to the Clifton, informing 
her commander of the capture of the Harriet 
Lane, the death of her commander and first 
lieutenant, and the killing and wounding of 
two-thirds of her crew. 

The proposition was made by the Confeder- 
ate ofiicer that all the Federal vessels should 
surrender, and one be allowed, with the crews 
of all, to leave the harbor, or they would pro- 
ceed to capture them Avith the Harriet Lane 
and all their steamers, three more of which 
were in sight. These were neither armed nor 
barricaded. Upon being informed of this pro- 
position, Commander Eenshaw refused to con- 



sent, and directed Lieutenant Law to return 
and get all the vessels out of port as soon as 
possible, and, as he could not get the Westfield 
afloat, he should blow her up, and go on board 
the army transports Saxon and M. A. Bard- 
man, then near him. Lieut. Law returned to 
execute these directions. Meanwhile, the Con- 
federates had hauled the Harriet Lane along- 
side the wharf, and had made prisoners of the 
troops on shore, although it had been under- 
stood that all should remain in statu quo untU 
the answer was returned. When the Clifton 
was half way toward the bar, her commander 
was informed by a boat from the Westfield, 
that, in the explosion of that vessel (which 
they observed some half an hour before). Com- 
mander Eenshaw, Lieutenant Zimmerman, En- 
gineer Green, and some ten or fifteen of the 
crew, had perished, the explosion being prema- 
ture. Lieutenant Commander Law, now be- 
ing commanding officer, proceeded to cross 
his vessel over the bar, and finally concluded 
to abandon the blockade altogether, considering 
tlie Owasco as his only efficient vessel, and 
regarding her as not equal to resist an attack 
frou' the Harriet Lane, should she come out 
for that purpose. 

The vessels which were left in possession of 
the enemy were the Harriet Lane, and two coal 
barks, the Caralto and Elias Pilie. The only 
injury sustained by the Harriet Lane appears 
to have been from a twelve-inch shell under 
her counter, fired by the Owasco, and the dam- 
age to her guard from the collision. 

New Mexico, during the year 1862, was the 
theatre of some of the most desperate and hard- 
fought battles of the war. On the 4th of Jan- 
uary, 1862, it was ascertained that a Texan 
force 1,500 strong, under the command of the 
Confederate General Sibley, were approaching 
Fort Craig, 200 miles south of Santa Fe, which 
Col. E. E. Canby held with about 1,000 regular 
troops and 1,500 volunteers. Finding the Fed- 
eral force too strong to be attacked, Sibley and 
his Texans fell back, and did not again ap- 
proach Fort Craig till they had been largely re- 
enforced. In the last days of January, having 
received reenforcements, which brought his 
force up to fully 3,500, the rebel general again 
advanced slowly and cautiously, in two columns, 
toward the fort. Col. Canby, hearing, on the 
13th of February, from scouts and deserters 
that the enemy were within 30 miles from Fort 
Craig, sallied out with a large force to meet and 
attack them, but could find no trace of them, 
and returned to the fort. On the 18th the 
Confederates appeared in front of the fort, 
about 2,000 strong, but retired the same day, 
and it was supposed commenced a retreat. 
Col. Canby despatched Major Duncan, with a 
squadron of dragoons and mounted men, to 
follow and harass them. The Texans retreated 
down the valley of the Eio Grande to a ravine 
about eight miles below the fort, where they 
had a battery of eight guns strongly planted. 
From this, after a strong skirmish, Major Duu- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



313 



can -was recalled. On tlie 19tli and 20tli the 
Texans attempted to cross the Eio Grande, in 
order to take possession of the heights opposite 
Fort Craig, but were driven back by the Fed- 
eral forces without material loss on either side. 
On the 21st a desperate battle was fought, 
lasting most of the day, at a place called 
Valverde, about ten miles below Fort Craig. 
Early in the morning the Federal forces cap- 
tured 200 mules belonging to the Texans, and 
burned many of their wagons, and soon crossed 
the Eio Grande to attack them, with a battery 
of sis pieces and two mountain howitzers. 
Both parties fought with the greatest desper- 
ation, the Texans, to capture the battery, the 
deadly execution of which cut them off from 
access to water, for want of which they and 
their animals were near perishing, and the 
Federal troops to hold the ground they had 
gained. The two howitzers were under com- 
mand of Lieutenant Hall, who successfully, 
and with great carnage, repidsed their attempts 
to capture them ; the six-gun battery was 
commanded by Captain McEea, and to the 
capture of this the main eftbrts of the Texans 
were directed. They would not have succeed- 
ed, however, had not the new Mexican volun- 
teers (Col. Pino's regiment) been panic-strick- 
en and fled in great disorder, and the regulars 
refused to obey their commander. The Texans, 
repeatedly repulsed by the terrible fire of the 
battery, which was admhably served by Capt. 
McEea, finally came up to the charge, armed 
with only their long bowie knives and Colt's 
revolvers, and though more than half their 
number fell before they reached it, they finally 
succeeded in killing all the gunners, and cap- 
turing the battery. The brave McEea and his 
two lieutenants, Michler and Bell, stood at their 
guns when all the rest had fled, and defended 
themselves with their revolvers till they were 
killed. The loss of this battery compelled Col. 
Canby to fall back to Fort Craig. His loss was 
62 killed and 140 wounded ; that of Confed- 
erates was very much greater, and effectually 
crippled their subsequent operations. They did 
not attempt to capture Fort Craig, but pro- 
ceeded up the Eio Grande to Albuquerque and 
Santa F6, both of which towns were evacuated 
by our forces, which fell back to Fort Union, 
100 miles east of Santa Fe, a strong position, 
where the Government stores for the depart- 
ment were concentrated. Col. Canby inter- 
cepted and captured a force of 400 Texans on 
their way north to reenforce General Sibley. 
Colonel Slough, in command of a force of 
1,300 Colorado mounted volunteers, reached 
Apache Pass, on the 26th of March, on his 
way to reenforce Colonel Donelson at Fort 
Union, and there met a considerable force of 
Texans, whom, after a severe action, he routed, 
capturing 100 men and officers, killing and 
wounding between 300 and 400, and burning 
50 loaded wagons. The Federal loss was less 
than 150 killed and wounded. On the 28th he 
had another battle at Pigeon's Eanche, twenty- 



five miles north of Santa F^, and captured more 
prisoners and supplies. He then fell back to 
Fort Union, and there received orders from 
Col. (now General) Canby to form a junction 
with his forces at Galesto, which he accomplish- 
ed on the 9th of April, and there learned that 
the Texans were retreating from the Territory. 
Major Duncan, commanding the advance guard 
of Gen. Canby's forces, had a battle with a 
body of Texans in the early part of April, and 
defeated them. Finding themselves hard press- 
ed in their retreat, the Texans took a strong 
position at Parillo, on the Eio Grande, and for- 
tifjing it hastily, awaited an attack there about 
the middle of April ; General Canby attacked 
them in front, and sent Major Paul, in command 
of the Colorado troops, to assail them in the 
rear. After a sharp action, in which the Fed- 
eral forces lost 25 killed and wounded, the 
Texans were defeated with great slaughter, and 
compelled to fly to the mountains. From this 
point their retreat was a succession of disasters; 
the destruction of the greater part of their 
train reduced them to the verge of starvation, 
and more than one half of the original number 
were left in New Mexico, as killed, wounded, 
or prisoners. They reached NusiUa with five 
pieces of artillery and seven wagons, and even 
this scanty supply, the small remainder of the 
magnificent train with which they had invaded 
the Territory, was destined to be still further 
diminished before they reached El Paso. "With 
bitter curses on their leaders, who had gone on 
in advance, and left them to take care of them- 
selves, the half-starved and wretched remnant 
of the Texan troops, once the flower of the 
Texas chivahy, made their way, sadly and 
slowly, homeward, and every point which they 
left — as for instance, NusiUa, Fort Fillmore, 
Fort Bliss, and El Paso, was immediately oc- 
cupied by loyal troops, under the efficient move- 
ments of Gen. Carleton. 

In the spring of 1862 an expedition was 
fitted out in the State of Kansas to go south, 
through the Indian Territory, to reduce the 
Indian tribes which had joined the Confederacy 
to subjection, and repossess the U. S. forts, Gib- 
son, Arbuckle, Washita, and Cobb, of which 
the Confederates had taken possession. The 
expedition consisted of about 5,000 troops, of 
which 2,000 were whites and 3,000 loyal In- 
dians. ■ The expedition was unfortunate in its 
commanders at first : Gen. Blunt having as- 
signed the command to Col. Charles Double- 
day, of the Second Ohio cavaky; but, from 
some political influences, he was removed, and 
Col. Wm. Weir, of Kansas, substituted. Col. 
Weir's management Avas so inefllcienl and 
ruinous that Col. Salmon, of the 9th Wisconsin 
regiment, Avho commanded one of the brig- 
ades, deemed it necessary to arrest him on 
the charge of insanity. Under Col. Salmon's 
management the expedition took possession of 
the Indian Territory, arrested John Eoss, the 
principal Cherokee chief, as being of doubtful 
sentiment tov/ard the United States, and re- 



314 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



ceived professions of loyalty from about two 
thirds of the Cherokees and Greeks. The 
Choctavvs they found mostly on the side of 
the South. . Large numbers of the slaves of 
the Indians enlisted in the army of the expedi- 
tion as " Woolly-headed Indians." The expedi- 
tion had subdued and held the country north 
of the Arkansas River before the 25th of July, 
and Gen. Blunt, on the 8th of August, tak- 
ing command in person, routed the Gonfed- 
erate force at Maysville, in the northwest corner 
of Arkansas, on the 22d of Oct. ; on the 28th 
and 29th of Nov. he again met and defeated, 
with heavy loss, the Confederate forces under 
Gen. Marmaduke, at Gane HiU, Ark. ; on the 
7th of December he defeated and scattered a 
greatly superior force (28,000) of the enemy 
under Gen. Hindman, at Prairie Grove, Ark., 
his loss being about 1,000, and that of the 
Gonfederates 1,500, the Confederates retreating 
in the night, abandoning their dead and 
wounded ; and on the 27th and 28th of Dec. 
Gens. Herron and Blunt defeated two regi- 
ments of rebel cavalry at Dupping Spring, 
and captured Van Buren, a strong fortress on 
the Arkansas River, taking one hundred and 
twenty prisoners, and four steamboats laden 
with stores. 

After the military movements in the north- 
western part of Arkansas, including the battle 
of Pea Ridge, related on a previous page, Gen. 
Curtis moved to the White River, and occupied 
Batesville about the 1st of May. Here he was 
met by many demonstrations of attachment to 
the Union. Many citizens came forward and 
took the oath of allegiance to the United States ; 
these were judges of courts, clergymen, and 
citizens holding positions of iniiuence. His 
advance being pushed forward on the road to 
Little Rock, a great excitement was produced 
there. The governor issued a proclamation 
calling upon the State militia to repair imme- 
diately to its defence. Finding himself not 
sufliciently supported. Gov. Rector fled, and 
the State was left without any executive gov- 
ernment Martial law was then declared by 
Brig.-Gen. Roane, commanding the department, 
and George C. Watkins was appointed provost 
marshal. The weakness of Arkansas at this 
moment was caused by the concentration of all 
the rebel military strength at Corinth, and her 
fate was as much involved in the security of 
that position .as the fate of Tennessee or Missis- 
sippi. But while the forces of Arkansas were 
taJien to defend Corinth, ten regiments were 
taken from Gen. Curtis to reenforce the Fed- 
eral troops attacking it. This left him in no 
condition to march upon Little Rock, and the 
capital of the State thus escaped being captured. 
On the 19th of May a skirmish took place 
near Searcy, between one hundred and fifty 
men of Col. (acting Brig.-Gen.) Osterhaus's div- 
ision and a State force under Cols. Coleman 
and Hicks. The loss was small on both sides. 
Other skirmishes occurred during the march 
of Gen. Curtis from BatesviUe to Helena, of 



small importance. Bridges were burned by 
the Arkansas troops across Bayou des Arc and 
Cypress River, and about ten thousand bales of 
cotton on the Arkansas River, and all the cotton 
and sugar at Jacksonport. By the first of June, 
twelve thousand men were collected at Little 
Rock in answer to the caU of the governor, but 
were very destitute of arms. The State records, 
however, had been removed to Arkadelphia. 

After Gen. Curtis had occupied Helena, the 
Federal Government appointed John S. Phelps 
of Missouri, military governor, and Col. Wm. 
F. Switzler secretary for Arkansas. He left 
St. Louis on Aug. 19, for Helena. It was con- 
templated at this time that a movement on 
Little Rock would be made. This however 
was not done, and the ofiice of governor be- 
came of little importance. Two regiments were 
organized at Helena, composed of citizens of 
Arkansas ; they were chiefly men who had suf- 
fered in consequence of their attachment to the 
Union, and were refugees. 

In Missouri disturbances continued. During 
the summer the guerrillas became exceedingly 
troublesome. 

On June 22, Gen. Schofield issued an order 
holding "rebels and rebel sympathizers respon- 
sible in their property, and, if need be, in their 
persons, for damages thereafter committed by 
guerrillas or marauding parties." This had so 
so little effect that by the middle of July the 
whole northern and western parts of the State 
were disturbed by rumors of guerrOla raids and 
outrages. In the northeast quarter Col. Porter 
and Col. Quantrell began, as early as the last 
week in June, to gather followers about them, 
and early in July the former was defeated and 
his band dispersed, at Cherry Grove, in Schuyler 
County, on the Iowa line. 

The increasing alarm in the State, heightened 
by the apprehension that the sudden rising of 
the guerrillas was to be followed by another 
invasion from the South, caused vigorous meas- 
ures of defence, and on July 22d an order from 
Gen. Schofield for the immediate organization of 
all the militia of Missouri. The organization was 
eflected with energy and rapidity, and in a brief 
space of time the forces of the State were pre- 
pared to make vigorous opposition to the guer- 
rillas in all quarters. 

On July 28, Cols. Porter and Cobb were de- 
feated in Calloway County, on the Missouri 
River ; but within three days the former cap- 
tured Newark, in Knox County, with two com- 
panies of national troops. About the same 
time a new partisan leader. Col. Poiudexter, 
began to be active in the central counties on 
the Missouri, and during the first week in 
August his movements, together with those of 
Col. Quantrell in the west, compelled the na- 
tional commanders to take additional measures 
of precaution. On August 6th, Col. Porter 
was disastrously defeated by Col. McNeO, at 
Kirksville, in Adair County, and for several 
weeks was compelled to keep aloof from active 
operations. As a consequence, the war shifted 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



315 



to central and western Missouri, where Cols. 
Coffee and McBride were reported to have 
come to the assistance of Col. Quantrell. 

After a series of desultory skirmishes, an 
attack was made on the 13th by the combined 
bands of these leaders, who had been joined a 
short time previously by Col. Hughes, and other 
officers of the Confederate army, upon Inde- 
pendence, resulting in a severe defeat of the 
State troops ; and two days later a body of 800 
of the latter were drawn into an ambuscade at 
Lone Jack, Jackson County, by Cols. Quantrell 
and Coffee, losing two pieces of cannon, and a 
number of prisoners. Heavy reenforcements 
under Gen. Blunt, of Kansas, coming up, how- 
ever, the guerrillas beat a hasty retreat south- 
ward, and never paused until they were over 
the Arkansas line. 

Scarcely was the southwest cleared of guer- 
rillas than their operations commenced in the 
north with renewed activity. Col. Poindexter, 
after several defeats, was captured early in 
September, but so daring were the raids of 
Col. Porter and his followers in Lewis, Maria, 
and other northeastern counties, that a Pal- 
myra newspaper declared the whole of that 
part of the State " to be in the possession of 
the rebels, with the exception of the posts im- 
mediately garrisoned by State or United States 
troops." It estimated the number of the Con- 
federates at 5,000, divided into numerous small 
bands, and commanded by reckless and enter- 
prising leaders. On the 12th, Palmyra, occu- 
pied by a small Union garrison, was plundered 
by Col. Porter's force ; but, subsequent to the 
15th, the efforts of Cols. McNeil, Guitar, and 
other Union commanders began to discourage 
the guerrillas, whose strength was gradually 
frittered away in petty combats. 

By an order from the "War Department of 
September 19, the States of Missouri, Kansas, 
and Arkansas were formed into a mihtary dis- 
trict, under the command of Gen. Curtis, and 
soon after Gen. Schofield assumed command of 
the so-called '' Array of the Frontier " in south- 
ern Missouri. Moving with rapidity and in 
considerable force, he broke up a formidable 
camp in Newtonia, and by the 10th of October 
had driven the enemy completely over the Ar- 
kansas border. In the latter part of the same 
month Cols. Lazear and Dewry defeated the 
Confederate bands in southeastei'n Missouri in 
several engagements, capturing many prisoners, 
and driving them finally into Arkansas. Col. 
Quantrell had reappeared in the west in the 
middle of September, but was almost uniformly 
beaten in his encounters with the State troops, 
and by the end of October the war, both there 
and in the north, was practically ended. 

Before this event was consummated in the 
north an incident occurred in Palmyra, which 
created no little comment throughout the State. 
On the occasion of Col. Porter's raid upon Pal- 
myra, in September, he had captured, among 
other persons, an old and respected resident of 
the i)lace, by name Andrew AUsman, who had 



formerly belonged to a cavalry regiment, and 
had been, from his knowledge of the surround- 
ing country, of great service to scouting parties 
sent out to arrest disloyal persons. AUsman 
was not paroled like ordinary prisoners, but 
was conveyed by the band to one of their hid- 
ing places, and from the known hatred of his 
captors and their repeated threats, it was be- 
lieved that he would be summarily executed by 
them. When several weeks had elapsed with- 
out intelligence of him, this belief ripened in 
the minds of his fi-iends into absolute convic- 
tion, particularly as several Union men had 
been barbarously murdered by the guerrillas 
in the course of the campaign. 

"When Gen. McNeil returned to Palmyra, and 
ascertained the circumstances under which 
AUsman had been abducted, he caused to be 
issued, after due deliberation, the following 
notice : 

Palmtea (Mo.), October 8, 1863. 

Joseph C. Porter, — Sir : Andrew AUsman, an aged 
citizen of Palmyra, and a non-combatant, having been 
carried from his home by a band of persons unlawfully 
arrayed against the peace and good order of the State 
of Missouri, and which band was under your control, 
this is to notify you that unless said Andrew Allsman 
is returned unharmed to his family within ten days 
from date, ten men who have belonged to your band, 
and unlawfully sworn by you to carry arms against 
the Government of the United States, and who are 
now in custody, will be shot, as a meet reward for 
their crimes, amongst which is the illegal restraining 
of said Allsman of his liberty, and, if not returned, 
presumptively aiding in his murder. Your prompt 
attention to this will save much suffering. 

Yours, &c. W. E. STRACHAJST. 

Provost Marshal General, 

District N. E. Missouri. Per order of Brigadier- 
Gen. Commanding McNeil's column. 

A written duplicate of this notice he caused 
to be placed in the hands of the wife of Joseph 
C. Porter, at her residence in Lewis County, it 
being well known that she was in frequent 
communication with her husband. The notice 
Avas published widely, and as Porter was in 
northeast Missouri during the whole of the ten 
days subsequent to the date of this notice, it is 
supposed to be impossible that he should have 
been unaware of Gen. McNeil's determination 
in the premises. 

The ten days having elapsed without tidings 
of Allsman, ten prisoners, already in custody, 
were selected to pay with their lives the pen- 
alty demanded. 

They received the announcement for the 
most part with composure or indifference, and 
were executed at Palmyra, on October 18, in 
the presence of a multitude of spectators, in 
literal accordance with the notice of Gen. Mc- 
Neil. 

In order to complete the history of the mili- 
tary operations of 1862, the proceedings against 
the Indians in Minnesota remain to be desoc'ibed. 
During the spring and early summer of 1862, 
reports from various sources reached the United 
States Government, indicating that the Indian 
tribes of Utah, Colorado, Dakota, and Western 
Nebraska, would ravage the Territories and 



316 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



frontier States. It was said that emissaries 
from the Southern Confederacy had been 
among them, stimulating them to rise and 
plunder and destroy the frontier settlements; 
and to encourage them in this movement, they 
were told that the United States Government 
was broken up by the South, and could make 
no resistance. Adventurers from Canada, too, 
had visited them in the early part of the year, 
urging them to bring their furs across the 
boundary, and assuring them that they should 
be aided with money and arms to drive the 
Americans from their lands. The Indians, while 
thus prompted to insurrection by evil and de- 
signing men from both north and south of their 
hunting fields, had also many imaginary and 
some real grounds of complaint against the 
Indian agents sent among them by the United 
States Government. Some of these had proved 
unworthy of their trust ; had swindled and de- 
frauded the Indians, and had treated them with 
harshness ; and though these were the excep- 
tions, and perhaps rare exceptions, yet the de- 
lay in paying the Indian annuities, owing to the 
negligence of the Indian bureau, and the at- 
tempt on the part of some of the agents to pay 
them in legal tender notes instead of gold, which 
the Government had furnished, aroused distrust 
in the minds of the Red men, and led them to 
plot revenge. 

The reports which reached the Department 
of the Interior had given rise to so much appre- 
hension that the Commissioner of Indian Aflairs 
published in the summer an advertisement 
warning the public of the dangers in taking the 
overland route to the Pacific. 

Meantime the settlers in Western Minnesota 
were entirely unsuspicious of danger. A large 
proportion of these settlers were Germans, espe- 
cially in Brown and the adjacent counties ; a 
considerable number were Norwegians, and 
the remainder generally of American birth. 
Most of them had purchased considerable 
farms, and they had built up small but thriving 
villages throughout the tier of western counties. 
They were on terms of friendship with the In- 
dians, had no apprehension of any treachery 
from them. 

Though an insurrection had been deliberately 
planned, there is reason to believe that the mas- 
sacre was x^i'ccipitated somewhat sooner than 
was at first intended. On the 17th of August, 
four drunken Indians belonging to Little Crow's 
band of Sioux, roaming through the country 
and becoming intoxicated on whiskey obtained 
from a white man, had a violent altercation with 
each other as to which of them was the bravest, 
and finally determined that the test of their 
bravery should be the killing of a white man. 
After committing several murders, and be- 
coming somewhat sober, they fled to their vil- 
lage (Red Wood), and told their chief. Little 
Crow, who was one of the conspirators, what 
they had done. He, expecting retaliation for 
this outi'age, at once determined upon com- 
mencing the intended attack, and on the morn- 



ing of the 18th, with a force of two hundred and 
fifty or three hundred Indians, proceeded to the 
agency at Yellow Medicine and engaged in an 
indiscriminate slaughter of all the whites he 
could find there. Mr. Galbraith, the agent, 
was absent, having left home three days before, 
but his family were among the victims of this 
murderous assault. A force of forty-five sol- 
diers, sent up from Fort Ridgley at the first 
rumour of disturbance, were attacked by the 
Indians in ambush, and half their number slain. 
The marauders, flushed with success, pressed on 
with their work of death, murdering, with the 
most atrocious brutalities, the settlers in their 
isolated farmhouses, violating and then killing 
women, beating out the brains of infants or 
nailing them to the doors of houses, and prac- 
tising every species of atrocity which their 
fiendish natures prompted. On the 21st of 
August they had attacked New Ulm, a flourish- 
ing German settlement, the capital of Brown 
County, with a large force, had beleaguered Fort 
Ridgley, and were advancing upon other settle- 
ments. The only Indians engaged in these out- 
rages were Sioux, and that portion of them 
under the special command of Little Crow. The 
Chippewas, the inveterate enemies of the Sioux, 
who had also a reservation in Minnesota, were 
uneasy, and assumed a threatening attitude. 
They alleged gross frauds on the part of their 
agent, who escaped from the reservation and 
committed suicide ; but they took no part in the 
Sioux massacres, and, indeed, a few weeks later, 
offered to raise a force of their warriors to fight 
the Sioux, an offer which the Government did 
not think it wise to accept. On the first intel- 
ligence of this insurrection Governor Ramsey 
sent four companies of the 6th regiment of vol- 
unteers from Fort Snelling, and, two days later, 
on fuller information, he sent forward seven 
companies more. Col. (now Gen.) H. H. Sibley, 
who had thirty years' experience among the 
Indians on the frontier, was placed in com- 
mand. Mounted volunteers were also called for 
by proclamation to join these forces, and large 
numbers obeyed the call. The 3d Minnesota 
regiment, then on parole at St. Louis, was also 
ordered to report at St. Paul, and arrived there 
on the 4th of September. 

On the 23d of August New Ulm was attack- 
ed by the Indians, who were repulsed after a 
severe battle by a body of the citizens, under 
Judge Flandrau; but remained in the vicinity, 
intending to renew the assault. The next day 
a detachment of Col. Sibley's troops relieved 
them from siege, and scattered the marauders ; 
but as two thousand women and children, who 
had fled in terror from the surrounding region, 
had taken refuge there, it was deemed best to 
evacuate the place, in order to convey them to 
a place of permanent safety. Fort Ridgley had 
been besieged for nine days, and its little garri- 
son had sustained and repelled three desperate 
attacks ; they were relieved on the 2Gt]i by a 
force under the command of Lieut.-Col. McPhail, 
sent forward by Col. Sibley. Finding a large 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



317 



force concentrating on their trail in this direc- 
tion, the greater part of 'the Indians proceeded 
northward, burning and killing every thing in 
tlieir way, toward Breckinridge, a town at the 
junction of the Bois des Sioux and Red River 
of the Nortli, which at that point formed the 
west boundary of the State, massacred the set- 
tlers there, and crossing the river, laid siege to 
Fort Abercrombie in Dakota Territory. Intel- 
ligence of these movements having reached 
St. Paul on the 27th, two companies were for- 
warded at once to reenforce Fort Abercrombie. 
On the 3d of September a force of one hundred 
and fifty Indians unexpectedly appeared at 
Cedar City, in McLeod County, in the centre 
of the State, attacked a company of volunteers 
there, and drove them to Hutchinson, while an- 
other band about as numerous attacked Forest 
City not far distant, and were repulsed by the 
citizens. A few days later the Indians attacked 
Hutchinson, but were repulsed. Troops were 
sent at once to these points. Driven back here, 
the savages next extended their raid to Jackson, 
Noble, and Pipeston Counties, in the S. W. part 
of the State on the border of Iowa, and Col. 
Flandran, who had so valiantly defended New 
TJlm, was sent with five hundred troops to pro- 
tect that region. Gov. Ramsey had meantime 
apprised the United States Government of the 
condition of afliairs, and had called the Legisla- 
ture of Minnesota together to meet in extra ses- 
sion on the 9th of September. At their assem- 
bling he laid before them, in his message, the 
circumstances of the Indian insurrection, and 
suggested the measures requiring their action, 
all of which were promptly passed. Meantime 
the Government had despatched Maj.-Gen. Pope 
to command in that department, and aid in sup- 
pressing the insurrection. The Indians, finding 
a force greatly superior to their own ready to 
take vengeance on them for the terrible and 
dastardly outrages they had committed, began 
to withdraw from the region they had desolated. 
A force of three or four hundred of them made 
two assaults in September on Fort Aber- 
crombie, but were repulsed in both, the second 
time with heavy loss ; the larger part of those 
who had invaded the central and southwestern 
portions of the State, fled toward the western 
border, but were overtaken and brought to 
bay at Wood Lake on the 22d of September, 
where, after a sharp battle they were utterly 
defeated, and Little Crow, with his women and 
children, fled to the Yankton Sioux of Dakota 
Territory. About five hundred Indians were 
taken prisoners, and four hundred and ninety- 
eight were tried by court-martial, of whom 
three hundred were sentenced to be hung. The 
President ordered, however, that only thirty- 
eight of these shoiild be executed, while the re- 
mainder were kept in confinement until further 
investigation could be had. One of the thirty- 
eight executed on the 26th of December was a 
negro named Godfrey, who had been a leader 
in the massacres, and it was said had killed more 
than any one of the Indians. 



The whole number of Indian warriors among 
the Minnesota Sioux did not exceed 1,000 or 
1,200, and many of these had taken no part in 
the insm-rection, so that probably the killed and 
captured constituted the greater part of the in- 
surgents. This defeat and prompt arrest of the 
assailants carried terror into the hearts of the 
other Indian tribes in the ^^cinity ; and though 
there have been occasional symptoms of uneasi- 
ness since that time among some of the Indians 
of that region, and the inhabitants of Minnesota 
cannot feel safe with such treacherous and blood- 
thirsty foes so near them, it is hardly probable 
that there will be another uprising for some 
years. The citizens are desirous the Govern- 
ment should remove the Indians. 

The loss of life in this insurrection has never 
been accurately ascertained. Gov. Ramsey, in 
his message, stated it in round numbers at eight 
hundred, a number undoubtedly larger than 
subsequent facts would sustain. Some of the 
writers from the region in which it occurred 
speak of it as not exceeding one hundred, which 
is probably as great an error in the other direc- 
tion. Eighty-five were buried at Yellow Medi- 
cine, nearly all of whom were horribly muti- 
lated, and a considerable number at New Ulm, 
Breckinridge, Birch Coolie, Fort Abercrombie, 
Red Lake, Red Wood, and Wood Lake, and 
many more in the isolated farm houses in the 
extensive tract overrun by the savages. Prob- 
ably not far from five hundi-ed in all lost their 
lives, either through the ferocity of the Indians 
or from the sickness, suffering, and starvation 
which resulted from their hasty flight from their 
homes. Between 20,000 and 30,000 persons 
thus fled for their lives, leaving every thing 
behind them. A part afterwards returned, 
others found their way to their friends at the 
East, but for some months between 6,000 and 
7,000, mostly women and children, were neces- 
sarily dependent upon charity. The people of 
the State contributed most liberally to their re- 
hef, and considerable sums were forwarded from 
otlier States. 

The following list of the most important mili- 
tary events, with the date when they occurred, 
presents a more summary view of the great mag- 
nitude of the simultaneous operations in 1862 : 

Burnside sails Jan. 12 

Mill Springs (Ky.), battle Jan. 19 

Cedar Keys (Fla.) captured Jan. 16 

Fort Henry (Ky.), captured Feb. 6 

Eoanoke Island (N. C), captured Feb. 7 

Elizabeth (N. C), captured Feb. 8 

Edcnton (N. C), captured Feb. 12 

Springfield (Mo.), captured Feb. 14 

Donelson (Ky.}, captured Feb. 16 

Bowling Green (Ky.), evacuated Feb. 17 

Fayette ville (Ark.), occupied Feb. 1 8 

Clarkville (Tcnn.)', occupied Feb. 19 

Winton (N. C), occupied Feb. 20 

Nashville (Tenn.), occupied Feb. 24 

Columbus (Ky.), evacuated March 1 

Fernandina (Fla.), captured March S 

St. Mary (Fla.), captured March 8 

Pea Eidge (Ark.), battle M.arch 6, 7 

Brunswick (Ga.), captured March 8 

Jacksonville (Fla.), captured March 12 

St. Augustine (Fla.), captured March 14 

Newbel-n (N. C), captured March 14 

New Madrid (Mo.), captured March 14 



318 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTOET OF THE REBELLION". 



"Washington (N. C), captured March 

Shiloh (Tenn.), battle April 

Island No. 10, evacuated . April 

Huntsville (Ala.), captured April 

Decatur and Stevenson (Ala,), captured April 

Fort Pulaski (Ga.), captured April 

Fort Macon (N. 0. ), captured. April 

New Orleans, captured. April 

Yorktown (. Va.), evacuated. May 

Williamsburg (Va.), evacuated May 

Pensacola (Fla.), evacuated May 

Norfolk, captured May 

Baton Rouge, occupied. May 

Corinth (Miss.), evacuated May 

Fair Oaks (Ya.), battle May 

Fort Pillow, evacuated June 

Memphis (Tenn.), surrenders June 

Cross Keys, battle June 

Cumberland Gap, occupied .June 

Seven days before Eichmond ...June 25, 

Malvern Hill, battle July 

Baton Eouge, attack Aug. 

Cedar Mountain, battle Aug. 

Eappahannock Bridge Aug. 

Centreville (Va.), battle Aug. 

Manassas (Va.), battle Aug. 

Chantilly (Va.), battle Sept. 

Munfordsville (Ky.), battle Sept. 

South Mountain, battle Sept. 

Antietam, battle Sept. 

luka (Miss.), battle Sept. 

Corinth (Miss.), battle Oct. 

Perryville (Ky.), battle Oct. 

Holly Springs (Miss.) Nov. 

Cane Hill (Ark.), battle Nov. 

Crawford's Prairie (Ark.), battle Dec. 

Fredericksburg ( Va.), battle Dec. 

Murfreesboro (Tenn.), battle Dec. 



25 
6,7 

7 



18 

&c. 

1 

5 

9 

23 

28 

30 

1 

14 

14 

17 

19 

4 

8 

13 

28 

7 

13' 

81 



What had been accomplished by the military 
operations of the year : — The State of Missouri 
had been relieved from invasion by the Con- 
federate force. Half of Arkansas had been 
permanently occupied. The Confederate force 
has been driven from the Mississippi River ex- 
cept at Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Western 
and Middle Tennessee were occupied, and the 
former and part of the latter held. Western 
Virginia had been retained by the Federal Gov- 
ernment. Maryland exhibited her preference 
for the Union. Norfolk and Yorktown were 
taken and held. The cities and towns on 
the coast of North Carolina, with few excep- 
tions, were occupied by a Federal force. Fort 
Pulaski, commanding the entrance to Savannah, 
was, captured, and the important points on the 
coast of Florida occupied. Pensacola and New 
Orleans were also taken, and nearly all of 
Louisiana brought under Federal control. The 
forces of the North slowly but firmly advanced 
upon every side of the Confederacy, and per- 
manently held every important position which 
they had gained. The battle of Antietam 
secured the border States, and decided the 
physical supremacy of the Union in favor of 
the North. 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

The Emancipation Proclamation — Action of Congress — Oath of Office required — Organization of West Virginia as a State 
Proceedings relative to the exchange of Prisoners — The Cartel agreed upon — Difficulties — Officers in the Insurrec- 
tionary Service — Condition of Gen. Lee's Army in the Autumn of 1862 — ^Appeal to the Southern People — Condition 
of the Federal Army — Organization of a Provost Marshal's Department 



On January 1, 1863, the President issued his 
emancipation proclamation, and its principles 
were adopted as controlling the policy of the 
Government in the future. The proclamation 
was as follows : 

Whereas on the 23d day of September, in the year 
or our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- 
two, a proclamation was issued by the President of 
the United States, containing, among other things, 
the following, to wit : 

" That on the first day of January, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, 
all persons held as slaves within any States or desig- 
nated part of a State, the people whereof shall then 
be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, 
thenceforward, and forever free ; and the Executive 
Government of the United States, including the mili- 
tary and naval authority thereof, will recognize and 
maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no 
act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in 
any efforts they may make for their actual freedom. 

" That the Executive will, on the first day of Janu- 
ary aforesaid, by proclamation, designate the States 
and parts of States, if any, in which the people there- 
of, respectively, shall then be in rebellion against the 
United States; and the fact that any State,"or the 
people thereof, shall on that day be in good faith 
represented in the Congress of the United States, by 
members chosen thereto at elections wherein a ma- 
jority of the qualified voters of such State shall have 



participated, shall, in the absence of strong counter- 
vailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence 
that such State and the people thereof, are not then 
in rebellion against the United States." 

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of 
the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested 
as Commander'-in-Chief of the Army and Nav}^ of the 
United States in tinie of actual armed rebellion against 
the authority and Government of the United States, 
and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppress- 
ing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to 
do, publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hun- 
dred days, from the day first above mentioned, order 
and designate as the States and parts of States wherein 
the people thereof respectively are this day in rebel- 
lion against the United States, the following, to wit, 

Arkansas,Texas, Louisiana (except the parishes of 
St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jcflerson, St. John, St. 
Charles, St. James, Ascension, Assumption, Terre 
Bonne, Lafourche, Ste. Marie, St. Martin, and Or- 
leans, including the city of New Orleans,) Mississippi, 
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North 
Carolina, and Virginia (except the forty-eight coun- 
ties designated as West Virginia, and also the coun- 
ties of Berkeley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth 
City., York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including 
the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth\ and which 
excepted parts are for the present left precisely as 
if this proclamation were not issued. , 




I C^l^ C>rT"^c. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



319 



And by virtue of the power and for the purpose 
aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held 
as slaves within said designated States and parts of 
States are and henceforward shall be free ; and tliat 
the Executive Government of the United States, in- 
cluding the military and naval authorities thereof, 
will recognize and maintain the freedom of said 
persons. 

And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared 
to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in ne- 
cessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, 
in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for 
reasonable wages. 

And I further declare and make known that such 
persons, of suitable condition, will be received into 
the armed service of the United States to garrison 
forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man 
vessels of all sorts in said service. 

And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an 
act of justice, wai'ranted by the Constitution upon 
military necessity, I invoke the considerate judg- 
ment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty 
God. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my 
name, and caused the seal of the United States to 
be affixed. 

Done at the city of Washington this first day 

of January, in the year of our Lord one 

[l. s.] thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and 

of the independence of the United States the 

eighty-seventh. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
By the President : 

"William H. Sewaed, Secretary of State. 

Congress in the session of 1861-62 had taken 
action looking to this object. An act was pass- 
ed for tlie abolition of slavery in the District of 
Columbia. It emancipated all person s of African 
descent held to service in the District immedi- 
ately upon its passage ; loyal owners of slaves 
only were allowed ninety days to prepare and 
present to commissioners appointed for that 
purpose the names, ages, and personal descrip- 
tion of their slaves, who were to be valued by 
the commissioners. No single slave could be 
estimated to be worth more than three hundred 
dollars. Jhe amount of these claims was to be 
paid to each owner after the final report of the 
commissioners at the end of nine months. One 
million of doUars was appropriated to carry the 
act into effect. The sum of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars was appropriated to colonize any of 
the liberated slaves who might desire to go to 
Hayti, Liberia, or any country beyond the limits 
of the United States, as the President might 
select. 

Slavery was forbidden in all the Territories 
of the United States. Liberia and Hayti were 
recognized as independent republics, and as be- 
longing to the family of nations. A new treaty, 
relative to the slave trade, was ratified witli 
Great Britain, which allowed to her the lib- 
erty of searching American vessels tinder cer- 
tain circumstances. All persons in the army 
or navy were prohibited from returning slaves, 
or sitting in judgment on the claim of their 
masters. 

An act was also passed requiring every per- 
son afterwards elected or appointed to any office 
of honor or profit under the Government of the 
United States, either in the civO, military, or 



naval departments, except the President, to take 
the following oath before entering upon the du- 
ties of such office : 

I, A B, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have 
never voluntarily borne arms against the United 
States since I have been a citizen thereof; that I have 
voluntarily given no aid, countenance, counsel, or en- 
couragement to persons engaged in armed hostility 
thereto ; that I have neither sought, nor accepted, nor 
attempted to exercise the functions of any office what- 
ever, under any authority or pretended authority in 
hostility to the United States ; that I have not yielded 
a voluntary support to any pretended government, 
authority, power, or constitution within the United 
States, hostile or inimical thereto. And I do further 
swear (or affirm) that to the best of my knowledge 
and ability, I will support and defend the Constitution 
of the United States against all enemies, foreign and 
domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to 
the same; that I take this obligation freely, without 
any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and 
that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of 
the office on which I am about to enter, so help me 
God. 

Meantime steps had been taken to organize 
an independent State of that portion of Virginia 
west of the mountains. On a previous page it 
has been related that on the secession of Vir- 
ginia a convention of loyal citizens assembled at 
Clarksburg. This convention declared tlie or- 
dinance of secession to be null and void ; that 
its provision suspending the election of mem- 
bers of the Federal Government was a iisurpa- 
tion, and that if the ordinance of secession was 
ratified by a vote they recommended the elec- 
tion on June 4th of delegates to a general con- 
vention to be held on the 11th to devise such 
measures as the welfare of the people miglit 
demand. This convention met at Wheeling. 
Meantime nearly all the judicial and executive 
officers in that part of the State had fled to 
Richmond before the Federal forces. Legal 
protection to life, liberty, or property was given 
up. This convention declared the office of gov- 
ernor, &c., vacant, " by reason of those who 
occupied them having joined the rebellion," 
and proceeded to fill those offices. The action 
of this convention was not confined to Western 
Virginia, but intended to embrace the whole 
State. The governor elected thus stated the 
object of the convention: 

It was not the object of the Wheeling convention to 
set up any new government in the State, or separate 
or other government than the one under which they 
had always lived. They made a single alteration in 
the Constitution of the State, which prescribes the 
number of delegates in the General Assembly which 
shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. 

A declaration was made by the convention, 
and an ordinance adopted for the reorganiza- 
tion of the State Government. According to 
this ordinance the Government to be reor- 
ganized, either in its executive or legislative 
departments, was not for a part of the State, 
but for all of Virginia. In conformity with 
this ordinance a State Government was reor- 
ganized in all its branches in every county of 
the State not occupied by an armed foe. 

On the 20th of August, 1861, the convention 



320 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



passed an ordinance ''to provide for the for- 
mation of a new State out of a portion of the 
territory of this State." In compliance with 
its provisions delegates were elected to a con- 
stitutional convention which assembled at 
Wheeling, November 26, 1861, and proceeded 
to draft a Constitution, which was submitted 
to the people on the first Thursday of April, 
1862. The vote in favor was 18,862, that 
against it was 514. 

The governor appointed by the convention 
of June, 1861, which declared the State ofiices 
vacant, now issued his proclamation convening 
an extra session of the Legislature, elected and 
organized under the same authority, and which 
claimed to be the Legislature of Virginia. This 
Legislature met on the 6th of May, 1862, and 
passed an act, giving its consent to the forma- 
tion of a new State, and forwarded its consent 
to the Congress of the United States, together 
with an official copy of the Constitution adopted 
by the voters, and with the request that the 
said nevr State be admitted into the Union. 

On the 31st of December, 1862, the follow- 
ing act of Congress was approved by the 
President : 

An act for the admission of tTie State of " West Vir- 
ginia^' into the Union, and for other purposes. 

W/tereas the people inhabiting that portion of Vir- 
ginia known as West Virginia did, by a convention 
assembled in the city of Wheeling on the twenty-sixth 
of November, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, frame 
for themselves a Constitution, with a view of becom- 
ing a separate and independent State ; and whereas at 
a general election held in the counties composing the 
territory aforesaid on the third day of May last, the 
Sf.id Constitution was approved and adopted by the 
qualified voters of the proposed State, and luhereas 
the Legislature of Virginia, by an act passed on the 
thirteenth day of May, eighteen hundred and sixty- 
two, did give its consent to the formation of a new 
State within the jurisdiction of the said State of Vir- 
ginia, to be known by the name of West Virginia, 
and to embrace the following named counties, to wit : 
Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Marion, Mo- 
nongalia, Preston, Taylor, Tyler, Pleasants, Ritchie, 
Doddridge, Harrison, Wood, Jackson, Wirt, Roane, 
Calhoun, Grilmer, Barbour, Tucbfer, Lewis, Braxton, 
Upshur, Randolph, Mason, Putnam, Kanawha, Clay, 
Nicholas, Cabell, Wayne, Boone, Logan, Wyoming, 
Mercer, McDowell, VVebster, Pocahontas, Fayette, 
Raleigh, Greenbrier, Monroe, Pendleton, Hardy, 
Hampshire, and Morgan ; and whereas both the con- 
vention and the Legislature aforesaid have requested 
that the new State should be admitted into the Union, 
and the Constitution aforesaid being republican in 
form. Congress doth hereby consent that the said 
forty-eight counties may be formed into a separate 
and independent State. Therefore — 

_ Be it enacted hj the Senate and House of Bepresenta- 
tives of the United States of America in Congress as- 
sembled, That the State of West Virginia be and is 
hereby declared to be one of the United States of 
America, and admitted into the Union on an equal 
footing with the original States in all respects what- 
ever, and until the next general census shall be en- 
titled to three members in the House of Representa- 
tives of the United States : Provided, always. That this 
act shall not take effect until after the proclamation 
of the President of the United States hereinafter pro- 
vided for. 

It being represented to Congress that since the con- 
vention of the twenty-sixth of November, eighteen 



hundred and sixty-one, that framed and proposed the 
Constitution for the said State of West Virginia, the 
people thereof have expressed a wish to change the 
seventh section of the eleventh article of said Consti- 
tution by striking out the same and inserting the fol- 
lowing in its place, viz. : " The children of slaves born 
within the limits of this State after the fourth day of 
July, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, shall be free; 
and that all slaves within the said State who shall, at 
the time aforesaid, be under the age of ten years, shall 
be free when they arrive at the age of twenty-one 
years ; and all slaves over ten and under twenty-one 
years, shall be free when they arrive at the age of 
twenty-five years ; and no slave shall be permitted to 
come into the State for permanent residence there- 
in:" Therefore, 

Sec. 2. Be it further enacted. That whenever the 
people of West Virginia shall, through their said con- 
vention, and by a vote to be taken at an election to 
be held within the limits of the said State, at such time 
as the convention may provide, make and ratifj' the 
change aforesaid, and properly certify the same under 
the hand of the President of the Convention, it shall 
be lawful for the President of the United States to is- 
sue his proclamation stating the fact, and thereupon 
this act shall take effect and be in force from and after 
sixty days from the date of said proclamation. 

Approved December 31, 1862. 

These conditions were subsequently complied 
with by the citizens, and the President of the 
United States issued his proclamation accord- 
ingly. 

The following is a provision of the Constitu- 
tion of the United States : " New States may be 
admitted by the Congress into this Union ; but 
no new States shall be formed or erected within 
the jurisdiction of any other State, nor any State 
be formed by the junction of two or more States, 
or parts of States, without the consent of the 
Legislatures of the States concerned, as well as 
of the Congress. " 

The following is the population of the coun- 
ties embraced in this new State according to 
the census of 1860 : 



Hancock... 
Brooke . . . 

Ohio 

M.irshall. . . 
Wetzel.... 
Pleasants.. 

Wood 

Jackson. .. 

Mason 

Cabell 

Wayne .... 

Logan 

Boone 

Kanawha.. 

Eoane 

Wirt 

Eitchie 

Doddridge. 

Tyler 

Harrison... 
Marion .... 
Monongalia 
Preston.... 

Taylor 

Barbour. .. 



White 
popula 



4,442 

5,425 

22,196 

12,936 

6,691 

2,926 

10,791 

8,240 

8,752 

7,691 

6,604 

4,789 

4,681 

13,787 

5,309 

8,728 

6,809 

5,168 

6,488 

13,185 

12,656 

12,907 

13,183 

7,3001 

8,729' 



2 

18 

100 

29 

10 

15 

176 

55 

886 

oOo 

143 

148; 

158 
2,184 

72 
23 
88 
34 

18' 
682 

6;3 

101' 
67; 

112 
95 



CoUNtlEB. 


White 
popula- 
tion. 


SlaveB. 


Lewis 

1 Gilmer 

Calhoun 

Braxton 

Clay 


7,736 
3,685 
2,492 
4,885 
1,761 
4,470 
5,716 
3,291 
2,797 
1,635 
6,428 
9,526 

10,499 
8,686 
1.652 
7,064 
4,798 
1,396 
5,708 
5,873 
8,521 

12,481 
8,613 


230 

52 

9 

104 
21 


Nicholas 

iPxiyette 

Ealeigh 

Wyoming .... 

McDowell 

Mercer 

Monroe 

1 Greenbrier... 
Pocahontas . . . 

Webster 

Upshur 

Eandolph 

Tucker 

Putnam 

Pendleton 

Hardy 

Hampshire 
Morgan 


154 

271 

57 

64 

862 

1,114 

1,525 

252 

8 

212 

183 

20 

580 

244 

1,073 

1,213 

94 


Total, 48 COS.. 


834,921 


12,771 



The officers of West Virginia, at the close of 
1862, were Francis 11. Pierpont, governor; 
Daniel Paisley, lieutenant-governor ; Lucian A. 
Hugans, secretary ; CampbeU Tarr, treasurer. 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION". 



321 



The exchange of prisoners was attended with 
difficulties through the whole year 1862. After 
the refusal to receive within the Southern lines 
the commissioners appointed hy the Federal 
Government at the close of 1861, negotiations 
were opened by them at Norfolk, which resulted 
in an agreement for an equal exchange ; and the 
Confederates, having about 300 prisoners in ex- 
cess of those taken by the national troops, pro- 
posed to release them also, on parole, provided 
the United States Government would agree 
to release three hundred Confederates who 
might thereafter fall into their hands. On 
February 14th the commissioners returned 
to Washington, and the arrangement entered 
into by them having been approved by the 
War Department, Gen. Wool was directed to 
inform the rebel general Huger, commanding 
at Norfolk, that lie had full authority to settle 
the terms of the proposed exchange. Gen. How- 
ell Cobb was designated by the Richmond Gov- 
ernment to confer with Gen. Wool, and a per- 
manent plan was settled between them on the 
basis previously established. By the terms of 
this plan it was agreed that the prisoners of 
war in the hands of each Government should 
be exchanged, man for man, the officers being 
assimilated as to rank, <fec. ; that the privateers- 
men captured by the United States forces dur- 
ing the previous year, and who had been held 
as having lost the rights of war, should be ex- 
changed on the footing of ordinary prisouers 
of war; that any surplus remaining on either 
side after these exchanges should be released ; 
and that hereafter, during the continuance of 
the war, prisoners taken on either side should 
be paroled. The clause relating to the priva- 
teersmen was considered an important conces- 
sion on the part of the National Government, 
public opinion in the North having demanded 
that exemplary punishment should be inflicted 
on this class of prisoners, for which reason they 
had been for a number of mouths held in strict 
confinement in the city prison at Washington. 
As a retaliatory measure, the Confederates se- 
lected a number of Union prisoners, including 
Cols. Corcoran and Wilcox, and other high offi- 
cers, whom they declared hostages for the safety 
of the privateersmen. 

The exchanges commenced in the latter part 
of February, but had proceeded but a short 
time when they were interrupted, on March 18, 
by a message from Mr. Davis to the Confederate 
Congress, recommending that all the Confed- 
erate prisoners who had been paroled by the 
United States Government be released from the 
obligations of their parole, so as to bear arms 
in the defence of the Richmond Government. 
The reason assigned for this action was an "in- 
famous and reckless breach of good faith on the 
part of the Northern Government," in neglecting 
to exchange the privateersmen, and in sending 
the prisoners captured at Fort Donelson into 
the interior, instead of releasing them on parole. 
But, according to their own confession, the 
Confederates took the first step toward the 
21 



interruption of the exchange, by questioning, 
without sufficient cause alleged, the integrity 
of the United States Government. " At the 
time of sending North the hostages we had re- 
tained for our privateersmen," said a Richmond 
jom-nal, commenting upon President Davis's 
message, " Gen. Cobb had reason to suspect the 
good faith of the Northern Government, and 
telegraphed in time to intercept the release of 
a portion of these hostages (among them Col. 
Corcoran), who were 6?i route from points fur- 
ther South than Richmond, to go North under 
a flag of truce to Norfolk." 

The progress of events immediately previous 
to and succeeding the agreement between Gens. 
Wool and Cobb had materially changed the 
relative positions of the belligerents, and the 
captures of Roanoke Island and Fort Donelson 
left the North not merely an excess of prison- 
ers, but an excess numbering many thousands. 
The 3,000 prisoners captured at Roanoke Island, 
Feb. 8, were, nevertheless, released on parole, 
in accordance with the agreement, and the pri- 
vateersmen were placed on the footing of other 
prisoners, by being removed from Washington 
to Fort Lafayette, in New York harbor. The 
latter, indeed, were temporarily withheld from 
exchange until information should- be received 
from the rebel authorities that Col. Corcoran, 
and the other officers retained as hostages, were 
on their way to Norfolk ; but in all other respects 
the terms of the cartel were faithfully observed 
by the United States Government, until after 
the capture of the Fort Donelson jjrisoners, 
and measures were taken to release these, 
when the message of President Davis was de- 
livered. 

As a consequence of the receipt of this com- 
munication by the Richmond Congress, the 
exchange of prisoners ceased at Crauey Island, 
the point at which the flags of truce from For- 
tress Monroe and Norfolk were accustomed to 
meet; and the Confederates having failed, on 
several succeeding days, to meet the United 
States officers at this rendezvous. Secretary 
Stanton issued an order, March 27, prohibiting 
the release on pai-ole of the Fort Donelson pris- 
oners. Here the matter rested for several 
weeks, the prisoners in the hands of the Fed- 
eral authorities meanwhile reaching a formi- 
dable number, very largely in excess of those 
taken by the rebels. 

In order, however, not to shut the door en- 
tirely to negotiation on a subject of deep in- 
terest to the inhabitants of both the Union and 
the seceded States, Gen. Wool informed Gen. 
Huger, on May 2, that the privateersmen were 
held as prisoners of war, and that he was em- 
powei-ed to efl^"ect their exchange. On the suc- 
ceeding day Gen. Huger replied as follows : 

Heabq'ks Department of ifoKPOLK, May 3, 1862. 
General : I have your letter of the 2d instant. On 
faith of your statement that our privateersmen are 
prisoners of war, and will be exchanged, the officers 
heretofore held as hostages will be exchanged on the 
same terms as any others. 



322 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY. OF THE REBELLION. 



As it is but fair those longest in captivity should be 
released first, I request you will let the privateersmen 
be released, and I will reciprocate, and release those 
longest confined. 

I have requested Gen. "Winder to send prisoners from 
Richmond to Newport News on Monday, the 5th iust. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

BENJ. HUGER, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

Maj.-Gen. J. E. Wool, 

Commanding Department of Virginia. 

On the 19th, Gen. Wool wrote that he was 
prepared to make exchange on the terms pro- 
posed by Gen. Huger in the above communica- 
tion, adding, " I will have the privateersmen 
sent to this post (Fortress Monroe), to be for- 
warded to you at any place you designate on 
James river, provided you will send forward, 
at the same time, the hostages, Ools. Corcoran, 
Wilcox," &c. ; and, on the succeeding day, Gen. 
Huger replied from Petersburg : 

If you will release upon parole the privateersmen, 
and send them to me at City Point, I will return you 
such number of your officers, heretofore retained as 
hostages for them, as would be their equivalent, ac- 
cording to the rates of exchange prescribed by the 
cartel between the United States and Great Brit- 
ain iu 1813^ — the captains of privateersmen to rank as 
lieutenants of the navy, and the mates of the privateers 
as master's mates. If you will have the rank and 
number of the privateersmen niade out, and their equiv- 
alent of officers now retained as hostages for them, 
such officers will be released unconditionally and re- 
turned to you. Any of the other hostages that may not 
be required for exchange for the privateersmen will be 
released upon parole, to be exchanged for officers of 
equal rank, or their equivalent, according to the cartel 
above alluded to. 

On the 21st, Gen. Wool d-espatched another 
letter to Gen. linger, requesting him to appoint 
a time for the exchanges to take place, and re- 
ceived the following reply : 

IlEADQtTARTEES, DEPARTMENT OP APPOJIATTOX, ) 

Tetersbukg, Va., May 28, 1S62. S 
General : I have detained your boat until to-day, ex- 
pecting an answer from Richmond as to the time when 
the prisoners to be exchanged for the privateersmen 
could reach here. I have not yet received an answer, 
and I am not aware of the location of these officers, or 
when they could reach here ; but I can assure you I 
consider the War Department have fully agreed to the 
terms stated in my letter of the 3d instant to you, and 
which have been accepted by yourself. I must be re- 
sponsible that on the delivery of all the privateersmen 
all the officers retained as hostages wall be released 
upon parole, the details of the exchanges to be ar- 
ranged between us according to the cartel referred to, 
and such of the officers as are not exchanged in this 
way to remain on parole until exchanged for others. 
If not interrupted by movements in tne field, I will 
promise to have the officers forwarded as soon as pos- 
sible, and will send notice to any of your vessels, and 
request you may be notified to send for them. 
Very respectfullv, your obedient servant, 

BENJ. laUGER, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

Supposing the matter to be definitely settled, 
Gen. Wool, on June 1, sent the privateersmen, 
85 iu number, to City Point, on the James 
river, with instructions to deliver them up on 
receiving the hostages on parole. The latter 
not being on the spot, the privateersmen were 
withheld, and a communication was sent to the 
Confederate authorities deraanduig an exi)lana- 
tion. An answer came back that Gen. Huger 



had exceeded his authority, and that further 
conference would be necessary before the ex- 
change could be efi:ected. With a view to the 
holding of such a conference, the flag of truce 
boat remained at the Point until the 6th, when, 
learning that nothing further was expected 
from Richmond, she returned to Fortress Mon- 
roe. 

The following letter from the Confederate 
Secretary of War, of which a copy was trans- 
mitted by Gen. Huger to Gen. Wool, gives his 
reasons for refusing to abide by Gen. Huger's 
communication of May 23 : 

C. S. A. Wak Depaktment, Kichmond, June 3, 1862. 

General : I have received your letter of the 28th 
ultimo, in which you give a construction in your agree- 
ment with Gen. Wool for the exchange of the priva- 
teersmen and the persons formerly held as hostages, 
which requires us to return a/Z of the latter for all of the 
former, and to parole such of the so-called liostages as 
are not exchanged, and to support this construction you 
refer me to your letter of Jlay 23 to Gen. Wool. 

Upon examining that letter I find that you use the 
following language: "I must be responsible that on 
the delivery of all the privateersmen all the officers de- 
tained as hostages will be released upon parole." If 
this were the agreement, there could be no doubt of 
your promise to return all the " officers retained as 
hostages; " but in the same letter you state that the 
agreement was contained in your letter of May 3, and 
you say, " I consider the War Department has fuUv 
agreed to the terms stated in my letter of the 2d inst.'' 

The letter of May 3, so far from promising " to return 
all the officers, as hostages," as you apparently sup- 
pose, confines the proposed exchange to such as Gen. 
Wool might name, and as would be equivalent to tbo 
privateersmen according to the tariff agreed upon by 
the cartel between Great Britain and the United States 
in 1813, and consents that when that exchange had been 
made the other officers held as hostages might be ex- 
changed " as usual." There can be no doubt about the 
agreement ; your language is perfectly explicit. You 
say to Gen. Wool, " I will return such officers as j'ou 
may name in exchange according to the tariff agreed 
upon by the cartel between Great Britain and the Unit- 
ed States in 1813. As soon as these men are exchanged, 
any other officers that have been held as hostages will 
be exchanged as usual." 

I am willing to perform the agreement which you 
stated to Gen. Wool that the department had fully 
agreed to perform, but I cannot consent to carrj' out a 
palpable misconstruction of it, much more disadvan- 
tageous to the Government of the Confederate States 
than the agreement itself, and evidently the result of 
mere inadvertence on your part. Even this erroneous 
interpretation of your promise is founded on the sup- 
position that " officers were still retained as hostages," 
when, in fact, they had all been restored to the condi- 
tion of piisoners of war, and a colonel and three captains 
were actually then on parole. It is therefore not only 
erroneous in" its construction of the agreement actually 
made, but is founded upon such a misconception of 
facts that it would not bind you as an independent 
agreement. 

"You will, therefore, inform Gen. Wool that the War 
Department will execute faithfully your agreement with 
him of May 3, without considering whether you were 
authorized" to make it or not; that we will "exchange 
such officers recently held as hostages as he may namo 
for the privateersmen, according to the cartel agreed 
on, but that we shall hold others to be exchangea here- 
after. 

I might justly complain that Gen. Wool, after being 
informed by Gen. Cobb that the " officers hitherto held 
as hostages for the privateersmen had been placed on 
the same footing as other prisoners of war," and know- 
ing that a number of them, more than equivalent to the 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



323 



privateersmen, had actually been paroled, should yet 
negotiate with you as if they were all still held as hos- 
tages, appareutly taking advantage of the circumstance 
that you were not so well informed as himself. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

G. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War. 
Major-General B. Huger, 

Commanding Department of the Appomattox. 

Accompanying this letter was the following 
personal explanation of Gen. Huger : 

Hea.dquarters Huqeb's Divisio>f, June 5, 1S62. 
Sir : I enclose 3^ou a copy of a letter I received from 
the War Departrnent. I have heard from private per- 
sons that the privateersmen whom you promised to 
send for exchange had arrived at City Point, but no let- 
ter to me has as yet been forwarded. As I had charge 
of the correspondence with yourself on the subject, I 
hasten to send yon this communication, which 1 must 
confess I do not clearly understand. The language of 
one of my letters may not have been the same as an- 
other ; but I did intend not to give you all the officers 
once retained as hostages in exchange for all the priva- 
teersmen, but to give you such numbers of them in ex- 
change as would be required by the cartel exchanging 
the equivalent of rank, and the other officers to be ex- 
changed as usual. As you agreed to these terms, and 
had a sufficient number of our officers, there was no 
reason why the exchange should not be made at once ; 
and I shall insist, if the privateers have been sent, as I 
hear, that all the officers referred to above be given in 
exchange. I think it but fair we should name the offi- 
cers to be exchanged on our side; and as the most 
equitable way, I propose to exchange those who have 
been longest prisoners, including navy officers. 
I am, General, 
"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
BEXJ. HUGER, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Major-Gen. Johk E. Wool, 

or Officer Commanding Department of Virginia. 

Hero the matter rested, and for upward of a 
month nothing seems to have been done toward 
a general exchange, notwithstanding in the 
mean time prisoners had accumulated in large 
numbers on either side. The Confederates had 
indeed made certain overtures, by sending to 
Washington Ool. Miller and Major Stone, who 
had been captured in the battle near Pittsburg 
Landing, to induce the National Government to 
adopt some general plan. This the latter de- 
clined to do, claiming that certain Confederate 
officers of rank, as Gen. Buckner, captured at 
Fort Donelson, had, in consequence of acts done 
previous to the war, forfeited their right to be 
considered prisoners of war, and ought to be 
excepted from any cartel entered into by the 
belligerents, and to be held amenable for trea- 
son. The Confederates, on the other hand, in- 
sisted that the rule should be general, although 
from the reluctance which they had manifested 
in releasing Col. Corcoran and other prisoners 
demanded by the people of the Northern States, 
it was evident that they had been themselves 
inclined to make exceptions. 

In obedience to a very general popular de- 
mand the National Government finally decided 
to yield its point, and on July 17, Gen. Dix, 
who had meanwhile succeeded Gen. Wool in 
command at Fortress Monroe, met the Confed- 
erate general D. H. Hill, in conference, at 
Turkey Island Creek on the James river, where 
■ on. the 22d was signed the following asreement 



for the exchange of prisoners, based upon the 
cartel of 1812 between the United States and 
Great Britain, and which was claimed by the 
Richmond papers to mark an important era in 
the war, by acknowledging the quasi nation- 
ality of the Confederate Government : 

Haxall's Landixo, on James Eiveb, Va, ) 
July 22, 1S62. f 

The undersigned, having been commissioned by the 
authorities they respectively represent to make arrange- 
ments for a general exchange of prisoners of war, have 
agreed to the following articles : 

Article 1. — It is hereby agreed and stipulated that 
all prisoners of war held by either party, iucludiug 
those taken on private armed vessels, known as priva- 
teers, shall be discharged upon the conditions and 
terms following : 

Prisoners to be exchanged man for man and officer 
for officer ; privates to be placed on the footing of offi- 
cers and men of the navy. 

Men and officers of lower grades may be exchanged 
for officers of a higher grade, and men and ollicers of 
different services may be exchanged according to the 
following scale of equivalents : 

A general commander-in-chief or an admiral shall 
be exchanged for officers of equal rank, or forty-six pri- 
vates or common seamen. 

A flag officer or major-general shall be exchanged 
for officers of equal rauk, or for forty privates or 
common seamen. 

A commodore carrying a broad pennant, or a briga- 
dier-general, shall be exchanged for officers of equal 
rank, or twenty privates or common seamen. 

A captain in the navy, or a colonel, shall be ex- 
changed for officers of equal rank, or for fifteen pri- 
vates or common seamen. 

A lieutenant-colonel, or a commander in the navy, 
shall be exchanged for officers of equal rank, or for 
ten privates or common seamen. 

A lieutenant commander or a major shall be ex- 
changed for officers of equal rank, or eight privates or 
common seamen. 

A lieutenant or a master in the navy, or a captain in 
the army or marines, shall be exchanged for officers of 
equal rank, or six privates or common seamen. 

Masters' mates in the navy, or lieutenants and en- 
signs in the army, shall be exchanged for officers of 
equal rank, or four privates or common seamen. 

Midshipmen, warrant officers in the navy, masters 
of merchant vessels, and commanders of privateers, 
shall be exchanged for officers of equal rank, or three 
privates or common seamen : second captains, lieuten- 
ants, or mates of merchant vessels or privateers, and 
all petty officers in the navy and all non-commissioned 
officers in the army or marines, shall be severally ex- 
changed for persons of equal rank, or for two privates 
or common seamen; and private soldiers and common 
seamen shall be exchanged for each other, man for 
man. 

Art. 2. — Local, State, civil, and militia rank held by 
persons not in actual military service will not be rec- 
ognized, the basis of exchange being of a grade actu- 
ally held in the naval and military service of the re- 
spective parties. 

Art. S. — If citizens held by either party on charge 
of disloyalty or any alleged civil offence are exchanged, 
it shall only be for citizens, captured sutlers, teamsters, 
and all civilians in the actual service of either party, 
to be exchanged for persons in similar position. 

Art. 4. — All prisoners of war to be discharged on 
parole in ten days after their capture, and the prisoners 
now held and those hereafter taken to be transported 
to the points mutually agreed upon at the expense of 
the capturing party. The surplus prisoners not ex- 
changed shall not be permitted to take up arms again, 
nor to serve as military police or constabulary force in 
any fort, garrison, or field work held by either of the 
respective parties, nor as guards of prisoners, depots, or 
stores, nor to discharge any duty usually performed by 



324 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



soldiers, until exchanged under the provisions of this 
cartel. The exchange is not to be considered complete 
until the officer or soldier exchanged for has been actu- 
ally restored to the hues to which he belongs. 

Art 5.— Each party, upon the discharge ot prisoners 
of the other party, is authorized to discharge an equal 
number of their own officers or men from parole, iur- 
nishiu.- at the same time to the other party a list of 
S prisoners discharged and of their own oflicera 
and men relieved from parole, enabling each P-ntJ to 
relieve from parole such of their own othcers and men 
Ls the partv may choose. The lists thus mutually fur- 
nished will keep^oth parties advised of the true con- 
dition of the exchanges of prisoners. _ 

Art 6 —The stipulations and provisions above men- 
tioned to be of binding obligation during the con- 
tinuance of the war, it matters not which party may 
have the surplus of prisoners, the great principle in- 
volved being: „ . „ _ 

1 An equitable exchange of prisoners, man for 
man officer tor officer, or officers of higher grade ex- 
changed for officers of lower grade or for privates, ac- 
cording to the scale of equivalents. ^ j-«- * 

o That privates and officers and men of diflerent 
services may be exchanged according to the same rule 
of equivalents. 

3 That all prisoners, of whatsoever arm ot service, 
are to be exchanged or paroled in ten days from the 
time of their capture, if it be practicable to transfer 
them to their own lines in that time ; it not, as soon 
thereafter as practicable. , . , 

4. That no officer, soldier, or employe in the service 
of either party is to be considered as exchanged and 
absolved from' his parole until his equivalent has actu- 
cdly reached the line of his friends. „ o , , 

5. That the parole forbids the performance of field, 
earrison, police, or guard or constabulary duty. 

. JOHN A. DIX, Major-General. 

D. H. Hill, Major-General, C. S. Army. 

Supplementary Articles. 
Art. 7.-AU prisoners of war now held on either 
..ide.and all prisoners hereafter taken, shall be sent 
vith all reasonable despatch, to A. H Aikens below 
Dutch Gap, on the James river, m Virginia or to 
Vicksburg on the Mississippi river, in the btate ot 
Mi fcslpfi and there exchaJj^cl, or Paroled until such 
exchange can be eflTected, notice being previous y giv en 
bv each party of the number of prisoners it will send, 
and the^im^e when they will be ^le'-ered at those 
points respectively ; and in oase the vicissitudes ofj ar 
shall change the military relations of the places desig- 
nated in this article to the contending parties, so as to 
render the same inconvenient for the delivery and ex- 
change of prisoners, other places, bearing as nearly as 
may be the present local relations of said places to the 
lines of said parties, shall be, by mutua agreement, 
substituted. But nothing in this article. contained 
shall prevent the commanders of two opposing armies 
from exchano-ing prisoners or releasing them on parole 
at other points mutually agreed on by said commanders. 

Art 8.— For the purpose of carrying into eflect the 
foregoing articles of agreement, each party will appoint 
two agents, to be called Agents for the Exchange of 
Prisoners of War, whose duty it shall be to communi- 
cate with each other by correspondence and otherwise, 
to prepare the list of prisoners, to attend to the deliv- 
ery of the prisoners at the places agreed on, and to carry 
out promptly, etfectually. and in good faith, all the 
details and provisions of the said articles of agreement. 

Art. 9.— And in case any misunderstanding shall 
arise in rco-ard to any clause or stipulation in the fore- 
going articles, it is mutually agreed that such misun- 
dersfanding shall not interrupt the release of prisoners 
on parole, as herein provided, but shall be made the 
subject of friendly explanations, in order that the ob- 
iect of this agreement in.iy neither be defeated nor 
postponed. JOHN A. DIX, Major-General. 

D. H. Hill, Major-General C. S. A. 

Acting in the humane spirit whicli charac- 



terized this agreement, the adjutant-general 
of the United States a few days afterward 
issued an order that chaplains should not be 
held as prisoners of war, and directing the im- 
mediate and unconditional release of all chap- 
lains so held. 

In accordance with the terms of the cartel, an 
exchange of prisoners commenced forthwith, 
and by the middle of August most of the officers 
of rank on either side, who had been for any 
lengthened period in captivity, were released. 
So far as the case of prisoners of this class 
was concerned, matters worked harmoniously 
enough ; but new complications, the result of 
circumstances happening subsequent to the 
cartel, soon occurred, Avhich gave rise to an 
acrimonious correspondence between the belhg- 
erent parties, and a series of retahatory orders 
from the Confederate authorities. 

Previous to the adoption of the cartel of 
July 22, however, the Confederate general, R. 
E. Lee, had written to the authorities at "Wash- 
ington, under date of July 6, requesting infor- 
mation respecting the alleged execution bythe 
national authorities of John Owens and Wil- 
liam B. Mumford, citizens of the seceded States, 
and on certain other points, indicated m the 
following reply of Gen. Halleck, the general- 
in-chief of the United States army : 

Headquaetees of the Aemt^Wasiiingmn, J 

Goi. B.E.Lee, Commanding, d-c: . 

Gekeral : Your letter of July 6 was received at 
the Adjutant-General's office on the 14th, but sup- 
posing from the endorsement that it required no fur- 
ther reply, it was filed without being shown to the 
President or Secretary of War. I learned to day, for 
the first time, that such letter bad been received, and 

^'^Nrauthentfc information has been received in rela- 
tion to the execution of either John Owens or—- — 

Mumford, but measures will be immediately taken to 
ascertain the facts of these alleged executions, of which 
you will be duly informed. , ^, , . .t,„ 

I need hardly assure you, general, that, so far as the 
United States authorities are concerned, this contest 
will be carried on in strict accordance with the laws 
and usages of modern warfare, and that all excesses 
will be duly punished. ., , . , . -,■<■ 

Inrega/d to the burning of bridges &c., within 
our lines by persons in disguise as peaceful citizens, I 
?efer you to my letter of the 22d of January last to 
Gen Price * I think you will find the views there ex- 
pressed as most materially difiering from those stated 

'M°regfrd to retaliation, by taking the lives of inno- 
cent persons, I know of no modern authority which 
Justifies it except in the extreme case ot a war with 
any uncivilized foe, which has himself first established 
S ^barbarous rule. The United States will never 
CO intenan e such a proceeding unless forced to do so 
by the barbarous conduct of an enemy who first ap- 
plies such a rule to our own citizens 

Very respectfully, your obedie^ ^j^^^^^j^cK, 
General-in-Chief of U. S. Army. 

"* In this letter Gen. H^OlTdTthen cominnndinK the de- 
partmont of Missouri, reiterated his intention to s>iDject 
persons, other than soldiers, accused of burning "i- <;«'^^;7 
ins raih-oads. hri.l-cs. and similar property, to "ml hy < o '^t 
martial, notwithstanding such persons had tK>en authonzea 
and instructed by Gen. Price to commit such acts. Airnia 
men, in the garb of soldiers, destroying bridges "sj; niiMary 
St would, if captured, be treated as ordinary prisoners of war. 



MILITAKT AND E"AVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



325 



On July 21, Gen. Lee addressed a communi- 
cation to Gen. McClellan, then in command at 
Harrison's Landing, stating that lie was in- 
formed that many Confederate citizens, en- 
gaged in peaceful vocations, had been arrested 
and imprisoned because they refused to take 
the oath of allegiance to the United States ; 
while others, by harsh treatment, had baen 
compelled to take an oath not to bear arms 
against the ISTational Government ; adding : 

This Government refuses to admit the right of tho 
authorities of the United States to arrest our citizens, 
and extort from them their parole not to render mili- 
tary serrice to their country under the penalty of in- 
curring punishment in case they fall into the hands of 
your forces. 

I am directed by the Secretary of War to inform 
you that such oaths will not be regarded as obliga- 
tory, and persons who take them will be required to 
render military service. Should your Government treat 
the rendition of such service by these persons as a 
breach of parole, and punish it accordingly, this Gov- 
ernment will resort to retaliatory measures as the only 
means of compelling the observance of the rules of 
civilized warfare. 

The matter was referred by Gen. McClellan 
to Gen. Halleck, who in reply to that officer, 
dated August 13, made the following state- 
ment of the policy which the Government 
would pursue: 

The Government of the United States has never 
authorized any extortion of oaths of allegiance or mil- 
itary paroles, and has forbidden any measures to be 
resorted to tending to that end. Instead of extorting 
oaths of allegiance and paroles, it has refused the ap- 
plications of several thousand prisoners to be permit- 
ted to take them and return to their homes in the 
rebel States. 

At the same time this Government claims and will 
exercise the right to arrest, imprison, or place beyond 
its military lines any persons suspected of giving aid 
and information to its enemies, or of any other trea- 
sonable act. And if persons so arrested voluntarily 
take the oath of allegiance, or give their military 
parole, and afterward violate their plighted faith, 
they will be punished according to the laws and usages 
of war. 

You will assure Gen. Lee that no unseemly threats 
of retaliation on his part will deter this Government 
from exercising its lawful rights over both persons 
and property, of whatsoever name or character. 

On July 22 an important order was issued 
by Secretary Stanton, acting under instructions 
from the President, by which military command- 
ers in Virginia and other parts of the seceded 
States were empowered "in an orderly manner 
to seize and use any property, real or personal, 
which may be necessary or convenient for 
their several commands, for supplies or for 
other miUtary purpose ;" to employ at reason- 
able wages persons of African descent when 
needed ; and requiring that " as to both prop- 
erty and persons of African descent, accounts 
shall be kept sufficiently accurate and in de- 
tail, to show quantities and amounts, and from 
whom both property and such persons shall 
have come, as a basis upon which compensa- 
tion can be made in proper cases." In accord- 
ance with the terms of this document Gen. 
Pope, then recently appointed to the command 
of the army of Virginia, directed his division 



generals to seize all horses and mules in their 
vicinily, and all stores not absolutely needed 
bjs the inhabitants for their maintenance or 
subsistence; and his General Order No. 11, 
dated July 23d, required all officers of his 
army holding independent commands to ar- 
rest all disloyal male citizens within their lines 
or within their reach. " Such as are willing 
to take the oath of allegiance to the United 
States," &c., the order continued, were to be 
discharged. 

These several orders did not fail to create 
excitenaent among the Confederate authorities 
at Richmond, and ultimately led to the retalia- 
tory action suggested by the two following 
documents, of which the first was addressed by 
President Davis to Gen. Lee : 

EicnMoirD (Va.), July 31, 1SC2. 

Sir : On the 22d of this month a cartel for the gen- 
eral exchange of prisoners of war was signed between 
Maj.-Gen. 1). H. Hill, in behalf of the Confederate 
States, and Maj.-Gen. John E. Dix, in behalf of the 
United States. Jiy the terms of this cartel it is stipu- 
lated that all prisoners of war hereafter taken shall be 
discharged on parole till exchanged. 

Scarcely had that cartel been signed when the mili- 
tary authorities of the United States commenced a 
practice changing the whole character of the war from 
such as becomes civilized nations into a campaign of 
indiscriminate robbery and murder. » 

The general order issued by the Secretary of "War of 
the United States, in the city of Washington, on the 
very day the cartel was signed in Virginia, directs the 
military commanders of the United States to take the 
private property of our people for the convenience and 
use of their armies, without compensation. 

The general order issued by Maj-Gen. Pope on the 
23d day of July, the day after the signing of the cartel, 
directs the murder of our peaceful inhabitants as spies, 
if found quietly tilling the farms in his rear, even out- 
side of his lines ; and one of his brigadier-generals, 
Steinwehr, has seized upon innocent and peaceful in- 
habitants to be held as hostages, to the end that they 
may be murdered in cold blood, if any of his soldiers 
are killed by some unknown persons whom he desig- 
nates as " bushwhackers." 

Under this, state of facts, this Government has 
issued the enclosed general order, recognizing Gen. 
Pope and his commissioned officers to be in the posi- 
tion which they have chosen for themselves — that 
of robbers and murderers, and not that of public- ene- 
mies, entitled, if captured, to be considered as prison- 
ers of war. 

. We find ourselves driven by our enemies by steady 
progress toward a practice which we abhor and whicn 
we are vainly struggling to avoid. 

Some of the military authorities of ihe United States 
seem to suppose that better success will attend a sav- 
age war in which no quarter is to be given, and no age 
or sex to be spared, than has hitherto been secured By 
such hostilities as are alone recognized to be lawful by 
civilized men in modern times. 

For the present -we renounce our right of retaliation 
on the innocent, and shall continue to treat the private 
enlisted soldiers of Gen. Pope's army as prisoners of 
war ; but if, after the notice to the Government at Wash- 
ington of our confining repressive measures to the 
punishment only of the commissioned officers who are 
willing participants in these crimes, these savage prac- 
tices are continued, we shall be reluctantly forced to 
tho last resort of accepting the war on the terms ob- 
served by our foes, until the outraged voice of com- 
mon humanity forces a respect for the recognized 
rules of war. 

While these facts would justify our refusal to execute 
the generous cartel by which we have consented to 



326 



MILITAET AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



liberate an excess of thousands of prisoners held by 
us beyond the number held by the enemy, a sacred 
regard to plighted faith, shrinking from the mere 
semblance of breaking a promise, prevents our resort 
to this extremity. 

Nor de we desire to extend to any other forces of the 
enemy the punishment merited alone by Gen. Pope 
and the commissioned oflBcers who choose to participate 
in the execution of his infamous orders. 

You are hereby instructed to communicate to the 
commander-in-chief of the United States the contents 
of this letter, and a copy of the enclosed general order, 
to the end that he may be notified of our intention not 
to consider the oflBcers hereafter captured from Gen. 
Pope's army as prisoners of war. 

Very respectfully yours, &c., 

JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

To Gen. K. E. Lee, Commanding. 

The substance of this letter was communi- 
cated by Gen. Lee, according to President 
Davis's request, to Gen. Halleck on Aug. 2, 
\rith the accompanying General Order No. 54 : 

Confederate General Order No. 54. 

Adjutant and Inspector-General's OrnoE, ) 
EiCHMOND, August 1, 1S62. ) 

First. The following orders are published for the in- 
formation and observance of all concerned. 

Second. Whereas, by a general order dated the 22d 
of July, 18G2, issued by the Secretary of War of the 
United States, under the order of the President of the 
United States, the military commanders of that Govern- 
ment within the States of Virginia, South Carolina, 
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tex- 
as and Arkansas, are directed to seize and use any prop- 
erty, real or personal, belonging to the inhabitants of 
this Confederacy, which may be necessary or conve- 
nient for their several commands, and no provision is 
made for any compensation to the owners of private 
property thus seized and appropriated by the military 
commands of the enemy. 

Third. And whereas, by General Order No. 11, is- 
sued by Major-General Pope, commanding the forces 
of the enemy in Northern Virginia, it is ordered that all 
commanders of any army corps, divisions, brigades, 
and detached commands, will proceed immediately to 
arrest all disloyal male citizens within their lines or 
within their reach in the rear of their respective com- 
mands. Such as are willing to take the oath of 
allegiance to the United States, and shall furnish suffi- 
cient security for its observance, will be permitted to 
remain in their houses, and pursue in good faith their 
accustomed avocations ; those who refuse shall be con- 
ducted south beyond the extreme pickets of the army, 
and be notified if found again anywhere within our 
lines, or at any place in the rearj they will be consid- 
ered spies and subjected to the extreme rigor of mili- 
tary law. If any person, having taken the oath of al- 
legiance as above specified, be found to have violated 
it, he shall be shot, and his property seized and applied 
to the public use. 

FovrtTi. And whereas, by an order issued on the ISth 
of July, 1862, by Brigadier-General A. Steinwehr, Jla- 
jor William Stcadman, a cavalry officer of his brigade, 
has been ordered to arrest five of the most promment 
citizens of Page county, Virginia, to be held as hos- 
tages, and to suffer death in the event of any of the 
soldiers of said Steinwehr being shot by bushwhack- 
ers, by which term are meant the citizens of this Con- 
federacy who have taken up arms to defend their lives 
and families. 

Fifth. And whereas it results from the above orders 
that some of the military authorities of the United 
States, not content with the unjust and aggressive 
warfare hitherto waged with savage cruelty against an 
Unoffending people, and exasperated by the lailure of 
their efforts to subjugate them, have now determined 
to violate all the rules and usages of war, and to convert 
the hostilities, hitherto waged against armed forces, 



into a campaign of robbery and murder against inno- 
cent citizens and peaceful tillers of the soil. 

Sixth. And whereas this Government, bound by the 
highest obligations of duty to its citizens, is thus 
driven to the necessity of adopting such just measures 
of retribution and retaliation as shall seem adequate to 
repress and punish these barbarities. And whereas 
the orders above recited have only been published and 
made known to this Government since the signa- 
ture of a cartel for the exchange of prisoners of war, 
which cartel, in so far as it provides for an exchange 
of prisoners hereafter captured, would never have 
been signed or a";reed to by this Government, if 
the intention to change the war into a system of 
indiscriminate murder and robbery had been made 
known to it. And whereas a just regard to humanity 
forbids that the repression of crime, which this 
Government is thus compelled to enforce, should be 
unnecessarily extended to retaliation on the enlisted 
men of the army of the United States who may be un- 
willing instruments of the savage cruelty of their com- 
manders, so long as there is hope that the excesses of 
the enemy may be checked or prevented by retribution 
on the commissioned officers, who have the power to 
avoid guilty action by refusing service under a Govern- 
ment which seeks their aid in the perpetration of such 
infamous barbarities. 

Seventh. Therefore it is ordered that Major-General 
Pope, Brigadier-General Steinwehr, and all commis- 
sioned ofhcers serving under their respective com- 
mands, be and they are hereby expressly and espe- 
cially declared to be not entitled to be considered as 
soldiers, and therefore not entitled to the benefit of the 
cartel for the parole of future prisoners of war. 

Ordered, fiirther, That in the event of the capture 
of Major-General Pope or Brigadier-General Stein- 
wehr, or of any commissioned officers serving under 
them, the captive so taken shall be held in close con- 
finement, so long as the orders herein expressed shall 
contiiiue in force, and until repealed by the competent 
military authorities of the United States, and that in 
the event of the murder of any unarmed citizen or in- 
habitant of this Confederacy, "by virtue or under the 
pretext of any of the orders hereinbefore recited, 
whether with or without trial, whether under the pre- 
tence of such citizen being a spy or hostage, or any 
other pretence, it shall be the duty of the commanding 
General of the forces of this Confederacy to cause im- 
mediately to be hung, out of the commissioned officers 
prisoners as aforesaid, a number equal to the number 
of our own citizens tims murdered by the enemv. 
By order. S. COOPER, 

Adjutant and Inspector-General. 

On the same day, August 2, Gen. Lee ad- 
dressed the following communication on a dif- 
ferent subject, but one involving similar prin- 
ciples, to Gen. Halleck : 

IlEADQrrARTERS Or THE CONFEDERATE STATES, NEAR | 

KiCHMOND, Va., Attff. 2, 1862. f 
To the General Commanding Army of the United Statee, 
Washington, : 

General : On the 29th of June last I was instruct- 
ed by the Secretary of War to inquire of Maj.-Gen. 
McClellan as to the truth of alleged murders com- 
mitted on our citizens by officers of the United States 
army. 

The case of Wm. B. Mumford, reported to have been 
murdered at New Orleans by order of Maj.-Gen. B. F. 
Butler, and of Col. John Owens, reported to have been 
murdered in Missouri by order of Maj.-Gen. Pope, were 
those referred to. I had the honor to be informed by 
Maj.-Gen. McClellan that he had referred these in- 
quiries to his Government for a reply. No answer has 
as vet been received. 

the President of the Confederate States has since 
been credibly informed that numerous other officers of 
the army of the United States within the Confederacy 
have been guilty of felonies and capital offences which 
are punishable "by all laws, human and divine. I am 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



327 



directed by him to bring to your notice a few of those 
best authenticated. 

Newspapers received from the United States an- 
nounce as a fact that Maj.-Gen. Hunter has armed 
slaves for the murder of their masters, and has thus 
done all in his power to inaugurate a servile war, 
which is worse than that of the savage, inasmuch as 
it superadds other horrors to the indiscriminate 
slaughter of all ages, sexes, and conditions. 

Brig.-Gen. Phelps is reported to have initiated at 
New Orleans the example set by Maj.-Gen. Hunter on 
the coast of South Carolina. 

Brig.-Gen. G. N. Fitch is stated in the same journals 
to have murdered in cold blood two peaceful citizens, 
because one of his men, while invading our country, 
was killed by some unknown person while defending 
his home. 

I am instructed by the President of the Confederate 
States to repeat the inquiry relative to the cases of 
Mumford and Owens, and to ask whether the state- 
ments in relation to the action of Gens. Hunter, Phelps, 
and Fitch are admitted to be true, and whether the 
conduct of these generals is sanctioned by their Gov- 
ernment. 

I am further directed by his Excellency the Presi- 
dent to give notice that, in the event of not receiving 
a reply to these inquiries within fifteen days from the 
delivery of this letter, it will be assumed that the 
alleged facts arc true, and are sanctioned by the Gov- 
ernment of the United States. In such an event, on 
that Government will rest the responsibility of the 
retribution or retaliatory measures which shall be 
adopted to put an end to the merciless atrocities which 
now characterize the war against the Confederate 
States. I am, most respectfully, your ob't serv't, 
R. E. LEE, General Commanding. 

To both communications but one finswer was 
returned, and that was given in the following- 
note : 

Headqttaktees of the Abmt, "WAsniNGTON, Aug. 9, 1S62. 
Gen. B. E. Lee, Commanding, etc. : 

General : Your two communications of the 2d in- 
stant, with enclosure, are received. As these papers 
are couched in language insulting to the Government 
of the United Stales, I most respectfully decline to 
receive them. They are returned herewith. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army. 

The rebels, however, not receiving what they 
considered a satisfactory answer to the allega- 
tions contained in the last-quoted letter of Gen. 
Lee, of August 2, proceeded to issue two vindic- 
tive orders in the nature of retaliatory measures 
against officers of the United States army. The 
first, dated August 20, threatened retaliation for 
the lives of jjeaceable citizens said to have been 



taken by Gen. (Colonel) Fitch in Arkansas, and 
the second, dated on the succeeding day, and 
known as General Order No. 60, is as follows: 

W/iereas Maj.-Gen. Hunter,. recently in command 
of the enemy's forces on the coast of South Carolina 
and Brig.-Gen. Phelps, a military commander of the 
enemy in the State Louisiana, have organized and 
armed negro slaves for military service against theil 
masters, citizens of this Confederacy : 

And whereas the Government of the United States 
has refused to answer an inquiry whether said con- 
duct of its officers meets its sanction, and has thus 
left to this Government no other means of repressing 
said crimes and outrages than by the adoption of such 
measures of retaliation as shall serve to prevent their 
repetition : 

Ordered, That Maj.-Gen. Hunter and Brig.-Gen. 
Phelps be no longer held and treated as public ene. 
mies of the Confederate States, but as outlaws; and 
that in the event of the capture of either of them, or 
that of any other commissioned officer employed in 
drilling, organizing, or instructing slaves, with a view 
to their armed service in this war, he shall not be re- 
garded as a prisoner of war, but held in close confine- 
ment for execution as a felon, at such time and place 
as the President may order. 

The retaliatory orders against Gen. Pope's 
command were for several weeks enforced with 
a considerable degree of strictness ; but when 
he retired from command, they were rescinded. 

An event occurring in Missouri in October 
gave occasion for further retahatory action on 
the part of the Confederate authorities. An- 
drew Allsman, a loyal citizen of ^'almyra, in 
the northeastern part of the State, and a non- 
combatant, having been forcibly abducted by a 
band of guerrillas under the command of one 
Porter, the latter was notified by Gen. McNeil, 
commanding a portion of the Missouri State 
Militia, that unless Allsman was returned un- 
harmed to his family by the 18th of October, 
ten of the captured guerrillas would be sum- 
marily shot. Allsman not appearing on the day 
specified, the death penalty was inflicted on ten 
men selected from Porter's band, in the presence 
of a large concourse of citizens. 

The following in an official fist of general 
officers in the insurrectionary service in August, 
1862. The major and brigadier-generals are 
said to belong to the Provisional Army, their 
commissions having been granted under the 
Provisional Government, or prior to 1862 : 



General-in-Chief. 
♦Eobert E. Lee Virginia. 

Adjutant and Inspector- General. 
♦Samuel Cooper Virginia. 

Qtiartermaster- General. 

*A. C. Myers %Louisiana. 

*Larkin Smith (Assistant). 

Chief of Ordnance. 
♦Benjamin Huger SoutU Carolina. 

Generals — Regular Army. 

*Samuel Cooper Virginia. 

♦Joseph K. Johnston Virginia. 

♦llobert E. Lee Virginia. 

*P. G. T. Beauregard Louisiana. 

*Braxton Bragg Louisiana. 

J/i ijor- Ge nera l^Pro visiona I Army. 

♦Leonidas Polk Louisiana. 

*Earl Van Dorn Mississippi. 

*Gustavus W. Smith Kentucky. 

*Theo. N. Ilolmea North Carolina. 



♦William J. Hardee Georgia. 

♦Benj. Huger (relM). . . .South Carolina. 

♦James Lougstreet Alabama. 

♦J. B. Magruder; Virgini.i. 

♦Thomas J. Jackson Virginia. 

♦Mansfield Lovell ... District Columbia. 

♦E. Kirby Smith (rel'd) Florida. 

William "W. Loring North Carolina. 

Sterling Price Missouri. 

♦John P. McCown Tennessee. 

♦Daniel H. Hill North Carolina. 

♦llichard S. E well , . . . . Virginia. 

♦John C. Pemberton Virginia. 

♦Ambrose P. Hill Virginia. 

John C. Breckinridge Kentucky. 

William S. Cheatham Tennessee. 

Thomas C. Hindman Arkansas, 

♦Kichard H. Anderson.. South Carolina. 

♦James E. B. Stewart Virgini.a. 

♦Simon B. Buckner Kentucky. 

♦James M. Withers Alabama. 

Brigadier-Generals. 
John B. Eloyd (rel'd) Virginia. 



Henry A. Wise Virginia. 

♦August B. Lawton Georgia. 

O. J. Pillow (rel'd) Tennessee. 

♦Daniel S. Donolson Tennessee. 

♦David R. Jones South Carolina. 

♦John H. Winder Maryland. 

♦Ashbel A. Early Virginia. 

♦Arnold Elzey Maryland. 

♦Samuel Jones Virginia. 

♦C. C. Sibley (dead) Louisiana, 

♦William H. C. Whiting Georgia. 

♦Daniel Buggies Virginia. 

Charles Clark Mississippi. 

♦Koswell S. Eipley South Carolina. 

♦Isaac E. Trimble Maryland. 

♦Paul O. Hebert Louisiana. 

♦Eichard E. Gatlin North Carolina, 

L. Pope Walker Alabama. 

♦Albert B. Blanchard Louisiana. 

♦Gab. J. Eains (killed) Kentucky. 

♦Lafayette McLaws Georgia. 

♦Thomas F. Dayton South Carolina. 

♦Lloyd Tilghmau Kentucky. 

♦Nat. G. Evans South Ciu-olina. 



328 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



♦Cadmus C. Wilcox Tennessee. 

Richard E. Rodes Alabama. 

Richard Tajlor : Louisiana. 

*James H. Trapier South Carolina. 

♦Samuel G. French Mississippi. 

William II. Carroll Tennessee. 

♦Hugh W. Mercer , Georgia. 

Humphrey Marshall Kentucky. 

*Alexander P. Steuart Tennessee. 

*W. Montgomery Gardner Georgia. 

♦Kichard B. Garuett Virginia. 

William Mahone Virginia. 

L. O'B. Branch (k.illed).North Carolina. 

Maxey Gregg South Carolina. 

Robert Toonibs Georgia. 

♦George II. Stewart Virginia. 

♦Wm. W. Mackall... District Columbia. 

♦Henry Heth Virginia. 

♦Johnson K. Duncan Louisiana. 

John R. Jackson Georgia. 

♦Edward Johnson Virginia. 

Howell Cobb Georgia. 

Joseph L Hogg Texas. 

William S. Featherston Mississippi. 

Roger A. Pry or Virginia. 

♦John H. Forney Alabama. 

♦John B. Villepigue (dead).. ..Georgia. 

♦Bushnel R. Johnson Tennessee. 

♦Thomas K. Jackson . 

♦Thomas Jordan Virginia. 

♦John S. Bowen Missouri. 

*John B. Ilood Texas. 

*G. B. Anderson (Vd).. North Carolina. 

♦Thoma.s M. Jones Virginia. 

J. J. Pettigrew South Carolina. 

Albert Rust Arkansas. 

James J. Ramsey Georgia. 

Hamilton P. Bee Texas. 

Henry McCuUoch Texas. 

William Preston Kentucky. 

♦Henry Little (killed) Missouri. 

*R. Ransom North Carolina. 

Martin E. Greene Missouri. 

Thomas R. R. Cobb (killed).. .Georgia. 

Wood Alabama. 

■ Kemper South Carolina. 

Ker-^haw South Carolina. 

Leadbeater Tennessee. 

Armstrong . 



John S. Williams.:...,,.,. . Kentucky, 

N. B. Forrest Tennessee. 

Robert E. Garland (killed) Virginia. 

♦A. W. Reynolds Virginia. 

Jenkins South Carolina. 

♦ Pender North Carolina. 

Edward W. Gantt Arkansas. 

Solon Borland Arkansas. 

*M. L. Smith Mississippi. 

♦William B. Taliaferro Virginia. 

♦George E. Pickett Virginia. 

Wright Georgia. 

Helm ...Kentucky. 

George Maurey Tennessee. 

Blantou Duncan Kentucky. 

♦L. A. Armistead Virginia. 

Semmes Georgia. 

Maxey . 

S. R. Gist South Carolina. 

*D. M. Frost Missouri. 

Beverly R. Robertson Virginia. 

J. B. 8. Roane Arkansas. 

C. L. Stevenson . 

Wade Hampton (dead).. South Carolina. 

A. G. Jenkins Virginia. 

Fields . 

Martin North Carolina. 

*Fitz Hugh Lee Virginia. 

John R. Jones Virginia. 

James E. Slaughter . 

Henry Hayes Louisiana. 

Henry W. Hilliard Alabama. 

♦Abraham Bul'ord Kentucky. 

This list, numbering 137 generals, is 
divided among the several States as fol- 
lows: Virginia, 31 ; South Carolina, 14; 
Georgia, 34; Kentucky, 11; Tennessee, 
11; Louisiana. 9; North Carolina, 9; 
Alabama, 7 ; Mississippi, 5 ; Missouri, 
5 ; Arkansas, 5 ; Texas, 4 ; Maryland, 
8 ; District of Columbia, 2 ; Florida, 1 ; 
Unknown, 6. 

The following were born in the 
North : Gen. S.' Cooper, New York ; 
Maj.-Gen. John C. Pemberton, Penn- 
sylvania; Brig.-Gens. H. C. Whiting, 
A. B. Blanchard, Massachusetts ; John- 
son K. Duncan, Pennsylvania; P. 8. 

* Graduates of West Point. 



Ripley, Chio ; Leadbeater, Con- 
necticut; S. G. French, New Jersej'; 
D. M. Frost. 

Casualties, &c.— Killed. — Maj.-Gen. 
A. 8. Johnston,* Texas, at Shiloh, April 
6, 1S62. 

Brig.-Gen. R. S. Garnett,^ Va., at Car- 
rick's Ford, July 11, 1S61. 

Brig.-Gen. Bernard E. Bec,^ S. C, at 
Manassas, July 21, 18G1. 

Brig.-Gen. F. K. Zollicoffer, Tenn., at 
Somerset, January 19, 1862. 

Brig.-Gen. Ben McCulloch, Texas, Et 
Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862. 

Brig.-Gen. A. H. Gladden, La., at 
Shiloh, April 6, 1SG2. 

Brig.-Gen. T. W. Ashbv, at , 

May — , 1862. 

Brig.-Gen. Robert Ilatton, Tenn., at 
Seven Pines, May 31, 1862. , 

Brig.-Gen. Richard Griffith,*Mis»., be- 
fore Richmond, June 27, 1S62. 

Brig.-Gen. C. 8. Winder,^ Md., at 
Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862. 

Brig.-Gen. J. T. Hughes, Mo., at Inde- 
pendence, August — , 1862. 

Brig.-Gen. Robert E. Garland, Va., at 
South Mountain, September 14, 1&62. ■ 

Brig.-Gen. Starke, N. C, at Antietam, 
September 17, 1862. 

Brig.-Gen. Law. O'B. Branch, N. C, 
at Antietam, September 17, 1862. 

Brig.-Gen. Henry Littlip, Missouri, et 
luka, September 19, 1862. Total— 15. 

Acting Brig -Gen. F. S. Bartow, Ga., 
at Manassas, July 21, 1861. 

Acting Brig.-Gen. James Mcintosh, 
at Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862. Total— 13. 

DieO. — Brig.-Gen. J. B. Grayson, 
Ky. ; T. A. Flourney, Ark. ; Philip St 
George Cooke * Va. (suicide) — 3. 

Renigned. — ^^laj.-Gens. David E. 
Twiggs, Ga. (since dead) ; M. L. Bon- 
ham, 8. C; Georsje B. Crittenden, Ky. ; 
Brig.-Gens. H. R; Jackson, Ga. ; T. T. 
Fauntleroy, Va. ; G. W. Randolph, Va.; 
L. T. Wigl'dl, Te-xas; S. C. Anderson, 
Tenn. ; J. R. Anderson,* V.i. ; Albert 
Pike. Ark. ; W. H. T. Walker,^ Ga.— 11. 



The Confederate army in Virginia, near the 
close of the year, was in a most destitute con- 
dition. The followiug statement, dated at Win- 
chester, Virginia, on September 26, was cir- 
culated through the Confederate States, as en- 
tirely reliable, and made the basis of appeals 
to the people to contribute to the relief of the 
soldiers : 

I can recall no parallel instance in history, except 
Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Moscow, where an 
army has ever done more marching and fighthig, un- 
der such great disadvantages, than Gen. Lee's has 
done since it left the banks of the James river. 

This army proceeded dh-cctly to the line of the Rap- 
pahannock, and, moving out from that river, it fought 
its way to the Potomac, crossed the stream, and moved 
on to Frederick and Hagerstown, had a heavy engage- 
ment at Boonsboro' Gap, and another at Crampton 
Gap below, fought the greatest pitched battle of the 
war at Sharpsburg, and then recrossed the Potomac 
back into Virginia. During all this time, covering the 
full space of a month, the troops rested but four days ! 
And let it always be remembered, to their honor, that 
of the men who performed this wonderful fcat one fifth 
of them were barefooted, one half of them in rags, and 
the whole of them half famished. The country from the 
Rappahannock to the Potomac had been visited by the 
enemy with fire and sword, and our transportation 
was insufficient to keep the army supplied from so 
distant a base as Gordonsville ; and, when provision 
trains would overtake the army, so pressing were the 
exigencies of their position, the men seldom had time 
to oook. Their ditBculties were increased by the fact 



that cooking utensils in many cases had been left be- 
hind, as well as everything else that would impede 
their movements. It was not unusual to see a com- 
pany of starving men have a barrel of flour distributed 
to them, which it was utterly impossible for them to 
convert into bread with the means and the time al- 
lowed to them. They could not procure even a piece 
of plank or a corn or iiour sack upon which to work up 
their dough. 

Do you wonder, then, that there should have been 
stragglers from the army? — that brave and true men 
should have fallen out from sheer exhaustion, or in 
their efforts to obtain a mouthful to eat along the road- 
sides? Or that many seasoned veterans, the con- 
querors in the valley, at Richmond and Manassas, 
should have succumbed to disease, and been forced 
back to the hospital ? I look to hear a great outcry 
against the stragglers. Already lazy cavalrymen and 
dainty staff ofiicers and quartermasters, who are 
mounted and can forage the country for something to 
eat, are condemning the weary private, who, notwith- 
standing his body may be covered with dust and per- 
spiration, and his feet with stone bruises, is expected 
to trudge along under his Knapsack and cartridge box, 
on an empty stomach, and never turn aside for a mor- 
sel of food to sustain his sinking limbs. Out upon 
such monstrous injustice ! That there has been unne- 
cessary straggling is readily admitted ; but, in a large 
majority of cases, the men have only to point to their 
bleeding feet, tattered garments, and gaunt frames for 
an answer to the unjust charge. No army on this 
continent has every accomplished as n^ich or suffered 
as much as the army of Northern Virginia within the 
last three months. At no period during the first Rev- 
olutionary War, not even at Valley Forge, did our 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



329 



forefathers in apms encounter greater hardships, or 
endure them more uncomplainingly. 

But great as have been the trials'to which the army- 
has been subjected, they are hardly worthy to be 
named in comparison with the suti'erings in store for 
it this winter, unless the people of the Confederate 
States, everywhere and in whatever circumstances, 
come to its immediate relief. The men must have 
clothing and shoes this winter. They must have some- 
thing to cover themselves when sleeping, and to pro- 
tect themselves from the driving sleet and snow storms 
when on duty. This must be done, though our friends 
at home should have to wear cotton, and sit by the 
fire. The army of Virginia stands guard this day as 
it will stand guard this winter, over every hcarth- 
stose throughout the South. The ragged sentinel 
who may pace his weary rounds this winter on the 
bleak sjjurs of the Blue Ridge, or along the frozen 
valleys of the Shenandoah and Rappahannock, will 
also be your sentinel, my friends, at home. It will 
be for you and your household that he encounters the 
wrath of the tempest and the dangers of the night. 
He suffers, and toils, and tights for you, too, brave, 
true-hearted women of the South. Will you not clothe 
his nakedness, then "? Will you not put shoes and 
stockings on his feet? Is it not enough that he has 
written down his patriotism in crimson characters 
along the battle road from the Rappahannock to the 
Potomac? And must his bleeding feet also impress 
their mark of fidelity upon the snows of the coming 
winter? 

It is not necessary to counsel violent measures; but 
it is not expected that any person will be permitted to 
accumulate leather and cloth for purposes of specu- 
lation. The necessities of the armies rise up like a 
mountain, and cannot, and will not be overlooked. It 
was hoped at one time that we might obtain winter 
supplies in Maryland. This hope was born after the 
army left Richmond, and has now miserably perished, 
The Government is unable to funiish the supplies, 
for they are not to be had in the country. If it had 
exercised a little foresight last spring and summer, 
when vessels were running the blockade with cargoes 
of calico, linen, and other articles of like importance, 
a partial supplj^ at least of hats, blankets, shoes, and 
woollen iroods might have been obtained from Eng- 
land. But foresight is a quality of the mind that is 
seldom put in practice in these days. 

But whatever maybe done by the people should be 
done immediately. Not one moment can be lost that 
will not be marked, as by the second-hand of a watch, 
with the pangs of a sufferer. Already the hills and 
valleys in this high latitude have been visited by frost, 
and the nights are uncomfortably cool to the man who 
sleeps upon the ground. Come up, then, men and 
women of the South, to this sacred duty! Let 
nothing stand between you and the performance of it. 
Neither pride nor pleasure, nor personal ease and com- 
fort, should withhold your hands from the holy work. 
The supply of leather and wool, we all know, is limit- 
ed; but do what you can, and all you can, and as soon 
as you can. If you cannot send woollen socks, send 
half-woollen or cotton socks ; and so with under cloth- 
ing, coats, and pants ; and if blankets are not to be had, 
then substitute comforters made of dyed osnaburgs, 
stuffed with cotton. Any thing that will keep off the 
cold will be acceptable. Even the speculator and ex- 
tortioner might forego their gains for a season, and 
unite in this religious duty. 

If the army of Virginia could march through the 
South just as it is — ragged, and almost barefooted and 
hatless; manj- of the men limping along, and not quite 
well of their wounds and sickness, yet cheerful, and 
not willing to abandon their places in the ranks ; their 
clothes riddled with balls, and their banners covered 
with the smoke and dust of battle, and shot into tat- 
ters, many of them inscribed with " Williamsburg," 
" Seven Fines," Gaines's Mill," " Garnett's Farm," 
"Front Royal," "McDowell," "Cedar Run," and 
other victorious fields — if this army of veterans, thus 



clad and shod, with tattered uniforms and banners, 
could march from Richmond to the Mississippi, it 
would produce a sensation that has no parallel in 
history since Peter the Hermit led his swelling hosts 
across Europe to the rescue of the Holy Sepulchre, 

The straggling from the army, as the winter 
approached, was without a parahel. The press, 
Mr. Davis, and officei-s of the Confederate and 
State Governments, appealed to the people, and 
particularly to the women, to frown upon aU 
stragglers, and use every means to secure their 
apprehension. It was declai*ed that more than 
half the men who went into service from the 
northeastern counties of the State of Georgia 
were at home without leave, and most of them 
were skulking in the mountains to avoid being 
arrested. Others had banded together under a 
few desperate leaders to resist any attempts 
that might be made to arrest them, or to release 
from the jails those who had been arrested. 
Some of those bands had arms and ammunition, 
and subsisted by plunder. They were volun- 
teers and not conscripts, as the conscript laws 
had never been enforced in that section. 

So far as regards desertions the condition of 
the Federal armies at this time was bad. The 
number of " missing " and of " deserters " in the 
Eastern volunteer army was more than double 
the number of those classes in the Western 
volunteer forces. 

Taking the returns of the period from the 1st 
of June, 18G1, to the 1st of March, 1862, as the 
basis of calculation, it was estimated that to 
secure in the field a constant force of 500,000 
eifective men, the nation must not only main- 
tain 58,000 sick men, but must also recruit the 
ranks of the enlisted portion of these forces 
with new material at the rate of 123,000 per an- 
num so long as the war should last — a rate 
somewhat exceeding 10,000 recruits per month. 
Of those 123,000 annual recruits, 83,000 were to 
supplj^ losses by death and discharges from service 
(exclusive of discharges for expiration of term 
of enlistment) ; 34,000 for desertions and miss- 
ing in action ; and 6,000 to supply other losses 
specified and unspecified. 

The excess of the mortality due to disease 
and accident, over that due to wounds in action^ 
became at this time a noticeable fact in the vol- 
unteer army of the United States, as in all other 
armies — two-thirds of the deaths of the oflicers 
and five-sixths of those of the men resulting 
from disease and accident ; the remaining one- 
third and one-sixth, respectively, being caused 
by wounds received in battle. 

It appe.o.red from the returns that the general 
mortality of the army had been gradually in- 
creasing since the commencement of the war, 
and that the rate for the autumnal montlis was ■ 
1-7 times that indicated by the returns for the 
summer period, and the winter rate in turn 
double 1'7 times that of autumn. 

To supply. losses among the enlisted men in 
the Eastern armies required recruits at the rate 
of 18-8 per 1,000 per month, or 226 per 1,000 
per annum ; of which latter proportion 32 was 



330 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the number required to supply the annual loss 
by death ; 100 the annual loss by discharge from 
service, chiefly from disability ; 79 the annual 
loss from missing in action and from desertions ; 
aud 15 to supply the loss from other causes. 

To supply such losses in the Western armies 
required recruits at the rate of 19'5 per 1,000 
per month, or 134 per 1,000 per annum ; of 
which latter proportion 9G were required to 
supply the annual loss from deaths; 101 the 
loss from discharges from service, mainly from 
disability ; 35 the loss from missing in action 
and from desertions, and 2 from other causes. 

The desertions from the army in the autumn 
of 1862 became so great as to cause the ap- 
pointment of ofiicers to arrest and return such 
persons. An order of Gen. Buell, dated near 
Florence, Alabama, on June 24, stated that 14,- 
000 officers and soldiers were absent from the 
various divisions of his army. Some had gone 
without any authority, and others with the per- 
mission of officers not authorized to grant it. 
Sickness was generally stated to be the cause of 
this absence, but in many cases it had notorious- 
ly ceased to exist. In September the War De- 
partment issued the following order : 

Orders respectinij Special Pi'ovost Marshals, and defin- 
ing their duties. 

Wae Department, Adjutant-General's Office, | 
Washington, Sept. 24, 16G2. j 

First. There shall be a Provost Marshal General of 
the War Department, whose headquai-ters will be at 
Washington, and who will have the immediate super- 
vision, control, and management of the corps. 

Second. There will be appointed in each State one 
or more Special Provost Marshals, as necessity may 
require, who will report to, and receive instructions 
and orders from the Provost Marshal General of the 
War Department. 

Third. It will be the duty of the Special Provost 
Marshals to arrest all deserters, whether regulars, vol- 
unteers, or militia, and send them to the nearest mili- 
tary commander, or military post, where they can be 
cared for and sent to their respective regiments ; to 
arrest, upon the warrant of the Judge Advocate, all 
disloyal persons subject to arrest under the orders of 
the War Department ; to inquire into and report treas- 
onable practises, seize stolen or embezzled property 
of the Government, detect spies of the enemy, and 
perform such other duties as may be enjoined upon 
them by the War Department; and report all their 
procedings promptly to the Provost Marshal General. 

Fourth. To enable Special Provost Marshals to dis- 



charge their duties efBciently, they are authorized to 
call on any available military force within their re- 
spective districts, or else to employ the assistance of 
citizens, constables, sheriffs, or police officers, so far 
as may be necessary under such regulations as may 
be prescribed by the Provost Marshal General of the 
War Department with the approval of the Secretary 
of War. 

Fifth. Necessary expenses incurred in this service 
will be paid on duplicate bills certified by the Special 
Provost Marshals, stating the time and nature of the 
service, after examination and approval by the Pro- 
vost Marshal General. 

Sixth. The compensation of special Provost Mar- 
shals will be dollars per month, and actual 

travelling expenses and postage will be refunded on 
bills certified to under oath and approved by the Pro- 
vost Marshal General. 

Seventh. All appointments in this service will be 
subject to be revoked, at the pleasure of the Secretary 
of War. 

Eighth, All orders heretofore issued by the War 
Department, conferring authority upon other officers 
to act as Provost Marshals (except those who have 
received special commissions from the War Depart- 
ment, are hereby revoked. 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

J. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. 

The operations of the surgical department 
have been aided by humane and benevolent as- 
sociations. The horrors of battle were assuaged 
by ministers of mercy, and the services of the 
medical profession were voluntarily and gra- 
tuitously ofl:ered on every occasion. Relief asso- 
ciations in every State did much to comfort and 
assist the sick and wounded in camps and hos- 
pitals, and their vigilant superintendence per- 
haps operated to check the negligence, abuse, 
and fraud that too often prevail even in such in- 
stitutions. Religious congregations and societies 
also tendered to the Government their church 
buildings for hospitals, while their pastors min- 
istered to the patients. 

The subsistence of the armies during the year 
was reported as good and wholesome. Fresh 
beef had generally been supplied to the armies 
in the field on the hoof, to lessen, as far as pos- 
sible, the quantity of transportation required, 
and in larger proportion of the ration to march- 
ing columns. It was stated by the general-in- 
chief — Halleck — that no armies in the world 
were so well supplied as the armies of the United 
States. 



CHAPTEE XXYII. 



The Campaign against Vicksburg— The Plan of Gen. Grant— The loss of Holly Springs : its consequences— Movemei.t of 
Gen. Sherman toward Vicksburg— Haines' Bluffs — Attack of Gen. Sherman on Chickasaw Bluffs — Failure — Address to 
his Troops — Movement up the Arkansas Eiver — Capture of Arkansas Post — Retires to Young's Point — Arrival of Gen 
Grant — Work on the Canal opposite Vickshurg — Floods — Queen of the West runs tho Batteries at A'icksburg — Her Ex- 
pedition down the Mississippi — Captures — Loss of the Queen of the West — Scenes up tho Red River — Approach of the 
Enemy's Gunboats — The Indianola runs the Batteries — Her Destruction— Attempt of Gen. Grant to cut a Channel to 
Lake Providence : also one to Moon Lake — Expedition of Admiral Porter — Its Failure. 



After the battles of Fredricksburg and Mur- 
freesboro, the armies engaged in those conflicts 
remained inactive for some time. Meanwhile 
the Federal Government pushed forward its 



plan of gaining the Mississippi River and cut- 
ting ofii" the communication between the South- 
ern States on its opposi te sides by the capture 
of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Its importance 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



331 



■was thus stated by Gen. Sherman at St. Louis 
after the close of the war : The possession of 
the Mississippi River is the possession of Amer- 
ica ; and I say that had the Southern Confed- 
eracy (call it by what name you may), had that 
power represented by the Southern Confederacy 
held with a grip sufficiently strong the lower 
part of the Mississippi River, we would have 
been a subjugated people, and they would have 
dictated to us if we had given up the possession 
of the lower Mississippi." The campaign against 
Vicksburg really commenced about the 28th of 
November. At that time, the forces of Gen. 
Grant were at Lagrange, tliree miles east of 
Grand Junction, on the Cairo and New Orleans 
RailroadjWith garrisons at Columbus, Humboldt, 
Trenton, and Jackson, in Tennessee, and Bolivar 
and Corinth in Mississippi. These forces were 
designated as the Army of West Tennessee. 
The Confederate forces were at Coldwater and 
Holly Springs, about twenty miles distant. 

The plan of Gen. Grant was, that Gen. Sher- 
man should take command of the forces at 
Memphis in Tennessee, and Helena in Arkan- 
sas, and descend the river on transports with 
the gunboat fleet, and make an attack on Vicks- 
burg by the 29 th of December, and that Gen. 
McClernand should take the forces at Cairo and 
move down to Vicksburg, thus reenforcing Gen. 
Sherman soon after his attack on the town. 
Meanwhile Gen. Grant was to advance rapidly 
upon the Confederate troops in Mississippi north 
and east of Vicksburg, which formed the main 
body of their army, and keep them fnlly em- 
ployed, and, if they retreated to Vicksburg, 
arrive there with them, ready to cooperate with 
Gen. Sherman. 

Large reenforcements and supplies were 
received, and the advance of Gen. Hamilton's 
corps, on the 28th of November, began to 
move in the direction of Holly Springs, which 
was reached on the 29th. By the 1st of De- 
cembei", Gen. Grant's forces had arrived, and 
were chiefly encamped at Lumpkin's Mills, 
south of Holly Springs, and seven miles north 
of the Tallahatchie River. The Confederate 
force, now under the command of Gen. Pember- 
ton, retired to that river, and finally fell back 
beyond Granada. Meanwhile Gen. Grant ad- 
vanced on Oxford, and on the 20th of Decem- 
ber an attack was suddenly made in his rear, 
by a Confederate force under Gen. Van Dorn, 
on the garrison under Col. Murphy at Holly 
Springs, which surrendered. The prisoners 
were paroled, and the supplies collected there 
for Gen. Grant's army were destroyed ; also a 
large quantity of cotton which had been pur- 
chased of the people in the vicinity. 

This surrender of Holly Springs is thus noted 
in the orders of Gen. Grant : 



Headquartf.us TiiiRTEENTn Aemy Ooipb, Depaet- \ 

MENT OP TOE TENNESSEE, HoLLY SPEINGS, 

JJecember, 23, 



8, Depaet- 1 
[NGS, Miss., v 
3, 18G2. ) 



It is with pain and mortification that the General 
commanding reflects upon the disgraceful surrender 
of this place, with all the valuable stores it contained, 



on the 20th inst., and that without any resistance, ex- 
cept by a few mein, who form an honorable exception ; 
and this, too, after warning had been given of the ad- 
vance of the enemy northward the evening previous. 
With allthecotton, public stores,and substantial build- 
ings about the depot, it would have been perfectly 
practicable to have made in a few hours defences suffi- 
cient to resist, with a small garrison, all the cavalry 
brought against them, until the reenforcements, 
which the commanding officer was notified were 
marching to his relief, could have reached him. 

The conduct of officers and men in accepting pa- 
roles, under the circumstances, is highly reprehensi- 
ble, and, to say the least, thoughtless. By the terms 
of the Dix Hill cartel, each party is bound to take 
care of their prisoners, and to send them to Vicks- 
burg, Miss., or a point on James River, Va., for 
exchange or parole, unless some other point is mutu- 
ally agreed upon by the Generals commanding the 
opposing armies. By a refusal to be paroled, the 
enemy, from his inability to take care of the prison- 
ers, would have been compelled either to have re- 
leased them unconditionally, or to have abandoned 
all further aggressive movements for the time being, 
which would have made their recapture and the dis- 
comfiture of the enemy almost certain. 

It is gratifying to notice, in contrast with this, the 
conduct of a portion of the command, conspicuous 
among whom was the Second Illinois cavalry, who 
gallantly and successfully resisted being taken pris- 
oners. Their loss was heavy, but the enemy's was 
much greater. Such conduct as theirs will always 
insure success. 

Had the commandant of the post exercised the usual 
and ordinary precautions for defence, the garrison was 
sufficiently strong to have repulsed the enemy, saved 
our stores from destruction, and themselves from cap- 
ture. 

The General commandingis satisfied that a majority 
of the troops who accepted a parole did so thought- 
lessly, and from want of knowlege of the cartel re- 
ferred to, and that in future they will not be caught 
in the same way. 

By order of Major-General TJ. S. GRANT. 

Jxo. A. Rawlins, Asst, Adjutant-General. 

The post was under the command of Col. 
Murphy, Avho was surprised and captured with 
all his force except a small body of cavalry. 
The enemy estimated the stores destroyed as 
follows: " 1,809,000 fixed cartridges and other 
ordnance stores, valued at $1,500,000, includ- 
ing 5,000 rifles and 2,000 revolvers; 100,000 
suits of clothing and other quartermaster's 
stores, valued at $500,000 ; 6,000 barrels of flour 
and other commissary stores, valued at $500,- 
000 ; $1,000,000 worth of medical stores ; 1,000 
bales of cotton, and $600,000 worth of sutlers' 
stores." 

On the same day an attack was made at 
Davis's Mills, a little further north, which was 
bi-avely repulsed. Near Jackson, Tennessee, 
an attack was made by a body of cavalry under 
Col. Forrest on the 19th, The telegraph wire 
was cut and the railroad destroyed. On the 
next day Humboldt Avas captm-ed and an at- 
tack made on Trenton. Other stations on the 
railroad, as Dyer's, Rutherford, and Keaton, 
were taken on the same day. The purpose 
appeared to be to destroy every railroad bridge 
from Columbus to Corinth, and thus cut off the 
communications and supplies of Gen. Grant. 
The consequence of these movements was to 
make Gen. Grant fall back upon Holly Springs, 



332 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



This left the Confederate Gen. Pemberton at 
liberty to concentrate his forces at Vicksburg 
to resist Gen. Sherman. Thus that part of the 
plan of the campaign against Vicksburg, which 
related to the movements of Gen. Grant by land, 
•was unsuccessful. The approach of the wet 
season of the year, the destruction of the rail- 
roads, and the difficulty and delay in making a 
further advance, caused the forces of Gen. 
Grant soon to be withdrawn for the purpose 
of joining Gen. Sherman before Vicksburg. 







Meanwhile Gen. William T. Sherman, who 
had been stationed at Memphis, embarked with 
one division on the 20th of December, and 
dropped down to Friar's Point, the place of 



rendezvous. On the next day he was joined 
by Admiral Porter, in his flagship, with the 
gunboats Marmora, Oapt. Getty, and Cones- 
toga, Capt. Selfridge, to act as a convoy. The 
main body of the naval force was at the mouth 
of Yazoo river. On the same evening the troops 
at Helena, making another division, embarked 
in transports, and came to Friar's Point. 

The arrangements were completed by the 
military and naval commanders during the next 
forenoon, the 22d, and the fleet got under way, 
and moved down just below the mouth of White 
river, where it came to, at sunset. On the next 
dayit descended to Gaines's Landing, and at two 
P.M. came to anchor, to await the arrival of 
those transports in the rear, and also a division 
of troops from Memphis. Half of the town of 
Gaines's Landing was destroyed by fire while 
the army was there. Similar destruction had 
also been made at Friar's Point. These acts led 
to stringent measures on the part of Gen. Sher- 
man. 

On the night of the 24th and the morning of 
the 25th, the fleet arrived at the mouth of the 
Yazoo river. The fleet consisted of more than 
sixty transports, with a number of ironclad 
and other gunboats, and several mortar boats. 
The Yazoo is a deep, narrow, and sluggish 
stream, formed by the Tallahatchie and Yal- 
lobusha rivers, which unite in Carroll county, 
Mississippi. It runs through an alluvial plain 
of extreme fertility, about 290 miles, and emp- 
ties into the Mississippi river twelve miles 
above Vicksburg. 

By this time Gen. Grant's communications in 
his rear had been cut ofi", and he had been 
compelled to fall back. The confederate forces 
in his rear retired toward Vicksburg, where 
they had already begun to concentrate, both 
from the east and the west, although these facts 
were unknown to Gen. Sherman. , 

It was supposed by the Federal forces that 
they would now receive the cooperation of 
Gen. Banks and-Admiral Farragut. The former 
had left New York, near the close of the year, 
with a considerable milit-ary force, for New 
Orleans, where the latter commanded the naval 
forces. 

On the 26th, the expedition, under convoy 
of the gunboats, moved up the Yazoo, and the 
troops were landed at various points from the 
junction of Old River with the Yazoo to John- 
son's Farm, a distance of about three miles, 
without opposition. The distance from Vicks- 
burg was about eight miles. A strong position, 
known as Haines's Bluft", some distance above 
on the river, was held by the Confederato 
forces, and in the mean while attacked by the 
gunboats De Kalb, Cincinnati, Louisville, Ben- 
ton, and Lexington. It was the plan of Gen. 
Sherman to attack Vicksburg in the rear. For 
this purpose he was engaged, on the 28th, in 
getting his forces into position. 

The bluffs on which Vicksburg is built take 
their rise a little below the city, and extend in 
a direction north of northeast to the Yazoo 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTOEY OJ THE EEBELLIOK 



333 



river, terminating in Haines's Blnflf, a distance 
of twelve or fifteen miles. They were fortified 
throughout their entire length. These bluffs 
front the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. The 
ascent is abrupt and precipitous, and the only 
approach to the city by land from up the river 
is by climbing their face. In the rear the ground 
is high and broken, and somewhat rolling. It 
falls off gradually to the Big Black river. 

The line of the Yazoo here is nearly north- 
east. It is six miles distant from the bluffs at 
Old river, and passes along their face until, at 
Haines's Bluff, the river and the bluffs come to- 
gether. This jimction is nine mUes from Vicks- 
burg by the road along the foot of the bluffs, 
and twenty-three miles from the Mississippi by 
the course of the Yazoo river. On the trian- 
gular-shaped bottom land between the bluffs 
and the Yazoo down to the Old river, the troops 
were disembarked for the purpose of getting in 
the rear of Vicksburg and capturing it. 

About one third of the distance down the 
Yazoo from Haines's Bluff, a bayou puts off from 
the river at nearly right angles, until it ap- 
proaches the bluff's, when it turns and follows 
their base until it empties into the Mississippi. 
It is called the Chickasaw bayou. Between 
this bayou and the bluffs is a plain, upon which 
the timber had been felled to form an abatis. 
The banks of the bayou are quite steep, and 
about two hundred feet apart. At the base of 
the bluff's, through their whole length, rifle 
pits had been dug, in the rear of which, upon 
the face of the bluffs, single-gun batteries had 
been planted at short intervals from Vicksburg 
almost to Haines's Bluff. At various command- 
ing points along the range, both on its face and 
npon the summit, field works were thrown up 
for the reception and protection of light artil- 
lery whenever it might be needed. 

Parallel with, and about half a mile north of 
the Chickasaw bayou, is a deep slough, having 
no connection with the river. As it approaches 
the base of the bluffs, it makes a sharp turn 
and enters Chickasaw bayou near the point 
where the latter makes its angle as it strikes 
the bluff's. In the latter part of its extent it 
contains but little water ; its bottom, however, 
is a quicksand, which does not atford good 
footing. The bottom land of the Yazoo is cov- 
ered with a dense growth of cypress trees: 
much of it is quite clear and free from under- 
growth, while in other parts it is quite thick. 

The first troops landed, on the 26th, were a 
brigade, imder Gen. Blair, of Gen. Steele's divi- 
sion, and a brigade from each of the divisions 
under Gens. M. L. Smith and Morgan. They 
were ordered to advance two miles into the 
country, and make a thorough reconnoissance 
in the direction of the bluffs. The brigade from 
Gen. Morgan's division found the rebels in 
force about two miles inland. The other brig- 
ades met with no opposition. No conflict took 
place. 

The force of Gen. Sherman was organized in 
four divisions as follows : First division, three 



brigades, under Brig.-Gen. George "W. Morgan ; 
second division, three brigades, under Brig.- 
Gen. Morgan. L. Smith; third division, three 
brigades, under Brig.-Gen. A. J. Smith ; fourth 
division, four brigades, under Brig.-Gen. Fred- 
erick Steele. The brigade commanders of this 
fourth division were Gens. Frank P. Blair, jr., 
John M. Thayer, C. E. Hovey, and Col. Has- 
sendurbel. 

Under the plan of attack, Gen. Steele was 
to hold the extreme left, Gen. Morgan the left 
centre. Gen. M. L. Smith the right centre, and 
Gen. A. J. Smith the extreme right. The divi- 
sion under Gen. Smith, however, not having 
arrived, Gen. Blair was placed on the right cen- 
tre. All the divisions were to converge toward 
the point of attack on the bluffs. The remainder 
of the division of Gen. Steele was landed on the 
27th above the Chickasaw bayou, to operate on 
that part of the line. The entire day was spent 
in getting the troops ashore. The bank of the 
river was overgrown with brush, and the ground 
was so soft that it was necessary to build roads 
for moving the wagons and artillery. At night 
the command had advanced only two miles 
from the shore. 

On the same day, the 2Tth, the divisions on 
the- centre, including Gen. Blair's brigade, ad- 
vanced slowly toward the bluffs, in order to 
give time to Gen. Steele to come into position 
on the left. A battery of the enemy was found 
near the point designated for junction with 
Gen. Steele, not far from the angle of the bayou, 
and silenced. The night ensuing was cold and 
frosty, and the troops bivouacked without fires. 

On the next day, the 28th, the enemy was 
driven across the Chickasaw, and night closed 
with the troops of Gen. Sherman in full pos- 
session south of the bayou, with one bridge 
thrown across, and with two bridges partly 
constructed. TVhile reconnoitring the ground 
and directing the movement of some infantry, 
Gen. M. L. Smith was severely wounded in tlie 
hip, and the command of his division devolved 
upon Gen. David Stuart. Meanwhile, Gen. 
Steele had pushed forward his command. The 
slough on his right was deep and impassable, 
and on the left the ground had become swampy 
and full of small pools, so as to be also im- 
passable. The only line of approach to the 
bluffs was along a narrow levee or causeway, 
which was exposed throughout to the enemy's 
artillery. Three attempts were made to ap- 
proach the causeway, but the destruction of the 
troops was so manifest that they were with- 
drawn. Gen. Sherman, under this state of af- 
fairs, ordered Gen. Steele to return to the river, 
retimbark and land on the lower side of the 
Chickasaw, thus holding still the extreme left, 
and advance upon its bank until he met Gen". 
Morgan. It was too late in the evening of the 
28th when the troops were fau-ly on shore below 
the bayous to move farther. At this time the 
division of Gen. A. J. Smith came up and tobk 
its position on the right of the line. It had re- 
mained at Milliken's Bend as a support to a 



334 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



force sent out under Col. "Wright to cut the 
Shreveport railroad on the west side of the 
Mississippi opposite Vicksburg. 




The situation of the forces at this time was as 
follows : Gen. Morgan was in position on the 
south side of the Chickasaw ; near its angle, at 
the base of the bluffs, and on his immediate 
right, was Gen. Blair's brigade; Gen. M. L. 
Smith's division, under Gen. Stuart,, was on the 
right centre, and Gen. A. J. Smith was moving 
up to the extreme right. Gen. Steele was 
coming up on the left to act as a reserve to 
Gen. Morgan. 

At daylight on the 29th, the Confederate 
batteries began to fire upon Gen. Morgan's po- 
sition, and continued it for an hour, although 
with little effect. With several cessations the 
cannonade was kept up during the forenoon. 
Occasionally engagements of infantry, as the op- 
posing regiments came in reach of each other, 
took place. Several detachments were throw- 
ing bridges across the bayou, for the purpose of 
making an assault on the bluffs. The brigade 
of Gen. Blair had crossed the bayou before it 
turned along the bluffs, and was in position at 
the front of the hill, with a small abatis and a 
deep ditch between it and the point it designed 
to assail. On his right, at the point where the 
bayou makes its angle, was Gen. Morgan. Next 
to him was Gen. Stuart, and on the extreme 
right was Gen. A. J. Smith, preparing to throw 
a bridge across. 

No order had been issued by Gen. Sherman 
appointing an hour for the assault. But by or- 
der of Gen. Morgan, Gen. Blair advanced, and 
Gen. Thayer, of Gen. Steele's brigade, came up 
for his support. The difficulties of crossing the 
ditch, and passing the abatis, were such, that 
the line of Gen. Blair was thrown into some 
disorder, which, however, it soon recovered, 
and moved forward upon the Confederate 
works. The first movement was over a slop- 
ing plateau, raked by a direct and enfilading 
fire from heavy artillery, and swept by a storm 



of bullets from the rifle pits. Undauntedly the 
brigade passed on, and in a few moments drove 
the enemy from their first range of rifle pits, 
and took full possession of them. Halting for a 
moment, the brigade pushed forward and took 
possession of the second line of rifle pits about 
two hundred yards distant. The batteries were 
above this line, and their fire still continued. A 
prompt and powerful support was necessary to 
make the attempt to capture them. 

Simultaneously with the advance of Gen. 
Blair, an order was given to Gen. Thayer, of Gen. 
Steele's division, to go forward with his brig- 
ade. He crossed the bayou by the same bridge 
as Gen. Blair, and, entered the abatis at the 
same point, and deflecting to the right, came 
out upon the sloping plateau, about two hun- 
dred yards to the right of Gen. Blair, and at the 
same time. As he reached the rifle pits, with a 
heavy loss, he perceived that only one regi- 
ment, the Fourth Iowa, Col. Williamson, had 
followed him. After his movement commenced, 
the second regiment of his brigade had been sent 
to the right of Gen. Morgan as a support. The 
other regiments had followed this one. Notice 
of this change of the march of the second regi- 
ment, although sent, had failed to reach Gen. 
Thayer. With little hope of success, he bravely 
pushed forward into the second line of rifle 
pits of the enemy on the right of Gen. Blair. 
Here, leaving the regiment to hold the position, 
he hurried back for reenforcements. Meanwhile, 
Gen. Blair, vainly waiting for support, descend- 
ed in person to persuade the advance of more 
troops. He, and Gen. Thayer, both foiled in 
their efforts, and were obliged to order their 
commands to retire. 

While Gen. Blair was urging the advance 
of more troops, his brigade fought with des- 
peration to win the way to the top of the crest. 
Some fifty yards above the second line of rifle 
pits was a cluster of small Avillows. Thither 
many of the enemy, driven from the rifle pits, 
had fled. They were promptly pursued by the 
Thirteenth Illinois, and driven out by a hand- 
to-hand contest. They were supported at once 
by the other regiments of the brigade, but the 
l^osition was exposed to a hot fire of the en- 
emy's batteries. Meantime, a Confederate in- 
fantry force was concentrated to attack them, 
and after a sharp struggle the latter were forced 
back to the second line of rifle pits, when Gen. 
Blair's order to retire was received. The divi- 
sion of Gen. Morgan was not brought over the 
bayou in time to engage in the assault. The 
division of Gen. Stuart encountered so much 
ditficulty in constructing their bridges over the 
bayou, under a hot fire of the enemy, that 
only one regiment finally crossed over. The 
bridge was then commanded by a flanking fire 
of the enemy, which prevented others from 
crossing. Tlie regiment which had crossed re- 
turned after dark. A notice of the intended 
movement on the left had not been given to the 
division commanders on the riglit of Gen. Mor- 
gan. The division of Gen, Smith was so near 



MILITAEY AND FAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



to Vicksburg, and the strength of the enemy 
before him so great, that an assault would 
have been fruitless. Several sharp encounters, 
however, took place. 

The real assault on the left was made by 
about three thousand men, and the loss was 
about eight hundred. 

As soon as the assault on the left was con- 
cluded. Gen. Sherman determined to make 
another. A brigade, under the command of 
Geu. Hovey, was advanced to Gen. Blair's posi- 
tion at the mouth of the bayou, which was to 
assault the hill, supported by Gen. Morgan and 
the brigades of Gens. Blair and Thayer. The 
attack, however, was not made during the re- 
mainder of the day ; and the next morning de- 
veloped two new batteries of the enemy in po- 
sition, and a portion of a new line of rifle pits. 
Firing was, however, kept up by both sides 
during that day; and on Wednesday, the 31st, 
a flag of truce was sent in by Gen. Sherman, 
and the dead were buried. 
• Afterward, on the 31st, arrangements were 
made to attack Haines's Bluff", which was sup- 
posed to be defended by a small force. The 
design, as formed between Admiral Porter and 
Gen, Sherman, was for a combined naval and 
land assault on tlie extreme Confederate right, 
with a view of getting a position on the bluff's, 
in the expectation that by so doing they would 
secure the key to the Confederate position, 
and compel the enemy to withdraw from the 
entire range of bluffs and form a new line at 
Vicksburg. It was planned to laud the divi- 
sion of Gen. Steele out of range of the guns of 
the bluff's, and that they should immediately 
storm and carry the position. At the same 
time, the gunboats were to make an attack. 
The troops were made ready to embark at 2 
o'clock A. M. of the next day, but a dense fog 
having settled on the river prevented their de- 
parture. The purpose evidently having become 
known to the enemy, it was finally given up. 

The unexpected strength of the position of 
the enemy being manifest, and the failure of 
the forces under Gen. Grant to attack in the 
rear while Geu. Sherman made tlie attack in 
front, entirely disconcerted the original plan 
upon which the movement of Gen. Sherman 
was made. The loss of his communications by 
Gen. Grant, and the necessity for him to fall 
back, prevented this simultaneous attack on the 
front and rear of Vicksburg, and probably its 
capture at this time. It was supposed that the 
first assault under Gen. Sherman might have 
been successful if properly supported, so far as 
related to gaining the crest of the bluff's, al- 
though it was not thought that his force could 
have held it. Gen. Sherman, therefore, re- 
solved to withdraw, and on Thursday night 
and Friday morning, January 2d, the troops 
were embarked and moved down to the mouth 
of the Yazoo river. The entire loss suffered 
in this expedition was 191 killed, 982 wound- 
ed, and V56 missing. Among the former was 
Lieut. Ervvin, in command of a gunboat. Gen. 



McClernand, who had been ordered to proceed 
from Cairo, was at the mouth of the Yazoo on 
the arrival of Gen. Sherman. The former officer 
then took the command, and ordered the forces 
to Milliken's Bend, about twelve miles up the 
river. 

On the 4th of January, Gen. Sherman issued 
the following order : 



rENNESSEE, ) 

I's Bend, V 
'i, iaG3. I 



Headquakters Eight "Wino Army op Tennessee, j 

SlEAMEE FOEEST QuEEN, MiLLIKEN's 

January 4ih, 

Pursuant to the terms of General Order No. 1, made 
this day by General McClernand, the title of our army 
ceases to exist, and constitutes iu the future the Army 
of the Mississippi, composed of two " army corps ; " one 
to be commanded by General G. W. Morgan, and the 
other by myself. In relinquishing the command of 
the Army of the Tennessee, and restricting my author- 
ity to my own corps, I desire to express to all com- 
manders, to soldiers and officers recently operating be- 
fore Vicksburg, my hearty thanks for the zea!, alac- 
rity, and courage manifested by them on all occasions. 
We failed in accomplishing one great pui'pose of our 
movement — the capture of Vicksburg ; but we were 
part of a whole. Ours was but part of a combined 
movement in which others were to assist. We were on 
time ; unforeseen contingencies must have delayed the 
others. We have destroyed the Shreveport road, we 
have attacked the defences of Vicksburg, and pushed 
the attack as far as prudence would justify, aud hav- 
ing found it too strong for our single column, we have 
drawn ofl'in good order and good spirits, ready for any 
new move. A new commander is now here to lead 
you. He is chosen by the President of the United 
States, who is charged by the Constitution to maintain 
and defend it, and he has the undoubted right to se- 
lect his own agents. I know that all good ollicers and 
soldiers will give him the same hearty support and 
cheerful obedience they have hitherto given me. 
There are honors enough in reserve for all, and work 
enough too. Let each do his appropriate part, and 
our nation must in the end emerge from the dire con- 
flict purified and ennobled by the fifes which now test 
its strength and purity. All officers of the general 
staff not attached to my person will hereafter report in 
person and by letter to Major-General McClernand, 
commanding the Army of the Mississippi, on board the 
steamer Tigress at our rendezvous at Haines's Landing 
and at Montgomery Point. Bj'- order of 

Major-General W. T. SHERMAN. 
J. H. Hammoxd, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Subsequently, on the 8th, Gen. Pemberton, 
who had fallen back from before Gen. Grant, 
and had taken command at Vicksburg, issued 
the following address to his troops : 

Headquarters Department of Mississippi and > 
Louisiana, Vickbburo, January 8th. f 

The Licut.-General commanding this department of 
the army desires to express to its troops his high ap- 
preciation of their gallant demeanor in the defence 
of this important position. All praise is due them, not 
alone for so bravely repulsing the renewed assaults of 
an enemy vastly supei'ior in numbers, but especially 
for the cheerful and patient endurance witli which they 
have submitted to the hardships and exposures inci- 
dent to ten successive days and nights of watchfulness 
iu trenches, rendered imperatively necessary by the 
close proximity of the opposing armies, while all have 
performed their duties with benefit to their country 
and honor to themselves. Still, as must ever be the 
case in war, fortune has favored unequally those who 
by her favor held the posts of honor, and by their own 
resolute courage availed themselves of their opportu- 
nity ; to them special thanks are due. It will be a 
proud and agreeable duty of the Lieutenant-General 



336 



MILITAEY AM) NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION". 



commanding to claim for them from their country the 
distinction and honor they so justly deserve. 
(Signed) J. C. PEMBERTON", 

Lieutenant-General Commanding. 

At the time of the arrival of Gen. McCler- 
nand, a plan had been agreed upon between 
Gen. Sherman and Eear-Adiniral Porter to at- 
tack Arkansas Post. The reasons for making 
this attack Avere that there was time to do it 
while Gen. Grant was moving his army to 
Memphis ; the blow would be entirely unex- 
pected by the enemy ; the Federal forces were 
amply sufficient to make a victory certain, 
which would be valuable in restoring the spirit 
of the troops disheartened by their recent fail- 
ure, which was not understood in its true light. 
On the other hand, the Confederate force up 
the Arkansas river had shown considerable ac- 
tivity by sallies in which they had captured two 
steamers bearing supplies to the army below. 

Gen. McClernand approving of the enter- 
prise, the forces moved up the Mississippi to 
Montgomery Point, opposite the mouth of 
"White river. 

"White river, one of the principal streams in 
Arkansas, rises a few miles east of Fayette- 
ville, and flows in a northeasterly direction 
into Missouri about one hundred miles. It 
then returns into Arkansas, and pursues a 
southeasterly course, aud enters the Missis- 
sippi about fifteen miles above the mouth of 
the Arkansas. It is navigable by steamboats 
three hundred and fifty miles. 

On Friday, Jan. 9th, the ironclads Louis- 
ville, De Kalb, and ' Cincinnati, with all the 
light-draft gunboats, moved up the White 
river, followed by the fleet of transports. Af- 
ter ascending tne "White river about fifteen 
miles, the fleet passed through a cut-off" to the 
left, eight miles in length, into the Arkansas 
river. Thus the "White river empties by one 
channel into the Mississippi, and by another 
into the Arkansas, when it has a higher stage 
of water than the Arkansas. When the Ar- 
kansas is higher than the White river, one of 
the Arkansas currents comes through the cut- 
off and out by the White river into the Missis- 
sippi. 

It was about 11 o'clock a. m. when the fleet 
passed into the Arkansas. This is, next to the 
Missouri, the longest affluent of the Mississippi 
rivei'. It rises near the Eocky mountains, and 
flows through nearly the centre of the State of 
Arkansas, exceeding two thousand miles in 
length, and navigable, during nine months of 
the year, about eight hundred miles from its 
mouth. 

About half past four in the afternoon, the 
fleet moved to the shore, and preparations 
were made to land three miles below the fort. 
The artillery and wagons were brought on 
shore during the evening and night, and in 
tlie morning the troops were landed and mar- 
shalled in the fields bordering on the north 
bank. The attapk, however, was begun by the 
gunboats. 



The Arkansas river, "in its descent toward 
the Mississippi, makes here a sharp elbow by 
flowing north, then turning abruptly to the 
east, and after a short distance turning again 
as abruptly to the south. On the left bank, at 
the point where the river turns to the east, the 
fort of Arkansas Post was located. Its guns 
commanded the river as it stretched to the 
east, and even after the turn to the south. 

The advance of the troops was along the 
outside bank of this curve of the river, and it 
was expected the attack on the fort would be 
made during the day, but at sundown they 
were not in position. The division of Gen. 
Stuart, by order of Gen. Sherman, had moved 
along the bank, passing two rows of rifle pits 
which had been abandoned, and reached the 
point for an attack, but the corps of Gen. Mor- 
gan had not then deployed on the left. Orders 
were then issued by Gen. McClernand for the 
troops to get into position during the night, so 
as to make an attack in the morning. The 
force of Gen. Sherman worked its way through 
the forest and marsh round to the right, so as 
to invest the fort, while a brigade was thrown 
across the river to prevent the arrival down of 
reenforcements to the rebels. 

The fort, which was called " Fort Eindman," 
was a regular square bastioned work, one hun- 
dred yards each exterior side, with a deep 
ditch about fifteen feet wide, and a parapet 
eighteen feet high. It was armed with twelve 
guns, two of which were eight inch and one 
nine inch. The number of troops which it 
contained was about five thousand, under the 
command of Brig.-Gen. Churchill. 

During the evening of the 10th, the fort 
was bombarded by the ironclads Cincinnati, 
Lieut.-Commander Geo. L. Bache; De Kalb, 
Lieut.-Com. John H. Walker, Louisville, Lieut.- 
Oom. E. L. Owen, all under the orders of 
Eear-Admiral Porter. The bombardment con- 
tinued over a half hour, and the firing was ac- 
tive on both sides. The distance of the boats 
from the fort was about four hundred yards. 

About noon on the 11th, the fleet was noti- 
fied, by order of Gen. McClernand, that the 
army was ready, and a joint attack was made. 
The gunboats took a position within about 
three hundred yards of the fort and opened 
fire. The fort had opened upon them as soon 
as they came in sight. At the same time a 
battery of Gen. Sherman's began to fire, and 
the troops were advanced to attack. It was 
not long before the heavy guns of the fort 
were silenced by the gunboats, but the action 
on the part of the military grew more severe 
until four o'clock, when the enemy were so far 
overcome as to raise the white flag. A rush 
was immediately made, both by the land troops 
and naval force, to occupy the works, and the 
surrender was made complete. The loss of 
Gen. McClernand was about six hundred, of 
whom one hundred and twenty were killed. 
The Confederate loss was less, owing to the 
shelter of their troops. About sixty-five were 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



337 




338 



MILITAKY AND -NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



killed and eighty-three wounded. The iron- 
clads were struck by many balls. A shot 
passed through a porthole of the De Kalb and 
exploded, killing two and wounding fifteen. 
Two shells entered portholes of the Louisville 
and exploded, killing one and wounding ten, 
two mortally. The other boats which were 
engaged escaped without serious injury. Seven 
thousand prisoners, eight thousand stand of 
arms, twenty cannon, and a large amount of 
ordnance and commissary stores were cap- 
tured. 

On the 15th, an expedition in light-draft 
steamers, under the command of Gen. Gorman 
and Lieut.-Com. J. G. Walker, proceeded up 
• the White river and captured the towns of 
Des Arc and Duval's Bluff. The former is 
situated in Prairie county, Arkansas, and was 
once a thriving commercial town. It is situa- 
ted on the White river, and is about fifty 
miles north east of Little Rock, the capital of 
the State. Duval's Bluff, a little below Des 
Arc on the White river, was the station of a 
Confederate camp, and an earthwork fort. It 
is an elevated position. The expedition re- 
turned to Napoleon on the 19th. Some pris- 
oners and a few guns were captured by the 
expedition. St. Charles, a village on the Ar- 
kansas river, a short distance above Arkansas 
Post, was also captured by a force sent by Gen. 
McClernand. 

The next two days after the engagement at 
Fort Hinduian were devoted to the care of 
the wounded and the burial of the dead. On 
Thursday, the 15th, the corps of Gen. Sher- 
man, which had embarked during the previous 
night, proceeded down the Arkansas river to 
Napoleon, at its mouth. The rifle pits were 
levelled, the fort completely blown up and de- 
stroyed, and a hundred wagons which had been 
captured were burned. On the 18th, Gen. Mc- 
Clernand embarked with the remainder of the 
troops and arrived at Napoleon. 

Meanwhile Gen. Grant, leaving Memphis in a 
swift steamer, met Admiral Porter at the cut- 
off up the White river, on the 18th, and thence 
proceeded to Napoleon, where future move- 
ments were arranged in consultations with 
Gens. McClernand, Sherman, and others. On 
the same day he returned to Memphis. 

Orders were immediately issued by Gen, 
McClernand to move down the river, and at 
eight o'clock on the next morning, the 19th, the 
signal for departure was given. Shortly after- 
ward all the transports were on the way. A 
severe storm prevailed, and the fleet came to 
at the foot of Ozark Island until it had par- 
tially subsided. It then moved to Chicot's 
Bend, where the principal portion were moored 
for the night. On the next day, the fleet moved 
down to Milesia, and by two o'clock of the fol- 
lowing day, the 21st, it arrived at Young's 
Point, its place of destination. A small force 
was immediately landed, to reconnoitre the 
country. 

Young's Point is on the western side of the 



Mississippi river, about nine miles above Vicks- 
burg, and nearly opposite the mouth of the 
Yazoo river. 

On the 22d, the troops were landed and 
posted a little farther down the river, so as to 
defend the line of a canal which had been com- 
menc-ed a year previous, across the peninsula 
formed by a curve of the river, first to the 
north and then to the south. The purpose of 
this canal had been to afford a passage for the 
transports up or down the river, beyond the 
reach of the batteries at Vicksburg. A little 
below the extreme point of the peninsula, and 
on the opposite side of the Mississippi, is Vicks- 
burg. 

Meantime the army of Gen. Grant was 
moved to Memphis, tlience to be transported 
to Young's Point. On the 20th, Gen. McAr- 
thur left Memphis, on fourteen transports, 
with his corps. He had been preceded by 
other bodies of troops, making at that time one 
hundred and twenty- five transports with troops 
and stores which had left. The forces of Gen, 
Grant consisted of the veteran soldiers of the 
West. The naval force was also greatly in- 
creased by the addition of several ironclads, 
as the Chillicothe, Indianola, Lafayette, East- 
port, and a number of other gunboats. 

, On the 2d of February, Gen. Grant arrived 
at Young's Point and assumed the command. 
The divisions of the Army of Tennessee had 
also reached there, excepting the one com- 
manded by Gen. Logan, and excepting the 
troops occupying the posts in Tennessee. 

The attack on Vicksburg, from up the river, 
had demonstrated the strength of its defensive 
works on the north, and convinced Gen. Grant 
that they were too strong to be carried with- 
out a very heavy loss. The first step for him 
to accomplish, therefore, was the transporta- 
tion of his army below the city, in order to 
make an attack from the south. The passage 
by the river was too hazardous to be attempt- 
ed. The formidable batteries on the river 
front at Vicksburg were capable of destroy- 
ing all the transports. Work was therefor© 
recommenced on the canal across the penin- 
sula, on the western side of the river, which 
had been located by Brig.-Gen. Williams at the 
first attempt to capture the city. This canal 
had been improperly located, its upper termi- 
nus being in an eddy, and the lower terminus 
being exposed to the enemy's guns ; neverthe- 
less it was thought that it would be completed 
sooner than a new one could be constructed. 
While this work was in progress, the river 
continued to rise rapidly, and great labor 
was required to keep the water out of the ca- 
nal, and also out of the camps of the laborers 
and soldiers. In addition, the rain was in- 
cessant, and the magnitude of the work was, 
from these causes, grealy increased. The earth 
taken out of the excavation was placed on the 
west side, and thus formed an embankment or 
levee, which it was supposed would prevent 
the Water from flooding the country on that 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



339 



side, and the ground on whicli nearly all of the 
army was encamped. As the canal cut the 
peuinsuhi at ri'ght angles, the troops were en- 
camped west of it -and behind this embank- 
ment. On the 8th of March, when the enter- 
prise promised success within a sliort time, the 
dam across the mouth of the canal gave way, 
owing to a rapid rise of the river and the great 
pressure of the water. "When it broke there 
was a difference of eight feet between the bot- 
tom of the canal and the surface of the water 
in the river. The violence of the torrent as it 
rushed through swept away all the implements 
of labor, and the canal was full in a few min- 
utes. The embankment had n. t been com- 
pleted, and the water soon began to pour over. 
A spectator thus describes the scene : "Some 
regiments that were in exposed positions had 
to gather up tents and camp equipage in hot 
haste and confusion and run for the levee. 
Several companies on the lower side of the 
peninsula were cut off and had to be ferried to 
the main body of the army. The embankment 
of the Vicksburg and Shreveport railroad, 
which cut the peninsula longitudinally, pre- 
vented the water from Hooding the northwest 
quarter. But that was considered insecure ; 
the troops were all ordered to move their quar- 
ters to the levee." 

Some delay was caused by the efforts to re- 
pair the damages, but it soon became manifest 
that, with the existing high stage of the water, 
some other plan would have to be adopted to 
get below Vicksburg with the transports. 

At, the commencement of the work on the ca- 
nal, Gen. Grant, having more troops than could 
be employed at Young's Point to advantage, 
caused a channel to be cut from the Mississippi 
into Lake Providence on the west side of the Mis- 
sissippi, and another into Coldwater river by 
the way of the Yazoo Pass, on the east side of 
the Mississippi. From the former of these 
routes no great expectations were entertained 
by Gen. Grant. He thought possible, however, 
that a route might be opened there through 
which transports might pass into the Mississip- 
pi, and enable him to cooperate with Gen. 
Banks below. By the Yazoo Pass he expected 
to get into the Yazoo by way of the Coldwater 
and Tallahatchie rivers, with some light gun- 
boats and a few troops, and destroy some Con- 
federate transports in that stream and some 
gunboats on the stocks. With such views the 
work on these channels was commenced. 

While these operations were pushed forward, 
other measures for the annoyance of tlie enemy 
werealso taken. A steamer called the " City 
of Vicksburg" was daily noticed lying under 
the batteries of the city, and it was known that 
fartlier down the river there was a number of 
transports rendering great service to the Con- 
federate authorities by bringing supplies to 
their troops at Vicksburg and atPort Hudson, 
another strong position below. A movement 
was planned to destroy these means of trans- 
portation. Orders were therefore given to 



Col. Charles E. Ellet to prepare the ram steam- 
er Queen uf the AVest for running down below 
the batteries. This steamer was a wooden 
freight vessel, strengthened so as to carry a 
prow of iron. To protect her machinery from 
injury by the shot and shells of the batteries at 
Vicksburg, three hundred bales of cotton were 
placed about it, and her steering wheel was re- 
moved and placed behind the bulwarks of her 
bow. Her armament consisted of a large 30- 
pounder rifled Parrott gun on her main deck 
as a bow gun, one 20 pounder, and three 12- 
pounder brass howitzers on her gun deck. Be- 
sides these she had fifty or sixty rifles, car- 
bines, cutlasses, pistols, &c. Her crew consist- 
ed of a first, second, and third master, two 
pilots, three engineers, blacksmiths, carpeiv 
ters, and deck hands ; also a squad of twenty- 
six soldiers. It was planned that she should 
start before daybreak on the morning of the 2d 
of February. At the appointed time the 
steamer was under way, but her steering ap- 
paratus in its new position controlled her 
movements so poorly that it was necessary to 
replace it in its original position. This was 
important, as the destruction of the City of 
Vicksburg would depend in part upon the ac- 
curacy of the blow of the Queen of the West. 
The detention which ensued prevented her 
from passing round the point of tlie peninsula 
into view from the Confederate batteries until 
sunrise, when she was instantly greeted by a 
shell that passed between her smoke cliimmys 
and struck the water about three hundred 
yards behind her. After the sound of the first 
shot broke the stillness of the morning, the 
Confederate artil'erists sprang to their pieces, 
and a liundred guns were fired with a won- 
derful celerity. Only three or four shots had 
struck her before she reached the front of the 
city. The first object now to be accomplished 
was the destruction of the steamer City of 
Vicksburg, which was made fast to the bank 
about the centre of the bend of the river, where 
the current ran very rapidly. To strike an un- 
erring blow it was necessary for the Qneen of 
the West to round to amid the storm of balls 
and shells, and move directly acro:-s the river 
against her victim. As she approached the 
steamboat and the city, the enemy, thinking 
that she had been disabled, and that her com- 
mander had concluded to surrender, raised en- 
tliusiastic cheers, which ceased as the ram 
struck the steamer. The wide guards of the 
A'icksburg, overlapping the deck of the Queen, 
even to the barricade of cotton bales, received 
the force of tiie blow and prevented the prow 
of the ram from reaching her hull. At the 
same time the current caught the stern of the 
Queen and sw^ung her round side by side with 
the Alcksburg. this action of the current had 
been anticipated by Col. Ellet, aid the star- 
board bow gun had been loaded with incendi- 
ary shells. It was now fired into the Vicks- 
burg. At the same time the shells from the 
batteries had set on fire the cotton on the 



340 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



Queen, and it was evident that to repeat tlie 
blow would involve the loss of the steamer. 
The effort was then made to turn her head out 
toward the stream, which, owing to the action 
of the wind and current, was, after some delay, 
accomplished. She then proceeded down the 
stream with all hands at work to extinguish 
the fire. Meantime the discharge from the 
batteries became quick and incessant, and she 
now received most of the dozen shots which 
hit her from the artillerj and the sharpshoot- 
ers on the shore. No material injury, howev- 
er, was done, and she anchored below the out- 
let of the canal until one o'clock p. m., when she 
proceeded down the river. 

On this expedition, down the river, her of- 
ficers captured, below Natchez, and burned 
three small steamers, the Moro, Berwick Bay, 
and A. W. Baker ; one of them was laden with 
pork, and another with molasses and sugar. She 
ran fifteen miles up the Red river, and returned 
on the fifth for a supply of coal. During the 
night a flatboat loaded with coal was cast loose 
in the stream, and passing the batteries safely, 
floated down to the steamer. 

On the night of the 10th of February, this 
steamer started on another expedition down 
the Mississippi. The first object of the ex- 
pedition was to capture Confederate steamers. 
It was also proposed to run up the Big Black 
river, which empties into the Mississippi at 
Grand Gulf, to visit the Atchafalaya, and per- 
haps the Red river, and, if practicable, to pass 
the batteries at Port Hudson, and effect a junc- 
tion with the fleet below under Com. Farragut. 
A tender was provided for the Queen of the 
"West in the steamer De Soto, a small ferry 
boat once rimning between De Soto, the ter- 
mination of the Vicksburg, Shreveport and 
Texas railroad, across to Vicksburg. The bat- 
teries at Warrenton, eight miles below, were 
passed without molestation. At Taylor's Point, 
above Natchez, at the plantation once owned 
the late President Taylor, a short stop was 
made. It was found to be occupied by friendly 
owners. Natchez was next passed, and on Wed- 
nesday evening the steamer reached the mouth 
of Old river, into which Red river runs. This 
was the channel of the Mississippi before the 
cut-off was formed. The Red river extends 
from the northern side of Old river, first north- 
westerly, and then nearly west, across the 
State of Louisiana^ into Texas. At high water 
it is navigable to Paris, nine hundred and sixty 
miles from New Orleans. 

Passing the night at anchor at the mouth of 
Old river, on the next morning, the 12th, leav- 
ing the De Soto as a guard near the mouth of 
Old river, the Queen of the West entered tlie 
Atcbafalaya, which flows north and empties 
into Red river just above its junction with 
Old river. A train of eleven army wagons 
was captured about five miles up the river, and 
at Semmes's port, ten miles farther up, seventy 
five barrels of beef and a mail Avith despatches 
was taken, but a Confederate steamer at that 



place had escaped. Returning down the river 
near dark, the steamer was fired on at the 
point where the wagons had been captured, 
and the first master mortally wounded. A land- 
ing was not made, but the steamer returned to 
the anchorage of the previous night. On the 
next morning Col. Ellet, having been informed 
of the parties who fired on the boat, returned 
and destroyed the dwellings, mills, and negro 
quarters on six sugar plantations above the 
mouth of the Atchafalaya. During the after- 
noon the steamers entered the Red river, and 
moved up as far as the mouth of Black river, at 
dark, where they anchored for the night. The 
Black river, formed by the junction of the 
Washita and Tensas rivers, flows south and 
empties into the Red river, a short distance 
above the mouth of the Atchafalaya. At day- 
light on the next morning they were under 
way up the river. About ten o'clock, the 
Era, No. 5, a steamer of one hundred tons, was 
discovered api^roaching. At the same time 
she discovered the Queen, and attempted to 
turn for the purpose of escaping, when a shot 
from the former demolished her wheelhouse, 
and her officers surrendered. Fourteen Texan 
soldiers and a number of citizens were found 
on board. The former were paroled and the 
latter dismissed, except a quartermaster, hav- 
ing $28,000 in Confederate funds, and two 
lieutenants. The boat was loaded with 4,500 
bushels of corn in the ear, destined for the 
Confederate forces at Little Rock. Nothing 
further of importance was discovered during 
the passage of the next twenty miles up the 
river. In fact the stream is so crooked in 
some parts, that a distance of two miles across 
the land would strike a point to reach which a 
steamer would be obliged to go twenty miles. 
Thus information was easily sent of the ap- 
proach of hostile vessels. Some twenty miles 
farther up was located Fort Taylor, a post 
which was supposed to be manned by about one 
hundred and fifty men, with two or three guns. 
It was situated on the south bank of the river, 
just above a bend which its guns commanded, 
that was made by an abrupt turn of the river 
to the north. From the point opposite this 
bend a long bar projected, on which the water 
is shallow, and it is necessary to " hug " the 
south shore to avoid being driven on the bar by 
a strong eddy. 

The Era had been left with the three pris- 
oners under a guard about twentj* miles below. 
It was about nightfall as tlie Queen approached 
the bend of the river, with the De Soto a con- 
siderable distance astern. The pilot of the 
captured Era had been forced to assist at the 
wheel, owing to the intricacies of tlie channel. 
Upon turning the point, the Queen struck up- 
on the bar and became fast aground in a posi- 
tion in which none of her guns were effective. 
The guns of the fort immediately opened upon 
her with fearful accuracy and rapidity. The 
shot and shell struck all about her. The lever 
of the engine was shot away, the escape pipe 



MILITAKY AND KAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



341 



broken, and the immediate roar of steam that 
enveloped the vessel showed that her steam 
chest had been penetrated. Every thought of 
saving the steamer was given up, and the exer- 
tions of all were made to save themselves. 
Many threw bales of cotton overboard and float- 
ed on them down to the De Soto a mile below, 
among whom was Col. EUet. The fort seeing 
there was no reply to their guns, and conceiv- 
ing from the rush of steam that something had 
happened, slackened their fire and sent boats 
to reconnoitre. By this force the remainder 
of the crew were captured, and the boat made 
a prize. 

Meanwhile the De Soto approached as near 
the point as was safe, and picked up those who 
were floating, and sent a boat for the crew, 
which was almost captured by the enemy, who 
had already reached the Queen. Finding that 
soldiers were collecting on the shore, the De 
Soto was turned and slowly floated down the 
stream. Three miles below she ran aground 
and unshipped her rudder, and for the next fif- 
teen miles and during three hours she was un- 
manageable, and moved with the current. As 
she reached the Era at eleven o'clock, a second 
rudder was unshipped, and she became unman- 
ageable again, when Col. EUet ordered her to 
be blown up. 

It was about twelve o'clock at night before 
the Era was under way. It was known to 
Col. Ellet that the swift gunboat Webb was at 
Alexandria, about sixty miles up the river, and 
he was confident that pursuit would be made 
after him by her. All hands were set to work 
to throw overboard the corn with which the 
Era was laden, and amid fog, thunder, light- 
ning and rain, she worried her way out of the 
Red river into the Mississippi by morning. All 
that day, which was Sunday, with no fuel but 
some of the corn with which she had been 
laden, and cypress found on the banks too 
wet to make steam enough to give her head- 
way, the fleeing steamer attempted to get up 
the river. She had made scarcely forty mUes 
in twenty-four hours. At Union Point she was 
run aground and detained three hours in get- 
ting off. After passing Ellis's Clifis, the black 
chimney of a passing steamer was discovered 
over the fog which enveloped her hull. The 
black smoke from her chimney showed that she 
burned coal, and that it was a Federal steamer. 
It was the Indianola, and all fear of the "Webb 
was Over. Scarcely was the Era well along- 
side of the Indianola and the fog had lifted a 
little, when the Webb hove in siglit. A brief 
pursuit of her was made by the two boats, 
without success. The Era was then furnished 
with supplies, and sent up to Admiral Porter. 

The Indianola, which came so fortunately to 
the rescue of Col. Ellet, was one of the finest 
of the ironclad gunboats ^of the squadron : she 
was new, and was 174 feet long, 50 feet beam, 
10 feet from the top of her deck to the bottom 
of her keel, or 8 feet 4 inches in the clear. Her 
sides (of wood) for five feet down were thirty- 



two inches thick, having bevelled sticks laid 
outside the hull (proper), and all of oak. Out- 
side of this was three-inch thick plate iron. 
Her clamps and keelsons were as heavy as the 
largest ships. Her deck was eight inches solid, 
with one-inch iron plate, all well bolted. Her 
casemate stood at an incline of 26^ degrees, 
and was covered with three-inch iron, as were 
also her ports. She had a heavy grating on 
top of the casemate that no shell could pene- 
trate, and every scuttle and hatch was equally 
well covered. She was ironed all round, ex- 
cept some temporary rooms on deck, and, be- 
sides the amount of wood and iron already 
stated, had coal bunkers seven feet thick along- 
side of her boilers, the entire machinery being 
in the hold. She had seven engines — two for 
working her side wheels, two for her propellers, 
two for her capstans, and one for supplying 
water and working the bilge and fire pumps. 
She had five large five-fined boilers, and made 
abundance of steam. Her forward casemate had 
two 11-inch Dahlgren guns, and her after case- 
mate two 9-inch. Her forward casemate was 
pierced for two guns in front, one on each side, 
and two aft, so that she could fire two guns 
forward, one on each side, and four at an angle 
sideways and astern. She had also hose for 
throwing scalding water from the boilers, that 
would reach from stem to stern, and there was 
communication from the casemates to all parts 
of the vessel without the least exposure. The 
pilot house was also thoroughly ironclad, and 
instant communication could be had with the 
gunners and engineers, enabling the pilot to 
place the vessel in just such position as might 
be required for effective action. She left her 
anchorage at the mouth of the Yazoo, about 
ten o'clock on the night of February 13th, to 
run below the batteries at Vicksburg. The 
night was hazy and cloudy, and thus exceed- 
ingly dark. After passing entirely through the 
fleet, and reaching the vicinity of the upper 
end of the canal, she shut off" steam entirely, 
and suff'ered the current to bear her along. Its 
rate was about four miles an hour. In perfect 
obscurity she rounded the point, and drifted 
fairly beneath the formidable batteries. The 
tide bore her down directly toward the levee 
of the city. Lights were everywhere numer- 
ous, and the voices of citizens and soldiers 
sounded as if they were close alongside. Still 
the black and noiseless mass drifted along, al- 
most rubbing the bank, yet undiscovered. The 
whole levee was patrolled by sentinels, and at 
one spot a camp fire was dimly burning. As 
the drifting vessel approached this point, a 
soldier stooping down gathered some faggots 
and threw them into the fire. A bright blaze 
flashed up for a moment, exposing everything 
within its sphere. The Indianola was seen by 
a soldier, who discharged his musket at her. 
At that discharge the soldiers everywhere along 
the bluflE" sprang to arms. A battery near the 
centre of the city fired a gun, rockets were sent 
ofl:', soldiers on the bank discharged their mus- 



342 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



kets into the darkness, and indications of ex- 
citement were manifest everywhere. The boat 
had been discovered running the blockade, but 
no one knew where she was. Five minutes 
passed after the first gun was fired, and another 
had not followed. At last it became necessary 
to start the wheels in order to get steerage way 
on the steamer. The noise of the steam drew 
forth a second and third gun, and a discharge 
of musketry, and again all was still. The boat 
drifted on a few moments in silence, when the 
steam was again let on, and she dashed down 
the river, regardless of any noise that might be 
made. Battery after battery now opened upon 
her until twenty shots were fired, and she had 
passed uninjured beyond their reach. The 
steamer was under the command of Lieut.- 
Oom. Brown, and continued on down the river, 
until she met the Era as above stated. After 
pursuing the Webb, in vain, as far as the mouth 
of Red river, the Indianola proceeded up that 
stream in search of Confederate transports, and 
kept up a watch off the mouth of the Atcha- 
falaya river. Here her commander learned that 
the Queen of the West had been repaired and 
might soon be down. As the narrowness of 
the Red river made it difficult to manoeuvre a 
long boat like the Indianola, while the Queen 
was much shorter. Commander Brown de- 
termined to return to the mouth of the Big 
Black river, and attempt to pass up that stream, 
and reach if possible the bridge of the Vicks- 
burg and Jackson railroad. This had been one 
of the objects fur which the steamers had run 
the blockade. The Big Black river empties 
into the Mississippi at Grand Gulf, forty miles 
below Vicksburg. It rises in the northern part 
of the State of Mississippi, and flows south- 
westerly, passing about fifteen miles east of 
Vicksburg. 

On Tuesday morning, Feb. 24th, the India- 
nola reached the mouth of the Big Black, and 
in the afternoon made preparations to move up 
the river, when two steamers were descried 
approaching. These proved to be the Con- 
federate gunboat Webb and the Queen of the 
West. The Webb was a powerful boat and one 
of the swiftest on the river. They immediately 
attacked the Indianola, and, chiefly by striking 
her with their rams, so shattered her as to en- 
danger her sinking, when she was surrendered 
and immediately run ashore. 

A few days afterward a flatboat was fitted 
up by Admiral Porter to appear like a gun- 
boat, and set adrift in the river without a pilot 
or crew. As it passed the batteries at Vicks- 
burg, it was supposed to be a formidable ram, 
and they fired fiercely. It escaped uninjured 
however, and floated on down the river. Infor- 
mation of its approach was sent to the Queen 
of the West, lying under the batteries at War- 
renton, eight miles below Vicksburg, and she 
immediately fled down stream. The Indianola 
was undergoing repairs near where she was 
taken, and the authorities at Vicksburg, think- 
ing that she would bo recaptured by the ram, 



issued an order to burn her up. This order 
was sent down by a courier to the officer in 
charge of the boat. A few hours later, and 
another order was sent down countermanding 
the first, it liaving been ascertained that the 
monstrous craft was nothing else than a coal- 
boat. But before it reached the Indianola she 
had been blown to atoms : not even a gun was 
saved. 

Meanwhile, the work of cutting channels 
from the Mississippi to Providence Lake, on 
the west side, and to Moon Lake, on the east 
side, was progressing rapidly. 

Lake Providence is a few miles south of the 
boundary line between Arkansas and Louisi- 
ana. It is situated in Carroll parish, Louisiana, 
about one mile west of the Mississippi river, 
and about seventy-five miles above Vicksburg. 
It is about six miles in length. Two streams 
flow out of the lake to the south, Moon bayou 
and Tensas river. The former, after running 
about a hundred miles, unites with the latter. 
The two continue south, and unite with the 
Washita, and are called after the junction Black 
river, which empties into the Red river, as is 
stated on a preceding page. By cutting a chan- 
nel from the Mississippi to Lake Providence, 
Gen. Grant thought a communication might 
be had through that lake down the Tensas 
and Black into the Red river, and thence 
through the Atchafalaya, with Gen. Banks at 
New Orleans. Tliis route avoided the batteries 
at Vicksburg and Port Hudson. The canal to 
the lake was finished so as to let in the water 
on the 16th of March. The flood was so great as 
to inundate a large district of country, some of 
which was fine land for growing cotton. Some 
boats passed into Lake Providence, but the un- 
certainty of the channel of the Tensas river, 
and the interest which was now excited by the 
Yazoo Pass expedition, together with the un- 
important results to be anticipated by remov- 
ing a large force to the Red river or below, 
caused a diversion from this route to others 
presenting more certain prospects of success 
against Vicksburg. 

Eight miles belo^v Helena, in Arkansas, and 
on the opposite side of the river, is a little lake, 
known as Moon Lake. The passage from the 
Mississippi across the lake to the mouth of the 
Yazoo Pass is about eight miles ; thence through 
the Pass proper to the Coldwater river, twelve 
miles. The Coldwater, a narrow stream, runs 
south, empties into the Tallahatchie, which con- 
tinues to flow south, and unites with the Yal- 
lobusha, forming the Yazoo river, which emp- 
ties into the Mississippi, a few miles above 
Vicksburg. By opening a wider channel from 
the Mississippi into Moon Lake, it was the 
opinion that the inner streams would be ren- 
dered more easily navigable, in consequence 
of an increase of water, so that some smaller 
gunboats and a few'troops could destroy the 
enemy's transports in the Yazoo, and their 
gunboats which were building. In ordinary 
stages of water, steamboats could ascend the 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



343 



Yazoo and Tallahatchie to the mouth of the 
Coldwater. The region of country through 
which these streams flow, especially the Yazoo, 
is very fertile, producing a large quantity of 
cotton, and furnishing considerable supplies to 
the rebel army at Vicksburg. 

The expedition consisted of two of the largest 
and heaviest ironclad gunboats, one ram, six 
light-draft gunboats, three barges laden with 
coal, three steam tenders, and fifteen or eigh- 
teen transports. The passage from the Mis- 
sissippi to the mouth of the Pass, after the im- 




WATOii- SON SC. 



provement made upon it, was not attended with 
much difficulty. On the morning of the 25th 
of March it entered the mouth of the Pass. The 
tortuous stream was a hundred feet wide, and 
in some parts less. On its banks were cypress, 
sycamore, and gigantic Cottonwood trees, whose 
branches formed a perfect arch over the stream. 
At the upper end the current rushed with great 
rapidity through the channel, and lower down 
were strips of bottom land, which were over- 
flowed, and gave to it greater width, and, con- 
sequently, less rapidity. In the narrow and 



crooked passage it was necessary to resist the 
force of the current by the back revolution of 
the wheels of the boats, and by lines fastened 
from tree to tree as they moved along. Three 
days were thus passed in making a distance of 
about twelve miles, and reaching the Cold- 
water. Smokestacks were swept away, and 
much of the light upper works of several of the 
boats. The principal diflficulty in the Pass arose 
from the activity of the enemy, who would close 
one end while the Federal force was opening 
the other. In this manner time was gained to 
prepare to resist the progress of the expedition 
by fortifying at the month of the Tallahatchie. 

On the 2d of April the expedition jiroceeded 
down the Coldwater. This stream was a little 
wider than the Pass, so that the branches of 
the trees seldom met over head, but its current 
was more sluggish, and its channel equally 
tortuous. Two mortar boats now joined the 
expedition, adding their force to the heavy guns * 
on the other boats. As it advanced it was fur- 
ther reenforced, until it consisted of eighteen 
transports, five small gunboats, and two of a 
large size, the Chillicothe and the De Kalb. 
The advance consisted of one division of Gen. 
McClernand's corps, which had been stationed 
at Helena, under command of Brig.-Gen. L. F. 
Eoss, and the 12th and 17th Missouri regiments 
from Gen. Sherman's corps, as sharpshooters, 
on the gunboats. The mouth of the Coldwater 
was reached with only some damage to the 
light work, wheels, and rudders of the trans- 
ports. 

Proceedihg down the Tallahatchie, the expe- 
dition arrived within ten miles of Greenwood on 
the 11th. Greenwood is a small village on the 
Yazoo river, just below the junction of the Tal- 
lahatchie with theYallobusha, forming the Ya- 
zoo. Just below the position of the Federal trans- 
ports, the Tallahatchie turns to the eastward, 
bending in the form of a horseshoe, and resumes 
its southerly course at a point nearly south of 
that where the transports were. The base of 
the peninsula formed by this bend, being the 
narrowest part, and nearly a mile across, was 
occupied by a Confederate fortification. It 
consisted of a single line of breastworks facing 
westerly, and composed of cotton bales and 
earth, and flanked on the right by a battery 
of three heavy guns fronting the river, dther 
field pieces were in position on the works. On 
the right flank of the line, a defence or raft of 
logs had been constructed, to serve as a block- 
ade of the river. Directly in front of the breast- 
works was a deep slough, extending across the 
peninsula, and admirably serving the purpose 
of a ditch. The slough was close to the base 
of the works at the upper end, but gradually 
receded from them at the lower, where it was 
several hundred yards distant. Beyond the 
slough there was an almost impenetrable cane- 
brake, backed by an extensive forest. Below 
this fortification on the river, and in the arc of 
the bend, the Yallobusha flows in from the 
northeast, and forms its junction with the Tal- 



344 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



lahatcWe. The village of Greenwood is upon 
the Yazoo, four miles below. The object of the 
fortification at this location was not only to stop 
the fleet from passing below, but also to prevent 
its passing up the Yallobusha river, on Avhich 
a number of the enemy's steamers had sought 
refuge, and on the bank of which also was the 
important town of Granada. 

The Confederate force was estimated above 
five thousand men, under the command of Gen. 
Tilghman, who surrendered Fort Henry, in 
Kentucky. On the morning of the 11th are- 
connoissance was made by the gunboat Chilli- 
cothe, Lieut.-Commander Foster. The boat ap- 
proached within a short distance of the forti- 
fication, and fired several shots, and was hit 
four times in return by heavy shot from rifle 
pieces. At the same time detachments from the 
Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh Indiana regi- 
ments were sent out to feel the Confederate 
position on the land side. A considerable body 
of the enemy's skirmishers were encountered, 
who were driven across the slough and into the 
works, when the detachments were withdrawn. 
In the afternoon the Chillicothe was order- 
ed to engage the fortification. After she had 
lired seven rounds, a 64-pound shell from the 
enemy passed through a half-open port, strik- 
ing upon the muzzle of a gun, in which a shell 
had just been placed preparatory to cutting the 
fuse. Both shells exploded at once, by which 
three men were killed and eleven wounded. At 
this time ordei's were received to withdraw 
from the engagement. During the ensuing 
night a force was sent to throw up a battery 
facing the enemy's works, west of the slough, 
and in the edge of the timber. A single 30- 
pound Parrott gun was mounted, and the work* 
concealed by brush from the view of the enemy. 
Subsequently another gun was mounted. No 
attack was made on the 12th, in consequence 
of the absence of the mortar boats. After some 
delay, on the 13th, the engagement was com- 
menced about half past ten a. m. by the land bat- 
teries. The gunboats Chillicothe and De Kalb 
soon after approached and opened their fire. 
It now Appeared that the fortification mounted 
a rifled 64-Parrott and three 24-Dahlgrcns, and 
a small field battery. These guns were pro- 
tected by a parapet composed of seven tiers of 
cottSn bales, covered on the outside with eight 
feet of earth. The contest was bravely main- 
tained for some time, when the fire of the en- 
emy was suspended, but no disposition to sur- 
render was shown. The gunboats and battery 
kept up the fire, but without any success in re- 
ducing the works. The Chillicothe was struck 
thirty-four times, but not severely injured. The 
DeKalb suff"ered more, in consequence of some 
8hot penetrating her casemates, by which one 
man was killed and five wounded. 

The impracticable nature of the approach to 
the fort by foot soldiers on the west, in conse- 
quence of tlie overflow or slough, rendered it 
necessary that the gunboats should silence the 
guns of the enemy, and enable the transports 



to run down and land troops immediately on 
the fort itself. But all attempts to silence the 
fort by the gunboats proved unsuccessful, and 
the guns of the battery were withdrawn, and 
the expedition put on the defensive. After a 
few days it began to retire. 

Meantime, Gen. Grant had been led to be- 
lieve, as the navigation proved better than 
was expected, that it was possible to make 
this the route for obtaining a foothold on high 
land above Haines's Bluff", and had sent for- 
ward a division of Gen. McPherson's corps, 
commanded by Brig.-Gen. J. F. Quimby, and 
had ordered some small-class steamers for 
transporting the army. The seventeenth corps, 
under Gen. McPherson, was also directed to be 
in readiness to move, and one division from 
the thirteenth and fifteenth corps each, was 
collected near the Pass. But it soon became 
evident that a sufficient number of boats of the 
right class, could not be obtained for the trans- 
portation of more than one division. On the 
23d of March, therefore, orders were given to 
withdraw all the forces operating in that direc- 
tion, for the purpose of concentrating at Milli- 
ken's Bend. 

At this time another expedition had started 
under Admiral Porter, for tlae purpose of reach- 
ing the Yazoo below Fort Pemberton and Green- 
wood, and above Haines's BluflT. Such a move- 
ment, if successful, would leave Greenwood 
and Fort Pemberton to the rear of the Federal 
forces, and necessarily cause it to be abandoned. 
At the same time, about thirty Confederate 
steamers could be captured or destroyed. The 
route to be pursued by this expedition w^as 
up the Yazoo river to Cypress bayou, which 
enters that river at a point opposite the land- 
ing place of Gen. Sherman's troops when at- 
tacking the bluff's in the rear of Vicksburg, 
thence into Steele's bayou, and along that 
watercourse, and through. Cypress Lake, to 
Little Black Fork, thence into Deer creek. 
Following this stream for some distance, the 
route branches off" along Rolliog Fork into the 
Big Sunflower river, which empties into the 
Yazoo above Haines's Bluff". 

The expedition under Admiral Porter, con- 
sisted of the gunboats Pittsburg, Louisville, 
Mound City, Cincinnati, and Carondelet, with 
a number of small transports. Gen. Grant 
stated that the principal obstacles appeared to 
be the overhanging trees, and he sent forward 
a pioneer corps for their removal. Soon after, 
Admiral Porter sent back for a cooperating mil- 
itary force, and Gen. Sherman was promptly 
sent with one division of his corps. The num- 
ber of steamers suitable for the navigation of 
these bayous being limited, most of the force was 
sent up the Mississippi to Eagle Bend, a point 
where the river runs within one mile of Steele's 
bayou, thus avoiding an important part of the 
difficult navigation. The cause of the failure 
of this expedition is thus explained by Gen. 
Grant : 

" The expedition failed, probably, more from 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



345 




'Wu'c^s -'Jacks ON h.i 



want of knowledge as to what would be re- 
quired to open this route, than from any im- 
practicability in the navigation* of the streams 
and bayous through which it was proposed to 
pass : the want of this knowledge led the exj^e- 
dition on until difficulties were encountered, 
and then it would become necessary to send 
back to Young's Point for the means of remov- 
ing them. This gave the enemy time to move 
forces to effectually checkmate farther pro- 
gress, and the expedition was withdrawn when 
within a few hundi-ed yards of free and open 
navigation to the Yazoo." 

In addition to these several routes, another 
was prospected by Capt. F. E. Prime, as Chief 
Engineer, and Col. G. G. Pride, through the 
bayous, which run from near Milliken's Bend 
and New Carthage on the south, through 
Roundaway Bayou into the Tensas River. This 
route was found to be practicable, and work 
was commenced 'on it. With the aid of three 
dredge boats, it proceeded rapidly, and one 
small steamer and a number of barges were 
taken through the channel thus opened. 
About the middle of April, however, the 
river commenced falling so rapidly as to ren- 
der it impracticable to open this water com- 
munication between Milhken's Bend and New 
Carthage. At the same time the roads between 
tliem became dry and passable, and thus made 
the water communication unnecessary. 

On March 25th the ram Lancaster was lost 
in attempting to run the batteries at Vicksburg 
in order to gain the fleet of Admiral Farragut 
below. The Switzerland got through badly 
cut up. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Object of Gen. Grant to reach the rear of Vicksburg— His Movements— Transports and Gunboats run the Batteries— Attact 
on Grand Gulf— Crossing the Mississippi by the Army— Change of base by Gen. Grant— Raid of Col. Grierson through 
Mississippi— Advance of Gen. Grant to the Big Black Eiver— Battles— Occupation of Jackson— March on Vicksburg— 
Battles— March of Gen. Sherman to the Yazoo— Investment of Vicksburg— Siege— Surrender-Eesults. » 



The object of Gen. Grant now was to find 
a route by which he could place his army with 
its supplies below Vicksburg, so as to approach 
it in the rear, where alone it was supposed to 
be weak and assailable, with the hope of suc- 
cess. As soon, therefore, as he had directed 
a water communication to be opened from a 
point on the Mississippi, near Milliken's Bend, 
to New Carthage, he determined to occupy the 
latter place. It was the first point below 
Vicksburg that could be reached by land at the 
stage of water existing at that time, and the 
occupancy of which, while it secured a point 
on the Mississippi River, would also protect the 
main line of communication by Avater. Major- 
Gen. McClernand, therefore, with the Thir- 
teenth army corps, was, on the 29th of March, 
ordered to move to New Carthage. The 
Fifteenth and Sixteenth corps were to follow, 
moving no faster than supplies and ammuni- 



tion could be transported to them. The move- 
ment was necessarily slow, in consequence of 
the bad state of the roads. As the advance 
reached Smith's Plantation, two miles from 
New Carthage, it was found that the levee of 
Bayou Vidal was broken in several places ; and 
in consequence of the overflow of water. New 
Carthage was made an island. All the boats 
in the different bayous in the vicinity were 
collected, and others were built, but the 
transportation of the army was exceedingly 
tedious. Another route was therefore found, 
by making a fiirther march of twelve miles 
around Bayou Vidal, to a point called Perkins's 
Plantation. The whole distance to be marched 
from Milliken's Bend to reach water commu- 
nication below was thirty-five miles. Over 
this distance it was necessary to transport by 
wagons, with bad roads, the supplies of ord- 
nance stores and provisions with which to 



346 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE KEBELLION. 



commence the campaign on the opposite side 
of the river. 

At the sante time that the occupation of 
New Carthage was ordered, preparations were 
made for running transports and a gunboat 
fle«t below the batteries of Vicksburg. Tlie 
gunboats selected were the Benton, Capt. 
Greer ; Lafayette, Capt. Henry Walke ; Price, 
Capt. Woodworth ; Louisville, Capt. Owens ; 
Oarondelet, Capt. McLeod Murphy ; Pittsburg, 
Capt. Wm. Hoel ; Tuscumbia, Capt. Shirk, and 
Mound City. All of these boats except the 
Price were ironclad. Each had taken, for 
additional protection, baled cotton, hay, rail- 
road iron, timber, chains, or whatever else 
might be suitable. The transports which were 
selected were the Forest Queen, Capt. Dan. 
Conway ; Henry Clay ; and Silver Wave, Capt. 
McMillan. These boats took a quantity of 
supplies for the army, and bales of cotton and 
hay were placed around the most important 
parts of their machinery. The night of the 
16th of April was fixed for the expedition to 
start. Everything was in readiness before 
dark. The plan decided upon was that the 
ironclads should pass down in single file, with 
intervals between the boats of a few hundred 
yards, and that when in front of the batteries 
they should engage them with their broadside 
guns, and, under cover of the smoke, the trans- 
ports should endeavor to pass unseen. A spec- 
tator of the exciting scene has thus described 
it: 

"Lights twinkled busily from the Vicksburg 
hillsides until about 10 o'clock, when they 
disappeared, and about the same moment song 
and laughter on our side were hushed, as a 
shapeless mass of what looked like a great frag-* 
ment of darkness was discerned floating noise- 
lessly down the river. It was the Benton. It 
passed and disappeared in the night, and was 
succeeded by another bank of darkness, the La- 
fayette, with the Price lashed to her starboard 
side. And thus they continued, as if huge 
shadows detached themselves from the dark- 
ness above, floated across the vision, and dis- 
appeared in the darkness below. Ten of these 
noiseless shapes revealed themselves and dis- 
appeared. 

" Three quarters of an hour passed. People 
heard nothing save their own suppressed 
breathings ; saw nothing save a long low bank 
of darkness, which, like a black fog, walled the 
view below, and joined the sky and river in the 
direction of Vicksburg. And all watched this 
gathering of darkness, for in it were thunders 
and lightnings and volcanoes, which at any 
instant might light up the night with fierce ir- 
ruptions. 

"So long a time passed Avithout anything 
occurring that people began to believe the en- 
emy had determined, for some malevolent pur- 
pose, to allow the fleet to pass below without 
obstruction. However, this supposition was 
hardly broached ere it was contradicted most 
emphatically. At just a quarter before eleven, 



two bright sharp lines of flame flashed through 
the darkness, at the extreme right of the Vicks- 
burg batteries ; and, in an instant, the whole 
length of the bluft's was ablaze with fire. The 
fleet, which had rounded the Point, and now 
lay squarely before the city, at once responded 
by opening their ports, and pouring their fuU 
broadside of twenty-five heavy guns, charged 
with grape and shrapnel, directly against the 
city. 

"A great cloud of smoke rolled heavily over 
the gunboats, and in this the three transports 
entered and made their 'best time' down the 
river. The Forest Queen, which was in the ad- 
vance, received a shot in the hull and another 
through the steam drum, which disabled her 
instantly. The Henry Clay, that came next, was 
stopped, to prevent her running into the other, 
and at the same moment was struck by a shell 
that set her cotton on fire. The crew, demor- 
alized by the stoppage and terrified by the fire, 
ran aimlessly around for a few moments, then 
launched the yawl, sprang into it, and pulled 
for the shore. The pilot, finding that no en- 
gineers obeyed the bells, stayed a short timeun- 
til the fire began to seethe around him, when 
he seized a plank, jumped overboard, and was 
picked up by a gunboat. The Clay, in the 
mean time, became a great blazing mass, that 
floated down the river until it disappeared be- 
low "Warrenton. Had she been manned by 
men of nerve, the fire would have been extin- 
guished and the boat carried through safely. 
The fact of her floating so far shows that her 
hull was uninjured. 

" The Forest Queen was taken in tow by a 
gunboat, and towed below without further 
damage. The Silver Wave did not receive a 
scratch. 

" The Vicksburg batteries were passed in 
about an hour and a quarter. Upon reaching 
Warrenton batteries, the gunboats took the in- 
itiative by pouring in their broadsides on the 
instant they reached position ; and so continu- 
ous and terrific was their fire that the enemj 
scarcely attempted a response." 

No one on board either of the transports was 
injured, and Gen. Grant immediately ordered 
six more to be prepared in like manner for run- 
ning the batteries. Accordingly the Tigress, 
Anglo-Saxon, Cheeseman, Empire City, Hori- 
zona, and Moderator left Milliken's Bend on 
the night of the 22d of April, and five of them 
got by, but in a somewhat damaged condition. 
The Tigress received a shot in her hull below 
the water line, and sunk on the Louisiana shore, 
after passing the last of the batteries. In tow 
of these transports, twelve barges loaded with 
forage were sent, one half of which got through 
in a condition to be used. The transports in- 
jured in running the blockade were repaired 
by order of Admiral Porter, and in a very 
short time five of them were in running order, 
and the remainder in a condition to be used as 
barges in the movement of troops. 

As the number of transports below Vicks- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



347 



turg wa3 limited, Gen. Grant found it neces- 
sary to extend his line of movement by land to 
Hard Times in Louisiana. By the circuitous 
route it was necessary to take, the distance 
was increased to seventy miles from Milliken's 
Bend. 

On the 29th of April, the thirteenth corps of 
the army had reached the Mississippi, and the 
seventeenth was well on the way. Gen. Grant 
then embarked so much of the thirteenth as 
could be got on board the transports and barges, 
and moved to the front of Grand Gulf. This 
was a strong position on the east bank of the 
Mississippi, below the moutli of the Big Black 
river. The plan was that the gunboats under 
Admiral Porter's command should sile'nce the 
fortifications, and under cover of the gunboats 
the troops should land and carry the place by 
storm. 

At eight o'clock in the morning the attack 
was commenced by the gunboats, and contin- 
ued fiercely for more than five hours. The 
folio Aving is the despatch of Admiral Porter re- 
specting the attack: 

Flag Suip Eexton, belo-vt GnAND Gxtlf, Miss., ) 
April 29tfi, 1862. \ 

Son. Gideon Wdles, Sici'dary of the Navy : 

I have the honor to inform you that, by an arrange- 
ment with G-eueral Grant, I attacked the batteries at 
Grand Gulf this morning, which were very formid- 
able. After a fight of tive hours and thirty minutes, 
we silenced the Tower batteries, but failed to silence 
the upper one, which was high, strongly built, had 
guns of very heavy caliber, and the vessels were un- 
manageable in the heavy current. It fired but feebly 
toward the last, and the vessels all laid by and enfilad- 
ed it, while I went up a short distance to communicate 
with General Grant, who concluded to land the troops 
and march over to a point two miles below Grand 
Gulf. I sent the Lafayette back to engage the upper 
battery, which she did, and drove the persons out of 
it, as it did not respond after a few fires. At 6 p. m. 
we attacked the batteries again, and, under cover of 
the fire, all the transports passed by in good condition. 
The Benton, Tuscumbia, and Pittsburg were much cut 
up, having twenty-four killed and fifty-six wounded; 
but they are all ready for service. 

We land the army in the morning on the other side, 
and march on Vicksburg. DAVID D. PORTER, 
Actmg Rear-Admiral. 
Gen. Grant, who was a spectator of the 
scene, says: "Many times it seemed to me that 
the gunboats were within pistol shot of the 
enemy's batteries. It soon became evident that 
the guns of the enemy were too elevated and 
their fortifications too strong to be tnkenfrom 
the water side. The whole range of hills on 
that side were known to be lined with rifle 
pits. Besides, the field artillery could be moved 
to any position where it might be useful in case 
of an attempt at landing." He therefore de- 
termined to run the enemy's batteries again, 
and to turn his position by efi"ecting a landing 
at Rodney, or at Bniinsburg, between Grand 
Gulf and Rodney. Rodney is a small village 
on the east bank of the Mississippi, some miles 
below Grand Gulf. Bruinsburg is a small 
place between the two others. A reconnois- 
sance was made to a point opposite Bruinsburg, 
and information was obtained from a negro that 



there was a good road from that place to Port 
Gibson. Gen. Grant determined to make the 
landing on the east side of the Mississippi, at 
Bruinsburg. Accordingly the troops were im- 
mediately ordered to land at Hard Times, and 
march across to the point below Grand Gulf, 
and at dark the gunboats again engaged the 
batteries, and all the transports were run by. 
They received but two or three shots during 
the passage, and these caused no injury. 

At daylight on the morning of the 30th, the 
work of ferrying the troops across the Missis- 
sippi was commenced both by the gunboats 
and the transports. The thirteenth corps, as 
soon as landed and supplied with three days' 
rations, was started on the road to Port Qibson. 
The seventeenth corps followed as rapidly as 
it could be taken across the river. Port Gib- 
son was a flourishing village on Bayou Pierre, 
28 miles from its mouth, and about 65 miles 
southwest from Jackson, the capital of Missis- 
sippi. It was connected with Grand Giilf by 
a railroad. 

About two o'clock on the next morning, May 
1st, the advance of the enemy was met eight 
miles from Bruinsburjih, on the road to Port 
Gibson. They were forced to fall back, but as 
it was dark, were not pursued far until day- 
light. Then Gen. McClernand with his corps 
pressed forward within four miles of Port Gib- 
son. Here the road divided in opposite direc- 
tions. Both branches, however, led to Port 
Gibson. The enemy took a position on each 
branch, and thus divided the pursuing force. 
The nature of the ground was such that a 
very small force could easily retard the progress 
of a much larger one for several hours. The 
roads run on narrow, elevated ridges, with 
deep and impenetrable ravines on each side. 
The corps of Gen. McClernand was so divided 
that on the right were the divisions of Gens. 
Eovey, Carr, and Smith, and on the left the di- 
vision of Gen. Osterhaus. The three former 
succeeded in driving the enemy from position 
to position stendily back toward Port Gibson. 
On the left, Gen. Osterhaus was unable to 
move the enemy until he was reenforced by a 
brigade of Gen. Logan's division, which was 
the advance of Gen. McPherson's corps. An- 
other brigade of the same division was sent to 
Gen. McClernand on the right, and the enemy 
were so badly repulsed there as to be able to 
make no further stand south of Bayou Pierre. 
Late in the afternoon, Gen. Osterhaus was suc- 
cessful in repulsing the enemy, whom he pur- 
sued toward Port Gibson, but night closing in 
and the enemy making the appearance of 
another stand, the troops slept upon their arms 
until daylight. On the morning of the 2d, it 
was found that the enemy had retreated across 
Bayou Pierre, on the Grand Gulf road, and a 
brigade of Gen. Logan's division was sent to 
divert his attention whilst a floating bridge 
was thrown across the Bayou at Port Gibson. 
This bridge was completed, and Gen. McPher- 
son's corps passed over and marched eight 



348 



MILITAET AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



miles to the north bank of Bcayou Pierre, built 
a bridge over that stream, and the advance 
commenced passing over it at five o'clock on 
the following morning. On the 3d, the enemy 
were pursued to Hawkinson's Ferry, with 
slight skirmishing all day, during which quite 
a number of prisoners, mostly stragglers, were 
taken. The following despatch from Gen. 
Grant was sent to "Washington : 

Grand Gplf, May 1th. 
To Mawr- General Rdleclc., General-in-Chief : 

We landed at Bruinsburg, April 30, moved immedi- 
ately on Port Gibson, met the enemy, 11,000 strong, 
four miles south of Port Gibson, at 2 o'clock a. m., on 
the 1st instant, and engaged him all day, entirely rout- 
ing him, with the loss of many killed and about 500 
prisoners, besides the wounded. The enemy retreated 
toward Vicksburg, destroying the bridges over the 
two forks of the Bayou Pierre. These were rebuilt, 
and the pursuit was continued until the present time. 
Besides the heavy artillery at this place, four field 
pieces were captured, and some stores, and the enemy 
was driven to destroy many more. The country is the 
most broken and difficult to operate in I ever saw. 
Our victory has been most complete, and the enemy is 
thoroughly demoralized. ■ 

Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, 

Major-General Commanding. 

These movements of Gen. Grant had caused 
the evacuation of Grand Gulf, and Admiral 
Porter, upon making a movement to attack 
that position on the 3d, found that it had been 
abandoned. He then sent the following des- 
patch to the Navy Department : 

Flag Ship Bbnton, Gkand Gulf, Miss,, \ 
May 3rf, 1863. \ 

To the Hon. Gideon Welles, Sec'y of the Navy : 

Sir: I have the honor to report that I got under 
way this morning with the Lafayette, Carondclet, 
Mound City, and Pittsburg, and proceeded up to the 
forts at Grand Gulf, for the purpose of attacking them 
again if they had not been abandoned. 

The enemy had left before we got up, blowing up 
their ammunition, spiking their large guns and bury- 
ing or taking away their lighter ones. Tlie armament 
consisted of thirteen guns in all. The works are of 
the most extensive kind, and would seem to defy the 
efforts of a much heavier fleet than the one which 
silenced them. 

The forts were literally torn to pieces by the ac- 
curacy of our fire. Col. Wade, the commandant of 
the batteries, was killed; also his chief of staff. 
Eleven men were killed that we know of, and our in- 
formant says many were wounded, and that no one 
was permitted to go inside the forts after the action, 
except those belonging there. 

We had a hard tight for these forts, and it is with 
great pleasure that I report that the navy holds the 
door to Vicksburg. Grand Gulf is the strongest place 
on the Mississippi. Had the enemy succeeded in fin- 
ishing the fortifications, no fleet could have taken 
them. 

I have been all over the works, and find them as fol- 
lows: One fort, on a point of rocks 75 feet high, cal- 
culated for six or seven guns, mounting two 7-inch 
rifled and one S-inch, and oue Parrott gun on wheels, 
which was carried off. On the left of this work is 
a triangular work, calculated to mount one heavy 
gun. 

These works are connected with another fort by a 
covered way and double rifle pits extending a quarter 
of a mile, constructed with much labor, and showing 
great skill on the part of the constructor. The third 
fort commands the river in all directions. It mounted 
one splendid Blakely 100-pounder, one S-inch and two 



30-pouDders. The latter were lying burst or broken 
on the ground. 

The gunboats had so covered up everything that it 
was impossible at first to see what was there, with the 
exception of the guns that were dismounted or broken. 
Every gun that fell into our hands is in good condi- 
tion, and we found a large quantity of ammunition. 
These are by far the most extensively built works, with 
the exception of those at Vicksburg, that I have seen 
yet, and I am happy to say that we hold them. 

I am dismounting the guns, and getting on board 
the ammunition. 

Since making the above examination, new forts have 
been passed nearly finished. They had no guns mount- 
ed, but were complete of the kind as regards position, 
and had heavy field pieces in them. 

(Signed) DAVID D. PORTER, 

Acting Rear- Admiral, Com'g Mississippi Squadron. 

Gen, Grant now made the necessary arrange- 
ments for changing his base of supplies from 
Bruinsburg to Grand Gulf. From Milliken's 
Bend to New Carthage a water communica- 
tion had been opened by the Roundaway ba- 
you, and troops occupied positions along the 
route from Milliken's Bend to Dallas and thence 
to New Carthage. A strong body also occu- 
pied Ptichmond, situated in the angle formed 
by the junction of the Brashy with Eoundaway 
bayou. 

When the army moved from Milliken's Bend, 
the fifteenth corps, under Maj.-Gen. W. T. Sher- 
man, remained to be the last to follow. Gen. 
Sherman had also been ordered to make a 
demonstration on Haines's Bluff, in order to 
prevent heavy reenforcements leaving Vicks- 
burg to assist the Confederate forces-at Grand 
Gulf. Gen. Sherman moved upon Haines's 
Bluff, landing his forces on the south bank of 
the Yazoo, and the attack was made chiefly by 
the gunboats, on the 6th of May, The iron- 
clads De Kalb and Choctaw, with other gun- 
boats, engaged the batteries for six hours, dur- 
ing which the Choctaw was struck fifty-four 
times. The enemy displayed a strong force, 
and anticipated a battle. On the 7th the ex- 
pedition returned, and the military part pre- 
pared to join Gen. Grant. It was entirely 
successful in preventing reenforcements to the 
enemy at Port Gibson, 

It had been the purpose of Gen. Grant, up to 
the time of crossing the Mississippi, to collect all 
his forces at Grand Gulf, and to get on hand a 
good supply of provisions and ordnance stores, 
before moving against Vicksburg from the 
south. He had also determined, in the mean 
while, to detach an army corps to cooperate 
with Gen. Banks on Port Hudson, and effect a 
junction of forces. But this plan was given 
up by him in consequence of learning that 
Gen, Banks could not return to Baton Rouge 
from his position west of the Mississippi before 
the 10th of May ; and that by the reduction 
of Port Hudson he could not joia Gen. Grant 
with more than 12,000 men. The delay also 
for the arrival of Gen. Banks at Baton 
Eouge, and then for the reduction of Port 
Hudson, would be so great that the addition 
of 12,000 men to his forces would not make 
him relatively so strong for the attack upon 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION, 



349 



Vicksburg, as if it was at that time promptly 
made. Another reason for a change of his first 
plan, and in favor of a prompt movement on 
Vicksburg, was the information that troops 
were expected at Jackson from the Southern 
cities under command of Gen. Beauregard. 

Meanwhile the army was lying at Hawkin- 
son's Ferry, waiting for wagons, supplies, and 
the arrival of Gen. Sherman's corps. Hawkin- 
son's was the lowest of three ferries over the 
Big Black below the railroad. HalFs and Bald- 
win's were the names of the others. It was 
on a new military road from Grand Gulf to 
Vicksburg. 

In order to facilitate Gen. Grant's operations 
by destroying the enemy's lines of commimica- 
tion and preventing the early concentration of 
reenforcements, a cavalry raid of unusual bold- 
ness was made in the rear of Vicksburg. Col. 
Benj. H. Grierson, commanding the first cav- 
alry brigade, had proposed a descent into the 
State of Mississippi, without meeting the ap- 
proval of the commanding general until the 
1st of April, when he was instructed to pre- 
pare for an expedition. The force was sta- 
tioned at Lagrange about fifty miles east of 
Memphis, and four miles west of the junction 
of the Mississippi and Charleston railroad. On 
the l7th, Col. Grierson was ordered to move his 
force, consisting of the 6th Illinois cavalry, Col. 
Loomis, 7th Illinois, Ool. Edward Prince, and 
2d Iowa, Col. Edward Hatch, out on the road 
to Ripley. Feints had previously been made 
from Lagrange, Memphis, and Corinth, in or- 
to divert the attention of the enemy from the 
real movement. Early on the next day, the 
18th, the force proceeded to Ripley : from that 
village, the 2d Iowa, advancing on the left flank 
of the column, took a southeasterly direction, 
and crossed the Tallahatchie about five miles 
northeast of New Albany. Meanwhile the 
main body proceeded directly south and crossed 
the river two miles east of New Albany. At 
the same time a battalion of the 7th Illinois 
marched on the right flank and crossed the 
river at New Albany. Skirmishing was kept 
up throughout the day by all the forces with 
detached bodies of the enemy, who were on 
both sides of the river, but unable to impede 
the progress of Col. Grierson. At night the 
6th and 7th encamped about four miles south 
of New Albany, and the 2d Iowa about four 
miles east of that place. About midnight an 
attack was made upon this regiment, which 
was promptly repulsed. On the morning of 
the 19th a detachment was ordered by Col. 
Grierson to proceed eastward, another to move 
back to New Albany, and a third to march 
northwest toward King's Bridge, where a Con- 
federate force under Mnj. Clialmers was re- 
ported to be encamped. These movements 
were designed to lead the enemy to believe 
that the object of the expedition was to break 
up the difl:erent military organizations in that 
part of the country. This was successful. 
About nine o'clock the main body resumed its 



march in a southerly direction, with the 2d 
Iowa on its left flank. The various detach- 
ments which had been sent out soon joined 
the main column, and the whole force pro- 
ceeded to Pontotoc. A small Confederate 
force was here encountered, and pursued 
through the town by the advance, and their 
entire camp equipage was captured, and also 
four hundred bushels of salt, which. were de- 
stroyed at night. Col. Grierson encamped six 
miles south of Pontotoc, on the road leading 
to Houstonu 

Early the next morning, Major Lall, of the 
2d Iowa, with about one hundred and seventy- 
five of the least effective portion of the com- 
mand, one piece of artillery, and all the pris- 
oners, moved northward, on the return to 
Lagrange. The object of Col. Grierson, in 
ordering this movement, was to relieve his 
command of incumbrances, and to lead the 
enemy to believe that the expedition had re- 
traced its steps. The march southward was 
then resumed, and the force encamped that 
night about ten miles beyond the town of 
Houston. 

On the next day, the 21st, Col. Hatch, of 
the 2d Iowa, was ordered to move his com- 
mand toward Columbus, and destroy as much 
of the Mobile and Ohio railroad as possible, to 
attack Columbus if the opposing force was not 
too strong, and march thence to Lagrange, 
taking such route as he might consider to be 
the most suitable. In this movement, Col. 
Hatch was quite successful. It entirely mis- 
led Gen. Chalmers, who was in pursuit of 
Col. Grierson, and gave the latter a start of 
two or throe days. The main body now con- 
tinued its march to Starkville, and captured a 
mail, which was destroyed. At Dismal Swamp, 
four miles from Starkville, a halt was ordered, 
and a part of the command continued on five 
miles farther to one of the principal tanneries 
in the State, which was destroyed, with a large 
stock of boots, shoes, saddles, and leather. 

On the 22d, the command again united and 
marched twenty-seven miles, nearly to Louis- 
ville, Mississippi. The deep streams and marsh- 
es made the route very difficult and perilous. 
On the next morning the command reached 
Philadelphia; here a mail was captured and 
destroyed. About daylight, on the next morn- 
ing, Newton was reached, where two trains of 
cars, loaded with all kinds of quartermaster 
and commissary stores, ammunition, and shells, 
were captured, and their contents destroyed. 
One bridge was destroyed about half a mile 
east of the place, and three heavy trestlework 
bridges ten miles farther up the railroad. On 
the 25th, Col. Grierson reached Nichols's Plan- 
tation, seven miles west of Montrose. A more 
southerly route was now pursued. At Raleigh 
a halt was ordered for the night, and a scout 
sent to cut the telegraph wires on the railroad 
between Lake Station and Jackson. On arriv- 
ing within seven miles of the railroad, a regi- 
ment of Confederate cavalry was met, which had 



350 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



left Brandon in search of Col. Grierson. They 
were on the direct road to his camp, and only 
fourteen miles distant. The scout succeeded in 
misleading the enemy, and returned safely to 
camp. Col. Grierson immediately moved his 
command over Leaf river, and destroyed the 
bridge, thereby preventing the possibility of a 
surprise in the rear. The command then moved 
on to Westville, and crossed the Pearl river at 
a point ten miles distant from the latter place. 
Two battalit)ns, which had been sent out in ad- 
vance, under Col. Prince, moved rapidly to the 
railroad station at Hazelhurst, and captured 
forty cars, loaded with shell ammunition, quar- 
termaster's and commissary stores. 

When south of Starkville, Capt. Forbes, of 
Co. B, 7th Dlinois, was ordered to march to 
Macon. As he approached within a short dis- 
tance of that place, he found it occupied by a 
considerable force of the enemy. He then 
moved to Newton, and thence to Enterprise, 
one hundred miles east of the main body of Col. 
.Grierson's force. Here he sent a flag of truce 
to Col. Goodwin, commanding the Confederate 
force in the place, and demanded his surrender. 
Col. Goodwin requested one hour in which to 
determine his reply. But Capt. Forbes, finding 
the enemy to be stronajer than he had supposed, 
and having accomplished his object in divert- 
ing their attention, before the expiration of the 
hour commenced a rapid movement to join 
Col. Grierson, then more than a day's march 
distant. Taking a westward course, he soon 
struck the route of the main body at Pearl 
river, and etFected a junction. Near Galla- 
tin a 32-pouud Parrott gun, destined for Port 
Gibson, was captured and spiked. Five miles 
east of Gallatin, a detachment was sent to 
the railroad at Bahala, which destroyed the 
track, several cars, water tanks, and a consider- 
able amount of other property, and cut the tele- 
graph wires. On the morning of the 28th, Brook- 
haven was entered by the advance so suddenly 
that two hundred of the enemy were surprised 
and made prisoners, A large number of mus- 
kets and five hundred tents, at a camp of in- 
struction, were destroyed. The main body, 
after leaving Gallatin, encountered a cavalry 
force und/3r Col. Garland, when a skirmish en- 
sued, in which several of the enemy were killed 
and others taken prisoners. A feint, for the pur- 
pose of deceiving the enemy, was made toward 
Port Gibson, and another toward Natchez, 
when the main body marched to Brookhaven. 

On the 30th, Col. Grierson moved in a south- 
erly direction, and destroyed all the bridges be- 
tween Brookhaven and Bogue Chito Station. 
At the latter place fifteen cars, partly loaded 
with army stores, were destroyed, together 
with the depot and other railroad build- 
ings. The force then marched to Summit, 
where twenty-five freight cars were destroyed. 
Thence Col. Grierson moved from the railroad 
to a point between Magnolia and Liberty, for 
the purpose of reaching the Clinton road. Find- 
ing a regiment of the enemy's cavalry at Wall's 



bridge, on the Tickfaw, a dash was made 
upon them, in which eight or ten were killed, 
several wounded, and the rest put to flight. 
The loss of Col. Grierson was one killed and five 
wounded. Moving then east of the Tickfaw a 
short distance, the march was continued directly 
southward. At Edwards's bridge another regi- 
ment of the enemy's cavalry was posted, pur- 
posely to dispute the passage. A battalion was 
sent to engage them, while the main body mov- 
ed on in the direction of Greensburg. Only a few 
brief skirmishes took place with this regiment. 
The march thus far had proved a constant sur- 
prise to the inhabitants, and as it was supposed 
that Col. Grierson woidd return to Lagrange, 




GULF 



MILITARY XSI) NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



351 



arrangements had been made to cut off Lis re- 
treat. It was apparent now that his intention 
was not to return, but to march through the 
State. Preparations were therefore made at 
Osyka to stop his progress. It was well known 
that to advance any farther south it would be 
necessary for him to cross several bridges. 
Hence a regiment of Confederate cavalry was 
so posted as to flank his force, while a body of 
infantry was thrown in his front, to hold him 
in check until the cavalry could make an at- 
tack upon his flank and rear. Col. Grierson, 
understanding his danger, at once ordered a 
charge upon the infantry, and, with one dash, 
broke through their lines, and soon left them 
far in the rear. Fortunately he met with no 
loss, and continued his march south to Greens- 
burg, thence direct to Clinton. About ten miles 
above that town he crossed the Amite river. 
On the Big Sandy creek a camp of partisan 
rangers was found, which he attacked, and de- 
stroyed one hundred and fifty tents, with the 
camp equipage and private baggage. Several 
horses were also captured. He then marched 
on the Greenville Spring road toward Baton 
Rouge. About ten miles from the latter place 
he suddenly came upon a force of cavalry, 
under Col. Stewart, and captured the entire 
body. About four o'clock in the afternoon of 
the 1st of Mny he entered the city of Baton 
Rouge, Louisiana. In seventeen days the troops 
had marched over eight hundred miles through 
the heart of the State of Mississippi. A large 
number of the enemy Avere killed and wound- 
ed, and it was estimated that over four millions 
of property were destroyed. On two imj)ortant 
railroads communications were cut oflf with 
strong positions of the enemy. Over a thou- 
sand prisoners and more than twelve hundred 
horses were captured, and great excitement 
was created throughout the State. 

Meantime, as the army of Gen. Grant lay at 
Hawkinson's Ferry, waiting for supplies and the 
arrival of Gen. Sherman's corps, demonstrations 
were made to induce the enemy to think that 
route and tlie one by Hall's Ferry, next above 
on the Big Black river, were objects of much 
solicitude to Gen. Grant. Reconnoissanceswere 
made on the west side of the Big Black river, 
extending within six miles of Warrenton. 

On the 'Tth of May an advance was ordered. 
Gen. McPherson's corps were required to keep 
the road nearest Black river to Rocky Springs. 
Gen. McClernand's corps moved on the ridge 
road running from Willow Springs, and Gen. 
Sherman followed, with his corps divided on 
the two roads. All the ferries were closely 
guarded until the troops were well advanced. 
It was the intention of Gen. Grant here to hug 
the Big Black river as closely as possible with 
Gen. McClernand's and Gen. Sherman's corps, 
and thus get them to the Jackson and Vicks- 
biirg railroad, at some point between Edwards's 
Station and Bolton. Gen. McPherson was or- 
dered to move by way of Utica to Raymond, 
and from thence into Jackson, destroying the 



railroads, telegraph, public stores, &c., and then 
push west to rejoin the main force. Gen. Sher- 
man moved forward on the Edwards's Station 
road, crossing Fourteen Mile creek at Dillon's 
Plantation. Gen. McClernand moved across 
the same creek farther west, sending one di- 
vision of his corps by the Baldwin's Ferry road 
as far as the river. At the crossing of Fourteen 
Mile creek, both Gens. McClernand and Sher- 
man had considerable skirmishing with the 
enemy to get possession of the crossing. On the 
evening of that day, May 11th, Gen. Grant sent 
the following despatch to Maj.-Gen. Halleck, 
at Washington ; 

My force will be this evening as far advanced along 
Fourteen Mile creek, the left near Black river, and ex- 
tending in a line nearly east and west, as they can get 
without bringing on a general engagement. I shall 
communicate with Grand Gulf no more, except it be- 
comes necessary to send a train with a heavy escort. 
You may not hear from me again for several weeks. 

That night Gen. McClernand's corps was 
near Black river. Gen. Sherman, in the cen- 
tre of the line, was at and beyond Auburn ; and 
Gen. McPherson, about eight miles to the right, 
with his corps, had advanced a few miles north 
of Utica. Corn, salt meat, and live stock were 
found abundant. 

On the next morning, Tuesday, May 12th, 
Gen. McClernand's advance drove in the en- 
emy's pickets, and brisk skirmishing ensued for 
an hour or two, with little loss on either side. 
By noon the enemy had disappeared from his 
front. Gen. Slierman early set a division in 
motion, which came upon the enemy at the 
crossing of Fourteen Mile creek. The cavaky 
advance was fired upon from the thick woods 
that skirt the stream, and was unable, owing 
to the nature of the ground, to make a charge 
or clear the enemy from their position. A bat- 
tery was brought forward, supported by two 
regiments, and skirmishers thrown out, who 
drove the enemy slowly until a brigade was 
thrown upon their right and left flanks, when 
they withdrew toward Raymond. The prin- 
cipal resistance to the line of march was, how- 
ever, in front of Gen. McPherson. At ten 
o'clock his advance, under Gen. Logan, came 
upon a Confederate force, estimated at ten 
thousand, but which proved to be two brigades 
under Gens. Gregg and Walker, posted on Fon- 
dreu's creek, about two miles south of Ray- 
mond. Brisk skirmishing began at once, which 
soon brought on a general engagement. The 
enemy was almost wholly concealed at first by 
the woods bordering the stream, behind which 
their forces were posted. Their artillery was 
on an eminence, which commanded the Fed- 
eral approach. The battle continued for three 
hours, when the enemy, after heavy loss in kill- 
ed, wounded, and missing, withdrew in two col- 
umns, the principal one taking the road to Jack- 
son. Gen. McPherson immediately occupied 
Raymond. 

Gen. Grant was at this time with Gen. Sher- 
man's corps, and had ordered that corps and also 
Gen. McClernand's to move toward the rail- 



352 



MILITAEY ^VXD XATAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOX. 



road from Yicksburg to Jackson bv parallel roads, 
the latter in the direction of Edvrards's Station, 
and the former to a point on the railroad be- 
tween Edwards's Station and Bolton. But he 
afterward ordered these two corps to march to 
Raymond, in consequence of being informed 
that the enemy had retreated to Jackson after 
the defeat near Raymond, and also that reen- 
forcements were daily arriving at Jackson, and 
that Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was hourly ex- 
pected there to take the command in person. 
He says: "I therefore determined to make 
sure of that place, and leave no enemy in my 
rear."' 

On the next day, the 13th, Gen. McPherson 
moved to Clinton, and destroyed the railroads 
and telegraph, and captured some important 
despatches from Gen.Pembertonto Gen. Gregg, 
■who had command on the previous day in the 
battle of Raymond. Gen. Sherman moved to a 
parallel position on the Mississippi Springs and 
Jackson road, and Gen. McClernand moved to 
a point near Raymond. 

On the Irtth, Gen. ilePherson and Gen. 
Sherman each advanced from his respective 
position toward Jackson. The rain had fallen 
in torrents during the night before, and it con- 
tinned to fall until about noon, thus making 
the roads at first slippery, and then miry. 
Nevertheless, the troops marched in excellent 
order and spirits about fourteen miles, when 
they came upon the enemy. The main body of 
their force in Jackson had marched out on the 
Clinton road, and encountered Gen. McPher- 
son about two and a half miles from the city. 
A small force of artillery and infantry also took 
a strong position in front of Gen. Sherman, 
about the same distance out from Jackson. 

On the march of Gen. McPherson from Clin- 
ton toward Jackson, Gen. Crocker's division 
held the advance. All was quiet until he reach- 
ed a hill overlooking a broad open field, through 
the centre of which, and over the crest of the 
hill beyond, the road to Jackson passed. On the 
left of this latter hill the enemy had posted his 
artillery, and along the crest his line of battle. 
As the Federal force came within range, the 
artillery of the enemy opened fire. The bat- 
tery of the First Missouri was moved to the left 
of a cotton gin in the open field, and returned 
the fire for nearly an hour, when the guns of 
the enemy were withdrawn. Meantime, Gen. 
Crocker had thrown out two brigades to the 
right and left of his battery, supported by an- 
other brigade at a proper distance, and had also 
pushed forward a strong line of skirmishers, 
and posted them in a ravine in front, which 
protected them from the fire of the enemy. Af- 
ter a little delay they were again advanced out 
of cover, and a desultory fire ensued between 
the opposite lines of skirmishers, in which the 
enemy, owing to the nature of the ground, had 
the atlvantage. At length Gen. Crocker, seeing 
the necessity of driving the rebels from the 
crest of the hill, ordered a charge along the 
line, the execution of which has been thus 



described: ""With colors flying, and "with a 
step as measured and unbroken as if on dress 
parade, the movement was executed. Slowly 
they advanced, crossed the narrow ravine, and, 
with fixed bayonets, reached the crest of the hill 
in easy range of the rebel line. Here they re- 
ceived a tremendous volley, which caused pain- 
ful gaps in their ranks. They held their fire un- 
til they were within a distance of thirty paces, 
"when they delivered the returning volley with 
fearful efl:ect, and, without waiting to reload 
their muskets, with a terrific yell, they rushed 
upon the staggered foe. Over the fences, through 
the brushwood, into the inclosure, they worked 
their way, slaughtering on the right and left 
without mercy. The enemy, astonished at their 
impetuosity, wavered and fell back, rallied 
again, and finally broke in wild confusion." 
They finally retreated north, but without fur- 
ther damage. 

"When Gen. Sherman encountered the en- 
emy, he soon discovered the weakness of the 
latter by sending a reconnoitering party to his 
right, which had the effect of causing them to 
retreat from that part of their line. A few 
of the artillerists, however, remained in their 
places, firing upon Gen. Sherman's troops until 
the last moment, evidently having been in- 
structed to do so with the expectation of being 
captured in the end. 

At this time Gen. McClernand occupied Clin- 
ton with one division, Mississippi Springs with 
another, Raymond with a third, and his fourth 
division and Gen. Blair's division of Gen. Sher- 
man's corps were with a wagon train, still in 
the rear near Auburn. At the same time Gen. 
McArthur, with one brigade of Lis division of 
Gen. McPhersoii's corps, was moving toward 
Raymond on the Utica road. It was not the 
intention of Gen. Grant to move these forces 
any nearer Jackson, but to have them in a po- 
sition where they could be in supporting dis- 
tance if the resistance at Jackson should prove 
more obstinate than there seemed any reason 
to expect. 

On the retreat of the enemy, Gen. McPher- 
son followed directly into the city of Jackson. 
A fine battery of six pieces was found, and 
around the Deaf and Dumb Institute, which 
was used as a hospital, tents enough were 
seized to encamp an entire division. The com- 
missary and quartermaster's stores were in 
flames. The Governor and State Treasurer had 
withdrawn, taking the State funds and papers. 
All citizens oflBcially connected with State or 
Confederate Governments had also left. Many 
soldiers remained, besides a large ntmiber in 
the hospital. 

At night. Gen. Grant, who with Gen. Sher- 
man's corps had arrived at Jackson, was in- 
formed that Gen. Johnston, as soon as he had 
satisfied himself that Jackson was to be at- 
tacked, had ordered Gen. Pemberton peremp- 
torily to march out from Vicksburg and attack 
the Federal rear. Availing himself of this 
information, he immediately issued orders to 



MLITAEY AXD XAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



353 




354 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



Gen. McClernand, ai]d to Gen. Blair of Sher- 
man's corps, to face their troops toward Bol- 
ton, with a view to reaching Edwards's Station 
by marching on different roads, Avhich con- 
verged near Bolton. Gen. McPherson was 
ordered to retrace his steps on the Clinton 
road, early on the morning of the 15th. Gen. 
Sherman was left in Jackson to destroy the 
railroads, bridges, factories, workshops, arse- 
nals, and everything valuable for the support 
of the enemy. On the afternoon of the 15th, 
Gen. Grant proceeded as far west as Clinton, 
through which place Gen. McPherson's corps 
had passed to within supporting distance of 
Gen. Hovey's division of Gen. McClernand's 
corps, which had moved that day on the same 
road to within one and a half mile of Bolton. 
The country from Jackson to Bolton is rugged 
and broken, with a succession of hills and val- 
leys, precipitous steeps and deep ravines, over 
and through which the road passes. Gen. 
Grant, on reaching Clinton, about five o'clock 
p. M., ordered Gen. McClernand to move his 
command early the next morning toward Ed- 
wards's Station, marching so as to feel the 
enemy, if he encountered him, but not to 
bring on a general engagement unless he was 
confident he was able to defeat him. Gen. Blair 
was also ordered to move with Gen. McCler- 
nand. 

Early the next morning, two persons em- 
ployed on the Jackson and Yicksburg railroad, 
who had passed through the army of Gen. 
Pemberton on the night before, were brought 
to the headquarters of Gen. Grant. They 
stated that the force of Gen. Pemberton con- 
sisted of about eighty regiments, with ten bat- 
teries of artillery, and that the whole force 
was estimated at near twenty-five thousand 
men. They also described the positions taken 
by the enemy, and his intention to attack the 
Federal rear. Gen. Grant had determined to 
leave one division of Gen. Sherman's corps 
one day longer in Jackson, but after this infor- 
mation he resolved to bring his entire com- 
mand up at once, and accordingly sent orders 
to him to move with all possible speed until he 
came up with the main force at Bolton. A 
despatch was sent to Gen. Blair at the same 
time, to push forward his division in the direc- 
tion of Edwards's Station with all possible des- 
patch. Gen. McClernand was also ordered to 
establish communication between Gen. Blair 
and Gen. Osterhaus of his corps, and to keep 
it up, moving the former to the support of the 
latter. Gen. McPherson was also ordered for- 
ward at 5.45 A. M., to join Gen. McClernand. 
The information received was communicated 
to Gen. McClernand, with instructions as to the 
disposition of his forces. 

Early on the morning of the 16th, Gen. 
Grant left Clinton for the advance, and on ar- 
riving at the point where the road from Ray- 
mond to Bolton crosses the Jackson and Vicks- 
burg railroad, he found Gen. McPherson's 
advance and his pioneer corps engaged in 



rebuilding a bridge on the latter road, that 
had been destroyed by the cavalry of Gen. 
Osterhaus's division, which had gone into Bol- 
ton the night before. On reaching the front, 
Gen. Grant found Gen. Hovey's division of the 
thirteenth corps at a halt, with his skirmishers 
and the enemy's pickets near each other. Gen. 
Hovey was bringing his troops into line, ready 
for battle, and could have brought on an engage- 
ment at any moment. The enemy had taken 
up a very strong position on a narrow ridge. 
His left rested on a height where the road 
made a sharp turn to the left, as it approached 
Vicksburg. The top of the ridge and the 
precipitous hillside to the left of the road were 
covered by a dense forest and undergrowth. 
To the right of the road the woods extended a 
short distance down the liill, and then were 
cultivated fields on a gentle slope spreading 
into an extensive valley. Gen. Hovey's division 
was disposed for the attack on the road nnd 
into the wooded ravine and hillside, while 
Gen. McPherson's force, excepting Gen. Ran- 
som's brigade, which arrived after the battle, 
were thrown to the right of the road, which 
was properly the enemy's rear. Still Gen. 
Grant would not allow an attack to be com- 
menced by his troops until he could hear from 
Gen. McClernand, who was advancing with four, 
divisions, two of which were on a road inter- 
secting the Jackson road about one mile from 
the position occupied by the above-mentioned 
troops, and about the centre of the enemy's 
line ; the other two divisions were on a road 
still farther north, and nearly the same distance 
otf. Learning that Gen. McClernand was dis- 
tant two and a half miles. Gen. Grant sent or- 
ders to him to push forward with all rapidity. 
Meanwhile the continued firing between Gen. 
Hovey's skirmishers and the enemy grew into 
a battle by eleven o'clock. At first this divis- 
ion bore the brunt of the conflict, but finding 
the enemy too strong for them, one brigade 
and then another of Gen. Crocker's division 
of Gen. McPherson's corps was ordered to re- 
enforcc them. Meanwhile Gen. Logan's division 
of McPherson's corps was working upon the 
enemy's left and rear, which weakened exceed- 
ingly their attack in front. Here their force 
outnumbered the Federal force. Gen. McCler- 
nand was, however, expected momentarily 
upon the field. But he did not arrive until 
the enemy had been driven from the field after 
a terrible contest of hours, in which he met 
wdth a heavy loss in killed, wounded, pris- 
oners, and artillery. It appeared afterward 
that the road to Vicksburg, after following the 
ridge in a southerly direction about one mile, 
intersecting one of the roads to Raymond, 
turned almost to the west, down the hill and 
across the valley in which Gen. Logan was op- 
erating on the rear of the enemy. One brig- 
ade of his division had, unconscious of this 
fact, penetrated nearly to this road, and com- 
pelled the enemy to retreat to avoid capture. 
As it was, much of his artillery and Gen. Lor- 



MILITARY AND iTAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



355 



ing's division of his army were cut off, besides 
the prisoners captured. 

On the request of Gen. Hovey for more re- 
enforcements, just before the rout of the enemy 
commenced, Gen. Grant ordered Gen. McPher- 
son to move what troops he could by a left 
flank to the enemy's front. Proceeding to the 
front, and expecting every moment to see the 
enemy, Gen. Grant found, on reaching what 
had been his line, that he was retreating. 
Upon arriving at the Raymond road, Gen. 
Grant perceived a column of troops on the 
left and on the next ridge, which proved to be 
Gen. Carr's division of Gen. McClernand's 
corps. To the left, Gen. Osterhaus's division of 
the same corps soon after appeared with his 
skirmishers well advanced. Gen. Carr was or- 
dered to pursue the enemy with all speed to 
Black river, and to cross it if he could, and 
Gen. Osterhaus was ordered to follow. The 
pursuit continued until after dark, and a train 
of cars loaded with commissary and ordnance 
stores and other property was captured. Gen. 
Grant states that " the delay in the advance 
of the troops immediately with Gen. McOler- 
nand was caused, no doubt, by the enemy pre- 
senting a front of artillery and infantry, where 
it was impossible, from the nature of the ground 
and the density of the forest, to discover his 
numbers. As it was, the battle of Champion's 
Hill, or Baker's Creek, was fought mainly by 
Gen. Hovey's division of McClernand's corps, 
and Gens. Logan's and Quimby's divisions (the 
latter commanded by Brigadier-General M. M. 
Crocker) of McPherson's corps." 

Orders were now sent back to Gen. Sherman 
to turn his corps toward Bridgeport, and Gen. 
Blair was expected to join him at that place. 
Bi-idgeport was on the Black river, and some 
miles north of the railroad. By crossing the 
river at that point. Gen. Sherman would be 
on the flank of the enemy, if they made a 
stand at the railroad crossing of the river. 

At daylight on the next morning, the ITth, 
the pursuit was renewed, with the corps of 
Gen. McClernand in the advance. The enemy 
was found strongly posted on both sides of the 
Black river, at a point where the bluffs on the 
west side extended to the water's edge, but the 
east side was an open cultivated bottom of 
nearly one mile in width, and surrounded by 
a bayou of stagnant water from two to three 
feet in depth and from ten to twenty feet in 
width, extending from the river above the rail- 
road to the river below. Along the inside line 
of this bayou the enemy had constructed rifle- 
pits, with the bayou serving as a ditch on the 
outside and immediately in front of them. 
The division of Gen. Carr occupied the right 
in investing this position, and the brigade of 
Gen. Lawler occupied the right of tlie divi- 
sion. After a few hours' sliirmishing, Gen. 
Lawler discovered that by moving a portion of 
his brigade under cover of the river bank, he 
could get a position from which the enemy 
could be successfully assaulted. He accord- 



ingly ordered a charge. Notwithstanding the 
level ground over which a portion of his troops 
had to pass without cover, and the great obsta- 
cle of the ditch in front of the enemy's works, 
the charge was gallantly and successfully made, 
and in a few minutes the entire garrison with 
seventeen pieces of artillery were the trophies 
of this brilliant movement. The enemy on the 
west bank of the river immediately set fire to 
the railroad bridge and retreated, thereby cut- 
ting off all chance of escape for any portion of 
his forces remaining on the east bank. 

By this time. Gen. Sherman had reached 
Bridgeport on the Black river above. The 
only pontoon train was with him. By the 
morning of the 18th, he had crossed the river 
and was ready to march on Vicksburg. Gens. 
McClernand and McPherson caused floating 
bridges to be constructed during the night, 
and were ready to cross their troops by eight 
o'clock on the next morning. 

Early that morning. Gen. Sherman com- 
menced his march by tlje Bridgeport and Vicks- 
burg road, and, when witliin three and a half 
miles of Vicksljurg, he turned to the right to 
get possession of Walnut Hills and the Yazoo 
river. This was successfully accomplished be- 
fore night. Gen. McPherson crossed the Black 
river above the road to Jackson, and came into 
the same road with Gen. Sherman, but in his 
rear. His advance arrived after nightfall at 
the point where Gen. Sherman turned to the 
right. Gen. McClernand moved by the Jack- 
son and Vicksburg road to Mount Albans, in 
the rear of Vicksburg, and there turned to the 
left to get into the Baldwin's Ferry road. By 
this disposition the three army corps covered 
all the ground their strength would admit of, 
and by the morning of the 19th the investment 
of Vicksburg was made as complete as could be 
by the forces under the command of Gen. Grant. 

In the march from Bruinsburg to Vicksburg, 
only five days' rations were issued, and three 
of these were taken in haversacks at the start, 
and soon exhausted. It was a period of twenty 
days before supplies could be obtained from 
Government stores, during which all other 
subsistence was obtained from the country 
through which the army passed. It was abun- 
dantly supplied with corn, bacon, beef, and 
mutton. Tlie march was commenced without 
wagons except such as could be picked up. 
Communications were at once opened with the 
fleet above Vicksburg, and Gen. Grant's base 
for supplies was changed from Grand Gulf to 
the Yazoo. The movements by which this was 
effected are thus described in a despatch from 
Rear-Admiral Porter to the Secretary of the 
Navy: 

Flag Ship Black Ha-wk, ) 
Haines's Bluff, Yazoo Kiveb, May Wth. j 

To Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy : 

On the morning 'of the 16th I came over to the Yazoo 
to be ready to cooperate with Gen. Grant, leaving two 
of the ironclads at Red River, one at Grand Gulf, one at 
Carthage, three at Warrenton, and two in the Yazoo, 
which left me a small force. Still I disposed of them 



356 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 



to the best advantage. On the 18th, at meridian, fir- 
ing was heard in the rearof Vicksburg, which assured 
me that Gen. Grant was approaching the city. The 
cannonading was kept up furiously for some time, 
when, by the aid of glasses, I discovered a company 
of artillery advancing, taking position, and driving 
the rebels before them. I immediately .saw that Gen. 
Sherman's division had come on to the left of Snyder's 
Bluff, and that the rebels at that place had been cut 
off from joining the forces in the city. 

I despatched the DeKalb, Lieut.-Commander "Wal- 
ker, the Choctaw, Lieut.-Commander Ramsay, the 
Romeo, and Forest Rose, all under command of Lieut.- 
Commander Breese, up the Yazoo, to open commu- 
nication in that way with Gens. Grant and Sherman. 
This I succeeded in doing, and in three hours received 
letters from Gens. Grant, Sherman, and Steele, inform- 
ing me of this vast success, and asking me to send up 
provisions, which was at once done. In the mean time, 
Lieutenant-Commander Walker in the DeKalb pushed 
on to Haines's Blufif, which the enemy had commenced 
evacuating the day before, and a party remained be- 
hind in the hopes of destroying or taking away a large 
amount of ammunition on hand. When they saw the 
gunboats they ran out and left everything in good or- 
der, guns, forts, tents, and equipage of all kinds, which 
fell into our hands. 

As soon as the capture of Haines's BlufiF and the four- 
teen forts was reported to me, I shoved up the gun- 
boats from below to fire on the hill batteries, which 
fire was kept up for two or three hours. At midnight 
they moved up to the town and opened on it for about 
an hour, and continued at intervals during the night 
to annoy the garrison. On the 19th I placed six mor- 
tars in position, with orders to fire night and day as 
rapidly as they could. 

The works at Haines's Bluff are very formidable. 
There are fourteen of the heaviest kind of mounted 
eight and ten inch and seven and a half inch rifle 
guns, with ammunition enough to last a long siege. 
As the gun carriages might again fall into the hands 
of the enemy, I had them burned, blew up the mag- 
azine, and destroyed the works generally. I also 
burned up the encampments, which were permanently 
and remarkably well constructed, looking as though 
the rebels intended to stay some time. Their works 
and encampments covered many acres of ground, and 
the fortifications and rifle pits proper of Haines's Bluff 
extend about a mile and a quarter. Such a network 
efforts I never saw. 

As soon as I got through with the destruction of the 
magazines and other works, I started Lieut.-Com. 
Walker up the Yazoo river with sufficient force to de- 
stroy all the enemy's property in that direction, with 
orders to return with all despatch, and only to proceed 
as far as Yazoo City, where the rebels have a navy 
yard and storehouses. 

In the mean time Gen. Grant has closely invested 
Vicksburg, and has possession of the best command- 
ing points. In a very short time a general assault 
will take place, when 1 hope to announce that Vicks- 
burg has fallen after a series of the most brilliant suc- 
cesses that ever attended an army. 

There has never been a case during the war where 
the rebels have been so successfully beaten at all points, 
and the patience and endurance shown by our army 
and navy for so many months is about being rewarded. 
It is a mere question of a few hours, and then, with 
the exception of Port Hudson, which will follow Vicks- 
burg, the Mississippi will be open its entire length. 
(Signed) 1). D. PORTER, 

Com'g Mississippi Squadron. 

The result of the expedition to Yazoo City 
is thus described in the report of Lieut. Walker, 
addressed to Rear- Admiral Porter : 

U. S. Steamur Bat;on DeKalb, ) 
Mouth Yazoo Kiver, May 2Zd. ) 

Sir : I have the honor to report that in obedience to 
your order I started from Snyder's Bluff on the 20th, 



with the DeKalb, Choctaw, Forest Rose, Linden, and 
Petrel, on an expedition to Yazoo City. Arriving at 
Haines's Bluff, I landed a force and spiked an 8-inch 
gun on the fort there, and burned the carriage. I also 
burned some forty tents left standing, and a steam saw- 
mill. 

Arriving at Yazoo City at 1 p. m., 20th, I was met 
by a committee of citizens, who informed me that the 
place had been evacuated by the military authorities, 
and asking protection. The navy yard and vessels had 
been fired by the enemy. I sent a working party to 
insure the destruction of everything valuable to the 
rebels. The vessels burned were the Mobile, a screw 
vessel, ready for plating; the Republic, which was 
being fitted out for a ram ; and a vessel on the stocks 
— a monster, 310 feet long, 75 feet beam. The navy 
yard contained five saw and planing mills, an exten- 
sive machine shop, carpenter and blacksmith shops, 
and all necessary fixtures for a large building and re- 

f jailing yard, which, with a very large quantity of 
umber, were burned. I also burned a large sawmill 
above the town. Most of the public stores had been re- 
moved ; such as I found in town were taken on board 
the vessels or destroyed. Enclosed I send a list of ar- 
ticles removed or destroyed by Acting Volunteer Lieut. 
Brown, the ofiicer detailed for that purpose. In the 
hospital I found and paroled 1,500 prisoners, a list of 
whom I enclose. 

Returning, I left Yazoo CHy this morning, arriving 
here at 4 p. m. At Liverpool Landing, in a sharp bend 
in the river, we Were attacked by some field guns, and 
about 200 riflemen concealed in the bushes, and for a 
few minutes the firing was very sharp. The enemy 
retreated as soon as the vessels got into position to use 
their guns with effect. The Petrel, Linden, and Choc- 
taw were struck with shot, but received no particular 
injury. Sergt. Stockinger, of this vessel, was killed by 
a rifle shot. The Linden had five wounded, the Petrel 
two, and the Choctaw one. Jlost of the wounds are 
slight. 

After the storming of their position on the 
Big Black river, the Confederate force fell 
hack to Vicksburg, which they reached about 
eight o'clock on Sunday night, the 17th. Their 
army was immediately reorganized, and placed 
as follows : Gen. Smith's division on the ex- 
treme left, Major-Gen. Forney in the centre, 
and Major-Gen. Stephenson on the right. Brig.- 
Gen. Bowen's division of Missouriaus held the 
reserve. 

It has been stated that by the morning of 
Tuesday, the 19th, Vicksburg was invested by 
the Federal army. During that day there was 
a continued skirmishing, and Gen. Grant was 
not without hope of carrying the works. He 
found his forces insufficient to entirely invest 
the works. There was therefore danger that 
the two bodies of the enemy,, under Gens. 
Johnston and Pemberton, might yet efl'ect a 
junction, as it was known that the former 
was receiving large reenforcemsnts from Gen. 
Bragg's army in Middle and Eastern Tennessee, 
He therefore ordered a general assault to be 
made at two o'clock in the afternoon. This Avas 
made by the fifteenth army corps, which arrived 
in time before the works ofi the previous day 
to get a good position. The thirteenth and 
seventeenth corps succeeded in gaining an ad- 
vanced position covered from the fire of the 
enemy. A Confederate report of the action of 
Tuesday is as follows : " On Tuesday morning, 
before daylight, they opened fire from their 
batteries, our guns responding immediately and 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



357 



with fine effect, compelling the enemy to shift 
their batteries several times. At the same time 
the enemy endeavored to throw forward a body 
of sharpshooters, but were prevented hj the 
fire of our men from so doing. The artillery 
duel and sharpshooting continued for about 
three hours, when Gen. Pemberton rode up 
and ordered our men to cease firing, as he de- 
sired no artillery duels. In obedience to the 
order, our men ceased firing, and the result was 
that next morning, the enemy, emboldened by 
our silence, approached one hundred yards 
nearer than they were the day before, without 
any opposition. On Tuesday the enemy made 
their first assault on the line of works held by 
Brig.-Gen. Shoup's brigade of Louisianians. 
They marched up in one solid column, our men 
withholding their fire until the enemy had ap- 
proached within thirty yards of the lines, when 
they opened a terrific volley of musketry. The 
enemy wavered a moment, and then marched 
forward. They were again met by another 
volley, when they broke and fled under cover 
of the hills. This was the only attempt made 
on that day to force our lines, and the attempt 
■was evidently made more with the intention 
of ' feeling ' our lines than with any serious 
idea of storming them." 

By the 21st, the arrangements of Gen. Grant 
for drawing supplies of every description were 
completed, and he determined to make another 
effort to cari'y Vicksburg by assault. His rea- 



sons for this are thus stated : " I believed an 
assault from the position gained by this time 
could be made successfully. It was known that 
Johnston was at Canton with the force taken by 
him from Jackson, reenforced by other troops 
from the east, and that more were daily reach- 
ing him. With the force I had, a short time 
must have enabled him to attack me in the 
rear, and possibly to succeed in raising the siege. 
Piissession of Vicksburg at that time would 
have enabled me to turn upon Johnston and 
drive him from the State, and possess myself 
of all the railroads and practical military high- 
ways, thus effectually securing to ourselves all 
territory west of the Tombigbee, and this be- 
fore the season was too far advanced for cam- 
paigning in this latitude. It would have saved 
Government sen ding large recnforcements much 
needed elsewhere ; and, finally, tlie troops 
themselves were impatient to possess Vicks- 
burg, and would not have worked in the 
trenches with the same zeal, believing it un- 
necessary, that they did after their failure to 
carry the enemy's works." 

Accordingly, orders were issued on the 21st 
for a general assault on the whole line, to com- 
mence at 10 A. M. on the next day. This as- 
sault is thus described by Gen. Grant : " All 
the corps commanders set their time by mine, 
that there should be no difference between 
them in the movement of assault. Promptly at 
the hour designated, the three army corps then 



^^LA/^r ^z.a^^. 




caL£ of mi lbs 



358 



MTLITAEY AND FAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



in front of the enemy's works commenced the 
assault. I had taken a commanding position near 
McPherson's front, and from which I could see 
all the advancing columns from his corps, and 
a part of each of Sherman's and McCIernand's. 
A portion of the commands of each succeeded 
in planting their flags on the outer slopes of 
the enemy's bastions, and maintained them 
there until night. Eacli corps had many more 
men than could possibly be used in the assault, 
over such ground as intervened between them 
and the enemy. More men could only avail in 
case of breaking through the enemy's line or 
in repelling a sortie. The assault was gallant 
in the extreme on the part of all the troops, 
but the enemy's position was too strong, both 
naturally and artificially, to be taken in that 
way. At every point assaulted, and at all of 
them at the same time, the enemy was able to 
show all the force his works could cover. The 
assault failed, I regret to say, with muck loss 
on our side in killed and wounded ; but with- 
out weakening the confidence of the troops in 
their ability to ultimately succeed. 

" No troops succeeded in entering any of the 
enemy's works, with the exception of Sergeant 
Griffith, of the Twenty -first regiment Iowa vol- 
unteers, and some eleven privates of the same 
•regiment. Of these none' returned except the 
sergeant and possibly one man. The work en- 
tered by him, from its position, could give us 
no practical advantage, unless others to the 
right and left of it were carried and held at the 
same time. The assault proved the quality of 
the soldiers of this army. "Without entire suc- 
cess, and with a heavy loss, there was no mur- 
muring or complaining, no falling back, or 
other evidence of demoralization." 

A Confederate report thus describes the 
manner in which the assault was met by them : 
" The days intervening from the 19th to the 
22d were spent in one continued bombarding 
and sharpshooting during the day ; in the night 
they generally ceased firing. On the morning 
of the 22d, the enemy opened a terrific fire with 
their Parrott guns, and continued it till about 
eleven o clock, when the bombardment ceased, 
and heavy columns of the enemy could be seen 
forming in line of battle. Our forces were all 
ready for them, and eager for their advance. 
At about a quarter to twelve, the column of the 
Federal army advanced all along the lines in 
splendid order, and with a loud cheer dashed 
up to the works. They were gallantly respond- 
ed to by our brave boys, and the first charge 
repulsed. On the extreme right of our lines, 
the nature of the ground prevented the enemy 
from making any heavy attack, but on the right 
of the centre, tjie centre, and the left of the 
centre, the assault was desperately made and 
gallantly met. But once did our lines break, 
and that was in Lee's brigade. The enemy 
gained a temporary footing on the rifle pits, 
but Lee quickly rallied his men, and, after a 
desperate hand-to-hand fight, drove them out 
and reoccupied the lines. The engagement 



at this point and at the right of the line, held 
by Brig.-Gen. L. Herbert, was of a terrible na- 
ture, the Federals having thrown their best 
troops on these works. Five times did they 
charge, and each time were repulsed. The last 
charge on the right of Brig.-Gen. Herbert's 
lines was made by an Irish regiment (the Sev- 
enteenth Wisconsin), carrying the green flag 
of Erin. They came at a double quick up the 
hill, each man in the front rank furnished with 
ladders to reach the works. Three times they 
essayed to plant their ladders, but were pre- 
vented by the obstinate resistance oflTered by 
the consolidated Twenty-first and Twenty- 
third Louisiana regiments. At the third charge 
they came within ten yards of the line, but two 
volleys of buckshot from the shotguns of our 
forces compelled them to make a precipitate 
retreat from the front of our works. At about 
2 o'clock they made their last charge, and were 
again repulsed, when they retired, and did not 
attempt any further demonstration that day. 
The loss of the enemy on that day is estimated 
by competent parties at not less than from 
8,000 to 10,000, while our loss was between 
800 and 1,000 in killed and wounded." 

The following despatch of Rear-Admiral Por- 
ter to the Secretary of the Navy, describes the 
part taken in this conflict by the naval force : 

Mississippi Squadeon, Flag Ship Black Hawk, ) 
March 23d, 1868. f 

Sir : On the evening of the 21st I received a com- 
munication from Gen. Grant, informing me that he 
intended to attack the whole of the rebel works at 
10 A. M. the next day, and asking me to shell the 
batteries from 9. SO until 10.30, to annoy the garri- 
sons. I kept six mortars playing rapidly on the works 
and town all night, and sent the Benton, Mound City, 
and Carondelet up to shell the water batteries and 
other places where troops might be resting during the 
night. 

At seven o'clock in the morning, the Mound City 
proceeded across the river, and made an attack on the 
hill batteries opposite the canal. At eight o'clock I 
joined her in company with the Benton, Tuscumbia, 
and Carondelet. All these vessels opened on the hill 
batteries and finally silenced them, though the main 
work on the battery containing the heavy rifled gun 
was done by the Mound City, Lieut.-Conimanding 
Byron Wilson. I then pushed the Benton, Mound 
City, and Carondelet up to the water batteries, leaving 
the 'Tuscumbia, which is still out of repair, to keep the 
hill batteries from firing on our vessels after they had 
passed by. The three gunboats passed up slowly, 
owing to the strong current, the Mound City leading, 
the Benton following, and the Carondelet astern. The 
water batteries opened furiously, supported by a hill 
battery on the starboard beam of the vessels. The 
vessels advanced to within 440 yards (by our marks), 
and returned the tire for two hours without cessa- 
tion, the enemy's fire being very accurate and in- 
cessant. 

Finding that the hill batteries behind us were si- 
lenced, I ordered up the Tuscumbia to within 200 
yards of the batteries, but her tunet was soon made 
untenable. Not standing the enemy's shot, I made 
her drop down. I had been engaged with the forts an 
hour longer than Gen. Grant asked. The vessels had 
all received severe shots under water, which we could 
not stop up while in motion, and not knowing what 
might have delayed the movement of the arm.v, I or- 
dered the vessels to drop out of fire, which they did 
in a cool, handsome manner. This was the hottest 
fire the gunboats have ever been under, but owing to 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



359 



the water batteries being more on a level with them 
than usual, the gunboats threw in their shells so fast 
that the aim of the enemy was not very good. The 
enemy hit our vessels a number of times, but, fight- 
ing bow on, they did but little damage. Not a man 
was killed, and only a few wounded. I had only 
ammunition enough for a few minutes longer, and 
set all hands to work to fill up from our depot be- 
low. 

After dropping back I found that the enemy bad 
taken possession again of one of the lower hill bat- 
teries, and was endeavoring to remount his guns, and 
had mounted a 12-pounder field piece to fire at Gen- 
eral McArthur's troops, which had landed a short 
time before at Warrentou. I sent the Mound City 
and the Carondelet to drive him off, which they did in 
a few moments. 

I beg leave to enclose a letter from Gen. McAr- 
thur, explaining why he did not, to use his own expres- 
sion, take advantage of the result gained by the gun- 
boats. 

I have since learned through General Grant, that 
the army did assault at the right time vigorously. In 
the noise and smoke we could not hear or see it. The 
gunboats were, therefore, still fighting when the as- 
sault had proved unsuccessful. The army had terri- 
ble work before them, and are fighting as well as 
soldiers ever fought before, but the works are stron- 
ger than any of us dreamed of. Gen. Grant and his 
soldiers are confident that the brave and energetic 
generals in the army will soon overcome all obstacles 
and carry the works. 

(Signed) DAVID D. PORTER, 

Acting Rear-Admiral, Com. Jliss. Squadron. 

Hon. G. Welles, Secretary of the Navy. 

Gen. Grant now determined upon a regular 
siege of Vicksburg, and immediately began to 
mine the lines. The orders given to the ene- 
my, by Gen. Pemberton, forbade the waste of 
ammunition, and thus Gen. Grant was able to 
commence throwing up works and erecting 
forts within a short distance of the opposing 
line of breastworks. The firing upon the town 
was made only during the day, until the 26th 
of May, after which it was continued day and 
night. The mortars on the peninsula opposite 
Vicksburg opened fire on the 25th, and con- 
tinued it until the surrender. It was estimated 
at Vicksburg that as many as 6,000 mortar 
shells were thrown into the town every twen- 
ty-four hours, and on the line in the rear of 
the city, as many as 4,000 iu the same time. 
Of the women and children remaining in the 
city, three Avere killed and twelve wounded 
during the siege. During about five days af- 
ter the siege commenced, the troops in the 
city were allowed full rations. At the expira- 
tion of that time, they were gradually reduced 
to the following amount : four ounces of flour, 
four ounces of bacon, one and a half ounce of 
rice, two ounces of peas, not eatable, and three 
ounces of sugar, making a total of fourteen 
and a half ounces of food daily. The extent 
of the works, and the limited number of the 
Confederate troops, required every man to de- 
fend their lines, and no time was allowed to 
rest. Whole companies laid back of their 
breastworks for three weeks without leaving 
the line for a moment. . The sharpshooters of 
Gen, Grant's army were regarded by the ene- 
my as splendid shots, and after the first few 
days of the siege it was dangerous for any one 



of the enemy to look over their breastworks. 
In one instance, a hat placed on a stick, and held 
above a port for two minutes, was pierced by 
fifteen balls. The sharpshooters of the enemy 
were no less expert. The garrison was buoyed 
up with the hope of relief by an attack upon 
the rear of Gen. Grant's army by Gen. John- 
ston, who was gathering troops in Mississippi. 

Meantime every efltbrt was made to strength- 
en the force under the command of Gen, Grant. 
He had already ordered a division under Gen. 
Lanman and four regiments at Memphis to 
join him. He now brought forward the divis- 
ions of Gens, Smith and Kimball, of the six- 
teenth army corps, and placed them under the 
command of Maj,-Gen, 0. 0, Washburn, On 
the 11th of June, Maj.-Gen, F, J, Herron's 
division, from the department of Missouri, ar- 
rived, and on the 14th, two divisions of the 
ninth army corps, Maj.-Gen. J, G, Parke com- 
manding, reached Vicksburg, These two di- 
visions were a part of the forces of Gen. 
Burnside, commanding in the Department of 
Ohio, This increase of the forces of Gen. 
Grant enabled him to make the investment of 
Vicksburg more complete, and at the same 
time left him a large reserve with which to 
watch the movements of Gen. Johnston. 

These reenforcements were arranged by pla- 
cing Gen. Herron's division on the extreme left, 
south of the city. Gen. Lanman's division was 
placed between Gens, Herron and McClernand, 
Gen. Smith's and Gen, Kimball's divisions and 
the force under Gen, Parke were sent to Haines's 
Bluft', This place was now fortified on the 
land side, and every preparation made to resist 
a heavy force. About the 25th of June, Gen. 
Johnston crossed the Big Black river with a 
portion of his force, and everything indicated 
that he would make an attack. The position 
of Gen, Grant before Vicksburg having been 
made as strong against a sortie of the enemy 
as their works were against an assault, he 
placed Gen, Sherman in command of all the 
troops designated to look after Gen, Johnston, 
The force so designated, in addition to that 
at Haines's Bluff", was one division from the thir- 
teenth, fifteenth, and seventeenth army corps 
each, and Gen, Lanman's division. As Gen, 
Johnston did not make the attack at the time it 
was expected. Gen. Grant determined to attack 
him as soon as Vicksburg was taken. He ac- 
cordingly notified Gen. Sherman that another 
assault on Vicksburg would be made at day- 
light on the 6th of July, and ordered him to 
have up supplies of all descriptions, and to be 
ready to move upon the receipt of further or- 
ders, if the assault should prove successful. 
Gen, Sherman made his preparations immedi- 
ately, and was ready to move earlier than the 
time appointed. 

On the 6th of June an attack was made on 
Milliken's Bend, in which the enemy were re- 
pulsed. The Union loss was 101 killed, 285 
wounded, and 266 missing. Gen, Halleck, in 
his report, says: "It is represented that the. 



360 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



colored troop9, in tlils desperate engagement, 
fought with great bravery, and that the rebels 
treated this class of prisoners of war, as well 
as their officers, with great barbarity. It has 
not been possible, however, to ascertain the 
correctness of the representations in regard to 
the treatment of these prisoners." A num- 
ber of skirmishes also took place along the 
Tensas from Lake Providence to Richmond. 
The great object of the enemy in these move- 
ments was ultimately to approach Vicksburg 
from the west. All this time the works of 
the siege were pushed forward. But from the 
22d of May to the 25th of June, no attempt 
upon the city of any serious nature was made, 
with the exception of the attack of the gun- 
boat Cincinnati, for the purpose of silencing one 
of the land batteries. The report of this at- 
tack was thus made by the officer in charge : 

Mississippi Squadron. Flag Ship Black IIawk, I 
ABOVE ViOKSBUKG, May nth, 1863. ( 

To Rear- Admiral D. D. Porter : 

Sir: In obedience to your order, the Cincinnati got 
under way tbis morning at seven o'clock, and steamed 
slowly down until a little abreast of where the mortars 
lie. When we rounded to, the enemy fired several 
shots from a gun called " Whistling Dick," but soon 
gave it up. At half past eight, with a full head of steam, 
we stood for the position assigned us. The enemy fired 
rapidly and from all their batteries. When abreast of 
our pontoon, and rounding to, a ball entered the maga- 
zine, and she commenced sinking rapidly. Shortly 
after the starboard tiller was carried away. Before and 
after this the enemy fired with great accuracy, hitting 
us nearly every time. We were especially annoyed by- 
plunging shots from the hills, and 8-inch rifled and 10- 
mch smooth-bore shots did us much damage. The shots 
went entirely through our protection — hay and wood. 
And now, finding that the vessel would siiik, I ran her 
up stream as near the right-hand shore as our damaged 
steering apparatus would permit. About ten minutes be- 
fore she sank we ran close in, gotoutone plank, and put 
the wounded ashore. We also got a hawser out to make 
fast to a tree to hold her until she sank. Unfortunately, 
the men ashore left the hawser without making it fast. 
The enemy were still firing, and the boat commenced 
drifting out. I sang out to the men to swim ashore, 
thinking we were in deeper water (as was reported) 
than we really were. I suppose about fifteen were 
drowned and twenty-five killed and wounded, and one 
probably taken prisoner. This will sum up our whole 
loss. The boat sank in about three fiithoms of water ; 
she lies level and can easily be raised, but lies within 
range of the enemy's batteries. The vessel went down 
with her colors nailed to her mast, or rather to the 
stump of one, all three having been shot away. Our 
fire, until the magazine was drowned, was good, and I 
am satisfied did damage. We only fired at a two-gun 
water battery. 

Very respectfullv, &c., 

GEO^M. 'BACHE, Lieut. Commanding. 

The progress of the mining operations was 
such, that on the 25th of June a fort, on the 
immediate right of the Jackson road, was blown 
up. It was occupied by the Third Louisiana 
regiment. Its destruction had been anticipated 
by the enemy, and most of the force was pre- 
viously withdrawn to an inner line of intrench- 
ments, so that only a few men were wounded 
by the explosion. As soon as it had been de- 
stroyed, a strong column advanced to storm the 
line, which was met by a force of the enemy, 
consisting of the Sixth Missouri, and a bloody 



contest ensued, in which the loss was severe on 
both sides. The Federal force then retired. 

On the 29tli of June, the same portion of the 
enemy's line was again blown up, but no at- 
tempt to charge was made. All attempts to 
countermine, on the part of the enemy, were 
signally unsuccessful, owing to the position of 
Gen. Grant's works. The state of affairs with- 
in the city at this time is thus described by a 
Confederate officer : " About the thirty-fifth 
day provisions began to get very scarce, and the 
advent of Gen. Johnston's relieving force was 
anxiously and momentarily looked for. Mule 
meat was the common fare of all alike, and 
even dogs became in request for the table. Bean 
meal was made into bread, and corn meal into 
coffee, and in these straits the garrison patiently 
dragged on the weary length of one day after 
another, under a scorching sun, the stench from 
the unburied corpses all around alone causing 
the strongest minded, firmest nerved to grow 
impatient for the day of deliverance. The en- 
emy pushed their works : they blew up several 
forts, and with them the garrison, and attempt- 
ed to charge ; but the meagre and famished 
yet steadfast garrison still defiantly held the 
key of the Mississippi. But everything must 
have an end. Gen. Pemberton learned from 
Gen. Johnston that he could not afford him re- 
lief, and as the garrison was too famished and 
reduced to cut its way out, he determined to 
capitulate." 

On the 3d of July, about half past seven in 
the morning, a flag of truce was seen on the 
crest of a hill above the camp of Gen, Bur- 
bridge. An officer was sent to escort the bearers 
of it, two Confederate officers, blindfold, to the 
tent of Gen. A. J. Smith, whose front they en- 
tered. These officers were Major-Gen. Bowen 
and Col. Montgomery, of Virginia. They were 
the bearers of the following despatch from 
Lieut.-Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Grant : 

Headquarters, Vicksbueo, July 2d, 1863. 
Maj.-Gen,. U. S. Grant, commanding U. S. Forces: 

(General : I have the honor to propose to you an 
armistice for blank hours, with a view of arranging 
terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, 
if agreeable to )'0u, I will appoint three commissioners 
to meet a like number to be named by yourself, at such 
place and hour to-day as you may find convenient. I 
make this proposition to save the further efl'usion of 
blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful 
extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my posi- 
tion a yet indefinite period. This communication will 
be handed you, under a flag of truce, by Major-Gen, 
James Bowen. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JOHN C. PEMBERTON". 

To this despatch Gen. Grant replied as follows: 

Headquarters Department or Tennessee, in the ) 
Field near Vicksburg, July M, 1S63. ^ 
Lieut.-Gen. J. C. Pemberton, commanding Confederal* 
Forces, tfr. .• 
General : Your note of this date, just received, pro- 
poses an armistice for several hours, for the purpose of 
arranging terms of capitulation, through commissioners 
to be appointed, &c. The effusion of blood you pro- 
pose stopping by this course can be ended at any time 
vou may choose, by an unconditional surrender of the 
city ftdd garrison. Men who have shown so much en- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



361 



durance and courage as those now in Vicksburg will 
always challenge the respect of an adversary, and I 
can assure you will be treated with all the respect due 
them as prisoners of war. I do not favor the proposi- 
tion of appointing commissioners to arrange terms of 
capitulation, because I have no other terms than those 
indicated above. 

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
vant, U. S. GRANT, Major-General. 

Gen. BoweHj the bearer of Gen. Pemberton's 
letter, expressed to Gen. Smith a strong desire 
to converse with Gen. Grant, and according- 
ly Gen. Grant, while declining this, requested 
Gen. Smith to say if Gen. Pemberton desired to 
see him, an interview would be granted between 
the lines, in McPherson's front, at any hour in 
the afternoon which Gen. Pemberton might ap- 
point. A message was soon sent back to Gen. 
Smith, appointing three o'clock as the hour. 
At that time Gen. Grant, with his staff and Gens, 
McPherson, Ord, A. J. Smith, and Logan, was 
at the place, which \ta3 a fruit orchard midway 
between the front of the two contending forces. 
Gen. Pemberton soon came, attended by Gen. 
Bo wen and Ool. Montgomery. As the two 
commanders drew near each other, both, as 
though involuntarily, paused. The slight em- 
barrassment was brought to a close by Ool. 
Montgomery, who stepped forward and formal- 
ly introduced them. They shook each other by 
the hand, and, after a few words, Gen. Grant 
proposed a private conversation, which was 
accepted, and the two generals stepped aside. 
The conference closed by Gen. Grant saying 
that he would send his proposition in writing. 
After an interview with his officers at his head- 
quarters, Gen. Grant sent the following letter, 
by Gen. Logan and Ool. Wilson, to Gen. Pem- 
berton : 

IIeadqttaeteks Department of the Tennesseb, ) 
NEAK Vicksburg, July 'id, 1S63. j 

Lieut.-Gen. J. 0. Pemberton, commanding Confederate 
Forces, Vicksburg, Miss. : 
General : In conformity with agreement of this af- 
ternoon, I will submit the following proposition for the 
surrender of the city of Vicksburg, public stores, &c. 
On your accepthig the terms proposed, I will march in 
one division as a guard, and take possession at eight 
A. M. to-morrow. As soon as paroles can be made out, 
and signed by officers and men, you will be allowed to 
march out of our lines — the officers taking with them 
their regimental clothing, and staff, field, and cavalry 
officers one horse each. The rank and file will be al- 
lowed all their clothing, but no other propertj'. If these 
conditions are accepted, any amount of rations you may 
deem necessary can be taken from the stores you now 
have, and also the necessary cooking utensils for pre- 
paring them. Thirty wagons also, counting two two- 
horse or mule teams as one, will be allowed you to 
transport such arti';les as cannot be carried along. The 
same conditions will be allowed to all sick and wound- 
ed officers and privates as fast as they become able to 
travel. The paroles for these latter must be signed, 
however, whilst officers are present authorized to sign 
the roll of prisoners. ' 

I am, General, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, Major-General. 

About the dawn of day, on the morning of 
July 4th, the following reply was received from 
Gen. Pemberton : 



Headquarters, VicKSBTJKG, July St?, 1868. 
Major- Gen. If. S. Grant, commanding United States 
Forces, etc. 
General : I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of your communication of this date, proposing 
terms for the surrender of this garrison and post. In 
the main, your terms are accepted ; but in justice both 
to the honor and spirit of my troops, manifested in 
the defence of Vicksburg, I have the honor to submit 
the following amendments, which, if acceded to by 
you, will perfect the agreement between us : At ten 
o'clock to-morrow, I propose to evacuate the works 
in and around Vicksburg, and to surrender the city 
and garrison under my command by marching out 
with my colors and arms, and stacking them in front 
of my present lines, after which j'ou will take posses- 
sion. Officers to retain their side arms and personal 
property, and the rights and property of citizens to be 
respected. I am, General, yours, very respectfully, 
J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant-General. 

To this letter Gen. Grant immediately replied 
as follows : 

Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, I 

before VlCKSBUKG, t/K^y4^A, 1863. j 

Lieut.-Gen. J. C. Fetnberton, commanding Forces in 
Vicksbu7'g : 

Gf.neral : I have the honor to acknowledge your 
communication of Sd July. The amendments "pro- 
posed by you cannot be acceded to in full. It will be 
necessary to furnish every officer and man with a pa- 
role, signed by himself, which, with the completion of 
the rolls of prisoners, will necessarily take some time. 
Again, I can make no stipulation in regard to the 
treatment of citizens and their private property. 
While I do not propose to cause any of them any un-- 
due annoyance or loss, I cannot consent to leave my- 
self under restraint by stipulations. The property 
which officers can be allowed to take with them will 
be as stated in proposition of last evening; that is, 
officers will be allowed their private baggage and side 
arms, and mounted officers one horse each. If you 
mean by your proposition for each brigade to march 
to the front of the lines now occupied by it, and stack 
their arms at ten o'clock a. m., and then return to the 
inside and remain as prisoners until properly paroled, 
I will make no objections to it. Should no modifica- 
tion be made of your acceptance of my terms by nine 
o'clock A. M., I shall regard them as having been re- 
jected, and act accordingly. Should these terms be 
accepted, white flags will be displayed along your 
lines, to prevent such of my troops as may not have 
been notified from firing upon your men. 

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
vant. U. S. GRANT, 
Major-General U. S. Army. 

To this letter the following answer was re- 
ceived : 

Headquarters ViCKSBtTEG, July ith, 1868. 
Major- Gen. U. S. Grant, commanding TI. 8. Forces, 
d'c. : 
General : I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of your communication of this date, and in reply 
to say that the terms proposed by you are accepted. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant-General. 

Of the terms of the surrender. Gen. Grant 
thus speaks in his report : " These terms I re- 
garded more favorable to the Government than 
an unconditional surrender. It saved us the 
transportation of them North, which at that 
time would have been very difficult, owing to the 
limited amount of river transportation on hand, 
and the expense of subsisting them. It left onr 
army free to operate against Johnston, who 
was threatening us from the direction of Jack- 



362 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



son ; and onr river transportation to be used 
for the movement of troops to any point the 
exigency of the service might require." 

At ten o'clock on the 4th, the Confederate 
forces marched out and stacked arms in front 
of their works, while Gen. Pemherton appear- 
ed for a moment with his staff upon the para- 
pet of the central front. The city was imme- 
diately after occupied by the divisions of Gens. 
Logan, J. E. Smith, and Herron. 

The part taken by the naval force in these 
operations is thus summarily described by Rear- 
Admiral Porter, in a despatch to the Secretary 
of the Navy, as follows : 

U. S. Mississippi Squadeon, ) 

Flag Suip Black Hawk, Juli/ 4ih,lSGS. ) 

Sir : I have the honor to inform you that Vicksbiirg 
has surrendered at last to the United States forces, 
after a desperate but vain resistance. That she has 
not done so sooner has not been for want of ability on 
the part of our military commanders, but from the 
magnitude of the defences, which were intended to re- 
pulse any force the Government could possibly send 
there. What bearing this will have on the rebellion 
remains yet to be seen, but the magnitude of the suc- 
cess must go far toward crushing out this revolution, 
and establishing once more the commerce of the States 
bordering on this river. History has seldom had an 
opportunity of recording so desperate a defence on 
one side, with so much courage, ability, perseverance 
and endurance on the other ; and if ever an army was 
entitled to the gratitude of a nation, it is the Army of 
the Tennessee and its gallant leaders. 

The navy has necessarily performed a less conspic- 
uous part in the capture of Vicksburg than the army; 
still it has been employed in a manner highly creditable 
to all concerned. The gunboats have been constantly 
below Vicksburg in shelling the works, and with suc- 
cess cooperating heartily with the left wing of the 
army. The mortar boats have been at work for fortv- 
two days without intermission, throwing shells into all 
parts of the city, even reaching the works in the rear 
of Vicksburg and in front of our troops, a distance of 
three miles. Three heavy guns placed on scows, a 
nine-inch, ten-inch, and a one-hundred-pounder rifle 
were placed in position a mile from the town, and com- 
manded all the important water batteries. They have 
kept up an accurate and incessant fire for fourteen 
days, doing all the damage that could be done by 
guns under such circumstances. Five eight-inch, two 
nine-inch, two forty-two-pounder rifles, four thirty-two- 
pounder shell guns have been landed, at the request 
of the difi'erent generals commanding corps, from the 
gunboats, and mounted in the rear of Vicksburg ; and 
whenever I could spare the officers and men from our 
small complement, they were sent to manage the guns, 
with what ability I leave the general commanding the 
forces to say. 

In the mean time, I stationed the smaller class of 
gunboats to keep the banks of the Mississippi clear of 
guerillas, who were assembling in force, and with a 
large number of cannon, to block up the river and cut 
off the transports bringing down supplies, reenforce- 
ments, and ammunition for the army. Though the 
rebels on several occasions built batteries, andVith a 
large force attempted to sink or capture the transports, 
they never succeeded, but were defeated by the gun- 
boats with severe loss on all occasions. Without a 
watchful care over the Mississippi, the operations of 
the army would have been much interfered with ; and 
I can say honestly that officers never did their duty 
better than those who have patiolled the river from 
Cairo to Vicksburg. One steamer only was badly dis- 
abled since our operations commenced, and six or 
seven men killed and wounded. 

While the army have had a troublesome enemy in 
front and behind them, the gunboats, marine brigade, 



under Gen. Ellet, and a small force under Gens. Den- 
nis and Mower, have kept at bay a large force of reb- 
els, over twelve thousand strong, accompanied by a 
large quantity of artillery. Though ottered battle sev- 
eral times and engaged, they invariably fled, and sat- 
isfied themselves by assailing half-disciplined and un- 
armed blacks. The capture of Vicksburg leaves a 
large army and naval force free to act all along the 
river, and I hope soon to add to my department the 
vessels which have been temporarily lost to the ser- 
vice, viz., the Indianolaand Cincinnati. The efi"ect of 
this blow will be felt far up the tributaries of the Mis- 
sissippi. The timid and doubtful will take heart, and 
the wicked will, I hope, cease to trouble us, for fear of 
the punishment which will sooner or later overtake 
them. 

There has been a large expenditure of ammunition 
during the siege. The mortars have fired seven thou- 
sand mortar shells, and the gunboats four thousand 
five hundred. Four thousand'five hundred have been 
fired from the naval guns on shore, and we have sup- 
plied six thousand to the different army corps. 

DAVID p. PORTER, 
A. R.-Admiral, comm'ng Mississippi Squadron. 

Hon. Gideon Welles, Sec'y of the Navy. 

The result of his operations is thus summed 
np by Gen. Grant : " The result of this cam- 
paign has been the defeat of the enemy in five 
battles outside of Vicksburg; the occupation 
of Jackson, the capital of the State of Missis- 
sippi, and the capture of Vicksburg and its 
garrison and munitions of war ; a loss to the 
enemy of thirty-seven thousand (37,000) pris- 
oners, among whom were fifteen general offi- 
cers ; at least ten thousand killed and wound- 
ed, and among the killed, Generals Tracy, 
Tilghman, and Green ; and hundreds, and per- 
haps thousands, of stragglers, who can never 
be collected and reorganized. Arms and mu- 
nitions of war for an army of sixty thousand 
men have fallen into our hands, besides a large 
amount of other public property, consisting of 
railroads, locomotives, cars, steamboats, cotton, 
&c., and much was destroyed to prevent our 
capturing it. 

"Our loss in the series of battles may be 
summed up as follows : 



Port Gibson 

Pourteen Mile Creek (skirmish). 

Raymond 

Jackson , 

Champion's Hill , 

Big Black railroad bridge , 

Vicksburg 



Killed. 


Wounded. 


130 


718 


4 


24 


69 


341 


40 


240 


426 


1,842 


29 


242 


545 


3,688 



5 
32 

6 
189 

2 
303- 



"Of the wounded, many were but slightly 
wounded, and continued on duty; many more 
required but a few days or weeks for their re- 
covery. Not more than one-half of the wound- 
ed were permanently disabled." 

On Saturday, the 11th of July, the force of 
Gen. Pemherton, having been paroled, marched 
from Vicksburg, and arrived at the Big Black 
river at night. Thence they were distributed 
to different parts of the South. 

On the 13th of July, the President addressed 
the following letter to Gen, Grant: 

Executive Mansion, Washington, July loth, 1863. 
My dear General : I do not remember that you 
and I over met personally. I write this now as a 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOIT. 



363 



grateful acknowledgmeut for the almost inestimable 
service you have done the country. I wish to say a 
word further. When you first reached the vicinity of 
Vicksburg, I thought you should do what you finally 
did— march the troops across the neck, run the bat- 
teries with the transports, and thus go below ; and I 
never had any faith, except a general hope that you 
knew better than I, that the Yazoo Pass expedition 
and the like could succeed. When you got below and 
took Port Gibson, Grand Gulf, and vicinity, I thought 
you should go down the river and join Gen. Banks, 
and when you turned northward, east of the Big 
Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make 
the personal acknowledgment that you were right and 
I was wrong. 

"Yours, very truly, A. LINCOLN. 
Major-General Grant. 

Major-Gen. Halleek, the General-in-Chief, in 
his annual report, thus speaks of Gen. Grant's 
operations: "When we consider the charac- 
ter of the country in which this army opera- 
ted, the formidable obstacles to be overcome, 
the number of forces and the strength of the 
enemy's works, we cannot fail to admire the 
courage and endurance of the troops, and the 
skill and daring of their commander. No more 
brilliant exploit can be found in military his- 
tory. It has been alleged, and the allegation 
has been widely circulated by the press, that 
Gen. Grant, in the conduct of his campaign, 
positively disobeyed the instructions of his su- 
periors. It is hardly necessary to remark, that 
Gen. Grant never disobeyed an order or in- 
struction, but always carried out k) the best 
of his ability, every wish or suggestion made 
to him by the Government. Moreover, he has 
never complained that the Government did not 
furnish him all the means and assistance in its 
power, to facilitate the execution of any plan 
he saw fit to adopt." 

After tbe capture of Vicksburg, Gen. Grant 
reported that his troops were so much fatigued 
and worn out with forced marches and the la- 
bors of the siege, as to absolutely require sev- 
eral weeks of repose, before undertaking anoth- 
er campaign. Nevertheless, as the exigencies 
of the service seemed to require it, he sent out 
those who were least fatigued on several im- 
portant expeditions, while the others remained 
at Vicksburg, to put that place in a better de- 
fensive condition for a small garrison. 

Immediately upon the surrender of the city, 
Gen. Sherman, Avith his force increased by the 
remainder of both the thirteenth and fifteenth 
corps, moved in pursuit of Gen. Johnston. 
When Gen. Grant moved his array from Jack- 
son to Vicksburg, Gen. Johnston moved north 
to Canton. It now became the object of Gen, 
Johnston to collect a force to attack the rear 
of Gen. Grant. His energies were thus devo- 
ted during the whole siege of Vicksburg. Yet 
tlie country had been so exhausted of men to 
fill the army in Virginia, a force could not be 
obtained sufficient to rescue Vicksburg. AYith 
the troops which he had collected, he now ap- 
proached the rear of the Federal army. The 
country for fifty miles around Vicksburg had 
—by orders of Gen. Grant on the 26th of May 
— ^been laid waste by Gen. Blair, who drove 



off the white inhabitants and burned the grist 
mills, cotton gins, and granaries, and destroyed 
the crops. 

The result of the expedition of Gen. Sher- 
man is thus stated in the despatches of Gen. 
Grant : 

Vicksburg, July Voth. 
To Major-Gen. Halleek, General-in-Chief: 

General Sherman has Jackson invested from Pearl 
river on the north to the river on the south. This 
has cut off many hundred cars from the Confederacy. 
Sherman says he has force enough, and feels no ap- 
prehension about the results. 

Finding that Yazoo City was being fortified, I sent 
Gen. Herron there with his division. He captured 
several hundred prisoners, five pieces of heavy artil- 
lery, and al} the public stores fell into our hands. The 
enemy burned three steamboats on the approach of 
the gunboats. The De Kalb was blown up and sunk 
in fifteen feet of water, by tbe explosion of a shell. 

Finding that the enemy was crossing cattle for the 
rebel army at Natchez, and were said to have several 
thousand there, I have sent troops and steamboats to 
collect them, and destroy all their boats and means for 
making more. 

(Signed) U. S. GRANT, Major-General. 

YicKSBtTEQ, July ISth. 
To Major- Gen. H. W. Halleek, General-in-Chief: 

Joe Johnston evacuated Jackson the night of the 
ICth instant. He is now in full retreat east. Sher- 
man says most of his army must perish from heat, 
lack of water, and general discouragement. 

The army paroled here have, to a great extent, de- 
serted, and arc scattered over the country in every di- 
rection. 

General Ransom was sent to Natchez to stop the 
crossing of cattle for the eastern army. On arrival, 
he found large numbers had been driven out of the 
city to be pastured. Also, that munitions of war had 
recently been crossed over to wait for Kirby Smith. 
He mounted about 200 of his men and sent them in 
both directions. Thev captured a number of prison- 
ers, 5,000 head of Texas cattle, 2,000 head of which 
were sent to Gen. Banks, the balance have been and 
will be brought here. In Louisiana they captured 
more prisoners, and a number of teams loaded with 
ammunition. Over 2,000,000 rounds of ammunition 
were brought back to Natchez with the teams cap- 
tured ; and 268,000 rounds, besides artillery ammuni- 
tion, were destroyed. (Signed) U. S. GRANT, 
ilajor-Gen. Commanding. 

The destruction of property at Jackson was 
most complete. On the south the railroad was 
injured as far as Brookhaven, a distance of 
fifty miles. On the north it was torn up at 
intervals for twenty miles. At Jackson exten- 
sive machine shops, five locomotives, and a 
large number of cars were destroyed by fire. 
The road east was torn up at intervals to Bran- 
don, fifteen miles. The bridges at Jackson, 
some of which were costly, were also de- 
stroyed. This destruction secured Gen. Grant 
in the undisturbed possession of tlie western 
part of tlie State. The city was formerly one 
of the most prosperous in the Southern States. 
It was thus described at the time of its cap- 
ture : " As the seat of government, it has the 
capitol buildings, the penitentiary, the gover- 
nor's house, the asylum for the deaf and dumb 
and the insane; and in addition a fine court 
house, two excellent hotels, large blocks of 
stores, a cotton factory, a couple of founderies, 
grist mills, and a large number of splendid 



364 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



residences. The site of the city, upon the 
right bank of the Pearl river — a stream of rare 
beauty — is very fine. The business portion is 
divided into small lots, and the buildings, gen- 
erally of brick, are placed in compact blocks. 
The portion for residences, however, is in 
marked contrast with the otlier. Here the 
lots contain from one acre to five, and in the 
suburbs over ten acres, according to the ability 
or taste of the owners. These grounds are 
laid off in excellent taste. Neatly trimmed 
hedges line the gravelled walks. The lux- 
uriant shrubbery and gorgeous flowers of the 
genial South greet the eye in endless pro- 
fusion and variety. Beautiful arbors, in some 
cool, shady spot, invite the stranger. And 
trees, loaded with ripened figs and peaches, 
and all that is delicious, bend to the hand tliat 
will pluck their treasures. In the midst, as 
far as possible removed from the dust and din 
of the street, and embowered in magnificent 
liveoaks and grand old cedars, stand the man- 
sions. They are as different as the varied 
tastes and conditions of their respective own- 
ers, but they all bear an air of comfort and 
luxury, which proclaims the cultivated tastes 
and generous fortunes of their occupants. The 
buildings are not only models of architectural 
taste, but they are furnished with unusual 
richness, amounting in many cases to extrava- 
gance. This was the Jackson of the past. The 
Jackson of to-day is quite another place, for 
the fortunes of war have borne heavily upon 
it. The penitentiary, one of her fine hotels, 
her cotton factory, founderies, a whole block 
of stores, several warehouses, and the railroad 
bridge and depot buildings were destroyed 
while the Federal troops occupied the city in 
May. The reoccupation and evacuation by 
the Confederate armies cost her another large 
block of stores and the other hotel. The pres- 
ent occupation by the Federal army has well- 
nigh served to blot the place from existence. 
The first few hours were devoted by our sol- 
diers to ransacking the town, and appropria- 
ting whatever of value or otherwise pleased 
their fancy, or to the destruction of such arti- 
cles as they were unable to appreciate or re- 
move. Pianos and articles of furniture were 
demolished, libraries were torn to pieces and 
trampled in the dust, pictures thrust through 
with bayonets, windows broken and doors torn 
from their hinges. Finally, after every otlier 
excess had been committed in the destruction 
of property, the torch was applied. From 
that hour to the present, there has scarcely 
been a moment when the citizens could not 
walk the streets by the light of blazing build- 
ings. The entire business portion of the city 
is in ruins, with the exception of a few old 
frame buildings, which the citizens must have 
long regarded as an injury to the place. One 
residence after another has been burned, until 
none of the really fine ones remain, save those 
occupied as quarters by some of our general 
officers. The State house and court house 



and insane asylum are preserved and under 
guard. It is not improbable, however, that 
they, together with all the remaining residen- 
ces worth anything, will be fired by our rear 
guard when we leave the city to-night. Of 
the Jackson of a few days ago, not above 
one fourth of the houses remain, and they 
are nearly all the residences of the poorer 
classes." 

Another circumstance attended the return of 
the force of Gen. Sherman to Vicksburg, which 
is so peculiar to army movements into the 
Southern States, that a mention of it should 
not be omitted. 

"The return of the army from Jackson was 
the occasion of a remarkable exodus of negroes. 
There were few able-bodied young men among 
them, for it is the policy of the masters to 
move that class farther south, and leave only 
the old and helpless behind them. But all the 
old men and women and the young children in 
the whole region of country around Jackson — 
those who have been a burden upon their mas- 
ters, and will necessarily be dependent on our 
charity — accompanied the army on its return, 
in large numbers. Every species of vehicle, 
and an untold number of broken-down horses 
and mules, were pressed into the service by 
the contrabands en route for Vicksbuig. Their 
effects consisted of a Avonderful quantity of 
old clothing and bedding, and dilapitated furni- 
ture, which they seemed to regard as of ines- 
timable value. The transportation, however, 
was not sufl[icient for all, and hundreds, carry- 
ing as many as possible of the movable arti- 
cles, trudged along on foot. All seemed anima- 
ted by a fear that our rear guard would over- 
take, pass, and leave them behind, and such a 
straining of energies, hurrying and bustling, 
were never before known among the whole 
black creation. The soldiers were particularly 
struck with the ludicrous appearance presented 
by the darkies, and the tedium and fatigue of 
the march were often relieved by good jokes 
cracked at their expense, which served to con- 
vulse the whole brigade with laughter. 

" The minds of all of them are filled with 
the most extravagant ideas of the North. It is 
to thetn a country of ease and plenty and hap- 
piness, and say and do what you will, as soon 
as the military blockade is made less stringent, 
they will go North, if they accomplish the dis- 
tance on foot. They don't feel safe here, not 
even those whose owners are dead." 

A military and naval force was sent to Ya- 
zoo City, on the 1 3th. It took three hundred 
prisoners, captured one steamer and burned 
five, took six cannon, two hundred and fifty 
small arms, and eight hundred horses and 
mules. No loss on our side was reported. 
Small expeditions were also sent against Can- 
ton, Pontotoc, Granada, and Natchez, Missis- 
sippi. At Granada, a large amount of railroad 
rolling stock was destroyed. The other expe- 
ditions were also successful, meeting with very 
little opposition. As soon as his army was 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



365 



supplied and rested, Gen. Grant sent a force 
under Gen. Steele to Helena, to cooperate with 
Gen. Schofield's troops against Little Rock, and 
another, under Gens. Ord and Herron, to New- 
Orleans, to reenforce Gen. Banks for such ulterior 
operations as he might deem proper to undertake. 



After Gen. Grant left Vicksburg to assume 
the general command east of the Mississippi, 
Gen. McPherson moved with a part of hia 
force to Canton, Mississippi, scattering the en- 
emy's cavalry, and destroying his materials and 
roads in the centre of that State. 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 

Campaign of Gen. Banks — The Naval Force — Action with the Batteries at Port Hudson — ^March of Gen. Banks west of the 
Mississippi — Action at Brashear — Advance upon Alexandria — Its Capture — ^March to Semmesport — Crossing the Mis- 
sissippi — Attack on Port Hudson — Its Investment— Siege — Surrender. 



The military operations before Vicksburg 
were only the prominent features of a great 
campaign extending from Washington to New 
Orleans. The movements of General Banks, 
particularly against Port Hudson, which fell 
with the fall of Vicksburg, and the advance of 
General Lee upon Washington, one object of 
which was to make a diversion in favor of 
Vicksburg, or rather to take advantage of the 
concentration of so large a force at such a dis- 
tance, were incidents of the same campaign. 
Gen. Banks's arrival in New Orleans at the 
close of 1862 has been stated. The fleet, which 
arrived at the same time, consisted of twenty- 
six steam vessels and twenty-five sailing vessels, 
and the military force about ten thousand men. 
Immediately upon his arrival. General Banks 
took the position of General Butler as command- 
er of the Department of the Gulf, and the lat- 
ter reported at Washington. The leading ob- 
jects of Gen. Banks's expedition were to 
strengthen the military force in Louisiana, and 
to cooperate in opening the Mississippi — two 
points on the banks of which were known to 
be strongly fortified. Port Hudson and Vicks- 
burg. It was anticipated that these works 
might be reduced in a short time, and that the 
strength of General Banks might be suflicient 
for a mo\tement on Texas. But it was soon 
perceived, after his arrival in New Orleans, that 
military affairs were in such an uncertain con- 
dition that the moment for immediate activity 
could not be detei'mined. Meanwhile General 
Banks devoted his attention to the arrangement 
of affairs at New Orleans. Nothing of im- 
portance occurred, unless it was a small affair 
on the Teche River, in which Commander Bu- 
chanan, of the gunboat Calhoun, was killed, 
early in January. In March, Gen. Banks had 
concentrated his force at Baton Rouge, number- 
ing nearly twenty-five thousand men. On the 
13th a military movement on Port Hudson was 
ostensibly commenced, to divert the attention 
of the enemy, while the vessels ran above the 
batteries. The naval force was under the com- 
mand of Admiral Farragut. Its result was to 
transfer a portion of the fleet above Port Hud- 
son, where it could cooperate with the force 



above, and also cut off supplies to the enemy 
from Red River. Maj.-Gen. Halleck, in his an- 
nual report, says: "Had our land forces in- 
vested Port Hudson at this time, it would have 
been easily reduced, as its garrison was weak. 
This would have opened communication by the 
Mississippi River with Gen. Grant at Vicksburg. 
But the strength of the place was not then 
known." 

The naval force consisted of the fi-igates 
Hartford, Mississippi, Richmond, and Monon- 
gahela, and the gunboats Albatross, Genesee, 
Kineo, Essex, and Sachem, and six mortar 
schooners. They reached Profit's Island, five 
miles below Port Hudson, early the next morn- 
ing. At one p. M., the mortars and the gun- 
boats Sachem and Essex, being in position, 
opened fire on the batteries at Port Pludson. 
The line of the batteries commenced below the 
town and extended on the face of the bluft* 
midway between the crest and the river bank, 
about three and a half miles. At nine and a 
half o'clock that night the signal to advance 
was made. The Hartford, Capt. Palmer, with 
Admiral Farragut on board, with the gunboat 
Albatross, Lieut.-Oom. Hart, lashed to her 
side, took the lead. The Richmond, Capt. 
Alden, the gunboat Genesee, Commander 
McConib, the Monongahela, Capt. McKinstry, 
the Kineo, Lieut.-Com. Waters, and the Missis- 
sippi, Capt. Melancthon Smith, followed in the 
order named. The mortars meanwhile kept 
up their fire. Soon after, rockets were sent up 
by the enemy to give warning of the approach 
of the fieet. As the vessels approached the 
batteries opened fire, which was replied to. At 
the same time fires were kindled by the enemy 
on the opposite bank of the river, which re- 
vealed the position of the vessels. The Hart- 
ford and Albatross were successful in running 
above the batteries, but the smoke from their 
fire obscured the river before the other vessels. 
The Richmond received a shot through her 
steam drum, and was compelled to drop down 
out of fire and anchor. Three of her crew 
were killed and seven wounded. The Monon- 
gahela, after her captain was seriously injured, 
also dropped down the river and anchored. 



366 



MILITARY AND NAVaT HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



The Kineo received a shot through her rudder 
post, and her propeller was made foul by a 
hawser, which rendered her unmanageable, 
and she floated down and anchored. Alter 
the guns of the batteries were got into range 
the fire was so accurate and constant as to 
threaten the destruction of every gunboat in 
the fleet. The Mississippi grounded under the 
guns of a battery astern, another on the bow, 
and others opposite to her. The enemy, upon 
discovering her position, concentrated their 
nearest guns upon her. She continued her 
fire for some time after getting aground. Capt. 
Smith, finding it to be impossible to get her 
otF, deterniined to abandon her. He then 
ordered the engines to be destroyed, the guns 
to be spiked, and the vessel to be set on fire. 
The officers and crew were then hurried ofi" to 
the shore opposite the batteries. Some of the 
crew are supposed to have jumped overboard, 
a few were taken prisoners, and the rest pro- 
ceeded down the shore and were taken oft' by 
the other vessels. Of two hundred and thir- 
ty-three officers and men, twenty-nine were 
missing. The vessel, after becoming lighter by 
burning her top, drifted oft", and, floating down 
the stream, finally blew up. Her armament 
consisted of nineteen eight-inch, one ten-inch, 
one twenty-pound Parrott, and two small how- 
itzers in the tops. 

Meanwhile, at three o'clock on Friday after- 
noon. Gen. Grover's division marched out of 
Baton Rouge, followed in the evening by Gen. 
Emery's division, and on the next morning by 
that of Gen. Augur. The army reached 
Springfield road crossing without a skirmish. 
The headquarters of Gen. Banks were estab- 
lished here, which was about seven miles from 
Port Hudson. During Saturday the entire 
body of cavalry and some infantry regiments 
were sent out on the Bayou Sara road toward 
Port Hudson, and down the Ross and Spring- 
field Landing roads to reconnoitre. One or 
two sharp skirmishes took place with a force 
of Confederate cavalry and infantry sent out 
from Port Hudson and deployed as skirmishers 
in the woods. Toward evening the enemy re- 
tired within their intrenchments. Two Fede- 
ral officers were wounded. On Sunday morn- 
ing orders were issued to return to Baton 
Rouge, which was accomplished by eveeing. 
On the next day, an attempt to open communi- 
cation with Admiral Farragut by sending a 
email force across the point of land opposite 
Port Hudson — the fourth ettbrt to cross the 
point — was successful, but Admiral Farragut 
had moved up the river. The difticulties were 
caused by a flood. The rebels had cut the 
levee above. 

The attention of Gen. Banks was now turned 
to that part of the State west of New Orleans 
and bordering on the Teche river. Opposite 
New Orleans, on the other side of the Missis- 
sippi river, commences the New Orleans and 
Opelousas railroad, which runs westwardly a 
distance of eighty miles to Brashear. This 



place is situated on the Atchafalaya river 
where it flows out of Lake Chetimacha into the 
Gulf of Mexico. Nearly opposite, on the west- 
ern side of the river, is Berwick City, situated 
at the junction of the Teche river, or bayou, 
with the Atchafalaya. The Teche river com- 
mences in St. Landry parish, a few miles from 
Opelousas, and flows southeast in a very tor- ' 
tuous course for two hundred miles. During 
high water it is navigable nearly its whole 
length. On the banks of this river flourish the 
finest sugar-cane plantations in the State. The 
chief towns on the river are Franklin, Martins- 
ville, and Opelousas. 

A considerable force of the enemy was at 
this time stationed within supporting distance 
on the Teche. It had been kept there to repel 
a threatened invasion up that stream by the 
Federal force under Gen. Weitzel. The plant- 
ers, supposing the Confederate force sufficient 
for their protection, had put in their crops as 
usual. When Gen. "Weitzel made the first at- 
tempt to advance up the river, with the in- 
tention of establishing his headquarters at 
Franklin, the river was obstructed a few miles 
above its mouth. To prevent these obstruc- 
tions from being removed, the enemy had 
thrown up earthworks, extending from the 
bank of the river back to an impassable swamp, 
and planted a battery. Here Gen. Moulton, 
with fifteen hundred men, aided by the gunboat 
Cotton, made such a stubborn resistance, that 
Gen. Weitzel was obliged to fall back. The 
enemy, supposing his object had been to cap- 
ture the gunboat, removed her stores and am- 
munition immediately afterward, and burned 
her ; thus showing that they apprehended a 
defeat on another attack. Subsequently the 
water washed a channel round the obstruc- 
tions, and the passage up ceased to be disputed 
at that point. But much more formidable 
works were constructed a few miles above Pat- 
tersonville, and earthworks thrown up on the 
opposite side of the river, to prevent a flank 
movement by land or water. The distance at 
this point from the river back to the swamp 
was about three fourths of a mile. A small 
force could thus hold at bay here one greatly 
superior in numbers. Several thousand troops 
of the enemy were pos-ted here, and those be- 
low were expected to fall back as the Federal 
force advanced. 

It was to this region, comprising the parishes 
or counties of Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assump- 
tion, St. Mary, and St. Martin, that Gen. Banks 
now transferred his army from Baton Rouge. 
His object was the reclamation of this rich 
country, which had furnished inestimable sup-, 
plies to the enemy, and which sustained a dense 
slave ])opulation. Having concentrated his for- 
ces at Brasliear, Gen. Weitzel's brigade was 
crossed over to Berwick on the 10th of April. 
The landing w^as not disputed, but a reconnois- 
sance discovered a force of the enemy, which re- 
tired. On the next day, Saturday, the infantry 
advanced a short distance. On Sunday, the di- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



367 



vision of Gen. Emory crossed, and the combined 
force made an advance, which the enemy op- 
posed, hut not obstinately. In this order the 
Federal column advanced, feeling its way, while 
the enemy, whose forces were commanded by 
Gen. Taylor, slowly retired upon their fortified 
position a few miles above Pattersonville. On 
the 13th there was considerable figliting, mostly 
with the artillery, in which the Diana, a Fed- 
eral gunboat, captured about four weeks pre- 
vious, bore a conspicuous part. On the morn- 
ing of Saturday, the 12th, the division of Gen. 
Grover left Brashear on the gunboats Clifton, 
Estrella, Arizona, and Calhoun, and trans- 
ports, and proceeded up the Atchafalaya, into 
Lake Chetimacha. The object was to get into 
the rear of the enemy, and if possible cut off 
his retreat if he evacuated his position, or to 
attack him in rear at the time of the attack in 
front. Some dlfiiculties delayed the expedi- 
tion, but it effected a landing early the next 
morning, about three miles west of Franklin, 
near a spot called Irish Bend. At this time 
the gunboat Queen of the "West, which had 
been captured previously by the enemy, was 
blown up and destroyed on the lake. Skir- 
mishing immediately ensued with a small force 
of the enemy, that fell back as Gen. Grover ad- 
vanced. His position was about eleven miles 
distant from Gen. Banks. At Irish Bend the 
enemy seemed to be determined to make a 
stand, and a sharp struggle followed, in which 
they were forced to retire to the woods and 
canes. On this retreat they destroyed the 
gunboat, Diana and the transports Gossamer, 
Newsboy, and Era No. 2, at Franklin. This sue 
cess of Gen. Grover was followed by the evac- 
uation of the works before Gen. Banks. Early 
on Tuesday morning, the cavalry and artil- 
lery, followed by Gen. Weitzel's brigade, wiih 
Col. Ingraham's force of Gen. Emory's division 
as a support, followed the enemy. So rapid 
was the pursuit that the enemy was unable to 
remove the transports at New Iberia, and five, 
with all the commissary stores and ammunition 
with which they were loaded, were destroyed 
at that place, together with an incomplete iron- 
clad gunboat. On Thursday, the army reached 
New Iberia. A foundery for the manufacture 
of cannon and other munitions of war was im- 
mediately taken possession of, as a similar one 
had been seized two days before at Franklin. 
Two regiments were also sent to destroy the 
tools and machinery at the celebrated salt 
mine of the town. Thus far about fifteen hun- 
dred prisoners had been captured, and more 
than five hundred horses, mules, and beef cat- 
tle taken from the plantations. The Federal 
loss was small. The entire force of the enemy 
was about ten thousand men. 

On the next day, the ITth, the army moved 
forward, but Gen. Grover, who had marched 
from New Iberia by a shorter road, and thus 
gained the advance, met the enemy at Bay- 
ou Vermilion. Their force consisted of a con- 
siderable number of cavalry, one thousand in- 



fantry, and six pieces of artillery, massed m a 
strong position on the opposite bank. They 
were immediately attacked and driven from 
their position, but not until they had succeeded 
in destroying by fire the bridge across tlie river. 
The night of the 17th and the next day was 
passed in rebuilding the bridge. On the 19th, 
the march was resumed, and continued to tho 
vicinity of Grand Coteau ; and on the next day 
the main force of Gen. Banks occupied Ope- 
lousas. At the same time, the cavalry, support- 
ed by a regiment of infantry and a section of 
artillery, were thrown forward six miles to 
Washington, on the Courtableau. On the 21st, 
no movement was made, but on the next day, 
Brig. -Gen. Dwight, of Gen. Grover's division, 
with detachments of artillery and cavalry, was 
pushed forward through Washington toward 
Alexandria. He found the bridges over the 
Cocodrie and Boeuf destroyed, and during the 
evening and night replaced them by a single 
bridge at the junction of the bayous. A 
steamer had just been burned by the enemy, 
but the principal portion of her cargo, which 
had been transferred to a flat, was captured. 
Orders were also found there from Gen. Mooro 
to Gen. Taylor, in command of the Confederate 
force, directing him to retreat slowly to Alex- 
andria, and, if pressed, to retire to Texas. 

Another expedition, under Lieut.-Col. Blan- 
chard, was sent out by way of Barre's Land- 
ing, to examine the Bayou Courtableau in the 
direction of Bute-a-la-Rose, but he found the 
roads impassable four miles beyond Barre's 
Landing. The sbeamer Ellen was captured by 
him, which proved a timely assistance. Previ- 
ously Bute-a-la-Rose had been taken by orders 
of Gen. Banks, with its garrison of sixty men, 
two heavy guns, and a large quantity of ammu- 
nition. The result of the expedition thus far is 
thus stated by Gen. Banks : " We have destroy- 
ed the enemy's army and navy, and made their 
reorganization impossible by destroying or re- 
moving the material. We hold the key of the 
position. Among the evidences of our victory 
are two thousand prisoners, two transports, 
and twenty guns taken, and three gunboats 
and eight transports destroyed." 

On the 6th of May, Admiial Porter appeared 
before Alexandria with a fleet of gunboats, and 
took possession of the town without opposition. 
On that evening the cavalry of Gen. Dwight 
dashed into the place, and the next morning 
the advance of Gen. Banks arrived. Alexan- 
dria is the capital of Rapides parish in Louisi- 
ana. It is situated on the Red river, about one 
hundred and fifty miles from its mouth, and in 
the centre of a rich cotton-growing region. 

The country thus occupied by Gen. Banks 
was the mos.t fertile portion of the State of 
Louisiana. His movements had been so rapid 
that the enemy had been allowed no opportunity 
to make a stand against him after their defeat 
near Franklin. The capture of Alexandria and 
the attack on Fort de Russe below, was reported 
by Admiral Porter, witli his movements, thus: 



368 



MITJTARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Mississippi Squadp-on, Flag Snip General Prick, ) 
Geand Gulf, Miss., May Vith. f 
To Secretary Welles : 

Sir : I liad the honor to inform you from Alexandria 
of Ihe capture of that place, and the forts defending 
the approaches to the city, by the naval force under my 
command. Twenty-four hours after we arrived the ad- 
vance guard of United states troops came into the city. 
Gen. Banks arriving soon after, I turned the place over 
to his keeping. The water beginning to fall, I deemed 
it prudent to return with the largest vessels to the 
mouth of the Ked river. I dropped down to Fort de 
Kusse in the Benton, and undertook to destroy these 
works. I only succeeded, however, in destroying the 
three heavy casemates commanding the channel and a 
small water battery for two guns. About COO yards 
below it I destroyed by bursting one heavy thirty-tvro 
pounder and some guu carriages left in their hurry by 
the enemy. 

The main fort, on a hill some 900 yards from the 
water, I was unable to attend to. It is quite an exten- 
sive work, new and incomplete, but built with much 
labor and pains. It will t;ike two or three vessels to 

Eull it to pieces. I have not the powder to spare to 
low it up. The vessels will be ordered to work on it 
occasionally, and it will be soon destroyed. In this 
last-mentioned fort was mounted the 11-inch gun, 
which I am led to believe lies in the middle of the 
river, near the fort, the rebels throwing it overboard 
in their panic at the approach of our gunboats. The 
raft which closed the entrance I have blown up, sawed 
in two, and presented to the poor of the neighborhood. 
I sent Commander Woodworth in the Price, with the 
Switzerland, Pittsburg, and Arizona, up Black river 
to make a reconnoissauce, and he destroyed a large 
amount of stores, valued at $300,000, consisting of 
salt, sugar, rum, molasses, tobacco, and bacon. 
(Signed) DAVID D. PORTER, 

Acting Rear-Admiral, 
Commanding Mississippi Squadron. 

"While at Opelousas, Gen, Banks issued the 

following order : 

Headquaeters Department op tite Gulf, > 
19th Akmt Cokps, Opelousas, Mcny 1st, 1863. ( 

The Major-General commanding the Department pro- 
poses the organization of a corps d'armce of colored 
troops, to be designated as the " Corps d'Afrique." It 
will consist ultimately of eighteen regiments, repre- 
senting all arms— infantry, artillery, cavalry — making 
nine brigades, of two regiments each, and three divis- 
ions of three brigades each, with appropriate corps 
of engineers, and flying hospitals for each division. 
Appropriate uniforms, and the graduation of pay to 
correspond with the value of services, will be hereafter 
awarded. 

In the field, the efficiency of each corps depends npon 
the influence of its officers upon the troops engaged, 
and the practical limits of one direct command is gen- 
erally estimated at 1,000 men. The most eminent 
military historians and commanders, among others, 
Thiers and Cliambray, express the opinion, upon a full 
review of the elements of military power, that the 
valor of the soldier is rather acquired than natural. 
Nations whose individual heroism is undisputed, have 
failed as soldiers in the field. The European and 
American continents exhibit instances of this charac- 
ter, and the military prowess of every nation may be 
estimated by the centuries it has devoted to military 
contest, or the traditional passion of its people for mil- 
itary glory. With a race unaccustomed to military 
service, much more depends on the immediate influ- 
ence of oflTicers upon individual members, than with 
those that have acquired more or less of warlike habits 
and spirit by centuries of contest. It is deemed best, 
therefore, in the organization of the Corps d'Afrique, 
to limit the regiment to the smallest number of men 
consistent with efficient service in the field, in order to 
secure the most thorough instruction and di-scipline, 
and the largest influence of the oflSccrs over the troops. 
At first they will be limited to five hundred men. The 



average of American regiments is less than that 
number. 

The Commanding General desires to detail, for tem- 
porary or permanent duty, the best officers of the army, 
for the organization, instruction, and discipline of this 
corps. With their aid he is confident that the corps 
will render important service to the Government. It 
is not established upon any dogma of equality, or other 
theory, but as a practieal and sensible matter of busi- 
ness. The Government makes use of mules, horses, 
uneducated and educated white men, in the defence of 
its institutions. Why should not the negro contribute 
whatever is in his power for the cause in which he is 
as deeply interested as other men? "We may properly 
demand from him whatever service he can render. 
The chief defect in organizations of this character has 
arisen from incorrect ideas of the oflicers in command. 
Their discipline has been lax, and, in some cases, the 
conduct of their regiments unsatisfactory and discred- 
itable. Controversies unnecessary and injurious to the 
service have arisen between them and other troops. 
The organization proposed will reconcile and avoid 
many of these troubles. 

Officers and soldiers will consider the exigencies of 
the service in this department, and the absolute neces- 
sity of appropriating every element of power to the 
support of the Government. The prejudices or opin- 
ions of men are in no wise involved. The coopera- 
tion and active support of all officers and men, and the 
nomination of fit men from the ranks, and from the 
lists of non-commissioned and commissioned officers, 
are respectfully solicited from the Generals command- 
ing the respective divisions. 

By command of Major-Gen. BANKS. 

RiCHAHD B. Irwin, A. A. G. 

The subsequent movements of Gen. Banks 
in this pai't of the State met with no serious 
opposition from the enemy. After the invest- 
ment of Vicksburg, his forces were concentra- 
ted at Simmesport for an advance against Port 
Hudson. Meanwhile the division of Gen. Sher- 
man, which had been quartered at f^ew Or- 
leans, was not inactive. A brigade was sent 
out under Gen. Nickerson, for the purpose of 
attacking any forces that the enemy might have 
in the neighborhood of Lake Pontchartrain. The 
first Texas cavalry, under Col. Davis, pushed 
as far as Tickfaw Station on the railroad, and 
captured a large amount of cotton, lumber, 
corn, and bacon. A lieutenant and eight men 
were made prisoners, among whom were four- 
teen Choctaw Indians. In this neighborhood 
a large tannery was also destroyed, and a large 
car shop, the Tangipaha bridge, and other val- 
uable property. On the lake, four schooners, 
with cargoes of contraband goods, were burned. 

The division of Gen. Augur had returned to 
Baton Rouge, from which a force was sent out 
that penetrated to a point on the railroad be- 
tween CHnton and Port Hudson. A body of 
the enemy were encountered and routed. Of 
tliis body five were killed, several wounded, 
and twenty-five prisoners taken with their 
horses and accoutrements. About the same 
time Col. Grierson captured near Port Hudson 
three hundred liead of cattle. The squadron, 
meanwliile, was anchored at the head of Prof- 
it's Island, not attempting any hostile demon- 
strations, except the mortar vessels, which at 
night threw a few shells into Port Hudson. 

About the middle of May all the available 
force near the rjver was concentrated at Baton 



MILITARY AKD NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



369 




Rouge, to assist in the attack on Port Hudson. 
Thence Gens. Augur and Sherman moved to 
the south and east of that position, to coope- 
rate with Gen. Banks. From Simmesport Gen. 
Banks moved his army to invest Port Hudson. 
A portion of his infantry was transported in 
steamers, and the residue "with the artillery 
and cavalry and wagon train moved down on 
the west bank of the river, and thence across 
to Bayou Sara, which is five miles above Port 
Hudson, on the east bank of the Mississippi 
river. It was on the 21st of May that Gen. 
Banks landed, and on the next day a junction 
was effected with the advance of Maj.-Gen. 
Augur and Brig.-Gen. Sherman. His line oc- 
cupied the Bayou Sara road. On this road 
Gen. Augur had an encounter with a force of 
the enemy, which resulted in their repulse 
with heavy loss. On the 25th, the enemy was 
compelled to abandon his first line of works. 
On the next day Gen. Weitzel's brigade, which 
had covered the rear in the march from Alex- 
andria, arrived, and on the morning of the 27th 
a general assault was made on the fortifications. 
Port Hudson, or Hickey's Landing, as it was 
called some years ago, is situated on a bend in 
the Mississippi river, about twenty-two miles 
above Baton Rouge, and one hundred and for- 
ty-seven above New Orleans. Approaching 
Port Hudson by water from below, the first 
batteries were»situated on a bjuff about forty 
24 



feet above high water mark. Thence three se- 
ries of batteries extended along the river above 
Port Hudson to a point on Thompson's creek, 
making a continuous line about three and a 
half miles in extent. Above Thompson's creek 
is an impassable marsh, forming a natural de- 
fence. From the lower battery began a line of 
land fortifications, of semi-circular form, about 
ten miles in extent, with Thompson's creek for 
its natural terminus above. The guns were of 
heavy caliber ; in addition to which there were 
light batteries, that might be easily taken to 
any part of the line. The position was under 
the command of Ool. Frank Gardner. 

The fire of the artillery of Gen. Banka 
opened about six o'clock on the morning of the 
27th, and continued with animation during the 
day. At ten o'clock. Gen. "Weitzel's brigade, 
with the division of Gen. Grover — reduced to 
about two brigades — and the division of Gen. 
Emory, temporarily reduced by detachments 
to about a brigade, under command of Col. 
Paine, with two regiments of colored troops, 
made an assault upon the right of the ene- 
my's works, crossing Sandy creek, and driving 
them through the woods into their fortifica- 
tions. The fight lasted on this line until four 
o'clock, and was very severely contested. On 
the left, the infantry did not come up until 
later in the day ; but at two o'clock an assault 
was commenced on the works on the centre 



370 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



and left of centre, by the divisions under Maj.- 
Gen. Augur and Brig.-Gen. Shei'raan. The 
enemy was driven into his works, and the Fed- 
eral troops moved up to the fortifications, 
holding the opposite sides of the parapet with 
the enemy. On the right, the troops continued 
to hold their position ; but oa the left, after 
•dark, the main body, being exposed to a flank 
fire, withdrew to a belt of woods. The skir- 
mishers remained close upon the fortifications. 
On the extreme right, the first and third regi- 
ments of negro troops were posted. Of their 
behavior in action, Gen. Banks thus reports: 
"The position occupied by these troops was 
one of importance, and called for the utmost 
steadiness and bravery in those to whom it 
was confided. It gives me pleasure to report 
that they answered every expectation. In 
many respects their conduct was heroic. No 
troops could be more determined or more dar- 
ing. They made during the day three charges 
upon the batteries of the enemy, suffering very 
heavy losses, and holding their position at 
nightfall with the other troops on the right of 
our line. The highest commendation is be- 
stowed upon them by all the officers in com- 
mand on the right. "Whatever doubt may 
have existed heretofore as to the efficiency of 
organizations of this character, the history of 
this day proves conclusively to those who were 
in condition to observe the conduct of these 
regiments, that the Government will find in 
this class of troops effective supporters and 
defenders. The severe test to which they 
were subjected, and the determined manner in 
which they encountered the enemy, leaves 
upon my mind no doubt of their ultimate suc- 
cess. They require only good officers, com- 
mands of limited numbers, and careful disci- 
pline, to make them excellent soldiers." The 
entire loss in killed, wounded, and missing, since 
landing at Bayou Sara to this time, was nearly 
a thousand, including some of the ablest officers 
of the corps, among whom was Gen. Sherman. 

A bombardment of the position had been 
made by the fleet under Admiral Farragut, for 
a week previous to this assault. Reconnoissan- 
ces had discovered that the defences were very 
strong, consisting of several lines of intrench- 
ments and rifle pits, with abatis of heavy trees 
felled in every direction. The upper batteries 
on the river were attacked by the Hartford 
and Albatross, which had run the blockade, 
and the lower by the Monongahela, Richmond, 
Genesee, and Essex, 

On the 14th of June, after a bombardment 
of several days, another assault on Port Hud- 
son was made. The position of Gen. Banks's 
forces at this time was somewhat changed, 
forming only a right and left without a centre, 
and, joined together, making a right angle. 
The division of Gen. Grover, on the upper side 
of Port Hudson, extended a distance of nearly 
four miles from the river toward the interior, 
within supporting distance of Gen. Augur's 
division. This was on the west side of the 



enemy's fortifications, and extended a distance 
of three miles to the river, and within hailing 
of the fleet. At this time, looking from the 
extreme northeasterly range of the enemy's 
rifle pits toward the river, on the upper side 
of Port Hudson, a long line of earthworks 
could be seen, glistening with bayonets, and 
protected by a deep ditch nearly twelve feet in 
width. "Within short range, enfilading breast- 
works commanded every approach to the posi- 
tion of the enemy. The defences of the ene- 
my formed nearly a right angle, both lines of 
which extended to the river, and enclosed a 
sharp bend. The point of attack was the ex- 
treme northeasterly angle of the enemy's po- 
sition. For some days previous, several pieces 
of their artillery had been dismounted by the 
Federal fire and abandoned, while those in po- 
sition were rendered useless by the fire of the 
sharpshooters. Two regiments were detailed 
as sharpshooters, who were to creep up and 
lie on the exterior slope of the enemy's breast- 
works, while another regiment — each soldier 
having a hand grenade besides his musket — 
followed. These grenades T\iere to be thrown 
over into the enemy's position. Another regi- 
ment followed with bags filled with cotton, 
which were to be used to fill up the ditch in 
front of the breastworks. After these regi- 
ments came the others of Gen. Weitzel's brig- 
ade. Following these as a support were the 
brigades of Col. Kimball and Col. Morgan. 
These forces under Gen. Weitzel were designed 
for the attack on the right. In conjunction, 
on the left, moved the old division of Gen. 
Emory under Gen. Paine, forming a separate 
column. Both divisions were under the com- 
mand of Gen. Grover, who planned the attack. 
It was expected that Gen. "Weitzel's command 
would make a lodgment inside of the enemy's 
Works, and thus prepare the way for Gen. 
Paine's division. The advance was made 
about daylight, through a covered way, to with- 
in three hundred yards of the enemy's position ; 
then the field consisted of deep gullies covered 
by brush and creeping vines. The fire of the 
enemy was incessant, but a part of the skir- 
mishers succeeded in reaching the ditch, where 
they Avere immediately repulsed by an enfilad- 
ing fire. But little was therefore accomplish- 
ed with the hand grenades, as they were at 
once caught up by the enemy, and hurled back. 
Meanwhile the assaulting column moved for- 
ward as rapidly as possible, and made a series 
of desperate assaults on the works, but the ene- 
my were fully prepared, and lined every part of 
their fortifications with heavy bodies of infantiy. 
It was a part of the general plan of attack 
that a feint should be made on the extreme left 
by Gens. Augur and Dwight. This assault was 
made, and the fighting was extremely desperate 
on the part of the forces under Gen. Dwight. 
At length all the assaulting columns were com- 
pelled to fiill back under the deadly fire of the 
enemy, and the fighting finally ceased about 
11 o'clock in the morning. The loss of Gen. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOfeY OF THE REBELLION. 



371 



Banks was nearly 700 in killed and wound- 
ed. Meantime the first parallel encircling the 
outer line of the enemy was pushed forward, 
and the skirmishers were posted in rifle pits 
so near that skirmishes were of constant occur- 
rence at night. A small force of the enemy's 
cavalry hovered in the rear of Gen. Banks's 
army, without making any serious demonstra- 
tions. 

The withdrawal of Gen. Banks's force from 
the west side of the Mississippi was followed 
by great activity on the part of the enemy, for 
the purpose of recovering the places held by .a 
small body of Federal troops, and to cause a 
diversion from Port Hudson. Opelousas was 
reoccupied by a considerable Confederate 
force,; the west bank of the Mississippi was lined 
with squads of the rebels, who fired upon eve- 
ry boat which passed. A raid was made upon 
Plaquemine by a body of Texans, who burned 
two steamers lying there. They were driven 
out by Lieut. Weaver, commanding the gunboat 
"Winona. On the lYth of June, an attack was 
made on the Federal pickets at La Fourche, 
which was repulsed. On the next day it was 
repeated with the same result. On the 23d, 
Brashear City was captured by a confederate 
force under Gens. Green and Mouton. A camp 
of slaves, or contrabands, as they were called, 
was attacked by the enemy, and large numbers 
killed. Immense quantities of ammunition, sev- 
eral pieces of artillery, three hundred thousand 
dollars' worth of sutler's goods, sugar, flour, 
poi-k, beef, and medical stores, of vast amount, 
were also captured. On the 28th, an attack was 
made on Donaldsonville, and the storming par- 
ty succeeded in getting into the fort. But the 
gunboats opened a flanking fire above and 
below the fort, and drove back the supporting 
party, so that the enemy broke and fled. Of 
those who had entered the fort, one hundred 
and twenty were captured and nearly one hun- 
dred killed. 

Other movements on the part of the enemy 
were made at this time, which indicated great 
activity, and enabled them to destroy much 
Federal property. No embarrassment however 
was caused to the position of Gen. Banks. The 
enemy, in short, recovered the La Fourche, 
Teche, Attakapas, and Opelousas country, and 
captured Brashear, with fifteen hundred prison- 
ers, a large number of slaves, and nearly all the 
confiscated cotton. 

After these two attempts to reduce Port Hud- 
son by a land assault, on the 27th of May and 
14th of June, the purpose to make another was 
given up by Gen. Banks, until he had fully in- 
vested the place by a series of irresistible ap- 
proaches. He was thus engaged in pushing 
forward his works when Vicksburg was sur- 
rendered. Information of this surrender was 
sent to Gen. Banks, and it was made the occa- 
sion for firing salutes and a general excitement 
in his camp, which attracted the attention of the 
enemy, to whom tbe sui*render was communi- 
cated. Gen. Gardner, upon receiving the infor- 



mation, sent by flag of truce, about midnight of 
the 7th, the following note to Gen. Banks : 

Headqtiaktees, Poet Hudson, La., July 1th, 1S63. 
To Maj.-Gen. BanJcs, commanding United States Forces 
near Port Hudson : 
General: Having received information from your 
troops that Vicksburg has been surrendered, I make 
this communication to request you to give me the offi- 
cial assurance whether this is true or not, and if true, 
I ask for a cessation of hostilities, with a view to the 
consideration of terms for surrendering this position. 
I am, General, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
FRANK GARDNER, Major-General. 

To which Gen. Banks thus replied : 

Headquaktees Depaetment of the Gulf, > 
BEFORE Port Hudson, July 8th, 18G3. J 

To Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, commanding C. S. 
Forces, Fort Hudson : 
General : In reply to your communication, dated the 
7th instant, by flag of truce, received a few moments 
since, I have the honor to inform you that I received, 
yesterday morning, July 7th, at 10.45, by the gun- 
boat General Price, an official despatch from Major- 
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, United States Army, whereof 
the following is a true extract : 

" Headquaetees Depaetment of the Tennessee, ) 
NEAR Vicksburg, July 4th, 1S63. j 

"Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks, commanding department of 
the Gulf : 
"General: The garrison of Vicksburg surrendered 
this morning. The number of prisoners, as given by 
the officer, is 27,000, field artillery 128 pieces, and a 
large number of siege guns, probably not less than 
eighty. Your obedient servant, 

"U. S. GRANT, Major-General." 
I regret to say, that under present circumstances, I 
cannot, consistently with my duty, consent to a cessa- 
tion of hostilities for the purpose you indicate. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS. 

The following* further correspondence then 
took place : 

Poet Hudson, July %th, 1863. 

General : I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of your communication of this date, giving a 
copy of an official communication from Major-Gen. U. 
S. Grant, United States Army, announcing the surren- 
der of Vicksburg. 

Having defended this position as long as I deem my 
duty requires, I am willing to surrender to you, and 
will appoint a commission of three officers to meet a 
similar commission appointed by yourself, at nine 
o'clock this morning, for the purpose of agreeing upon 
and drawing up the terms of the surrender, and for that 
purpose I ask for a cessation of hostilities. 

Will you please designate a point outside of my 
breastworks, where the meeting shall be held for this 
purpose ? 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
FRANK GARDNER, Commanding C. S. Forces, 

Headquarters U. S. Forces, before I 
Poet Hudson, July Sth, 1SC3. ) 

To Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, commanding Confed- 
erate States Forces, Port Hudson : 

General : I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of your communication of this date, stating that 
you are willing to surrender the garrison under your 
command to the forces under my command, and that 
you will appoint a commission of three officers to meet 
a similar commission appointed by me, at nine o'clock 
this morning, for the purpose of agreeing upon and 
drawing up the terms of the surrender. 

In reply, I have the honor to state that I have de- 
signated Brig.-Gen. Charles P. Stone, Col. Henry W. 
Birge, and Lieut.-Col. Richard B. Irwin, as the ofBcera 
to meet the commission appointed by you. 



372 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



They will meet your ofiBcers at the hour designated, 
at a point where the flag of truce was received this 
morning. I will direct that active hostilities shall 
entirely cease on my part until forther notice, for the 
purpose stated. Very respectfully yours, etc., 

N. P. BANKS, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

The following are the articles of capitulation 
mutually agreed upon and adopted : 

Art. 1. Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner surrenders to the 
United States forces under Maj.-Gen. Banks, the 
place of Port Hudson and its dependencies, with its 
garrison, armaments, munitions, public funds, and 
materials of war, in the condition, as nearly as may 
be, in which they were at the hour of cessation of 
hostilities, namely, 6 o'clock a. m., July 8th, 1863. 

Art. 2. The surrender stipulated in article one is 
qualified by no condition, save that the officers and 
enlisted men comprising the garrison shall receive 
the treatment due to prisoners of war, according to 
the usages of civilized warfare. 

Art. 3. All private property of officers and enlisted 
men shall be respected, and left to their respective 
owners. 

Art. 4. The position of Port Hudson shall be occu- 
pied to-morrow, at 7 o'clock a. m., by the forces of 
the United States, and its garrison received as pris- 
oners of war by such general officers of the United 
States service as may be designated by Maj.-Gen. 
Banks, with the ordinary formalities of rendition. 
The Confederate troops will be drawn up in line, offi- 
cers in their positions, the right of the line resting on 
the edge of the prairie south of the. railroad depot; 
the lett extending in the direction of the village of 
Port Hudson. The arms and colors will be piled con- 
veniently, and will be received by the officers of the 
United States. 

Art. 5. The sick and wounded of the garrison will 
be cared for by the authorities of the United States, 
assisted, if desired by either party, by the medical 
officers of the garrison. 

The formal surrender was made on the 9th of 



July. Gen. Andrews, Chief of Staff of Gen. 
Banks, with Ool. Birge leading his column, fol- 
lowed by two picked regiments from each divis- 
ion, with Holcombe's and Bowie's batteries of 
light artillery, and the gunners of the naval bat- 
tery, entered the fortifications. The enemy were 
drawn up in line, with then- officers in front of 
them, on one side of the road, with then- backs 
to the river. The Federal troops were drawn 
up in two lines on the opposite side of the road, 
with their officers in front. Gen. Gardner then 
advanced, and offered to surrender his sword 
with Port Hudson. In appreciation of his 
bravery, he was desired to retain it. He then 
said : " General, I will now formally surrender 
my command to you, and for that purpose wiU 
give the order to ground arms." The order 
was given, and the arms grounded. Th6 sur- 
render comprised, besides the position, 6,233 
prisoners, 51 pieces of artillery, two steam 
ers, 4,400 lbs. of cannon powder, 5,000 
small arms, and 150,000 rounds of ammu- 
nition. The loss of Gen. Banks from the 23d 
to the 30th of May was about one thousand. 
The village of Port Hudson consisted of a few 
houses and a small church, which had been 
nearly destroyed by the cannonade. The 
wounded and sick of the garrison suffered the 
most from want of medical stores. The 
provisions of the garrison were nearly ex- 
hausted. 

The surrender of Port Hiidson enabled Gen. 
Banks to turn his attention to other points 
which had been temporarily and necessarily 
neglected. His further movements ai'e stated 
in subsequent pages. 



CHAPTEE XXX. 

Movement of Gen. Bumside to cross the Eappahannock — Storm — The Army returns to Camp — Gen. Hooker takes com- 
mand — Movement of Gen. Hooker across the Rappahannock — The Battle of Chancellorsville — Losses— The death 
of Gen. " Stonewall " Jackson. 



After the battle of Fredericksburg on the 
13th of December, 1862, the army, under Maj.- 
Gen. Burnside, remained inactive for some 
weeks. Its position was opposite Fredericks- 
burg. Indications of some movement, however, 
were manifest about the 16th of January. The 
roads were dry, and, on the night of the 16th, the 
pontoons were brought up from Belle Plain, and 
with the utmost secrecy taken near the river 
some distance above. An order to march had 
been twice issued and countermanded. On the 
17th it was issued again, requiring each soldier 
to have three days' rations and sixty rounds of 
cartridges. The army at this time was as strong 
in numbers and material as it had ever been. 
It was supposed that the forces of Gen. Lee had 
been somewhat reduced by the withdrawal of 
small bodies to reenforce other points. His 



army was composed of eight divisions, com- 
manded by Gens. A. P. and D. H. Hill, Early, 
Hood, Walker, Ransom, McLaws, and Ander- 
son. Each division consisted of four to five 
brigades, and each brigade had from five to 
seven regiments. It was the intention of Gen. 
Burnside to move his army a few miles further 
up the Rappahannock, and cross at the fords 
and make an attack upon the flank of Gen. Lee. 
On the next day the order was postponed. 
The enemy in the mean time were on the alert, 
and expecting an attack at any time. On Tues- 
day, the 20th, Gens. Hooker and Franklin 
moved in heavy order, with tents, &c., toward 
Hartwood Church, which is directly north of 
the United States ford of the Rappahannock, 
which is twelve miles above Fredericksburg. 
Gen. Sigel moved in the afternoon in the same 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



373 



direction. The movement of Gen. Hooker was 
made by a road three miles north of the river, 
and concealed from the view of the enemy's 
pickets on the south bank. That night, at ten 
o'clock, a storm from the northeast commenced 
with high wind and torrents of rain. The march 
began the next morning at daylight, but the 
roads had become almost impassable. In every 
gully, batteries, caissons, supply wagons, am- 
bulances, and pontoons were mired. All day 
there was a constant and exhausting struggle 
of men, horses, and mules with the mud. On 
"Wednesday night the wearied troops lay down 
in their blankets. The storm still continued. 
During the next day an effort was made to 
concentrate on the high table land near Banks's 
Ford. It now became too manifest that it 
would be impossible to get the army through 
the freshly cut roads to the river, so that the 
fords could be reached. On Friday the storm 
abated, but further progress was necessarily 
suspended, and on the next day the movement 
was abandoned, and the army returned to its 
former quarters. 

On Monday, the 26th, Gen. Burnside issued 
the following addre.'^s, surrendering th6 com- 
mand of the army to Gen. Hooker : 

Headquartess Army of the Potomac, ) 
Camp near Falmoutu, Jatitutry 2Wi, 1S63. \ 

By direction of the President of the United States, 
the Commanding General this day transfers the com- 
mand of this army to Major-Gen. Joseph Hooker. 

The short time that he has directed your movements 
has not been fruitful of victory or any considerable 
advancement of our lines, but it has again demonstra- 
ted an amount of courage, patience, and endurance that 
under more favorable circumstances would have ac- 
complished great results. 

Continue to exercise these virtues. Be true in your 
devotion to your country and the principles you have 
sworn to maintain. Give to the brave and skilful 
general who has long been identified with your or- 
ganization, and who is now to command .you, your full 
and cordial support and cooperation, and you will de- 
serve success. 

lu taking an affectionate leave of the entire army, 
from which he separates with so much regret, he may 
be pardoned if he bids an especial farewell to his long- 
tried associates of the ninth corps. His prayers are 
that God may be with you, and grant you continued 
success until the rebellion is crushed. 

By command of Major-Gen. BURNSIDE. 

Lewis Richmond, A. A. G. 

At his own request. Gen. Burnside was re- 
lieved of his command, and the President im- 
mediately conferi-ed it upon Gen. Hooker. The 
views under which this command had been ac- 
cepted by Gen. Burnside were thus stated by 
him in his testimony before a committee ap- 
pointed by Congress to investigate the conduct 
of the war : 

On the 7th or 8th of November, I received an order 
from the President of the United States, directing me 
to take command of the Army of the Potomac, and 
also a copy of an order relieving Gen. McClellan from 
that command. This order was conveyed to me by 
Gen. Buckingham, who was attached to the War De- 
partment. After getting over my surprise, the shock, 
&c., I told Gen. Buckingham that it was a matter that 
required very serious thought; that I did not want the 
command ; that it had been offered to me twice before. 



and I did not feel that I could take it ; I counselled 
with two of my staff ofBcers in regard to it, for, I should 
think, an hour and a half. They urged upon me that 
1 had no right, as a soldier, to disobey the order, and 
that I had already expressed to the Government my 
unwillingness to take the command ; I told them what 
my views were with reference to my ability to exercise 
such a command, which views were those I had un- 
reservedly expressed, that I was not competent to com- 
mand such a large army as this ; I had said the same 
over and over again to the President and Secretary of 
War; and also that if matters could be satisfactorily 
arranged with Gen. McClellan, I thought he could 
command the Army of the Potomac better than any 
other general in it. 

On the same day when Gen. Burnside re- 
tired, Gen. Hooker, on assuming the command, 
issued the following address to the array : 



IIeadquaeters, Camp near Falmouth, ) 
January 2WA, lsC3. f 



By direction of the President of the United States 
the undersigned assumes command of the Army of the 
Potomac. 

He enters upon the discharge of the duties imposed 
by the trust with a just appreciation of their respon- 
sibility. Since the formation of this army he has been 
identified with its history ; he has shared with you its 
glories and reverses, with no other desire than that 
these relations might remain unchanged until its des- 
tiny should be accomplished. 

In the record of your achievements there is much to 
be proud of, and, with the blessing of God, we will 
contribute something to the renown of our arms and 
the success of our cause. To secure these ends your 
commander will require the cheerful and zealous co- 
operation of every officer and soldier in the army. In 
equipment, intelligence, and valor the enemy is our 
inferior. Let us never hesitate to give him battle 
whenever we can find him. 

The undersigned only gives expression to the feel- 
ings of this army when he convej's to our late com- 
mander, Maj.-Gen. Burnside, the most cordial good 
wishes for his future. 

My staff will be announced as soon as organized. 
JOSEPH HOOKER, 
Maj.-Gen. Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

Gens. Sumner and Franklin were at the same 
time relieved of the command of the right and 
left divisions of the army. The following is 
the official ordej* of the President under which 
these changes were made : 

Headquarters op the Armt, 
War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, 
Wasuington, January 2Sth, 1603. 

I. The President of the United States has directed : 

First. That Maj.-Gen. A. E. Burnside, at his own 
request, be relieved from the command of the Army of 
the Potomac. 

Second. That Maj.-Gen. E. V. Sumner, at his own 
request, be relieved from duty in the Army of the Po- 
tomac. 

Third. That Maj.-Gen. W. B. Franklin be relieved 
from duty in the Army of the Potomac. 

Fourth. That Maj.-Gen. J. Hooker be assigned to the 
command of the Army of the Potomac. 

The officers relieved as above will report in person 
to the Adjutant-General of the Army. 

By order of the Secretary of War, 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On the 26th of January, the Senate of the U. 
S. Congress adopted the following resolution : 

Eesolved, That the Committee on the Conduct of the 
War be instructed to inquire whether Maj.-Gen. A. E. 
Burnside has, since the battle of Fredericksburg, form- 
ed any plans for the movement of the Army of tha 



4 



374 



MILITAEY AM) NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Potomac, or any portion of the same; and if so, whether 
any subordinate generals of said army have written to 
or visited Washington to oppose or interfere with the 
execution of such movements, and whether such pro- 
posed movements have been arrested or interfered 
with, and, if so, by what authority. 

The report of the committee, which was 
published in April, 1S63, thus states the pro- 
ceedings under the resolution : 

Under that resolution, your committee proceeded to 
take the testimony of Maj.-Gens. A. E. Burnside and 
John G. Parke, and Brig.-Gens. John Newton, John 
Cochrane, and Wm. W. Averill. That testimony brings 
to light the following facts : 

Shortly after the battle of Fredericksburg, Gen. 
Burnside devised a plan for attacking the enemy in his 
front. The main army was to cross at a place some 
six or seven miles below Fredericksburg. The posi- 
tions for the artillery to protect the crossings were all 
selected ; the roads were all surveyed, and the corduroy 
was cut for preparing the roads. At the same time a 
feint of crossing was to be made some distance above 
Falmouth, which feint could be turned into a positive 
attack should the enemy discover the movement be- 
low ; otherwise the main attack was to be made below. 

In connection with this movement of the main army, 
a cavalry expedition was organized, consisting of 
twenty-five hundred of the best cavalry in the Army of 
the Potomac, one thousand of whom vrere picked rneu. 
The plan of that expedition n as as follows : Accom- 
panied by a brigade of infantry detailed to protect the 
crossing of the Rappahannock, it was to proceed to Kel- 
ly's Ford ; there the thousand picked men were to cross, 
and to proceed to the Rapidan, and cross that river at 
Racoon Ford ; then to go onward and cross the Vir- 
ginia Central railroad at Louisa Court House; the 
James river at Goochland or Carters, blowing up the 
looks of the James River canal at the place of crossing ; 
cross the Richmond and Lynchburg railroad at a point 
south of there, blowina; up the iron bridge at the place 
of crossing ; cross tne Richmond, Petersburg, and 
Weldon railroad where it crosses the Nottoway river, 
destroying the railroad bi'idge there ; and then proceed 
on by Gen. Pryor's command, and efiect a junction 
with Gen. Peck at Suffolk, where steamers were to be 
in waiting to take them to Aquia creek. To distract 
the attenfion of the enemy, and to deceive them in re- 
gard to which body of cavalry was the attacking col- 
umn, at the time the thousand picked men crossed the 
Rappahannock a portion of the remaining fifteen hun- 
dred was to proceed toward Warrenton ; another por- 
tion toward Culpepper Court House ;'and the remainder 
were to accompany the thousand picked men as far as 
Racoon Ford, and then return. While this cavalry 
expedition was in progress, the general movement was 
to DC made across the river. 

On the 2Cth of December an order was issued for 
the entire command to prepare three days' cooked 
rations : to have their wagons filled with ten days' 
small rations, if possible ; to have from ten to twelve 
days' supply of beef cattle with them; to take for- 
age for their teams and their artillery and cavalry 
horses, and the requisite amount of ammunition — in 
fact, to be in a condition to move at twelve hours' 
notice. 

Shortly after that order was issued, Gen* John New- 
ton and Gen. John Cochrane — the one commanding a 
division and the other a brigade in the left grand "di- 
vision, under Gen. William B. Franklin — came up to 
Washington on leave of absence. Previous to obtain- 
ing leave of absence from Gen. Franklin, they informed 
him and Gen. William F. Smith that when they came 
to Washington they should take the opportunity to 
represent to some one in authority here the dispirited 
condition of the army, and the danger there was of at- 
tempting any movement against the enemy at that 
time. 

When they reached Washington, Gen. Cochrane, as 
he states, endeavored to find certain members of Con- 



gress, to whom to make the desired communication. 
Failing to find them, he determined to seek an inter- 
view with the President for the purpose of making the 
communication directly to him. On proceeding to the 
President's House, he there met Secretary Seward, to 
whom he explained the object of his being there, and 
the general purport of his proposed communication to 
the President, and requested him to procure an inter- 
view for them, which Mr. Seward promised to do, and 
which he did do. 

That day the interview took place, and Gen. Newton 
opened tlie subject to the President. At first the 
President, as Gen. Newton expresses it, " very natu- 
rally conceived that they had come there for the pur- 
pose of injuring Gen. Burnside, and suggesting some 
other person to fill his place." Gen. Newton states 
that, while he firmly believed that the principal cause 
of the dispirited condition of the army was the want 
of confidence in the military capacity of Gen. Burn- 
side, he deemed it improper to say so to the President 
" right square out," and therefore endeavored to con- 
vey the same idea indirectly. When asked if he con- 
sidered it any less improper to do such a thing indi- 
rectly than it was to do it directly, he qualified his 
previous assertion by saying that his object was to in- 
lorm the President of what he considered to be the 
condition of the army, in the hope that the President 
would make inquiry and learn the true reason for him- 
self Upon perceiving this impression upon the mind 
of the President, Gens. Newton and Cochrane state 
that they hastened to assure the President that he was 
entirely mistaken, and so far succeeded that at the 
close of the interview the President said to them he 
was glad they had called upon him, and that he hoped 
that good would result from the interview. 

To return to General Burnside. The cavalry expe- 
dition had started ; the brigade of infantry detailed to 
accompany it had crossed the Rappahannock at 
Richard's Ford, and returned by way of Ellis's Ford, 
leaving the way clear for the cavalry to cross at Kel- 
ly's Ford. The day they had arranged to make the 
crossing. General Burnside received from the President 
the following telegram : " I have good reason for say- 
ing that you must not make a general movement with- 
out letting me know of it." 

Gen. Burnside states that he could not imagine, r.t 
the time, what reason the President could have for 
sending him such a telegram. None of the officers of, 
his command, except one or two of his stafiF, who had 
remained in camp, had been told anything of his plan 
beyond the simple fact that a movement was to be 
made. He could orily suppose that the despatch re- 
lated in some way to important military movements 
in other parts of the country, in which it was neces- 
sary to have cooperation. 

Upon the receipt of that telegram steps were imme- 
diately taken to halt the cavalry expedition where it 
then "was (at Kelh-'s Ford) until further orders. A 
portion of it was shortly afterward sent off to intercept 
btuart, who had just made a raid to Dumfries aud the 
neighborhood of Fairfax Court House, which it failed 
to do. 

Gen. Burnside came to Washington to ascertain 
from the President the true state of the case. He was 
informed by the President that some general officers 
from the Army of the Potomac, whose names he de- 
clined to give.had called upon him and represented 
that Gen. Burnside contempUited soon making a move- 
ment, and that the army was so dispirited aud demor- 
alized that any attempt to make a movement at that 
time must result in disaster; that no prominent offi- 
cers in the Army of the Potomac were in favor of any 
movement at that time. 

Gen. Burnside informed the President that none of 
his officers had been informed what bis plan was, and 
then proceeded to explain it in detail to the President. 
He urged upon the President to grant him permission 
to carry it out, but the President declined to do so at 
that time. Gen. Halleck and Secretary Stanton were 
sent for, and then learned, for the first time, of the 
President's action in stopping the movement, although 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLI02T. 



375 



Gen. Halleck was previously aware that a movement 
was contemplated by Gen. Burnside. Gen. Halleck, 
with Gen. Burnside, held that the officers who hud 
made those representations to the President should be 
at once dismissed the service. 

Gen. Burnside remained here at that time for two 
days, but no conclusion was reached upon the subject. 
When he returned to his camp he learned that many 
of the details of the general movement, and the details 
of the cavalry expedition, had become known to the 
rebel syaipathizers in Washington, thereby rendering 
that plan impracticable. When asked to whom he had 
communicated his plans, he stated that he had told no 
one in Washington except the President, Secretary 
Stanton, and Gen. Halleck; and in his camp none 
knew of it except one or two of his staff oflBcers, who 
had remained in camp all the time. He professed 
himself unable to tell how his plans had become known 
to the enemy. 

A correspondence then took place between the Pres- 
ident, Gen. Halleck, and Gen. Burnside. Gen. Burn- 
side desired distinct authority from Gen. Halleck, or 
some one authorized to give it, to make a movement 
across the river. While urging the importance and 
necessity of such a movement, he candidly admitted 
that there was hardly a general oflBcer in his command 
who approved of it. While willing to take upon him- 
self all the responsibility of the movement, and promis- 
ing to keep in view the President's caution concerning 
running any risk of destroying the Army of the Poto- 
mac, he desired to have at least Gen. Halleck's sanc- 
tion or permission to make the movement. Gen. Hal- 
leck replied that while he had always favored a forward 
movement, he could not take the responsibility of giv- 
ing any directions as to how and when it should be 
made. 

Gen. Burnside then determined to make a movement 
without any further correspondence on the subject. 
He was unable to devise any as promising as the one 
just thwarted by this interference of his subordinate 
officers, which interference gave the enemy the time, 
if not the means, to ascertain what he had proposed to 
do. He, however, devised a plan of movement,, and 
proceeded to put it in execution. As is well known, 
it was rendered abortive in consequence of the severe 
storm which took place shortly after the movement 
began. 

Gen. Burnside states that, besides the inclemency 
of the weather, there was another powerful reason for 
abandoning the movement, viz., the almost universal 
feeling among his general officers against him. Some 
of those officers freely gave vent to their feelings in the 
presence of their inferiors. In consequence of this, 
and also what had taken place during the battle of 
Fredericksburg, Ac, Gen. Burnside directed an order 
to be issued, which he styled General Order Xo. 8. 
That order dismissed some oflicers from the service, 
subject to the approval of the President, relieved 
others from duty with the Army of the Potomac, and 
also pronounced sentence of death upon some desert- 
ers who had been tried and convicted. 

Gen. Burnside states that he had become satisfied 
that it was absolutely necessary that some such exam- 
ples should be made, in order to enable him to main- 
tain the proper authority over the army under his com- 
mand. The order was duly signed "and issued, and 
only waited publication. Two or three of his most 
trusted staff officers represented to Gen. Burnside that 
should he then publish that order, he would force upon 
the President the necessity of at once sanctioning it, 
or, by refusing his approval, assume an attitude of 
hostility to Gen. Burnside. The publication of the 
order was accordingly delayed for the time. 

Gen. Burnside came to" Washington and laid the 
order before the President, with the""distinct assurance 
that in no other way could he exercise a proper com- 
mand over the Army of the Potomac; and he asked 
the President to sanction the order, or accept his re- 
signation as major-general. The President acknowl- 
edged that Geu. Burnside was right, but declined to 
decide without consulting with some of his advisers. 



To this Gen. Burnside replied, that if the President 
took time for consultation he would not be allowed to 
publish that order, and therefore asked to have his re- 
signation accepted at once. This the President de- 
chned to do. 

Gen. Burnside returned to his camp, and came again 
to Washington that night at the request of the Presi- 
dent, and the next morning called upon the President 
for his decision. He was informed that the President 
declined to approve his order No. 8, but had concluded 
to relieve him fi-om his command of the Army of the 
Potomac, and to appoint Gen. Hooker in his place. 
Thereupon Gen. Burnside again insisted that his re- 
signation be accepted. This the President declined to 
do ; and, after some urging. Gen, Burnside consented 
to take a leave of absence for thirty days, with the 
imderstanding that, at the end of that time, he should 
be assigned to duty, as he deemed it improper to hold 
a commission as major-general and receive his pay 
without rendering service therefor. Gen. Burnside ob- 
jected to the wording of the order which relieved him 
from his command, and which stated that it was at his 
own request, as being unjust to him and unfounded in 
fact ; but upon the representation that any other order 
would do injury to the cause, he consented to let it re- 
main as it then read. 

The foregoing statements of the facts proved, to- 
gether with the testimony herewith submitted, so fully 
and directly meet the requirements of the resolution, 
referred to them, that your committee deem any com- 
ment by them to be entirely unnecessary. 

Subsequently a letter appeared from Gen. 
Cochrane, of which the following is an extract : 

I have no copy of my evidence, nor have I seen 
Gen. Newton's. But I remember to have stated ex- 
plicitly that I knew nothing of Gen. Bumsidc's plan ; 
that 1 knew only of the dispirited condition of the 
troops, and the sense of apprehension which depressed 
them, and that I recognized it as a duty to communi- 
cate this knowledge to those whose duty it was to apply 
it. This much I testified that I had said to the Presi- 
dent ; and I then further said to the committee that had 
I been the depository of the commanding general's 
plans, and the possessor of facts which would neces- 
sarily have bafiled those plans, and have involved the 
army in irretrievable ruin, I would have considered it 
no less than treason not to have disclosed the facts — 
that I was impressed that another defeat, then and 
there, would have been fatal to our cause ; and that it 
was upon my deepest loyalty that I had spoken — that 
the geese had doubtless disturbed the sleeping Roman 
sentinel, when their alarm saved the capital from the 
Gauls ; but that I had never heard that the geese had 
been punished for disturbing the sentinel, though I 
had heard that they had been honored for saving the 
state. 

The following has appeared as so much of 
the order No. 8 a? relates to the dismissal and 
relief of certain officers : 

General Order No. 8. 

Heabquaetees Aemt of thb Potomac, Jan. IZd, J863. 
* * * * * 

First. Gen. Joseph E. Hooker, Major-Gencral of 
Volunteers and Brigadier-General of the United States 
Army, having been guilty of unjust and unneeessary 
criticisms of the actions of his superior officers, and or 
the authorities, and having, by the general tone of his 
conversation, endeavored to create distrust in the minds 
of officers who have associated with him, and having, 
by omissions and otherwise, made reports and state- 
ments which were calculated to create incorrect im- 
pressions, and of habitually speaking in disparaging 
terms of other officers, is hereby dismissed the service 
of the United States, as a man unfit to hold an important 
commission during a crisis like the present, when so 
much patience, charity, confidence, consideration, and 
patiiotism are due from every soldier in the field. The 



376 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



order is issued subject to the approval of the President 

of the United States. 

Second. Brig.-Gen. W. T. H. Brooks, commanding 
First Division, Sixth Army Corps, for complaining of 
the poUcy of the Government, and for using lan- 
guage tending to demoralize his command, is, subject 
to the approval of the President of the United States, 
dismissed from the military service of the United 
States. 

Third. Brig.-Gen. John Newton, commanding Third 
Division, Sixth Army Corps, and Brig.-Gen. John 
Cochrane, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, 
Sixth Army Corps, for going to the President of the 
United States with Criticisms upon the plans of their 
commanding officer, are, subject to the approval of the 
President, dismissed from the military service of the 
United States. 

Fourth. It being evident that the following named 
officers can be of no further service to this army, they 
are hereby relieved from duty, and will report in per- 
son without delay to the Adjutant-General of the 
United States Army : 

Maj.-Gen. W. B. Franklin, commanding Left Grand 
Division. 

Maj.-Gen. W. F. Smith, commanding Sixth Army 
Corps. 

Brig.-Gen. Sam. D. Sturgis, commanding Second 
Division, Ninth Army Corps. 

Brig.-Gen. Edward Ferrero, commanding Second 
Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps. 

Brig.-Gen. John Cochrane, commanding First Brig- 
ade, Third Division, Sixth Army Corps. 

Lieut.-Col. J. H. Taylor, Acting Adjutant-General 
Right Grand Division. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. A. E. BURNSIDE, 
Lewis Richmond, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

The testimony of Gen. Burnside, in relation 
to this order, from which the committee con- 
densed their abstract, was as follows : 

I went to my adjutant- general's office, and issued an 
order, which I termed General Order No. 8. That or- 
der dismissed some officers from service, subject to 
the ai^proval of the President, and relieved others 
from duty with the Army of the Potomac. I also had 
three sentences of death upon privates lor desertion, 
which I had reviewed and approved, subject, of course, 
to the approval of the President, as I had no ri^ht to do 
any of these things without that approval. I liad sent 
my own body guard over into Maryland, and had suc- 
ceeded in capturing a large number of deserters. I had 
organized a court martial, the one which is now in ses- 
sion down there trying some two hundred and fifty 
deserters. 

I told my adjutant-general to issue that order (No. 
8) at once. One of my advisers — only two persons 
knew of this — one of them, who is a very cool, sensible 
man, and a firm friend, told me that, in his opinion, 
the order was a just one, and ought to be issued ; but 
he said that he knew my views with reference to en- 
deavoring to make myself useful to the Government 
of the United States instead of placing myself in op- 
position to it ; that all of these things had to be ap- 
proved by the President of the United States, at any 
rate, before thoy could be put in force ; that he did not 
think I intended to place the President in a position 
where he either had to assume the responsibility of be- 
coming my enemy before the public, at any rate, there- 
by enabling a certain portion of my friends to make a 
martyr of me to some extent, or he had to take the 
responsibility of carrying out the order, which would 
be against the views of a great many of the most in- 
fluential men in the country, particularly that portion 
of the order in reference to the officers I proposed to 
have dismissed the service. I told the staff officer that 
I had no desire to place myself in opposition to the 
President of the United States in any way ; that I 
thought his (my staff officer's) view of the matter was 
the correct one; but that I had indicated in that order 
the only way in which I could command the Army of 



the Potomac. I accordingly took this order, already 
signed and issued in due form, with the exception of 
being made public, to the President of the United States, 
and handed him the order, together with my resigna- 
tion of my commission as a major-general. I toldliim 
that he knew my views upon the subject ; that I had 
never sought any command, more particularly that of 
the Army of the Potomac ; that my wish was to go into 
civil life, after it was determined that I could no longer 
be of any use in the army; that I desired no public 
position of any kind whatever. At the same time I 
said that I desired not to place myself in opposition to 
him in any way, or to do anything to weaken the Gov- 
ernment. I said he could now say to me, " You may 
take the responsibility of issuing this order, and I will 
approve it ; " and I would take that responsibility, if 
he would say that it would be sustained after it was 
issued, because he would have to approve of it, for I 
had no right to dismiss a man or condemn a man to 
death without his approval. In case that order (No. 8) 
could not be approved by him, there was my resigna- 
tion, which he could accept, and that would end the 
matter forever, so far as I was concerned; that noth- 
ing more would be said in reference to it. I told him 
he could be sure that my wish was to have that done 
which was best for the public service, and that was the 
only way in which I could command the Army of th« 
Potomac. The President replied to me, " I think you 
are right. * * * [The suppressions here, in the 
body of Gen. Burnside's report of the President's an- 
swer, are made by the committee.] But I must con- 
sult with some of my advisers about this." I said to 
him, " If you consult with anybody you will not do it, 
in my opinion." He said, " I cannot help that ; I must 
consult with them." I replied that he was the judge, 
and I would not question his right to do what ne 
pleased. 

The President asked me to remain all that day. I 
replied that I could not remain away from my com- 
mand; that he knew my views, and I was fixed and 
determined in them. He then asked me to come up 
that night again. I returned to my command, and 
came up again that night, and got here at six o'clock 
in the morning. I went to the President's, but did not 
see him. I went again after breakfast, and the Presi- 
dent told me that he had concluded to relieve me from 
the command of the Army of the Potomac, and place 
Gen. Hooker in command. I told him that I was willing 
to accept that, as the best solution of the problem ; and 
that neither he nor Gen. Hooker would be a happier 
man than I would be if Gen. Hooker gained a victory 
there. The President also said that he intended to re- 
lieve Gen. Sumner and Gen. Franklin. I said that I 
thought it would be wise to do so, if he made the 
change he proposed to make. Gen. Sumner was a 
much older officer than Gen. Hooker, and ought not to 
be asked to serve under him. 

On the 26th of April Gen. Burnside assumed 
the command of the Department of the Ohio. 
An invasion of Kentucky was at that time 
threatened by the Confederate forces. 

The inclemency of the season was such that 
no movements could now be attempted by the 
Army of the Potomac or its adversary on the 
opposite side of the Rappahannock at Freder- 
icksburg. Some raids by the enemy and some 
movements of cavalry were the only operations. 

On the 12th of March a bold and successful 
raid was made by the enemy as far within the 
Federal lines as Fairfax Court House in Vir- 
ginia. Brig.-Gen. Stoughton was taken from 
his bed and carried off, and a detachment from 
his brigade, with guards, horses, &c., captured. 

On the 17th of March a sharp conflict took 
place between a body of cavalry, under Gen. 
Averill, and a similar force of the enemy near 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



377 




Kelly's Ford. About forty of Gen. Averill's 
force were disabled, and about eighty of the 
enemy made prisoners. 

On the 13th of April, an expedition of cav- 
alry, infantry, and artillery, under Major-Gen. 
Stoneman, proceeded in detachments to War- 
renton, Bealton, Rappahannock bridge, and Lib- 
erty. Small bodies of Partisan Rangers were 
met with, but no opposition was encountered. 
Thence he moved to the fords of the Rapidan 
and took possession of them. These operations 
were made in advance of a general movement 
of the army across the Rappahannock to attack 
Gen. Lee. The stormy weather which ensued 
delayed this movement until the 27th of April. 

The army of Gen. Lee, in its encampments 
near Fredericksburg, held a line running from 
northwest to southeast; its right wing was ex- 
tended as far down as Port Royal on the Rap- 
pahannock, and its left wing rested above 
Fredericksburg on the same river. In this 
position it had only two main lines of retreat, 
one toward Richmond by railroad, and the 
other toward Gordonsville. The strength of 
this army was about seventy thousand men. 

The army of Gen. Hooker consisted of seven 
corps, and numbered about one hundred and 
twenty thousand men. Under his plan of at- 
tack three corps were massed below Freder- 
icksburg, to cross there and make a feint attack 
on the enemy, when two of the corps were to 



return immediately after crossing and join the 
other four corps, meauAvhile crossing at several 
fords ten and twenty miles above Fredericks- 
burg. The object of Gen. Hooker by moving 
down on the left of the enemy, was to force him 
to fight outside of his intrenchments, or to fall 
back on Richmond. 

Falmouth, the position occupied by Gen. 
Hooker's army, is nearly opposite Fredericks- 
burg, on the north bank of the Rappahannock. 
About twelve miles above, the Rapidan, a small 
river, unites with a stream heretofore called 
the North Fork, to form the Rappahannock. 
Lately, however, the North Fork has been 
called Rappahannock, and the Rapidan has 
been spoken of as a tributary. The United 
States Ford is abont one mile below the mouth 
of the Rapidan. Banks's Ford is about midway 
between the United States Ford and Falmouth. 
Kelly's Ford, where the four corps crossed the 
North Fork, or the Rappahannock as it is now 
called, is about twenty miles above Falmouth. 
Germania Ford, where the same force crossed 
the Rapidan, is about twelve miles south of 
Kelly's Ford, at a place called Germania Mills. 
The troops crossed here by wading. The wa- 
ter was up to the armpits, and with a rapid 
current. The bottom of the river was rocky. 

On Monday morning, April 27th, the elev- 
enth corps, under Maj.-Gen. Howard, the 
twelfth, under Maj.-Gen. Slocum, and the fifth, 



378 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION". 



under Maj.-Gen. Meade, marched westward on 
the several roads leading to Kelly's Ford, 
which the advance under Gen. Howard reached 
on Tuesday forenoon. A brigade of this corps 
had been guarding the ford since the movement 
of cavalry under Gen. Stoneman. The pontoon 
boats had been moved into a creek behind the 
bluff at the Ford. About two hundred and fifty 
men of the VSd Pennsylvania and 154th New 
York immediately crossed in boats and occupied 
the bank of the river. Skirmishers were de- 
ployed to the right and left, but no enemy, ex- 
cepting a few pickets who retired, was to be 
found. The remainder of the two regiments 
crossed in boats whilst the bridge was building. 
That evening the eleventh corps crossed, and 
the twelfth bivouacked on the shore. 

Early on Wednesday morning, the twelfth 
corps crossed over, followed by Gen. Stone- 
man's cavalry force and the fifth corps. The 
wagon trains were sent back from Kelly's Ford 
and parked near Banks's Ford. The advance 
moved directly to Germania Ford on the Eapi- 
dan. The fifth corps, under Gen. Meade, 
crossed the Eapidan in the afternoon, a little 
lower down. On the next morning, Thursday, 
an advance was made to Chancellorsville, at the 
junction of the Orange Court House road with 
a road to Culpepper, between five and ten miles 
distant from the ford. The three corps were 
massed at this place at night, and Gen. Hooker 
arrived and made it his headquarters. On 
Wednesday, the second corps, under Gen. 
Couch, took a position at Banks's Ford, five 
miles above Fredericksburg. Some skirmish- 
ing had occurred with small bodies of the ene- 
my, which retired. The cavalry force of Gen. 
Stoneman was sent to cut the communication 
of Gen. Lee's army by railroad with Eichmond. 

Meanwhile the remaining three corps of the 
army had been put in motion. The first corps, 
under Maj.-Gen. Eeyuolds, the third, under 
Maj.-Gen. Sickles, and the sixth, under Maj.- 
Gen. Sedgwick, moved from their camps on 
. Monday night and took a position two miles 
below Fredericksburg. Early on the next 
morning, one division of the sixth corps 
crossed two miles below Fredericksburg, and 
one division of the first corps about one mile 
farther down. Some skirmishing took place, 
and the enemy held their position ; at the same 
time bridges were thrown over and demonstra- 
tions made as if the intention was to cross a 
large force over. On the next day, Wednesday, 
the third corps, under Gen. Sickles, was detached 
and ordered to cross at United States Ford and 
join Gen. Hooker at Chancellorsville. On the 
next day Gen. Hooker issued the following order: 

General Order No. 47. 
TIeabquabters Apmt of the Potomac, \ 
Camp near Falmouth, Va,, April ZOt/i, 1863. ^ 
It is with heartfelt satisfaction that the Commanding 
(Jeneral announces to the armythat the operations of the 
last three days have determined that our enemy must 
either ingloriously fly or come out from behind his de- 
fences and give us battle on our own ground, where 
certain destruction awaits him. The operations of the 



fifth, eleventh, and twelfth corps have been a succes- 
sion of splendid achievements. 
By command of Major-Gen, HOOKER. 

S. WitLiAMS, Ass't Adj't-Gen. 

Such was the position of Gen. Hooker's forces 
on Friday morning. About noon, the fifth and 
twelfth corps, under Gens. Meade and Slocum, 
were advanced by separate roads toward Fred- 
ericksburg. The former moved to the left and 
the latter to the right. The advance of Gen. 
Meade's corps was led by the second division 
under Gen. Sykes. In about an hour it en- 
countered the enemy, and heavy firing ensued, 
which continued for three fourths of an hour, 
gradually extending toward the right wing. 
Orders were then sent by Gen. Hooker, whose 
headquarters were in the large house known 
as Chancellorsville, for the two columns to fall 
slowly back. This order was systematically 
obeyed, and everything became quiet until 
about four o'clock, when the enemy appeared 
in line of battle, in an open field fronting a 
dense wood, on the right of Gen. Hooker, and 
about a mile from Chancellorsville. A vigorous 
fire of artillery was opened on both sides, which 
continued until night, when the enemy retired. 
This movement was regarded as indicating a 
disposition on the part of Gen. Lee to feel the 
Federal lines and ascertain the strength of their 
position and force. Meanwhile Gen. Hooker 
had caused intrenchments to be thrown up by 
his army. On the next day, Saturday, the first 
corps, under Gen. Eeynolds, was ordered to 
join Gen. Hooker at Chancellorsville. It ar- 
rived in the afternoon at United States Ford, 
and was ordered into position on the right. 

During Friday night the enemy were ob- 
served cutting a road past the Federal picket 
line on the right, and wagons were seen pass- 
ing up the road on Saturday. As no attack 
was made during the forenoon, it was deter- 
mined to ascertain the nature of the movement 
on the right, by a reconnoissance in force imder 
Gen. Sickles. The divisions of Gens. Birney 
and Whipple, with Gen. Barlow's brigade from 
Gen. Howard's corps, were pushed to the front. 
This force soon became more or less engaged, 
especially with the artillery and the sharp- 
shooters as skirmishers. Prigoners who were 
taken reported that the wagon train .which 
had been seen was composed mainly of ord- 
nance wagons and ambulances, following a col- 
umn of troops under the command of Gen. 
Jackson. It was perceived at once that the 
object of Gen. Jackson was to make a sudden 
and fierce attack upon the extreme right. To 
defeat this object Gen. Sickles was ordered to 
push forward, and Gen. Birney advanced with 
great vigor, cutting in twain a column of the 
enemy still moving up the road. Gen. Wil- 
liams's division of Gen. Slocum's corps, which 
had been ordered to cooperate, then comfnenced 
a flank movement on the enemy's right, which 
promised great success. It was supposed that 
in consequence of this movement, Gen. Jackson 
would endeavor to retreat to escape a capture, 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



379 



or, if he made an attack on tlie right, that the 
eleventh corps would be suflBcient to resist 
him. . On the contrary, about five o'clock, a 
terrific volley of musketry on the extreme right 
announced that he had commenced his opera- 
tions. The division of Gen. Schurz, which he 
first assailed, almost instantly gave way. Thou- 
sands threw down their arms and streamed 
down the road toward headquarters. The en- 
emy pressed his advantage. The division of 
Gen. Devens, infected by the demoralization in 
front, soon followed the fugitives. Gen. How- 
ard, the commander of the corps, with all his 
vigor and resolution could not stem the retreat- 
ing torrent. The brigades of Ools. Bush, Beck, 
and McLean maintained themselves as long as 
possible, but finally gave way in good order 
before superior numbers. 

Gen. Hooker now sent to the aid of Gen. 
Howard the second division of the third corps, 
under Maj.-Gen. Berry. Their batteries, under 
Capt. Best, were moved on a ridge running 
across the road, and after a short but sanguin- 
ary contest, the advance of the enemy was 
checked. This disaster compelled the recall of 
Gens. Sickles and Slocum. Gen. Williams's di- 
vision found a portion of their works filled with 
the enemy, and Gen. Sickles could not commu- 
nicate with the rest of the army by the way he 
had advanced, and only at great risk by any 
other route. This Avas the state of affairs at 
dark. A bright moon soon appeared, and a 
night attack was ordered to restore the com- 
munications. Gen. "Wood's brigade of Gen. 
Birney's division made the attack at eleven 
o'clock, aided by the guns massed on the ridge 
in front of the enemy. This attack was suc- 
cessful and restored the communications. The 
enemy fell back nearly half a mile. The effect 
of the enemy's movement was to compel Gen. 
Hooker to contract his lines and assume the 
defensive, protected by breastworks and in- 
trenchments. 

During the night, the first corps, under Maj.- 
Gen. Reynolds, and the fifth corps, under Maj.- 
Gen. Meade, were transferred to Gen. Hooker's 
right, and set to work vigorously to intrench 
themselves. The position of the latter corps 
on the left was taken by the eleventh corps, 
which was reorganized during the night, and 
then assigned to a point where but little 
fighting was anticipated, and where they were 
protected by the work made on the previous 
day by the fifth corps. At the same time the 
force of Gen. Lee opposite the Federal right 
was strongly reenforced. 

At 5 o'clock on Sunday morning, the enemy 
could be seen up the plank road about a mile 
and a half from the Chancellor House, which 
was still retained as the headquarters of Gen. 
Hooker. The Federal line was formed with 
the division of Gen. Berry on the right, that of 
Gen. Birney next on the left, and Gens. Whip- 
ple and Williams supporting. By half past 
five. Gen. Berry became engaged, and a terri- 
ble conflict ensued. The infantry of the en- 



emy were advanced in overwhelming numbers 
for the purpose of crushing the Federal line, 
but the forces of Gens. Sickles and Slocum held 
them in check. The struggle became despe- 
rate, hand to hand, and the carnage great. It 
continued until 8.45 a. m., without the slightest 
intermission, when there was a temporary sus- 
pension on the Federal side, occasioned by 
getting out of ammunition. The position was, 
however, held by the bayonet for nearly an 
hour, until a supply was received, and an order 
was given to fall back to the vicinity of the 
Chancellor House. The contest now raged in 
this vicinity. Gen. Hooker's headquarters were 
withdrawn at ten o'clock. The house was 
bm-ned by a shell of the enemy. The engage- 
ment continued until 11.30 a. m., when the 
musketry fire ceased. Gen. Hooker, acting on 
the defensive, had been compelled to contract 
his lines still further, and would perhaps have 
recrossed the Rappahannock that day except 
for the advantages expected to be gained by 
the movement of Gen. Sedgwick below Fred- 
ericksburg, and that of the cavalry force under 
Gen. Stoneman. 

Several attempts were made by the enemy 
during the afternoon to force the lines of Gen. 
Hooker, but without success. 

The following despatch, relative to the ope- 
rations of Saturday and Sunday, was sent to 
Richmond by Gen. Lee : 

MiLFORD, May 3d, 1863. 
To President Davis : 

Yesterday Gen. Jackson penetrated to the rear of 
the enemy. We drove him from all his positions from 
the Wilderness to within one mile of Chancellorsville. 
He was engaged at the same time in front by two of 
Longstreet's divisions. Many prisoners were taken, 
and the enemy's loss in killed and wounded is large. 
This morning the battle was renewed. He was dis- 
lodged from all his positions around Chancellorsville, 
and driven back toward the Rappahannock, over 
which he is now retreating. We have again to thank 
Almighty God for a great victory. I regret to state 
that Gen. Paxton was killed, Gen. Jackson severely 
and Gens. Heth and A. P. Hill slightly wounded. 

R. E. LEE, General Commanding. 

On Saturday, May 2d, Gen. Sedgwick was 
ordered to cross the Rappahannock, move upon 
Fredericksburg, andmarchouton the plank road 
toward Chancellorsville, until he connected 
with the right under Gen.- Hooker, and to de- 
stroy any force he might meet on the road. 
By twelve o'clock that night, the three divi- 
sions composing the sixth corps were all across, 
and waiting orders. The main force of the 
enemy had been concentrated on their own left 
to resist Gen. Hooker. The first division, under 
Gen. Brooks, was left to guard the crossing and 
occupy the enemy in front. At four o'clock 
A. M., on Sunday, the head of the corps was in 
motion toward Fredericksburg. At the edge 
of the town it was halted, the batteries brought 
into position, and the first line of the enemy's 
intrenchments in the rear carried with consid- 
erable loss. At noon the division of Gen. Howe 
was scattered over the heights, looking out for 
and pursuing the enemy, when orders were re- 



380 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ceived to move on and join the other divisions, 
which had gone through the city. The height 
and the city were thus abandoned, to be occupied 
soon after by the enemy. About five o'clock, the 
advance was overtaken a few miles out of Fred- 
ericksburg, engaged in a brisk fight with the en- 
emy. The division of Gen. Howe was deployed 
to the left of the road over a broken country, 
with the left wing to the rear, so as to confront 
the enemy reoccupying the heights and mass- 
ing in the rear. In this position Gen. Sedg- 
wick's force remained in line of battle during 
the night, distant about six or seven miles from 
Gen. Hooker. By morning of the 4th, the en- 
emy appeared in strong force in front and on 
the hills to his left. About 4 p.m. they moved 
up to attack, and Gen. Sedgwick's artillery 
opened fire on every quarter, but could not 
check their slow and steady advance, before 
which he gradually fell back toward Banks's 
Ford. The engagement was hot, and lasted 
until 9 p. M., with a loss to Gen. Sedgwick of 
nearly four thousand. That Monday night he 
recrossed the Rappahannock. The crossing 
was effected in good order, with the camp 
equipage, mule trains, etc., except a few of the 
latter, which were taken when the enemy first 
appeared in rear at Fredericksburg. All the 
work on the left was performed by this corps 
of Gen. Sedgwick. It built three bridges, con- 
stantly skirmished with the enemy, stormed 
the heights of Fredericksburg, and advanced 
to support the right, when it was flanked by a 
heavy force of the enemy and forced to retreat 
across the river. 

The movements of the enemy in this aflTair 
were thus reported by Gen. Lee : 
To His ExcellencJi President Davis : 

At the close of the battle of Chancellorsville on Sun- 
day, the enemy was reported advancing from Fred- 
ericksburg on our rear. Gen. McLaws was sent to ar- 
rest his progress, and repulsed him handsomely. 

That afternoon, learning that his forces consisted of 
two corps, under Gen. Sedgwick, I determined to at- 
tack him, and marched back yesterday with Gen. An- 
derson, and united with McLaws early in the afternoon, 
and succeeded, by the blessing of Heaven, in driving 
Sedgwick over the river. 

We have reoccupied Fredericksburg, and no enemy 
remains south of the Rappahannock or in the vicinity. 
R. E. LEE, General Commanding. 

While these operations were going on under 
Gen. Sedgwick, the enemy made no serious at- 
tack upon Gen. Hooker. On Monday, at day- 
light, they placed guns on the heights, which 
commanded the ground north of United States 
Ford, and began shelling the trains of Gen. 
Hooker. These guns were soon silenced by the 
twelfth corps, which relieved the eleventh, and 
now occupied the extreme left. During the day, 
the enemy continued to feel the lines of Gen. 
Hooker from the extreme left to right, making 
vigorous feints, driving in pickets, picking off 
artillery horses and oflScers on horseback. It 
was in one of these forays that Gen. Whipple 
was mortally wounded in the spine, while 
standing against a tree in his own camp, sup- 
posing himself to be in perfect security. Gen, 



Hooker continued during the day to strengthen 
his position with a second line of rifle pits. 
During Monday night slight skirmishing con- 
tinued along the lines, with frequent volleys of 
musketry from some portion of the rifle pits. 
Batteries of flying artillery were used to sheU 
the camps, which changed position as often as 
guns were brought to bear upon them. Thus 
the Federal troops were harassed and exhaust- 
ed during the nigljt. 

Early on Tuesday all the pioneers and men, 
with extra tools, were employed on the roads 
leading from the army back to United States 
Ford. Old roads were repaired and new ones 
cut through the woods. The trains and artil- 
lery commenced moving toward the river early 
in the evening. The rain then was falling rap- 
idly, and the night became quite dark. The 
crossing commenced at ten o'clock, and at three 
o'clock on Wednesday morning all the wagons 
and mule trains and artillery had passed the 
bridges, and the passage of the infantry com- 
menced. The second corps, under Gen. Couch, 
led the advance. The fifth corps, under Gen. 
Meade, formed the rear guard, with Gen. Sykes's 
division of regulars to cover the retreat. The 
passage of the river was effected without any 
disturbance from the enemy. The dead on the 
battle field of Tuesday were left unburied, and 
many of the wounded remained behind. The 
rapid rise of the river prevented the immediate 
advance of Gen. Lee. 

The movements of the cavalry force, under 
Gen. Stonemnn, do not appear to have pro- 
duced any advantage in favor of Gen. Hooker. 
As has been stated, the storms which ensued 
prevented active movements by Gen. Stone- 
man until the 29th of April. On that day he 
crossed at Kt-lly's Ford. The division of Gen. 
Averill moved to the Orange and Alexandria 
railroad, and encountered two regiments of 
the enemy, who retired toward Gordonsville. 
Thence he proceeded to Culpepper, and dis- 
persed a force of the rebels there, capturing 
their rear guard, and seizing a large amount of 
flour, salt, and bacon. The enemy were pur- 
sued by way of Cedar mountain toward the 
Rapid an. Here he received a despatch from 
Gen. Stoneman, desiring him to push the enemy 
as vigorously as possible, and keep him oc- 
cupied. On the 1st, scouting parties were sent 
up and down on both sitles of the Rapidan. On 
the 2d, orders were received by him to join 
Gen. Hooker at United States Ford at once. 

Gen. Stoneman, after crossing at Kelly's 
Ford, moved the main body of his command 
across Fleshman's creek, and encamped for the 
night in an open field. On the next day, the 3d, 
Gen. Buford crossed the Rapidan, two miles 
below Racoon Ford, and drove a body of in- 
fantry from the ford, where Gen. Gregg cross- 
ed later in the day. A lieutenant and thirteen 
privates of an artillery company were captured 
here. At night the whole force bivouacked 
one mile from the river. On the next day the 
march was commenced, and at Orange Spring a 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



381 



force of the enemy, approaching by railroad, 
barely escaped capture. That night the com- 
mand encamped at Greenwood, one mile from 
Louisa Court House, through which the Vir- 
ginia Central railroad passes, connecting Gor- 
donsville with Richmond. On the next day, the 
2d of May, a squadron of the 10th New York, 
under Col. Irwin, was sent five miles above the 
town, and another of the same regiment, under 
Major Avery, was sent the same distance below, 
to destroy the track of the road, while Col. Kil- 
patrick took possession of the town. The track 
was torn up for some distance, the telegraph 
cut, and some commissary stores seized. In 
the afternoon the command moved to Thomp- 
son's Four Corners. From this place, as head- 
quarters, several expeditions were sent out. 
On the next morning Col. Wyndham proceeded 
to Columbia, on the James river, where the 
Lynchburg and Richmond canal crosses the 
river. An unsuccessful attempt was made to 
destroy the aqueduct. Five locks were injured, 
three canal boats, loaded with commissary 
stores, and five bridges, were burned, and the 
the canal lock cut in several places. A large 
quantity of commissary stores and medicines in 
the town were also destroyed. Another de- 
tachment, under Capt. Drammond, of the 5th 
cavalry, destroyed the bridge over the James 
river at Oeatreville. Other small parties were 
sent out ill diiferent directions, and some skir- 
mishing took place with small parties of the 
enemy. At the same time a force, consisting 
of the 10th New York and 1st Maine, with 
two pieces of artillery, was sent out under 
Gen. Gregg, to destroy the railroad bridge at 
Ashland, while Col. Kilpatrick, with the Har- 
ris Light, and 12th Illinois, Lieut.-Col. Davis, 
were to go between Asliland and Richmond, 
destroying the railroad, bridges, &c. Gen. Gregg 
destroyed the bridge across the South Anna on 
the road from Columbia to Spottsylvania ; 
thence he moved east, and destroyed the road 
to Beaver Dam Station. He then turned north 
to the Richmond and Gordonsville turnpike, 
sending out a detachment to burn the Ground 
Squirrel bridge. That night he bivouacked 
eight miles from Ashland. A detachment sent 
out to burn the bridge at Ashland found it too 
strongly defended. Some portions of the rail- 
road track, however, were destroyed. Leaving 
Col. Kilpatrick and Lieut.-Col. Davis, Gen. 
Gregg returned on the next day to Gen. Stone- 
man. On the night of the 4th, Gen. Gregg 
moved near Yanceyville, and was followed the 
next day by Gen. Stoneman and Gen. Buford's 
command. On the 5th, the retrograde movement 
commenced, and crossing Racoon Ford, on the 
Rapidan, the command arrived at Kelly's Ford, 
on the North Fork. Meantime, the advance 
of Col. Kilpatrick was made, and thus subse- 
quently reported by him: 

By directions from Maj.-Gen. Stoneman, I left Louisa 
Court House on the morning of the 3d instant, with 
one regiment (the Harris Light Cavalry) of my brig- 
ade ; reached Hungary, on the Fredericksburg railroad. 



at daylight on the 4th ; destroyed the depot and tele- 
graph wires and railroad for several miles ; passed 
over to Brook turnpike, drove in the rebel pickets; 
dovvn the pike, across the brook, charged a battery, 
and forced it to retire within two miles of the city of 
Richmond; captured Lieut. Brown, aide-de-camp to 
Gen. Winder, and eleven men within the fortifications ; 
passed down to the left of the Meadow bridge on the 
Chickahominy, which I burned ; ran a train of cars 
into the river ; retired to Hanovertown on the penin- 
sula ; crossed and destroyed the ferry boat just in time 
to check the advance of a pursuing cavalry force; 
burned a train of thirty wagons loaded with bacon ; 
captured thirteen prisoners, and encamped for the 
night five miles from the river. 
'I resumed my march at 1 a. m. of the 5th ; surprised 
a force of three hundred cavalry at Aylett's ; captured 
two officers and thirty-three men ; bvlrned fifty-six 
wagons, the depot, containing upward of twenty thou- 
sand bushels of corn and wheat, quantities of clothing 
and commissary stores, and safely crossed the Matta- 
pony, and destroyed the ferry again just in time to es- 
cape the advance of the rebel cavalry pursuit. Late in 
the evening I destroyed a third wagon train and depot 
a few miles above and west of the Tappahanuock on 
the Rappahannock, and from that point made a forced 
march of twenty miles, being closely pursued by a su- 

Serior force of cavalry, supposed to be a portion of 
tuart's, from the fact that we captured prisoners 
from the Sth, 1st, and 10th Virginia cavalry. At sun- 
down discovered a force of cavalry drawn up in line 
of battle about King and Queen Court House. Their 
strength was unknown, but I at once advanced to the 
attack, only to discover, howei^r, that they were friends 
—a portion of the 10th Illinois cavalry, who had be- 
come separated from the command of Lieut.-Col. Davis, 
of the same regiment. 

At 10 A. M., on the 7th, I found safety and rest under 
our own brave old flag within our lines at Gloucester 
Point. This raid and march around the entire rebel 
army — a march of nearly two hundred miles — has been 
made in less than five days, with a loss of one officer 
and thirty-seven men, having captured and paroled 
upward of three hundred men. 

At the same time, Lieut.-Col. Davis, of the 
12th Illinois, was ordered to penetrate to the 
Fredericksburg railroad, and, if possible, to the 
Virginia Central, and destroy communications. 
If he crossed the Virginia Central he was to 
make for Williamsburg on the peninsula. Leav- 
ing the main body on the South Anna, on 
Sunday, May 3d, he passed down the bank of 
that river, burning a bridge, and, dispersing a 
mounted party of the enemy, struck the rail- 
road at Ashland. Here he cut the telegraph, 
tore up some rails, and burned tlie trestle- 
work bridge south of the town. At the same 
time a train of cars, filled with sick and 
wounded, arrived, and was captured. The 
prisoners were paroled, and the locomotives 
disabled. Twenty wagons, with horses, .were 
destroyed, and several horses taken. Leaving 
at 6 p. M., a train of eighteen wagons was 
met and destroyed, and Hanover Station reach- 
ed at 8 p. M. Here thirty prisoners were cap- 
tured, and the railroad line broken The depot, 
storehouses, and stables, filled with govern- 
ment property, were destroyed, also a culvert 
and trestlework south of the station. Among 
the property destroyed were more than one 
hundred wagons, a thousand sacks of flour and 
corn, and a large quantity of clothing and horse 
equipments. The command then moved down 
within seven miles of Richmond, and bivouack- 



382 



• MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



ed until eight o'clock the nest morning. It 
then marched for Williamsburg, but at Tuns- 
tall's Station, near White House, encountered a 
train of cars, fiUed with infantry and a_ battery 
of three guns. This force formed in rifle pits, 
so that Col. Davis, by a charge, could not pene- 
trate their line: he therefore determined to 
cross the Pamunkey and Mattapony, and pro- 
ceed to Gloucester Point. He thus reports the 
result of his movements : 

Our total loss in the expedition has been two com- 
missioned officers and thirty-three enlisted men; we 
brought with us one hundred mules and seventy-five 
horses, captured from the enemy. We captured, in 
the course of our march, a much larger number, which 
we could not bring in. The amount of property de- 
stroyed is estimated at over one million of dollars. 
Kespectfully submitted, 

H. DAVIS, Lieut-Colonel Commanding. 

The army of Gen. Hooker, after recrossing, 
as before stated, moved immediately to its origi- 
nal camp opposite Fredericksbnrg. 

On the 6th, Gen. Hooker issued the follow- 
ing address to his army : 

General Orders No. 49. 

nEADQUARTEES AeMY OF THE POTOMAO, ) 

May 61/1, 1863. j 
The Major- General Commanding tenders to this 
army his congratulations on its achievements of the 
last seven days. If it has not accomplished all that 
was expected, the reasons are well known to the army. 
It is sufficient to say, they were of a character not to 
be foreseen Or prevented by human sagacity or re- 
source. 

In withdrawing from the south bank of the Eappa- 
hanuock before delivering a general battle to our ad- 
versaries, the army has given renewed evidence of its 
confidence in itself, and its fidelity to the principles it 
represents. On fighting at a disadvantage, we would 
have been recreant'to our trust, to ourselves, our cause, 
and our country. Profoundly loyal and conscious of 
its strength, the Army of the Potomac will give or 
decline battle whenever its interest or honor may de- 
mand. It will also be the guardian of its own history 
and its own arm. By your celerity and secrecy of 
movement, our advance and passage of -the rivers was 
undisputed, and on our withdrawal not a rebel ven- 
tured to follow. 

The events of last week may swell with pride the 
heart of every officer and soldier of this army. We 
have added new lustre to its former renown. We 
have made long marches, crossed rivers, surprised the 
enemy in his intrenchments, and, wherever we have 
fought, have inflicted heavier blows than we have re- 
ceived. We have taken from the enemy five thousand 
prisoners ; fifteen colors ; captured and brought off 
seven pieces of artillery; placed hors du combat eigh- 
teen thousand of his chosen troops ; destroyed his 
depots filled with vast amounts of stores ; deranged 
his communications; captured prisoners within the 
fortifications of his capital, and filled his country with 
fear and consternation. We have no other regret 
than that caused by the loss of our brave companions, 
and in this we are consoled by the conviction that they 
have fallen in the holiest cause ever submitted to the 
arbitrament of battle. 

By command of Major-General HOOKER. 

S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On the 7th, Gen, Lee issued the following 
address to his army : 

General Orders JVo. 59. 

IIeadquaeteks Army Northern Virginia, ) 
May 7lh, 1S63. ( 
With heartfelt gratification, the General Command- 
ing expresses to the army his sense of the heroic con- 



duct displayed by officers and men, during the arduous 
operations in which they have just been engaged. 

Under trying vicissitudes of heat and storm, you 
attacked the enemy, strongly intrenched in the depths 
of a tangled wilderness, i}nd again on the hills of Fred- 
ericksburg, fifteen miles distant, and, by the valor that 
has triumphed on so many fields, forced him once 
more to seek safety beyond the Rappahannock. While 
this glorious victory entitles you to the praise and 
gratitude of the nation, we are especially called upon 
to return our grateful thanks to the only Giver of vic- 
tory, for the signal deliverance He has wrought. 

It is, therefore, earnestly recommended that the 
troops unite on Sunday next in ascribing to the Lord 
of Hosts the glory due His name. 

Let us not forget, in our rejoicings, the brave soldiers 
who have fallen in defence of their country; and, 
while we mourn their loss, let us resolve to emulate 
their noble example. The army and the country alike 
lament the absence for a time of one to whose brav- 
ery, energy, and skill they are so much indebted for 
success. 

The following letter from the President of the Con- 
federate States, is communicated to the army as an 
expression of his appreciation of its success : 

I have received your despatch, and reverently unite ■with 
you in giving praise to God for the success with which bo 
has crowned our arms. 

Iq tlio name of the people, I offer my cordial thanks to 
yourself .and the troops under your command, for this addi- 
tion to the u nprecedented series of great victories which your 
army has achieved. 

The universal rejoicing produced by this happy result 
will be mingled with a general regret for the good and the 
brave who are numbered among the killed and wounded. 
R. E. LEE, General. 

On the 8th, the following despatch was sent 
by the Secretary of War to the Governors of 
the Northern States : 

■Wabhtkgton, 3fay 8th, 1863. 

The President and General-in-Chief have just re- 
turned from the Army of the Potomac. The principal 
operations of Gen. Hooker failed, but there has been 
no serious disaster to the organization and efficiency 
of the army. It is now occupying its former position 
on the Rappahannock, having recrossed the river with- 
out any loss in the movement. Not more than one 
third of Gen. Hooker's force was engaged. Gen. 
Stoneman's operations have been a brilliant success. 
Part of his force advanced to within two miles of 
Richmond, and the enemy's communications have 
been cut in every direction. The Army of the Poto- 
mac will speedily resume offensive operations. 

(Signed) E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

On the same day, the President issued the 
following proclamation, preliminary to execu- 
ting the law for obtaining soldiers by enrol- 
ment and draft. It would appear that the 
events on the Rappahannock had hastened the 
decision to put the law for this object in opera- 
tion, and the proclamation notified all foreign- 
ers who had merely declared an intention to 
become citizens of the United States, that after 
sixty-five days they would be liable to draft, 
if found in the country. 
JBi/ the President of the United States of America : 
proclamation. 

Whereas, the Congress of the United States, at its 
last session, enacted a law, entitled an act for the en- 
rolling and calling out the national forces, and for oth- 
er purposes, which was approved on the Sd day of 
March last ; and whereas, it is recited in said act that 
there now exists in the West and South an insurrec- 
tion against the authority thereof, and it is under the 
Constitution of the United States the duty of the Gov- 
ernment to suppress insurrection and rebellion, to 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



383 



guarantee to each State a republican form of govern- 
ment, and to preserve public tranquillity ; and where- 
as, for these high purposes, a military force is indis- 
pensable, to raise and support which all persons ought 
willingly to contribute ; and whereas, no service can 
be moi'e praiseworthy. and honorable than that which 
is rendered for the maintenance of the Constitution 
and Union, and consequent preservation of free gov- 
ernment; and whereas, for the reasons thus recited, 
it was enacted by said statute that all able-bodied 
male citizens of the United States, and persons of for- 
eign birth who shall have declared on oath their in- 
tention to become citizens under and in pursuance of 
the laws therof, between the ages of 20 and 45 years, 
with certain exceptions not necessary to be here men- 
tioned, are declared to constitute the national forces, 
and shall be liable to perform military duty in the 
service of the United States, when called on by the 
President for that purpose ; and whereas, it is claimed 
by and in behalf of persons of foreign birth within the 
ages specified in said act, who have heretofore de- 
clared on oath their intention to become citizens under 
and in pursuance of the laws of the United States, and 
who have not exercised the right of suffrage or any 
other political franchise under the laws of the United 
States or of any of the States thereof, are not abso- 
lutely concluded by their aforesaid declaration of in- 
tention from renouncing their purpose to become 
citizens ; and that on the contrary such persons under 
treaties or the law. of nations retain a right to re- 
nounce that purpose and to forego privilege of citi- 
zenship and residence within the United States un- 
der obligations imposed by the aforesaid act of Con- 
gress : 

Now, therefore, to avoid all misapprehensions con- 
cerning liability of persons concerned to perform the 
service Required by such enactment, and to give it 
full etfect, I do hereby order and proclaim that no 
plea of alienage will be received or allowed to exempt 
from obligations imposed by the aforesaid act of Con- 
gress any person of foreign birth who shall have de- 
clared, on oath, his intention to become a citizen of 
the United States, under the laws thereof, and who 
shall be found within the United States at any time 
during the continuance of the present insurrection 
and rebellion at or after the expiration of the period 
of sixty-five days from date of this proclamation ; nor 
shall any such plea of alienage be allowed in faVor of 
any such person who has so as aforesaid declared his 
intention to become a citizen of the United States, 
and shall have exercised at any time the right of 
suffrage or any other .political franchise within the 
United States under laws of any of the several States. 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. 
Done at the city of Washington, this 8th day of May, 
in the year of our Lord 1863, and of the independence 
of the United States the 87th. 

(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President. 

W. H. Seward, Secretary of State. 

Previously, while the movements of Gen. 
Hooker were in progress, the following mili- 
tary orders were issued. The object appears 
to have been to prevent the transmission of 
premature and unreliable reports to Halifax, 
Nova Scotia, and by steamer to Europe : 

Washington, May ], 1863. 
To Major-Gen. Wool, Commanding at Neio York : 

By virtue of the act of Congress authorizing the 
President to take possession of railroad and telegraph 
lines, &c., passed February 4th, 1862, the President 
directs that you take immediate mihtary possession 
of the telegraph lines lately estabHshed between Phil- 
adelphia and Boston, called the Independent Tele- 
graph Company, and/orbid the transmission of any 
intelligence relating to the movements of the army of 
tbe Potomac or any military forces of the United 
States. In case this order is violated, arrest and im- 



prison the perpetrators in Fort Delaware, reporting 
to this Department. If the management of the line 
will stipulate to transmit no military intelligence with- 
out the sanction of the War Department, they need 
not be interfered with so long as the engagement is 
fulfilled. This order will be executed so as not to 
interfere with the ordinary business of the Telegraph 
Company. 
By order of the President : 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

The oflBcial statement of the killed and 
wounded of Gen. Hooker's army was as fol- 
lows : 

Officers killed, 154 

Enlisted men killed, 1,358 

Officers wounded, 624 

Enlisted men wounded, 8,8&4 

Total 11,030 

Some of the wounded remained on the field 
of battle at least ten days, as appears by the 
following, which was made ptiblic : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ) 
Triesday, May 'i2,18m. \ 
Dr. Luckley, medical director in charge of our 
wounded on the field, reports that they are all com- 
fortable, and are about twelve hundred in number. 
An ambulance train has been sent for them. They 
are expected to return to camp by to-night. ■ 

A flag of truce from Gen. Lee stated that 
he had exhausted his medicines and hospital 
stores, and ft'esh supplies were sent over for the 
wounded of Gen. Hooker's army. The num- 
ber of prisoners taken was estimated by the 
enemy at eight thousand. It was an overesti- 
mate. 

The loss of the enemy in numbers was less 
than that of Gen. Hooker, but far greater in 
the importance of the officers. AmoBg their 
wounded was Gen. Jackson, who subsequently 
died. Upon hearing that he was wounded, 
Gen. Lee addressed to him the following letter • 

Chancellorsville, May UTi. 
To Lieutenant- Gen. T. J. Jackson : 

General : I have just received your note, inform- 
ing me that you are wounded. I cannot express my 
regret at the occurrence. 

Could I have directed events, I should have chosen 
for the good of the country to have been disabled in 
your stead. I congratulate you upon the victory 
which is due to your skill and energy. 
Most truly yours, 

R. E. LEE, General 

Gen. Jackson had gone some distance in 
front of his line of skirmishers, on Saturday 
evening. May 2d, and was returning about 
eight o'clock, attended by his staff" and part of 
his couriers. The cavalcade, in the darkness 
of the night, was supposed to be a body of 
Federal cavalry, and fired upon by a regiment 
of his own corps. He was struck by three 
balls, one through the left arm, two inches 
below the shoulder-joint, shattering the bone 
and severing the chief artery ; another ball 
passed through the same arm between the 
elbow and wrist, making its exit through the 
palm of the hand \ a third ball entered the palm 
of the right hand, about the middle, passed 
through and broke two bones. He suffered 
for a week, dmnng which his wounds improved. 



384 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



but sunk under an attack of pneumonia. The 
following order was issued by Gen. Lee : 
General Order No. 61. 
Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, | 
• May Wth, 1863. ) 
With deep grief the Commanding General an- 
nounces to the army the death of Lieut.-Gen. T. J. 
Jackson, who expired on the 10th instant, at 3.15 p. m. 
The daring, skill, and energy of this great and good 



soldier, by the decree of an all- wise Providence, are 
DOW lost to us ; but while we mourn his death, we 
feel that his spirit still lives, and will inspire the 
whole army with his indomitable courage and un- 
shaken confidence in God as our hope and strength. 
Let his name be a watchword to his corps, who 
have followed him to victory on so many fields. Let 
officers and soldiers emulate his invincible deter- 
mination in defence of our beloved country. 

R. E. LEE, General. 



CHAPTEK XXXI. 



Position of the hostile Armies on the Pwappahannock— The Military Departments — Advance of Gen. Lee toward the 
Shenandoah Valley — Capture of Winchester and Martinsburg — Invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania — Calls for 
Troops from the Northern States — March of Gen. Hooker's Army — Plans of Gen. Lee — The Enemy m Penn- 
sylvania. ♦ 



The armies confronting each other at Freder- 
icksburg, now remained inactive for some time. 
A movement of a small force of Confederate 
cavalry near the Baltimore and Ohio Eaih'oad, 
during the last week in April, was made, by 
which some injury was done to that road, and 
an alarm created on its borders. On the 1st of 
June, the Federal force at West Point, on the 
York Kiver, under Brig. -Gen. Gordon, was 
withdrawn, and a cavalry dash from Gloucester 
was made by Col. Kilpatrick through the ad- 
jacent counties, for the piirpose of joining his 
force with that of General Stoneman. At this 
time, also, some cavalry movements took place 
along \h^ Eapidan, and such changes were ob- 
served m the appearance of the enemy's camp 
at Fredericksburg as created an impression that 
some of his force might have been withdrawn. 
This induced Gen. Hooker to make a reconnois- 
sance in force on the 5th of June. The division 
of Gen. Howe, of the sixth corps, was sent 
across the river below Fredericksburg. Some 
skirmishing ensued, and the enemy developed 
so much strength as to create the impression 
that the mass of his forces had not been re- 
moved. 

On Tuesday, the 9th of June, two brigades 
of Gen. Pleasanton's cavalry, under command 
of Gen. Buford, made a reconnoissance to Cul- 
pepper. The force was supported by two bat- 
teries of artillery, and two regiments of infan- 
try, as a reserve. On Monday night, the force 
bivouacked near Beverly Ford, on the Eappa- 
hannock. Beyond the ford was a semi-circular 
belt of woods, with a range of riiie-pits near 
the edge; and a line of pickets guarded the 
fords on the southern bank of the river. The 
cavalry crossed at 4 a. m., the 10th New York 
in advance, and drove the pickets back to the 
ride-pits, and then charged upon the pits. The 
combat was severe, but the enemy were driven 
from their pits and the woo.ds. Falling back 
upon their artillery, they maintained their po- 
sition until twelve o'clock, when Gen. Buford's 
artillery reached the ground, and the action 



was renewed. Gen. Pleasanton took command 
of the Union force before it was over. Gen. 
Stuart also arrived on the Confederate side. 
The Federal loss was about three hundred and 
sixty. Among the killed was Col. B. F. Davis, 
who led the cavalry force from Harper's Ferry 
at the time of its surrender in 1862. The ene- 
my's loss was somewhat larger. The number 
of the enemy taken prisoners was about two 
hundred. In reply to a communication from 
Gen. Pleasanton, relating to the men left in the 
hands of General Stuart, the latter subsequently 
stated that the dead had been decently bur- 
ied, the wounded humanely attended by his 
surgeons, and the prisoners sent to Eichmond ; 
but that no parties would be permitted to visit 
the held by flag of truce, for the purpose of 
procuring the remains of friends, and that all 
future communications must be sent by the 
flag-of-truce boat to City Point, Va. 

Positive information was obtained by this re- 
connoissance that the Confederate forces were 
preparing for a movement, either against Wash- 
ington or into the State of Maryland. An ap- 
prehension of an aggressive blow from the en- 
emy now existed. Where, or in what manner 
the attempt would be made to strike the blow, 
no one could foretell. A threat had been made 
to invade Maryland and Pennsylvania with a 
considerable force, in retaliation for the raids 
made by Col. Grierson in Mississippi and Cols. 
Kilpatrick and Davis in Virginia. The cavalry 
force of Gen. Pleasanton, on its return, brought 
information that the enemy had been moving 
in strong force westward, through the town of 
Sperryville, toward Luray, in the Shenandoah 
valley; that the column so moving was three 
hours and a half in passing the town, and was 
composed of infantry and artillery. The move- 
ment of Gen. Pleasanton also developed that 
the enemy were massing their cavalry on the 
Upper Eappahannock for some purpose. On 
the 11th of June, a force, consisting of two 
hundred and fifty of the enemy's cavalry, 
crossed the Potomac at Edward's Ferry, and 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



385 



attacked tlie company of the 6tli Michigan on 
picket at Seneca. This company gradually fell 
back toward Poolesville. The enemy burnt 
their camp and recrossed the river, where they 
remained for some time, assuming a threaten- 
ing appearance. 

On the 8th of June, the Richmond (Va.) press 
spoke of a movement of Gen. J^ee, in these 
words: "It is too generally known to raise 
any question of prudence in speaking of it, 
that Gen. Lee has put his army in motion. 
His designs are known only to himself, and 
those with whom it was his duty to confer. 
A few days will disclose them to the public, 
who are willing to wait patiently, in full confi- 
dence that the result will vindicate the wisdom 
of what he undertakes. A forward movement 
on his part has been for some tims anticipa- 
ted by the enemy, and is regarded with very 
perceptible uneasiness." 

The facts were as follows: The position 
occupied by Gen. Hooker, opposite Fredericks- 
burg, being one in which he could not be at- 
tacked to advantage, Gen. Lee determined to 
draw him from it. The execution of this pur- 
pose by liim embraced the relief of the Shen- 
andoah valley from the Federal troops that 
had occupied the lower part of it during the 
winter and spring, and, if practicable, the 
transfer of the scene of hostilities north of the 
Potomac. It was thought that the correspond- 
ing movements on the part of Gen. Hooker, to 
which those contemplated by Gen. Lee would 
probably give rise, might offer a fair opportu- 
nity to strike a blow at the army under Gen. 
Hooker, and that in any event that array would 
be compelled to leave Virginia, and possibly to 
draw to its support troops designed to operate 
against other parts of the Confederacy. In 
this way it was supposed that the Federal plan 
of campaign for the summer would be broken 
up, and a part of the season of active opera- 
tions be consumed in the formation of new 
combinations and the preparations that they 
would require. Other valuable results, it was 
hoped by Gen. Lee, would be attained by mili- 
tary success. 

The movement of Gen. Lee began on the 
3d of June. Gen. McLaws's division of Gen. 
Longstreet's corps left Fredericksburg for 
Culpepper Court House; and Gen. Hood's 
division, which was encamped on the Rap- 
idan, marched to the same place. They were 
followed, on the 4th and 5th, by Gen. Ewell's 
corps, leaving that of Gen. A. P. Hill to oc- 
cupy the Confederate lines at Fredericks- 
burg. The forces of Gens. Longstreet and 
Ewell reached Culpepper on the 8th, at which 
point the Confederate cavalry under Gen. Sm- 
art was concentrated. Gen. Jenkins, with his 
cavalry brigade, had been ordered to advance 
toward Winchester, to cooperate -with the in- 
fantry in the proposed expedition in the lower 
part of the Shenandoah valley, and at the 
same time Gen. Imboden was directed with his 
command to make a demonstration in the di- 
25 



rection of Romney, in order to cover the move- 
ment against "Winchester, and prevent the Fed- 
eral troops at that place from being reenforced 
by the troops on the line of the Baltimore and 
Ohio railroad. Both of these officers were in 
position when Gen. Ewell left Culpepper Court 
House, on the 16th of June. 

Oq the 9th of June, the War Department 
issued a general order (No. 172) establishing 
two new military departments, as follows : 

J. The Department of the Monongahela, embracing 
that portion of the State of Pennsylvania vrest ot 
Johnstown and the Laurel Hill range of mountains, 
and the counties of Hancock, Brooke, and Ohio, in 
the State of Virginia, and the counties of Columbia, 
Jefferson, and Belmont, in the State of Ohio. The 
command of this department is assigned to Major-Gen. 
William T. H. Brooks, with his headquarters at Pitts- 
burg. 

2. The Department of the Susquehanna, cmbra- 
ciug that portion of the State of Pennsylvania east 
of Johnstown and the Laurel Hill range of moun- 
tains. The command of this department is assigned 
to Major-Gen. Couch, with his headquarters at Cham- 
bersburg. 

The following is the list of the military geo- 
graphical departments and their commanders 
at this time : 

Department of the Tennessee— Maj. -Gen . U. S. Grant. 

Department of the Cumberland — Maj. -Gen. W. S. 
Rosecrans. 

Department of the Ohio — Maj. -Gen. A. E. Burnside. 

Department of NewEngland— Maj.-Gen. John A. Dix. 

Department of the Gulf— Maj. -Gen. N. P. Banks. 

Department of North Carolina and Department of 
Virginia — Maj. -Gen. J. G. Foster. 

Department of the Northwest — Maj. -Gen. John Pope. 

Department of Washington — Maj. -Gen. S. P. Heiut- 
zelman. 

Department of the Monongahela — Maj. -Gen. W. T. 
H. Brooks. 

Department of the Susquehanna — Maj. -Gen. Darius 
N. Couch. 

Departmfent of Western Virginia — Brig, -Gen. B. F. 

Department of New Mexico — Brig.-Gen. James H. 
Carlton. 

Department of the Pacific — Brig.-Gen. G. Wright 

Department of Key West — Brig.-Gen. J. M. Brannan. 

Department of Kansas — Maj. -Gen. James G. Blunt. 

Middle Department— Maj. -Gen. Robert C. Schenck. 

Department of the South — Brig.-Gen. Q. A. Gillmore. 

Department of Missouri— Maj. -Gen. John M. Scho- 
field. 

On the 12th of June, the Governor of Penn- 
sylvania issued the following proclamation : 

In the name and hy the authority of the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania, by Andrew ^. Curtin, Governor 
of the said Commonwealth : 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Information has been obtained by the War Depart- 
ment that a large rebel force, composed of cavalry, 
artillery, and mounted infantry, has been prepared for 
the purpose of making a raid into Pennsylvania. The 
President has therefore erected two new departments, 
one in Eastern Pennsylvania, to be commanded by 
Major-General Couch, and the other in Western Penn- 
sylvania, to be com.manded by Major-General Brooks. 
I earnestly invite the attention of the people of Penn- 
sylvania to the general orders issued by these officers 
on assuming the command of their respective depart- 
ments. 

The importance of immediately raising a suflScient 
fbrce for the defence of the State cannot oe overrated. 
The corps now proposed to be established will give 



386 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



permanent security to our borders. I know too well 
the gallantry and patriotism of the freemen of this 
Commonwealth to think it necessary to do more than 
commend this measure to the people, and earnestly 
urge them to respond to the call of the General Gov- 
ernment and promptly till the ranks of this corps, 
the duties of which will be mainly the defence of 
our own homes, firesides, and property from devas- 
tation. ANDREW G. CURTIN. 

On tlie same day, Gen. Couch assumed the 
command of the Department of the Susquehan- 
na, with his headquarters at Harrisburg, Penn. 
In consultation with Governor Ourtin, they 
were of tlie opinion that the danger of an 
invasion of the State of Pennsylvania was cer- 
tain. The Federal Government was therefore 
requested by the Governor to suspend all recruit- 
ing for the regular or volunteer service within 
the State, so that the citizens could be availa- 
ble in its defence. The request was granted. 
At the same time Gen. Couch issued the fol- 
lowing order, calling for volunteers : 

Department of the Scsqueiianna, ) 
Chamberbbukg, i/une 12th, 1S63. ) 

The undersigned assumes command of this depart- 
ment. In view of the danger of the invasion now 
threatening the State of Pennsylvania by the enemies 
of the Government, a new militar-y department has 
been made by direction of the War Department, em- 
bracing all the territory of Pennsylvania east of Johns- 
town and Laurel Hill range of mountains ; headquar- 
ters at Chambersburg. 

To prevent serious raids by the enemy, it is deemed 
necessary to call upon the citizens of Pennsylvania to 
famish promptly all the men necessary to organize 
an army corps of volunteer infantry, artillery, and 
cavalry," to be designated the " Army Corps "of the 
Susquehanna." They will all be enrolled and organ- 
ized in accordance with the regulations of the United 
States service, for the protection and defence of the 
public and private property within the department, 
and will be mustered into the service of the United 
States to serve during the pleasure of the President 
or the continuance of the war. The company and 
field officers of the departmental corps will be pro- 
visionally commissioned by the President upon the 
recommendation of the General Commanding. They 
will be armed, uniformed, and equipped, and, while in 
active service, subsisted and supplied as active troops 
of the United States. When not required for active 
service to defend the department, they will be returned 
to their homes subject to the call of the Commanding 
General. 

Cavalry volunteers may furnish their own horses, 
to be turned over to the United States at their ap- 
praised value, or allowance will be made for the time 
of actual service, at the rate authorized by law. All 
able-bodied volunteers between the ages of eighteen 
and sixty will be enrolled and received into this corps. 

The volunteers for the State defence will receive no 
bounty, but will be paid the same as like service in 
the army of the United States, for the time they may 
be in actual service, as soon as Congress may make an 
appropriation for that purpose. 

If volunteers belonging to this army corps desire, 
they can be transferred to the volunteer service for 
three 3-ears or during the war, when they will be en- 
titled to all the bounties and privileges granted by the 
acts of Congress. 

The General Commanding, in accordance with the 
foregoing general authority, calls upon all citizens 
within his department to come forward promptly to 
perfect the company organizations under United States 
regulations, to wit: one captain, one first lieutenant, 
one second lieutenant, sixty-four privates as the mini- 
mum and eighty-two aa the maximum standard of 
each company. 



The General Commanding specially desires that citi- 
zens of this district recently in the army should vol- 
unteer for duty in this army corps ; thereby, from 
their experience, adding greatly to the efficiency of 
the force for immediate defensive operations; each 
company organization to be perfected as soon as 
possible, and report the name of the officers in com- 
mand, the number of men, and the place of its head- 
quarters, in order that they may be promptly fur- 
nished with tr*isportation to the general rendezvous, 
which will be at Harrisburg. Any person who will 
furnish forty or more men who will be enrolled, if 
otherwise unobjectionable, will be entitled to a cap- 
taincy. 

Any person who will bring twenty-five or more 
men, under the above conditions, will be entitled to a 
first lieutenancy, and every person who will bring 
fifteen or more men, under the same conditions, to a 
second lieutenancy. On their arrival at the place of 
rendezvous they will be formed into regiments. So 
far as practicable, and as may be found consistent with 
the interests of the public service, companies from the 
same locality will be put together in. the regimental 
organizations. 

For the present all communications will be addressed 
to Harrisburg. The chiefs of the respective organi- 
zations will report accordingly. 

DARIUS N. COUCH, Major-Gen'l Commanding. 

At the same time Gen. Brooks assumed com- 
mand of the Department of Monongahela, with 
his headquarters at Pittsburg, and proceeded 
to prepare to resist any attempt at an invasion. 

Meantime, the force which Gen. Hooker had 
sent across the Rappahannock on a reconnois- 
sance had intrenched its position and remained 
on the plain below Fredericksburg, and two 
bridges were constructed over the river. The 
enemy fortified themselves strongly, and waited 
for any demonstration. There were evidently 
about ten thousand men in their first line of 
defences, and others were visible upon the 
ridges and in the woods, within supporting dis- 
tance. New earthworks appeared every morn- 
ing on the heights ; picket firing was constant, 
and occasionally their artillery opened fire. It 
was known that troops had been hurrying up 
for some time from Southeastern Virginia and 
North Carolina, and that the army of Gen. 
Lee had been reorganized and made to con- 
sist of three large corps, under Gens. Long- 
street, Ewell, and A. P. Hill. Although the 
force displayed in Fredericksburg was large, 
yet Gen. Lee was supposed to be at Culpepper 
on the 12th, with the corps of Gens. Long- 
street and Ewell, for the purpose of attacking 
the right of Gen. Hooker, and preparations 
were made to resist him. On the 13th it was 
manifest that the movements of Gen. Lee in 
the direction of Culpepper, had been made on a 
larger and more extensive scale than was at 
first supposed, and embraced nearly the whole 
of his army, leaving near Fredericksburg not 
more than ten thousand men. Such a move- 
ment removed every doubt of his intention to 
assume the offensive. 

There existed at this time many considera- 
tions to encourage Gen. Lee in this movement. 
The army of Gen. Hooker had been reduced, 
not only by the losses in the battle of Chan- 
cellorsville, but by the departure of nearly 
twenty thousand men, who had enlisted, some 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



387 



for two years, and some for nine months, and 
whose term of service had now expired. No 
aid to him could be expected from the West. 
The Confederate authorities had declared that 
Gen. Johnston should be strengthened suffi- 
ciently to attack Gen. Grant in the rear and 
raise the siege of Vicksburg. This declaration, 
on their part, had caused the Federal Govern- 
ment to make every exertion to defeat it. All the 
troops which could be spared in the West were 
sent to Gen. Grant. The force of Gen. Burnside, 
in the Department of Ohio, was included. This 
not only compelled the latter to remain inactive, 
but actually exposed Ohio and Western Virginia. 
The entire levy of nine-months' men would 
go home in June, and the Federal Government 
had made no call for others in their place, and 
. had not in reality succeeded in obtaining by en- 
listment any number of troops except the free 
and slave blacks it had been successful in or- 
ganizing. There were also reasons why the 
army of Gen. Lee should take the field. It was 
now well known to the Confederate Govern- 
ment that it would be unable to reenforce Gen. 
Johnston, so that the siege of Vicksburg c«iuld 
be raised ; a counteracting effort was therefore 
necessary in some quarter. The supj^lies which 
might be obtained by an invasion of the North 
were also greatly needed. 

It was the purpose of Gen. Lee, if possible, 
to strike a most decisive blow. For this ob- 
ject an army of nearly one hundred thousand 
men had been collected in the field. It was first 
contemplated by Gen. Lee to enter Pennsyl- 
vania, and keep the army of Gen. Hooker fully 
occupied. Meantime, a body of chosen troops 
were to be detached from the forces of Gen. 
Beauregard, at Charleston, and Gen. Bragg, in 
Tennessee, and concentrate at Culpepper, for 
the purpose of making an attack on Washing- 
ton. It was thought that the Federal Govern- 
ment, thus divided between a fear of leaving 
Pennsylvania defenceless, and the necessity of 
protecting the seat of government, would be 
obliged to fail signally in one quarter or the 
other. Either AVashington would fall, or the 
chief towns of Pennsylvania and all the rich 
regions surrounding them would come into the 
possession of Gen. Lee's army. 

Gen. Hooker penetrated the object of Gen. 
Lee in concentrating upon the Upper Rappa- 
hannock before it was too late. As early as 
the 12th of June he began to send his sick and 
wounded to Washington, and to remove his 
stores. A most formidable invasion by Gen. 
Lee was soon developed. 

On Friday, the 12th of June, it was ascer- 
tained at Winchester that a large body of the 
enemy were moving up the Shenandoah valley. 
On Saturday an attack was made by the advance 
of the enemy, under Gen. Rhodes, upon Berry- 
viUe, which was held by Gen. McReynolds as an 
outpost of Winchester. The force of Gen. Mc- 
Reynolds was about three thousand men, and 
the position was midway between Winchester 
and Snicker's Gap, through which the enemy 



advanced. The attack was repelled with vigor 
and firmness for some time, when, in conse- 
quence of ovei'whelraing numbers, a retreat 
upon Winchester was commenced. The 6th 
Maryland, Col. Home, with Capt. Alexander's 
1st Maryland battery covered the retreat, 
and maintained their ground until, the enemy 
closing around them, they were compelled to 
abandon their guns. A large part of the regi- 
ment were made prisoners, but were not dis- 
armed, and, in the confusion which ensued dur- 
ing the darkness of the evening, withdrew un- 
observed, being familiar with the roads, and 
escaped. 

On the same day, early i'h the morning, the 
pickets of Maj.-Gen. Milroy, at Winchester, 
were driven in by the advance of Gen. Ewell, 
with the divisions of Gens. Early and John- 
son. A detachment was sent out to feel their 
strength, and an artillery fire was kept up for 
some time. Gen. Milroy, then in command at 
Winchester, had a force of seven thousand men, 
with three batteries of field artillery, and six 
siege pieces, in a fort. As the forces of the 
enemy increased during the day, the advanced 
regiments of Gen. Milroy were compelled to 
fall back to the cover of the town. Some guns, 
posted in the outskirts, prevented the enemy 
from crossing Mill creek that day ; but all the 
country southward from the creek was free to 
them. During the morning of Sunday, and, in 
fact, all day, skirmishing took place between 
the 18th Connecticut and 87th Pennsylvania 
regiments and the skirmishers of the enemy's 
force, who were posted in the woods, a mile 
east of Winchester, on the Berryville road, and 
extending across to the Front Royal road on 
the southeast. The Federal troops kept close 
in upon the town, while the enemy came up to 
the eastern side of the public cemetery, across 
which the principal firing took place. About 
half past four p. m. the skirmishers of the ene- 
my charged up the Berryville and Front Royal 
roads to the edge of the town, but by a well- 
directed fire were repulsed in confusion. A 
charge was now ordered by Gen. Milroy to be 
made by these two regiments, but the enemy 
were found to be so well supported in the dis- 
tant woods that the regiments were compelled 
to get back as soon as they could. 

About five o'clock p. m. the enemy appeared 
in strong force, with two eight-gun batteries, 
directly west of the main fort north of the 
Romney road, which runs directly west from 
the town, and about fifteen hundred yards from 
the outworks. These were held by the 110th 
Ohio, and company L, 5th regiment artillery. 
After getting his batteries into position and 
opening fire. Gen. Ewell massed his infantry, and 
charged across the fields to the very muzzles of 
the Federal guns, although the latter were fired 
vigorously. Without a pause, the enemy cross- 
ed the ditch, came over the breastworks, and 
planted their colors on the embankment. The 
Ohio regiment was driven from the works at 
the point of the bayonet. Some escaped back 



388 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTQEY OF THE REBELLION. 




MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



389 



to the main fort, and the remainder were cap- 
tured or killed. 

Gen. Milroy, finding that the enemy were on 
the east, south, and west of him, and were 
moving toward the Martinsburg road, which 
runs north from the town, ordered all the troops 
and artillery from the south and east into the 
line of earthworks encircling the main works, 
when the contest between the Federal artillery 
and that of the enemy continued until night. 
At that time the second brigade, under Col. 
Ely, occupied the town and the space to the 
main fort on the northwest ; the first brigade, 
under Gen. Elliott, occupied the main fort, and 
the third, under Col. McReynoIds, was posted 
in the Star fort, north of the main fort. Soon 
after dark the enemy charged across the ravine 
between their new position and the main fort, 
but met such a fire as quickly repulsed them. 
Quiet then prevailed. 

At one o'clock, on Monday morning, Gen. 
Milroy called a council of brigade commanders, 
and it was decided to abandon the position, 
and retreat to Harper's Ferry. The troops were 
then quickly put in motion, taking nothing ex- 
cept what they had upon their persons. They 
marched on the road to Martinsburg about four 
miles, when tliey encountered a strong force of 
the enemy, upon whom an advance was made 
and repulsed. The 18th Connecticut and 5th 
Maryland regiments, being on the left of the 
line, were captured almost entire. Of the re- 
mainder, about 1,G00 reached Maryland Heights ; 
abotit 40O Hancock and Cumberland, and about 
1,T00 Bloody Run. Three full batteries of 
field artillery, and all the siege guns in the 
Star fort and the main fort, were taken by 
the enemy ; also the quartermaster's and com- 
missary's stores, the ammunition of all kinds, 
6,000 muskets, 200 wagons with horses and 
mules, and all the private baggage of oflicers 
and men. The dead and wounded were left 
on the field and along the roadside as they 
fell. On Tuesday a large train of wagons, which 
had left Gen. Milroy early on Sunday, arrived 
at Harrisburg. It had not been molested. 

Maj.-Gen. Milroy had previously rendered 
himself very obnoxious to the enemy, in con- 
sequence of rigorous measures adopted by him 
in Western Virginia. Their hatred to him was 
80 bitter that a reward of ten thousand dollars 
was offered for his head. 

Subsequently a court of inquiry was ordered, 
preliminary to a court martial, upon the con- 
duct of Gen. Milroy at Winchester. The re- 
port of the Judge Advocate-General, with the 
evidence elicited, wns laid before the President, 
who rendered the following decision : ^ 

In June last a division was substantially lost at and 
near Winchester, Va. At the time it was under Gen. 
Milro.v, as immediate commander in the field, Geu. 
Schenck, as department commander at Baltimore, aud 
Geu. Ilalieck, as commander-in-chief at ^Vashintrton. 
Gen. Milroy, as immediate commander, was put under 
arrest, and subsequently a court of inquiry examined 
chiefly with reference to disobedience of orders, and 
reported the evidence. 



The foregoing is a synoptical statement of the evi« 
dence, together with the Judge Advocate-General's 
conclusions. The disaster, when it came, was a sur- 
piise to all. It was well known to Gen. Schenck and 
Gen. Milroy for some time before that Gen. Hallock 
thought that the division was in general danger of a 
surprise at Winchester ; that it was of no service there 
commensurate with the risk it incurred, and that it 
ought to be withdrawn. But, although he more than 
once advised- its withdrawal, he never positively order- 
ed it. 

Gen. Schenck, on the contrary, believed the service of 
the force at Winchester was worth the hazard, and so 
did not positively order its withdrawal until it was so 
late that the enemy cut the wire and prevented the 
order reaching Gen. Milroy. Gen. Milroy seems to 
have concurred with Gen. Schenck in the opinion that 
the forces should be kept at Winchester, at least uptil 
the approach of danger; but he disobeyed no order 
upon the subject. 

Some question can be made whether some of Gen. 
Halleck's despatches to Gen. Schenck should not have 
been construed to be orders to withdraw the force and 
obeyed accordingly ; but no such question can be made 
against Gen. Milroy. In fact, the last order he received 
was to be prepared to withdraw, but not actually to 
withdraw till further order — which further order never 
reached him. 

Serious blame is not necessarily due to every serious 
disaster, and I cannot say that in this case either of 
these ofticers is deserving of serious blame. No court 
martial is deemed necessary or proper in the case. 

A. LINCOLN. 

Maj.-Gen. Halleck, in his annual report, 
dated- Nov. 15th, says: 

Winchester and Martinsburg were at this time oc- 
cupied by us simply as outposts. Neither place was 
susceptible of a good defence. Diiections were there- 
fore given on the 11th of June to withdraw those gar- 
risons to Harper's Ferry ; but these orders were not 
obej'cd, and on the 13th Winchester was attacked and 
its armament and a part of the garrison captured. 

On Sunday, the 14th, about 4 p. m., Gen. 
Rhodes, who had been instructed, after dis- 
lodging the force at Berryville, to cut off" the 
communications between Winchester and the 
Potomac, appeared before Martinsburg, north 
of Winchester, and demanded its surrender of 
Gen. Tyler, who was in command. This was 
refused, and an attack was made, which Gen. 
Tyler resisted until dark. He then prepared to 
evacuate the position. This movement being 
discovered by the enemy, the attack was re- 
newed, and a bloody contest followed, which 
was kept up until lie reached the Potomac river. 
He then crossed at Shepherdstown, and subse- 
quently moved to Harper's Ferry with his forces. 

The following is Gen. Lee's report of the 
taking of Martinsburg : 

Culpepper Coctit IIouse, June \%th, 1863. 
Gen. S.Cooper, Adjvtant and Inspector- G eneral : 

General : On the afternoon of the 14th, Gen. 
Rhodes took possession cf Martiusburg, capturing 
several pieces of artillery, more than two hundred 
prisoners, and a supply of ammunition and grain. 

Our loss was one killed and two wounded. 

R. E. LEE, GeneraL 

Gen. Lee subsequently reported that more 
than four thousand prisoners, twenty-nine 
pieces of artillery, two hundred and seve'hty 
wagons and ambulances, with four Inuidred 
horses, were captured in these operations, be- 
sides a large amount of military stores. 



390 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Oq Monday morning a body of the enemy's 
cavalry, under Ool. Jenkins, estimated at two 
thousand in number, crossed the Potomac at 
Williamsport, north of Martinsburg, without 
opposition, and immediately moved northward 
through Hagerstown to Greencastle, Pennsyl- 
vania, and thence to Chambersburg, where they 
arrived on Tuesday night. There was no Fed- 
eral force at either of these places to oppose 
them. The only hostile acts of this force were 
the seizure of horses, cattle, and forage ; goods 
were purchased at stores and paid for in Con- 
federate scrip. On Tuesday afternoon a small 
force of Confederate infantry crossed the Po- 
tomac at Williamsport, for the purpose of 
guarding the passage until the return of the 
cavalry expedition. 

The Baltimore and Ohio railroad managers, 
on seeing the approaching danger, had removed 
from their road all cars and engines for the 
space of one hundred miles, between Harper's 
Feri-y and Cumberland. 

The rest of the force which advanced up the 
Shenandoah valley was massed in the vicinity of 
Harper's Ferry, apparently threatening an at- 
tack upon that place, although it remained quiet. 
A band of guerrillas, under Col. Moseby, num- 
bering about one hundred and fifty, on Saturday 
entered Loudon county, Va., and spread them- 
selves about from Halltown to Waterford in 
small squads. On Sunday and Monday they were 
slightly reenforced. On "Wednesday this force 
crossed the Potomac, and captured a small 
squad of home guards stationed there. They 
afterward intercepted a train of twenty-two 
freight cars, most of which were empty, that 
were returning to Baltimore from Harper's 
Ferry. The cars were burned, and the locomo- 
tives badly injured. The enemy then returned 
to the Virginia side of the river, but maintain- 
ed their pickets along the banks. The force 
at Chambersburg, taking all the negroes with 
them, returned on Wednesday night to Hagers- 
town. The bridge at Scotland, five miles east 
of Chambersburg, was burned by them. From 
Hagerstown a detachment was sent to McCon- 
nellsburg, where it arrived on Friday morning, 
the 19th. The town was completely surprised, 
and large numbers of horses and cattle were 
captured. Many of the horses were returned 
upon the intercession of the owners. Goods 
were obtained from the stores in large quanti- 
ties. The enemy then retired, but on the next 
day, a small body of them were captured in the 
neighborhood by a regiment of New York cav- 
alry. 

McOonnellsburg is the capital of Fulton coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania. It is situated on the turn- 
pike from PJiiladelphia to Pittsburg, and is 
seventy miles west of southwest from Harris- 
burg. The population is about eight hundred. 

A small force appeared at Hancock, Md., on 
the 18th, and burned the canal boats there, 
but were driven off by a cavalry force from 
the command of Col. Gallagher, attached to 
the corps of Gen. Kell3^ Cumberland, further 



west on the Potomac, -was occupied by about 
nine hundred cavalry under Col. Imboden, on 
the 17th. No damage, however, was done. 
All the bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio 
railroad, from Harper's Ferry to Cumberland, 
a distance of one hundred miles, were de- 
stroyed. West of Cumberland the road was 
torn up at Brady's Station, which was east of 
New Creek, where the Federal forces were 
stationed. Meantime small bands of cavalry 
were sent out from Hagerstown and Frede- 
rick, to seize hordes and cattle, large numbers 
of which were captured and driven across 
the Potomac to the Confederate army. These 
operations produced an unparalleled excite- 
ment in Washington and throughout the North- 
ern States. They were regarded as indicating 
the approach of Gen. Lee with an immense 
army. It was known that he had commenced 
a movement, and that the Army of the Poto- 
mac was also in motion, but all information of 
the position of each army was carefully with- 
held from the knowledge of the public. Un- 
der this uncertainty, all measures taken by the 
Government for defence, which became known, 
tended to increase the excitement. Vast ef- 
forts were made with the utmost promptness 
and vigor, to prepare to resist successfully the 
invasion. 

Upon the first complete news of the attack 
upon Winchester, the President issued the fol- 
lowing proclamation: 

Whereas, the armed insurrectionary combinations 
now existing in several of the States are threatening 
to make inroads into the States of Maryland, West 
Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, requiring immedi- 
ately an additional military force for the service of the 
United States : 

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of 
the United States, and Commander-in-Chief of the 
Army and Navy thereof, and of the militia of the sev- 
eral States when called into actual service, do hereby 
call into the service of the United States one hundred 
thousand militia from the States following, namely : 

From the State of Maryland ten thousand. 

From the State of Pennsylvania fifty thousand. 

From the State of Ohio thirty thousand. 

From the State of West Virginia ten thousand. 

To be mustered into the service of the United States 
forthwith, and to serve for the period of six months 
from the date of such muster into said service, unless 
sooner discharged ; to be mustered in as infantry, ar- 
tillery, and cavalry, in proportions which will be made 
known through the War Department, which depart- 
ment will also designate the several places of rendez- 
vous. 

These militia are to be organized according to the 
rules and regulations of the volunteer service, and 
such orders as may hereafter be issued. 

The States aforesaid will be respectively credited 
under the enrolment act for the militia service ren- 
dered under this proclamation. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my band 
and caoSkd the seal of the United States to be affixed. 

Done at the city of Washington, this loth day of 
June, in the year of our Lord 1863, and of the inde- 
pendence of the United States the eighty-seventh. 

By the President : ABRAHAM" LINCOLN. 

Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State. 

On the same day, a telegraphic despatch 
was sent to Governor Seymour of New York, 
calling for twenty thousand militia immedi- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



391 



ately. On the same day tbe Governor replied, 
and ordered the troops out, as appears by the 
following sub-orders: 

Headqdarteks Fikst Brigade N. T. S. N. G., ) 
New York, June 15th, 1S63. ^ 

By order of the Commander-iu-Chief of the State of 
New York, the several regiments of this brigade will 
hold themselves in readiness to depart for Philadelphia 
at once, on short notice. By order of 

Brigadier-General C. B. SPICER. 

R. H. HoADLET, Brigade Major and Inspector. 

William D. Bimock, Aide-de-Camp. 

Order No. 3. 
Headquarters, 543 Broadway, ( 
New Yoke, June Iblh, 1S63. f 

Commandants of regiments of the Third Brigade 
N. Y. N. G-, are hereby directed to report to General 
Wm. Hall, at his quarters, at six o'clock on Tuesday 
morning, by order of the Commander-in-Chief, Hora- 
tio Seymour, to be ready to go to Philadelphia at once, 
on short service. 

The brigade drill for the 17th inst. is hereby coun- 
termanded. By order, General WM. HALL. 

J. K. Smith, Quartermaster. 

The response of tbe Governor of New York 
was thus approved by the authorities at Wash- 
ington : 

Washington, June I5th, 1863. 
Governor Seymour : The President directs me to 
return his thatiks, with those of the Department, for 
your prompt response. A strong movement of your 
city regiments to Philadelphia would be a very en- 
couraging movement, and do great good in giving 
strength to that State. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

The Governor of Pennsylvania, on the same 
day, issued the following proclamation: 

The State of Pennsylvania is again threatened with 
invasion, and an army of rebels is approaching our 
borders. The President of the United States has is- 
sued his proclamation, calling upon the State for fifty 
thousand men. I now appeal to all the citizens of 
Pennsylvania, who love liberty and are mindful of the 
history and traditions of their Revolutionary fathers, 
and who feel that it is a sacred duty to guard and 
maintain the free institutions of our country, who hate 
treason and its abettors, and who are willing to defend 
their homes and firesides, and do invoke them to rise 
in their might and rush to the rescue in this hour of 
imminent peril. The issue is one of preservation or 
destruction. It involves' considerations paramount to 
all matters of mere expediency, and all questions of 
local interest. All ties — social and political — all ties 
of a personal and partisan character, sink by compar- 
ison into insignificance. It is now to be determined 
by deeds, and not by words alone, who are for us and 
who are against us. That it is the purpose of the en- 
emy to invade our borders with all the strength he 
can command, is now ap'parent. Our only defence 
rests upon the determined action of the citizens of 
our free commonwealth. 

I therefore call upon the people of Pennsylvania, 
capable of bearing arms, to enroll themselves in mili- 
tary organizations, and to encourage all other^to give 
aid and assistance to the efibrts which will be put 
forth for the protection of the State and the salvation 
of our common country. 

ANDREW J. CURTIN, Governor. 

At the same time, he sent a message to the 
Governor of New Jersey, requesting the aid 
of troops from that State. The Secretary of 
"War also sent a request to the Governor for 
troops. The Governor of New Jersey imme- 
diately issued the following call for men : 



Executive CnAMnEu, Trenton, N. J., June 16, 1863. 

Jersetmen : The State of Pennsylvania is invaded. 
A hostile army is now occupying and despoiling the 
towns of our sister State. She appeals to New Jersey, 
through her Governor, to aid in driving back the in- 
vading army. Let us respond to this call upon our 
patriotic State with unprecedented zeal. 

I therefore call upon the citizens of this State to meet 
and organize into companies, and report to the Adju- 
tant-General of the State as soon as possible, to be organ- 
ized into regiments as the militia of New Jersey, and 
press forward to the assistance of Pennsylvania iii this 
emergency. The organization of these troops will be 
given in general orders as soon as practicable. 

JOEL PARKER. 

S. M. Dickinson, Private Secretary. 

On the 16th, the Governor of Maryland is- 
sued the following proclamation : 

Whereas, the President of the United States, by his 
proclamation of the loth instant, calling into the ser- 
vice of the Government the militia of several of the 
States now threatened with invasion by the insurgents 
in arms against the Union, has designated ten thou- 
sand men as the quota of Maryland, required for the 
special purpose of protecting her own soil, it becomes 
us to respond with the least possible delay earnestly 
and effectually to the call thus made upon us. The 
entire want of any efficient organization of the militia 
of the State makes it necessary to provide the required 
force either by volunteers or by draft. The term of 
their service will be six months,' and the State will be 
credited under the recent enrolment act with the num- 
ber thus furnished. 

W^hether we look to the purpose for which this force 
is required, to the success or efficiency of its opera- 
tions, or to the probable movements of other States 
embraced in the same appeal, every consideration con- 
nected with the subject demands that the call should 
be met by an offer of volunteers. When our own ter- 
ritory is threatened by an invader, let it never be said 
that we lacked the spirit to meet the emergency .or 
looked to others to provide for our defence. 

Whilst, therefore, measures will immediately be 
taken to provide by draft from the recent enrolment 
whatever of the force now called for is not promptly 
furnished by volunteers, I would earnestly appeal to 
the patriotism and pride of every Marylander so to re- 
spond to the call now made upon them as to leave no 
necessity to raise a single company by any compulsory 
process. 

The ten thousand men required of us will be organ- 
ized into eight regiments of infantry, one regiment of 
cavalry, anli two batteries of artillery, and though re- 
quired to be of tie maximum standard, they will be 
mustered into the service ^ the United States, armed 
and equipped, whenever they can muster the minimum 
number required in each. 

The volunteer militia organizations now existing in 
the city of Baltimore and other parts of the State, are 
earnestly invited to call their members together and 
make their respective commands a nucleus for the for- 
mation of a complete regiment. 

Whenever a battalion or company, or a majority of 
their respective members, shall make such oQer of 
their services, they will report to Major Wharton, No. 
65 Fayette street, who will designate a place of regi- 
mental rendezvous, and an effort will be made to ob- 
tain from the War Department permission to muster 
in the several companies, as soon as formed, without 
waiting for the complete regimental organization. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
and affixed the great seal of the State, this 16th dav of 
June, 1S63. A. W. BRADFORD. 

Wm. B. Hill, Secretary of State. 

The Governor of West Virginia issued the 
following order to commanding officers : 

The commandants of regiments and companies of 
Virginia militia will immediately call their companies 



392 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE KEBELLION. 



and regiments together, to be held in readiness to go 
to the tield at an hour's warning, and will provide such 
means as shall he eifectual in giving immediate notice 
to all. Arms and equipments will be furnished at the 
several places of rendezvous. 

The enemies of our liberty and prosperity are again 
threatening our peaceful homes. 

Citizen soldiers, stand by your firesides and defend 
them against the common foes of a free government. 

Make every available spot a rifle pit from which to 
slay the enemy. 

You know the roads and the passes. Show your- 
selves to be worthy of your sires, who gave you the 
inestimable blessings of freedom and independence. 
F. H. PIERPOINT, Governor. 

The Governor of Ohio made the following 
appeal to the citizens of the State : 

State of Ohio, Execdtive Department, ) 
Columbus, O., June 15th, 1863. $ 

TO THE PEOPLE OP OHIO. 

Lee's rebel army is advancing in force upon Penn- 
sylvania, Western Virginia, ami the eastern portion 
of our own State. To meet this horde of rebels, the 
President of the United States has, bj' proclamation, 
called out one hundred thousand militia for the period 
of six months, unless sooner discharged. Of this force, 
thirty thousand are called from Ohio ; and now, gal- 
lant men of Ohio, will you promptly respond to this 
necessary call, without hesitancy ? I have assured the 
President that you would do so. Remember that our 
own sacred homes are threatened with pillage and de- 
struction, and our wives and daughters with insult. 
To the rescue then at once, and thus save all that is 
dear to men. As we have but few, if any, regularly 
organized companies of volunteer militia, I can but 
invite and implore you to duty. The few companies 
which have been recently organized are requested to 
repair at once, with their entire force, to the camps 
hereinafter indicated. All others will go forward in 
squads and be organized into companies after their ar- 
rival in camp, for which purpose efficient officers will 
be designated. Railroad transportation has been duly 
provided, and every provision necessary for the com- 
fort of the men after their arrival in camp. A reason- 
able allowance will be made to each volunteer for his 
subsistence when en route to the camp. The pay and 
allowance for clothing will be the same as that of the 
volunteer service. Should more respond than the 
Government requires, the surplus men will be returned 
to their homes free of all expense to themselves, with 
the regular pay for the period necessarily absent. 

The military committees of the several counties are 
especially requested to exert themselves in securing a 
prompt response to this call. Thot troops will all be 
organized into regiments and well armed before being 
ordered into service. 

And now, fellow citizens of the State, in the name 
and behalf of the best Government on earth, let me im- 
plore you to lay aside all other duties and obligations, 
and come forward promptly and cheerfully for the pre- 
servation of all that is dear to us. You will thus se- 
cure the gratitude of your children's children, and the 
smiles and blessings of Heaven. 

DAVID TOD, Governor. 

The utmost activity now prevailed to hasten 
forward troops to the centre of Pennsylvania. 
In New York, the Major-General of the First 
Division of State militia issued the following 
order : 

IIeadquaetebs First Division N. T. S. M., | 
New YoKK, ,/MJtel6<A, 1S63. ) 

The regiments of this division are directed to pro- 
ceed forthwith to Harrisburg, in Pennsylvania, to as- 
sist in repelling the invasion of that State. 

The United States Quartermaster and Commissary 
will furnish transportation and subsistence upon the re- 
quisition of regimental quartermasters, countersigned 
by <iie colonels. 



The term of service will not exceed thirty days. 

Commandants of brigades and regiments will report 
to the Major-General the numbers ready for transporta- 
tion, and will receive directions as to the route and 
time of embarkation. 

Each man will provide himself with two days' cooked 
provisions. 

By order of Major-Gen. CHAS. W. SANFORD. 
J. H. Wilcox, Division Inspector. 

This division consisted of four brigades. The 
first brigade, under Gen. 0. B. Spicer, was com- 
posed of the 1st, 2d, 3d, 71st, and 73d regi- 
ments. The second brigade, under Gen. Chas. 
Yates, was composed of the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 
12th regiments. The tliird brigade, under Gen. 
Hall, was composed of the 7th, 8th, 37th, and 
55th regiments. The fourth brigade, under 
Gen. Ewen, was composed of the 11th, 22'd, 
and 69 th regiments. 

On that day there went forward the 7th regi- 
ment, 650 men. Oa the 18th, the 8th, 371 
men ; 11th, 762 men ; 23d, 626 men, and 71st, 
737 men. On the 19th, the 5th, 828 men; 
12th, 684 men ; 22d, 568 men ; 37th, 693 men; 
65th, 555 men, and 74th, 504 men. On the 
20th, the 4th, 560 men; 13th, 496 men; 28th, 
484 men; 56th, 476 men. On the 22d, the 
6th, 656 men; 52d, 351 men; 69th, 600 men. 
On the 23d, the 67th, 400 men. On the 24th, 
the 55th, 350 men ; 68th, 400 men. On the 
26th, the 47th, 400 men. On the 27th, the 
21st, 600 men. On July 3d, the 17th, 400 men ; 
18th, 400 men ; 84th, 480 men. The total num- 
ber sent between the 15th of June and the 3d 
of July was 13,971 men. During the same 
time scattered detachments of volunteers in 
the State to the number of 1,827 men were or- 
ganized and equipped and ordered to Harris- 
burg. 

On the 19th of June the following despatch 
was sent to the Adjutant-General of the State ; 

"War Department, ■Washington City, ) 
June IWi, 1S63. ) 
To Adjutant- General Sprague : 

The President directs me to return his thanks to His 
Excellency Gov. Seymour, and his staff, for their ener- 
getic and prompt action. Whether any further force 
is likely to be required will be communicated to you 
to-morrow, by which time it is expected the move- 
ments of the enemy will be more fully developed. 
(Signed) EDWIN M. STANTON, 

Secretary of War. 

Again, on the 27th, the following despatch 
was sent to the governor of the State by the 
Secretary of War : 

"War Department, Washington Cttt, June 27, 1863. 

Dear Sir : I cannot forbear expressing to you the 
deep diligation I feel for the prompt and cordial sup- 
port 3'ou have given the Government in the present 
emergency. The energy and patriotism you have ex- 
hibited I may be permitted personally and officially to 
acknowledge, without arrogating any personal claims 
on my riart, to such service, or any service whatever. 

I shall be happy always to be esteemed your friend, 
EDWIN M. STANTON. 

His Excellency Horatio Setmouk. 

The Governor of New Jersey, in answer to 
the request of the Governor of Pennsylvania, 
for the farther services of the nine months' 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



393 



men, then returning from the war, immediately 
tendered the services of the 22d regiment, 
which had not been disbanded. It left for 
Harrisburg on the 17th. Other regiments of 
nine months' volunteers, then returned, tender- 
ed their services. By the 20th more than two 
thousand men had gone forward. Some single 
companies i^roceeded to Harrisburg. The en- 
tire State sent forward several thousand men. 
On the 22d the Governor ordered the troops to 
return home, as the emergency had apparently 
pa-sed. 

In Pennsylvania, the first eflforts of the Gov- 
ernor were directed to obtain troops from Wash- 
ington. These failed entirely. On the 16th he 
issued the following appeal to the people of 
Philadelphia : 

To the People of Philadelphia : 

For uearly a week past it has been publicly known 
thfrt the rebels in foice were about to enter Pennsyl- 
vania. On the liith instant, an urgent call was made 
on the people to raise Department Army Corps for 
the defence of the State. Yesterday, under the pro- 
clamation of the President, the militia was called out. 
To-day a new and pressing exhortation has been given 
to furnish men, but Philadelphia has not responded. 

Meanwhile the enemy is six miles this side of Cham- 
bersburg and advancing rapidly. 

Our capital is threatened, and we may be disgraced 
by its fall, while the men who should be driving these 
outlaws from our soil are grumbling about the possible 
term of service for six months. It was never intend- 
ed to keep them beyond the continuance of the emer- 
gency. 

You all know this by what happened when the mili- 
tia was called out last autumn. You then trusted your 
Government, and were not deceived. Trust to it again 
now. I will accept men without reference to the six 
months. If you do not wish to bear the ignominy of 
shirking fiom the defence of your State, come forward 
at once. Close your places of business and apply your 
hearts to the work. Come in such organizations as you 
can form. Gen. Couch has appointed Lieut.-Col. RufF 
to superintend your organization. Report to him im- 
mediately. (Signed) A. G. CURTI!^, 

Governor. 

At the same time the Governor gave notice 
that he would receive men without the require- 
ment of six months' service, and arrangements 
were made with the railroads to furnish trans- 
portation to Harrisburg upon application of the 
officers of militia companies. On the 16th, 
Lancaster sent five hundred men to Harrisburg, 
and Reading a regiment. The militia at Har- 
risburg were reorganized and armed. On the 
17th thousands of men reached Harrisburg from 
different parts of the State. The following 
list of some of the organizations shows that the 
interior of the State was aroused to action : 

One hundred and twenty-seventh regiment (Col. 
Jennings\ Harrisburg, 1,000 men. 

First Pennsylvania Militia (Col. R. A. Lamberton), 
narrisburg, 1,000. 

Capt. William H. Connechan, Bradford, 105 men. 

Capt. J. M. Gregory, Lehigh, 70 men. 

Capt. J. H. Ilolion, Lehigh, 70 men. 

Capt. J. M. Broomall, Delaware, 71 men. 

Capt. G. T. Waters, Northampton, 53 men, 

Capt. William R. Ash, Chester, 100 men. 

Capt. J. G. Eicholtz, Chester, 5.3 men. 

Capt. J. B. Davis, Northumberland, 50 men. 

Capt. John McClay, Northumberland, 71 men. 



Capt. William Stoel, Chester 50 men, 
Capt. W. McVeigh, Chester, 60 men. 
Capt. W. M. Hiiikson, Chester, 45 men. 
Capt. W. C. Dickey, Chester, 48 men. 
Capt. E. F. James, Chester, 03 men. 
Capt. George B. Thomas, Chester, 57 men. 
Capt. Charles Roberts, Chester, 40 men. 
Capt. R. D. Townsend, Chester, 16 men. 
Capt. A. Ricketts, Luzerne, 50 men. 
Capt. R. F. Clark, Columbia, 90 men. 
Capt. J. B. Grantiers, Bradford, 71 men. 
Capt. J. D. Jenkins, Chester, 82 men. 
Capt. James Dickson, Luzerne, 40 men. 
Capt. H. Bloss, Northampton, 35 men. 
Capt. J. F. Ramsey, Montour, 70 men. 
Capt. D. A. Smith, Schuylkill, 105 men. 
Capt. T. J. Sleppy, Columbia, 31 men. 
Capt. Wm. B. Mann, Philadelphia, 100 men. 
Spencer Miller's battery. 

By the 20th about twentyxfive thousand citi- 
zens of Pennsylvania had taken the field. The 
imperfection of the militia law of the State was 
such that no regimental or brigade organiza- 
tions were in existence. A few days .later, as 
the army of Gen. Lee entered the State, and 
the serious character of the invasion became 
apparent, the Governor issued the following 
address : 

Pennsylvanians ! In the name and by tlte aidhoriiy of 
tlie Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Andi-ew <?. (7«r- 
tin, Governor of the said Commonwealth : 

A PROCLAMATION. 

The enemy is advancing in force into Pennsylvania. 
He has a strong column within twenty-three miles of 
Harrisburg, and other columns are moving by Fulton 
and Adams counties, and it can no longer be doubted 
that a formidable invasion of our State is in actual 
progress. 

The calls already made for volunteer militia in the 
exigencj', have not been met as fully as the crisis re- 
quires. 

I therefore now issue this my proclamation, calling 
for sixty thousand men, to come piomj)tly forward to 
defend the State. They will be mustered into the ser- 
vice of the State for a period of ninety days, but will be 
required to serve only so much of the period of muster 
as the safety of our people and the honor of our State 
may require. They will rendezvous at points to be 
designated in the general order to be issued this day 
by the Adjutant-General of Pennsylvania, which order 
will also set forth the details of the arrangements for 
organization, clothing, subsistence, equipments, and 
supplies. 

I will not insult you by inflammatory appeals. A 
people who want the heart to defend their soil, their 
families, and their firesides, are not worthy to be count- 
ed men. Heed not the counsels of evil-disposed per- 
sons, if such there be in your midst. Show }ourselves 
what you are — a free, loyal, spirited, brave, vigorous 
race. Do not undergo the disgrace of leaving your de- 
■ fence mainly to the citizens of other States. In defend- 
ing the soil of Pennsylvania we are contributing to the 
support of our National Government and vindicating 
our fidelity to the national cause. Pennsylvania has 
always, heretofore, responded promptly to all the calls 
made by the Federal Government, and I appeal to you, 
now, not to be unmindful that the foe th.it strikes at onr 
State, strikes through our desolation at the life of the 
republic. 

Our people are plundered and driven from their 
homes solely because of their loyalty and fidelity to our 
free institutions. 

People of Pennsylvania, I owe to you all my facul- 
ties, my labors, my" life. You owe to your country your 
prompt and zealous services and efforts The time has 
now come when we must all stand or fall together in 
the defence of our State, and in the support of our Gov- 



394 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ernment. Let us so discharge our duty that posterity 
shall not blush for us. 

Come heartily and cheerfully to the rescue of our 
noble commonwealth. Maintain now your honor and 
freedom. 

Given under my hand and the great seal of the State, 
at Harrisburg, this the 20th day of June, in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- 
three, and of the Commonwealth the eighty-seventh. 

By the Governor, A. G. CURTIN. 

En Slifer, Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

In Maryland, on the 16th, various uniformed 
organizations of Baltimore tendered their ser- 
vices to the Governor for six months. Vigorous 
efforts were made to enlist recruits under the 
call of the President, with small success. The 
troops, however, which could be raised were 
retained for the defence of Baltimore. 

From Delaware, two regiments, the 5th and 
6th, numbering 1,919 men, raised for State de- 
fence, were sent into Maryland, and placed as 
guards of the railroads. 

From. West Virginia no troops came forward 
at this time. 

Offers of troops for the emergency were made 
by the Governors of several States to the Pres- 
ident. But their distance from the scene of 
operations, or the impression that the force at 
hand was sufficient, prevented the acceptance 
of them. 

The call of the President for one hundred 
thousand men served to authorize the reception 
of troops for the emergency, which could be 
put into the field at once, but there was not 
sufficient time to create new organizations, or 
to fill up regiments partly organized. 

Meantime the construction of defensive works 
was immediately commenced at Harrisburg, 
which was supposed to be the first point of at- 
tack. The records of the State and the specie 
in the banks were removed to places of security. 

The scenes in that capital, on the 16th, were 
thus described by a spectator : 

The morning broke upon a populace all astir, who 
had been called out of bed by the " beat of the alarm- 
ing drum," the blast of the bugle, and the clanging of 
bells. The streets were lively with men, who were 
either returning from a night's work on the fortifica- 
tions, or going over to relieve those who were toiling 
there. As the sun rose higher the excitement gathered 
head. All along the streets were omnibuses, wagons, 
and wheelbarrows, taking in trunks and valuables, and 
rushing them down to the depot, to be shipped out of 
rebel range. The stores, the female semmaries, and 
almost every private residence, were busy all of the 
forenoon in swelling the mountain of freight that lay 
at the depot. Every horse was impressed into service, 
and every porter groaned beneath his weight of re- 
sponsibilities. 

The scene at noon at the depots was indescribable, 
if not disgraceful. A sweltering mass of humanity 
thronged the platform, all furious to escape from the 
doomed city. 

■ At the bridge and across the river the scene was 
equally exciting. All through the day a steady stream 
of people on foot and in wagons, young and old, black 
and white, was pouring across it "from the Cumberland 
valley, bearing with them their household gods and all 
manner of goods and stock. Endless trains, laden with 
flour, grain, and merchandise, hourly emerged from 
the valley, and thundered across the bridge au^ through 
the city. Miles of retreating baggage wagons, filled 
with calves and sheep tied together, and great old-fash- 



ioned furnace wagons, loaded with tons of trunks and 
boxes, defiled in continuous procession down the pike 
and across the river, raising a dust that marked the 
outline of the road as far as the eye could see. 

The proceedings at Pittsburg, for the defence 
of that city, were thus described on Friday, the 
19th: 

Work on the city defences is still progressing vigor- 
ously, and some of the more important works are now 
ready to receive the guns. The number of men employed 
on the fortifications yesterday was four thousand six 
hundred and five. The works are on Herron's Hill, on 
Harrison's Hill, on Mount Washington, on Squirrel 
Hill, and on Negley's Hill. There are upward of five 
thousand men in the trenches to-day, and with such a 
large working force it cannot take many days to finish 
the works now in hand. Gen. Bernard, with a compe- 
tent stafl'of engineers, was engaged in laying out new 
works yesterday on the outer side of the Alleghany, so 
as to render the city secure against an advance from 
that direction. Works have also been laid out near 
Turtle creek and other important points. 

The activity in Baltimore to prepare for de- 
fence is thus reported : 

The work of erecting barricades progressed rapidly 
on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday morning the 
entire circle of the city was completed and ready for 
military occupation at any moment that the scouts 
should announce the approach of the enemy. The erec- 
tion of lines of intrenchments and fortifications on all 
the approaches to the city have also progressed rapidly. 
On Saturday about one thousand colored men were 
gathered by the police from diflerent sections of the 
city, causing much excitement among that portion of 
our population as they were marched out to the diflfer- 
ent locations for the defensive works. At night another 
force was secured to relieve those who had been at 
work throughout the day, and another relief gang was 
provided on Sunday morning and evening, so that 
rapid progress has been made, and the works are now 
ready for immediate use. 

Meanwhile the movements of Gen. Lee upon 
the headwaters of the Rappahannock had been 
made in such force as to lay Gen. Hooker under 
the necessity of hastily breaking up his camp at 
Falmouth, and taking new positions to meet thja 
demonstration. On Saturday, the 1 3th, bis army 
began to move from Falmouth, and during Sun- 
day the stores were removed from Aquia Creek 
to Alexandria by twenty-six steamers, employ- 
ed for that purpose. The storehouses and rail- 
road buildings were not destroyed at that time, 
as the gunboats commanded the place. On the 
21st, a small party of the enemy burned the 
quartermaster's buildings and the wharf. The 
buildings and wharf known as Urba Switch 
were not burned. 

On Sunday morning the force on the Frede- 
ricksburg side recrossed, and on that day the 
last of Gen. Hooker's army left Falmouth. The 
corps of Gens. Longstreet and Ewell, of the 
Confederate army, passed through Culpepper 
just one week previous, and the latter marched 
into the Shenandoah valley against Winches- 
ter, &c. 

The march of Gen. Hooker's army was rapid, 
and at times disorderly. Bridges broke down 
beneath the teams; droves of horses became 
frightened, and rushed through the column 
like a tornado ; and the men, choked with dust, 
straggled into the fields in search of water and 



MTLITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



395 



rest under the inviting shadows of the trees. 
On Sunday night the troops encamped at Dum- 
fries, which is about midway between Fal- 
mouth and Fairfax. The design of Gen. Lee 
in massing his troops at Culpepper, to fall upon 
the right of Gen. Hooker, and intercept his 
communications by land with "Washington, was 
thus defeated. A few guns were heard in the 
direction of Thoroughfare Gap ; but with this 
exception everything seemed quiet along the 
lines. On Monday the army advanced to the 
neighborhood of the Bull Run battle field. The 
third corps reached Manassas Junction in the 
morning ; the first and eleventh arrived at 
Centreville ; and the second, fifth, sixth, and 
twelfth corps came up at night. Thus the 
whole country south of the Occoquan was left 
to the enemy. During the march, the cavalry 
acted on the flanks, and rendered great service 
in making reconnoissances. Gen. Gregg and 
his division operated in the neighborhood of 
Warrenton and White Sulphur Springs. Gen. 
Dutfie's division, previously Gen. Averill's, 
moved to the base of the Blue Ridge, near 
Ashby's Gap. Gen. Buford, with the regulars, 
occupied Thoroughfare Gap, preventing an ap- 
proach of the enemy through that passage. 
Col. Tyler, temporarily in command of Gen. 
Wyndbam's brigade, guarded the Orange and 
Alexandria railroad. The defence of "Wash- 
ington had been the object of Gen. Hooker's 
movements thus far, and he occupied the posi- 
tion which he considered to be best to defeat 
any designs of the enemy upon that city. It re- 
mained therefore for Gen. Lee to attack Gen. 
Hooker in the old intrenchments before "Wash- 
ington or to move into Maryland. 

On "Wednesday, the 18th, a detachment of 
cavalry, consisting of the 2d and 4th New 
York, 6th Ohio, 1st Massachusetts, under 
command of Col. Kilpatrick, and the 1st 
Maine of Gen. Gregg's brigade, encountered 
a body of Confederate cavalry, under Col. 
Rousseau. Col. Kilpatrick was leading the ad- 
vance of the Federal cavalry, moving from 
Fairfax Court House to Aldie. The enemy's 
force, consisting of cavalry and mounted infan- 
try, coming from the direction of Snicker's Gap, 
reached Aldie two hours in advance of the Fed- 
eral force, and, learning of the approach of the 
latter, posted themselves in commanding posi- 
tions. Col. Kilpatrick charged upon them and 
drove them through the town, beyond which 
a stand was made, at a point where a Confed- 
erate battery of four guns was posted in the 
road to Ashby's Gap. The enemy occupied 
the wooded hills and stone walls toward Snick- 
er's Gap. Here a desperate contest ensued for 
three hours, during which repeated charges 
were made on each side. The arrival of 
the 1st Maine, Col. C. S. Douty, gave such 
strength to Col. Kilpatrick as caused the en- 
emy to retire. During the retreat toward 
A.shby's Gap, they were attacked near Middle- 
burg by the 1st Rhode Island, Col. Duflie, 
which had come up through Thoroughfare 



Gap. The loss was severe on both sides. Sev- 
eral prisoners were taken by Col. Kilpatrick. 
This force defeated was the advance of a larger 
force of Gen. Stuart, who was moving to the 
right and rear of Gen. Hooker. 

On Saturday, the 21st, another cavalry con- 
test took place, which was thus reported by 
Gen. Pleasanton, who commanded the Federal 

force : * 

Headqttaeters Cavalry Corps, } 
Camp near Uppektille, 6.30 p. Ji., June 21st. \ 
Bri//.- Gen. S- Williams : 

General : I moved with my command this morning 
to Middleburg, and attacked the cavalry force of the 
rebels under Stuart, and steadily drove him all day, 
inflicting a heavy loss at every step. 

I drove him through Upperville into Ashby's Gap. 
We took two pieces of artillery, one being a Blakely 
gun, and three caissons, besides blowing up one ; also, 
upward of sixty prisoners, and more are coming in ; 
a lieutenant-colonel, major, and five other officers ; 
besides a wounded colonel, and a large number of 
wounded rebels left in the town of Upperville. They 
left their dead and wounded upon the field ; of the 
former I saw upward of twenty. We also took a large 
number of carbines, pistols, and sabres. In fact it was 
the most disastrous day to the rebel cavalry. Our loss 
has been very small both in men and horses. I never 
saw the troops behave better or under more difficult 
circumstances. Very heavy charges were made, and 
the sabre used freely, but always with great advantage 
to us. A. PLEASANTON, Brig.-Gen. 

On Monday, Jnne 15th, the day on which 
Gen. Hooker's army reached the neighborhood 
of Bull Run, Gen. Milroy retreated from Win- 
chester and Gen. Tyler from Martinsburg, as 
above stated. It would have been dangerous for 
Gen. Lee to have attacked Gen. Hooker in the 
advantageous position which he now held. Gen. 
Lee reports as follows : 

The whole army of Gen. Hooker withdrew from the 
line of the Rappahannock, pursuing the roads near the 
Potomac, and no favorable opportunity was offered for 
attack. It seemed to be the purpose of Gen. Hooker to 
take a position which would enable him to cover the 
approaches to Washington City. With a view to draw 
him farther from his base, and at the same time to 
cover the march of A. P. Hill, who, in accordance with 
instructions, left Fredericksburg for the valley as soon 
as the enemy withdrew from his front, Lcngstreet 
moved from Culpepper Court House on the 1.5th, and, 
advancing along the east side of the Blue Ridge, oc- 
cupied Ashby's and Snicker's Gaps. His force Lad 
been augmented while at Culpepper by Gen, Pickett, 
with three brigades of his division. 

The cavalry, under Gen. Stuart, was thrown out in 
front of Longstreet to watch the enemy, now reported 
to be moving into Loudon. On the Ittth his cavalry 
encountered two brigades of ours, under Gen. Stuart, 
near Aldie, and was driven back with loss. The next 
day the engagement was renewed, the Federal cavalry 
being strongly supported by infantry, and Gen. Stuart 
was in turn compelled to retire. 

The enemy advanced as far as Upperville, and then 
fell back. 

The attention of Gen. Hooker was so oc- 
cupied by the attempts to seize Thoroughfare 
Gap, Aldie, and portions of the Orange and 
Alexandria railroad, as to make it appear to 
be the intention of Gen, Lee to move upon 
the Federal army from these points. So skil- 
fully was this done that the impression pre- 
vailed in the North that the blow would be 
struck at Gen, Hooker's army in its position, 



396 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



and that the emergency in Pennsylvania had 
passed away. Thus, on this ground, the Gov- 
ernor of New Jersey considered it safe to 
recall the troops from Pennsylvania. Mean- 
while, Gen. Lee was gathering the fruits of 
the surrender of "Winchester, and preparing to 
move his army across the Potomac. The de- 
monstrations of Gen. Ewell in Pennsylvania 
having failed to cause the army of Gen. Hooker 
to leave Virginia, and as it did not seem dis- 
posed to advance on Gen. Longstreet, the latter 
was withdrawn to the west side of the Shenan- 
doah. At the same time the progress of Gen. 
Ewell rendered it necessary that Gen. Lee should 
he within supporting distance. As soon there- 
fore as the fords of the Potomac between Har- 
per's Ferry and Williamsport were well seized 
by his advance, his main body began to move. 
This was as early as Sunday, the 21st — the day 
of Gen. Pleasanton's cavalry skirmish. On that 
day, Gen. Lee issued the following order to 
his army : 

IlEADQirAKTEES ARMT NoRTHEP.N ViRGIIs'IA, ) 

June 21st, 1863. S 
While in the enemy's country, the following regu- 
lations for procuring supplies will be strictly observed, 
and any violation of them promptly and rigorously 
punished : 

I. No private property shall be injured or destroyed 
by any person belonging to or connected with the 
army, or taken, except by the officers hereinafter des- 
ignated. 

II. The chiefs of the commissary, quartermaster, 
ordnance, and medical departments of the army will 
make requisitions upon the local authorities or inhab- 
itants for the necessary supplies for their respective 
departments, designating the places and times of de- 
livery. All persons complying with such requisitions 
Vfill be paid the market price for the articles furnish- 
ed, if they so desire, and the officer making such pay- 
ment shall take duplicate receipts for the same, spe- 
cifying the name of the person paid, and the quantity, 
kind, and price of the property, one of which receipts 
shall be at once forwarded to the chief of the depart- 
ment to which such officer is attached. 

III. Should the authorities or inhabitants neglect or 
refuse to comply with such requisitions, the supplies 
required shall be taken from the nearest inhabitants 
so refusing, by the order and under the direction of 
the respective chiefs of the departments named. 

IV. When any command is detached from the main 
body, the chiefs of the several departments of such 
command will procure supplies for the same, and such 
other stores as they may be ordered to provide, in the 
manner and subject to the provisions herein prescribed,- 
reporting their action to the heads of their respective 
departments, to which they will forward duplicates of 
all vouchers given or received. 

V. All persons who shall decline to receive pay- 
ment for property furnished on requisitions, and all 
from whom it shall be necessary to take stores or sup- 
plies, shall be furnished by the officer receiving or 
taking the same with a receipt specifying the kind and 
quantity of the property received or taken, as the case 
may be, the name of the person from whom it was re- 
ceived or taken, the command for the use of which 
it was received or taken, and the market price. A du- 
plicate of said receipt shall be at once forwarded to 
the chief of the department to which the officer by 
whom it is executed is attached. 

VI. If any person shall remove or conceal property 
necessary for the use of the army, or attempt to do so, 
the officers hereinbefore mentioned will cause such 
property, and all other property belonging to such 
person, that may be required by the army, to be seized, 



and the officer seizing the same will forthwith report 
to the chief of his department the kind, quantity, and 
market price of the property so seized, and the name 
of the owner. 
By command of Gen. R. E. LEE. 

R. H. Chilton, A. A. and I. G., 

Lieut.-Gen. R. S. Ewell, Com'g 2d Army Corps. 

The following correspondence, which was in- 
tercepted by Gen. Hooker, shows the general 
plans of Lee at this time : 

Adjutant-General's Office, Eichmond, ) 
Ju7ie 28t/i, 1863. J 

Gen. R. E. Lee, commanding Army Northern Virginia, 
Wincliester, Va. : 

General : While with the President last evening, I 
received your letter of the 23d instant. After reading 
it to the President, he was embarrassed to understand 
that part of it which refers to the plan of assembling 
an army at Culpepper Court House, under Gen. Beau- 
regard. This is the first intimation that he has had 
that such a plan was ever in contemplation, and, taking 
all things into consideration, he cannot see how it can 
by any possibility be carried into effect. 

You will doubtless learn, before this reaches yon, 
that the enemy has again assembled in force on the 
peninsula, estimated between 20,0U0 and 30,000 men, 
irom 6,000 to 10,(J00 of whom are reported to be in the 
vicinity of White House, and the remainder at York- 
town. It is impossible to say whether the estimated 
number is correct, as the several accounts vary and are 
not deemed altogether trustworthy ; but the estimate, 
making due allowance for errors, is quite near enough 
to satisfy the most incredulous that he is in this vicin- 
ity in sufficient force, in cavalry, artillery, and infan- 
try, to do much harm, whether his purpose be to make 
a demonstration on Richmond, or to confine himself to 
raids in breaking 5'our communications and devasta- 
ting the country. His efibrts in the last case may prove 
more successful than in the first, if we maj"^ judge by 
what took place at Hanover only two days ago, when 
about 1,''00 or 1,200 of his cavahy suddenly appeared 
there, and did some execution in breaking the rail- 
road and burning a bridge, some buildings, public 
stores, &c. It is important that this raid took place 
only about two days after Gen. Corse's brigade had left 
there for Gordonsville. Had it remained at Hanover 
Junction, it is reasonable to suppose that most of the 
enemy's cavalry would have been either destroyed or 
captured, and the property saved from injury. Every 
efibrt is being made here to be prepared for the enemy 
at all points, but we must look chiefly to the protec- 
tion of the capital. In doing this we may be obliged 
to hazard some other points. You can easily estimate 
our strength, and I suggest for your consideration 
whether, in this state of things, you might not bo 
able to spare a portion of your force to protect your 
line of communication against attempted raids by the 
enemy. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"S. COOPER, Adjutant-General. 

LETTER FROM JEFF. DAVIS. 

EicnMOND, June 2Wi, 1863, 
General : Yours of the 23d I received this evening, 
I hasten to reply to the point presented in relation to 
the forces on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia. 
The hopes indulged as to our operations at the time 
which would intervene between the discharge of the 
enemy's trained troops and the substitution of them by 
others have been disappointed by the very error against 
which it was sought by warning to guard. Grant 
reached the river, got reinforcements, made intrench- 
ments, and Gen. Johnston continues to call for recn- 
forcements, though his first requisition was more than 
filled by withdrawing troops from Gens. Beauregard 
and Bragg. Getl. Bragg is threatened with attack, 
has fallen back to his intrenched position at Tullahoma, 
and called on Buckner for aid. 
Gen. Beauregard says that no troops have been with- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



597 



drawn by the enemj from his front since those re- 
turned to Newborn, and that his whole force is neces- 
sary to cover his line. This being in answer to a 
proposition to follow a movement of the enemy, said 
to be to the west, with all his disposable force, point- 
ing him at the same time to the vital importance of 
hoidino; the Mississippi, and communicating the fear 
that Vicksburg would fall unless Johnston was strong- 
ly and promptly reenforced. D. H. Hill has a small 
force, part of which has been brought here. Cling- 
man's brigade is near Wilmington, Colquith's at 
Kingston, Martin's nominal, on the railroad at Wel- 
don, and C. Cook's, Ransom's, and Jenkins's have 
been brought iere; the two last temporarily from the 
defence of Petersburg and the country thereabout. 

Wise's brigade is, as you left it, engaged in the de- 
fence of Richmond, and serving in the country to the 
east of the city. The enemy nave been reported in 
large force at the White House, with indications of an 
advance on Richmond. We are organizing companies 
for home duties, and the spirit of resistance is increas- 
ing. Corse's brigade, in accordance with your or- 
ders, has been left at Hanover Junction. All the ar- 
tillery, I am informed, was taken away, and the single 
regiment of infantry, which constituted the guard for 
the bridges, proved unequal to the duty, as you have 
no doubt learned. Reenforcements were ordered to 
go up, but some delay occurred, and they arrived too 
late to save the bridge or the brave guard which had 
unsuccessfully defended it. The Yankees, reported 
to be three regiments of cavalry, returned from the 
Central road in the direction of Hanover (old town), 
and nothing has been heard of them since. 

It was stated that Gen. H. F. Lee was captured at 
the house of Mr. Wickham, but I trust it will prove 
to be one of the many startling rumors which the 
newsmongers invent. The advance of your army in- 
creases our want of cavalry on the north and east of 
the city; but except one regiment from North Caro- 
lina, I do not know of any which we can expect soon 
to be available to us. In yours of the 20th you say : 
"If any of the brigades 1 have left behind for the 
protection of Richmond can, in your opinion, be 
spared, I should like them to be sent to me." It has 
been an effort with me to answer the clamor to have 
troops stopped or recalled to protect the city and the 
railroad communications with your army. Corse's 
brigade has gone, and Wise's is the only other left by 
you. Cook's was in North Carolina, and Davis's bri- 
gade was sent to completer Heth's division in the place 
of Cook's ; and Ransom's and Jenkins's constitute the 
defences of the south side as far as Weldon, and are 
relied on for service elsewhere from Wilmington to 
Richmond. 

Gen. Ely is positive that the enemy intend to at- 
tack here, and his scouts bring intelligence, which, 
if I believed it, would render me more anxious for 
the city than at any former time. I do not believe 
that the Yankees have such force as is stated, but 
Ihey have enough to render it necessary to keep some 
troops within reach, and some at Petersburg, at 
least until Suffolk is truly evacuated. Do not under- 
stand me as balancing accounts in the matter of 
brigades. I only repeat that ]. have not any to send 
you, and enough to form an army to threaten, if not 
capture Washington, as soon as it is uncovered by 
Hooker's army. My purpose was to show you that 
the force here and in North Carolina is very small, 
and I may add that the brigades are claimed as prop- 
erly of their command. Our information as to the 
enemy's intentions maybe more full and trustwor- 
thy hereafter. It is now materially greater than 
when you were here. 

Very respectfully and truly yours, 

JtlFF. DAVIS. 

The advance of the Confederate army, which 
crossed the Potomac, was the corps of Gen. 
Ewell. It passed from Williamsport to Hagers- 
town, which was still held by Col. Jenkins, 



and at noon, on the 22d, entered Greencastle, 
Penn., which is on the railroad from Hagers- 
town to Chambersburg. The distances on this 
line are as follows : from Hagerstown to Mor- 
ganstown, 4 miles; to the State line, 5 miles; 
to Greencastle, 11 miles; to Marion, 16 miles; 
to Chambersburg,. 22 miles. On the 23d, Cham- 
bersburg was reoccupied by the Confederate 
force under Gen. Ewell. Gen. Knipe, who was 
in command there, as the outpost of the Fed- 
eral forces under Gen. Couch, collected in the. 
valley, fell back in the direction of Carlisle to 
the main body. 

In order to retain the Federal army on the 
east side of the mountains after it should enter 
Maryland, and thus leave open the Confeder- 
ate communications with the Potomac through 
Hagerstown and Williamsport, Gen. Lee or- 
dered Gen. Ewell to send a division eastward 
from Chambersburg to cross the South Moun- 
tains. 

On the 24th, a detachment from Gen. Ewell's 
force advanced within twelve miles of Carlisle,- 
on the railroad from Chambersburg to Harris- 
burg. The distances on that line were as fol- 
lows: from Chambersburg to Scotland, 5 miles; 
to Shippensbm-g, 11 miles; toOakville,18miles; 
to Carlisle, 34 miles; to Mechanicsburg, 44 
miles; to Harrisburg, 52 miles. On the 24th, 
Gen. Lee crossed the Potomac into Maryland, 
in the vicinity of Shepherdstown. At the same 
time, the main body of his army crossed at the 
fords at Shepherdstown and Williamsport. The 
movement continued up the Cumberland val- 
ley, on the west side of the Catoctin Moun- 
tains. The advance was made in two divisions, 
one by way of the Harrisburg and Chambers- 
burg Railroad toward Harrisburg, and the other 
from Gettysburg eastward to the Northern Cen- 
tral Railroad from Baltimore to Harrisburg, and 
thence to York and Lancaster, in Pennsylvania. 

On Saturday the 27th, Carlisle, on one line 
of advance, was occupied at noon, and the ad- 
vance continued to Kingston, 13 miles from 
Harrisburg. On the other line of advance, 
Gettysburg was occupied by a force from Ha- 
gerstown on the 26th ; and at noon on the 27th, 
the same force had reached the Northern Cen- 
tral Railroad, at a point between York and 
Hanover Junction. This was about fifty mUes 
north of Baltimore, and thirty miles south of 
Harrisburg. The same evening, York was oc- 
cupied without resistance, and several bridges 
on the Northern Central Railroad were de- 
stroyed. On the 28th, this advance continued 
to the Susquehanna, opposite Columbia. The 
bridge across the river here consisted of twen- 
ty-eight spans, and was a mile and a quarter 
in length. It was burned by the order of the 
otBcer in command of the Federal force at Co- 
lumbia — Col. Frick. The Confederate cavalry 
and artillery were close upon the structure 
when it was tired. On the same day, the ad- 
vance from Carlisle approached within four 
miles of Harrisbui'g, where some skirmishing 
took place. 



398 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE 'REBELLION. 



On the previous day, Gen. Lee, at Chambers- 
burg, issued the following order to his army : 

General Order No 27. 
Headqitaeters Abmt or Northern Virginia, ) 
CiiAMBERSBL'EG, Pa., June '2Ttb, 1863. ) 
The Commanding General has observed, with mark- 
ed satisfaction, the conduct of the troops on the 
march, and confidently anticipates results commen- 
surate with the high spirit they have manifested. No 
troops could have displayed greater fortitude, or bel^ 
ter performed the arduous marches of the past ten 
days. Their conduct in other respects has, with few 
exceptions, been in keeping with their character as 
soldiers, and entitles them to approbation and praise. 
There have, however, been instances of forgetful- 
ness, on the part of some, that they have in keeping 
the yet unsullied reputation of the army, and that the 
duties exacted of us by civilization and Christianity 
are not less obligatory in the country of the enemy 
than in our own. 

The Commanding General considers that no great- 
er disgrace could befall the army, and through it our 
whole people, than the perpetration of the barbarous 
outrages upon the innocent and defenceless, and the 
wanton destruction of private property, that have 
marked the course of the enemy in our own country. 
Such proceedings not only disgrace the perpetrators 
and all connected with them, but are subversive of 
the discipline and efficiency of the army, and destruc- 
tive of the ends of our present movement. It must 
be remembered that we make war only upon armed 
men, and that we cannot take vengeance for the 
wrongs our people have suffered, without lowering 
ourselves in the eyes of all whose abhorrence has 
been excited by the atrocities of our enemy, and of- 
fending against Him to whom vengeance belongeth, 
without whose favor and support our efforts must all 
prove in vain. 

The Commanding General therefore earnestly ex- 
horts the troops to abstain with most scrupulous care 
from unnecessary or wanton injury to private prop- 
erty; and he enjoins upon all officers to arrest and 
bring to summary punishment all who shall in any 
way offend against the orders on this subject. 

R. E. LEE, General. 

On the 28th, the Confederate force at York 
made a demand on the authorities for $100,000 
in United States Treasury notes, 200 barrels of 
flour, 40,000 pounds of fresh beef, 30,000 bush- 
els of corn, 1,000 pairs of shoes, socks, &c. On 
that day, also, the enemy captured a train of 
one hundred and seventy-eight wagons and one 
thousand mules, between RockvUle and Ten- 
aUytown, a few miles from Georgetown, D. C. 
Also a number of Federal officers were cap- 
tured near Rockville, by a body of Confederate 



cavalry which had crossed the Potomac near 
Seneca, in the rear of Gen. Hooker's army; 
and at Edwards' Ferry, fifteen barges loaded 
with government stores were captured and 
burned by a body of Confederate cavalry. On 
the same day, this force of cavalry appeared at 
numerous points in Montgomery County, and 
seized horses. Some came as near to "Washing- 
ton as Silver Spring, on the Seventh-street road. 
These were portions of cavalry under Gen. 
Stuart. On the advance of Gen. Lee, Gen. 
Stuart was left to guard the passes of the 
mountains, and to observe the movements of. 
the Federal army, with instructions to harass 
and impede as much as possible any attempt by 
it to cross the Potomac. With this view he 
followed its movements, and advanced as far 
east as Fairfax Court House. He then crossed 
the river at Seneca, and marched through 
Westminster to Carlisle. At this time the army 
of Gen. Lee was situated as follows : The main 
body, embracing the corps of Gens. Longstreet 
and Hill, were at and near Chambersburg, 
where Gen. Lee also was. The divisions of 
Gens. Rhodes and Johnson, of Gen. Ewell's 
corps, were in the vicinity of Carlisle and Har- 
risburg. The division of Gen. Early, of the 
same corps, was at York, where it was joined 
on the 27th by the brigade of Gen. Gordon. 
The cavalry, under Col. White, had advanced to 
the Susquehanna. 

But the extreme point of the Confederate 
advance had been reached. On the 28th, or- 
ders were issued for both lines of advance of 
Gen. Ewell's corps to fall back on Gettysburg, 
to which point Gens. Longstreet and Hill were 
moving by the Chambersburg titrnpike. The 
reason of this was the approach of the Army of 
the Potomac. Gen. Lee had made preparations 
to march upon Harrisburg, but on the night of 
the 27th information was received by him that 
the Federal army had crossed the Potomac and 
was advancing northward, and that the head 
of the column had reached South Mountain 
As his communications with the Potomac were 
thus menaced, he resolved to prevent the fur- 
ther progress of the Federal army in that di- 
rection by concentrating his forces on the east 
side of the mountain. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Position of the Army of the Potomac — Gen. Hooker relieved by Gen. Meade — Concentration of the Enemy near Gettys- 
burg— Openmg of the Battle— The Battle— Ketreat of Gen. Lee— Pursued by Gen. Meade— Cooperating Movements 
elsewhere — Advance of Gen. Kosecrans in Tennessee against Gen. Bragg— Eaid of Gen. John Morgan in Ohio. 



On the 22d, the army of Gen. Hooker occu- 
pied the line of the Potomac on the Virginia 
side of the river, up to and beyond Leesburg. 
At tlie same time it held all the gaps of the 
Bull Run range. By Saturday, the 27th, they 



had advanced, and lay at and in the vicinity of 
Frederick, Maryland. On that day, an order 
Avas issued by the War Department to Gen. 
Hooker, to transfer the command of the army 
to Maj.-Gen. Meade, who commanded the Fifth 



MILITAKY AND NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE KEBELLIOK 



399 



corps, and to report himself at Baltimore. On 
the next day, Gen. Hooker issued the following 
order : 

HEADQ0ARTERS ARMT OT THE PoTOMAC, ) 

Frederick, Md., June 23th, 1863. J 
In conformity with the orders of the War Depart- 
ment, dated June 27th, 1863, 1 relinquish the command 
of the Army of the Potomac. It is transferred to Mai.- 
Gen. George G. Meade, a brave and accomplished offi- 
cer, who has nobly earned the confidence and esteem 
of the army on many a well-fought field. Impressed 
with the belief that my usefulness as the commander 
of the Army of the Potomac is impaired, I part from it, 
yet not without the deepest emotion. The sorrow of 
Dating with the comrades of so many battles is re- 
lieved by the conviction that the courage and devotion 
of this army will never cease nor fail; that it will yield 
to my successor, as it has to me, a willing and hearty 
support. With the earnest prayer that the triumph of 
its arms may bring successes worthy of it and the na- 
tion, I bid it farewell. 

JOSEPH HOOKER, llaj.-Gen. 

This order was followed by the subjoined ad- 
dress from Gen. Meade : 

Headqtjabtess Army op tite Potomac, ? 
June 2Sth, 1S63. S 
By direction of the President of the United States I 
hereby assume command of the Army of the Potomac. 
As a soldier, in obeying this order, an order totally 
unexpected and unsolicited, I have no promises or 
pledges to make. The country looks to this army to 
relieve it from the devastation and disgrace of a hostile 
invasion. Whatever fatigues and sacrifices we may be 
called upon to undergo, let us have in view constantly 
the magnitude of the intex'ests involved, and let each 
man determine to do his duty, leaving to an all-con- 
trolling Providence the decision of the contest. It is 
with just diffidence that I relieve, in the command of 
this army, an eminent and accomplished soldier, whose 
name must ever appear conspicuous in the history of 
its achievements ; but I rely upon the hearty support 
of my companions in arms to assist me in the dis- 
charge of the duties of the important trust which has 
been confided to me. 

GEORGE G. MEADE, Maj.-Gen, Commanding, 

This change was so entirely unexpected, both 
by the public generally and the army, that 
nothing could exceed the surprise which it oc- 
casioned. The reasons for the change have not 
yet been made known, except that Gen. Hooker 
was relieved at his own request. The impres- 
sion upon the army was thus described : 

The report of the change soon extended to the sev- 
eral corps, and their commanders hastened to bid fare- 
well to the General. By three o'clock a large number 
of officers had assembled, and soon after Gen. Hooker 
appeared in the avenue before his tent. Some time 
was spent in social intercourse, and to the last all for- 
malities were dispensed with. The parting was painful 
to every one, particularly to those who had become en- 
deared to the General by old associations. Gen. Hooker 
was deeply grieved, fie had been identified with the 
Army of the Potomac, he said, since its organization, 
and had hoped to continue with it to the end. It was 
the best army of the country, worthy of the confidence 
of the nation, and could not fail of success in the ap- 
proaching struggle. He spoke of his successor as a 
glorious soldier, and urged all to give him their earn- 
est support. 

Gen. Meade was totally surprised by the order ap- 
pointing him commander of the Army "of the Potomac, 
and deeply felt the weight of responsibility resting 
upon him. His appointment gives universal satisfac- 
tion, and all express a determination to extend their 
heartiest cooperation. 

An order for the movement of the army was 



issued on the same day by Gen, Meade. The 
sixth and eleventh corps, which were at Mid- 
dletown, in the valley between the Catoctiu 
and the Blue Ridge, were moved east to Fred- 
erick, and then directly up the Monocacy val- 
ley, on the west side of the stream, through Me- 
chanicsburg and Emmitsburg, toward Gettys- 
burg. The second and fifth corps crossed the 
Monocacy to the east, three miles above Fred- 
erick, and moved northeast through Union 
to Frizelburg, which is near the State line. 
The third and twelftli corps took the Middle- 
burg road. The sixth corps crossed the Mono^ 
cacy, east of Frederick, and moved to West- 
minster. These routes took the army into such 
a position that it could cover Baltimore, or 
cross the Susquehanna below Harrisburg, or 
prevent any movement of the Confederates 
toward Washington. On Tuesday forenoon, 
the first and eleventh corps were at Emmits- 
burg ; the second and fifth at Frizelburg ; the 
third and twelfth at Taneytown, and the sixth 
at "Westminster. The Federal force at Harper's 
Ferry at this time was supposed to be about 
eleven thousand. It was incorrectly represented 
to Gen. Meade to be destitute of provisions, and 
that he must immediately supply it, or order the 
abandonment of the place. Accordingly, a few 
hours after he assumed the command, he as- 
sented to an order drawn up by an officer of 
Gen. Hooker's staff", directing Gen. French to 
send seven thousand men of the garrison to 
Frederick, and with the remainder, estimated at 
four thousand, to remove and escort the pub- 
lic property to Washington. This order was 
unknown in Washington till too late to be 
countermanded. It was not entirely executed 
when Gen. Meade ordered the reoccupation of 
that point. 

At this time, Gen. Lee's forces had with- 
drawn from York and Carlisle, and from Cham- 
bersburg, and were concentrating on Gettys- 
burg. The corps of Gens. Longstreet and Hill, 
forming the main army, were moving eastward, 
while Gen. Meade was moving northward. 
This movement would bring Gen, Lee on the 
flank of Gen. Meade's army. On Tuesday morn- 
ing, Gen, Meade changed the line of march of 
all his corps, except the first and eleventh, 
toward Gettysburg. The first and eleventh 
were then moving in that direction. At the 
same time, Gen, Meade issued the following 
address to his army : 

Headqitakters Aemt or the Potomac, ) 
June 30<A, 1863. S 

The Commanding General requests that previous to 
the engagement soon expected with the enemy, corps 
and all other commanding officers address their troops, 
explaining to them the immense issues involved in the 
struggle. The enemy is now on our soil. The whole 
country looks anxiously to this army to deliver it from 
the presence of the foe. Our failure to do so will leave 
us no such welcome as the swelling of millions of hearts 
with pride and joy at our success would give to every 
soldier of the army. Homes, firesides, and domestic 
altars are involved. The army has fought well hereto- 
fore. It is believed that it will fight more desperately 
and bravely than ever, if it is addressed in fitting terms. 



400 



MILITAEY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 




Corps and other commanders are authorized to order 
the instant death of any soldier who fails to do his duty 
at this hour. 
By command of Major-Gen. MEADE. 

S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. 

Gettysburg, whither both armies were mov- 
ing, was not only the capital of the county in 
which it is located, but a central point to which 
many roads converged. The road from "West- 
minster, by which the sixth corps was advancing, 
comes in on the southeast ; that from Taney- 
town, by which the third and twelfth were ad- 
vancing, comes in on the south, which was the 
route also of the second and fifth; that from 
Eramitsburg, by which the first and eleventh 
corps were advancing, comes in on the south- 
west ; that from Chambersburg, by which the 
Confederate corps of Gens. Longstreet and 
Hill were advancing, comes in on the north- 
west; and those from Harrisburg and York, by 
which the corps of Gen. Ewell was advancing, 
come in on the northeast. 

On "Wednesday morning, Maj.-Gen. Reynolds, 
in command of the first corps, advanced on the 
Emmitsbnrg road from Marsh creek to Get- 
tysburg, where he arrived about ten o'clock, 
and marched directly through the town. A 
body of the enemy, being the advance of Gen. 
Heth's division of Gen. IlilFs corps, was dis- 
covered to be posted on the road that came in 
from Chambersburg on the northwest. They 
were driven back by Gen. Buford's cavalry. 
The division, coming up, drove back the caval- 



ry. At this time the first corps appeared. The 
first division, under Gen. Wadsworth, was in 
the advance. The division of Gen. Doubleday 
followed and formed on the left, and that of 
Gen. Robinson on the right. The position occu- 
pied was a ridge northwest of the town, which 
sloped to the west, into a little open valley of 
ploughed fields and meadows. Beyond the 
valley is a ridge of higher land thickly wooded. 
The valley runs in a southwesterly direction. 
Across this valley the line of Gen. Reynolds 
advanced somewhat hastily, almost before it 
was well formed, and soon encountered a 
heavy force of the enemy's infantry, by which 
it was driven, but fell back in good order. The 
impetuosity of the enemy caused them to press 
the riglit centre too rashly, and, by a movement 
of the left centre upon the fl-ank of the foe, a 
large number were taken prisoners. The ad- 
vance of the enemy was broken soon after, and 
Gen. Reynolds prepared to go forward. His line 
advanced as before, and drove the enemy from 
the valley and over the ridge at the farther 
side, with a heavy loss by the severe fire of 
the foe. His line of skirmishers was now 
thrown out some distance from the hill, and 
Gen. Reynolds, upon going out to it to recon- 
noitre, was killed by a shot from the enemy. 

The eleventh corps now arrived, and Gen. 
Howard assumed the command of the whole 
field, while Gen. Schurz took command of the 
eleventh corps. Gen. Doubleday now com- 
manded the first corps. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



401 



It being reported that the enemy were now 
massing a force north of the town to attack the 
rear of the first corps, the first and tliird divis- 
ions of the eleventh corps were ordered across 
the rear of the first corps to take up a position 
on the right, and Gen. Steinwehr was station- 
ed as a reserve on Cemetery Hill, immediately 
south of the town. This force of the enemy 
was the advance of Gens. Rhodes and Early's 
divisions falling hack from the Susquehanna. 
At this time, about half past two p. m., the 
enemy advanced in force against the first corps, 
which slowly fell hack to its original position, 
northwest of the town. Here it was some- 
what relinforced and prepared to make a stand. 
The force of the enemy advanced across the 
open space in line' of battle, while their batte- 
ries shelled the position of the first corps to 
cover the advance. At short range it met a 
fire so sharp and well served as to cause it to 
reel and fall back. . The line was again formed 
and reenforced, and once more advanced, but 
with no better success. By this time the divis- 
ions of Rhodes and Early had come up from 
the east, and Pender's division of Gen. Hill's 
moved up on the right to the support of Gen. 
Heth. Another charge was now made by the 
whole force of the enemy. Their superior 
numbers enabled them to threaten both flanks 
of the Union force. The main effort was di- 
rected against the left, and, notwithstanding a 
brave resistance, such advantages were gained 
that the first corps was ordered back to the 
town. By this movement the left of the 
eleventh was uncovered, and a heavy advance 
completely on its right flank compelled it to 
retire. The enemy advanced and took posses- 
sion of the town, while the two corps fell back 
and occupied the western slope of the hill south 
of the town, held by Gen. Steinwehr. 

Gen. Lee says : " The attack was not pressed 
that afternoon, the enemy's force being un- 
known, and it being considered advisable to 
await the arrival of the rest of our troops. It 
had not been intended to fight a general battle 
at such a distance from our base, unless at- 
tacked by the enemy ; but finding ourselves un- 
expectedly confronted by the Federal army, it 
became a matt-er of difficulty to withdraw 
through the mountains with our large trains. 
At the same time the country was unfavorable 
for collecting supplies while in the presence of 
the enemy's main body, as he was enabled to 
restrain our foraging parties by occupying the 
passes of the mountains with regular and local 
troops. A battle thus became, in a measure, 
unavoidable. Encouraged by the successful is- 
sue of the engagement of the first day, and in 
view of the valuable results that would ensue 
from the defeat of the army of Gen. Meade, it 
was thought ad\asable to renew the attack." 

At dusk the third and twelfth corps arrived 
and took positions, the former on the ridge ex- 
tending south and to the left of Cemetery Hill, 
and the latter on the same ridge as it curved to 
the right of the hill. At 11 p. m., Gen. Meade 
26 



arrived and examined the position. He then 
posted the several corps in the following order : 
the twelfth, under Gen. Slocum, on the right ; 
the eleventh, Gen. Howard, next; the first. 
Gen. Doubleday, the second, Gen. Hancock, 
the third, Gen. Sickles, in the centre ; the fifth. 
Gen. Sykes, arrived the next morning, and was 
placed on the extreme left. The line stretch- 
ed in a semicircle, having its convex centre 
toward Gettysburg, with the extreme toward 
the southwest and south. The heights on 
which the troops were posted sloped gently 
down from their front. 

On the part of the enemy, Gen. Anderson's 
division of Gen. Hill's corps, and Gen. Mc- 
Laws's division of Gen. Longstreet's corps ar- 
rived late in the evening within a mile or two 
of the town, and bivouacked for the night. 
Early on the next morning, Gen. Hood's divis- 
ion of Longstreet's corps arrived, and their line 
of battle was soon after formed. 

The key of Gen. Meade's position was Cem- 
etery Hill, a little distance south of the town, 
and on the northern slope of which the town 
itself is situated. It was so called because the 
burial place of the town was there. Its sum- 
mit was east of the road which runs south to 
Taneytown. The ridge passed to the west of 
this road and ran south along its west side, and 
was occupied by the second, third, fifth, and 
sixth corps respectively, in line of battle. On 
the continuation of the ridge to the east and 
southeast was a part of the eleventh and the 
twelfth corps. On this part of the line the ridge 
was rocky and thickly wooded, and some de- 
fences were thrown up on Thursday morning 
by Gens. Geary and Williams. The ridge from 
Cemetery HiU directly south was open and 
clear, and the troops there faced to the west. 
The left flank of Gen. Meade rested upon a 
sharp, rugged, and almost perpendicular peak, 
covered with original forest growth. At the 
foot of the ridge on the west was a narrow 
valley between one and two miles in width, on 
the western side of which is another ridge, 
somewhat lower and running nearly parallel, 
and mostly covered with heavy timber. The 
line of battle of the enemy was formed on the 
slope of this ridge, with Gen. Ewell's corps on 
the left. Beginning at the town, Gen. Early's 
division was at the extreme right, then Gen. 
Rhodes's ; on the right of his division was the 
left of Gen. Hill's corps, commencing with 
Gen. Heth's division, then Gens. Pender and 
Anderson's divisions. On the right of Gen. 
Anderson's division was the left of Gen. 
Longstreet's corps. Gen. McLaws's division 
being next to Gen. Anderson's, and Gen. 
Hood's on the extreme right of their line 
and opposite the extreme left of Gen. Meade. 
Neither the division of Gen. E^o'elFs corps nor 
that of Gen. Pickett of Longstreet's corps had 
at this time arrived. Gen. Pickett had been 
left at Chambersburg to protect the Confed- 
erate rear and escort their reserve train. Gen, 
Johnson had been operating near Harrisburg.. 



402 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION. 




On the ridge occupied by Gen. Meade, a hun- 
dred guns were in position facing the enemy. 
The reserve artillery was in the rear, about equi- 
distant from the extreme points of the line. The 
Union cavalry was east of the creek on the road 
to Baltimore. The artillery of the enemy in 
position was nearly one hundred and fifty guns. 
During Thursday forenoon some skirmishing 
took place, but no movement of importance was 
made. On the Confederate side, about the mid- 
dle of the afternoon, Gen. Lee issued orders for 
the commanders to prepare for a general attack 
upon the Federal centre and left. The move- 
ment was to be commenced by Gen. Longstreet 
and followed up on his left in quick succession 
by the respective divisions of Gen. Hill's corps. 
The movements in consequence of these orders 
were in progress when sharpshooters were sent 
out by Gen. Sicldes, being one regiment, under 
command of Col. Berdan. They advanced in the 
woods about a mile beyond the Emmitsburg 
turnpike, reconnoitering, and reported that the 
enemy we're moving large masses to turn the 
Union left. On this report Gen. Sickles moved 
up to a ridge in front, which he deemed a more 
commanding position to repel the attack. On 
this ridge, which he considered as commanding 
to a great extent the position he previously oc- 
cupied, he formed his line. His riglit rested in 
the peach orchard, which is in the angle form- 
ed by the Emmitsburg road and a cross road 
running about southeast and connecting the 



Emmitsburg road with the road to Taney town. 
The rest of the line extended in a southerly 
direction, with the left resting on the Round 
Top Hill. He had hardly got into position 
when the enemy made their anticipated at- 
tack. After resisting it about two hours, 
and the fifth corps failing to come to his sup- 
port as promptly as was expected, he fell 
back to his original position upon the crest 
of the hill, where a most desperate assault 
was made by the troops of Gen. Longstreet. 
The line was strengthened by Gen. Meade, by 
ordering up the fifth corps to the position 
it afterward occupied on the left of the third. 
Two divisions were also sent from the twelfth 
corps, as no attack was threatened on the 
right. This formidable opposition and the 
precipitate and rugged character of the slope 
effectually repulsed all the efforts of Gen. 
Longstreet, with great loss, however, on both 
sides. According to the order of Gen. Lee, the 
advance was to commence from the right and 
be taken up along the whole line. With the 
advance of Gen. Longstreet a part of the divis- 
ion of Gen, Anderson moved upon the centre 
of Gen. Meade. As Gen. Sickles fell back, the 
second corps, under Gen. Hancock, came to his 
aid on his right, assisted by a portion of the 
first corps. These troops encountered a part of 
McLaws's and Anderson's divisions. The battle 
grew fearful. The enemy pressed forward un- 
restrained. Gen. Sickles was wounded in tho 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



403 



leg, and the command of his corps devolved on 
Maj.-Gen. Birney. Gen. Hancock was wounded 
in the thigh, and Gen. Gibhons in the shoulder. 
The first and second wavered. The enemy 
pressed up to the very guns of the batteries, 
which were exposed to capture. The sixth 
corps, under Gen. Sedgwick, although weary 
with a march that day, hurried with shouts 
to the support, and the enemy staggered and 
drifted slowly back. A strong force was now 
pushed on their left flank, which pressed well 
to their rear along the Emmitsburg road, and 
the Confederates retired. At this time Gen. 
Ewell got liis forces forward and made a des- 
perate dash on the twelfth corps, under Gen. 
Slocuni, on the extreme right, which had been 
weakened to support the centre and left. For 
fifteen minutes the attack was furious, but the 
sixth corps came to its support followed by the 
first corps, and the struggle continued with 
some advantages to the enemy until 9 o'clock, 
when he retired, having lost the day in every 
quarter. It was stated that the divisions of 
Gens. Pender and Heth, of Gen, Hill's corps, 
remained inactive. 

Gen. Lee thus reports the operations of the 
day: 

In front of Gen. Longstreet; the enemy held a posi- 
tion from which, if he could be driven, it was thought 
that our arnij' could be used to advantage in assailing 
the more elevated ground beyond, and thus enable us 
to reach the crest of the ridge. That officer was di- 
rected tt) endeavor to carry this position, while Gen. 
Ewell attacked dircctl}' the high ground ou the enemy's 
ri:;ht, which had already been partially fortified. Gen. 
Hill was instructed to threaten the centre of the Fed- 
eral line, in order to prevent reenforcements being sent 
to either wing, and to avail Iiimself of any opportunity 
that mi-ht present itself to attack. 

After a severe struggle, Longstreet succeeded in get- 
ting possession of and holding the desired ground. 
Ewell also carried some of the strong positions which 
he assailed, and the result was such as to lead to the 
belief that he would ultimately be able to dislodge the 
enemy. The battle ceased at dark. 

During the night, Gen. Meade sent the fol- 
lowing despatch to Washington : 

The enemy attacked me about four p. m. this day, 
and, after one of the severest contests of the war, he 
\\as repulsed at all points. We have suffered con- 
siderably in killed and wounded. Among the former 
are Brig.-Gens. Paul and Zook.and among the wounded. 
Gens. Sickles, Barlow, Graham, and Warren slightly. 
We have taken a large number of prisoners. 

On the next morning, the following further 
despatch was sent : 

The action commenced again at early daylight upon 
various parts of the line. The enemy thus far have 
made no impression upon my position. All accounts 
agree in placing the whole (rebel) army here. Pris- 
oners report Longstreet's and A. P. Hill's forces 
nuicli injured yesterday, and many general officers 
killed. Gen. Barksdale's (of Mississippi) dead body 
is within our lines. We have thus far about six- 
teen hundred prisoners. 

The action thus commenced was chiefly an 
artillery fire directed upon the line of Gen. 
^leade, which slackened after a few hours. On 
the right of Gen. Meade, the contest was close 
and more severe. It commenced at daylight, 
by an attempt on the part of the twelfth corps, 



under Gen. Slocum, to drive Gen. Ewell farther 
back. This attack met with a prompt response 
from Gen. Ewell. The fiercest assaults were 
made upon the positions of Gens. Geary and 
Berry, which fell back a short distance until 
supported by Gen. Sykes's division of the fifth 
corps and Gen. Humphrey's of the third. 
The struggle was now evenly contested for 
some time, when a further reenforcement ar- 
rived and took such a position as to enfilade 
the enemy, causing his force to retire, and at 
11 o'clock A. M. a general quiet prevailed. 

The movements of the enemy thus far had 
been made rather to cover up his designs than 
as serious efibi'ts against Gen. Meade. The 
battle of the previous day had demonstrated 
that the issue of the struggle turned on the 
occupation of Cemetery Hill. To get posses- 
sion of this spot was therefore the object of the 
enemy. Early in the morning, preparations 
had been made by Gen. Lee for a general at- 
tack upon Gen. Meade's whole line, while a 
large force was concentrated against his cen- 
tre for the purpose of taking the ground it 
occupied. Gen. Longstreet massed fifty-five 
guns of long range upon the crest of a slight 
eminence, just in front of the extreme right of 
Gen. Hill's corps, and a little to the left of tlie 
heights upon which they were to open fire. 
At the same time, Gen. Hill massed some sixty 
guns along the hill, still farther to his left and 
in front of the same heights. The position of 
these guns was near the Bonaughton road, near 
the York road, near the IIarri<burg road, and 
along the Seminary ridge to a point beyond 
Round Top. The artillery on Cemetery Hill 
was thus subject to more than a half circle of 
cross fires. At 1 o'clock the signal gun was fired, 
and the cannonading commenced. The fire of 
the enemy was thus concentrated on the posi- 
tion held by the eleventh and second corps. It 
drew a most terrific response from the Federal 
batteries. It is thus described by a spectator 
in the Union army : 

" The storm broke upon ns so suddenly that 
soldiers and officers — who leaped, as it began, 
from their tents, or from lazy siestas on the 
grass — were stricken in their rising with mor- 
tal wounds, and died, some with cigars between 
their teeth, some with pieces of food in their 
fingers, and one at least — a pale young Ger- 
man, from Pennsylvania — with a miniature of 
his sister in his hands. Horses fell, shrieking 
such awful cries as Cooper told of, and writh- 
ing themselves about in hopeless agony. The 
boards of fences, scattered by explosion, flew 
in splinters through the air. The earth, torn 
up in clouds, blinded the eyes of hurrying 
men ; and through the branches of the trees 
and among the gravestones of the cemetery a 
shower of destruction crashed ceaselessly. As, 
with hundreds of others, I groped through this 
tempest of death for the shelter of the bluff, 
an old man, a private in a company belonging 
to the 24:th Michigan, was struck, scarcely ten 
feet away, by a cannon ball, which tore through 



404 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



him, extorting such a low, intense cry of mor- 
tal pain as I pray God I may never again hear. 
The hill, which seemed aJone devoted to this 
rain of death, was clear in nearly all its unshel- 
tered places within five minutes after the fire 
began." 

A spectator in the Confederate army has 
thus described this artillery contest : " I have 
never yet heard such tremendous artillery fir- 
ing. The enemy must have had over one hun- 
dred guns, which, in addition to our one hun- 
dred and fifteen, made the air hideous with 
most discordant noise. The very earth shook 
beneath our feet, and the hills and rocks 
seemed to reel like a drunken man. For one 
hour and a half this most terrific fire was con- 
tinued, during which time the shrieking of 
shell, the crash of fallen timbers, the fragments 
of rocks flying through the air, shattered from 
the clifis by solid shot, the heavy mutterings 
from the valley between the opposing armies, 
the splash of bursting shrapnel, and the fierce 
neighing of wounded artillery horses, made a 
picture terribly grand and sublime, but which 
my pen utterly fails to describe. After the 
firing had continued for little more than an 
hour, the enemy's guns began to slacken, and 
finally all were silenced save some six or eight, 
which were in a clump of woods a little to the 
left of the stone fence." After the firing had 
continued about three hours. Gen. Howard, of 
the second corps, slackened his fire to allow 
his guns to cool : it was supposed by the enemy 
that they were silenced, and that the time had 
now come to make an irresistible attack. Their 
storming party was now moved up. The divis- 
ion of Gen. Pickett, which had arrived since the 
previous day, led the advance, supported on the 
right by Gen. Wilcox's brigade of Gen. Ander- 
son's division, and on the left by Gen. Ileth's 
division, commanded by Gen. Pettigrew. The 
troops of Gen. Pickett's division advanced 
in splendid order. On his left, the command 
of Gen. Pettigrew emerged from the woods, 
and swept down the slope of the hill to the 
valley beneath, and some two or three hun- 
dred yards in the rear of Gen. Pickett. As it 
entered the conflict, the line wavered, being 
raw soldiers, and wanting the firmness of nerve 
and steadiness of tread of the advance. As 
the advance came under the fire of the first 
and second corps, the enemy ceased firing from 
their batteries. Their ammunition was ex- 
hausted. The advance of Gen. Pickett, com- 
posed chiefly of Virginians, pressed forward. 
A terrible fire of grape, shell, and canister 
from forty guns is opened upon them. They 
waver not, but cross the Emmitsburg road, 
and approach the masses of infantry. Gen. 
Gibbon, in command now cf the second corps, 
walks composedly along the ranks, saying: 
" Hold your fire, boys — they are not near 
enough yet." They come still nearer — then, 
with bayonets at the charge, sweep up to the 
rifle pits. A line of fire flashes from the sec- 
ond corps, and hundreds go down, but they do 



not falter. They charge over the pits. Gen. 
Gibbon orders his men to fall back to the rear 
of the batteries. It is done without confusion, 
to allow the artillery to use grape. Still on 
they pres?, up to the muzzles of the guns. 
Meanwhile, the hot fire has throAvn the divis- 
ion of Gen. Pettigrew into the utmost confu- 
sion. Their line is broken ; they are scattered 
over the plain, and flying panic stricken to the 
rear. Gen. Pettigrew was wounded, but still 
retained command, and vainly strove to rally 
his men. The moving mass rushes to the rear, 
and Gen, Pickett was left to contend alone. 
Strong flanking bodies were moved round to 
gain his rear. His oflScers were falling on 
every side, and he gave the order to fall back. 
In doing this they were pressed with great 
vigor, and a large number were made prison- 
ers. Their retreat was finally covered by a 
brigade under Gen. Wright, which was moved 
forward by Gen. Lee for that purpose. While 
this assault was made, the ex-treme right and 
left were threatened by Gens. Ewell and Long- 
street. Nothing further transpired during the 
evening and night. 

The following despatch was, soon after the 
conflict, sent by Gen. Meade to Gen. Halleck : 

HEADQUAltTEnS ArMY OF THE PoTOMAC, > 

Neak Gettysburg, July Zd — S.30 p. m. \ 
To Major-General Hallech, General-in-Chief: 

The enemy opened at one o'clock p. ii., from about 
one hundred and fifty guns. They concentrated upon 
my left centre, continuing without intermission for 
about three hours, at the expiration of which time he 
assaulted my left centre twice, being, upon both occa- 
sions, handsomely repulsed with severe loss to them, 
Jeaving in our hands nearly three thousand prisoners. 
Among the prisoners are Maj.-Gen. Armistead, and 
many colonels and officers of lesser note. The enemy 
left many dead upon the field, and a large number of 
■wounded in our hands. The loss upon our side has 
been considerable. Maj.-Gen. Hancock and Brig.-Gen. 
Gibbon were wounded. 

After the repelling of the assault, indications lead- 
ing to the belief that the enemy might be withdraw- 
ing, an armed reconnoissance was pushed forward 
from the left, and the enemy found to be in force. At 
the present hour all is quiet. 

The New York cavalry have been engaged all day 
on both flanks of the enemy, harassmg and vigorous- 
ly attacking him with great success, notwithstanding 
they encountered superior numbers, both of cavalry 
and artillery. The army is in fine spirits. 

(Signed) GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Major-General Commanding. 

On the next day, Gen. Meade i'ssued the fol- 
lowing address to his army : 

General Order No. 63. 
Headquarters Army of the Potomac, } 
Neau Gettysburg, JuUj ith. \ 

The Commanding General, in behalf of the country, 
thanks the Army of the Potomac for the glorious re- 
sult of the recent operations. Our enemy, superior 
in numbers and flushed with the pride of a successful 
invasion, attempted to overcome or destroy this army. 
Utterly baffled and defeated, he has now withdrawn 
from the contest. 

The privations and fatigues the army has endured, 
and the heroic courage and gallantry it has displayed, 
will be matters of history to be ever remembered. 

Our task is not yet accomplished, and the Command- 
ing General looks to the army for greater efforts, to 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



405 



drive from our soil every vestige of the presence of 
the invader. 

It is right and proper that we should, on suitable 
occasions, return our grateful thanks to the Almighty 
Disposer of events that, in the goodness of His provi- 
dence, He has thought fit to give victory to the cause 
of the just. 

By command of Major-General MEADE. 

S. Williams, A. A. General. 

On tlie same day, President Lincoln issued 
the following announcement : 

Washington, D. C, Julyith, 1863—10 A. u. 
The President of the United States announces to 
the country, that the uews from the Army of the Poto- 
mac, up to 10 o'clock p. M., of the 3d, is such as to 
cover the army with the highest honor — to promise 
great success to the cause of the Union — and to claim 
the condolence of all for the many gallant fallen ; and 
that for this he especially desires that on this day, 
" He whose will, not ours, should ever be done," be 
everywhere remembered and reverenced with the pro- 
foundest gratitude. 

(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

On Saturday, the 4th, Gen. Swell's division 
was withdrawn from its position in the town 
and the hills southeast of it, and placed behind 
the defences on the Seminary ridge, and both 
armies were engaged, with strong working par- 
ties, in burying their dead and taking care of the 
wounded. The morning was hazy, and from 
noon until night the rain fell in torrents. During 
the whole day the enemy sent forward such of 
their wounded as could bear removal, toward 
Hagerstown. Late in the afternoon their ar- 
tillery and wagon trains also commenced mov- 
ing, in the same direction. At dark their 
whole army was put in motion, taking the 
road to Fairfield, and crossing South Mountain 
at "Waterloo Gap. The position of Gen. Meade's 
army was now looked upon by the enemy as 
almost impregnable. The fighting for three 
days had nearly exhausted the ammunition of 
the Confederate army. 

On Monday, the 6th, Gen. Lee reached Ha- 
gerstown, and took position with his army. On 
Tuesday the advance of Gen. Meade reached 
Funktovvn, six miles south of Hagerstown. 

Meanwhile; Gen. Couch, who was in com- 
mand of this department, had proceeded to or- 
ganize the raw troops which liad been called 
out, as they came in. His nucleus for this pro- 
visional army was the troops from New Yoi-k. 
The first division organized was put under the 
command of Gen. W. F. Smith, and placed op- 
posite Harrisburg, to resist an attack. Upon 
the retreat of the enemy from the neighbor- 
hood of that place, Gen. Smith immediately 
followed them with about sis thousand men, a 
small number of cavalry, and two batteries of 
artillery. He advanced to Carlisle, where he 
was met by "W, H. F. Lee, who expected to find 
Gen. Ewell there, and attacked with artillery. 
Gen. Smith was so strongly posted, that Lee 
Boon retired and Gen. Smith followed. Mean- 
time, Gen. Couch organized another division, 
and placed it under the command of Maj.-Gen. 
Dana. Before this was on its way. Gen. Couch 
moved his headquarters to Chambersburg, to 



superintend the entire movement. Gen. Smith, 
with his troops shoeless and living upon the 
country, joined the Army of the Potomac ; and 
Gen. Dana pushed forward, and had reached 
Greencastle when Gen. Lee crossed the Poto- 
mac. Other reenforcements were sent to Gen. 
Meade. The entire Federal loss at Gettysburg 
was 2,834 killed, 13,790 wounded, and 6,643 
missing. That of the enemy was larger : 4,500 
of his dead were buried by the Union soldiers, 
26,500 wounded fell into their hands, and 13,- 
621 prisoners were taken ; also three guns, for- 
ty-one standards, and 24,978 small arms. 

Meanwhile, Gen. Lee's forces fell back to- 
ward the river at Williamsport. On the 11th, 
Gen. Lee issued the following address to his 
troops : 

General Order No. 16. 

Heaiwjcabtees Army of KOKTffEns VrnnrinA, \ 
July lltk, 1863. { 

After the long and trying marches, endured with 
the fortitude that has ever characterized the soldiers of 
the Army of Northern Virginia, you have penetrated 
to the country of our enemies, and recalled to the de- 
fences of their own soil, those who are engaged in the 
invasion of ours. You have fought a fierce and san- 
guinary battle, which, if not attended with the suc- 
cess that has hitherto crowned your efforts, was'marked 
by the same heroic spirit that has commanded the re- 
spect of 3'our enemies, the gratitude of your country, 
and the admiration of mankind. 

Once more you are called upon to meet the enemy, 
from whom you have torn so many field names that 
will never die. Once more the eyes of your country- 
men are turned upon you, and again do wives and sis- 
ters, fathers and mothers, and helpless children lean 
for defence on your strong arms and brave hearts. 
Let every soldier remember, that on his courage and 
fidelity depends all that makes life worth having — the 
freedom of his country, the honor of his people, and 
the security of his home. Let each heart grow strong 
in the remembrance of our glorious past, and in the 
thought of the inestimable blessings for which we 
contend ; and, invoking the assistance of that higher 
Power, which has so signally blessed our former ef- 
forts, let us go forth in confidence to secure the peace 
and safety ol our country. Soldiers, your old enemy 
is before you. Win from him honor worthy of your 
right cause, worthy of your comrades dead on so many 
illustrious fields. 

R. E. LEE, General Commanding. 

The pursuit by Gen. Meade is thus stated in 
his report: "The 5th and 6th of July were 
employed in succoring the wounded and bury- 
ing the dead. Major-Gen. Sedgwick, command- 
ing the sixth corps, having pushed the pursuit 
of the enemy as far as the Fairfield pass and 
the mountains, and reporting that the pass was 
very strong — one in which a small force of the 
enemy could hold in check and delay for a con- 
siderable time any pursuing force — I deter- 
mined to follow the enemy by a flank move- 
ment, and accordingly, leaving Mcintosh's 
brigade of cavalry and Neil's brigade of infan- 
try to continue harassing the enemy, I put the 
army in motion for Middletown, and orders 
were immediately sent to Major-Gen. French, 
at Frederick, to reoccupy Harper's Ferry, and 
send a force to occupy Turner's Pass, in South 
Mountain. I subsequently ascertained that 
Major-Gen. French had not only anticipated 



406 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



these orders in part, but had pushed a cav- 
ahy force to "Williamsport and Falling Waters, 
■where they destroyed the enemy's pontoon 
bridge, and captured its guard. Buford was 
at the same time sent to Williamsport and Ha- 
gerstown. The duty above assigned to the 
cavalry was most successfully accomplished, the 
enemy being greatly harassed, his trains de- 
stroyed, and many captures of guns and pris- 
oners made. 

" After halting a day at Middletown to pro- 
cure necessary supplies and bring up trains, the 
army moved through South Mountain, and by 
the 12th of July was in front of the enemy, who 
occupied a strong position on the heights near 
the marsh which runs in advance of Williams- 
port. In taking this position, several skir- 
mishes and affairs had been had with the ene- 
my, principally by the cavalry and the eleventh 
and sixth corps. The 13th was occupied in 
recoimoi-^sances of the enemy's position and 
preparations for an attack. But on advancing 
on the morning of the 14th, it was ascertained 
that he had retired the night previous by the 
bridge at Falling Waters and ford at Williams- 
port. The cavalry in pursuit overtook the rear 
guard at Falling Waters, capturing two guns 
and numerous prisoners. Previous to the re- 
treat of the enemy, Gregg's division of cavalry 
was crossed at Harper's Ferry, and, coming up 
with the rear of the enemy at Charlestown and 
Shepardstown, had a spirited contest, in which 
the enemy was driven to Martinsburg and Win- 
chester, and pursued -and harassed in his re- 
treat. 

" The pursuit was resumed by a flank move- 
ment of the army, crossing the Potomac at 
Berlin and moving down the Loudon Valley. 
The cavalry were immediately pushed into sev- 
eral passes of the Blue Ridge, and having learn- 
ed from servants of the withdrawal of the 
Confederate army from the lower valley of the 
Shenandoah, the army (the third corps, Maj.- 
Gen. French, being in advance) was moved into 
Manassas Gap, in the hope of being able to in- 
tercept a portion of the enemy in possession of 
the Gap, which was disputed so successfully as to 
enable the rear guard to withdraw by the way 
of Strasburg. The Confederate army retiring 
to the Rapidan, a position was taken with this 
army on the line of the Rappahannock, and the 
campaign terminated about the close of July." 

On the 14th, Gen. Meade sent the following 
despatches to Washington : 

Ueadquakteks Ar.MT op the Potomac, } 
July \ith—Z p. M. J 

H. W. Tlalleck, General-in- Chief : 

My cavalry now occupy Falling Waters, having 
overtaken and captured a brigade of infantry, 1,500 
strong, two guns, two caissons, two battle-flags, and a 
large number of small arms. The enemy are all across 
the Potomac. GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General. 

Headquakters Army op the Potomac, \ 
July 14«A— 8.30 P. m. J 
Major- Gen. Halleck, General-in-Chief : 

My cavalry have captured five hundred prisoners, 
in addition to those previously reported. Gen. Petti- 
grew, of the Confederate army, was killed this morn- 



ing in the attack on the enemy's rear-guard. His body 
is m our hands. G. G. MEADE, Major-General. 

The first of these despatches was subsequent- 
ly denied by Gen. Lee, as follows : 

Headquaeteus Aemt Noethern Virginia, ) 
July 21st 1803. f 

Gen. S. Cooper, Adft and Inspector- General C. S. A. : 
Genehal : I have seen in the Northern papers what 
purports to be an official despatch from Geii. Meade, 
stating that he had captured a brigade of infantry, two 
pieces of artillery, two caissons, and a large number 
of small arms, as this army retired to the south bank 
of the Potomac on ihe 13th and 14th instant. This 
despatch has been copied into the Richmond papers; 
and as its official character may cause it to be believ- 
ed, I desire to state that it is incorrect. The enemy 
did not capture any organized body of men on that oc- 
casion, but only stragglers and such as were left asleep 
on the road, exhausted by the fatigue wnd exposure of 
one of the most inclement nights I have ever known at 
this season of the year. It rained without cessation, 
rendering the road by which our troops marched to- 
ward the bridge at Falling Waters very difficult to 
pass, and causing so much delay that the last of the 
troops did rot cross the river at the bridge until 1 
A.M. on the morfcing of the 14th. 

While the column was thus detained on the road, a 
number of men, worn down with fatigue, laid down in 
barns and by the roadside, and though officers were 
sent back to arouse them as the troops moved on, the 
darkness and rain prevented them from finding all, 
and many were in this way left behind. Two guns 
were left on the road ; the horses that drew them be- 
came exhausted, and the officers went back to procure 
others. When they returned, the rear of the column 
had passed the guns so far that it was deemed unsafe 
to send back for them, and they were thus lost. No 
arms, cannon, or prisoners were taken by the enemy 
in battle, but only such as were left behind, as I have 
described, under the circumstances. The numb(^ of 
stragglers thus lost I am unable to state with accuracy, 
but it is greatly exaggerated in the despatch i-eferrcd 
to. 
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, 
R. E. LEE, General. 

This despatch of Gen. Lee was subsequently 
contradicted by Gen. Meade in the following 
statement, which is important, as containing 
the details of some of the operations to harass 
the retreat of the Confederate army across the 
river : 

HEAIMHrARTERS AeMT OF THE POTOMAC, ) 

August Wi, 1863. J 
Major- Gen. Ilallech, General-in-Chief : 

My attention has been called to what purports to be 
an official despatch of Gen. R. E. Lee, commanding the 
rebel army, to Gen. S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector- 
General, denying the accuracy of my telegram to you, 
of July 14th, announcing the result of the cavalry af- 
fair at Falling Waters. 

I have delayed taking any notice of Lee's report un- 
til the return of Brig.-Gen. Kilpatrick, absent on leave, 
who commanded the cavalry on the occasion referred 
to, and on whose report from the field my telegram 
was based. I now enclose the official report of Brig.- 
Gen. Kilpatrick, made after his attention had been 
called to Lee's report. You will see that he reiterates 
and confirms all that my despatch averred, and proves 
most conclusively that Gen. Lee has been deceived by 
his subordinates, or he would never in the face of the 
facts now alleged have made the assertion his report 
claims. 

It appears that I was in error in stating that the 
body of Gen. Pettigrew was left in our hands, although 
I did not communicate that fact until an officer from 
the field reported to me he had seen the body. It is 
now ascertained from the Richmond papers that Gen. 
Pettigrew, though mortally wounded in the affair, 



i 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



407 




408 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



was taken to Winchester, where he subsequently died. 
The three battle flags captured on this occasion and 
sent to Washington, belonged to the 40th, 47th, and 
55th Virginia regiments of infantry. 

Gen. Lee will surely acknowledge these were not 
left in the hands of stragglers asleep in barns. 

(Signed) GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major-General Commanding. 

Hbadquabters Third Division Cavalry Corps, ) 
Warrenton Junction, Va., August 1th. f 

To Colonel A. J. Alexander, Chief of Staff of Cavalry 
Corps : 

Colonel : In compliance with a letter just received 
from the headquarters of the cavalry corps of the 
Army of the Potomac, directing me to give the facts 
connected with the fight at Falling Waters, I have 
the honor to state that, at 3 a. m. of the 14th ult., I 
learned that the enemy's pickets were retiring in my 
front. Having been previously ordered to attack at 
7 A. M., I was ready to move at once. 

At daylight I ha(i reached the crest of hills occupied 
by the enemy an hour before, and, a few minutes be- 
fore 6, Gen. Costar drove the rear guard of the enemy 
into the river at Wiiliamsport. Learning from citi- 
zens that a portion of the enemy had retreated in the 
direction of Falling Waters, I at once moved rapidly for 
that point, and came up with this rear guard of the 
enemy at 7.30 a. m., at a point two miles distant from 
Falling Waters. We pressed on, driving them before 
us, capturing many prisoners and one gun. When 
within a mile and a half of Falling Waters, the enemy 
was found in large force, drawn up in line of battle 
on the crest of a nill, commanding the road on which 
I was advancing. His left was protected by earth- 
works, and his right extended to the woods on our left. 

The enemy was, when first seen, in two lines of bat- 
tle, with arms stacked, within less than 1,000 yards 
of the large force. A second piece of artillery, with 
its support, consisting of infantry, was captured while 
attempting to get into position. The gun was taken 
to the rear. A portion of the Gth Michigan cavahy, 
seeing only that portion of the enemy behind the earth- 
works, charged. This charge was led by Major Web- 
ber, and was the most gallant ever made. At a trot 
he passed up the hill, received the fire from the whole 
line, and the next moment rode through and over the 
earthworks, and passed to the right, sabring the reb- 
els along the entire line, and returned with a loss of 
thirty killed, wounded, and missing, including the gal- 
lant Major Webber, killed. 

I directed Gen. Costar to send forward one regiment 
as skirmishers. They were repulsed before support 
could be sent them, and driven back, closely followed 
by the rebels, until checked by the 1st Michigan and 
a squadron of the 8th New York. The 2d brigade 
having come up, it was quickly thrown into position, 
and, after a fight of two hours and thirty minutes, 
routed the enemy at all points and drove him toward 
the river. 

When within a short distance of the bridge, Gen. 
Buford's command came up and took the advance. 
We lost twenty-nine killed, thirty-six wounded, and 
forty missing. We found upon the field 125 dead reb- 
els, and brought away upward of fifty wounded. A 
large number of the enemy's wounded were left upon 
the'jQeld in charge of their own surgeons. We cap- 
tured two guns, three battle flags, and upward of fif- 
teen hundred prisoners. 

To Gen. Costar and his brigade, Lieut. Pennington 
and his battery, and one squadron of the 8th New 
York cavalry of Gen. Buford's command, all praise is 
due. Very respectfully, your ob't servant, 

J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier-General. 

On the 7th of July, despatches were re- 
ceived at "Washington announcing the surren- 
der of Vicksburg, and, on the 14th, further 
despatches announcing the surrender of Port 
Hudson. The news of the surrender of Vicks- 



burg was welcomed with salutes of artillery 
in a large number of the principal cities in the 
Northern States. 

On the 15th, the President issued the follow- 
ing proclamation : 

£i/ the President of the United States of America : 
A proclamation. 

It has pleased Almighty God to hearken to the sup- 
plications and prayers of an afflicted people, and to 
vouchsafe to the army and the navy of the United 
States, victories on the land and on the sea so signal 
and so efiective, as to furnish reasonable ground for 
augmented confidence that the Union of these States 
will be maintained, their Constitution preserved, and 
their peace and prosperity permanently restored. But 
these victories have been accorded not without sacri- 
rifices of life, limb, health, and liberty, incurred by 
brave, loyal, and patriotic citizens. Domestic afiiic- 
tion, in every part of the country, follows in the train 
of these fearful bereavements. It is meet and right 
to recognize and confess the presence of the Almighty 
Father, and the power of His Hand, equally in these 
triumphs and in these sorrows. 

Now, therefore, be it known that I do set apart 
Thursday, the Gth day of August next, to be observed 
as a day for National Thanksgiving, Praise, and Pray- 
er, and I invite the people of the United States to as- 
semble on that occasion in their customary places of 
worship, and, in the forms approved by their own con- 
sciences, render the homage due to the Divine Majesty 
for the wonderful things He has done in the nation's 
behalf, and invoke the influence of His Holy Spirit to 
subdue the anger which has produced and so long sus- 
tained a needless and cruel rebellion, to change the 
hearts of the insurgents, to guide the counsels of the 
Government with wisdom adequate to so great a na- 
tional emergency, and to visit with tender care and 
consolation throughout the length and breadth of our 
laud all those who, through the vicissitudes of march- 
es, voyages, battles, and sieges, have been brought to 
suffer in mind, body, or estate, and finally to lead the 
whole nation — through the paths of repentance and 
submission to the Divine Will — back to the perfect 
enjoyment of union and fraternal peace. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. 

Done at the City of Washington, this fifteenth day 

of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight 

hundred and sixty-three, and of the Indepen- 

[l. s.] dence of the United States of America the 

eighty-eighth. 

By the President : ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

William H. Sewaed, Secretary of State. 

The movements of Gen. Meade in pursuit of 
Gen. Lee were in detail as follows : 

On the 18th, his headquarters were moved 
across the Potomac ; on the 19th, they were at 
Lovettsville ; on the 20th and 21st, at Union; 
on the 22d, at tJpperville ; on the 23d, at Mark- 
ham Station ; on the 24th, at Salem ; and on 
the 25th, at Warrenton, with the army occu- 
pying the same line which it did two months 
previous. Active operations now closed, and 
on the 30th, Gen. Meade issued the following 
proclamation to the inhabitants : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, } 
July 30/ A, 1863. J 

The numerous depredations committed by citizens, 
or rebel soldiers in disguise, harbored or concealed by 
citizens, along the Orange and Alexandria railroad, 
within our lines, call for prompt and exemplary pun- 
ishment. 

Under the instruction of the Government, therefore, 
every citizen against whom there is sufficient evidence 
of his having engaged in these practices, will be ar- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



409 



rested and confined for punishment or sent beyond the 
lines. The people within ten miles of the railroad 
are notified that they will be held responsible in their 
persons and property for any injury done to the trains, 
road, depot, or stations, by citizens, guerillas, or per- 
sons in disguise ; and in case of such injury they will be 
impressed as laborers to repair all damages. If these 
measures should not stop such depredations, it will 
become the unpleasant duty of the undersigned, in 
the execution of his instructions, to direct that the en- 
tire inhabitants of the district of country along the 
railroad be put across the lines, and their property 
taken for Government purposes. 

GEORGE G. MEADE, Maj.-Gen. Commanding, 

Some movements were made during the ad- 
vance of Gen. Lee into Pennsylvania, which 
were importaut, being intended to serve as di- 
versions. One made by a portion of the forces 
under Gen, Dix, from Fortress Monroe, up the 
peninsula toward Richmond, is mentioned in 
the correspondence between Mr. Davis and 
Gen. Lee, on a preceding page. The effect 
of this movement is there stated. Gen. Getty, 
of the seventh corps, was sent by Gen. Dix to the 
White House, at the junction of the Pamunkey 
with the York river. In this position he threat' 
ened both Richmond and the communications 
of Gen. Lee. From the White House a force 
was sent out to occupy TunstalFs Station, on 
the railroad to Richmond. Lanesville, on the 
other side of the Pamunkey, was also occupied, 
and an advance was made to Hanover, by 
which several prisoners were captured, among 
whom was Brig.-Gen. H, F. Lee, a son of Gen. 
R, E, Lee, 

The advance of Gen. Rosecrans against the 
army of Gen. Bragg commenced at this time. 
It is hereafter stated. On the Confederate 
side a "raid" was made by the Partisan Ran- 
ger, John Morgan, into the States of Kentucky, 
Indiana, and Ohio, in which he designed to 
sweep everything before him, attracting the 
public attention entirely to himself, and break- 
ing all the railroad communications by which 
reenforcements for the defence of Louisville, 
Kentucky, could be sent. Immediately upon 
this. Gen. Buckner, from Tennessee, was to 
dash into Kentucky with the force under his 
command, which was very considerable, cap- 
ture Louisville, and then, in cooperation with 
Gen. Morgan, make an attack upon Cincinnati. 
By the advance of Gen. Rosecrans sooner than 
was expected. Gen. Buckner could not be 
spared for this movement. 

Gen. Morgan, with about four thousand men, 
was in Tennessee at this time, south of the 
Cumberland river, and making a feint upon 
Tompkinsvjlle, just over the line in Kentucky. 
Tompkinsville is the capital of Monroe county, 
140 miles south of southwest of Frankfort, the 
capital of the State, and 10 miles from the 
Cumberland river. A small Union force was 
stationed at Columbia, the capital of Adair 
county, Kentucky, an important position to 
defend the State from a threatening enemy on 
the south bank of the Cumberland. On the 
20th of June, Brig.-Gen. Hobson was ordered 
by Gen. Judah to move to TompkinsvEle, then 



apparently threatened by Gen. Morgan. This 
opened the gate for Gen. Morgan, who imme- 
diately crossed the Cumberland at Burksville, 
the capital of Cumberland county. Thus hav- 
ing the start. Gen. Morgan moved rapidly on 
to Columbia, where a brave defence was made 
by Capt. Carter, with one hundred and fifty 
men of Col. Wolford's Kentucky regiment, who 
were, however, forced to retire with the loss 
of their leader. Thence Gen, Morgan attacked, 
on July 4th, Col, Moore, posted with a few hun- 
dred men at Green river bridge, who made a 
firm resistance. He nest marched, on the 5th, 
to Lebanon, and demanded the surrender of 
the place by Col. Hanson, who, with his regi- 
ment, the 20th Kentucky, was stationed there. 
This was refused, and an attack was immedi- 
ately made and bravely resisted for seven 
hours, when the enemy began to set fire to 
the town, and Col. Hanson surrendered to save 
its entire destruction. Lebanon is the capital 
of Marion county. It is 60 miles south by 
west of Frankfort. All the northern portion 
of the town, with the county clerk's office 
and the records, was burned. The soldiers 
who surrendered were marched in front to 
Springfield, and compelled to keep pace with 
the cavalry. The distance was ten miles, and 
passed in an hour and a half. The Union loss 
was five killed and several wounded ; the Con- 
federate loss was six killed and ten wounded. 
From Springfield, Gen. Morgan moved to Shep- 
herdsville ; thence to Bardstown, on the 6th. 

On Tuesday, the 7th, the advance of his force 
reached Brandenburg on the Ohio river, forty 
miles below Louisville. During the day, the 
steamer McCombs, bound up the river, stopped, 
as usual, at Brandenburg, to take on passengers 
and freight. As soon as she touched the shore 
she was boarded by a number of the enemy 
and seized. Everything was taken that would 
serve the purpose of the captors, and the boat 
was run out into the river and anchored. Some 
time afterward, the steamer Alice Dean ap- 
proached, when signals of distress were raised 
on the McCombs, and the Dean was induced to 
come alongside without a suspicion of the ac- 
tual circumstances. She was then boarded and 
seized. On the next day, Wednesday, the force 
of Gen. Morgan, consisting of eleven regiments 
and over four thousand men, with ten pieces 
of artillery, including two howitzers, were taken 
across the river in these boats. The Dean was 
then burned, and also the wharf at Branden- 
burg, but the McCombs was given up. 

In the mean time. Gen. Hobson, after some 
delay, commenced the pursuit. He started on 
the 4th, but being encumbered by a wagon train, 
and the roads being bad, he advanced only ten 
miles in five hours. On the next morning, 
the infantry, wagons, and artillery were left 
behind, and the pursuit made with cavalry. 
From 4 p. M. to 11 p. m. a halt v/as made. 
The march was then continued during the re- 
mainder of the night, and, on the next morning, 
Brig.-Gen. Shackelford was met with cavalry 



410 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



and artillery. Proceeding to Lebanon, Ool. 
Wolford and his brigade there joined. Orders 
were also received by Gen. Hobson from Gen. 
Burnside, in command of the department, di- 
recting him to assume fiill command, and to 
pursue until the enemy was captured. The 
command then marched toward Bardstown, 
until 1 A. M. After two hours' rest the pursuit 
was resumed. At night, a halt was made until 
rations could be obtained by the Louisville and 
Nashville railroad. The pursuit was renewed 
early on Tuesday, the 7th, and by night the 
force was within nine miles of Brandenburg. 
Gen. Hobson, wishing to cooperate with the 
gunboats and make a night attack, proceeded 
with a small escort to Rock Haven. Here he 
found that the gunboats had gone up the river. 
It was 1 A. M. before he returned. The men 
being so overcome with fatigue and want of 
sleep that it was almost impossible to arouse 
them, he reluctantly concluded to wait until day- 
break. Pushing on at that time, he reached the 
river as the last boat with the enemy had crossed. 
During the night the enemy marched to- 
ward Corydon, in Indiana, which they reached 
early the next forenoon. Some opposition 
was made to their progress by the inhabitants. 
Great excitement, however, prevailed In the 
State. A proclamation was issued by Gov. 
Morton, ordering all the able-bodied citizens in 



the southern counties of the State under arms. 
From Corydon, Gen. Morgan moved by the 
way of Greenville and Palmyra to Salem. At 
Palmyra a force of three hundred and fifty 
Home Guards had concentrated, having fallen 
back from near Corydon to that place. Con- 
sidering their inability to retard the progress 
of the enemy, they also fell back to Salem. So 
sudden, however, was the entrance of the en- 
emy into Salem, that these Guards were all 
made prisoners and subsequently paroled. At 
Salem, the depot of the Louisville and Chicago 
railroad was burned. Orders were also issued 
by Gen. Morgan to burn all the miUs and fac- 
tories in the town, but upon the payment of 
one thousand dollars for each mill and factory, 
they were spared. The railroad track was torn 
up, the water tank near the town burned, and 
one passenger and three freight cars. Three 
bridges between Salem and Farrabee's Station 
were also destroyed. Good horses were taken 
wherever found, and the whole command was 
remounted. From Salem the enemy moved 
to Canton, in Washington county, four and a 
half miles distant. Here over one hundred 
horses were taken, and, joining l;|is left column 
with the right, which entered the town by 
way of Harristown, Gen. Morgan moved in the 
direction of Vienna, in Scott county, on the 
line of the Jeffersonville railroad. About 11 




MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



411 



p. M. on Friday night the advance reached 
Vienna, and at 2 o'clock on the next morning 
the rear guard arrived. Here a railroad bridge 
was burned, and the depot and station house. 
Private property for the first time was here 
respected. At Vienna, the force of the enemy 
was divided into two columns, one of which 
marched north and the other started in the di- 
rection of Madison. The advance of the col- 
umn marching north, appeared before Old Ver- 
non, in Jennings county, on Saturday, at 6 p. 
M., the 11th of July. The place was held by a 
force under Gen. Love or Col. Barkham. A 
surrender was demanded by Gen. Morgan and 
refused. A half hour was then given for the 
removal of women and children. At the expi- 
ration of that time the Union force moved out 
to meet the enemy, and found that they had 
retired. Pursuit was made and a number cap- 
tured. From Vernon they moved southward 
and tore up the track of the Madison and In- 
dianapolis railroad, and cut the telegraph wires. 
They also destroyed a portion of the Ohio and 
Mississippi railroad west of Vernon. Thence 
the enemy moved eastward, and reached Ver- 
sailles at 1 p. M. on Sunday. A party of sixty- 
three advanced to Osgood, and burned the 
bridge on the Ohio and Mississippi railroad. 
The enemy now moved in several parties. A 
large body encamped ten miles northwest of 
Aurora, on Sunday night, and proceeded thence 
to Harrison. Another portion crossed the In- 
dianapolis and Cincinnati railroad, between 
Sunman and Van Wedden's stations, and passed 
on to Harrison on Monday. A large force 
crossed the same road at Harman's, and pro- 
ceeded to the Ohio State line. At Van Wed- 
den's the water tank and part of the track 
were destroyed. Horses were taken in all 
places, and those broken down left behind. 
During Monday, the 13th, the enemy continued 
moving eastward. In the evening, one division 
crossed the Coleraine turnpike just beyond the 
ten-mile post from Cincinnati, and thence ad- 
vanced through Glendale and Springdale. A 
detachment Avent by the way of Camp Monroe, 
where the Government had been keeping large 
numbers of horses and mules for tha use of the 
array. These had been removed only a few 
hours previous. A halt of a few hours was 
made near Glendale, and the march was then 
continued through Sharon and Reading to 
Montgomery. The inhabitants everywhere 
were required to furnish provisions. From 
Montgomery the enemy crossed to Miamiville. 
A body also crossed the Little Miami railroad 
at Dangerous Crossing, between Miamiville and 
Branch Hill. At this spot they placed some 
ties and rails across the track near a declivity, 
and as the train from Morrow came down, 
about a quarter past 7 a. m., the locomotive 
was thrown from the track, the fireman killed, 
and the engineer badly bruised. In a few min- 
utes the enemy came out of the woods and 
fields, and made prisoners of about two hun- 
dred recruits who were on the train. While 



the cars were burning they were paroled. Some 
skirmishing took place during the day. Ar- 
rangements were now made by means of gun- 
boats to cut oif the retreat of the enemy across 
the river, if they should attempt it. Forces 
were also gathering to stop the progress of 
Gen. Morgan, and his movements became more 
rapid. On Tuesday afternoon, the 14th, he 
reached Williamsburg, east of Batavia, in Cler- 
mont county, and near the line of Brown 
county. On Wednesday, he passed through 
Brown county, and, on Thursday morning at 9 
A. M., through the town of Sardinia, sixteen 
miles southwest of Hillsboro, the capital of 
Highland county. At noon he Avas at Win- 
chester, southeast of Hillsboro, and forced the 
citizens to prepare a dinner for his men. Af- 
terward he moved to Piketown, which surren- 
dered without opposition. Very little depre- 
dation was done except taking horses and pro- 
visions. Burning the bridge over the Scioto, 
he next moved toward Jackson, where he ar- 
rived in the evening, and remained until joined 
by his whole force. Thence he started for the 
Ohio river near Pomeroy. 

In the mean time, Gen. Hobson, who arrived 
at the Ohio river in pursuit as the last of the 
enemy's force had crossed, sent the steamer 
McGombs to Louisville, to obtain other boats 
to aid in crossing. By night, quite a fleet 
had arrived, and the force was taken over be- 
fore morning. Pursuit was immediately com- 
menced on Wednesday. The command was fed ' 
by the inhabitants of the towns, but as Gen. 
Morgan had swept the horses from both sides 
of the road, and left only those which were 
broken down, the advantage was greatly in his 
favor. The men whose horses failed, pressed 
forward on foot until they could obtain others. 
Day after day f>assed, but still the enemy kept 
about the same distance ahead. For nearly 
twenty days and a distance of nearly seven 
hundred miles, this pursuit continued day and 
night, before the foe was reached. The local 
force of Indiana which was sent against Gen. 
Morgan, came no farther than the borders of 
the State. The first attempt to check his ad- 
vance was made when he reached Piketon. A 
considerable force was at this time at Chilli- 
cothe, north of the latter place, and Col. Runkle, 
in command, planned to move over the Mari- 
etta railroad to Hampden, and then to Jackson, 
in advance of Gen. Morgan. 

It was now manifest that the enemy aimed 
to reach the Ohio river at Gallipolis or Pome- 
roy. The inhabitants commenced cutting trees, 
which fell across the roads and delayed his pro- 
gress. The militia in the adjoining counties 
rushed to arms. At the same time, the forces 
of Gen. Morgan had been constantly diminish-, 
ing, by the exhaustion of some and the capture 
of others, until scarcely a fourth remained. 
These were harassed now at every step. Not- 
withstanding several skirmishes, they reached 
the river, and attempted to cross at Buffington 
island, near Pomeroy, but were driven back by 



412 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the gunboats. Gen. Hobson had thus overtaken 
him, and a large portion of the force was cap- 
tured, on the 21st, near Kjger's Creek. Gen. 
Morgan and about five hundred, however, es- 
caped, and were not captured until the 26th, 
about three miles south of New Lisbon, near 
WeUsviUe, where he hoped to cross the river. 
Gen. Shackelford immediately sent to Gen. Burn- 
side's headquarters the following despatch : 



Headquarters in the Field, I 
Three miles south of New Lisbon, Ohio, July 26<A, 1863. | 
To Col. Lewis Richmond, A. A. G.; 

By the blessing of Almighty God I have succeeded 
in capturing Gen. John H. Morgan, Col. Chike, and 
the remainder of the command, amounting to about 
four hundred prisoners. I will start with Morgan 
and staff on the first train for Cincinnati, and await 
the General's order for transportation for the re- 
mainder. J. M. SHACKELFORD, 

Col. Commanding. 



CHAPTEE XXXIII. 

Measures taken in the Insurrectionary States to recruit their Armies — The Army of the United States— Conscription — The 
Draft : how made — Kiots in New York, Boston, and elsewhere — Employment of Colored Troops — Proceedings relative 
thereto — Organization of Hospitals — Expenditures — Materials — Ordnance and Small Arms. 



It may not be out of place here to state the 
measures which were adopted to provide and 
maiutain the vast military forces on each side. 
The acts of the Richmond Congress, passed in 
1862, authorized Mr. Davis to call into the mil- 
itary service all white residents of the Confed- 
erate States between eighteen and forty-five, 
except exempts, or such part of them as in his 
judgment might not be necessary for the public 
defence. Under this authority all those between 
the ages of eighteen and thirty-five, forming the 
first class, were called into the field in 1862. 
The enrolment of the second class, between 
thirty-five and forty-five, was also completed, 
and a portion of the troops called out. At 
the close of 1862 the Confederate armies were 
larger than at any previous or subsequent pe- 
riod. This force was subsequently reduced by 
desertions during the winter, an€ by the with- 
drawal from service of many of the Maryland 
and Kentucky volunteers, whose terms had ex- 
pired, and who were regarded as exempts. 
The force was considered to be sufficient to re- 
sist the advance of the Federal troops, until the 
march of Gen. Grant to the rear of Vicksburg 
demonstrated its weakness. At this time the 
relative physical abilities of the two antagonists 
were distinctly shown, for while the North re- 
enforced Gen. Grant with ease to the extent he 
deemed necessary, the South were unable to 
reenforce Gen. Johnston suflliciently to enable 
him to threaten Gen. Grant. The resources of 
the States west of the Mississippi were cut oS 
from the Confederacy, and besides the forces 
of Gens. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg, and the 
detachments at important points, sufficient 
troops were not to be had to save Vicksburg. 
The defeat of Gen. Lee at Gettysburg, and the 
subsequent falling back of Gen. Bragg fi'om 
Middle Tennessee, required the most active 
efforts to recruit the Confederate armies in 
order to maintain then- positions. The first of- 
ficial act of the government to obtain more sol- 
diers consisted in a proclamation issued July 
15th, 1863, of which the following is an extract : 



Now, therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the 
Confederate States of America, do, by virtue of the 
power vested in me as aforesaid, call out and place in 
the military service of the Confederate States all 
white men residents of said States, between the ages 
of eighteen and forty-five years, not legally exempted 
from military service ; and I do hereby order and 
direct that all persons subject to this call and not 
now in the military service, do, upon being enrolled, 
forthwith repair to the conscript camps established 
in the respective States of which they may be resi- 
dents, under pain of being held and punished as 
deserters, in the event of their failure to obey this- 
call, as provided in said laws. 

It was estimated that the number which this 
conscription would bring out would be as follows: 



Alabama, . 
Georgia, . 
North Carolina, 
Tennessee, 



Arkansas, 
Mississippi, 



10,393 

12,230 

14,000 

6.000 



5,000 
9,000 



Florida, . . 2^200 

Mississippi, . . 9,000 

South Carolina, 6,500 

Virginia, . . 18,000 



Louisiana, 
Texas, 



77,323 

8,000 

. 5,000 

27,000 



The total estimate was 104,323. That por- 
tion to be contributed by the States partly in 
possession of the Federal forces cannot be 
considered otherwise than as over-estimated. 
Some of the number liable had also gone vol- 
untarily to the field, which would make the esti- 
mate about 75,000 men. 

A report of the Conscript Bureau presented 
to Congress estimated the number of exempts 
in the four States under its charge as follows : 
Virginia, 20,370; North Carolina, 22,807; 
South Oarohna, 5,814 ; Georgia, 15,837 — total, 
65,031. It was further estimated that the 
number of substitutes put into the army was 
from 20,000 to 25,000 ; and that, in addition, 
there were over 10,000 fraudulent substitute 
papers held by persons not in the service. Ac- 
cording to some of the estimates of the press, 
only about 90,000 persons remained in the 
States entirely under Confederate control, who 
would be liable to conscription, under the above 
proclamation of July 15 th. 



MILITABY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



413 



The great source of weakness to the army 
was desertion, straggling, and absenteeism. So 
large was the number of those thus absent, that 
a half or three-fourths of them, added to the 
forces in the field, Avere estimated to be suffi- 
cient to give success at aU points. As a meas- 
ure toward effecting their return to the service, 
Jefferson Davis, on the 1st of August, issued an 
earnest appeal to them : 

I call on you, then, my countrymen, to hasten to 
your camps, in obedience to the dictates of honor and 
of duty, and summon those who have absented them- 
selves without leave, who have remained absent be- 
yond the period allowed by their furloughs, to repair 
without delay to their respective commands, and I do 
hereby declare that I grant a general pardon and am- 
nesty to all officers and men within the Confederacy, 
not absent without leave, who shall, with the least 
possible delay, return to their proper posts of duty; 
but no excuse will be received for any delay beyond 
twenty days after the first publication of this proc- 
lamation in the State in which the absentee may be 
at the date of the publication. This amnesty and 
pardon shall extend to all who have been accused, or 
who have been convicted and are undergoing sentence 
for absence without leave or desertion, excepting only 
those who have been twice convicted of desertion. 

Finally, I conjure my countrywomen — the wives, 
mothers, sisters, and daughters, of the Confederacy — 
to use their all-powerful influence in aid of this call, 
to add one crowning sacrifice to that which their pa- 
triotism has so freely and constantly afforded on their 
country's altar, and to take care that none who owe 
service in the field shall be sheltered at home from 
the disgrace of having deserted their duty to their 
•families, to their country, and to their God. 

Given under my hand, and the seal of the Confed- 
erate States, at Kichmond, this 1st day of 
[seal.] August, in the year of our Lord, one thou- 
sand eight hundred and sjxty-three. 

JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

No bounties appear to have been paid to vol- 
unteers after the passage of the conscription 
act, in 1862. Nor were any efforts made to 
fill up the quotas of States by contributions to 
volunteers, as was done in the Northern States. 

Under the depreciation of the currency, the 
pay of the soldiers sunk to an insignificant sum ; 
and, to prevent local disturbances, measures 
were taken in the several States to provide for 
their destitute families. 

At the session of Congress at the close of 
1863, an act was Introduced which declared 
every man between the ages of eighteen and 
fifty -five to be in the military service for the 
war. Thus every one between these ages was 
made subject at once to the articles of war, to 
military discipline, and military penalties; and, 
upon failm-e to report for duty at a military 
station within a certain time, he was liable to 
the penalty of death as a deserter. 

For the supply of the army a commissary 
agent was appointed for each county, or one 
for two or three counties, who was charged 
with the duty of purchasing and impressing sup- 
plies in his territory for the use of the army. 

The report of the Secretary of War, made 
near the close of the year, alluded to desertion, 
straggling, and absenteeism, and said that the 
effective force of the array was but little over 
one-lialf or two-thirds of the men whose names 



were on the muster rolls. He recommended 
the repeal of the substitute and exemptive pro- 
visions, and that all having substitutes be put 
back into the field, and stated that the privileges 
which Congress granted, to put in substitutes, 
could be regularly and constitutionally abro- 
gated by the same power. 

On January 1st, 1863, the army of the United 
States, comprising the regular troops, and the 
volunteers obtained under the various calls 
made by the President since the commence- 
ment of the war, numbered probably between 
600,000 and 700,000 men. Of the whole num- 
ber of men voluntarily raised to that date no 
precise statement can be afforded, the infor- 
mation furnished by some of the reports being 
so obscure that it is difficult to decide to which 
class of service (that of the individual States 
or of the General Government), the troops fur- 
nished belonged. 

The troops actually in service at the close of 
1862, comprising three years', two years', twelve 
months', nine months' men and regulars, repre- 
sented organizations amounting originally to an 
aggregate of 1,200,000; but among these the 
casualties of the field, diseases of the camp, dis- 
charges for physical disability, and desertions, 
had made fearful inroads, some regiments hav- 
ing within a year of their enlistment been re- 
duced to less than the strength of a couple of 
full companies. As an illustration at once of 
the bravery of the troops and of the rate at 
which the army is depleted. Gen. Meade stated 
in reply to an address of welcome from the 
mayor of Philadelphia, that from March, 1862, 
when the Army of the Potomac left its lines in 
front of Washington, to the close of 1863, not 
less than a hundred thousand men in it had been 
killed and wounded. 

In view of the serious loss of disciplined troops 
which would be caused by the return home of 
the two years', twelve months', and nine months' 
regiments, comprising an aggregate of about 
65,000 men, whose terms of enlistment would 
expii-e during the summer and autumn of 1863, 
the Government early in the year took meas- 
ures to obtain the passage of an Enrolment and 
Conscription Act, authorizing the President to 
recruit the army when necessary, by drafting 
from the able-bodied male citizens of the conn- 
try between the ages of twenty and forty-five. 

The conscription act became a law on March 
3d; in the succeeding May and June the enrol- 
ment was effected in most of the States, and 
early in the former month a draft of 300,000 men 
was ordered, the conscription commencing in 
the several districts into which the country was 
divided by the provost marshal general and his 
assistants, as soon as the enrolment was com- 
pleted and the quota in each assigned. j 

For making the draft, one-fifth of the number 
of men enrolled in the first class was adopted 
as the quota of a district. The main object was 
to apportion the number among the States, so 
that those previously furnished and those to 
be famished would make a given part of their 



414 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



available men, and not a given part of their 
population; and a suflBcient percentage was 
called for to make a given number. In conse- 
quence of thus basing the calls for men, those 
States which contained more females than males 
were really charged with a greater quota than 
those in which there was an excess of males. 
Some of the Western States with quotas nearly 
the same as some of the Eastern, not only fur- 
nished their quotas and a large excess besides, 
but had a larger proportion of males left than 
Eastern States which had not entirely filled 
their quotas and were therefore deficient. This 
deficiency was not probably from unwillingness 
to answer the call, but from a want of men, 
while the excess was attributable, in some de- 
gree, to the surplus of men. Thus the States 
to which the largest credits were to be given 
really had a larger proportion of men remaining 
than those to which a deficiency was charged. 

Of those who were drav/n, including the fifty 
per cent, additional, over eighty per cent, re- 
ported in accordance with the orders of the 
boards. Of all examined, about thirty per cent, 
were exemjated on account of physical disability ; 
another thirty per cent, were exempted under 
the provisions of the second section of the act 
above quoted, or found not liable on account of 
alienage, unsuitableness of age, non-residence, 
etc. About forty per cent, of the men exam- 
ined have been held to service ; about one-half 
of these paid the commutation of $300; about 
two-thirds of the remainder furnished substi- 
tutes, and the other third went in person to the 
field. Thus, if the number drafted is supposed 
to be 150, then deduct 20 per cent, for those 
not reported, it becomes 120; then deduct 60 
per cent, or 72 for exempts, it becomes 48 who 
were held for service ; then deduct one-half for 
those who paid commutation, and it becomes 24. 
Of this number two-thirds (16) furnished substi- 
tutes, and the other third (8) went to the field. In 
this proportion the enrolment of 3,113,305 would 
have sent into the field 66,043 as conscripts, 
132,686 as substitutes— total, 198,129 men. 

Indeed several of the Western States were 
not subjected to the draft on account of an ex- 
cess of volunteers, and in other Western States 
the quota was quite small from the same cause. 
A bounty of $300 was so generally paid by cities, 
counties, and States, that drafted men could 
either retain it and go to the field, or purchase a 
substitute who was not liable to military servjce. 

The draft was forcibly resisted in New York, 
Boston, and other places. 

In New York, after several postponements. 
Col. Nugent, the provost-marshal,was directed to 
prepare the central oflice of the acting assistant 
provost-marshal-general, for the immediate ex- 
ecution of the provisions of the act for enrolling 
and calling out the national forces. The several 
deputies received official requisitions direct from 
the President, calling for specified numbers of 
men, and were instructed to commence opera- 
tions on the 11th of July. In compliance with 
this order Provost Marshal Jenkins, of the ninth 



Congressional district of New York, publicly 
announced through the press, that on Saturday, 
the 11th, the ballots would be publicly counted 
at the corner of Forty-sixth street and Third 
avenue, and that immediately thereafter the 
wheel would be turned and the draft begin. 
Rumors of popular dissatisfaction were heard 
on every side, trouble was apprehended, and 
the police were notified to hold themselves in 
readiness for any emergency. On Saturday 
morning a large crowd assembled at the ap- 
pointed place, but as every thing was conducted 
quietly, systematically, and fairly, no opportu- 
nity for disturbance occurred. The day passed 
pleasantly, the crowd were in good humor, well- 
known names were saluted with cheers, and at 
night as the superintendent of the police passed 
out from the office, he remarked that there was 
no danger to be apprehended ; the Rubicon was 
passed, and all would go well. The names of 
the conscripts were published by the press of 
Sunday morning, with incidents, jocular and 
otherwise, connected with the proceedings. In 
the neighborhood in which the initial working 
of the law was attempted, an excitable element 
of the city's popidation resided. Very many 
poor men were, by the turn of the wheel, forced 
instantly, as it were, from home and comfort, 
wi'ested from the support of a needy family, to be 
sent they knew not whither, unless to the battle 
field, or, perhaps, to the grave. Such were the 
apprehensions of many imprudent persons who 
were liable to the draft, and such then* anxie- 
ties for the fate of their wives and children, 
that associations were formed to resist it, at the 
last alternative, with bloodshed. Some of the 
inhabitants of the 9th district met in secret 
places on Sunday, and resolved to resist the 
further drafting by force, and, if necessary, to 
proceed to extremity. On the following morn- 
ing, Monday the 13th, organized parties of men 
went from yard to yard, from shop to shop, to 
compel the workmen to leave their labor and 
join the several processions which were wend- 
ing their way toward the corner of Third Ave- 
nue and Forty-sixth street. Unconscious of 
impending danger, Captain Jenkins, with his 
assistants, prepared for the morning's work, 
and in the presence of a great multitude, many 
of whom had crowded into the little room, the 
draft recommenced, a few names were called 
and registered, when a huge paving stone came 
crash through the window, and shivered into 
a thousand pieces the glass, knocked over two 
or three quiet observers, upset the inkstand on 
tlie reporters' table, and astonished somewhat 
the officials. Hardly had their surprise found 
expression in words before a second and a third 
stone was sent straight from the crowd among 
the officials and reporters behind the railing. 
As if emboldened by these acts, the crowd de- 
veloped instantly into a mob, and with frantic 
yells passionately rushed upon the place, break- 
ing down the doors, throwing helter-skelter 
the furniture, smashing into fragments the 
tables and desks, and venting tlieir • fury 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



415 



over the remains of the boxes connected with 
the office. The wheel was taken up stairs and 
eventually saved, but nothing else was spared 
from absolute wreck. The marshal escaped 
uninjured, as did the reporters ; but one of the 
deputies. Lieutenant Vanderpoel, was badly 
beaten and taken home for dead. Having de- 
stroyed the material of the office, the enraged 
multitude thought of an additional outrage, aod 
regardless of the women and children Avho oc- 
cupied the upper portion of the house, sprin- 
kled camphene upon the lower floor and set the 
place ablaze. In two hours from that time the 
entire block, of which this was the corner 
building, was a pile of smoking brick and 
mortar. At an early stage of the proceedings. 
Chief Engineer Decker, of the Fire Department, 
arrived, but the incendiaries had taken posses- 
sion of the hydrants, and would not allow the 
engines to be worked. After much persuasion 
and an exhibition of absolute heroism. Chief 
Decker obtained permission to restrain the 
flames from further devastation, but it was too 
late to be of service. Police Superintendent 
Kennedy was attacked by the mob and nearly 
killed. 

In the meantime, word had been sent to the 
lower part of the city, that the long threatened 
resistance had been made, and that success 
had crowned the efforts of the anti-conscrip- 
tionists. The most exaggerated rumors ob- 
tained ready currency, and while every one 
from the mayor to the ward-constable stood 
aghast, all business was suspended, and the voice 
of trade was hushed. There were no troops in 
the city, the militia regiments being nearly all 
on duty in Pennsylvania ; the force in the sev- 
eral forts in the harbor was small, and the 
Navy Yard, at Brooklyn, could spare but a few 
marines. "While therefore Maj. -Gen. Sandford, 
on the part of the State militia. Maj. -Gen. Wool, 
on behalf of the General Government, Mayor 
Opdyke, as the chief magistrate of the city, and 
their several staifs, were "consulting," the 
mob, whose proportions had attained the size 
of an army, had resolved itself into a peregrina- 
ting column of incendiaries, and was in the suc- 
cessful pursuit of an uninterrupted career of 
murder, pillage, and arson. No person was 
sacred from their touch, and before the day had 
passed, gangs of thieves joined the crowd, and 
availing themselves of the general disturbance, 
reaped vast harvests of money and otlier desi- 
derata, which they unblushingly took from the 
pockets and persons of their proprietors. Sev- 
eral members of the press, in pursuit of their 
normal avocations, were maltreated and abused. 
A noticeable case was that a reporter, then 
of the "New York Times," who was surround- 
ed by a set of ruffians on the corner of 46th 
street and Third avenue. "Without a moment's 
pnrley, they robbed him of his watch, chain, 
diamond pin, and wallet, knocked him down, 
raised the cry of " Abolitionist !" and left him to 
the tender mercies of the crowd. Supposing 
him to be a spy, the rioters kicked and trampled 



upon him, pulled him by the hair up and down 
the streets, and only let him alone when some 
firemen interfered in his behalf. He was car- 
ried to a neighboring engine-house, and barely 
escaped being stoned to death by a second 
crowd, which had gathered about the door, and 
whose volleys of missiles broke every window in 
the house. A fortunate incident attracted their 
attention, and the wounded man was permitted 
later in the day to retire. 

"While the up-town mob was delighting it- 
self in the destruction of a brown stone block 
in Lexington Avenue, a detacbment of ma- 
rines, some fifty in number, with muskets and 
blank cartridges, were sent to quell the riot. 
Taking a Third avenue car, at the Broadway 
junction, they started for 46th street. Infor- 
mation reached the mob that the soldiers were 
coming, and they prepared to receive them. 
Tearing up the rails, they rendered it impos- 
sible for the car to be drawn beyond 43d 
street, and at that point several thousand 
men, women, and children stood anxiously* 
w^aiting for the storming party of fifty. Many 
of them, particularly the women, were armed 
with pieces of thick telegraph wire, which they 
had broken from the lines, and which, as will 
be seen, they used with great effect. Such a 
scene has rarely been witnessed ; the men were 
sober and quiet, but malignant and fearful in 
their aspect; the women, on the contrary, 
were merry, singing and dancing; they cheered 
their husbands, chatted gaily with bystanders, 
and boasted of what should yet be done by 
their brawny arms. As the car, containing the 
marines, reached the centre of the block, the 
lieutenant in command ordered the men to 
leave and form in line. Small groups and gath- 
erings of women and children greeted them 
with hisses and derisive cheers; to these they 
paid no attention, but marched toward the 
larger mob at the corn'er. The lieutenant call- 
ed upon the crowd to disperse, but no further 
notice was taken of the command than a sullen 
refusal ; he then ordered his men to fire, which 
they did, with blank cartridges, and of course, 
with blank effect. The smoke had not cleared 
away before the infuriated mob rushed with ven- 
geance upon the little band, broke them into 
confusion, seized their muskets, trampled them 
under foot, beat them with sticks, punched 
them with the long wires, and laughed at their 
impotence. Several of the marines managed to 
escape into the side streets, but each fugitive 
had his gang of temporary pursuers, and quite 
a number were killed, while all were ter- 
ribly beaten. From this moment the spirit 
of the mob seemed changed. Resistance -u-as 
no longer thought of: attack was the watch- 
word. A squad of police attempted to arrest 
some of the ringleaders at this point, but they 
were signally defeated, badly beaten, and 
one of them was killed. Elated Avith this 
triumph, excited by the spilled blood, and the 
instinct of passion, the mob seemed beside 
themselves, and proposed an immediate ou- 



416 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



slaught upon the principal streets, the hotels, 
and other public buildings. 

Against the negroes there seemed to exist a 
peculiar animosity, and incidents of barbaric 
cruelty occurred. The restaurants and hotels 
whose servants were of this class, were taken 
possession of by the rioters, who broke win- 
dows, smashed furniture, maltreated guests, 
and sought to kill the fleeing and terrified 
servants. In the afternoon, by which time the 
whole city was in alarm, the crowd had in- 
creased to great numbers, when some one sug- 
gested that the Colored Half Orphan Asylum 
was not far from their immediate neighborhood. 
The asylum was a substantial edifice, erected a 
few years since, on Fifth avenue, between For- 
ty-third and Forty-fourth streets, and afforded a 
home to between 700 and 800 children. Its de- 
struction was at once resolved upon, and headed 
by a gang of half-grown men, the crowd rapidly 
moved on the asylum. Entering it by doors 
or windows, they ransacked every room, drove 
tlie women and nurses out, and flung the children 
hither and thither, kicked and cuffed the little 
ones without regard to humanity, and after 
throwing everything they could lay their 
hands upon into the street, deliberately set 
fire to the building. Here, too, Chief Decker 
interfered. With one hand he extinguished 
the flames, with his person barred the proi,'re9s 
of the rioters, and strove by the force of words 
to deter them from their purpose. But his 
efforts were in vain. With fearful yells and 
screams, the boys set fire again to the doomed 
l)uilding, while the men looked sternly on, and 
the women walked off laden with the spoils. 

About the same hour, an attack was made 
upon the armory in Second avenue, corner of 
Twenty-first street. The object was to secure ri- 
fles and muskets which it was known the Gov- 
ernment had stored there. Early in the day, the 
police autliorities had placed a squad of men 
in charge of the building, with instructions to 
guard it and to prevent the entrance of any 
one. Against an army of three or four thou- 
sand rougli men it was no easy task to defend 
the building. Sledge hammers and stones soon 
broke open the doors, when a grand rush was 
made, and the men began to push in. The 
police knew their duty, and did it ; their first 
volley killed two men, and a subsequent dis- 
charge three others ; but then the crowd pushed 
Oil more vigorously. A severe hand-to-hand 
fight ensued among those at the door, while the 
crowd outside stoned the windows, breaking 
every pane of glass in the building. Finding 
resistance useless, the police retired and effect- 
ed an escape through a rear door. The build- 
ing was instantly fired, and soon fell a mass of 
blackened ruins. 

In the lower part of the city, the evidences 
of riotous demonstrations were confined to at- 
tacks upon colored men, and a threatened demo- 
lition of the Tribune newspaper oflice. Toward 
five o'clock, the Forty-sixth street crowd 
made its way to the park, where they joined a 



smaller gathering of boys and men, who had 
been hooting and sneering at the establishment 
of the New York Tribune, and subjecting its 
inmates generally to an unpleasant inquisition. 
After some delay, the more venturesome ap- 
proached the doors of the ofiice. These were 
locked, but a few vigorous pushes broke them, 
and the crowd rushed in. The counters and 
desks were broken up, and preparations were 
made for a grand illumination, when a detach- 
ment of police suddenly made its appearance, 
and charged full upon them. So sudden was 
the attack that a panic seized them, and they 
fled like chaff before the wind. 

The assaults upon negroes were among the 
most fiendish features of the proceedings. It 
was estimated that, during the twenty-four 
hours, at least a dozen unfortunate colored 
persons were brutally murdered, while some 
were beaten, forced to jump into the river, 
or driven from the city. A colored man 
residing in Carmine street, was caught by a 
mob of about four hundred men and boys, 
as he was leaving his stable in Clarkson 
street. Instantly an attack was made upon 
him, and he was beaten and kicked until life 
was seemingly extinct, and then his body was 
suspended to a tree, a fire kindled beneath it, 
the heat of which restored the sufferer to con- 
sciousness, while the smoke stifled him. 

Several fierce battles were fought between 
the police and the mob, in which the former 
were invariably the victors. During the day 
and night, the city was protected solely and 
only by this arm of the civil service. 

The office of Provost-Marshal Manierre was 
on Broadway near Twenty-eighth street. At 
nine o'clock drafting was begun there, but in 
consequence of the disturbances in the 9th dis- 
trict, at twelve o'clock it was suspended. Short- 
ly afterward the mob arrived and entered and 
sacked the office, set fire to the building, and 
de'stroyed the entire block, of which the office 
was the centre building. The famous Bull's Head 
Hotel, on Forty-fourth street, between Lexing- 
ton and Fifth avenues, shared the fate of other 
fihe structures, and was burned to the ground, 
because its proprietor declined to furnish liquor. 
The residences of Provost-Marshal Jenkins and 
Postmaster Wakeman, the 23d precinct station 
house, and two brown stone private dwellings 
on Lexington Avenue, were totally destroyed 
by fire; several members of the police were 
killed and many badly wounded, some twenty 
negroes were murdered, and a number of ma- 
rines stoned to death. 

The Board of Aldermen of the city met at 
half past one o'clock, p. m., but a quorum not 
being present, that body adjourned. 

It was the general belief, that a decided ac- 
tion on the part of the board in providing 
means whereby poor men, who should be draft- 
ed, would be furnished with substitutes, would 
at once check the riot; and to meet this view, 
Alderman Hall had proposed this resolution : 

Whereas, It is apparent that the three hundred doU 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



417 



lar clause In the National Enrolment act of the late 
Congress is calculated to inflict great privations iipon 
the poorer classes of our citizens; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Committee on National Afifairs 
be, and they are hereby, instructed to report to this 
board a plan whereby an appropriation can be made, 
to pay the commutation of such of our poorest citizens 
as are likely to be most sorely affected by the enforce- 
ment of a conscription. 

Maj.-Gen. Wool was in command of the De- 
partment of the East, with his headquarters in 
New York, and about noon issued the follow- 
ing call to "veteran volunteers" : 

The veterans who have recently returned from the 
field of battle, have again an opportunity of serving, 
not only their country, but the great emporium of 
New York, from the threatened dangers of a ruthless 
mob. 

The Commanding General of the Eastern Depart- 
ment trusts that those who have exhibited so much 
bravery in the field of battle, will not hesitate to come 
forward at this time, to , tender their services to the 
mayor, to stay the ravages of the city by men who 
have lost all sense of obligations to their country, as 
well as to the city of New York. 

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General. 

P. S. — These men are requested to report to Major- 
General Sandford, corner of Elm and White streets, 
on Tuesday, July 14th, at 10 a. m. 

The next morning at eight o'clock, several 
colonels of returned volunteer regiments called 
upon their former commands to rally, and in 
pursuance of orders from Gen. Wool, Gen. 
Harvey Brown assumed command of the Fed- 
eral troops in the city. 

The mob had full control of the city, and 
omitted no opportunity of breaking laws or 
violating ordinances, until midnight, when a 
heavy rain dispersed them. 

On Tuesday the spirit of the riot was more 
malignant. Governor Seymour having arrived 
in the city, issued the following proclamation : 

New York, July 14, 1863. 
To the People of the City of New York : 

A riotous demonstration in your city, originating 
in opposition to the conscription of soldiers for the 
military service of the United States, has swelled into 
vast proportions, directing its fury against the prop- 
erty and lives of peaceful citizens. I know that many 
who have participated in these proceedings would not 
have allowed themselves to be carried to such ex- 
tremes of violence and of wrong, except under an 
apprehension of injustice, but such persons are re- 
minded that the only opposition to the conscription 
which can be allowed, is an appeal to the courts. 

The right of every citizen to make such an appeal 
will be maintained, and the decision of the courts 
must be respected and obeyed by rulers and people 
alike. No other course is consistent with the main- 
tenance of the laws, the peace and order of the city, 
and the safety of its inhabitants. 

Riotous proceedings must, and shall be put down. 
The laws of the State of New York must be enforced, 
its peace and order maintained, and the lives and prop- 
erty of all its citizens protected at any and every haz- 
zard. The rights of every citizen will be properly 

fuarded aud defended by the Chief Magistrate of the 
tate. 

1 do, therefore, call upon all persons engaged in 
these riotous proceedings, to retire to their homes 
and employments, declaring to them that unless they 
do so at once, I shall use all the power necessary to re- 
store the peace and order of the city. I also call upon 
all well-disposed persons not enrolled for the preser- 
vation of order, to pursue their ordinary avocations. 
27 



Let all citizens stand firmly by the constituted au- 
thorities, sustaining law and order in the city, and 
ready to answer any such demand as circumstances 
may render necessary for me to make upon their ser- 
vices ; and they may rely upon a rigid enforcement 
of the laws of this State against all who violate them. 
• H0RATI6 SEYMOUR, Governor. 

It was soon urged upon the governor that 
measures more rigorous must be taken ; and 
becoming convinced that such was the case, he 
was induced to declare the city in a state of 
insurrection. 

This proclamation, however, produced but 
little etfect, and the second day was in many of 
its features the worst of the four. The stores 
were closed in all parts of the city; no signs of 
trade were visible. Between the several mili- 
tary oflBcers, into whose hands the defence of 
the city and the suppression of the riot were 
committed, there were difficulties of which no 
one could obtain a satisfactory explanation. 
General Wool as commanding general of the 
Department of the East, was in supreme control 
of the regular troops, and he delegated de- 
partments of his small command to General 
Brown and General Sandford, at difierent 
times, so that it was difficult for his more 
immediate subordinates to know the authority 
of each. The police were true to their great 
trust, and won for themselves an honorable 
record. The principal feature of these twenty- 
four hours was the onset upon the negroes, 
which was attended with fearful atrocities. 
Whenever a negro was found, death was his 
inexorable fate. Old men and infirm women 
were beaten without mercy; whole neighbor- 
hoods were burned out ; the life of no person of 
color was safe for a moment in the presence of 
the infuriated mob. On several occasions dur- 
ing the day the military and the rioters were 
brought face to face. Twice an attempt was 
made to resist the progress of the soldiers, but 
ball cartridges were used and the rioters fled. 
Lieut. Wood, in command of 150 "regtilars" 
from Fort Lafayette, was directed to disperse a 
crowd of perhaps 2,000 men, who had assembled 
in the vicinity of Grand and Pitt Streets. On 
the approach of the soldiers, the lieutenant called 
upon the crowd to disperse. A volley of stones 
was the reply. He then ordered his men to fire 
above the crowd, which being done without 
apparent eflfect, he directed them to fire and 
take aim. The result was 12 dead men, seve- 
ral wounded, and a general flight. Two chil- 
dren were among the killed. In this way the 
mob was frequently broken up, but as it would 
contmually reorganize, it became necessary to 
adopt some plan of absolute and general disper- 
sion. The citizens generally prepared to defend 
themselves and their property. The governor 
was induced to speak from the steps of the City 
Hall to an immense gathering of the people, 
among whom were undoubtedly many Avho 
had been engaged in the riots. The governor 
made a few remarks, intended to allay the 
popular excitement, and earnestly counselled 
obedience to the laws and the constituted 



418 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



authorities. He also read a note explanatory 
of what he had done about the draft. The gov- 
ernor was listened to with great respect, and 
the reading of the letter caused general satis- 
faction among his hearers. 

The murder of Col. O'Brien was, perhaps, 
the most fearful of the many incidents Avhich 
occurred. Commissioned to disperse a mob in 
the Third Avenue, he gallantly charged upon 
them with an efficient detachment of troops, 
and succeeded in breaking the front and turn- 
ing the face of the rioters. Having sprained 
his ankle during the excitement, he stepped 
into a drug store in 32d street, while his com- 
mand passed on. The store was soon sur- 
rounded, and the proprietor fearing it would 
be sacked begged the colonel to get away as 
soon as possible. With a brave heart O'Brien 
went out among the crowd alone; and while 
parleying with them a treacherous blow from 
behind laid him senseless upon the pavement. 
The crowd fell upon the prostrate form, beat- 
ing and bruising it. For hours the bleeding 
body was drawn up and down the street, re- 
ceiving a brutal treatment almost unparalleled, 
after which it was carried, with shouts and 
groans, to his residence, where the same con- 
duct was repeated. A priest with kindly cour- 
tesy interfered, and read over the dead body 
the prayers of its church, after which he di- 
rected the remains to be taken into the house. 
Hardly was his back turned, however, when a 
brutal fellow stamped upon the corpse, and his 
example was followed by many others. 

Events followed each other in rapid succes- 
sion. The Secretary of War ordered home the 
militia regiments that were doing duty in Penn- 
sylvania, and the rioters became, to a great ex- 
tent, "demoralized," their leaders having been 
killed or taken prisoners. The stages and cars 
were withdrawn from the streets until Thurs- 
day, when, by order of the Police Commission- 
ers, the regular running was resumed. 

By this time it had become generally known 
that the draft was suspended. The municipal 
authorities had passed a relief bill to pay $300 
commutation, or substitute money, to every 
drafted man of the poorer classes. These facts 
\ contributed greatly to appease the mob, though 
they had been practically subdued by the gal- 
lant conduct of the regular troops, the militia, 
and the police. The riot ceased as an organ- 
ized operation, on the 16th instant. A large 
force of cavalry patrolled the disaffected dis- 
tricts on the evening of that day, and met with 
no armed opposition. On the morning of the 
17th the cavalry found and took possession of 
seventy stands of revolvers and carbines, and 
several casks of paving stones, which had been 
secreted by the rioters, and also captured sev- 
eral prisoners. On tlie 18th instant, Maj.- 
Gen. Wool was relieved of the command of 
the Department of the East by Maj.-Gen. Dix, 
by orders of the President, dated the 15th, 
Gen. Harvey Brown who had been in commaud 
of the city and harbor of New York (under 



General Wool) during the riots, was relieved 
on the 17th instant by Brig.-Gen. Canby. 

The twelve militia regiments had by this 
time returned from Pennsylvania. Detach- 
ments from their number, amounting to over 
1,000 men, were constantly on duty for many 
days after the suppression of the riots, and the 
entire 1st division was ready to support them 
at short notice. But there was not the least 
symptom of a renewal of the disturbances, 
although rioters were arrested by civil pro- 
cesses, tried, and sent to prison, from day to 
day. 

The number of persons killed during these 
terrible riots is not known. The mortality 
statistics for the week, at the city inspec- 
tor's office, show an increase of 450 over 
the average weekly mortality of the year. 
About 90 deaths from gunshot wounds were 
reported at his office. It was said — but this is, 
doubtless, incorrect — that the remains of many 
of the rioters were secretly taken into the 
country and buried there. A large number of 
wounded persons probably died during the 
following week. Governor Seymour in his an- 
nual message states that the " number of killed 
and wounded is estimated by the police to be 
at least one thousand." The police and the 
regular and local military forces suffered but 
little in comparison with the mob. With re- 
gard to the militia of the 1st division, General 
Sandford gives the exact figures of their losses 
in a portion of the riots. He says that "one 
private soldier was killed, and twenty-two men 
dangerously, and fifty officers and soldiers 
slightly, wounded, at the defeat of the mob in 
42d street, the storming of the barricade erect- 
ed by the rioters in 29th street, and in the 
other conflicts which followed." 

The losses by the destruction of buildings 
and other property were originally estimated at 
$400,000. A committee was appointed by the 
county supervisors to audit claims for damages, 
for all of which the county was responsible 
under the law, and for the payment of which a 
large appropriation was made. The aggregate 
of the claims far surpassed the highest expecta- 
tions, amounting to over $2,500,000. The com- 
mittee disallowed many, and cut down most 
of the remainder 50 per cent. At last accounts 
over $1,000,000 had been paid to claimants, and 
it was supposed that $500,000 more would be 
needed for the same purpose. 

On the night of the 15th of July a riot broke 
out in Boston, under the following circum- 
stances: Two of the provost marshal's assist- 
ants were engaged in distributing notifications 
to drafted men, when one of the officers was 
struck by a woman, at whose house a noti- 
fication had been left. An attempt being 
made to arrest the woman, a number of her 
friends collected and attacked the officer, se- 
verely beating him. A police force was soon 
upon the ground, and succeeded in temporarily 
quelling the distui-bance ; but a crowd lingered 
in the vicinity of the scene, and increased as 



MILITAET AND NAVAL HISJORY OF THE REBELLION. 



419 



night approached, and the military authorities 
thought it best to order out the Lancers, the 
11th battery (Captain Jones), the 44th regiment, 
three companies from Fort "Warren, a com- 
pany of regulars from Fort Independence, and a 
squad of the second cavalry from Readsville, to 
check the riot which was believed to be immi- 
nent. The entire police force was also placed 
on duty, and stationed at points where difficul- 
ties were most likely to occur. About 8-J- p. m. 
a crowd of men and boys, estimated at from 
500 to 1,000, gathered in front of the armory 
of the 11th battery, in Cooper Street, and al- 
though warned otf by Captain Jones, the com- 
manding officer, threw a shower of stones and 
bricks at the building, breaking the windows 
and the door, and wounding several of the sol- 
diers. The mob then attempted to carry the 
building by storm, and had succeeded in forcing 
an entrance, when a gun loaded Avith canister 
shot was fired into them with terrible effect, 
but they did not break and run until a bayonet 
charge was made upon them. Six or eight 
persons were killed on the spot, and a large 
number wounded. Simultaneously with the 
attack on the armory a mob of several hundred 
persons broke into the gun store of Thomas P. 
Barnes, in Dock Square, and carried away about 
a hundred muskets and a large quantity of pis- 
tols and bowie knives. They next made a rush 
at the gun store of Wm. Read and Son, FaneuE 
Hall Square, but the police had received infor- 
mation of the intended attack, and were on 
hand in time to repel it. One of the rioters 
was shot by the police, and a few others were 
slightly injured. The formidable array of mili- 
tary and police, and the promptness with which 
they had quelled disturbances thus far, seemed 
to frighten the rioters at this stage of opera- 
tions, and they gradually dispersed. The only 
other riotous incident of note during the night 
was an attempt to set fire to the armory in 
Cooper Street, in the absence of the guard. The 
fire was soon discovered and extinguished. 

At Portsmouth, N. H., there was some trou- 
ble on the day of drafting. An excited throng 
of men, women, and children, gathered about 
the provost marshal's office, which was in 
charge of volunteers from Fort Constitution, 
and U. S. marines from the navy yard, under 
command of Col. Marston. A large police force 
was also in attendance, and instructed to dis- 
perse the crowd. Two men who resisted were 
taken to the station house. About 9^ p. m. an 
attack was made upon the station house by 
about 100 friends of the arrested parties, but 
was repelled by the small force of police then 
on the ground. A squad of soldiers from the 
provost marshal's office was sent to their assist- 
ance, and charged upon the mob with bayonets, 
dispersing it instantly. Two of the police and 
four of the rioters were wounded, but none 
reported killed ; and there was no further ob- 
struction to the draft in Portsmouth, 

A disturbance which threatened at one time 
to assume formidable proportions occurred in 



Holmes County, Ohio, in June. It appears that 
on the 5th of that month, Elias Robinson, an 
enrolling officer, was stoned out of Richland 
township by a party of men, of whom the 
names of four were known. Captain Drake, the 
provost-marshal of that district, went with a 
posse of men to the village of Napoleon, in the 
above named township, to arrest those persons, 
and found them in the upper story of a house, 
armed and ready for resistance. They refused 
to surrender, saying that they would not con- 
sent to be tried by court-martial. On the prom- 
ise, however, that they should be tried by the 
U. S. court at Cleveland, they gave themselves 
up, and the party started for Wooster. But be- 
fore Capt. Drake had succeeded in getting his 
prisoners beyond the limits of Holmes County he 
was overtaken by an armed force of 150 men, 
who ordered the prisoners from the wagons, took 
revolvers from several of Capt. Drake's men, 
and surrounding Capt. Drake with a score 
of rifles pointed at his breast, demanded that 
he should take an oath never to enter Holmes 
County on such business again, on penalty of 
death. It is said that he refused to take the 
oath, and also to give up his pistols. The res- 
cuers finally let him and his posse go, and car- 
ried the prisoners back to then* homes. On the 
12th and 13th the enrolling officers were also 
driven out of two of the townships of Holmes 
County. 

The draft resulted, in twelve States in which 
it was enforced, in adding about 50,000 men to 
the army, and in the accumulation of a fund of 
$10,518,000, derived from commutations under 
what was known as the " Three Hundred Dollar 
clause " of the act, which was reserved for the 
procurement of recruits by bounties. 

Previous to 1863 the emplojonent of colored 
soldiers in the United States service was con- 
fined to two or three localities. At Hilton 
Head, South Carolina, Gen. Hunter had caused 
the able-bodied negroes from the neighboring 
plantations to be formed into regiments and 
drilled by competent officers ; and Gen. Butler, 
finding in New Orleans a colored corps of the 
Louisiana State militia, raised under the certifi- 
cate of a former governor of the State, placed 
it in the service of the Government, and en- 
couraged the formation of similar organizations. 
These troops were originally intended chiefly 
for local service, or if sent beyond the localities 
in which they were raised, were to be employ- 
ed to garrison posts which the unacclimated 
Northern soldiers could not safely occupy during 
the unhealthy season. Public opinion had not 
yet decided that they could become an integral 
portion of the army, and as such be available 
for every species of military ser\'ice, notwith- 
standing that Congress' by two acts passed in 
July, 1862, had expressly authorized the em- 
ployment of colored men as troops. 

The first of these, known as the Confiscation 
Act, permitted the President to employ as 
many persons of African descent as he might 
deem necessary and proper for the suppression 



420 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



of the rebellion ; and for that purpose to or- 
ganize and use them in such manner as he 
might judge best for the public welfare. The 
second act authorized liim to receive into the 
service of the United States for any species of 
labor or miUtary or naval service for which 
they might be found competent, persons of 
African descent, who should be enrolled and 
organized under such regulations, not incon- 
sistent with the Constitution and the laws, as 
he might prescribe ; and should receive $10 per 
month and one ration per day, of which month- 
ly pay $3 might be in clothing. 

Both laws were made with reference to those 
persons who by force of arms or by provisions 
of statutes had been recently freed from bond- 
age; and the important class of colored soldiers 
from the free States was probably not then in 
the contemplation of Congress, Many considera- 
tions were urged upon the President to induce 
him to exercise the power conferred upon him 
in a restricted sense only. The employment of 
negroes as laborers upon fortifications, team- 
sters, boatmen, and in similar capacities, was 
declared legitimate and sufiicient for the pres- 
ent needs of the country ; but, in the opinion 
of many, the arming of any considerable body 
of such persons was a measure fraught with 
ominous consequences. "Whether or not these 
reasons were deemed conclusive, it is certain 
that, previous to 1863, the number of persons 
of Afi-ican descent employed as soldiers was 
exceedingly limited. But with the commence-" 
ment of the year a vigorous movement was ini- 
tiated in various parts of the country to organize 
colored regiments, and especially to bring to 
the aid of the Government the latent strength 
of the large negro population in the seceded 
States. 

On January 12th Mr. Stevens, of Pennsyl- 
vania, introduced into the House of Represent- 
atives a bill authorizing the President to raise, 
equip, and organize 150,000 colored troops, 
which, after being amended so as to provide 
for the enlistment of not over 300,000, was 
passed, February 2d, in the face of a deter- 
mined opposition from members of the border 
States, and from some friends of the adminis- 
tration. A similar bill, introduced by Mr. Sum- 
ner in the Senate, having been reported back 
from the Committee on Military Affairs, with a 
recommendation that it should not pass, on the 
ground that sufficient authority to raise such 
troops was conferred by the. act of 1862, no 
further action was taken on either bill. The 
subject had, however, been by this time very 
generally discussed, both in and out of Con- 
gress, and in deference to the wishes of a large 
portion of the community, and of many promi- 
nent i)ublic men, including oflicers of experi- 
ence, the President determined to exercise, to 
their fullest extent, the powers conferred upon 
him by the act of 18G2. Congress havhig in the 
Conscription Act avoided making any distinc- 
tion between white and colored citizens, and re- 
quired them equally to be enrolled and drafted 



in the armies of the United States, the policy of 
the administration thenceforth became clearly 
defined, and "persons of African descent," as 
well in the free as in the slave States, were 
declared to be available as soldiers. 

The initiative in raising colored regiments in 
the free States was taken by Governor Andrew, 
of Massachusetts, acting in conformity with the 
following order from the Secretary of War : 

Wak Depaktment, Washington City, ) 
January 20, 1863. j 
Ordered that Goveenor Andrew, of Massachusetts, 
is authorized, until further orders, to raise such num- 
ber of volunteer companies of artillery for duty in the 
forts of Massachusetts and elsewhere, aud such corps 
of infantry for the volunteer military service, as he 
may find convenient. Such volunteers to be enlist- 
ed for three years, unless sooner discharged, and 
may include persons of African descent, oi'ganized 
into, separate corps. He will make the usual requi- 
sitions on the appropriate Staff Bureaus and officers 
for the proper transportation, organization, supplies, 
subsistence, arms, and equipments of such volunteers. 
(Signed) EDWIN M. STANTON, 

Secretary of War. 

Recruiting oflBces were immediately opened 
by the governor, and, as the colored popula- 
tion of Massachusetts was inconsiderable, agents 
were sent into neighboring States, where the 
scruples of the people or of the executive pre- 
vented the enlistment of troops of this class. 
In reply to inquiries. Governor Andrew an- 
nounced that these regiments would be num- 
bered, organized, considered, and treated in 
every respect precisely as other regiments pre- 
viously sent into the field by Massachusetts; 
and, on the authority of the Secretary of "War, 
he pledged the honor of the United States to 
them in the same degree and to the same rights 
with aU other troops. Other free States subse- 
quently sanctioned the enlistment of colored 
soldiers, including Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, 
New York, Ohio, and Kansas. 

The Government having matured its plans 
with regard to the negro population whom the 
progress of the war had brought within the 
Union lines, Gen. Thomas, adjutant-general of 
the United States, was despatched in March to 
the Southwest, charged with the organization 
of colored troops, and the establishment of a 
labor system in the Mississippi valley. In the 
discharge of these duties he visited Memphis, 
Helena, and other points on both sides of the 
Mississippi as far south as Vicksburg. 

Under the impulse given by this action of the 
Government, recruitiug for colored regiments 
proceeded vf ith considerable activity in Tennes- 
see, Mississippi, Louisiana, and North and South 
Carolina, and before the close of the year was in 
progress in parts of Virginia and other districts 
in possession of the Federal arms, as also in 
Maryland and in the District of Columbia. Gen. 
Banks, commanding the Department of the 
Gulf, was so well satisfied with the black troops, 
which he found in the service on his arrival in 
New Orleans, and was so confident in tho abil- 
ity and disposition of the negroes to become 
good soldiers, that he ordered a whole army 



MILITARY AKD KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



421 



corps to be raised, consisting of eighteen regi- 
ments of five hundred men each, to be called 
the " Corps d'Afrique." • 

The enlistment of negroes in the rebel States, 
or of colored refugees from such States, was at- 
tended with little or no difficulty in respect to 
claims of service or labor from such persons. 
The owners were, for the most part, enemies, 
and after the Emancipation Proclamation of the 
President the question of property was consid- 
ered definitively settled. When, however, the 
Government determined to make requisitions 
upon the colored population of the border slave 
States, or upon those portions of the seceded 
States expressly excepted from the operation of 
the Emancipation Proclamation, it became ne- 
cessary to adopt some rule of compensation for 
slaveholders, whose rights might be affected. 
With this view an order was issued, on October 
3d, from the War Department, directing the 
establishment of recruiting stations in Mary- 
land, Missouri, and Tennessee, and prescribing 
the method of enlistment. "All able-bodied 
free negroes, slaves of disloyal persons, and 
slaves of loyal persons, with the consent of 
their owners," were declared eligible for mili- 
tary service, and the State and county in 
which the enlistments were made were to be 
credited with the recruits thus obtained. Loyal 
slaveowners offering slaves for enlistment were 
to receive $300 for each recruit accepted, upon 
filing a deed of manumission for him, and 
making satisfactory proof of title. But if with- 
in thirty days from the date of opening enlist- 
ments, a sufficient number of recruits should 
not be obtained to meet the exigencies of the 
service, then enlistments might be made by 
slaves, without requii'ing the consent of their 
owners ; the latter were to receive the compen- 
sation, and upon the same terms provided for 
owners offering their slaves for enlistment. 
Special boards were also appointed for each 
State to determine all claims of owners, and 
to further the objects of the order. 

The number of colored soldiers obtained from 
the sources above described has been variously 
stated ; but it appears by the report of the bureau 
of enlistments, created in May, that by Decem- 
ber, 1863, over 50,000 men had been organized 
and were in actual service. 

The regular army of the United States, before 
the commencement of the present war, seldom 
numbering in its ranks more than 12,000 or 
13,000 men, and with a medical and hospital 
service corresponding to its limited mambers, 
had little need of special rules of hygiene, or 
the elaboration of any extensive system of reg- 
ulating the health and physical comfort of its 
forces. 

The first step in the way of prevention of 
disease in the army must be taken in the ex- 
amination of recruits. The ignorance or in- 
competence of the examining surgeons in the 
first two years of the war, and sometimes it is 
to be feared baser motives, led to great abuses 
in this respect. "Thousands of incapacitated 



men," says Surgeon-General Hammond, "were 
in the early stages of the war allowed to enter 
the army, to be discharged after a few weeks' 
service, most of which had been passed in the 
hospital. Many did not march five miles be- 
fore breaking down, and not a few never shoul- 
dered a musket during the whole time of their 
service. * * * h= Oases of chronic ulcers, 
varicose veins, epilepsy, and other conditions 
unfitting men for a military life, came fre- 
quently under my notice. The recruits were 
either not inspected at all by a medical officer, 
or else the examination was so loosely con- 
ducted as to amount to a farce. I know of 
several regiments in which the medical inspec- 
tion was performed by the surgeon walking 
down the line and looking at the men as they 
stood in the ranks." There was great improve- 
ment in these examinations after the autumn 
of 1862. 

At the commencement of the war, the War 
Department had no hospitals, save a few post 
and garrison establishments of antiquated de- 
sign, and whose aggregate capacity was less 
than that of a single one of the magnificent 
structures since erected. In the battles of the 
spring of 1862, though new hospitals were erect- 
ed with the utmost rapidity, consistent with 
their thorough adaptation to the wants of the 
patients, they were inadequate to accommodate 
the tens of thousands of the sick and wounded 
who needed care, and the Government was 
compelled to solicit the admission of its patient 
sufferers into the civil hospitals in the large 
cities. In this way many were provided for in 
Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, 
Pittsburg, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Louisville. 
The pushing forward of the new hospitals to 
completion, as well as the erection of others, 
meantime occupied the energies of the Quar- 
termaster-General and the Surgeon-General, 
both men of extraordinary executive ability, 
and in the autumn of 1862, they were able to 
announce their readiness to accommodate in 
their own hospitals all their sick and wounded. 
In the construction and administration of those 
hospitals the Surgeon-General laid down these 
principles to be observed : 

1st. That they should be capable of being 
well ventilated. 

2d. That each should be sufficiently capacious 
for the number of inmates it was to contain. 

3d. That they should admit of good drainage. 

4th. That they should be provided with a 
sufficient number of windows. 

5th. That the kitchen, laundry, and other 
offices of administration, should be separated 
from the wards, well arranged, and of ample 
size. 

6th. That efficient water-closets, ablution, 
and bathing accommodations should be pro- 
vided. 

7th. That they should be amply supplied with 
water and gas, or other means of illumination. 

8th. That the furniture of all kinds should be 
of suitable quality. 



422 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION". 



9th. That the officers and attendants should 
have their proper respective duties assigned to 
them, and that they should be in number suffi- 
cient for the wants of the sick. 

10th. That proper rules should be established 
for the government of the hospital, for the diet 
of the inmates, and for preserving order and an 
efficient state of police. 

The medical department has performed a her- 
culean labor in the erection and fitting up of 
233 general hospitals, in different parts of the 
country, beside a very considerable number of 
post and garrison hospitals. These hospitals 
are generally temporary structures, intended 
to last, without material repairs, for ten years. 

The idea of a hospital, conceived by most 
non-professional readers, is that of a huge bar- 
rack-looking building or buildings, three or 
four stories in height, gloomy in appearance, 
and into whose ca'vernous walls many a poor 
unfortunate enters, but very few return to the 
life and bustle of the outer world. This typi- 
cal hospital is as far as possible from the con- 
ception of Surgeon-General Hammond, or the 
able medical directors and surgeons who were 
his coadjutors in planning and superintending 
the construction of the General Hospitals of the 
army. They started with certain fundamen- 
tal ideas of construction, which were carried 
through all their hospitals. The first of these 
was ridge ventilation, or the supplying a way 
of egress for the foul air of the ward by an 
opening of from ten inches to three feet at the 
ridge or apex of the roof, protected from the 
admission of rain, snow, or violent winds by a 
false roof, raised four inches above the true one, 
and projecting over it on each side about two 
feet. A perforated iron plate near the floor and 
behind each bed admitted the fresh air, which 
passed thus upwards, and forced the foul air 
through the roof opening. This formed the 
summer ventilation. In winter the fresh air 
was admitted around the stove from below, and 
passing between the stove and an outer casing 
of zinc, which surrounded it, was distributed 
through the room ; while a large, square, wood- 
en tube, open at the bottom, and extending to 
the roof, received and enclosed the pipe of the 
stove to its termination above the ridge, and 
thus became the ventilator of that portion of 
the ward. 

Another new feature in the construction of 
these hospitals was the entire separation of the 
wards from the administrative portion of the 
hospital, and the making of each ward a single 
one-story pavilion, removed so far from every 
other ward or building, that it could have the 
benefit of the sun and the free circulation of 
pure air on both sides of it throughout the 
day, while at the same time one end of each 
ward opened from a corridor which would 
servo as a covered hall for exercise to the con- 
valescing patients, and through which there 
was communication with the administrative 
buildings. The pavilions were to have their 
long diameter, where possible, a north and 



south line. Another point insisted upon was 
that no patient should have less than 1,000 (ex- 
cept under very peculiar circumstances not less 
than 1,200) cubic feet of space, and the air of 
this, by the system of ventilation, constantly 
changing. 

The pavilions were to be raised at least one 
foot, generally two, above the ground; the 
floors to be coated with a mixture of beeswax 
and oil, to prevent any liquid from soaking 
into them ; the baths and water-closets to be at 
the extreme end of the pavilions, and form an 
angle with them, and to be connected with 
such a system of sewerage as would convey all 
offensive matters and odors away instantly. A 
ward or pavilion was not to contain more than 
fifty-two beds, and these were to be placed in 
pairs with three feet space between the two, 
and each pair to be placed between the win- 
dows ; the two beds, occupying an average space 
of fifteen feet in tlie length of the ward, and of 
seven and a half feet in width, and a passage 
way of ten feet to extend through the middle of 
the ward for its whole length, thus making the 
width of each ward twenty-five feet, and its 
length, if it contains fifty-two beds, about two 
hundred and twenty feet ; the additional twen- 
ty-five feet being occuj)ied with water closets, 
scullery, &c., at one end, and wardmasters', 
nurses' rooms, and mess room at the other. In 
the practical application of these principles, it 
has been found better not to have the wards 
quite so long, and they generally contain only 
thirty-six or forty-eight beds, some only twen- 
ty-four); or, if there were fifty-two, they occu- 
pied somewhat less than fifteen feet to the pair. 
The first large hospital built upon the principles 
presented by the surgeon-general, was the West 
Philadelphia Hospital, situated at the intersection 
of Forty-fourth and Spruce Streets, half a mile 
outside of the limits of the city of Philadelphia. 
We subjoin an engraving (fig. 1) of the general 
plan. The corridors are each 860 feet long, 14 
feet wide, and 13 feet high, and serve as mess 
rooms for the pavilion. There are thu*ty-four 
pavilions, & & &, each 24 feet wide, and 13 feet 
high at the eaves; they are now of unequal 
length, ranging from 150 to 250 feet. Between 
the corridors is the administrative building, a. 
There are three kitchens, ccc\ two laundries, 
dd\2k chapel, e ; store rooms, //; a mess room 
for special occasions, g ; two buildings for of- 
ficers' quarters, A h ; boiler room, i ; residence 
of §urgeon in charge, h ; water tanks, I ; barber 
shop and printing office, m and n ; boiler and 
tank, ; smoking rooms, p p ; reading and lec- 
ture room, q ; knapsack room, r ; guard room, s ; 
stable, t ; guard, «. The pavilions are 21 feet 
apart, which is too close by at least ten feet. 
The building is of wood, lathed and plastered 
on the outside. Its cost, aside from fiirniture, 
exceeded $200,000. It has 3,124 beds. The 
number of medical officers was fifty-two, beside 
eighteen medical cadets, and of cooks, nurses, 
and otlier attendants, four hundred and sixty- 
four. There were also three chaplains. 



MILITAKY AND ITAYAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



423 



A still finer example of a great military hos- phia. This vast establishment consisted of 50 
pital, the largest in the world, was the Mower pavUions, each 175 feet long, 20 wide, exclu- 
General Hospital, at Chestnut HUI, Philadel- sive of the water closet and scullery which. 



(Fig, 1.) 




GROUND-PLAN OF WEST PniLADELPHIA HOSPITAL. 



projected from the pavilion, 14 feet high to the 
eaves, and 19 feet to the ridge. These pavil- 
ions projected in radii from a corridor of flat- 



tened ellipsoidal form, 16 feet wide, and 2,400 
feet long, enclosing an area of 541,466 square 
feet. Across the shorter diameter of the ellip- 



424 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



soid, as well as around its circumference "was a 
railroad for moving food, fuel, furniture, carry- 
ing the patients to their wards, &c. The ad- 
ministrative portion of the building was in the 
central plot. The pavilions were twenty feet 
apart at the corridor, and forty feet at the dis- 
tant extremities, and the circulation of air 
around them was thus secured. The sides of 
the corridor were almost entirely composed of 



glass sashes, which, in summer, were entirely 
removed. Dui-ing inclement weather they were 
closed, and the corridor furnished with fifty large 
stoves, and used as an exercise hall, for those 
patients who were able to leave their ward. To 
each ward, at the end nearest the corridor, a 
mess room was attached, sulficiently large for 
the use of those patients who were able to leave 
their beds. The following plan (ffg. 2) shows 



(Fig. 2.) 




io s o ja £0 so ■ 40 -so eo 70 sa so it 

GROUKD-PLAN OF WAED PAVILION OF CHESTNUT HILL HOSPITAL. 



the arrangement of a ward pavilion in detail : a 
is the ward room occupying 150 feet in lengtli of 
the pavilion, and twenty feet wide, containing 
fifty-two beds ; 5, the mess room ; c, scullery ; <?, 
bath room ; f, water closet ; f^ ablution room ; 
gr, wardmaster's room. The pavilions are four 
or five feet narrower than they should be, and 
when the beds are all full there are but 960 
cubic feet of air to each patient ; but as this is 
constantly changed by the admirable ventila- 
tion, it is nearly sufficient. The 'number of 
beds is 3,320. There was a force of 622 oflS- 
cers, attendants, guard, &c., attached to the 
hospital. The cost of the buildings was over 
$250,000. The McClellan Hospital, situated 
in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, though 
smaller (1,040 beds), was, perhaps, more nearly 
perfect than any other yet erected. The corri- 
dor was of a flattened ovoidal form, from the 
ends of which the pavilions project. These pa- 
vilions were wider, larger, and farther apart 
than at the Mower Hospital. The administra- 
tive building was in the centre and connected 
with the corridor by two straight passage ways. 
In the ground-plan (fig. 3), a is the main cor- 
ridor ; i i I), wards ; c, administrative building, 
two stories high ; d, kitchen ; e, laundry ; /*, 
clothing and guard rooms; g, engine room; Ii, 
stable ; i, provision and knapsack store room ; 
X', quarters of medical oflicers in charge. 

We give below ground-plans of two other 
military hospitals of large size, each arranging 
the pavilions in a different way, but all observ- 
ing the same principles. The first was the 
Hammond General Hospital, at Point Lookout 
(fig. 4), in which sixteen pavilions project from 
a circular corridor. The administrative build- 
ing was the wide structure at the upper side of 
the cncle, and the kitchen, laundry, guard 
room, dead house, &c., were in the centre. 
The pavilions here are 40 feet apart at the cor- 



ridor, and VS'feet at the farther end. They are 
145 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 14 feet high to 
the eaves, and 18 to the ridge. The ventila- 
tion is perfect. Each patient has 1,116 cubic 
feet of space. The second, the Lincoln Gen- 
eral Hospital, at Washington city (fig. 5), had 
its pavilions placed e?i echelon, along a corridor, 
forming two sides of an acute-angled triangle. 
The administrative building was at the apex, 
and the kitchen, &c., inclosed within the angle. 
This hospital accommodated 1,200 patients. 
By this arrangement a thorough ventilation of 
each ward was secured, while all the wards 
had the same direction and received the rays 
of the sun at the same time — a matter of con- 
siderable importance. 

In the West, large hospitals on some one 
of these, or similar plans, were erected at St. 
Louis, Louisville, Nashville, Madison, Evans- 
ville, and New Albany, Indiana ; and others at 
Madison, Wisconsin; Davenport, Iowa; and 
other points. 

For field hospitals, the hospital tent is un- 
doubtedly preferable to any building. Where 
a camp is somewhat permanent, the improved 
Crimean tent with double walls, ridge ventila- 
tion, and the admission of pure air near the 
floor, answers a good purpose. In both, special 
attention should be paid to ventilation, and 
over-crowding carefully avoided. 

In the lighting and warming of hospitals, 
special care is now taken to avoid vitiating the 
air by the gases produced by combustion. 
Where it is possible, illuminating gas is used, 
but the ^^tiated air, and carbonic acid gas, are 
conducted oflf by chimneys in such a way as to 
increase the ventilation of the ward. If gas 
cannot be obtained, the vegetable oils or par- 
afiiue, spermaceti, or wax candles are preferable 
to any other modes of illumination. Coal or 
petroleum oils, campliene and burning fluid, ir- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 

(Fig. S.) 



425 




M'CLELLAN HOSPITAL, PHILADELPUiA. 



426 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



ritate the lungs, and affect the respiration. 
The animal oils give off carbon, carbonic acid, 
and carburetted hydrogen in too large quantity 
to be desirable. The heating of the hospital 
wards should be connected as far as possible 
with the ventilation. The usual method is by 
stoves, though in some, hot water is introduced 
with advantage. Euttan's system would seem 
to possess advantages over any other plan of 
warming and ventilation, but, so far as we are 
aware, has not been introduced. The temper- 
ature in cold weather is carefully watched, and 



is not allowed to vary much from 64° to 66° 
Fahrenheit. 

The alimentation of the soldier is one of the 
most important items in the hygienic condition 
of an army. Great attention had been paid 
by the medical and commissary oflBcers of the 
Government, to the arrangement and character 
of the ration, in order to furnish such combina- 
tions of food, and of such quality, as should be 
best adapted to maintain the health and strength 
of the soldier in its greatest perfection. The 
rations of most of the European armies are de- 



(FiG. 4.) 




GEOUND-PLAN OF HAMMOND GENERAL HOSPITAL, POINT LOOKOUT. 



fective in these respects. The quantity of meat 
is generally too low, and in some, the supply 
of fresh meat and vegetables, and of coffee and 
Bugar, is altogether inadequate. The fearful 
prevalence of typhus fevers, and of scurvy and 
other cachectic diseases, in the British and 
French armies in the Crimean war, was un- 
questionably owing to the poor quality and 
scanty quantity of the rations. The British 
soldier receives at home stations sixteen ounces 
of bread, and twelve ounces of flesh meat un- 
cooked ; on foreign stations, sixteen ounces of 
bread, or twelve ounces of biscuit, and sixteen 
ounces of meat, fresh or salt. This is charged 



to him at three and a half pence per day abroad, 
or four and a half pence per day at home. Cof- 
fee, sugar, pepper, potatoes, salt, or whatever 
else ho may need, he must purchase from his 
own funds, where and how he can. In a few 
of the foreign stations, as at Hong Kong and 
the Cape of Good Hope, rice, sugar, coffee, 
and salt, in insufficient quantities, are issued as 
component parts of the ration. In the United 
States army, the ration is wholly independent 
of the pay, and consisted of the following arti- 
cles : bread or flour, 1 lb. 6 oz. ; fresh and salt 
beef, 1 lb. 4 oz., or pork or bacon, 12 oz. ; po- 
tatoes, 1 lb. three times a week ; rice, 1 yg oz. ; 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



427 



coffee, 1 j% oz. ; or tea, j%% of an oz. ; sugar, a gill ; salt, j'/g- of a gUl ; in addition to the 
2 j% oz. ; beans, ^%\ of a gill ; vinegar, j\% of above, 1 lb. of sperm candles, or li lbs. of ad- 

(FiG. 5.) 




□ anj 



GR OUN D PLAN 
S CALE 3^ 





END ELEVATION 
SCALE ^ 



LINCOLN HOSPITAL, WASHINGTON CITY. 

amantine candles, or 1-J lbs. of tallow candles, rations. Pepper has also been recently added 
aad 4 lbs. of soap, are issued to each hundred to the ration, and extra issues of pickles, fruits, 



428 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



and other vegetables made, whenever the med- 
ical officers considered them necessary for the 
healtli of tlie troops. 

It is owing to the care and persistence with 
which the various hygienic measures were 
urged upon the army, and tlie great pains 
taken to instruct and train the army surgeons 
and nurses in tlie hospitals for their duties, 
that the army of the United States, composed 
almost wliolly of volunteers, whose whole 
mode of life had been changed by their new 
vocations, the greater part of them entirely 
ignorant of the laws of health, with surgeons 
who had, for the most part, no previous train- 
ing in military medicine or surgery, and many 
of whom were utterly unfitted for their duties, 
maintained a lower sick rate as well as a lower 
rate of mortality than any other army in mod- 
ern times. This result was reached, too, while 
the regions in which the army was stationed 
have in general been exceedingly unhealthy to 
the unacclimated, quite as insalubrious as any 
part of Spain, Portugal, or the Crimea. The 
attainment of so gratifying a result was due in 
a great degree to the United States Sanitary 
Commission, which, by its careful, regular and 
special medical inspections of every army corps, 
and all the hospitals, promptly detected any 
violations of hygienic laws, and took measures 
to correct them ; published brief medical and 
surgical tracts from the pens of the ablest mili- 
tary physicians in the country and Europe, and' 
placed copies in the hands of every army assist- 
ant surgeon and medical cadet in the army; 
trained many of tlie best nurses for camp, field, 
and hospital; provided aiiti-scorbutics in vast 
quantities where they were needed, and by its 
ministrations to the sick and wounded, and its 
stores of cordials, medicines, delicacies, and 
clothing, poAverfully aided in restoring the dis- 
abled to service. The assistance thus rendered 
to the medical department of the Government, 
with which the Commission ever acted in per- 
fect harmony, saved many thousands of lives, 
and made the army far more effective than 
it otherwise could have been. 

A brief comparison of the medical statistics 
of the British army in the Peninsular war, in 
the war with Russia, and in times of peace, 
with those of the army of the United States 
during the recent war, will show conclusively 
the beneficial results of the strict attention paid 
to hygiene in the latter. 

The average annual mortality in the British 
army during the Peninsular war was 165 men 
out of every thousand. Of these 113 died by 
disease or accident, and 52 by woiinds received 
in action. From 1803 to 1812 the average 
annual death-rate of the entire British army 
abroad was 80 per 1,000 ; — 71 by disease or 
accident, and 9 by wounds in action. This, it 
should be remembered, was in a veteran army 
composed, not of raw recruits, but of men 
hardened to exposure by years of service, a 
class of men far less liable to illness than raw 
recruits just from the farm, the store, or the 



workshop. In July, August, and September, 
ISo-l, the British army in the Crimea lost at 
the rate of 293 men per thousand, per annum. 
During the next three months, October, No- 
vember, and December, the loss was at the 
annual rate of 511 to every tliousand, 443 of 
which was by disease. In January, 1855, the 
mortality was at tho rate of 1,174 to every 
1,000 — equal to the entire destruction of the 
army in ten months, and 1,143, or 97 per cent, 
of this loss was by disease. During the first 
three months of that year the death-rate was 
912 out of every thousand, and 98 per cent, of 
it from disease. 

During the entire campaign of 2J years, 
April, 1854, to June, 1856, the annual death- 
rate was 232 per 1,000, of whom 202 were from 
disease, and only 30 from wounds received in 
action. In other words, during the campaign 
of 2-2 years, 582 of every thousand men died 
from disease or wounds and 505 of every thou- 
sand from disease. 

According to the Register General's report 
for the year 1861, the mortality among the 
home troops of Great Britain in that year was 
91*24 in every thousand in a time of peace, 
and among the troops abroad the mortality 
from sickness averaged 100 in every thousand. 

In the armies of the United States from April 
15th, 1861, to May 18th, 1862, the entire death- 
rate was 53 per 1,000, per annum, of which 
only 44 per cent, or less than one-half was 
from disease or accident. During the year 
and three months next ensuing the loss from 
Wounds in battle was very large, and during a 
portion of the time there was a large percent- 
age of sickness from typhoid fever, diarrhoea, 
dysentery, small pox, etc., but the death-rate 
did not reach the ratio of the first year. On 
the 80th of June, 1863, there were in the gen- 
eral hospitals 91 men for each 1,000 of the 
army, and in field hospitals 44 out of every 
1,000, making in all 135 of each 1,000 sick or 
wounded, of whom 110 were cases of sickness, 
and 25 of wounds or casualties./ This far sur- 
passes the British army even in time of peace. 
In 1861 the British troops in China had, in 
southern China, 283 out of every 1,000 con- 
stantly sick, and in northern China 205 out of 
1,000. Among the home troojjs, the admis- 
sions into hospital were 1,025 of 1,000 mean 
strength, and 545 of every 1,000 were con- 
stantly sick. The careful weeding out of in- 
competent surgeons and inefficient nurses, the 
material improvement in the ambulance service, 
and the admirable construction of the new hos- 
pitals, in respect to temperature and ventilation, 
exerted a powerful iniluence, notwithstanding 
the terribly destructive battles, in diminishing 
the mortality, and promoting the recovery of 
the sick in the army. 

The expenditures during the fiscal year end- 
ing June 30th, 1803, for arms and munitions 
of war, furnished by the Ordnance Department 
for sea coast and frontier fortifications, and for 
the forces in the field, amounted to $42,313,630. 



MILITAEY AND ITAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



429 



The cannon, small arms, accoutrements, and 
equipments for men and horses, and ammuni- 
tion obtained during the same period by pur- 
chase and manufacture, were as follows : 

1,5TT field, siege, and sea-coast cannon, with carriages, 
caissons, and other implements. 
1,0S2.S41 muslcets and rifles for foot soldiers. 

282,3S9 carbines and pistols for mounted troops. 
1,251,995 cannon balls and shells. 
48,719,862 pounds of lead and lead bullets. 

1,4:35, 040 cartriilges for artiller.v. 
259,022,216 cartridges for small arms. 
&4T,2T3,4U0 percussion caps. 
3,925,369 friction primers. 
6,764,768 pounds of gunpowder. 
919,676 sets of accoutrements for men. 
94,639 sets of equipments for cavalry horses. 
3,281 sets of artillery harness, each set for two horses. 

The quantities of the principal articles of 
ordnance materials in the control of the de- 
partment at the beginning of the Avar, the 
quantities of those articles that have since 
been procured, and the quantities of those arti- 
cles on hand June 30th, 1863, are shown in the 
foUowino; table : 



Siege and sea-coast artillery . . . 

Field artillery 

Firearms for infantry 

Firearms for cavalry 

Sabres 

Cannon balls and shells 

Lead and lead bullets, in lbs. . 

Cartridges for artillery 

Cartridges for small arms 

Percussion caps 

Friction primers 

Gunpowder in lbs 

Saltpetre, lbs 

Accoutrements for infantry. . . 

Accoutrements for cavalry 

Equipments for cavalry horses 
Artillery harness (double) 



On hand at begln-'Procured since 
Ding of the war. ! the war began. 



1,052 

231 

487,433 

31,268 

16,933 

863,591 

1,301,776 

28,247 

8,292,300 

19,808,000 

84,425 

1,110,584 

2,923,848 

10,930 

4,329 

574 

586 



1,064 

2,734 

1,950,144 

333,124 

837,555 

2,552,744 

71,776,774 

2,238,746 

522,204,816 

749,475,000 

7,000,000 

13,424,363 

5,281,781 

1,831,300 

194,465 

266,581 

16,660 



ARTICLES. 



Siege and sea-coast artillery 

Field artillery 

Firearms for infantry 

Firearms for cavalry 

Sabres 1. 

Cannon balls and shells 

Lead and lead bullets in lbs. ... 

Cartridges for artillery 

Cartridges for small arms 

Percussion caps 

Friction primers 

Gunpowder in lbs 

Saltpetre, lbs 

Acooutremeuts for infantry 

Accoutrements for cavalry 

Equipments for cavalry horses. 
Artillery harness (double) 



Issued since the 
war began. 



2,088 

2,481 

1,550,575 

327,170 

271,817 

1,745,586 

50,045,515 

2,274,490 

378,534,104 

715,036.470 

6,082,505 

13,071,073 

none. 

1,630,220 

195,298 

211,670 

17,485 



On hand for is- 
sue, June 30, 
1S63. 



927 

484 

836,231 

82,226 

82.571 

1,180,749 

28,024,025 

492,504 

151,913,012 

74,246,530 

1,005,629 

1,462,874 

8,15.5,079 

162,010 

2.496 

5,552 

1,767 



At the commencement of the civil war the 
amount of ordnance in the country was not 
large, though sufficient for all emergencies 
which had tlius far occurred. The Secretary 
of War reported that there were in the posses- 
sion of the United States, at the beginning of 
the war, 1,052 pieces of .siege and sea-coast ar- 
tillery of all caliber.s, and 231 pieces of field 
artillery. These were of a great variety of 
sizes, and some of them in unfit condition for 
service. The larger sea-coast •artillery were 
mostly columbiads, or, as they are called in 



Eiu'ope, Paixhan guns — smooth-bore cast-iron 
guns, cast solid and bored. A few were Rod- 
man guns, smooth bores, cast hollow, and with 
a water core which gave the inner surface of 
the cannon the character of chilled iron. The 
smaller guns were of a great variety of patterns 
and material — cast-iron, bronze, and Ijrass — and 
their projectiles ranging from tliree to forty- 
eight pounds. The whole field artillery actively 
organized consisted of seven batteries, each of 
four guns, smooth bore, six and twelve-pounder 
howitzers. There was not at that time a single 
rifled cannon in the United States service. The 
Navy Department had on hand, on the 4th of 
March, 1861, 2,966 guns of all calibers. Of 
these, 1,872, or nearly two-thirds, were thirty- 
two pounders, of six ditferent patterns ; 107 
were twelve-pounders, of two patterns; 29 
were twenty-four pounders; 575 were eight- 
inch guns, of four different patterns ; 27 were 
ten-inch guns ; 305 were nine-inch Dahlgrens ; 
19 ten-inch Dahlgrens, and 32 eleven-inch 
Dahlgrens. Nearly or quite one-half of these 
guns were captured by the enemy or destroyed 
at the burning of the navy yard at Portsmouth, 
Va. Only 555 in all were on board ships, and 
of these nearly one-fourth were on the ships 
destroyed at that time. Of the army artillery, 
it is doubtful if there were five hundred pieces 
in serviceable condition at the command of 
the Government at the beginning of the war, 
and in the navy the amount of all calibers did 
not exceed one thousand. Some of the States, 
and some private individuals, possessed a few 
pieces, usually of small calibre. There had 
been for some years before the public, several 
inventions for the purpose of applying the prin- 
ciple of rijiing^ which had been so successful in 
small arms, to cannon, but none of these had 
been adopted by the Government, or were in 
use in the field batteries or forts under the con- 
trol of the War Department, or in the vessels 
of the navy. The adaptation of the system of 
rifiing invented by Charles T. James for small 
arras, was proposed, and repeated experiments 
were made with it, but it was found to require 
material modifications, and the death of the in- 
ventor by the explosion of his own cannon, in 
October, 1862, caused the abandonment of the 
etForts at improvement of that gun. Capt. R. 
P. Parrott, of the West Point foundry, had in- 
vented, just previous to the war, a rifle can- 
non, which, with some improvements in the 
projectiles and the method in rifling, proved the 
most successful of the numerous attempts at 
producing rifled cannon in this country. It was 
a muzzle loader (the breech-loading cannon 
ha\ing proved objectionable), and' consisted of 
a cast-iron gun, much lighter than ordinary, but 
having a "reinforce" or cylmdrical jacket of 
wrought-iron shrunk around the breach at the 
seat of the charge. 

The charge for the 8-inch or 200-pounder 
gun, was 16 lbs. The projectiles weighed about 
150 lbs., and the ranges as ascertained in the 
siege of Charleston, were somewhat greater 



430 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



than those of the lOO-poimder. At the greatest 
elevation the range attained exceeded five miles. 
The 300-pounder weighed 26,000 lbs., used a 
charge of 25 lbs., and a projectile weighing 
250 lbs. At an elevation of 35° it has thrown 
this formidable missile over five and one-fourth 
miles. 

For siege purposes, for attacks on fortifica- 
tions by vessels of the Monitor type, and for 
naval conflicts requiring great weight of metal, 
the Government adopted the Rodman guns of 
8, 10, 13, 15, and 20-inch cahber, and the Dahl- 
gren of 9, IC, and 11-inch caliber, the latter 
exclusively for the navy. Both these guns are 
smooth bores, though a very few of the Dahl- 
grens have been rifled. The Rodman gun, 
named after Major Rodman of the regular army, 
who is the inventor and superintendent of its 
manufacture, is of iron, cast hollow, and the 
core is kept cool during the casting by a con- 
stant stream of cold water passing through it. 

The following table shows the weight of each 
size, the service charge, and the weight of the 
solid shot thrown by each : 



Size of Gun. 


Weight. 


Service Charge. 


Weight of solid shot. 


Eight-inch. . . . 


9,240 lbs. 


10 lbs. 


65 lbs. 


Ten-inch 


15,400 " 


18 " 


128 " 


Thirteen-inch. 


38,000 " 


SO " 


294 " 


Fitteen-inch . . 


49,000 " 


50 " 


430 " 


Twenty -inch.. 


116,000 " 


100 " 


1,000 " 



Of the 9, 10 and 11-inch Dahlgren guns, about 
804 had been made since the war commenced, 
and about 200 more were to be furnished by 
the close of the year 1863. Of the Rodman 
guns, the number has been over 2,000. 

For field service the ten and twenty-pound 
Parrott, the brass twelve-pounders (Napoleons, 
as they are generally called), and for light artil- 
ery the steel cannon manufactured ¥y Krupp, 
of Prussia, and the Wiard guns, were all in use, 
though the preference was given to the first 
three. The Wiard gun is a breech loader, with 
a long and slender barrel, except at the breech, 
which is very bulky, and composed of successive 
layers of hard and soft metals. 

The Confederates introduced a new rifled gun 
into their service, invented by Capt. Brooke, 
one of their artillery oflicers. It seems to 
bear a strong resemblance to the Blakely 
(English) and Treadwell guns, and is hooped 
with iron or steel bands closely adherent to 
the cannon, not merely at the seat of the 
charge, but along its whole length. Dr. Girard, 
a French writer formerly resident in this coun- 
try, and who has, since the war, ^^sited Charles- 
ton, describes it as follows : " An attentive ob- 
server would not fail to remark the circular 
bands closely united to the piece, and which 
are destined to give a better resisting force. 
With regard to its rifling it is on the system 
of inclined planes instead of grooves. The 
projectiles are of forged (wrought) iron. Those 
I had an opportunity of examining were adapt- 
ed to 7-inch guns. Their form is elongated, 
cylindrical nearly their entire length, with the 
exception of the front part, which is slightly 



conical and rounded at its periphery. The two 
extremities are vertical. The hinder part which 
presents itself to the breech of the piece bears 
on its circumference a bell-mouthed groove, and 
receives a copper ring whose ends nearly meet 
at the end of the projectile. The projectile has 
bands of copper running round it, one about 
four inches from the front, and the other close 
to the hinder part. These bands alone are des- 
tined to take the rifling of the piece. The mean 
length of these projectiles is 12 inches, their 
posterior diameter G^^^, their anterior diameter 
6y8o^, and their weight from 116 to 120 lbs. 
At a distance of 260 yards, and with a charge 
of 12 lbs. of powder, they penetrated four 
iron plates of two inches each, backed with 18 
inches of oak, the whole fixed against a clayey 
cliff'." 

The form and material of the projectiles for 
rifled ordance were a matter of profound study 
and research with numerous inventors. The 
Government, after a great number of careful and 
thorough trials, gave the preference to the in- 
ventions of four manufacturers, viz. : the Par- 
rott, Shenkl, Hotchkiss, and Sawyer projectiles. 
The Parrott projectile, whether shell or shot, is 
long, pointed at the anterior extremity, and of 
smaller circumference in the centre than at 
either extremity. The base alone fits closely to 
the bore of the cannon, and has a ring of soft 
brass or a cup of the same metal, which by 
the expansive force of the gas of the projecting 
charge, is driven into the grooves to an extent 
suflicient to give it tlie rotary motion, and the 
extensive range of the rifle. The Hotchkiss and 
Sawyer projectiles use a metallic alloy of lead 
and antimony as a jacket to be forced into the 
grooves of the rifled ordnance, and the Shenkl 
missile applies papier mache to the same pur- 
pose. In all three, the softer material is driven 
upon the tapering spindle of the iron which 
forms the body of the projectile, from its poste- 
rior portion, by the force of the expansion pro- 
duced by the ignition of the powder, and held 
there by shoulders projecting from the iron 
itself, and the rotary motion is thus imparted 
nearer the centre of gravity than in the Parrott 
projectile. The Roberts projectile has a core 
of iron tapering to a point at the posterior 
end, with a shoulder near the anterior ex- 
tremity, and the soft metal (lead and antimony) 
which forms the jacket is in sufficient quan- 
tity to render the projectile cylindrical in form, 
and is forced forward by the action of the 
gas so as to check all windage and make the 
anterior portion of the projectile heaviest. 
The inventor claimed for it better range, less 
deflection, no danger of stripping, and economy 
of cost of the missile itself, and of wear or in- 
jury to the gun. His shell projectile, con- 
structed externally in the same way, is a per- 
cussion shell, for which he claims safety from 
accidental explosion, and certainty of explosion 
at the moment of impact. 

The improvements in the construction of small 
arms brought into notice by the war, have 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



431 



■been even more remarkable than those which 
have been made in cannon. The old classifi- 
cation of breech and muzzle loaders is still 
maintained ; but while, for the greatest possible 
accuracy in target-shooting, or that capacity 
for hitting with almost unerring certainty a 
small object at very long range, which has been 
displayed by some of our sharpshooters, the 
American target rifle, with its "telescopic 
sight," "false muzzle," and "starter," have no 
equal, the weapon is too heavy (weighing from 
26 to 50 lbs.), and too delicately constructed, 
to answer for military service or for hunting, 
where it must be carried by the huntsman. 
The Springfield government rifle, a muzzle 
loading weapon without the adjuncts named, 
to insure perfect accuracy, is nevei'theless as 
good a muzzle-loading rifle as can be made for 
military use, where weight, facility of carriage, 
and ease of handling are concerned. 



It is worthy of note, however, that all the 
improvements in the rifle which have been made 
within ten years past have been confined to the 
breech-loading weapon. Breech-loading guns 
may be divided into two general classes, the 
first including those which may be loaded with 
loose powder and ball, or a paper, linen, or metal 
cartridge requiring a cap for its ignition, and 
the second those which use a metallic cartridge, 
having the fulminating composition in its base, 
which is fired by a blow of the hammer directly 
upon the cartridge itself. This last class may 
be further subdivided into those which use only 
a single metallic cartridge, and require reload- 
ing after each shot, and the magazine, or repeat- 
ing rifle, in which a number of cartridges are 
inserted in a receptacle prepared for them, and 
which may then be fired in rapid succession till 
the magazine is emptied. 

The metallic cartridge certainly possesses 





Merrill Eifle in position for cleaning 



Merrill's Sporting Rifle. 



432 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



some advantages over the ordinary paper or 
linen cartridge, or over the metliod of loading 
with loose powder and ball. It is water-proof, 
avoids the difliculty of loading in the ordinary 
way. Where, in the excitement of battle, the 
bullet is often put in before the powder, obvi- 
ates the necessity of measuring the charge, does 
away with the ramrod, the priming wire, and 
the percussion cap, and enables the soldier to 
deliver his fire witli great rapidity, without 
sacrificing precision or aim. The principal and 
most serious objections to them are their liabil- 
ity to premature explosion in the hands of the 
gunner (which seems to be obviated in some of 
the rifles using this cartridge), and the danger of 
their explosion from concussion, as by a serious 
blow on the cartridge-box of the soldier, or its 
being struck by a bullet or a fragment of shell. 

The first of the breech-loading rifles which 
have come into very general use was Shaeps', 
a very simple but effective weapon, using ordi- 
narily a patent cartridge with a conical ball, 
the cartridge enclosed in stout linen, but capa- 
Ide of being used effectually also with loose 
powder and ball. It may be fitted with Sharps' 
or Maynard's primer, or with a percussion cap. 
The rifle is small, light, and has a very long 
range, and is thus an excellent weapon for cav- 
alry service, for which purpose it has been 
largely used. 

The Merrill rifle, the invention of a Balti- 
morean, belongs to the same class as Sharps', 
and like it uses the prepared paper cartridge 
and conical ball, or the ordinary round ball 
with loose powder. It is fired with the com- 
mon percussion-cap. It is said not to be liable 
to fouling or to the escape of gas at the breach, 
and to possess a range fully equal to the Sharps'. 
It is so simple in its construction that muzzle- 
loading rifles of any pattern can be easily and 
without weakening transformed into breech- 
loaders, on its plan, and the Government have 
caused large numbers of rifles to be thus 
changed with great advantage. Two drawings 
are subjoined (see previous page), showing the 
construction of the military rifle and the sport- 
ing-rifle complete. The cavalry carbine of the 
Merrill patent weighs but 6J lbs. and the infan- 
try rifle but 9 lbs. 

Ashcroft's rifle, another new weapon be- 
longing to the same class, is highly commended 
by Mr. H. W. S. Cleveland, author of " Hints 
to Riflemen," and decidedly one of the highest 
authorities in this country on the subject of 
rifles for military or sporting use. " The breech 
block of this rifle is constructed with a cylin- 
drical gas-check, which enters the breech of 
the barrel and shuts against a shoulder ; and this 
gas-check being slightly concave in its external 
form, the effect of the explosion is to strengthen 
and thereby to lengthen it, so as to press it 
against the shoulder, and eftectually to prevent 
the slightest escape of gas. The proof that it 
does so is aflbrded by the tact that it has been 
fired eight hundred times in succession without 
cleaning, and the working of the parts was txs 



easy at the last as at the first, and the gas- 
check itself remained as bright and unsullied 
as before it was used, which would not have 
been the case had there been any escape of 
gas." .... "The whole arrangement of the 
working parts is admirably simple and effective, 
and no breech-piece of solid metal could be 
more safe and unyielding than this when fixed 
in position ; and by a very simple arrangement, 
it is impossible to fire the gun till this position 
is attained." Mr. Cleveland made a thorough 
experiment of the powers of this rifle, in com- 
parison with several others, as to the penetra- 
tion of the shot at thirty yards. The target 
was made of inch pine boards, free from knots 
and of even grain, and it exceeded all others 
except the Greene rifle, of which we shall speak 
presently, which was a much longer weapon, 
and used a heavier bullet and a much larger 
charge of poAvder. As compared with the 
Sharps' rifle of the same length and using the 
same cartridge, its average penetration waa 
found to be one inch greater. 

Greene's rifle, patented by Lieut. Col. J. 
Durell Greene, United States Army, in 1857, 
and now manufactured at "Worcester, Mass., is 
a weapon of great merit. Though a breech- 
loader, its construction is entirely different 
from any other rifle in the market. It has 
been introduced into the French and Russian 
service, and is regarded with great favor in 
both. This is the only rifle manufactured in 
this country on the Lancaster system of rifling, 
that is, with an elliptic instead of a grooved 
bore, which imparts the rotary motion by giv- 
ing the longest diameter of the ellipse a turn 
of tliree-fourths in the length of the barrel. 
The bullet is round, but assumes the elliptic 
shape on entering the barrel, though the varia- 
tion from a sphere is but slight. The peculiar- 
ities in the construction of the gun are as fol- 
lows : a cylinder of iron containing a breech- 
plug, which slides backward and forward within 
it, is inserted at the breech of the barrel, and 
moved forward by a projecting knob, which 
moves in a slot on the top of the barrel till it 
closes the breech, when it is turned to the 
right and secured in place by shoulders. The 
knob is held by a catch, which may be loos- 
ened by pressing a pin at the breech of the bar- 
rel. The hammer is on the under side, in front 
of the guard, and tlie nipple is so arranged that 
the fire is first communicated at the forward 
end of the cartridge, thus insuring the ignition 
of all of the powder. The cartridge has the 
bullet in its base, with a greased wad between 
it and the powder, which, with the bullet, 
packs the joint perfectly at every discharge, 
and prevents the slightest escape of gas. Af- 
ter each discharge this bullet is pushed forward 
by the breech plug to the end of the chamber, 
the cylinder is then drawn back, and the car- 
tridge inserted in the slot which is thus opened. 
The cylinder is then puslied forward, pressing 
the cartridge before it, and the knob being 
turned to the side and the nipple capped, the 



MILITAKY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



433 



gun is ready to fire. The movements are per- 
fectly simple, and all the parts are strong and 
well adapted to stand the rough usage of mili- 
tary service. The Greene rifle is made with a 
36-inch barrel, aud this size carries a bullet 
weighing 575 grains or 14 ounces, and requires 
a charge of 88 grains of powder. With this 
charge its power of penetration is greater at 
thirty yards than any other of the modern 
rifles with the possible exception of the Whit- 
worth, in which a leaden bolt, not a ball, is 
used. In Mr. Cleveland's experiments with ten 
diff"erent rifles, this penetrated his target of pine 
boards thirteen inches, while the Ashcroft pen- 
etrated eleven inches, and the others ranged 
from six to ten inches. It is fair to say, how- 
ever, that the others had all shorter barrels, 
ranging from twenty to thirty-one inches, and 
carried smaller bullets, the charge of powder 
being also less. 

The Matnaed rifle, invented in 1851 by Dr. 
Edward Maynard, of Washington, D. C, but 
since that time considerably improved, is a 
most ingenious instrument, and for efliciency, 
strength, and simplicity has hardly been equal- 
led. It is remarkably compact, and without 
any sacrifice of strength. The barrel can bo 
disconnected from the stock by the removal of 
a single pin, and the whole gun can then be 
packed in a case 20x6x1 inch. Barrels of 
different calibre, either for shot or rifled, may 
be fitted to the same stock and changed in a 



few seconds. Springs, holts, and catches are 
not used in this rifle, but the ends required are 
attained by the careful adjustment and excel- 
lent finish of the several parts, which work 
with mathematical precision, and give it the 
solidity of a mass of steel, which is not aftected 
by any strain to which it can be exposed. The 
ammunition is contained in a metallip cartridge, 
having an aperture in the base through which 
the fire is communicated from the cap. These 
cartridges are so constructed that when charged, 
by means of a very simple implement which 
accompanies every gun, the ball is not only of 
necessity mathematically exact in its position, 
but is held, without compressing the cartridge 
(as is done in the self-exploding cartridges) 
simply by being fitted to it, so firmly that it 
cannot be moved after being placed in the 
chamber (which is enough larger than the cali- 
bre to admit of the presence of the cartridge), 
in any direction except with a perfectly true 
dehvery through the calibre. The cartridges 
can be used over and over again for an indefi- 
nite period, being loaded by the gunner him- 
self. There is also an arrangement for using 
loose ammunition, the ball being first inserted 
at the breech, and followed by a cartridge or 
charger, which is simply filled from the flask 
at each shot. By a recent improvement the 
empty cartridge after firing is started from its 
place by the act of raising the breech for re- 
loading, so that it may easily be withdrawn. 




Matnaed Rifle.— Fig. 1. Showing Kifle loaded, cocked, and with back sight raised. 




Matnakd EirLE.— Fig. 2. Showing Eifle in position to receive the cartridge, and with the magazine also opened, showing 

the primer. 
28 



-134 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Tlie Maynard primer, used in connection with 
this rifle, and invented for it by Dr. Maynai'd, 
consists of a narrow strip of varnislied paper 
of double thickness, having deposits of fulmi- 
nating powder in cells between the two, at 
equal distances apart. Each strip contains three 
dozen of these cells, equivalent to the same 
number of caps. The strip is coiled in a mag- 
azine concealed beneath the lock-plate, and 
brought up by the motion of a wheel in the act 
of cocking, so as to bring a cell directly upon 
the top of the nipple. The fall of the hammer 
explodes it and at the same time cuts off the 
paper behind, so that it is not seen again till 
the gun is again cocked. Mr. Cleveland, after 
long exjjerience, prefers the smaller sized barrel 
{-^,;%- inch calibre) to the larger, which is of half 
inch calibre, as being better adapted to its 
charge. He says of this smaller calibre, " In 
accuracy and force I have never seen it sur- 
passed by any gun fit for field service." "We 
subjoin two cuts of this rifle, one showing it 
loaded, cocked, and with back sight raised ; the 
other in position to receive the cartridge, and 
with the magazine opened, showing the primer. 

The Smith's patent breech-loading rifle, man- 
ufactured by Poultney & Trimble of Baltimore, 
is another very simple, yet accurate and effect- 
ive rifle. The cuts show its construction as 
completely as any description. There is noth- 
ing about it which can get out of order. Its 
range is 2,000 yards or more, and it can be 
fired ten times a minute. The cartridge used 
for this rifle is a metallic one, but the case col- 
lapses after firing, and can be withdrawn by a 
single motion of the finger. It has not the ful- 
minating powder, but uses an ordinary percus- 
sion cap. 

The Bdrnside rifle belongs to the same class. 
It is now manufactured by the Burnside Rifle 
Co. in Providence, and is a breech-loader, hav- 
ing a breech-piece of wrouglit iron morticed to 
receive the chamber and movable breech-pin. 
The upper end of this breech-piece is screwed 
to the lower end of the barrel, which is of cast- 
steel and rifled with a gain-twist. The opening 
and closing the guard and its attachments are 
analogous to those of opening and closing a 
door by a thumb-latch and catch. The cart- 
ridge is similar to that of the Smith rifle ; but 
by a slight peculiarity in its construction, and 
that of the chamber and perforated platinum 
case which fits to it, it is water and air-tight 
when loaded. It is fired with a common per- 
cussion cap. 

Of the rifles using the self-exploding metal- 
lic cartridge, two only have much reputation, 
among those which are not repeating guns, and 
must be recharged for every shot. These are 
F. Wesson's and Ballard's. The "Wesson rifle 
is light, the 24-inch barrel weighing only six 
pounds, and the 28 and 34-inch barrels not 
over seven and eight pounds respectively. Dr. 
I. J. Wetlierbee, of Boston, an experienced and 
skilful shot, gives the result of extensive trials 
of this rifle with others, and gives it the pref- 



erence over all others in accuracy, penetration, 
and range, and thinks it equal in rapidity of 
Sring to most others. The 28 and 34-inch bar- 
rels he regards as preferable to the 24-inch. 
At the Massachusetts State trial of breech-load- 
ing arms at Readville, the "Wesson rifle placed 
twenty successive shots in the target at 200 
yards, and 50 shots were fired from it in less 
than five minutes. The annexed cuts repre- 



Smitb's Breech-loading Kifle. 




pjjr^ 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



435 



sent It m position for loading, and ready to The empty cartridge is then withdrawn by 
fare. In loading, the breech is elevated by a hand, a new one inserted, and the barrel re- 
movement somewhat like that of the Maynard. stored to its place, in which it is held by a 




Smith's Breecli-loadiny: Kifle. 



catch, which is loosened by a trigger in front in its place. The piece is remarkable for ele- 

of the one by which the piece is discharged, gance of form and perfection of mechanical 

The hammer cannot be drawn back beyond finish, 
half-cock tUl this catch has secured the barrel The Ballaed military rifle is so arranged 




■Wesson's Eifle in position for loading. 




■Wesson's Eifle ready to fire. 



that It may be iised with the metallic cartridge block sinks perpendicularly, carrying the ham- 

or with the ordinary soldiers' cartridge, to be mer with it, and throwing it back to half-cock, 

nreci witli a cap. Ihe breech of the rifle is The empty cartridge is then removed by means 

opened tor the insertion of the cartridge, by of a finger-piece under the barrel, attached to 

drawing down the guard, when the breech- a slide, which pushes out the cartrido-e bv 



436 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



pressing against its flange, and is then restored 
to its place by a spring. The rifle shoots with 
great accuracy, putting every shot into a six- 
inch ring at four or five hundred yai'ds, in the 
hands of a good marksman. The velocity of 
its shot is somewhat less than that of the Wes- 
son, Maynard, or Colt rifles. 

There are three models of repeating arms 
which have gained a high reputation : Colt's re- 
volving rifles, and the Henry and Spencer re- 
peating rifles. 

The Colt's rifle is constructed on the same 
general principle as his pistols. A revolving 
chamber, fitted either for five or six shots, re- 
ceives the charges, which may be either loose 
powder and ball or cartridges ; a rammer, which 




Colt's Rifle. 



is moved by a lever, insures their being sent 
home perfectly true, and the balls fit so exactly 
to the bore of the chambers as to close them 
hermetically. The calibre of the barrel being 
.02 of an inch less than that of the chambers, 
the ball is necessarily forced to fit itself exactly 
to the grooves, which are seven in number, and 
cut with a gain twist (that is, revolving more 
rapidly toward the muzzle than toward the 
breech of the gun.) The charge is fired with 
a cap, and the working of all the parts is sim- 
ple and exact. Like all of the weapons from 
this famous manufactory, the excellence of the 
material and workmanship are not surpassed. 
The annexed cuts give an idea of the construc- 
tion of this rifle : 

Mr. Cleveland states that he has with open 
sights placed ten successive shots from this rifle 
in a nine-inch ring at two hundred yards, and 
Lieutenant Hans Busk, of the Victoria Rifles, 
placed forty-six out of forty-eight shots inside 
a twenty-four-inch ring at four hundred yards, 
and the other two less than an inch outside, 
while eighteen of the forty-eight were inside a 
ring eight inches in diameter. He says: "For 
efficiency and strength of shooting nothing can 
beat it." General Marcy, TJ. S. A., pronounces 
it the most reliable and certain weapon to fire 
that he has ever used, and says, that if he were 
alone upon the prairies, and expected an at- 
tack from a b'ody of Indians, he is not ac- 
quainted with any arm he would as soon have 
in his hands as this. The objections to it are, 
that it takes longer to load than any of the 
other breech-loaders ; but when loaded, its 
five or six shots can be delivered with great 
rapidity) ; it is not so easy to clean as the me- 
tallic cartridge rifles, and is liable to be afiected 
by dirt and rust ua its working parts to an ex- 
tent which would be objectionable to its mili- 
tary use. For hunting purposes it is admi- 
rable. 

The Spenoee repeating rifle is a compara- 
tively hew arm, having been patented in 1860. 
It uses the metallic self-exploding cartridge, 
and has a magazine in the breech of the gun 
securely protected from all danger of accidental 
explosion, containing, in the army and navy 
rifle seven, and in the sporting rifle nine, cart- 
ridges, which are fed successively to the cham- 
ber by means of a spiral spring, and with such 
precision as to avoid the possibility of their not 
taking the grooves properly. An ordinarily 
skilled marksman can discharge the seven loads 
in twelve seconds, and whole platoons of sol- 
diers waiting for the word of command can 
fire with good aim once in three seconds. 
When the seven charges are fired, the rifle is 
held with the muzzle pointing downward, and 
a tube being withdrawn, which contains the 
spiral spring which pushes the cartridges for- 
ward, they are dropped into the magazine and 
the tube replaced. The operation requires but 
a very short time, and the soldier or sports- 
man is ready to fire his seven shots again. The 
gun is not liable to foul or to get out of order, 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



437 



and its range and force are good. It will throw 
a ball two thousand yards, and will seldom 
miss its mark at from seven hundred to a thou- 
sand. At a distance of from thirty to fifty 
yards, it will penetrate a pine target to a depth 
of from nine to thirteen inches. It was used 
with terrible eftect by the Union troops at Get- 
tysburg and Ohickamauga, and iu some other 
battles of the war. At Gettysburg, it was said 
by eye-witnesses that the head of the column 
(opposed to the troops armed with this weapon), 
as it was pushed on by those behkid, appeared 




to melt away or sink into the earth, for though 
contmually moving it got no nearer. Acting 
Brigadier-General John' T. Wilder, of the Army 
of the Cumberland, in command of a brigade 
of mounted infantry armed with this rifle, wrote 
on the 28th of November, 1863, that at Hoover's 
Gap, June 24th, 1863, one of his regiments de- 
feated a rebel brigade of five regiments, killing 
and wounding over five hundred, while their 
own loss was only forty-seven ; and that from 
AprU to November his command had captured 
over 2,800 officers and men, losing as prisoners 




Section of carbine, showing cartridges in magazine, with 
lever down and breech open. 

in the same period only six men. The sub- 
joined cuts exhibit fully the mechanism of the 
magazine and lock. 

Henry's repeating rifle is a still later inven- 
tion, patented, we beheve, in 1861. The prin- 
cipal novelty in this gun is the magazine and 
the manner of loading from it. It consists of a 
metal tube under the barrel, extending its entire 



Spencer Eifle. 

length, of sufficient diameter to admit the cart- 
ridges freely. A section of this tube near the 
muzzle contains a spiral spring to throw the 
cartridges upon a carrier-block in the rear, and 
by means of a metallic sleeve five inches m 
length, embracing the barrel of the gun at this 
point, can be revolved upon the axis of the 
bore so as to open the magazine, and admit the 



438 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 



introduction of tlie cartridges, of whicli it holds 
fifteen. Upon closing it, after filling, the spring 
throws a cartridge upon the carrier-block, 
which, by a forward movement of the trigger- 
guard, is raised to a level with the chamber, 
the hammer, by the same movement, being 
carried to a full cock. A reverse movement of 
the guard, bringing it to its place again, forces 
the cartridge into the chamber, and the gun is 
ready to fire. The ammunition is fixed, metal 
cased, with fulminate or cap in the rear. The 
hammer, upon fulling, strikes a rod, or breech- 
pin, upon the front of which are two sharp 
points, which are driven into the rear of the 
cartridge, thus exploding it. The weight of 
the gun complete is about 10 pounds ; it has 
six shallow grooves, each ^V of an inch in width, 
with a gaining twist. The cartridge weighs 
295 grains. In an experiment at the Ordnance 
Department, Washington, 120 shots were fired 
in five minutes fifteen seconds, including the 
time spent in reloading. 

The following cuts show the construction of 
the rifle. The little projecting piece on the 
under side, in the first cut, directly in front of 
the shoulder, at the breech of the barrel, is the 
finger-piece connected with the follower on the 
end of the spiral spring. To load the magazine 
this finger-piece is drawn up to the lower end 
of the sleeve, which is then turned far enough 
to allow the follower to rest on the edge of the 
magazine, where it is held in place tiU the cart- 
ridges are dropped in. 



This gun is not remarkable 
for accuracy at long distances, 
but at one hundred yards or 
thereabouts it is a very eft'ec- 
tive weapon. The sudden re- 
duction of half the thickness of 
the barrel for five inches from 
the muzzle probably impairs 
its accuracy at long range. 
Its magazine, being in a thin 
I iilll metallic tube under the barrel, 

is liable to be indented by a 
M shot or accidental blow, which 
S would prevent the cartridges 
.S from sliding down, and as they 
1 cannot be easily introduced 
,„,jja J" into the barrel in any other 

Sills «> way, this would render the 

E? gun nearly useless. The ne- 
j2 cessity of leaving an open slit 
for the finger-piece to slide in 
exposes the contents of the 
magazine to the influence of 
dust and wet, which would 
tend to clog the passage and 
rust the spiral spring. Still 
this weapon has many excel- 
lent points, and in its method 
of loading, the capacity of its 
magazine, and its rapidity of 
firing, it surpasses any other 
repeating rifle. It is stated on 
good authority that Ool. Nelter, while raising a 




Sectional view of Trorking parts, showing the operation of removing the empty cartridge and cocking the hammer. 



regiment of Kentucky volunteers at Owensboro', 
Kentucky, sent out fifteen of his men armed 
with this rifle on a scout. They were attacked 
by a rebel force of two hundred and forty sol- 
diers in an open lane where there was no 
shelter, and owing to their capacity to main- 



tain a rapid and continuous fire, they success- 
fully repulsed and drove from the field the en- 
tire rebel force. Capt. James M. Wil«on, Co. 'Si, 
12th Kentucky cavalry, was attacked in hia 
own house by seven mounted guerrillas armed 
with Colt's revolvers. He sprang for a log cabin 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



439 



across the street where he had his Henry rifle, 
Colt's revolver, etc., and though his clothing 
was riddled hy their shot, gained it Avithout a 
wound, and seizing his Henry's rifle, killed five 
of his assailants with five shots ; the other two 
sprung for their horses, one of these he disabled 
with his sixth shot, and killed with the seventh ; 
the other he killed with the eighth. The State 
of Kentucky, in consequence of this feat, armed 
his company with this rifle. 

The Whitworth rifle, which is manufactured 
either as a breech or muzzle-loader, is the only 
English rifle which fairly competes with our 
American breech-loaders. As a breech-loading 



rifle it has been manufactured only by "Westley 
Richards. It has a hexagonal bore and fires a 
hexagonal bolt an inch and a half in length, 
though only y^^r of an inch in diameter. Tbis 
bolt weighs 517 grains. The bore is constructed 
with a complete turn in twenty inches, or one 
and a half turns in the length of the barrel, 
which is thirty inches. The charge of powder 
is seventy-six grains. It is a very efiicient 
weapon of great range, though lacking some- 
what in precision, is not liable to foul, but its 
cartridge, which is made of paper, is so long 
and narrow as to be liable to burst on the 
march. 



CHAPTEK XXXIY. 

Operations of the Florida and Alabama — The bark Tacony — Capture of the Chesapeake — Damage to Federal Commerce- 
Increase of the Federal Navy — Operations of the North Atlantic Squadron — Operations of the South Atlantic Squadron 
— Attack on Fort McAllister — Attack on Charleston — Capture of the Atlanta — Other Naval Operations. 



The most important operations of the Con- 
federate navy were those performed by the 
armed sea-going cruisers, whose depredations 
upon commerce cost the United States many 
millions in money, and almost paralyzed the 
shipping interest in the chief seaports. The 
commencement of 1863 found the Alabama, 
before mentioned, actively cruising among the 
West ladies. In the middle of January the 
Oreto, afterwards called the Florida, slipped 
out of Mobile, where she had taken refuge some 
months previous, and joined the Alabama in 
her work of destruction ; and in the beginning 
of April the Japan, subsequently named the 
Georgia, escaped from the Clyde, and pro- 
ceeding to the neighborhood of Ushant Island, 
on the French coast, was there armed and 
equipped as a privateer. " Sailing sometimes 
under the English and sometimes under the 
rebel flag," says Secretary "Welles, " these rov- 
ers, without a port of their own which they 
can enter, or to which they can send a single 
prize for adjudication, have roamed the seas, 
capturing and destroying the commercial ships 
of a nation at peace with Great Britain and 
France ; but yet when these corsairs have needed 
repairs or supplies, they have experienced no 
difficulty in procuring them, because it had 
been deemed expedient to recognize the rebels 
as belligerents. Not one of the many vessels 
captured by these rovers has ever been judi- 
cially condemned as a legal capture. Wanton 
destruction has been the object and purpose of 
the captors, who have burnt and destroyed the 
property of their merchant victims." 

During the first three months of 1863 the 
Alabama and Florida cruised with impunity 
in the West India waters, finding no difliculty, 
when hard pressed, ia taking refuge in neutral 



ports, or within a marine league of the shore 
of a neutral Government, and meeting with 
abundant sympathy from the local authorities 
and the population. Fulfilling few of the obli- 
gations of armed cruisers, they yet demanded 
and received all the favors accorded to nations 
having open ports. The Federal war vessels, 
on the other hand, were invariably subjected 
to the rules of national law in their strictest 
construction. The vigilance of the fiying squad- 
ron under acting Rear Admiral Wilkes, which 
was organized to protect American interests in 
that quarter, and especially to guard the treas- 
ure ships in their transit to and from Aspinwall, 
finally made the neighborhood too hot for the 
Alabama and Florida, and in April they steered 
southward, and recommenced their work of 
destruction off" the codfet of South America, 
where many valuable prizes fell into their pos- 
session, which were almost invariably burned, 
or bonded, the crews being despatched to the 
nearest available port. In May the two priva- 
teers parted company, the Alabama proceeding 
to the Cape of Good Hope, while the Florida 
sailed northward, and on July 8th ventui-ed 
within 60 miles of New York. After remaining 
several days in this dangerous neighborhood, 
she repaired to Bermuda, and about the middle 
of August turned up on the track of the Liver- 
pool and New York packets. Then, after cap- 
turing a few prizes near the British Isles, she 
put into Brest for repairs. 

In the early part of August the Alabama, 
accompanied by the Tuscaloosa, a captured mer- 
chantman, transformed into an armed tender, 
arrived at Capetown, where an enthusiastic 
ovation awaited them. One of the first acts of 
the privateersmen was to capture the American 
ship Sea Bride, within a marine league of the 



440 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



land. The American consul protested against 
this proceeding, and also against the admission 
of the Tuscaloosa, before legal condemnation, 
into Simon's Bay, as a violation of the Queen's 
proclamation of neutrality, but could obtain no 
redress. Soon afterward the Georgia, which 
ever since her equipment as a privateer had 
sailed southward along the African coast, l)arn- 
ing and plundering on her way, also arrived at 
Capetown. 

Early in February, 1863, the Yanderbilt, one 
of the largest and fastest steamers in the United 
States Navy, was put into commission for special 
service against privateers in the West India 
waters, and her commander was ordered, should 
he be satisfied that the Alabama and Florida 
had left that locality, to proceed down the South 
American coast to Rio Janeira, and thence to 
the Cape of Good Hope. In derogation of these 
orders. Admiral Wilkes, soon after the arrival 
of the Vanderbilt in the West Indies, transferred 
his flag to her and detained her in his possession 
untn the middle of June, many weeks after the 
departure southward of the privateers. The 
latter, in consequence, were enabled to do im- 
mense damage to American commerce in the 
Southern Atlantic, and the plans of the Navy 
Department for their capture were frustrated. 
The Vanderbilt finally reached Rio Janeiro in 
the middle of July, and proceeding thence to 
Capetown via St. Helena, arrived at the former 
place in September. The rebels, however, were 
by this time on the alert, and kept out of the 
way of the Vanderbilt, which returned to the 
United States in the latter part of the year, hav- 
ing accomplished nothing important during her 
cruise. Subsequent to September the Alabama 
proceeded to the East Indies, and took many 
valuable prizes in that quarter, while the Geor- 
gia returned to France. 

Early in May the Florida, while cruising in 
the West Indies, captured the brig Clarence, 
which was fitted out as a privateer and sup- 
plied with a crew, under command of Lieut. 
Charles W. Read, formerly a midshipman in 
the U. S. navy. The Clarence immediately 
steered northward, keeping near the Florida 
and Carolina coasts, and taking several valu- 
able prizes on the way. On June 12th, when 
within 30 miles of the capes of Virginia, she 
captured the bark Tacony, to Avhich vessel Lt. 
Read transferred his command. For the nest 
twelve days he pursued a career of uninter- 
rupted success among the unsuspecting mer- 
chantmen and fishing vessels which he encoun- 
tered ; but ascertaining that Union cruisers were 
on his track, he burned the Tacony, to avoid 
recognition, and on the 24th transferred his crew 
and guns to the captured schooner Archer. He 
then made for Portland harbor, with the inten- 
tion of burning two gunboats building there 
and cutting out the revenue cutter Caleb Gush- 
ing. At sunset he came to anchor near the en- 
trance of the harbor, and soon after midnight, 
the moon having then gone down, rowed direct 
to the Gushing in two boats with muflfled oars, 



boarded the vessel, and having overpowered 
the crew, started for sea. No sooner was the 
Gushing missed from her anchorage than the 
Forest City and Chesapeake, two merchant 
steamers, were manned with troops and armed 
volunteers, and started in pursuit. A short 
distance from the harbor they overhauled her, 
and having no guns capable of coping with her 
heavy armament, made preparations to board, 
perceiving whicli the rebels took to their boats, 
after firing half a dozen shots at the steamers. 
Soon after the Gushing blew up. The boats, 
however, were captured, as also the Archer, 
and the whole crew securely confined. 

On December 17th the steamer Chesapeake, 
plying between New York and Portland, was 
seized on her passage to the latter place, 
when about twenty mUes northeast of Gape 
God, by sixteen of her passengers, who repre- 
sented themselves as belonging to the Confed- 
erate States. The captain was put in irons, 
one of the engineers killed and thrown over- 
board, and the first mate wounded. The crew 
and passengers, with the exception of the first 
engineer, retained to manage the steamer, ^.^ere 
subsequently put ashore in a boat, and the 
Chesapeake sailed to the eastward. Upon the 
reception of the news in the United States, a 
fleet of cruisers started in pm-suit, and on the 
17th the Chesapeake was captured by the Ella 
and Anna, in Sambro harbor. Nova Scotia, and 
witli a portion of her crew, was carried to 
Halifax and delivered to the authorities. The 
prisoners were released by a mob, but the 
Chesapeake was subsequently restored to her 
American owners by an order of the chief 
colonial tribunal. 

Of the amount of damage inflicted by rebel 
cruisers upon American commerce no complete 
estimate has been made. While at Capetown 
in September, Captain Semmes stated that the 
total number of captures made by the Alabama 
amounted to fifty-six vessels, which he supposed 
would involve a direct loss of four million dol- 
lars, beside the loss of freight, the high rates of 
insurance, and other embarrassments caused by 
the danger of carrying goods in American bot- 
toms. The captures of the Florida were esti- 
mated by her commander in September at sev- 
enty-two, and their total value at $15,000,000, 
which is evidently exaggerated. Yet this is 
but a small p^rt of the loss then sustained by 
American commerce, as will be seen by the fol- 
lowing figures : 



Foreign carrying trade in 1660. 

Foreign carrying trade in 1862. 

Foreign carrying trade first two 

qu.arters in 1S63 



Value under 
American flag. 



$234,000,000 
150,000,000 

55,090,000 



Value under 
Foreign flags. 



$150,000,000 
238,000,000 

146,000,000 



Of the extent to which the city of New York 
has suftered, the following table, showing how 
the carrying business, of which she once enjoyed 
a large share, has been transferred to foreign 
flags, is sufficiently indicative : 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



441 



Foreign trade of the port of New York, for the quarter 
ending June ZOth. 



I860. 


In American 

vessels. 


In foreign 
vesaell. 


Value of goods imported 

" " exported 

Total trade 

1863. 

Value of goods imported 

" " exported 


.$85,197,101 
27,401,225 

.$62,598,326 

112,731,819 
10,762,011 


$13,242,622 
12,776,229 

$30,918,851 

$80,139,557 
35,760,296 


Total trade 


$23,408,830 


$65,889,853 



A part of this change is doubtless in conso- 
quence of the active employment of so many 
American ships for purposes connected with 
the war ; hut, after making allowance for this 
fact, a sufficient number of vessels could be 
found for commercial purposes, were not ship- 
pers deterred by fear of capture from employing 
them as carriers. The success of their cruisers 
already afloat, and the ease with which they 
could be built and equipped in foreign countries, 
prompted the Richmond Government to con- 
tract for others, and during the year the Alex- 
andra, a fast steamer of the Alabama class, and 
two iron-clad rams, the latter undertaken by 
Laird, of Liverpool, ostensibly for the " Empe- 
ror of China," or the " Viceroy of Egypt," were 
under construction in England. The vigilance 
of the American minister and the consuls pre- 
vented the completion of these, and at the close 
of the year they were temporarily in the pos- 
session of the British government, subject to 
the decision of the courts. The Alexandra 
case, after being carried to the House of Lords, 
on appeal from the Court of Exchequer, was 
decided against the Government, and the vessel 
was restored to her owners. 

The growth of the Federal navy was very 
rapid. The classes of vessels, and aggregate 
armament and tonnage of the navy, including 
all the vessels building, at the close of 1863, 
wore as follows : 



Iron-clad steamers, coast service . 
Iron-clad steamers, inland service. 

Sidewheel steamers 

Screw steamers 

Sailing vessels 

Total 



No. of 


No. of 


vessels. 


guns. 


46 


150 


29 


152 


203 


1,240 


198 


1,578 


112 


1,323 


583 


4443 



Tonnage. 



62,518 

20,784 
126,517 
187,892 

70,256 

467,967 



North Atlantic Squadron, 72 ; South Atlantic 
Squadron, Y6; Eastern Gulf Squadron, 39; 
"Western Gulf Squadron, 68 ; Mississippi Flo- 
tilla, 85; West India Squadron, 3; East India 
Squadron, 2 ; Mediterranean Squadron, 1 ; Pa- 
cific Squadron, 7 ; special service, 6 ; miscella- 
neous, &c., 6. 

The grades of the officers had been changed 
by Congress, and new ones established. The 
number of officers of the higher grades was as 
follows : 



During the year there were removed from 
the navy by various casualties, 34 vessels, hav- 
ing an aggregate of 166 guns and 15,985 tons. 
Of these twelve were captured by the enemy, 
three were destroyed to prevent their falling 
into the hands of the enemy, four were sunk in 
battle or by torpedoes, and fifteen were lost by 
shipwreck, fire, and collision. In the last-named 
category were the iron-clads Monitor and Wee- 
hawken, which foundered at sea in stormy 
weather. 

The fleet in active service at the close of 
1863 comprised 384 vesselyof all classes, dis- 
tributed as follows: Poromac FlotUla, 19; 



Kear- Admirals 

Do. Acting. . . . 

Commodores 

Captains , 

Commanders 

Lieutenant-Commanders . 
Lieutenants 



6 
5 
19 
*36 
t72 
144 
55 



Reserved 
list. 



The number of seamen in service on July 1st, 
1863, including those on the Mississippi Flotilla, 
was about 34,000, and during the year enlist- 
ments averaged over 2,000 a month. In 1862 
the average was 1,529 a month. The demand 
was altogether in excess of the supply of trained 
and experienced seamen, notwithstanding the 
marked decrease in the shipping business which 
the ravages of the Confederate privateers had 
caused ; and the men enlisted were, for the most 
part, of the class known as landsmen, having 
little or no knowledge of a seafaring life. 

One cause for this deficiency was the opera- 
tion of the Enrolment and Conscription Act of 
1863, which provided no exemption for sailors 
or mariners, a class of men whom most nations 
foster and cherish by special laws, and who 
were formerly expressly exempted by act of 
Congress from militia duty. But the chief cause 
was to be found in the high bounties ofi"ered for 
enlistment into the army, under the influence 
of which many sailors, whose services would be 
much more valuable afloat than on shore, were 
induced to become soldiers. 

Congress therefore authorized bounties to be 
offered to sailors as well as soldiers, and meas- 
m-es also were taken to transfer sailors who 
had enlisted in the army into the naval service. 
The result was to rapidly fill up the deficiencies 
in the quota of seamen, and to fill the receiving 
slups to overflowing. In the latter part of 1863 
the practice was also introduced of putting on 
shipboard rebel prisoners ifho had taken the 
oath of allegiance to the United States, and 
desired to enter the national service, but were 
unwilling to subject themselves to the risk of 
summary execution if recaptured while serving 
in the Federal army. 

During 1863 six squadrons were maintained 
by the United States Government along the 
Atlantic seaboard, and in the "Western waters, 
viz. : 1, The North Atlantic Squadron, Acting 
Rear- Admiral S, P, Lee, 2. The South Atlantic 
Squadron, Rear- Admiral S. F. Dupont, who was 

* Beside one not recommended for promotion, 
t Beside 18 not recommended for promotion. 



442 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



relieved, July 6th, by Rear-Admiral J. A. 
Dahlgren. 3. The Eastern Gulf Squadron, Act- 
ing Rear- Admiral T. Bailey. 4. The "Western 
Gulf Squadron, Rear- Admiral D. G. Farragut, 
who was temjiorarily relieved in July by his 
second in command. Commodore H. H. Bell. 
C. The Mississippi Flotilla, Rear- Admiral I). D. 
Porter. 6. The Potomac Flotilla, Commodore 
A. A. Harwood. There were also small squad- 
rons on the Pacific and East India stations, and 
a number of vessels were employed in search- 
ing for rebel privateers and ou other special 
service. 

The operations of the North Atlantic Squad- 
ron comprised chiefly blockade duties along 
the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina. 
So effective was the service that along the 
entire station all intercourse with the enemy 
was cut off, with the single exception of the 
port of Wilmington, the closing of which was 
difficult on account of its two inlets, thirty 
miles apart, flanked by extensive batteries. A 
few steamers from the Clyde and elsewhere, of 
light draught, succeeded, under cover of the 
darkness, in eluding capture, but most even of 
that description of vessels fell into the hands 
of the blockaders, or were run on shore and 
destroyed. 

On January 14th the screw steam gunboat 
Columbia, Lieutenant Joseph 0. Couthouoy, 
while cruising between Federal Point and 
Masonboro' inlet, was wrecked on the bar off 
the latter place, and before assistance could be 
l>rocured from her consorts, was too much 
l.roken up by the sea to be got oft'. Ou the 
rfternoon of the 15th, the Penobscot anchored 
near her, and by means of a surf-line succeeded 
in rescuing about thirty of the crew ; but a 
heavy gale setting in at nightfall, she was 
obliged to run to sea again. Early the next 
morning several rebel shore- batteries opened 
upon the Columbia, and later in the day the 
Penobscot, Cambridge, and Genesee approach- 
ed her. The surf was too high, however, to 
enable them to render any assistance to Lieut. 
Couthouoy, v.'ho. being helpless against the fire 
of the enemy, was compelled, in the afternoon, 
to surrender the remaining ofl3cers and crew, 
forty 4n number. He had previously spiked 
and thrown overboard his guns, drowned the 
powder in his magazines, and destroyed his 
signals. 

On the morninf of March 14th an attack 
was made by the troops imder General D. 11. 
Hill upon Fort Anderson, an unfinished earth- 
work on the left bank of the Neuse, opposite 
Newbern, which was garrisoned by a single 
regiment of volunteers. The fort had no guns 
mounted, and the troops in Newbern were un- 
able to render assistance. Tlie gunboats Hunch- 
back and Heitzel, however, assisted by the Shaw- 
sheen and some smaller vessels, came promptly 
to the rescue, and by a well-directed fire silenced 
the enemy's artillery, consisting of fourteen 
pieces, and by com])elling the retreat of Hill 
saved the fort. A nine-inch shell from the 



Heitzel dismounted and broke a Parrott gun, 
and killed and woxmded a number of rebels. 
The enemy were followed and harassed in then- 
retreat up the Neuse River by several light- 
draught vessels. 

During the attack on Suffolk, Virginia, in the 
latter half of April, the small fleet of United 
States gunboats on the Nansemond took a 
distinguished part. On the 14th the Mount 
"Washington, Stepi)ing Stones, and Commodore 
Barney, the first named being at the time dis- 
abled, succeeded, with but shght loss, in silenc- 
ing a formidable battery ; and on the 19th Lieut. 
R. H. Lamson, with the Stepping Stones, aided 
the land forces under Gen. Getty in capturing 
a battery of five guns, manned by one hundred 
and sixty-one men. 

In June and July a number of small gunboats 
cooperated in the expeditions up the York, 
Pamunkey, and Mattapony Rivers undertaken 
for the purpose of occupying "West Point and 
threatening Richmond. There were also during 
the year joint army and navy expeditions, 
chiefly in the nature of reconnoissances, up the 
James, Piankatank, "Ware, and other rivers of 
Virginia, and among the inlets between the 
Yoi-k and the Rappahannock, most of which 
were attended by substantial successes. Simi- 
lar operations were conducted at various times 
along the shallow sounds and inlets of North 
Carolina, and in the Roanoke and Chowan 
Rivers. 

During the latter half of the year, and par- 
ticularly after the harbor of Charleston had 
been rgidered inaccessible to blockade runners, 
"Wilmington became the chief port of resort on 
the Atlantic coast for vessels of this class. The 
addition to the blockading fleet of several swift 
steamers, newly built at the national yards, or 
captured, greatly increased the risk of entering 
Cape Fear River, by either inlet, and, in conse- 
quence, many valuable prizes were taken, and 
nearly as many vessels were driven ashore and 
destroyed. 

On July 12th the Penobscot, Lieut.-Com. 
De Haven, succeeded, after a short chase, 
in driving the ii'on steamer Kate ashore on 
Smith's Island, where she was immediately 
deserted by her officers and crew. A boat 
was sent in to get her off, but, as the tide was 
falling, this was found impossible, and arrange- 
ments were made to burn her, should the at- 
tempt to float her off" at high water prove in- 
effectual. At noon a battery was brought to 
the beach by the rebels, the fire from which 
drove out the party from the Penobscot. 
Under these circumstances, the Kate was or- 
dered to be set on fire by shells, and was ren- 
dered, as was supposed, totally unserviceable, 
togetlier with her cargo. Upon the departure 
of the Penobscot the enemy immediately 
stripped the Kate, and on the night of the 
31st succeeded in floating her oft', the damage 
to her hull proving to be slight. On the 
morning of August 1st she was discovered on 
her way to Fort Fisher, on Federal Point, the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



443 



northern side of New Inlet, towed by a number 
of small' boats, and the Mount Vernon, 
James Adger, and Iroquois at once bore 
toward the shore to cut her out. The enemy 
abandoned lier at the approach of the blockad- 
ing vessels, and, the Mount Vernon running 
alongside, in the midst of a severe fire from 
t!ie rebel batteries at New Inlet and Zuk's 
Ishxud, fastened a hawser to her port bow and 
by great exertions towed her out of the range 
of the fire. The Kate proved to be a new 
steamer, very fast, and built entirely of iron. 
Her machinery had been removed, but her hull 
was scarcely injured. 

At daylight, on Aug. 18th, the steamer Hebe 
attempted to run into Wilmington by the New 
Inlet entrance ; but being intercepted by the 
Niphon, she headed for the shore, a few miles 
above Fort Fisher, and her crew escaped in 
boats. As it was blowing too hard to get her 
off", a boarding party was sent from the Niphon 
to destroy her. Two Whitworth guns soon 
after opened fire from the beach upon the ship, 
which was found to be hard aground in 7 feet 
of water. The boat from the Niphon having 
been swamped almost as soon as she reached 
the Hebe, and the violence of tho gale prevent- 
ing the blockading vessels from sending effec- 
tive assistance, nearly the whole boarding party 
was compelled to wade ashore and surrender 
to a force of Confederate cavalry and riflemen 
wliich had meanwhile arrived. The Hebe was 
then set on fire by shells from the Shokokon, 
and burned to the water's edge. The enemy, 
however, succeeded during the next few days 
in discharging a portion of the cargo in a dam- 
aged state ; whereupon the Minnesota, running 
up to within 600 yards of the wreck, drove the 
rebels from their battery and completed the 
destruction of the hull and machinery. A party 
then landed and brought off" the two Whitworth 
guns. 

The most serious disaster of the year on this 
station was the loss of the ironclad, Monitor, 
Commander Bankhead, the celebrated pioneer 
vessel of her class, which foundered at sea in a 
gale, south of Cape Ilatteras, on the night of 
Dec. 30th, 1862. The Monitor left Hampton 
Roads in tow of the side wheel steamer Rhode 
Island, on the 29th, the weather being then 
pleasant, and until 7 p. m. of the 30th, the 
voyage was unattended by any special incident. 
At that hour the wind, previously light, hauled 
round to the southward, gradually increasing 
in violence until midnight, with a heavy sea. 
As the swell increased the Monitor began to 
tow badly, and the bilge pumps, which during 
the day Lai kept her free from water, were no 
longer available. At 8 p. m. she labored 
heavily, the seas completely submerging the 
pilot house, and washing over and into the tur- 
ret, and at times into the blower pipes. It was 
observed that when she rose to the swell, the 
flat under surface of the projecting armor 
would come down witli great force, causing a 
considerable shock to the vessel and turret, and 



thereby loosening the packing around its base. 
The Rhode Island was several times signalized 
to stop, with a view of ascertaining whether 
the Monitor would ride easier, but she imme- 
diately fell off" into the trough of the sea, and 
the water in her hold continued to gain steadily. 
The centrifugal pump was then started, and 
notwithstanding it worked well, the water had 
by 10^ p. M. risen several inches above the 
level of the engine room floor. Signals of dis- 
tress were now made to the Rhode Island, 
which despatched two boats to the assistance 
of the Monitor, and at considerable risk the 
steamers came alongside of each other. While 
getting the men into the boats (a very hazard- 
ous operation, in consequence of the heavy seas 
breaking entirely over the deck of the Monitor), 
the sharp bow of the ironclad came into such 
dangerous proximity to the Rhode Island, 
that the latter was obliged to steam ahead, to 
avoid being stove near her water line. During 
the absence of the boats the rapidly rising 
water put out the fires in the Monitor, and her 
engines having stopped, she rolled into the 
trough. By letting go her anchor her head 
was again brought to tho sea and the remain- 
ing crew and officers were taken off", except a 
few who, stupefied by feai", refused to leave the 
ship and went down with her. Several men 
had previously been washed overboard and 
drowned. At about 1 a. m. of the 31st, she 
disappeared. One of the boats from the Rhode 
Island enoployed in the last trip from that 
vessel did not return, and was supposed to 
have been swamped. It was however pick- 
ed up on the morning of the 31st, by the 
schooner A. Colby, and the crew were safely 
landed at Beaufort. The total casualties of the 
Monitor were four oflicers and twelve men 
missing. 

" I am firmly of the opinion," says Com- 
mander Bankhead, in his official report of the 
disaster, " that the Monitor must have sprung 
a leak somewhere in the forward part, where 
the hull joins on to the armor, and that it was 
caused by the heavy shocks received as she 
came down upon the sea. The bilge pumps 
alone until 7 p. m. had easily kept her free, and 
when we find that all her pumps a short time 
after, with a minimum capacity of 2,000 gallons 
per minute, not only failed to diminish the 
water, but, on the contrary, made no percepti- 
ble change in its gradual increase, we must come 
to the conclusion that there are, at least, good 
grounds for my opinion." 

On the morning of June 24th, the bloekader 
Sumter, while cruising oft' Smith's Island in a 
dense fog, came into collision with the trans- 
port General Meigs, from the effects of which 
she soon after sunk, being very rotten. The 
oflicers and crew got off in boats, and were 
taken on board the schooner Jamestown, but 
everything else in the ship went down with 
her. 

The field of operations embraced by the South 
Atlantic squadron, although unchanged, com 



444 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



prised the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia 
and the northeast coast of Florida, and at the 
commencement of the year the greater part of 
the squadron was engaged in the hlockade of 
Charleston, or stationed at Port Royal. Early 
in Januai'y the first instalment of ironclads des- 
tined to operate against Charleston arrived, and 
with a view of testing the efficiency of this 
class of vessels, Admiral Dupont ordered Com- 
mander Worden, with the Montauk, to enter 
Ossabaw Sound and attempt the capture of 
Fort McAllister, at Genesis Point, on the Great 
Ogeechee river, under cover of which was 
lying the steamer Nashville, recently fitted by 
the enemy for a privateer, and which was wait- 
ing to run the blockade. On the morning of 
January 27th, the Montauk, supported by sev- 
eral small gunboats, opened fire upon the fort, 
which proved to be a formidable casemated 
earthwork with bomb proofs, and mounting 
nine guns. The enemy's practice was excel- 
lent, but under the fire of the Montauk's 15 
and 11-inch guns their fire slackened. Owing 
to obstructions in the river, the Montauk was 
unable to advance within eflfective range, and 
having expended her shells she retired. She 
was struck thirteen times but received no in- 

Early on the morning of January 29th the 
iron propeller Princess Royal, four days out 
from Bermuda, attempted to run past the block- 
ading fleet into Charleston. The U. S. gunboat 
Unadilla, Lieut. Quackenbush, apprised of her 
approach by a blue light from the schooner 
Blunt, slipped lier cable and stood in shore, 
firing a couple of shots at the Princess Royal. 
The latter was then run ashore and abandoned 
by her captain, supercargo, pilot, and some of 
the petty officers. A boat's crew from the 
Unadilla at once took possession of the prize, 
which several hours later, with assistance from 
other vessels of the blockading fleet, Avas got 
off without sustaining any injury. Her cargo 
proved to be one of the most valuable taken in 
the course of the war, consisting of two com- 
plete engines of great power, intended for iron- 
clads, beside rifled guns, arms, ammunition, 
medicines, and a variety of miscellaneous arti- 
cles. The Princess Royal was two days later 
taken to Port Royal and subsequently sent to 
Philadelphia for adjudication. 

The loss of the Princess Royal was a severe 
blow to the enemy, who, ascertaining on the 
next day that she was still lying at anchor off 
Chai'leston harbor, organized a daring scheme 
to recover possession of her, and at the same 
time to inflict as much damage as possible upon 
the blockading squadron. Accordingly at 4 
A. M. of the 31st the iron-clad steam rams 
Palmetto State, Lieut. Rutledge, and Chicora, 
Commander Tucker, in the former of which 
was Flag officer D. N. Ingraham, commanding 
the station, ran out from Charleston by the 
main ship channel, and aided by a thick haze 
commenced an onslaught on the bh'ckaders. 
The latter at tliat time consisted of the steam- 



ers Housatonic, Mercedita, Ottawa, Unadilla, 
Keystone State, Quaker City, Memphis, Au- 
gusta, Stettin, and Flag, beside the pilot boat 
Blunt, and some smaller vessels. Most of these 
were of the light class of purchased vessels, 
the ironclads and two of the heaviest men-of- 
war, the Powhatan and Canandaigua, being at 
Port Royal coaling or repairing. The Merce- 
dita, Captain Stellwagen, was the first vessel 
attacked, and was almost immediately rendered 
helpless by a 7-inch shell from the Palmetto 
State, which, entering her starboard side, ex- 
ploded in the port boiler, blowing a hole in its 
exit from four to five feet square, and killing 
and wounding several men. So suddenly had 
the ram come upon her in the haze, that it was 
impossible to bring any of her guns to bear, 
and further resistance being useless, Captain 
Stellwagen, in reply to ademand for surrender, 
announced that he was in a sinking state. An 
officer from the Mercedita was immediately 
sent on board the ram and tendered the sur- 
render of the officers and crew, who were 
paroled. 

The Palmetto State, leaving the Mercedita to 
her fiite, then made for the Keystone State, 
Commander Le Roy, which was also at the 
same time assailed by the Chicora. The Key- 
stone State returned their fire vigorously, but 
having been set on fire in her forehold by the 
explosion of a shell, was obliged to keep ofi" 
for a few minutes until the flames could be got 
under. Commander Le Roy then turned his 
ship and with a full head of steam bore down 
upon the nearest ram at a speed of twelve 
knots, intending to sink lier. He also trained 
his guns for a plunging fire at the moment of 
collision; but before this could occur a shot 
passed through both steam chests of the Key- 
stone State, rendering her powerless. Ten 
rifle shells also struck her, mostly in the hull, 
near or below the water line, and about the 
same time the fire in her forehold burst out 
again, and the engineers reported the ship tak- 
ing in water rapidly. Commander Le Roy 
accordingly hauled down his flag, but finding 
that the enemy were stiU firing upon him, he 
directed the colors to be rehoisted and the fire 
to be resumed from the after battery. At this 
moment the Augusta, Memphis, and Quaker City 
came up, and by diverting the attention of the 
rams, enabled the Keystone State to get out of 
the range of the fire. Subsequently she was 
taken in tow by the Memphis and reached Port 
Royal in a very crippled state, about one fourth 
of her crew being killed and wounded. The 
Mercedita also arrived there on the same even- 
ing without assistance, having succeeded in 
temporarily stopping the hole in her side and 
in getting up steam in her uninjyred boiler. 

Meanwhile the rams carried on a sort of 
running combat with several of the blockading 
fleet, which, having no guns capable of making 
an impression on ironclads, kept prudently 
aloof. Upon the approach of the Housatonic, 
the only heavy man-of-war then on the station, 



MILITAlcY AND FAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



445 



Flag-officer Ingraham deemed it prudent to re- 
tire, and at about 7h a. m. both rams took 
refuge in the swash channel, and subsequently 
anchored in shoal water near the shore, to the 
eastward of F.jrt Moultrie. They remained 
here until 5 p. m., attended by several small 
steamers, and then disappeared behind Fort 
Moultrie. One of them, while returning into 
the harbor, had her pilot house carried away 
by a shot from the Housatonic, During this 
attack the Princess Royal, which was the 
principal object of contest on both sides, lay 
quietly at her anchorage. After the retreat 
of the rams she got to sea, and arrived safely 
at Port Royal. 

The raid had failed of its object, and beyond 
the temporary disabling of two vessels of the 
blockading squadron, no practical advantage 
had been gained by the enemy. But as the 
latter maintained telegraphic communication 
with Richmond, and could send north their 
own statements of the occurrence several days 
in advance of despatches from the fleet, it was 
determined to forestall the Union accounts, 
and, if possible, induce foreign powers to be- 
lieve that the fleet before Charleston had been 
dispersed and the blockade raised. Accord- 
ingly the Richmond papers of the 2d of Feb- 
ruary published despatches from Charleston 
announcing as the result of the naval engage- 
ment of Jan. 31st, two U. S. vessels sunk, four 
set on fire, and the remainder driven away. 
The following "official proclamation" was also 
given : 

Hbadquaeters Land and Naval Fokces, ) 
Charleston, S. C, January 31st, 1863. j 

At about five o'clock this morning the Confederate 
States naval force on this station attacked the United 
States blockading fleet off the harbor of the city of 
Charleston, and sank, dispersed, and then drove out 
of sight for a time the entire hostile fleet ; therefore 
we, the undersigned commanders respectively of the 
Confederate States naval and land forces in this quar- 
ter, do hereby formally declare the blockade by the 
United States of the said port of Charleston, S. C., to 
be raised by a superior force of the Confederate States, 
from and after this 81st day of January, a. d. 1863. 

[Signed] G. T. BEAUREGARD, Gen'l Com'g. 
D. N. INGRAHAM, Flag-officer, 

Commanding Naval Forces. 
[Official] Thos. Jordan, Chief of Staff. 

"Yesterday evening (Jan. 31st)," said an- 
other despatch, " Beauregard placed a steamer 
at the disposal of the foreign consuls to see for 
themselves that no blockade existed. The 
French and Spanish consuls, accompanied by 
Gen. Ripley, accepted the invitation. The 
British consul with the commander of the 
British war steamer Petrel, had previously 
gone five miles beyond the usual anchorage 
of the blockaders, and could see nothing of 
them with glasses. Late in the evening four 
blockaders reappeared, but keeping far out. 
This evening a larger number of blockaders are 
in sight, but keep steam up, evidently ready to 
run." And it was subsequently announced 
that the consuls held a meeting on the night 
after the above proclamation was issued, and 



decided unanimously that the blockade had 
been legally raised. 

The publication of these despatches caused 
considerable uneasiness at the North. It was 
not doubted indeed that despatches from Ad- 
miral Duj^ont would put an entirely difterent 
face upon the matter, but apprehensions were 
entertained in some quarters that statements 
of this kind going abroad, uncontradicted by 
other evidence, might be only too readily 
seized upon by unfriendly powers as a pretext 
for insisting that the blockade had been raised, 
and that having been once raised, it could not 
be declared renewed without formal notice 
from the United States authorities. These 
fears, however, proved groundless. Foreign 
journals or governments declined to be influ- 
enced by ex-jxirte statements, and despatches 
from the blockading fleet showed that nothing 
approaching a raising of the blockade had been 
effected. 

For the purpose of fortifying his own state- 
ments, Admiral Dupont subsequently sent an 
official refutation of the Beauregard and In- 
graham proclamation, and the rebel despatches, 
dated Feb. 10th, and signed by nearly all the 
commanding officers of vessels that were lying 
off" Charleston harbor on the morning of Jan. 
31st. " We deem it our duty," they observe, 
" to state that the so-called results are false in 
every particular — no vessels were sunk, none 
were set on fire seriously. * * * So hasty 
was the retreat of the rams that, although they 
might have perceived that the Keystone State 
had received serious damage, no attempt was 
ever made to approach her. The Stettin and 
Ottawa, at the extreme end of the line, did not 
get under way from their position till after the 
firing had ceased, and the Stettin merely saw 
the black smoke as the rams disappeared over 
the bar. The rams withdrew hastily toward 
the harbor, and on their way were fired at by 
the Housatonic and Augusta until both -had 
got beyond reach of their guns. They anchored 
under the protection of their forts and remained 
there. No vessel, iron-clad or other, passed 
out over the bar after the return of the rams 
in shore. The Unadilla was not aware of the 
attack until the Housatonic commenced firing, 
when she moved out toward that vessel from 
her anchorage. The Housatonic was never 
beyond the usual line of the blockade." They 
also state that no vessel ran in or out of the 
port during the day, and that no attempt was 
made to run the blockade, and conclude as fol- 
lows: "We do not hesitate to state that no 
vessel came out beyond the bar after the re- 
turn of the rams, at between 7 and 8 a. m., to 
the cover of the forts. We believe the state- 
ment that any vessel came anywhere near the 
usual anchorage of any of the blockaders, or 
up to the bar, after the withdrawal of the rams, 
to be deliberately and knowingly false. If the 
statement from the papers, as now before us, 
has the sanction of the captain of the Petrel 
and the foreign consuls, we can only deplore 



446 



MILITARY AND NAVxVL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



that foreign officers can lend their official po- 
sitions to the spreading before the world, for 
unworthy oljjects, untruths patent to every 
officer of this squadron." Pi-evious to the 
preparation of this paper the blockading fleet 
before Charleston had been strengthened by 
the New Ironsides, Powhattan, and Canan- 
daigua. 

On January 30th, the gunboat Isaac Smith, 
Lieutenant Conover, while engaged in reconnoi- 
tring the Stono river, was obliged to surrender 
to a rebel land force. She had passed some 
miles beyond Legareville, as she had been in 
the habit of doing for Aveeks previous, and was 
on her way back, when three shore batteries, 
previously concealed, opened a concentrated 
fire upon her from heavy rifled guns, Lieut. 
Conover replied with vigor, and endeavored to 
steam down past the batteries, but a shot in 
the Smith's steam chimney effectually stopped 
the engine, and with no wind, little tide, and 
boats riddled with shot, she was left at the 
mercy of the enemy. Resistance appearing 
useless, the ship was surrendered, after 24 men 
had been killed and wounded. It subsequently 
appeared that, from information communicated 
by a deserter, the enemy had planned the am- 
buscade by which the Smith was captured, and 
had aimed at her boiler and machinery, which 
were very much exposed. 

On the morning of Feb. 1st, the Montauk 
again engaged Fort McAllister, at a distance of 
about 1,400 yards, the water being too shoal to 
permit her to approach nearer. Some injury 
v/as done to the parapets of the fort, and the 
Montauk was hit 46 times, but without receiv- 
ing material damage. For eight months pre- 
vious the privateer Nashville had been lying 
under the protection of the fort, watching an 
opportunity to run the blockade ; and to pre- 
vent any attempt by the gunboats to cut her 
out, the river had been staked and a line of 
t< rpedoes laid across the chaimel. She had 
been frequently observed close under the fort, 
ready to make a dash if the opportunity offered, 
or quietly waiting for an ironclad to tow her 
to sea. On the morning of the 27th, a re- 
connoissance discovered the Nashville aground, 
and Commander "Worden seized the opportunity 
to bring the Montauk close up to the obstruc- 
tions in the river, and commence a bombard- 
ment upon her. In less than 20 minutes the 
Nashville was in flames from exploding shells, 
and half an hour later her magazine blew up 
with terrific violence, leaving not a vestige of 
the vessel in sight. The Montauk was struck 
five times by shots from Fort McAllister, and 
while she was dropping down beyond the range 
of the enemy's guns a torpedo exploded under 
her, inflicting a slight amount of injury. 

By this time several additional ironclads had 
arrived at Port Royal, and for the purpose of 
subjecting their various mechanical appliances 
to the full test of active service, before enter- 
ing upon more important operations, Admiral 
Dupont ordered them to make a concentrated 



attack on Fort McAllister. This took place on 
March 3d, the Passaic, Capt. Drayton, the 
Patapsco, Commander Ammen, and the Na- 
hant. Commander Downes, participating, under 
the command of Capt. Drayton. The Passaic, 
by skilful pilotage, was broiig]it up to within 
about 1,000 yards of the fort, and for eight 
hours withstood its chief fire, retiring only 
when her ammunition was expended. Few 
of her shots failed to strike above the parapet 
of the fort ; but beyond disfiguring the face of 
the work they effected no injury which a 
night's work would not repair; and, in the 
opinion of Capt. Drayton, the fort could " not 
be made untenable by any number of iron- 
clads which the shallow water and narrow 
space would permit to be brought in position 
against it." The Passaic was struck 34 times 
in all, 9 shots being against her side armor, 13 
against her deck, 5 against her turret, and 2 
against her pilot house. In all these parts of 
the vessel the bolts were more or less started 
by the vit)lence of the concussion ; and indenta- 
tions, varying from half an inch to 2 inches, 
were made in the armor. A 10-inch mortar 
shell, loaded with sand, fell on the deck over 
the bread room, crushing in the planking, and 
vrould have gone through, had it not struck on 
a beam. " Had it been loaded with powder in- 
stead of sand," said Capt. Drayton, "it might 
have set the vessel on fire. This certainly does 
not say much for the strength of the deck, the 
injury to which has been so much more serious 
than to that of the Montauk, that I must at- 
tribute it to a worse class of iron, unless heavier 
guns have been mounted since the attack made 
by Commander Worden." Everything about 
the guns and carriages was reported to have 
worked well, except that the concussion of the 
15-inch gun broke all the bolts holding the 
side of the box to the turret. The Patapsco and 
Nahant were unable to approach so near the 
fort as the Passaic, and received but a slight 
fire from the enemy, who directed their efforts 
chiefly against the latter. The Patapsco was 
struck but once, and the Nahant not at all. 
Satisfied with the experiment (for such the en- 
gagement had been on the part of the iron- 
clads). Capt. Drayton immediately returned to 
Port Royal, where the Passaic, and also the 
Montauk, underwent repairs. 

By the commencement of April, the prepara- 
tions, which for many months previous had been 
making for a combined attack by the ironclads 
upon the fortifications of Charleston harbor, 
were completed, and on the morning of the 6th 
the whole fleet crossed the bar, with the inten- 
tion of reducing Fort Sumter on the same day, 
and thence proceeding up to the city. But the 
weather becoming so hazy as to prevent the 
pilots from seeing the ranges, the attack was 
deferred until the next day, and the fleet an- 
chored about five miles from Fort Sumter. At 
noon, on the Tth, this being the earliest hour 
at which, owing to the state of the tide, the 
fjilots would consent to move, signal was given 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



447 



by Admiral Dupontfrom liis flag-sliip, the New- 
Ironsides, for the vessels to weigh anchor. Ac- 
cording to the plan of attack the vessels were 
to form in the following order ahead, at inter- 
vals of one cable's length : 1. Weehawken, 
Capt. John Rogers ; 2. Passaic, Capt. Percival 
Drayton ; 3. Montauk, Commander John L. 
Wordeu ; 4. Patapsco, Commander Daniel x\m- 
men; 5. New Ironsides, Commodore Thomas 
Turner; 6. Catskill, Commander George W. 
Rodgers; 7. Nantucket, Commander Donald 
McN. Fairfax; 8. Nahant, Commander John 
Downes ; 9. Keokuk, Lieut. Commander Alex- 
ander C. Rhind. The squadron was then to 
pass up the main ship channel without return- 
ing the fire of the batteries on Morris Island, 
unless signalized to do so, and was to take up a 
position to the northward and westward of 
Fort Sumter, and engage its northwest face at a 
distance of from 1,000 to 800 yards. A squadron 
of reserve, consisting of the Oanandaigua, Una- 
dilla, Honsatonic, Wissahickon, and Huron, un- 
der the command of Capt. Joseph H. Green, of 
the Canandaigua, was ordered to remain out- 
side the bar, and be in readiness to support the 
ironclads, when they should attack the batteries 
on Morris Island, which would be subsequent 
to the reduction of Fort Sumter. 

The chief works erected by the enemy for the 
defence of Charleston may be thus briefly de- 
scribed : On the upper or north end of Sul- 
livan's Island a powerful sand battery guarding 
Maffit's Channel ; another large sand battery, 
called Fort Beauregard, between this and the 
Moultrie House ; Fort Moultrie, which had 
been greatly strengthened since the commence- 
ment of the war ; Fort Sumter, built upon an 
artificial island in the middle of the channel, 
near the entrance of the inner harbor, and about 
l.j miles west of Fort Moultrie ; Battery Bee, ad- 
joining Fort Moultrie, on the western extremity 
of Sullivan's Island ; the Mount Pleasant bat- 
tery on the mainland between Sullivan's Isl- 
and and Cooper river ; Castle Pinckney, built 
on an island about a mile distant from Charles- 
ton; all, with the exception of Sumter, being 
on the right or northerly side of the harbor. 
On the other side of the harbor, in the imme- 
diate vicinity of the city, was the Wappoo bat- 
tery on James Island, commanding the em- 
bouchure of Ashley river ; next to which was 
Fort Johnson, and between it and Castle Pinck- 
ney, Fort Ripley, a work erected on an artifi- 
cial island in what is known as the " Middle 
Ground." On Cumming's Point, Morris Isl- 
and, opposite Fort Moultrie; was Battery Gregg, 
and a mile south of this Fort Wagner, an ex- 
tensive sand battery of the most powerful con- 
struction. Finally, at Light House Inlet, which 
divides Morris Island from Folly Island, was 
another fortification covering the landing at 
that place. Within a few days of the attack 
the enemy also erected a new sand work be- 
tween the two last mentioned. The number of 
guns mounted on these works was estimated 
at several hundred, comprising the heaviest 



smooth-bore ordnance, and many rifled pieces 
of English manufacture ; and as an additional 
means of protection, the channel between Fort 
Sumter and Sullivan's Island was obstructed by 
rows of floating casks supporting torpedoes and 
other submarine obstacles, and in that between 
Sumter and Cumming's Point were no less than 
four rows of piles extending nearly np to 
Charleston. 

At half past twelve the fleet began to move, 
the Weehawken, the leading ship, having a 
pioneer raft attached to her bows for the pur- 
pose of exploding torpedoes and clearing away 
obstructions. Almost immediately her raft be- 
came deranged, and nearly an hour was con- 
sumed in putting it in position. At half past 
one the vessels were again under way and 
moved slowly up toward Fort Sumter, passing 
the works on Morris Island, which held an 
ominous silence. They then steered toward the 
entrance of the inner harbor, intending to pass 
between Fort Sumter and Sullivan's Island, and 
shortly before 3 o'clock came within effective 
range of these positions. At 2.50 p.m. the guns 
of Fort Moultrie opened upon the Weehawken, 
followed shortly after by all the batteries on 
Sullivan's Island and Morris Island, and by Fort 
Sumter. The remainder of the squadron fol- 
lowed steadily in the wake of the leading ship, 
which, however, upon reaching the entrance 
of the channel between Sumter and Sullivan's 
Island, encountered obstructions of so formi- 
dable a nature, that Capt. Rodgers considered 
it impossible to pass through them. lie accord- 
ingly turned his ship to gain a better position 
for attack, and his movements being followed 
"^by the vessels immediately behind him, the 
line, in consequence of the narrowness of the 
channel, and the I'orce of the tide, was thrown 
into some confusion. The New Ironsides, in 
attempting to turn, was caught in the tideway, 
refused to obey her rudder, and became in a 
degree unmanageable; while, to add to the 
complication, the Catskill and Nantucket, 
which kept in her wake, fell foul of her, and 
for fifteen minutes the three vessels were in a 
dead lock. On this occasion, and once subse- 
quently, the Ironsides was obliged to come to 
anchor to avoid drifting ashore, in which case 
she would inevitably have been lost. 

Nothing now remained but for the admiral to 
make signal to the fleet to disregard the move- 
ments of the flag-ship, and take up such po- 
sitions as might seem most available. This was 
at once done, and shortly before 4 o'clock the 
remaining eight vessels were ranged opposite 
the northeast front of Sumter, at distances vary- 
ing from 550 to 800 yards. The enemy during 
this time had not been idle, and from Forts 
Beauregard, Moultrie, and Sumter, Battery Beo 
and Fort Wagner, the concentrated fire of 300 
guns was poured upon the devoted fleet, ex- 
ceeding probably in rapidity and power any 
cannonade previously known in warfare. To 
this the eight ironclads could oppose but 16 
guns. During the climax of the tire 160 shot3 



448 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




WATB ft s- souse. 



MILlTAEY AKD NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION-. 



449 



were counted in a single minute, and officers 
described the projectiles as striking their ves- 
sels sometimes as rapidly as the ticking of a 
watch. It is estimated that from first to last . 
the enemy fired not less than 8,500 rounds of 
ammunition. 

Placed in the focus of this tremendous fire, the 
ironclads fought at a disadvantage which ren- 
dered their offensive power of little effect. The 
confined space in which they were obliged to 
manoeuvre called for unusual vigilance on the 
part of their commanders in avoiding collisions, 
as also in keeping clear of the fioating obstruc- 
tions and submerged batteries against which 
the tide was constantly bearing them. The 
dense clouds of smoke which hung over the 
water proved an additional source of embarrass- 
ment. They, nevertheless, entered resolutely 
upon the work before them, and directed their 
principal attack against Fort Sumter. Upon 
receiving the order to disregard the movements 
of the flag-ship, Lieut. Commander Ehind gal- 
lantly ran his vessel, the Keokuk, up through 
the others to within 550 feet of the fort, where 
she became a special target for the enemy. 
During the short period that she was able to 
retain this position, she was struck 90 times 
in the hull and turrets, 19 shots piercing her 
at and below the water line, and others enter- 
ing her turret. The vessel was in fact so com- 
pletely riddled, that her commander, fearing 
she could not much longer be kept afloat, with- 
drew from action at the end of half an hour, 
and succeeded in getting her to anchor out 
of range of fire. She was kept afloat during 
the night by means of her pumps, but sank 
the next morning. The Keokuk was only able 
to fire three times during the engagement, one 
of her guns having been almost immediately 
disabled, and the other rendered unavailable 
by casualties to the crew. She differed in con- 
struction and strength from the other iron- 
clads of the squadron, and her side and turret 
armor of an average thickness of 5^ inches, 
proved entirely insufficient to withstand the 
terrible fire to which she had been subjected. 

The remaining vessels, though suffering no 
calamity comparable in extent with that of the 
Keokuk, were more or less damaged by the 
fire from the forts. The Nahant had her tur- 
ret so jammed as effectually to prevent its turn- 
ing, and the pilot house became nearly unten- 
able in consequence of flying bolts and nuts. 
The Passaic was unable to use her 11 -inch 
gun after the fourth fire, and had her turret 
temporarily jammed. The Patapsco lost the 
use of her rifle gun after the fifth fire, owing to 
the carrying away of her forward cap square 
bolts ; and the Nantucket had her 15-inch gun 
permanently disabled after the third fire. The 
"Weehawken, Montauk, and Catskill were ob- 
structed in the use of their guns only by the 
obstacles to navigation above mentioned. The 
New Ironsides never got nearer than within 
1,000 yards of the enemy's fire, and directed 
her chief attention to Fort Moultrie, against 
29 



which, however, she was unable to discharge 
but a single broadside. 

At 4.30 p. M. Admiral Dupont observing signs 
of distress on the part of several of his ships, 
made signal to withdraw from action, intend- 
ing to resume the attack the next morning. 
The reports, however, which the different com- 
manders made on that evening respecting the 
injuries to their vessels, the character of the 
obstructions in the inner harbor, and the num- 
ber and weight of the enemy's guns, convinced 
him of the " utter impracticability of taking 
the city of Charleston with the force under his 
command." During the forty -five minutes that 
the fleet had been under the hottest concentra- 
ted fire of the enemy, one vessel had been 
wholly, and four partidly disabled, and in the 
opinion of the admiral another half hour would 
have sufficed to put the remainder hors decom- 
hat. To compensate for these damages, noth- 
ing had been effected by the ironclads beyond 
some injuries to the east wall of Fort Sumter 
— a result which confirmed the admiral in his 
opinion that the opposing forces were too un- 
equal to justify him ip renewing the contest. 
The nine ships of the squadron had been able 
to fire but one hundred and thirty-nine shots 
against Fort Sumter in reply to the thousands 
of shells, solid shot, and steel pointed bolts 
hurled against them from six or seven different 
forts; and there was good reason to suppose 
that even had Sumter been silenced, the ob- 
structions beyond would have been impassable, 
and the fire from the forts have sunk every 
vessel attempting to go up the harbor. This 
opinion, however, was not shared by all. Un- 
der these circumstances Admiral Dupont not 
only determined not to renew the fight, but to 
recross the bar and return with the ironclads 
to Port Eoyal ; being prompted to the latter 
course partly by the necessity of making re- 
pairs, and partly by his belief that the anchor- 
age inside or outside the bar was unsafe for 
vessels of the Monitor class. On the 12th the 
whole fleet, with the exception of the New 
Ironsides, which anchored outside Charleston 
bar, returned to Port Eoyal. 

The casualties of the fleet were remarkably 
few, considering the fierceness of the enemy's 
fire, and resulted in almost every case from 
flying bolts and concussions within the turrets. 
But one man died of injuries received, and 
about twenty-five were wounded, principally 
on the Keokuk and Nahant. In some of the 
vessels no casualities whatever were reported. 
The Passaic was struck 35 times, the Nahant, 
36 times, the Patapsco, 47 times, the Nantuck- 
et, 51 times, the Montauk, 14 times, and the 
Catskill, 20 times. Many of the shots made 
but slight indentations in the turrets and side 
armor, but in every ship repairs of greater or 
less extent were considered necessary. The 
Ironsides escaped with comparatively little in- 
jury, having during the whole engagement 
been out of .range of the severest fire. The 
capabilities of the ironclads in contests of this 



450 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



nature "were proved. In explanation of his 
failure to renew the attack, Admiral Dupont 
wrote as follows to the Navy Department, on 
the ;5th : 

Any attempt to pass through the obstructions I 
have referred to, would have entangled the vessels 
and held them under the most severe fire of heavy 
ordnance that has ever been delivered ; and while it 
is barely possible that some vessels might have forced 
their way through, it would only have been to be 
again impeded by fresh and more formidable obstruc- 
tions, and to encounter other powerful batteries, with 
which the whole harbor of Charleston has been lined. 
I had hoped that the endurance of the iron-clads 
would have enabled them to have borne any weight 
of fire to which they might have been exposed ; but 
when I found that so large a portion of them were 
wholly or one-half disabled, by less than an hour's 
engagement, before attempting to overcome the ob- 
structions, or testing the power of the torpedoes, I 
was convinced that persistence in the attack would 
only result in the loss of the greater portion of the 
iron-clad fleet, and in leaving many of them inside 
the harbor, to fall into the hands of the enemy. The 
slowness of our fire, and our inability to occupy any 
battery that we might silence, or to prevent its being 
restored under cover of the night, were difficulties 
of the gravest character; and until the outer forts 
should have been taken, the army could not enter the 
harbor or afford me any assistance. 

On the 13th the President despatched the 
following telegram to Admiral Dupont : 

Hold your position inside the bar near Charleston ; 
or, if you shall have left it, return to it and hold it 
until further orders. Do not allow the enemy to 
erect new batteries or defences on Morris Island. If 
he has begun it, drive him out. I do not herein 
order you to renew the general attack. That is to 
depend on your own discretion or a further order. 

A. LINCOLN. 

And by another order, dated on the succeed- 
ing day, he directed him, should he not suc- 
ceed in taking the batteries on Morris Island 
or Sullivan's Island, to continue the demonstra- 
tion for a time, and to make "the attempt a 
real one, though not a desperate one, if it af- 
fords any considerable chance of success." In 
reply. Admiral Dupont said that he should use 
every exertion to push forward the repairs of 
the iron-clads, and get them inside the bar. 
"I think it my duty, however," he observed, 
"to state to the department that this will be 
attended with great risk to these vessels from 
the gales which prevail at this season, and 
from the continuous fire of the enemy's batter- 
ies." He urged various objections to a further 
employment of them against the works on 
Morris Island, but expressed his willingness to 
obey all orders with the utmost fidelity, even 
should his judgment be opposed, and to renew, 
if necessary, the attack on Charleston, although 
he thought such a measure "would be attend- 
ed with disastrous results, involving the loss of 
the coast." 

In the early pai*t of June, Admiral Dupont, 
having reason to believe that the Atlanta and 
other rebel iron-clads at Savannah were medi- 
tating an attack upon the blockading vessels in 
"Warsaw Sound, despatched the "Weehawken, 
Captain John Rodgers, and the Nahant, Com- 



mander J. Downes, thither to prevent any dis- 
aster to the fleet. The Atlanta, originally a 
swift and powerful British steamer called the 
JFingal, had early in the war run the blockade 
of Savannah, and been converted by the enemy 
into an iron-clad at a great expense. She was 
191 feet in length and 40 feet beam, somewhat 
over 1,000 tons in measurement, and had a low 
deck, with a casemate or covered iron-plated 
house in the centre, with sloping sides and 
ends, in which was her battery, consisting of 
two 6-inch and two 7-inch rifled guns. Of 
these the former were broadside guns, and the 
latter worked on a pivot, either as broadside 
or bow and stern guns. She was further armed 
with a powerful ram, and had attached to her 
bow a submarine torpedo, charged with about 
fifty pounds of powder. No efforts had been 
spared to render her formidable, and it was 
believed by the enemy that her speed, her 
heavy armament, and her ram, would render 
her more than a match for any two vessels 
of the Monitor type. They therefore boldly 
steamed down the sound at dawn of June 17th, 
followed by several small steamers conveying 
pleasure parties who were to be the witnesses 
of her triumph. At a few minutes past four 
she was perceived by the Federal iron-clads, 
which were lying at anchor near the mouth of 
Wilmington River, and they at once prepared 
for action. The Weehawken being nearest the 
enemy got under way first and stood up the 
sound, followed by the Nahant, which, having 
no pilot, was ordered by Capt. Rodgers to keep 
in the wake of his vessel. A few minutes be- 
fore five the Atlanta, which was then lying 
across the channel awaiting the attack of the 
Federal steamers, fired a single shot at the 
Nahant, which failed to take effect. The Wee- 
hawken steamed steadily toward the Atlanta, 
and when about three hundi-ed yards distant 
opened upon her with her 15-inch gun. Drift- 
ing one hundred yards nearer, she discharged 
both her guns, upon which the Atlanta hauled 
down her colors, and ran up a white flag in 
token of surrender. The signal was not under- 
stood until after another discharge from the 
Weehawken, when all firing ceased, and the 
prize was taken possession of, after a contest 
of scarcely fifteen minutes, in which the Wee- 
hawken alone had participated. 

On examination it was found that the enemy 
had been struck four times. The first shot 
knocked a hole in her casemate, without, how- 
ever, going through, and scattered over the 
enclosed decks great quantities of wood and 
iron splinters, by which upward of forty men 
were stunned and wounded, one of whom sub- 
sequently died. This is believed to have been 
the first shot from a 15-inch gun fired in a 
naval combat, and according to the rebel offi- 
cers its effect was to demoralize the whole 
crew of the Atlanta. The second shot struck 
the edge of the overhang ; the third knocked 
off the top of the pilot house, wounding two 
pilots and stunning the men at the wheel, and 



:^ILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



451 



the fourtli struck a port stopper in the centre, 
breaking it in two and driving the iron frag- 
ments through the port. The first and third 
shots decided the battle, the former, as Captain 
Rodgors observed, having taken away the desire 
to fight, and the latter the ability to get away. 
The captur<5d prisoners amounted to 145, offi- 
cers and men, and the hull of the Atlanta was 
so little injured that in a short time she was 
enabled to take her place among vessels of her 
class in the United States, navy. 

The combat was characterized by the Secre- 
tary of the Navy as " the most marked and 
extraordinary in the service dmnng the year, 
and in some respects one of the most significant 
and instructive naval battles of the war." 
Whatever opinions may have been entertained 
of the efficacy of iron-clads against forts of 
masonry or sand, few could doubt after this 
that when iron-clads were pitted against iron- 
clads their execution could be of the most deci- 
sive character. The Monitor class of vessels, 
which had fallen into temporary disfavor after 
the attack on Fort Sumter, became again pop- 
ular, and were recognized as likely to be of 
the highest value in harbor or coast defence. 
The brevity of the conflict and the complete 
disabling of the Atlanta also reconciled many 
to the heavy ordnance cari-ied by these vessels, 
the efficacy of which had been a subject of 
some dispute among professional men. 

Notwithstanding the failure of the attack of 
April 7th, the Government was unwilling to 
relinquish further efforts against Charleston, 
and as the tone of Admiral Dupont's letters 
indicated that he was opposed to a renewed 
attack upon the forts, it was determined to re- 
lieve him by the appointment of Rear- Admiral 
Foote. That officer dying in New York before 
his depai-ture, Rear-Admiral Dahlgren was 
appointed to the command of the squadron, 
and entered upon his duties on July 6th. Pre- 
vious to this date the demonstrations against 
Charleston had been exclusively naval, but 
with the arrival of Gen. Gillmore as com- 
mander-in-chief of the military department of 
the South, arrangements were made for com- 
bined operations by the land forces and the 
iron-clads. 

The chief maritime disaster on this station was 
the loss of the Weehawken, which sank at her 
moorings on the morning of Dec. 6th, during 
the prevalence of a northwesterly gale, carry- 
ing with her to the bottom four of her engi- 
neers and twenty-six of her crew. The re- 
mainder of the ship's company escaped in the 
boats, or by jumping overboard at the moment 
of going down. The most of those who per- 
ished were probably drowned in the turret and 
unmediately below it, while seeking to force 
their way through the narrow openings which 
aflford the only means of escape. The disaster 



was at the time attributed to her hatches being 
unclosed. 

The proper station of the Western Gulf 
squadron was along the Gulf coast from Pensa- 
cola to the Rio Grande, but owing to military 
movements in Mississippi and Louisiana, Rear- 
Admiral Farragut (having been promoted to the 
new grade) was obliged to employ many of his 
vessels in the Mississippi and Red Rivers, in 
active cooperation with the land forces. For 
the same reason he gave his chief attention to 
this portion of his squadron, leaving the block- 
ade of the coast to his subordinates. 

The operations of the Mississippi fleet, like 
those of the preceding, were almost exclusively 
undertaken in conjunction With the land forces. 
Important services were rendered by the gun- 
boats in patrolling the Tennessee and Cumber- 
land Rivers, and dispersing the guerrillas who 
fired upon supply steamers and transports. To 
the gunboats on the Ohio, which in July co- 
operated with the land forces in the pursuit of 
Morgan, was in a considerable degree due the 
capture of that leader and his force. 

The flotilla on the Mississippi numbered up- 
ward of a hundred vessels, carrying 462 guns, 
wath crews amounting in the aggregate to 
5,500 men. Thirteen of these were efficient 
u-on-clads, 33 " tin-clads," so called from being 
less heavily plated than the others, and the re- 
mainder consisted of despatch and auxiliary 
vessels, rams, &c. There were also a number of 
iron and tin-clads in the course of construction. 

The number of vessels captured by the sev- 
eral squadrons from the commencement of the 
war to Nov. 1st, 1863, was 1,045, classified as 
follows : steamers, 179 ; ships, 15 ; barques, 26 ; 
brigs, 30; schooners, 547; sloops, 131 ; yachts 
and small boats, 117. The value of all the 
prizes sent to admiralty courts for adjudication 
is estimated by Secretary Welles at upward of 
$13,000,000 ; and the value of those condemn- 
ed, the costs and amounts distributed, are shown 
in the following table : 





No. of 


Gross amount 


Costs and 


Net amount for 




Cases. 


of sales. 


expenses. 


distribution. 


Boston . 


13 


$864,322 1.5 


.f;25,lSS44 


$839,133 71 


New York 


89 


2.218,263 29 


231,162 07 


1,937,735 21 


Philadeli>hia... 


5T 


♦1,859,434 76 


149.806 06 


1,070,512 97 


Key West 


71 


1,482,952 30 


133,291 55 


1,804,058 51 


Washington 


44 


72,091 62 


11,966 12 


60,909 08 


Illinois 


11 


91,619 28 


5,993 40 


86,625 88 


Total.... 


2S5 


$6,588,683 40 


$607,407 64 


$5,897,970 36 



The number of prizes captured in 1863 by 
the four principal coast squadrons considerably 
exceeded 300, of which about one-third were 
steamers, in many cases built expressly for 
blockade running, and loaded with valuable 
cargoes. 

* The sum of $89,115.73 allowed to claimants by decree of 
court. 



452 



MTLITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



CHAPTEK XXXY. 



Situation of Gen. Eosecrans— Attack on Fort Donelson— Expeditions of Colburn, Sheridan, Hall, and Col. Straight— Ad- 
vance of Gen. Eosecrans — Eetreat of Gen. Bragg — Movement of Gen. Burnside — Other Movements— Occupation of 
Chattanooga — Fiirther advance of Gen. Eosecrans— Battle of Chickamauga — Firmness of Gen. Thomas — Army concen- 
trates at Chattanooga. 



Before proceeding to state the important 
movements of the army under Gen. Eosecrans 
which took place at this time, it may he proper 
to notice its situation subsequent to the battle 
of Stone River in the beginning of the year. 
The operations of the Army of the Cumberland, 
under Maj. -Gen. Rosecrans, during 1862, closed 
■with the battle of Stone River, near Murfrees- 
boro. This battle took place on the last days 
of 1862 and the first of 1863. On the 5th of 
January the headquarters of the army were 
established at Murfreesboro. The army occu- 
pied a position in front of the town, and a 
series of extensive earthworks, completely en- 
circling it, were constructed for the purpose of 
making it a depot of supplies and the base of 
future operations. The railroad track and the 
bridges in the rear toward Nashville were also 
repaired. On the 9th of January the army 
was divided into three corps, designated the 
Fourteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first, and 
comman'^ed respectively by Gens. Thomas, Mc- 
Oook, and Crittenden. Active operations were, 
however, suspended, owing to the rains of the 
season. Large supplies were collected in con- 
sequence of the rise of the Cumberland River at 
Nashville and Mui-freesboro. But the enemy 
was not idle. His cavalry overran the country, 
and men and -^vagons belonging to Gen. Rose- 
crans were often captured by him. The object 
was to cut off the communications of the Army 
of the Cumberland and its supplies. Thus also 
many of the steamers on the Cumberland River 
were captured and burned. 

On the 31st, Brig.-Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, with 
a division of infantry and two brigades of cav- 
alry, under Col. Minty, moved from camp on an 
expedition in the direction of Rover and Frank- 
lin. The force was absent thirteen days, and 
during that time some portion of it visited 
MiddletoAvn, Unionville, Versailles, Peytonville, 
Franklin, Hillsboro, Kinderhook, and Triune. 
The cavalry captured one hundred and forty- 
one prisoners, including two colonels, one ma- 
jor, four captains, and several lieutenants, with 
two men severely injured. 

On the 3d of February an attack was made 
on Fort Donelson, in another part of this de- 
partment. On the 2d, the Confederate Col. 
Forrest, with nine hundred men, had taken a 
position at Palmyra, for the purpose of inter- 
rupting the navigation of the Cumberland. On 
the next day he advanced upon the fort both 
from above and below. The garrison consisted 
of nine companies of the 83d Illinois, a batta- 
lion of the 5th Iowa cavalry, Flood's battery, 



and some wounded men, under command of 
Col. A. C. Harding. The battery consisted of 
four rifled guns, and in addition there was a 
pivot of thirty-two pounder rifled, mounted on 
the northwest corner of the fort. At half-past 
one in the afternoon a flag of trace was sent in 
by Col. Forrest, demanding a surrender of the 
fort and garrison. This was prorriptly refused, 
and preparations for defence were made. The 
attack was immediately commenced, and kept 
up with numerous charges, which were gal- 
lantly repulsed, until eight o'clock in the even- 
ing, when another demand for a surrender was 
made. It was again promptly refused, and the 
enemy retired in confusion. The Federal loss 
was thirteen killed, fifty-one wounded, and 
twenty taken prisoners, without including a 
captain and twenty-six men who were cap- 
tured on the same day while on a scout ; also 
one gun, twenty-five mules, and forty-two 
horses. The Confederate loss was estimated at 
two hundred and fifty killed, six himdred 
wounded, and one hundred and five prisoners. 

A period of inactivity now ensued, which 
was suddenly broken by the defeat and capture 
of a Federal brigade at Spring Plill on the 5th 
of March. On the preceding day an expedi- 
tion, under the command jof Col. John Colburn, 
consisting of part of the 3^3d and 85th Indiana, 
22d Wisconsin, and 19th Michigan, numbering 
fifteen hundred and eighty-nine men, together 
with the 124th Ohio, and six hundred cavalry 
and one battery of six small gtms, was ordered 
to proceed from Franklin to Spring Hill, ten 
miles south, on the Columbia turnpike. Soon 
after commencing the march, the enemy were 
encountered, and after a sharp skirmish, repuls- 
ed. Moving forward about two miles, they were 
again encountered, but, owing to the late hour, 
the command encamped. Starting again on the 
next morning, the 124th Ohio being in the rear 
of the wagon train, the enemy was again met, 
after an advance of two miles, and sharp skir- 
mishing was kept up for some distance. The 
enemy was then found in fuU force under Gen. 
Van Dorn and Col. Forrest. A severe struggle 
ensued, which was protracted until Col. Forrest 
had taken a position in the rear, when Col. Col- 
born, finding his ammunition faiMng, and his 
retreat cut off, surrendered. Thirteen hundred 
and six men were made prisoners. The cav- 
alry were not engaged, and, with the artillery, 
escaped. The Confederate force consisted of 
cavalry and mounted infantry, composing six 
brigades, under the command of Maj. -Gen. Van 
Dorn. The whole force of Gen. Van Dorn had 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



453 



been at Spring Hill for three days, preparing 
to make an attack on Franklin. 

Meanwhile a successful expedition was made 
by Gen. Sheridan, with his division, and Col. 
Minty, Avith a force of eight hundred cavalry. 
Several sharp skirmishes took place, and a por- 
tion of the force which captured Col. Colburn 
■was overtaken at Thompson Station and driven 
from the field, and the force of Gen. Van Dorn 
was followed to Duck river, when the expedi- 
tion returned to Franklin. 

On the 18th of March, an expedition, consist- 
ing of the 105th Ohio, 80th and 123d Illinois, 
and an Indiana battery, and one company of 
Isfc Middle Tennessee cavalry, numbering about 
fourteen hundred men, under the command of 
Col. A. S. Hall, left Murfreesboro and moved in 
the direction of Liberty. That night Gainesville 
was occupied, and on the next morning an ad- 
vance was made, when a slight skirmish en- 
sued. The enemy slowly retired on the turn- 
pike down Saiith's Fork, followed by Col. Hall, 
until they were found drawn up in line across 
the road. Finding, upon a reconnoissance, that 
he was greatly outnumbered, Col. Hall fell back 
toward Murfreesboro, with the object of draw- 
ing the enemy after him. That night he en- 
camped at Auburn, seven miles from Liberty, 
and on the next morning, the 20th, took up a 
position at Milton, twelve miles nortlieast of 
Murfreesboro. Here he was attacked by the 
Confederate force under Gen. John Morgan, 
who, after a fight of three and a half hours, 
withdrew from the field. Four captains, two 
lieutenants, and fifty-seven men were left on 
the field as dead or mortally wounded. Their 
total loss was estima'ed at nearly four hundred. 
Ten prisoners, eight horses, and fifty-three 
stands of arms were captured. The loss of Col. 
Hall was six killed, forty-two wounded, and 
seven missing. The force of the enemy was 
about two thousand. 

A large number of expeditions, similar to 
those above stated, were sent out at different 
time- ; often with much success. About the 10th 
of April another attack was made on_Maj.-Gen. 
Gordon Granger, at Franklin, by the Confed- 
erate force, under Maj.-Gen. Van Dorn. The 
force of Gen. Granger consisted of the divisions 
of Brig.-Gens. Baird and Gilbert, sixteen hun- 
dred men and sixteen guns, and Brig.-Gen. 
Smith's cavalry brigade of eleven hundred and 
twenty-eight men ; also a cavalry force of six- 
teen hundred men and two guns, under Col. 
Stanley. The only artificial d.ofenee was an un- 
comple-ted fort, which mounted two siege guns 
and two three-inch rifled guns. Its elevation 
was about forty feet above the surrounding coun- 
try, and it commanded most of the approaches 
to Franklin, north of the Harpeth, and all from 
the south except a small portion of the surface 
covered by a few blocks of houses. Gen. Gran- 
ger's camp was on the north side of the river, 
about two thirds of a mile distant from the 
town. Gen. Baird was ordered to hold in check 
any force attempting to cross the fords below 



the town, and Gen. Gilbert was placed ia a 
position to meet any attack in front, or to re- 
enforce either flank. Gen. Stanley was sta- 
tioned out four miles on the road to Mur- 
freesboro, and Gen. Smith's cavalry were held 
in reserve to reenforce Gen. Stanley. This force, 
however, was sent under a misapprehension to 
Brentwood. An attack was made by Gen. Van 
Dorn upon Gen. Granger's front, which was re- 
pelled and afterward turned upon Gen. Stanley, 
who was driven back by overpowering num- 
bers before reenforcements could reach him. 
After this the enemy withdrew. The force 
of tlie enemy was estimated at nine thousand 
cavalry and two regiments of infantry, and his 
loss at about three hundred. The loss of Gen. 
Granger was thirty-seven killed, wounded, and 
missing. 

On the 20th of April, a force, consisting of 
Maj.-Gen. Reynolds's division. Col. Wilder's 
mounted brigade, and seventeen hundred cav- 
alry, under Col. Minty, left Murfreesboro to 
capture or disperse any Confederate force at 
McMinasville. At night the cavalry encamped 
between Readyville and Woodbury. Early the 
next morning the force moved on, and, ap- 
proaching the town, the pickets of the enemy 
■were discovered. Forming a line, they opened 
fire, and were charged upon and driven through 
the town. The entire force thus dispersed con- 
sisted of seven hundred men. - The wagon train 
had left the town for Chattanooga about an 
hour before the arrival of the Federal force, 
but, by hard pressing, three wagons were cap- 
tured, and- eight or nine men. Other move- 
ments were made by this force, which result- 
ed in the capture of one hundred and thirty 
prisoners, the destruction of a trestlework be- 
low Morrison's, the burning of the railroad 
buildings, one locomotive, and two cars, at 
that place, the burning of the railroad bridge 
across Hickory creek, and the capture there of 
a large amount of bacon and other commissary 
stores. A large amount of property and stores, 
including a cotton factory and other Govern- 
ment buildings, was destroyed at McMinnsville, 
and a large number of horses and mules brought 
in. No casualties occurred to the Federal force. 

On the 29th of April, a force of five hundred 
men, under Col. "Watkins, captured a camp of 
the enemy, taking one hundred and thirty- 
eight prisoners. 

About the same time an expedition was fit- 
ted out for Northern Georgia, consisting of the 
51st Indiana, 80th Illinois, and portions of two 
Ohio regiments, under command of Col. A. D. 
Streight. The force numbered about eighteen 
hundred men, and the instructions given to Col. 
Streight were as follows: 

HeADQUARTEIIS, PeI'DT of TIIF. CrMBFRT.AND, \^ 

MvRFR^B9.Buiio, April Sth, 1SC3. ) 
Colonel A. D. Streight, nlst Indiana Vohinteers : 

By special field order, No. P4, paragraph 8, you 
have been assigned to the command of an Indepen- 
dent Pi'ovisionat Brigade, for temporary purposes. 
After fitting out your command with equipments and 
supplies, as you have already been directed in the vep- 



454 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



bal instructions of the General commanding this de- 
partment, you will then proceed by a route of which you 
will be advised by telegraph, to some good steamboat 
landing on the Tennessee river, not far above Fort 
Henry, where you will embark your command, and 
proceed up the river. At Hamburg you will com- 
municate with Brig.-Gen. Dodge, who will probably 
have a messenger there, awaiting your arrival. Kit 
should then appear unsafe to move farther up the river, 
you will debark at Hamburg, and, without delay, join 
the force of Gen. Dodge, which will then be en route 
for luka, Mississippi. Ii", however, it should be deemed 
safe, you will land at Eastport, and form a junction 
with Gen. Dodge. From that point you will then march 
in conjunction with him to menace Tuscumbia; but 
you will not wait to join in the attack, unless it should 
be necessary for the safety of Gen. Dodge's command 
or your owti, or unless some considerable advantage 
can be gained over the enemy without interfering with 
the general object of your expedition. After having 
marched long enough with Gen. Dodge to create a 
general impression that you are a part of his expedi- 
tion, you will push to the southward and reach Rus- 
sellviile or Moulton. From there your route will be 
governed by circumstances; but you will with all 
leasonable despatch push on to Western Georgia, and 
cut the railroads which supply the rebel army by 
way of Chattanooga. To accomplish this is the chief 
object of your expedition ; and you must not allow 
collateral or incidental schemes, even though promis- 
ing great results, to delay you so as to endanger your 
return. Your quartermaster has been furnished with 
funds sufficient for the necessary expenses of your 
command; you will draw your supplies and keep your 
command well mounted from the country through 
which you pass, l^or all property taken for the legiti- 
mate use of your command, you will make cash pay- 
mentsin full to men of undoubted loyalty, give the usual 
conditional receipts to men whose loyalty is doubt- 
ful ; but to rebels, nothing. You are particularly com- 
manded to restrain your command from pillage and 
marauding; you will destroy all depots of supplies for 
the rebel army, all manufactories of guns, ammuni- 
tion, equipments, and clothing for their use, which 
you can without delaying you so as to endanger your 
return. That j'ou may not be trammelled with minute 
instructions, nothing further will be ordered than this 
general outline of policy and operation. In intrusting 
this iiighly important and somewhat perilous expedi- 
tion to your charge, the General commanding places 
great reliance on your prudence, energy, and valor, and 
the well-attested bravery and endurance of the officers 
and men in your command. Whenever it is possible 
and reasonably safe, send us word of your progress. 
You may return by way of Northern Alabama or 
Northern Georgia. Should you be surrounded by rebel 
forces, and your retreat cut off, defend yourself as lon^ 
as possible, and make the surrender of your command 
cost the enemy as many times your number as possi- 
ble. A copy of the general order from the War De- 
partment, in regard to paroling prisoners, together 
with the necessary blanks, are herewith furnished you ; 
Tou are authorized to enlist all able-bodied men who 
Hesire to join the " Army of the Union." You must 
return as soon as the main objects of your expedition 
are accomplished. 

Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant. 

J. A. GARFIELD, 
Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. 

The following additional instructions were 
sent by telegraph to Col. Streight : 

April ^ih, 18G3. 
The written instructions you have received, are de- 
signed to cover the cases you allude to. It is not 
necessary that a manufactory be directly in the em- 
ploy of the rebels, to come under the rule there laid 
down. If it produces any considerable quantity of 
supplies, which are likely to reach the* rebel army, it 
is to be destroyed. Of course, small mills, that can 
only supply the necessaries of life to the inhabitants, 



should not be injured. Any considerable amount of 
supplies likely to reach the rebel army, are to be des- 
troyed. If you dress your soldiers in the costume of 
the enemy, they will be liable to be treated as spies : 
you should not do this without the consent of the 
men, after they have been fully advised of the conse- 
quences. J. A. GARFIELD, 
Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. 

Under these instructions, Col. Streight em- 
barked on steamers at Nashville, with his com- 
mand, and landed near Fort Donelson on the 
Cumberland river. He then proceeded across 
the country to the Tennessee river, while the 
steamers descended to the Ohio and came up 
the Tennessee to meet him. Thence he pro- 
ceeded to Eastport, and formed a junction with 
Gen. Dodge's force then marching upon Tus- 
cumbia, and defeated the Confederate troops 
stationed there, with considerable loss to them. 
Thence he moved to Northern Georgia, aiming 
to reach the important points of Eome and 
Atlanta. Meanwhile Gen. Dodge, with his 
force, turned southward, to make a sweeping 
raid in Northern Alabama, and return to his 
headquarters at Corinth, 

No sooner had Col. Streight commenced his 
march than information of his movements was 
received by Gen. Forrest and Col. Eoddy, who, 
with a cavalry force, happened to be within 
striking distance. By a rapid movement they 
came upon the rear of Col. Streight, and com- 
menced a running fight, which continued for 
four days, during which there were two severe 
battles and several spirited skirmishes. The 
Federal troops thus marched over a hundred 
miles toward the heart of the State, destroying 
bridges, and large supplies of corn collected for 
the Confederate army, a large foundery for the 
manufacture of cannon and shot, and seizing 
all the animals needed. Strict discipline waa 
also maintained, and the inhabitants w^ere not 
needlessly harassed. The Confederate force 
finally increased to overwhelming numbers, 
and Col. Streight, having expended his ammu- 
nition, and his men becoming exhausted, w^as 
compelled to surrender at a point fifteen miles 
from Eome, in Georgia. His men, numbering 
thirteen hundred, were paroled and sent to 
Virginia, and exchanged about two months 
afterward. But his officers were retained and 
imprisoned, on the demand of the Governor of 
Georgia, by whom they were claimed as having 
incurred the penalty fixed by a statute of the 
State for inciting slaves to rebellion. It was 
charged, at the time of the surrender, that ne- 
groes were found in Col. Strcight's command, 
who were uniformed and bearing arms. This 
was denied by the privates, who asserted that 
only five or six negroes were with the command, 
and tliey had started with it from S^ashville. 
This imprisonment of Col. Streight cawsed the 
Federal Government to suspend the exchange 
of Confederate officers, and sulisequently to 
imprison Gen. John Morgan and his officers in 
the penitentiary of Oliio. Col. Streight was 
then released from imprisonment as a felon, 
and, subsequently, Gen. Morgan escaped. 



MTLITAEY A^D NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



455 



At this time, the authorities at Washington 
were led to believe that large detachments 
•were going from Gen. Bragg's army to reiin- 
force Gen. Johnston in Mississippi. Gen. Eose- 
crans was therefore urged to take advantage 
of this opportunity to drive Gen. Bragg back 
into Georgia, and thus secure East Tennessee 
from the possession of the enemy. Gen. Burn- 
side was also ordered to cooperate with him. 
The following correspondence occurred be- 
tween Gens. Halleck and Rosecrans : 

MuRFREESBORO, Tenn., Jnue Wih, 1868. 

Your despatch of to-diiy is received. You remem- 
ber that I gave you, as a necessary coudition of suc- 
cess, an adequate cavalry force. Since that time I 
have not lost a moment in mounting our dismounted 
cavalry as fast as we could get horses. Not more than 
three hundred remain to be mounted. The 5th Iowa, 
ordered up from Donelson, arrived to-day. The 
1st Wisconsin will be here by Saturday. Jly pre- 
liminary infantry movements have nearly all been 
completed, and 1 am preparing to strike a blow that 
will tell. But to. show you how differently things are 
viewed here, I called on my corps and division com- 
manders and generals of cavalry, for answers in writ- 
ing to the questions: 

First — From your best information, do you think 
the enemy materially weakened in our front? Second 
— Do you think this army can advance at this time 
with reasonable prospect of fighting a great and suc- 
cessful battle? Third — Do you think an advance ad- 
visable at this time? To tfie first, eleven answered 
no ; six, yes, to the extent of ten thousand. To the 
second, four, yes, with doubts; thirteen, no. To the 
third, not one yes; seventeen, no. 

Not one thinks an advance advisable until Vicks- 
burg's fate is determined. Admitting these ofiicers to 
have a reasonable share of military sagacity, courage, 
and patriotism, you perceive that there are graver and 
stronger reasons than probably appear at Avashington, 
for the attitude of this army. I therefore counsel cau- 
tion and patience at headquarters. Better wait a little 
to get all we can ready to insure the best result. If, 
by so doing, we, perforce of Providence, observe a 
great military maxim — not to risk two great and deci- 
sive battles at the same time — we might have cause to 
be thankful for it. At all events you see that, to ex- 
pect success, I must have such thorough grounds that 
when 1 say "Forward," my word will inspire convic- 
tion and confidence where both are now wanting. I 
should like to have your suggestion. 

W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General. 

To Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief. 

"Washington, Jiim 12th, 1863. 

GEyERAL: Your telegram of yesterday is just re- 
ceived. I do not understand your application of the 
military maxim not to fight two great battles at the 
same time. It will apply to a sinde armv, but not to 
two armies acting independently of each other. John- 
ston and Bragg are acting on interior lines between 
you and Grant, and it is for their interest, not ours, 
that they should fight at different times, so as to use 
the same force against both of you. It is for our in- 
terest to fight them, if possible, while divided. If you 
are not strong enough to fight Bragg with a part of his 
force absent, you will not be able to fight him after 
the affair at Vicksburg is over, and his troops return 
to your front. 

there is another military maxim, that " councils of 
war never fight." If you say that you are not pre- 
pared to fi;ght Bragg, I shall not order you to do so, 
for the responsibility of fighting or refusing to fight at 
a particular time or place, must rest upon the general 
in immediate command. It cannot be shared by a 
council of war, nor will the authorities here make you 
fight against your will. You ask me to counsel them 
to caution and patience. I have done so very often, 



but after five or six months of inactivity, with your 
force all the time diminishing and no hope of any im- 
mediate increase, you must not be surprised that their 
patience is pretty well exhausted. If you do not deem 
it prudent to risk a general battle with Bragg, why 
can you not harass him, or make such demonstrations 
as to prevent his sending more reenforcements to 
Johnston? I do not write this in a spiiit of fault 
finding, but to assure you that the prolonged inac- 
tivity of so large an army in the field is causing much 
complaint and dissatisfaction, not only in Washington, 
but throughout the country. 

Very respectfullv, your obedient servant, 

H. W." HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 

Maj.-Gen. Roseceans, Murfreesboro, Tenn. 

Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, } 
Murfreesboro, June 21st, 1S63. \ 

General: In your favor of the 12th inst, you say you 
do not see how the maxim of not fighting two great bat- 
tles at the same time, applies to the case of this army 
and to Grant's. Looking at the matter practically, we 
and our opposing forces are so widely separated, that 
for Bragg to materially aid Johnston, he must aban- 
don our front substantially, and then we can move to 
our ultimate work with more rapidity, and less waste 
of material on natural obstacles. If Grant is defeated, 
both forces will come here; and then we ought to be 
near our base. The same maxim that forbids, as you 
take it, a single army fighting two great battles at the 
same time — by the way, a very awkward thing to do 
— would forbid this nation's engaging all its forces in 
the great West at the same time, so as to leave it with- 
out a single reserve to stem the current of possible 
disaster. This is, I think, sustained by high military 
and political considerations. We ought to fight here, 
if we have a strong prospect of winning a decisive 
battle over the opposing force, and upon tuis ground I 
shall act. I shall be careful not to risk our last re- 
serve without strong grounds to expect success. 

W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-GeneraL 

Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief. 

On the 24th of June, Gen. Rosecrans com- 
menced a series of movements for the purpose 
of bringing on a conflict between his forces 
and those under the command of Gen. Bragg, 
or to cause the latter to retire. His plan was 
to create the impression of a main advance 
from Murfreesboro upon Gen. Bragg's centre 
and left, by feint movements and demonstra- 
tions with the smaDer portion of the army in 
the direction of Shelbyville, while *he decisive 
blow should be struck by marching rapidly 
with the main body upon Gen. Bragg's right, 
and, after turning or defeating it, to move upon 
Tullahoma, by way of Manchester. Thus ho 
would seize the enemy's base and lines of com- 
munication from that point. 

The twentieth corps, under Gen. McCook, 
■<vas selected to make the advance on the right. 
About 7 o'clock on the morning of the 24th, 
the division of Gen. Sheridan advanced on the 
Shelbyville road, preceded by five companies 
of the 30th Indiana mounted infantry, under 
Lieut.-Col. Jones. As it came in sight of the 
enemy's outposts, it halted and bivouacked on 
each side of the road in the wood. The divis- 
ions of Gens. Johnson and Davis advanced six 
miles on the same road, and then turned to the 
left on the roa-d to Liberty Gap. 

The morning was stormy, but, before day- 
break, the mounted infantry, under Col. Wilder, 
marched along the road leading to Manchester,. 



456 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



followed by Gen. Reynolds with the remainder 
of his division. After some hours, Gens. Neg- 
ley and Rousseau followed in the same direction. 
The instructions to Col. Wilder were to ad- 
vance within a few miles of Hoover's Gap, and 
there halt until the infantry came up, and then 
to carry the works. Learning, however, that 
the works commanding the Gap were not oc- 
cupied, he moved forward and took possession 
of them, before the enemy were sufficiently 
aware of his approach to make any serious re- 
sistance. At tlie same time he pushed forward 
to the other extremity of the Gap, and took up 
a position commanding the road and the ene- 
my's camp. In this movement he captured a 
train of nine wagons and a drove of beef cat- 
tle. The enemy immediately prepared for an 
attack, and came on in such overwhelming 
numbers that they would have been successful, 
had not reenforcements arrived to the aid of Col. 
Wilder. The fighting continued for two hours, 
during which the loss of the command was 
sixty-three killed and wounded. The loss of 
the enemy was represented by prisoners as ex- 
ceeding five hundred. 

Meanwhile, the portion of the corps of Gen. 
McCook which took the road to Liberty Gap, 
encountered a force of the enemy near the en- 
trance of the Gap. Gen. Willich, whose brigade 
led the column, was ordered by Gen. Johnson 
to drive the enemy. This was done so prompt- 
ly that their tents, baggage, and supplies were 
captured. Col. Baldwin was then sent for- 
ward to clear the upper end of the Gap, where 
the enemy were soon found, in a force con- 
sisting of a brigade of infantry and a battery 
of artillery. After a sharp and short combat 
they were driven out, and their position occu- 
pied. On the next day. Gen. Johnson held 
the position which his command had won, 
in order to continue the delusion of the en- 
emy as to the real designs of Gen. Rosecrans. 
Skirmishing was kept up by the enemy along 
the front, and, between three and four o'clock 
in the afternoon, a formal attack in line of 
battle was made. A sliarp struggle ensued, 
but after two hours the enemy abandoned 
the contest. The occupation of these gaps 
gave to Gen. Rosecrans the command of 
the position, and as soon as he advanced 
through them to Manchester and Winchester, 
he flanked Gen. Bragg at TuUahoma, and 
obliged him to retreat. This was commenced 
at once ; and on the first of July, Gen. Rose- 
crans, learning of the retreat of Gen. Bragg, 
rapidly advanced his forces. Gen. Thomas 
moved on the Manchester road, and Gen. 
McCook on the one from Tullahoma. Gen. 
Thomas moved rapidly, in order to strike the 
enemy, who were moving directly east to 
the military road, five miles east of the 
railroad, and parallel with it. The enemy 
however, reached the crossing of Elk river 
before he was overtaken by the advance of 
Gen. Thomas. The division of Gen. Negley 
encountered the rear of Gen. Hardee at a point 



four miles north of Elk river. The resistance 
made here by Gen. Wheeler was so stubborn, 
that Gen. Negley was delayed until the trains 
of the enemy had crossed the river. During the 
night, their reserve of artillery, consisting of 
twenty-six pieces, crossed the river at Estelle 
Springs, and reached Tin Mountain. After 
crossing, the rear of the enemy burned the 
bridges, and took up positions in works hastily 
thrown up on the opposite side, in order to de- 
lay the crossing of Gen, Thomas as long as 
possible, and to enable their infantry and trains 
to get into the mountains. At tlie same time 
heavy rains commenced, and tJie river rose 
very high. Gen. Crittenden took possession of 
the road from Dechard through Tracy City to 
Chattanooga, and thus forced Gen. Bragg to 
take the roads across the mountains. On the 
2d, Gen. McCook moved so as to flank the road 
to Winchester and the mountains. At th e same 
time. Gens. Rosecrans and Brannan moved to 
the upper crossing of Rock cfeek, to strike the 
rear of the enemy, who were to be detained 
by Gen. Negley. But Gen. Negley, mistaking 
the firing of a cavalry brigade on the right 
flank of the enemy for that of Gen. Rosecmns, 
opened with two batteries, and caused them 
to retreat precipitately to the mountains. On 
the morning of July 4th, the whole Federal 
force advanced to the foot of the mountains at 
Cowan, and found the enemy in full retreat 
upon Chattanooga. At the same time, Shel- 
byville was occupied by Gens. Stanley and 
Granger, and the former pushed on as fai' as 
Huntsville in Alabama. 

This retreat of Gen. Bragg from Tennessee 
had a demoralizing efi'ect upon his forces, and 
discouraged the friends of the Confederacy in 
Tennessee. The result of these operations of 
Gen. Rosecrans thus far was to recover Mid- 
dle Tennessee, and to preserve Kentucky from 
an invasion. His losses in these operations 
were 85 killed, 462 wounded, and 13 missing. 
The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded 
is unknown, but 1,634 were made prisoners, 
and six pieces of artillery, many small arms, 
much camp equipage, and large quantities of 
commissary and quartermaster's stores were 
taken. 

Gen. Bragg, having returned to Chattanooga 
on the south side of the Tennessee river, now 
fortified his position, and threw up defensive 
works at the crossing of the river and as far up 
as Blythe's Ferry. 

The first object of Gen, Rosecrans was to 
repair the railroad from Nashville to Stevenson 
in Alabama. At Stevenson the Nashville rail- 
road unites with the Memphis and Charleston 
road. Stevenson is thirty-seven miles west of 
Chattanooga, on the line of the latter road. 
Having completed his preparations, Gen. Rose- 
crans commenced his movement on Chatta- 
nooga and its covering mountain ridges on the 
southeast, on the 16th of August. On that day, 
Gen. Thomas moved from Decherd. with the 
division of Gen, Payne in advance. This divis- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



457 



ion had been stationed at the University on 
the Cumberland mountains. The corps moved 
over the mountains on a lin^ nearly parallel 
Tfith the Nashville railroad to Stevenson : it 
crossed the Tennessee river at or near Bridge- 
port, Alabama, by a pontoon bridge. On the 
16th, Gen. Johnson's division of Gen. McCook's 
corps left Tullahoma, and passed through Win- 
chester on the forenoon of the 17th. Gen. 
Davis's division followed in the afternoon. Gen. 
Sheridan's division moved from Cowan on the 
same day, and joined the rest of the corps at Sa- 
lem, ten miles from Winchester, on the Hunts- 
vihe road. There the corps moved in col- 
unm, accompanied by its artillery and baggage, 
crossing the mountains, and striking the Ten- 
nessee river at Bellefonte, Alabama, twelve 
miles east of Stevenson. Gen. Crittenden's 
corps moved eastward to feel the strength of 
the enemy, and to cross north of Chattanooga. 
The front of the entire movement extended 
from the head of Sequatchie valley in East 
Tennessee to Athens in Alabama, thus threat- 
ening the line of the Tennessee river from 
Whitesburg to Blythe's Ferry, a distance of 
one hundred and fifty miles. 

On the 26th, a part of Gen. Davis's division 
crossed at Caperton's Ferry, about six miles 
below Bridgeport. The remainder of the divis- 
ion followed in a few days, and also Gen. John- 
son's division of the same corps ; on the 2d of 
September, Gen. Sheridan, of the same corps, 
crossed at Bridgeport, followed by the infantry 
and artillery of Gen. 13rannan's division. Gen. 
Negley, of Gen. Thomas's corps, crossed at the 
same time at Caperton's Ferry. By the 8th 
of September, Gen. Thomas had moved on 
Trenton in Georgia, having seized Frick's and 
Stevens's Gaps on the Lookout mountain. 
Gen. McOook had advanced to Valley Head 
and taken Winston's Gap, while Gen. Critten- 
den had crossed to Wauhatchie, communicat- 
ing on the right with Gen. Thomas, and threat- 
ening Chattanooga by the pass over the point 
of Lookout mountain. The first mountain 
barrier south of the Tennessee being thus suc- 
cessfully passed. Gen. Rosscrans decided to 
threaten the enemy's communication with his 
right, while the centre and left seized the gaps 
and the commanding points of the mountains 
in front. On the 9th, Gen. Crittenden made a 
reconnoissance which developed the fact that 
the enemy had evacuated Chattanooga on the 
day and night previous. The corps of Gen. 
Crittenden therefore took immediate possession 
of Chattanooga, which had been the object of 
the campaign, while Gen. Rosecrans, with the 
remainder of the army, pressed forward through 
the difficult passes of the Lookout mountain, 
apparently directing his march upon Lafayette 
and Rome. 

At the same time when Gen. Rosecrans com- 
menced his forward movement on the 16th of 
August, Gen. Burnside left Camp Nelson in 
Kentucky for East Tennessee. Gen. Burnside 
assumed command of the Department of Ohio 



in March. On the 30th of that month. Gen. 
GiUmore engaged and defeated a large force of 
the enemy under Gen. Pegram, near Somerset, 
Kentucky. The other operations which had 
taken place consisted of an attempted raid in 
Harrison county, Indiana, from which the en- 
my were driven back with a loss of fifty-three 
made prisoners ; a movement under Col. Saun- 
ders, with two pieces of artillery, the first Ten- 
nessee cavalry and some detachments from 
Gen. Carter's command, by which the railroad 
near Knoxville and the bridges at State creek. 
Strawberry Plains, and Mossy creek were des- 
troyed, and ten pieces of artillery, one thou- 
sand stand of arms, and five hundred prisoners 
were captured, witk a loss of one killed, two 
wounded, and a few missing ; also the raid of 
Gen. Morgan into Kentucky, Indiana, and Oliio, 
which is stated on a previous page. The de- 
parture of the ninth army corps to reenforce 
Gen. Grant, delayed somewhat Gen. Burnside's 
preparations for an active campaign in East 
Tennessee. The necessity, however, of his 
cooperating with the movements of Gen. Rose- 
crans, compelled him to take the field without 
awaiting the return of this corps. 

At this time Gen. Buckner was in command 
of the Confederate forces in East Tennessee, 
with his headquarters at Knoxville. His force 
numbered about twenty thousand men, who 
were not supplied in the best mnnner with 
ordnance. This force was sufficient to have re- 
tarded the prouress of Gen. Burnside through 
either the Cumberland, Big Creek, or Wheeler's 
Gap in the mountains ; but he avoided tliat 
route. Concentrating his forces at Crab Or- 
chard, on the southerly edge of Lincoln coun- 
ty, Kentucky, Gen. Burnside prepared for the 
movement over the mountains. The infantry 
were mounted, the cavalry and artillery were 
furnished with picked horses, and the divis- 
ion was attended with large droves of packed 
mules, loaded with commissary stores, in or- 
der that its movements might not, be impeded 
by the slow progress of wagon trains. On the 
afternoon of August 21st the march commenced, 
with Gen. S. P. Carter in the advance. After 
an advance of thirteen miles, a halt was made 
at Mt. Vernon, the capital of Rockcastle coun- 
ty, Ky. On the 23d the march commenced at 4 
A. M., and was continued over some of the wild- 
est and most mountainous parts of Kentucky, 
twenty-six miles, to London. On the next 
morning the army was in motion toward Wil- 
liamsburg, the capital of Whitley county, Ky., 
twenty-nine miles distant. On the 25th there 
were heavy rains, and no movement was made. 
On the 26th the movement continued to the 
place where the roads from Somerset and Wil- 
liamsburg meet, about four miles 'beyond the 
State line, in Scott county, Tennessee. Here 
the army rested during the 27th and 28th, and 
was joined by Maj.-Gen. Hartsufi". On the 29th 
the movement was continued, with the mount- 
ed brigade of Gen. Shackelford in the advance. 
At midnight the banks of the New river were 



458 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



reached, and the next day the army encamped 
at Montgomery, in Morgan county, Tennessee, 
having made, during the two days, a march of 
forty mUes. The movement continued on the 
31st, and, on the 1st of September, Gen. Burn- 
side, with an escort, proceeded to Kingston, 
while the army took a shorter road to Loudon 
bridge, leaving Kingston to its right. At Lou- 
don, the East Tennessee and Georgia railroad 
crossed the Holston river over a fine bridge 
more than two thousand feet in length. To save 
or to destroy this bridge, as the situation should 
demand, was undoubtedly one of the objects of 
the forced march. The distance from Knox- 
ville is thirty-nine miles. The artillery came 
into position, on the 2d, within easy range of 
this bridge, just in time to see the rear of the 
enemy pass over and apply the torch to the 
structure. It was entirely consumed. By the 
fire of the artillery several of the enemy were 
killed and wounded. The march then con- 
tinued to Leoni Station, twenty-two miles from 
Knoxville. On the next day it was resumed to 
KnoxvUle, which had been occupied on the 1st 
by the advance. As Gen. Burnside approached 
Knoxville the inhabitants turned out to wel- 
come him. His reception is thus described by 
a spectator : " As we neared Knoxville, the 
evidences of the intense devotion to the Union 
dwelling in the hearts of the people became 
more and more apparent. Along the entire 
route, especially the last ten or fifteen miles, 
the whole population seemed gathered on the 
roadside to give welcome to the Yankees. On 
the appearance of Gen. Burnside on the outskirts 
of the town, the news of his arrival spread, and 
everybody, rich and poor, the lame and the 
halt, rushed out to greet him. It was no vul- 
gar curiosity to see a man famous in the world's 
history — it was the greeting of an oppressed 
people to their delivei-er. Uncovered, and at a 
slow#pace, the general rode through the streets 
to his headquarters. His progress was constant- 
ly impeded by the rushing of men to his horse's 
side to seize him by the hand and say, ' God 
bless you.' On arrival at headquarters, a large 
crowd assembled in the yard, and were clamor- 
ous for speeches. Brig.-Gen. S. P. Carter, a 
native of East Tennessee, came forward, and in 
a few words congratulated them on their deliv- 
erance. In response to repeated calls. Gen. 
Burnside then appeared and said, that although 
his profession was arms, and not speaking, yet 
he would take the occasion to say that, from the 
moment he took command of the Department 
of Ohio, it had been his fervent wish to lead an 
army into East Tennessee, to their deliverance ; 
and he took great pleasure in saying that he 
had come with means sufficient, with their as- 
sistance, to hold the country permanently and 
securely. 

" On the conclusion of the speaking the gar- 
rison flag of the United States was flung from 
the portico, and the crowd rushed up and seized 
it in their hands, many of them pressing it to 
their lips. "While this was passing at head- 



quarters, the troops had been waylaid all over 
the city, and carried off:' by violence to be feast- 
ed, without money and without price, on the 
best which the land afforded. Not officers 
merely ; their bounteous hospitality knew no 
diff"erence in rank among their deliverers." 

At Knoxville, three locomotives and a large 
number of cars and railroad machine shops 
were taken possession of. A large train was 
also captured twelve miles northwest on the 
road to Virginia. On the 4th a movement was 
made upon Cumberland Gap. At Tazewell a 
slight skirmish took place with a small force 
of the enemy under Col. Carter. At daylight 
on the morning of the 7th, the Gap was invest- 
ed, and its surrender demanded by Gen. Shackel- 
ford. Gen. Frazier, commanding the enemy's 
force, refused, and stated that he was prepared 
to hold out. It appeared that the enemy had a 
large quantity of grain in the gap, with a mill, 
which they used to grind it. During the en- 
suing night an expedition was sent out by Gen. 
Shackelford, which succeeded in destroying the 
mill. The enemy still refused to surrender, but 
on the arrival of Gen. Burnside, on the 9th, 
terms were agreed upon, and a surrender made 
unconditionally. The officers, however, were 
allowed to retain their side arms. About forty 
wagons, two hundred mules, four thousand 
pounds of bacon, two thousand bushels of 
wheat, a large quantity of other stores, and ten 
pieces of artillery, were surrendered. The num- 
ber of prisoners was about two thousand. The 
march of Gen. Shackelford to the Gap, a dis- 
tance of fifty-two miles, was made in sixty 
hours. 

Meantime a column of cavalry ascended the 
valley to Bristol, driving the enemy across the 
Virginia line, and destroyed the railroad bridges 
over the Holston and Watauga rivers, so as to 
prevent their return into East Tennessee. The 
main body of Gen. Burnside's army was now 
ordered by tlie general-in-chief to concentrate 
on the Tennessee river, from Loudon west, so 
as to connect with Gen. Rosecrans'sarmy, which 
reached Chattanooga on the 9th of September. 

At this time the authorities at Washington 
were led to believe that Gen. Lee was receiving 
reenforcements from Gen. Bragg. The slight re- 
sistance made by the enemy in East Tennessee, 
and his abandonment without defence of such 
an important position as Chattanooga, rendered 
plausible the reports of spies and deserters from 
Gen. Lee's army, that reenforcements were ar- 
riving there. Fearing, therefore, that Gen. 
Rosecrans's army might be drawn too far into 
the mountains of Georgia, where it could not 
be supplied, and might be attacked before reen- 
forcements could reach it from Gen. Burnside, 
Gen. Halleck sent the following despatch to 
Gen. Rosecrans: 

IIeadquartehs of tub Army. WAsniNCTON, D. C, ) 
September IWi, 186S. S 
Maj-Gen. Bosecrans, Chattanooga: 

Gen. Burnside telegraphs from Cumberland Gap that 
he holds all East Tennessee above I.oudon, and also 
the gaps of the Noith Carolina mountains. A cavalry 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



459 



force is moving toward Athens to connect with you. 
After holding the mountain passes, on the west of JDal- 
ton, or some other point on tne railroad, to prevent the 
return of Bragg's army, it will be decided whether 
your army shall move farther south into Georgia and 
Alabama. 

It is reported here by deserters that a part of Bragg s 
array is reenforcing Lee. It is important that the truth 
of tliis should be ascertained as early as possible. 

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 

On the same day the following despatch was 
sent to Gen. Burnside : 

Headqtjartbes op tue Aemt, Washington, D. C, | 
Hepimiber 11th, 1863. f 
MaJ.-Gen. Burnside, Cumberland Gap: 

I congratulate you on your sufcess. Hold the gap 
of the North Carolina mountains, the line of the Hol- 
ston river, or some point, if there be one, to prevent 
access from Virginia, and connect with Gen. Rosecrans, 
at least with your cavalry. Gen. Rosecrans will occupy 
Dalton, or some point on the railroad, to close all access 
from Atlanta, and also the mountain passes in the 
west. This being done, it will be determined whether 
the movable force shall advance into Georgia and 
Alabama or into the valley of Virginia anii North 
Carolina. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 

On the next day, Gen. Rosecrans replied 
that he was sufficiently strong for the enemy 
then in his front, and that there were indica- 
tions that the enemy intended to turn his 
flanks, and cut off his communications ; he 
therefore decided that Gen. Burnside sliould 
move down his infantry toward Chattanooga, 
on his left, and that Gen. Grant should cover 
the Tennessee river toward Whitesburg to pre- 
vent any raid on Nashville. He was of the 
opinion that no troops had been sent from Gen. 
Bragg's army; but that Gen. Bragg was re- 
ceiving rei^nforcements from Gen. Loring in 
Mississippi. 

On the 13th, Gen. Foster, in command at 
Fortress Monroe, sent a despatch to "Washing- 
ton, stating that trains of cars had been heard 
running all the time, day and night, for the 
previous thirty-six hours, on the Petersburg 
and Richmond railroad, evidently indicating a 
movement of troops in some direction. On the 
morning of the 14th, he further stated that Gen. 
Longstreet's corps was reported to be going 
south, through North Carolina. 

At this time Gen. Meade had been directed 
to ascertain — by giving battle, if necessary — 
whether any of Gen. Lee's troops had left. On 
the Mth he reported to Gen. Halleck as fol- 
lows: "My judgment, formed on a variety of 
meagre and conflicting testimony, is, that Gen. 
Lee's army has been reduced by Gen. Long- 
street's corps, and perhaps by some regiments 
from Gens. Ewell and Hill." 

Upon receiving the despatches of the 13th, 
Gen. Halleck sent the follo^v'ing telegrams to 
Gens. Burnside, Rosecrans, Hurlbut, Grant, and 
Sherman : 

IlEADQtrAKTEKS OF THE AeMT, "WASniNOTON, D. C, ) 

September 13ih, 1863. J 
My. -Gen. Burnside, Knoxmlle: 

It is important that all the available forces of your 
command be pushed forward into East Tennessee. All 
your scattered forces should be concentrated there. So 
long as we hold Tennessee, Kentuck3^is perfectly safe. 
Move down your infantry as rapidly as possible toward 



Chattanooga, to connect with Rosecrans. Bragg may 
merely hold the passes of the mountains to coVer At- 
lanta, and move his main army through Northern 
Alabama, to reach the Tennessee river and turn Ro- 
secrans's right, and cut off his supplies. In this case, 
he will turn Chattanooga over to you, and move to in- 
tercept Bragg. 

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 

Headquarters or the Aemt, Washington, D. C, I 
September Vith, 1863. ) 
Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans, Chattanooga : 

'There is no intention of sending Gen. Burnside into 
North Carolina. He is ordered to move down and 
connect with you. Should the enemy attempt to tiwu 
your right flank through Alabama, Chattanooga should 
be turned over to Burnside, and your army, or such 
part of it as may not be required there, should move to 
prevent Bragg from reentering Middle Tennessee. 
Hurlbut will aid you all he can, but most of Grant's 
available force is ^^ est of the Mississippi. 

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 

Heaquartees of the Army, Washington, D. C, 1 
September ISth, 1S63. J 
Mbj.-Gen. JIurlbvt, MempJtis: 

1 think, from all accounts, that Steele is sufficiently 
strong. All your available force should be sent to 
Corinth and Tiiscumbia, to operate against Bragg. 
Should he attempt to turn Rosecrans's right and re- 
cross the river into Tennessee, send to Gen. Sherman, 
at Vicksburg, for reenforcements for this purpose. 
Gen. Grant, it is understood, is sick iu New Orleans. 
H. W. HALLECK, General-iu-Chief. 

Headquarters of the AeiMY, Washington, T>. C, ) 
September 13th, 1863. j" 

MaJ.-Gen. Grant or Maj.-Gen. Sherman, Vicksburg : 

It is quite possible that Bragg and Johnston will 
move through Northern Alabama to the Tennessee 
river, to turn Gen. Rosecrans's right and cut off his com- 
munications. All of Gen. Grant's available forces should 
be sent to Memphis, thence to Corinth and Tuscumbia, 
to cooperate with Rosecrans, should the rebels attempt 
that movement. 

H. "W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 

On the 14th, the following telegrams were 
sent to Gens. Foster, Burnside, and Hurlbut : 

Headquarters of the Aemt, Washington, D. C, | 
September Uth, 1863. ( 

Maj.-Gen. Foster, Fortress Monroe: 

Information received here indicates that part of Lee's 
forces have gone to Petersburg. There are various 
suppositions for this. Some think it is intended to put 
down Union feeling in North Carolina, others to make 
an attempt to capture Norfolk ; others again to threaten 
Norfolk, so iis to compel us to laud ret^nforcements 
there from the Army of the Potomac, and then to move 
rapidly against Meade. Such was the plan last spring, 
when Longstreet invested Suffolk, It will be well to 
strengthen Norfolk as much as possible, and to closely 
watch the enemy's movements. I think he will soon 
strike a blow somewhere. 

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 

Headquaeters of the Army, Washington, D. C, I 
September Uth, 1S63. f 
Ma/.- Gen. JTurlbut, Memphis : 

There are good reasons why troops should be sent to 
assist Gen. Rosecrans's right with all possible despatch. 
Communicate with Sherman to assist you, and hurry 
forward reenforcements as previously directed. 

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 

Headquarters of the Aemy, Washington, D. C, ( 
September Uth, 1863. J 

Maj.-Gen. Burnside, IZnoxville: 

There are several reasons why you should reenforce 
Rosecrans with all possible despatch. It is believed 
that the enemy will concentrate to give him battle. You 
must be there to help him. 

H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. 



I 



460 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



At the same time, Gen. Schofield, in com- 
mand of the Department of Missouri, and Gen. 
Pope, ill command of the Northwest Depart- 
ment, were ordered to send forward to the 
Tennessee line every available man in their 
departments ; and the commanding officers in 
Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, were ordered to 
make every possible exertion to secure Gen. 
Kosecrans's line of communications. Gen. Meade 
was also urged to attack Gen. Lee's army while 
in its present reduced condition, or, at least, to 
prevent him from sending off anymore detach- 
ments. More troops were not sent into East 
Tennessee or Georgia, on account of the impos- 
sibility of supplying them in a country which 
the enemy had nearly exhausted. Gen. Burn- 
side's army was on short rations, and that of 
the Cumberland inadequately supplied. 

On the 14th of September, the army of Gen. 
Rosecrans was occupying the passes of Look- 
out mountain, with the enemy concentrating 
his forces near Lafayette, to dispute his further 
advance. The threatened movements of Gen. 
Bragg to the right and left proved to be merely 
cavalry raids to cut Gen. Kosecrans's lines of 
supplies, and threaten his communication with 
Gen. Burnside. His main army was only await- 
ing the arrival of Gen. Longstreet's corps to 
give battle in the mountains of Georgia. It had 
already been reenforced by troops from Gen. 
Johnston in Mississippi, and by the prisoners 
captured at Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and 
released on parole, who had been declared by 
the Confederate authorities to be exchanged. 

The line of Gen. Eosecrans's army extended 
at this time from Gordon's Mills to Alpines, a 
distance of some forty miles. By the 17th, 
they were brought within supporting distance, 
and on the morning of the 18th a concentration 
was begun toward Crawfish Springs. 

The advance ot Gen. Eosecrans's army can be 
traced in a few words. The Tennessee river, 
west of Chattanooj^a, in its general direction 
runs southwest. Skirting it is the Eacoon range 
of mountains. Sand mountain, where the army 
passed over, is a part of this range. After 
marching over a plateau of twelve or fifteen 
miles in width. Sand mountain is descended, 
and the Lookout valley is gained. This valley 
is about two miles wide, and runs southwest. 
It is bounded on the east by the Lookout moun- 
tains, rnnning parallel with the Eacnon range. 
The right wing, under Gen. McCook, and the 
centre, under Gen. Thomas, had been in this 
valley two or three days when Chattanoi^ga was 
evacuated. Early on Wednesday, the 9th, both 
corps were in motion to pass the Lookout 
range. They had only two passes by which to 
cross — one ei:ht miles south of Trenton, and 
the other at Valley Head, more than twenty 
miles south of Trenton. At Valley Head the 
rugged mountain melts awav into a wild scat- 
tering of hills, near which the road is abruptly 
turned through winding valleys, with a steep 
and stubborn spur before the summit is gained. 
After reaching the summit, a plateau gently 



rolling, about twelve miles in width, is foimd. 
There are groves and fields, and smouth-flow- 
ing streams, where the imagination pictured 
crags and cascades. At Valley He;id, Gen. 
McCook's corps passed over Lookout moun- 
tain, and reached Alpines, in the valley, called 
Broomtown valley, on the lOih. Gen. Thomas 
took the middle gap, and j)assed through without 
opposition. At the same time Gen. Crittenden 
moved south of Chattanooga toward Gordon's 
Mills, a distance of twelve miles. Bounding 
Broomtown valley, on the east, is another par- 
allel ridge, known as Taylor's ridge. It is not 
a formidable barrier, and is crossed by a num- 
ber of good roads toward Lafayet;e, where 
Gen. Bragg was. The first opposition to the 
present advance of the army took place at Al- 
pines, on "Wednesday, the 9th, when a cavalry 
division had a brisk fight v/ith the enemy, 
which continued two hours, with the loss of 
four killed and twelve wounded. The enemy 
retired, leaving a few dead. When Gen. 
Thomas passed through the central gap, he 
found himself in McLemore's Cove or valley, a 
strip of country enclosed between Lookout 
mountain and Pigeon mountain, a spur of Look- 
out, striking northeast from it, and gradually 
melting away as it approaches the Chicka- 
mauga river. To reach the same valley in 
which Gen. McCook's corps was. Gen. Thomas 
was compelled to pass through one of the gaps 
of Pigeon mountain. He therefore, on the 12th, 
ordered Gen. Negley to feel his way through 
the central pass. In obeying the order he was 
suddenly attacked by the divisions of Gens. 
Witters and Stuart, of Gen. Bragg's army, u^on 
his front and flanks, with such energy as com- 
pelled his hasty retreat, with a loss of some 
forty killed and wounded. The advance of 
Gen. Eosecrans's army thus far in pursuit of the 
enemy, had be^n made under the impression 
that, as Chattanooga had fallen without lesist- 
ance. Gen. Bragg was weak, and the Confed- 
erate Government unable to retnforce him ; 
there would, therefore, be no fight north of the 
Coosa river. This sudden show of strength 
against Gen. Negley, therefore, created alarm. 
The question now was, whether this demon- 
stration of the enemy indicated a purpose of 
giving battle, or whether it was a movement 
to secure a safe retreat. Gen. Eosecrans de- 
cided it to be the former. , The next day. Gen. 
McCook was moving back over the Lookout 
mountain, with orders to close on the centre, 
and Gen. Crittenden, at Gordon's Mills, put in 
a good defensive position. 

Lafayette, the capital of Walker county, 
thirty-two miles from Chattanoog;i, and eigh- 
teen from Dalton, was supposed to be the place 
where the enemy were concentrating. In their 
front was the Pigeon mountain. 'Ihis range 
was the highest at the southern extremity, 
wliere it is separated from the Look' ut moun- 
tain by Doherty Gap, a long and heavy pass. 
Two miles north is a less elevated gap, called 
Eape ; seven miles farther north is Blue Bird, 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



461 



a rugged pass ; three miles farther is Dug Gap, 
affording a good passage for an army. This 
was easily defended, and held by Gen. Bragg. 
Two and a half miles farther is Oatlet's, through 
which runs a mountain stream and a good 
road ; this was also held by Gen. Bragg. Two 
miles farther is Worthing, a rough road over 
the mountain, and impassable for artillery. 
"Wicker is a good wagon road, where the moun- 
tain has diminished to a hill ; a mile and a half 
beyond, an undulating country commences. The 
country lying between Pigeon and Lookout 
mountains is called McLemore's Cove, as above 
stated, about twenty miles long and eight 
broad. West of Pigeon mountain is Chicka- 
mauga valley, which separates it from Mission- 
ary ridge, a mere range of hills, and west of 
which is another valley separating the latter 
from Lookout mountain. This last range runs 
up within two miles of Chattanooga, and ter- 
minates abruptly at the Tennessee river, with 
a bluff two thousand feet high. 

At the time of the repulse of Gen. Negley 
was the most favorable moment for Gen. Bragg 
to attack Gen. Rosecrans. The corps of Gen. 
McOook was separated from Gen. Thomas by a 
march of nearly three days. Gen. Crittenden 
could not reSnforce Gen. Thomas without ex- 
posing Chattanooga, and Gen. Thomas could 
not move to Gen. Crittenden's position without 
exposing Gen. McOook. Slow as Gen. Bragg 
was in collecting his forces and advancing, the 
great battle which followed was begun be- 
fore Gen. Rosecrans had recovered from the 
results of the position of his forces. Gen. Mc- 
Oook joined Gen. Thomas on the ITth, with 
his weary troops, and as heavy clouds of dust 
were discovered on Pigeon mountain by the 
signal officers, his corps and the right of the 
centre were formed into line of battle, which 
was maintained all the afternoon in McLe- 
more's Cove. As the morning of the 18th broke, 
gray and chilly, the troops were ordered on the 
march. Gen. Thomas's corps pressed on to- 
ward Gordon's Mills, and Gen. McCook's moved 
up directly in his rear. At Gordon's Mills, Gen. 
Ward was stationed with two brigades. Dur- 
ing the forenoon of this day. Gen. Granger, situ- 
ated on the left of Gen. Ward, made a reconnois- 
sanoe across the Chickamauga at Reid's bridge, 
with two brigades, and ascertained beyond a 
doubt that Gen. Longstreet's corps had joined 
Gen. Bragg. _ Cols. Minty and Wilder were 
sent with their commands, the former to watch 
Ringgold road crossing, and the latter to re- 
sist any advance from Napier Gap. Early in 
the afternoon the enemy made an attack from 
the two roads. Heavy cannonading ensued, 
but Cols. Minty and Wilder held their ground 
gallantly until a body of the enemy's infantry, 
having crossed at one of the several fords in 
the river, was fast gaining their rear, when they 
were compelled to retire. This proved to be 
the extreme left of the enemy. 

Toward evening. Gen. McCook's corps pitch- 
ed their tents at Lee's Mills, in McLemore's 



Cove ; but hardly was this done before an or- 
der from Gen. Rosecrans directed them to 
move northward to Pond Spring, seventeen 
miles south of Chattanooga. Wearied as were 
the men, they marched silently and without 
straggling. AH night there was a constant 
rumbling of wagons, and a ceaseless tread of 
troops. Gen. Crittenden being ahead of Gen. 
Thomas, had thrown Gen. Van Cleve's divis- 
ion on the left of Gen. Wood at Gordon's 
Mills, and Gen. Palmer's on his right. Gen. 
Thomas pushed still farther to the left. Gen. 
Johnson's two brigades were given to Gen. 
Thomas, and posted on Gen. Van Cleve's left, 
while Gen. Negley, who was already in posi- 
tion at Owen's Gap, a short distance south of 
Crawfish Spring, thirteen miles from Chatta- 
nooga, was ordered to remain there, and tem- 
porarily attached to Gen. McCook's corps. 

The operations of the Confederate army up 
to this time had been as follows: In conse- 
quence of the flank movement of Gen. Rose- 
crans on the right of Gen. Bragg, in the month 
of June, the latter retreated from Shelbyville 
and Tullalioma toward Chattanooga, which was 
occupied in the first week of July. The brigade 
of Gen. Anderson, of Gen. Polk's corps, was 
ordered to Bridgeport for purposes of observa- 
tion. The remainder of the corps of Gen. Polk 
was retained in and around Chattanooga; and 
Gen. Hardee's corps was distributed along the 
line of the railroad to Knoxville, with Tyner's 
Station, nine miles from Chattanooga, as the 
centre. The headquarters of Gen. Bragg were 
at Chattanooga. On the 21st of August the 
corps of Gen. Crittenden succeeded in reaching 
the town with artillery, from the heights over- 
looking the Tennessee river and the town. This 
bombardment was regarded by the enemy as 
announcing that Gen. Rosecrans's plans were 
completed and about to be executed. The 
effect was to cause the removal of Gen. Bragg's 
headquarters beyond the range of fire, and the 
removal of stores to points of convenience on 
the railroad in the rear, and the withdrawal 
of Gen. Anderson from Bridgeport. In conse- 
quence of the advance of Gen. Burnside into 
East Tennessee, the Confederate Gen. Buckner 
was now ordered to evacuate Knoxville and 
occupy Loudon ; and in consequence of a de- 
monstration reported to have been made by 
Gen. Rosecrans at Blythe's Ferry, on the Ten- 
nessee river, opposite the mouth of the Hiawas- 
see, he was further ordered to fall back from 
Loudon to Cliarleston, and, soon after, to the 
vicinity of Chattanooga. On the 1st of Sep- 
tember, Gen. Bragg was informed of the cross- 
ing of Gen. Rosecrans at Caperton's Ferry for 
three days, and that he was moving across Sand 
mountain, in the direction of Wills's valley and 
Trenton. This report was regarded by him aa 
incredible, but soon after confirmed by the oc- 
cupation of Trenton by Federal cavalry and 
by its advance up the Wills's valley railroad 
in the direction of Chattanooga as far as Wau- 
liatchee, within seven miles, as a covering 



462 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



force to the advance of the infantry column at 
Trenton. 

The following topographical view will assist 
in the comprehension of the subsequent move- 
ments : Chattanooga is situated on the Tennes- 
see river, at the mouth of the Chattanooga val- 
ley — a valley following the course of the Chat- 
tanooga creek, and formed by Lookout moun- 
tain and Missionary ridge. East of Missionary 
ridge, and running parallel with it, is anoth- 
er valley — Chickamauga valley — following the 
course of Chickamauga creek, which, like the 
Chattanooga creek, discharges its waters into 
the Tennessee river — the first above, and the 
last below the town of Chattanooga, and has 
with it a common source in McLemore's Cove, 
the common head of both valleys, and formed 
by Lookout mountain on the west and Pigeon 
mountain to the east. "Wills's valley is a nar- 
row valley, lying to the west of Chattanooga, 
formed by Lookout mountain and Sand moun- 
tain, and traversed by a railroad, which takes 
its name from the valley, and which, branching 
from the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad, 
where the latter crosses the valley, has its pres- 
ent terminus at Trenton, and future at Tusca- 
loosa, Alabama. The distance of Bridgeport 
from Chattanooga is twenty-eight miles, of 
Caperton's Ferry about forty, and of Trenton 
something -over twenty. Ringgold is eighteen 
miles from Chattanooga, on the Georgia State 
road, and Dalton some forty, at the point where 
the Georgia State road connects with the East 
Tennessee railroad. Rome is sixty-five miles 
southwest of Chattanooga, on the Coosa river, 
at the point of confluence of the- Etowah and 
Oostenaula. The wagon road from Chattanooga 
to Rome, known as the Lafayette road, crosses 
Missionary ridge into Chickamauga valley at 
Rossville, and, proceeding in a southwesterly 
direction, crosses Chickamauga creek, eleven 
miles from Chattanooga, at Lee's and Gordon's 
Mills, and, passing to ithe east of Pigeon moun- 
tain, goes through Lafayette, distant some 
twenty-two miles from Chattanooga, and Sum- 
merville, within twenty-five miles of Rome. 
From Caperton's Ferry there is a road leading 
over Sand mountain into Wills's valley at Tren- 
ton, and from Trenton to Lafayette and Dalton, 
over Lookout mountain, through Cooper's and 
Stevens's Gap into McLemore's Cove, and over 
Pigeon mountain by Plug Gap. The road from 
Trenton, following Wills's valley, exposed, by 
easy communications, Rome, and, through it. 
Western Georgia and Eastern Alabama, with 
easy access to the important central positions, 
Atlanta and Selma. 

Gen. Bragg, believing that a flanking move- 
ment was the object of Gen. Rosecrans by his 
advance on the left, ordered Lieut.-Gen. Hill, 
on Monday, September Vth, to move with his 
corps toward Lafayette, Gen. Polk to Lee's and 
Gordon's Mills, and Maj.-Gen. Buckner, with 
the Army of East Tennessee, and Maj.-Gen. 
Walker, with his division from the Army of 
Mississippi, to concentrate at Lafayette, and 



Brig.-Gen. Pegram to cover the railroad with 
his cavalry. These dispositions having been 
made of the Confederate forces, Maj.-Gen. Crit- 
tenden, commanding the left wing of the Fed- 
eral army, which had not moved with the right 
and centre, but had been left in the Sequatchie 
valley, crossed the Tennessee river at the mouth 
of Battle creek, and moved upon Chattanoo- 
ga. Maj.-Gen. McCook, commanding the right 
wing, was thrown forward to threaten Rome, 
and the corps of Maj.-Gen. Thomas was put in 
motion over Lookout mountain, in the direction 
of Lafayette. 

A charge of incapacity was subsequently 
made against Gen. Bragg, because he did not 
at this time fall upon Gen. Thomas with such 
a force as would have crushed him ; then turned 
down Chattanooga valley, throwing himself 
between the town and Gen. Crittenden, and 
crushed him ; then passed back between Look- 
out mountain and the Tennessee river into 
Wills's valley, and cut off Gen. McCook's re- 
treat to Bridgeport ; thence moved along the 
Cumberland into the rear of Gen. Burnside, and 
defeated him. But Gen. Bragg now threw a 
force forward into McLemore's Cove, which re- 
sisted the advance of Gen. Thomas, as above 
stated. It was on such a limited scale as only 
to check this advance, and was thence with- 
drawn to Lafayette. Within thirty-six hours 
after this force retired, Gen. Rosecrans had re- 
called Gen. McCook, and concentrated him with 
Gen. Thomas in McLemore's Cove. Meantime, 
Gen. Crittenden, after occupying Chattanooga, 
did not stop to fortify it, but moved on toward 
Ringgold to cut ofl:' Gen. Buckner, who was un- 
derstood to be moving to the support of Gen. 
Bragg. On reaching the point on the Georgia 
railroad at which Gen. Buckner crossed, and 
discovering that he was too late, he turned to- 
ward Lafayette to follow him. Moving up the 
Chickamauga, on the east side, he was con- 
fronted by a force of Confederate cavalry un- 
der Gens. Pegram and Armstrong, which re- 
tired before him until supported by a large body 
of infantry, when Gen. Crittenden, declining 
a battle, fell back on the Chickamauga, and 
crossed at Gordon's Mills. This brought the 
whole of Gen. Rosecrans's force on the west 
side of the Chickamauga within easy support- 
ing distance. 

Gen. Bragg now moved his army by divis- 
ions, and crossed the Chickamauga at several 
fords and bridges north of Gordon's Mills, up 
to which he ordered the Virginia troops, which 
had crossed many miles below, and near to 
which he attempted to concentrate. At this 
time the right of Gen. Rosecrans really rested 
on Gordon's Mills. Gen. Thomas had moved 
on until his left division, under Gen. Brannan, 
covered the Rossville road. Gen. Baird was 
on Gen. Brannan's right, then followed suc- 
cessively Gens. Johnson's, Reynolds's, Palmer's, 
and Van Cleve's divisions. Gen. Wood covered 
Gordon's Mills ford. Gen. Negley, four miles 
farther south, held Owen's Gap. Gens. Davis 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



463 



and Sheridan were on the march south of 
Gen. Negley, Gen. Wilder, with four regiments 
and a light battery, was posted at the right, 
near Gordon's Mills. Gen. Gordon Granger's 
forces were held in reserve some distance back 
on the Rossville road. Such was the position 
on Saturday, the 19th. The battle which now 
ensued opened about ten o'clock. The first 
attack of the enemy was upon the left wing of 
Gen. Rosecrans, which the enemy endeavored 
to turn, so as to occupy the road to Chatta- 
nooga. But all their efforts for this object 
failed. The centre was next assailed and tem- 
porarily driven back, but, being promptly re- 
enforced, maintained its ground. As night ap- 
proached, the battle ceased and the combatants 
rested on their arms. Gen. Bragg now issued 
an order- dividing the forces of his army into 
two corps or wings. The right was placed un# 
der the command of Lieut.-Gen. Polk, and the 
left under Lieut.-Gen. Longstreet. The former 
was composed of Lieut.-Gen. Hill's corps of two 
divisions, under Maj.-Gen. Cleburn and Maj.- 
Gen. Breckinridge ; with the division of Maj.- 
Gen. Cheatham, of Lieut.-Gen. Polk's corps, 
and the division of Maj.-Gen. W. H. T. Walker. 
The left was composed of the divisions of 
Maj.-Gen. Stewart, and Brig.-Gens. Preston 
Johnston, of Maj.-Gen. Buckner's corps; with 
Maj.-Gen. Hindman's, of Lieut.-Gen. Polk's 
corps, and Gens. Benning's and Lane's and 
Robertson's brigades of Maj.-Gen. Hood's di- 
vision, and Gens. Sershaw's and Humphrey's, 
of Maj.-Gen. McLaws's division. The front line 
of the right wing consisted of three divisions, 
Breckinridge's, Cleburn's, and Cheatham's, 
which were posted from right to left in the 
order named. Maj.-Gen. Walker was in reserve. 
The line of the left wing was composed of Stew- 
art's, Hood's, Hindman's, and Preston's divis- 
ions, from right to left, in the order named. 

Toward morning of the next day the army 
of Gen. Rosecrans chained its position slightly 
to the rear, and contracted the extended lines 
of the previous day. Trains were moving north- 
ward on all the roads in the rear of Chatta- 
nooga, and the wounded were taken from the 
hospitals, which had become exposed by the 
concentration of the forces to the left. Gen. 
Thomas still held the left, with the divisions 
of Gens. Palmer and Johnson attached to his 
corps and thrown in the centre. Gen. Brannan 
was retired slightly, with his regiments arrayed 
in echelon. Gen. Van Cleve was held in re- 
serve on the west side of the first road in the 
rear _ of the line. Gens. Wood, Davis, and 
Sheridan followed next, the latter being on the 
extreme left. Gen. Lytle occupied an isolated 
position at Gordon's Mills. 

Orders were given by Gen. Bragg to Lieut.- 
Gen. Polk to commence the attack at daylight 
on the next morning. These orders were im- 
mediately issued by him ; but prior to giving 
the order to move forward to the attack in the 
morning. Gen. Polk discovered that, owing to 
a want of precaution, a portion of the left wing, 



amounting to a whole division, had been form- 
ed in front of his line, and that if the order to 
make the attack at daylight was obeyed, this 
division must inevitably be slaughtered. The 
battle was finally opened about half past nine 
A. M., by a forward movement of Gen. Breckin- 
ridge, accompanied by Gen. Cleburn, against 
the left and centre of Gen. Rosecrans. Division 
after division was pushed forward to assist the 
attacking masses of the enemy, but without suc- 
cess. The ground was held by Gen. Thomas 
for more than two hours. Meantime, as Gen. 
Reynolds was sorely pressed. Gen. Wood was 
ordered, as he supposed, to march instantly 
by the left flank, pass Gen. Brannan, and 
go to the relief of Gen. Reynolds, and that 
Gens. Davis and Sheridan were to shift over 
to the left, and close up the line. Gen. Rose- 
crans reports that the order was to close up on 
Gen. Reynolds. Gen. Wood says that Gen. 
Brannan was in line between his and Gen. 
Reynolds's division. 

A gap was thus formed in the line of battle, 
of which the enemy took advantage, and, strik- 
ing Gen. Davis in his flank and rear, threw 
his whole division into confusion. Passing 
through this break in Gen. Rosecrans's line, 
the enemy cut off his right and centre, and at- 
tacked Gen. Sheridan's division, which was ad- 
vancing to the support of the left. After a 
brave but fruitless effort against this torrent 
of the enemy, he was compelled to give way, 
but afterward rallied a considerable portion 
of his force, and by a circuitous route joined 
Gen. Thomas, who had now to breast the 
tide of battle against the whole army of the 
enemy. The right and part of the centre had 
been completely broken, and fled in confusion 
froni the field, carrying with them to Chatta- 
nooga their commanders. Gens. McCook and 
Crittenden, and also Gen. Rosecrans, who was 
on that part of the line. Gen. Garfield, his 
chief of staff, however, made his way to the 
left and joined Gen. Thomas, who still retained 
his position. His ranks had now assumed a 
crescent form, with his fianks supported by the 
lower spurs of the mountain, and here, " like a 
lion at bay, he repulsed the terrible assaults 
of the enemy." 

About half past three p. m., the enemy dis- 
covered a gap m the hills, in the rear of the 
right flank of Gen. Thomas, and Gen. Long- 
street commenced pressing his columns through 
the passage. At this time, Maj.-Gen. Granger, 
who had been posted with his reserves to cover 
the left and rear, arrived on the field. He in- 
stantly attacked the forces of Gen. Longstreet, 
with Gen. Steadman's brigade of cavalry. The 
conflict at this point is thus described by Gen. 
Halleck: "In the words of Gen. Rosecrans's 
report, ' swift was the charge, and terrible the 
conflict; but the enemy was broken.' A thou- 
sand of our brave men killed and wounded 
paid for its possession ; but we held the gap. 
Two divisions of Longstreet's corps confronted 
the position. Determined to take it, they sue- 



464 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 




MILITAKY A;N'D NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



465 



cessively came to the assault. A battery of 
six guns placed in the gorge poured death and 
slaughter into them. They charged within a 
few yards of the pieces, but our grape and 
canister, and tlie leaden hail of musketry, deliv- 
ered in sparing but terrible volleys, from car- 
tridges taken in many instances from the boxes 
of their fallen companions, was too much even 
for Longstreet's men. About sunset they made 
their last charge, when our men, being out oft 
ammunition, nioved on them with the bayonet, 
and they gave way, to return no more. In the 
mean time the enemy made repeated attempts 
to carry Gen. Thomas's position on the left and 
front, but were as often thrown back with 
great loss. At nightfall the enemy fell back 
beyond the range of our artillery, leaving Gen. 
Thomas victorious on his hard-fought field." 

During the night Gen. Thomas fell back to 
Rossville, leading the dead and most of the 
wounded in the hands of the enemy. Gen. 
Sheridan, who had been cut off by the advance 
of the enemy, as he was upon the extreme 
right, gathered his brigades and struck across 
Missionary Ridge directly to the west. The 
enemy were in possession of the country north 
of him. As he reached the top of the ridge, 
he caused the "assembly" to be blown, and 
picked up all the stragglers from the other di- 
visions that he could find. He had lost three 
pieces of artillery, but in his progress met a 
whole battery which had been abandoned, and 
took it in charge. Passing the enemy's flank, 
and regaining the road on the ridge, he turned 
east through Rossville, and, without halting, 
reenforced Gen. Thomas at midnight. The po- 
sition near Rossville was held during Monday 
without serious molestation, and in the night 
the force was withdrawn to Chattanooga. 

The loss of Gen. Rosecrans in these battles 
was 1,644 killed, 9,262 wounded, and 4,945 
missing, which, with a cavalry loss of 1,000, 
makes 16,851. In material, his loss was 36 
guns, 20 caissons, 8,450 small arms, and 5,834 
infantry accoutrements. He captured 2,003 
prisoners. The loss of the enemy in killed, 
wounded, and missing, was reported at 18,000. 

After Gen. Roseci-ans's retreat to Chatta- 
nooga, he withdrew his forces from the passes 
of Lookout Mountain, which covered his line 
of supplies from Bridgeport. These were im- 



mediately occupied by the enemy, who also 
sent a cavalry force across the Tennessee above 
Chattanooga, which destroyed a large wagon 
train in the Sequatchie valley, captured Mc- 
Minns^^lle and other points on the railroad, 
and thus almost completely cut off the supplies 
of Gen. Rosecrans's army. The line of the 
raUroad at this time was well defended. The 
enemy's cavalry were attacked by Col. McCook, 
at Anderson's cross roads, on the 2d of October, 
by Gen. Mitchell, at Shelby viUe, on the 6th, and 
by Gen. Crook, at Farmington, on the 8th. 

On October 2d, Gen. Rosecrans issued an 
order, of which the following is an extract : 

Army of tlie Cumberland : You have made a grand 
and successful campaign ; you have driven the rebels 
from Middle Tennessee. You crossed a great moun- 
tain range, placed yourselves on the banks of a broad 
river, crossed it in the face of a powerful, opposing 
army, and crossed two other great mountain ranges 
at the only practicable passes, some forty miles be- 
tween extremes. You concentrated in the face of 
superior numbers; fought the combined armies of 
Bragg, which you drove from Shelbyville to Tulla- 
homa, of Johnston's army from Mississippi, and the 
tried veterans of Longstreet's corps, and for two 
days held them at bay, giving them blow for blow, 
with heavy interest. When the day closed you held 
the field, from which you withdrew, in the face of 
overpowering numbers, to occupy the point for 
which you set out — Chattanooga. 

You have accomplished the great work of the cam- 
paign ; you hold the key of East Tennessee, of North- 
ern Georgia, and of the enemy's mines of coal and 
nitre. Let these achievements console you for the 
regret you experience that arrivals of fresh hostile 
troops forbade your remaining on the field to renew 
the battle, for the right of burying your gallant 
dead, and caring for your brave companions who lay 
wounded on the field. 

"When it was known at Washington that 
Gen. Longstreet's corps had probably gone to 
the aid of Gen. Bi'agg, the authorities ordered 
to Tennessee the forces of Gen. Grant at Vicks- 
burg, and also appointed him to the command 
of the forces in the field in Tennessee. Before 
information was received in reply from Gen. 
Grant, who was at New Orleans, Gen. Hooker 
was, on the 23d of September, sent to Tennes- 
see, in command of the Eleventh and Twelfth 
corps of the Army of the Potomac, which were 
detached for that object. They v/ere assigned 
to protect General Rosecrans's line of communi- 
cation from Bridgeport to Nashville. 



CHAPTER XXXYI. 



General Grant ordered to the command at Chattanooga — Defeats Gen. Bragg — Movements of Gen. Burnside in East Ten- 
nessee — Position of the Armies in Virginia — Advance of Gen. Meade to Mine Eun — Gen. Gilmore's Operations before 
Charleston — Captures Morris Island — Opens fire on Fort Sumter and Charleston — Movements of Gen. Banks in Texas — 
Operations in Missouri and Arkansas — Operations against the Indians in Minnesota — Desolations by the Armies. 



Ox the 18th of October, Gen. Grant having 

arrived at Louisville, Ky., assumed command 

of the consolidated Departments of Tennessee, 

Cumberland, and Ohio, by order of the President. 

30 



The Department of Ohio had comprised the 
States of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, 
"Western Virginia, and Kentucky, east of the 
Tennessee River, including Cumberland Gap, 



466 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



with the headquarters at Cincinnati, Ohio. 
That of the Cumberland had comprised the 
portion of the State of Tennessee east of the 
Tennessee River, and such parts of Xorthern 
Alabama and Georgia as may be taken pos- 
session of by the United States troops, Avith 
headquarters in the field. That of Tennessee 
had comprised Cairo, Illinois; Forts Henry 
and Donelson, Tennessee; Northern Missis- 
sippi, and the portions of Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee west of the Tennessee River, with head- 
quarters in the field. 

Major-Gen. G. H. Thomas was placed in the 
immediate command of the Department of the 
Cumberland, and Maj.-Geu. W. T. Sherman in 
that of the Department of Tennessee. Gen, 
Eosecrans was relieved. Gens. McCook and 
Crittenden were ordered to Cincinnati, and 
their corps consolidated into one. 

At this time the army was at Chattanooga, 
which is situated in a bend of the Tennessee 
River. The flanks rested on its banks — the 
right at Chattanooga Creek, near the base of 
Lookout Mountain, and the left at Citico Creek. 
The picket lines followed these two creeks for 
a distance, and then passed across the low 
grounds between, which lie also between the 
foot of Missionary Ridge and the high grounds 
about the town upon which the defensive 
woi'ks were constructed. These works were 
connected by a strong line of rifle-pits. Be- 
hind this line and around the town the greater 
portion of the army was bivouacked, for very 
little camp equipage was to be had. This was 
the only point held by a Federal force south of 
the river, while the north side was occupied 
entire with troops stationed to guard the points 
above. The base of the army at Chattanooga 
was at Stevenson and Bridgeport, and was sup- 
plied from depots at Louisville and Nashville, 
by a single track of railroad. The south side 
of the river from Lookout Mountain to Bridge- 
port was in possession of the enemy, and the 
river road on the north side was rendered im- 
])assable by their sharpshooters stationed on 
the opposite bank. It was thus necessary to 
bring all supplies to the army over a distance 
of fifty or sixty miles, taking the road from 
Bridgeport up the Sequatchie valley, over the 
mountains into the Anderson road, thence to 
Chattanooga. The Tennessee was crossed by 
pontoon bridges, constructed from such mate- 
rials as the forest and the town could afford. 
The storms rendered the roads nearly impass- 
able, and tlie army was in danger of star- 
vation. 

Gen. Hooker had arrived at Bridgeport with 
the Eleventh and a portion of the Twelfth corps, 
and Gen. Sherman was on the route from Mem- 
phis. The first movement was to open the 
river, and secure a shorter land communication 
with the base. For this purpose the boats for 
a new pontoon bridge were tilled with armed 
men at Chattanooga, and floated down in the 
night past Lookout Point, to a place known as 
Brown's Ferry, where they landed on the south 



side of the river, and took possession of two 
hills, after only a slight skirmish with the picket 
at the point of landing, and a feeble resistance 
from a brigade of infantry and regiment of cav- 
alry stationed in the valley beyond the hills. 
The boats then crossed the river, and brought 
over more troops to hold possession, by whom 
a bridge was immediately constructed, about 
nine hundred feet in length, in five hours. The 
i^istance between this bridge and the one at 
Chattanooga was one and a half mile by land, 
and about eight miles by water. On the next 
day Gen. Hooker crossed the river at Bridge- 
poi-t, and moved up, uniting with the force at 
Brown's Ferry. This opened the river, the 
road to Kelly's Ferry, and the direct road to 
Bridgeport, as well as the river road on the 
north side around the bend. This successful 
movement is thus explained by a spectator in 
the camp of the enemy : 

The enemy were several miles distant, and the 
smoke of their bivouac fires resting above the tree 
tops indicated a halt. Subsequently the column re- 
sumed its motion, and during the afternoon the long, 
dark, thread-like line of troops became visible, slowly 
wending their way in the direction of Chattanooga. 
On Lookout Peak, gazing down upon the singular 
spectacle — a coup (Vail which embraced in curious 
contrast the beauties of nature and the achievements 
of art, the blessings of peace and the horrors of war — 
were Gens. Bragg, Longstreet, and others, to whom 
this bold venture of the enemy opened at once new 
vistas of thought and action. Infantry, artillery, and 
cavalry, all glided silently by, like a procession of 
y'aw^owW in a panorama, until, among all the "sun- 
down's sumptuous pictures" which glowed around 
us, there was not one like that of the great, fresh, 
bustling camp, suddenly grown into view, with its 
thousand twinkling lights, its groups of men and ani- 
mals, and its lines of white-topped wagons, now 
strung like a necklace of pearls around the bosom 
of the hills. The Federals had succeeded in effecting 
a junction with the army of Chattanooga. 

The question which naturally arises is, why did not 
Gen. Bragg throw his army in front of the advancing 
columns and check the movement? The answer is 
in the shape of one of those stolid facts which even 
strategy cannot always stir. On Monday night Gen. 
Thomas — or perhaps Grant, for he is now in Chatta- 
nooga — crossed a force of six thousand men, first 
over the Tennessee at the edge of the town, then over 
the neck of land known as the Moccasin, and finally 
over the river again at Brown's Ferry, in rear of 
Chattanooga, where, after a brief skirmish with one 
of our regiments, they took possession of the hills 
and commenced the work of lortification. Simulta- 
neously with this movement, a column at Bridge- 
jjort, consisting of the Eleventh corps. Gen. How- 
ard, and Twelfth corps. Gen. Slocuni, the whole 
under command of Gen. Joe Hooker, started up the 
valley. 

Under these circumstances, an interposition of our 
forces across the valley would in the first place have 
required the transfer of a considerable portion of our 
army from the east to the west side of Lookout Moun- 
tain, thereby weakening our line in front of Chatta- 
nooga, while the enemy reserved his strength ; sec- 
ondly, it would have necessitated a fight on both our 
front and rear, with the flanks of the Federals pro- 
tected by the mountains ; and finally, had we been 
successful, a victory would only have demoralized 
two corps of the Yankee army, without at all influ- 
encing the direct issue involved in the present in- 
vestment of Chattanooga. 

Gen. Longstreet, however, who from the peak bad 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



467 



carefully watched the march of the eleventh corps, de- 
termined to make an attack for another purpose — name- 
ly, to capture, if possible, a large park of wagons and 
its escort, numbering, as was supposed, from lifteea 
bundred to two thousand men, who still remained in 
the rear. 

The attack thus proposed was made during 
the night, and the result was that, at five o'clock 
the next morning, the enemy had abandoned 
the entire country west of Lookout creek. 
These operations saved the army from starva- 
tion, for the situation of affairs was such that 
Chattanooga must be held at all hazards. 

A steamboat had been built and another 
had been captured. The latter was now loaded 
with two hundred thousand rations. It ran 
the blockade of Lookout mountain, and ar- 
rived safely at Brown's Ferry. The point of 
Lookout mountain between Chattanooga and 
Lookout creek was still held by pickets and 
an infantry force of the enemy, while their bat- 
teries on the top commanded some distance 
each way. The steamboat passed to the pon- 
toon bridge ground until the battle of Mission- 
ary ridge, thus covering the line of communica- 
tion, and then in connection with the other boat 
ran regularly to Kelly's Ferry from Bridgeport, 
reducing the wagon transportation to ten miles 
over good roads. An interior lino of defence, 
Bullicient to hold Chattanooga with a small 
force, was now constructed, and the plans were 
matured for accomplishing the main object of 
the campaign, which was the clearing of East 
Tennessee of the enemy. 

When Gen. Sherman reached the vicinity of 
Bridgeport with his corps, Gen. Longstreet had 
been detached with his command from the ar- 
my of Gen. Bragg, and sent on an expedition 
against Knoxville. This weakened Gen. Bragg 
and exposed Gen. Burnside to danger. The 
plan therefore adopted by Gen. Grant was to 
attack Gen. Bragg, and to follow it by a move- 
ment in the rear of Gen. Longstreet. The 
forces of Gen. Bragg held Missionary ridge, 
the Chattanooga valley, and Lookout mountain, 
with their left resting on the latter, and their 
ricrlit on the ridge near the tunnel of tlie Knox- 
ville and Chattanooga railroad. Their pickets 
occupied the south bank of the Tennessee river 
for miles above, and their supplies were brought 
by the railroad from Atlanta and Dalton. The 
mass of Gen. Bragg's force was in the Chatta- 
nooga valley, between Lookout mountain and 
jMissionary ridge, and on that slope of Lookout, 
thus being very nearly on his centre. The 
ridge was heavily posted with artillery. The 
plan adopted by Gen. Grant for the attack, and 
the manner in which it was executed, were thus 
described by a spectator : " A division of Gen. 
Sherman's troops were to be sent to Trenton, 
threatening the enemy's left tlank. Under 
cover of this movement, Gen. Sherman's main 
body was to march up by Gen. Hooker's lines, 
crossing the Brown's Ferry bridge mostly at 
night, tlience into a concealed camp on the 
north side of the river, opjjosite South Chick- 
amauga creek. One division was directed to 



encamp on the North Chickamauga; about 
120 pontoons were to be taken under cover 
of hills and woods, and launched into the 
North Chickamauga ; these were to be filled 
with men, to be floated out into the Ten- 
nessee and down it, until opposite the South 
Chickamauga (about three miles below), to 
efi:ect a landing on that bank, and throw up 
works ; the remainder of the command were to 
be taken across in the same boats, or a portion 
of them ; the Tennessee and South Chicka- 
mauga were to be bridged, and then the artil- 
lery crossed and moved at once to seize a foot- 
hold on the ridge, taking up a line facing the 
enemy's right flank near the tunnel. Gen. 
Howard's corps of Gen. Hooker's command 
was to cross into the town by the two bridges, 
and lill the gap between Gen. Sherman's pro- 
posed position and the main body of Gen. 
Thomas's army. Gen. Hooker, with the re- 
mainder of his force and the division sent to 
Trenton, which should return, were to cany 
the jioint of Lookout, and then threaten the 
enemy's left, which would thus be thrown 
back, being forced to evacuate the mountain 
and take position on the ridge ; and then the 
Federal troops, being on both flanks, and upon 
one flank threatening the enemy's communica- 
tions, were to advance the whole line or turn 
the other flank, as the chances might dictate. 
Then a part of the force was to follow as far as 
possible, while Gen. Sherman destroyed the 
railroad from Cleveland to Dnlton, and then 
pushed on to relieve Knoxville, and capture, 
disperse, or drive off Gen. Longstreet from be- 
fore it. 

" Gen. Smith, chief engineer, took personal 
charge of the preliminaries necessary for the 
move on the left flank. The pontoons were 
put in the Chickamauga ; the men encamped ; 
the bridge trains ready to debouch at the 
proper i)oint ; and so completely was every 
thing arranged that no confusion whatever oc- 
curred. Artillery was posted on the side of 
the river to cross fire in front of the point of 
landing, and force the same, if necessary. 

" On Monday, November 24th, an armed re- 
connoissance was made by Gen. Thomas on his 
left, which developed the enemy's lines and 
gave to Gen. Thomas aline of battle in advance 
of his picket lines, at the same time allowing 
the eleventh corps (Howard's) to come into 
the position assigned it. At midnight the men 
entered the pontoons, floated down, and ef- 
fected a landing. At daylight the pontoniers 
were at work, and at noon the Tennessee river 
was bridged by a pontoon bridge 1,400 feet 
long, and the rest of Gen. Sherman's troops 
crossed with his artillery. He then pushed out 
to the ridge and took up his position, and Gen. 
Howard communicated with him, his force 
having marched to its place. Gen. Hooker's 
forces formed a line of battle running up and 
down the side of the mountain and sweeping 
around the point, and, at night of the same 
day (the 24th), held what he had gained and 



468 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION. 



communicated with Gen. Thomas's right. That 
night the enemy evacuated Lookout Mountain 
top, and fell back from his front to the ridge. 
Tims, on Tuesday night. Gen. Bragg was threat- 
ened on both flanks, and with a heavy line of 
battle in his front. It was difficult for him to 
determine what the Federal move would be. 
His railroad must be held at all hazards from 
Gen. Sherman. The amount of Gen. Hooker's 
force he could distinctly see. He reenforced 
his right very heavily, leaving enough to hold 
his left and front, as he supposed. On the 
25th, "Wednesday, Gen. Sherman commenced 
to move. Two hills were taken. From the 
third he was several times repulsed, and he 
moved around more force, as if to get in rear 
of Gen. Bragg's line, and the latter then com- 
menced massing against him. The critical mo- 
ment had now arrived. Gen. Hooker moved 
his columns along the Rossville road toward 
Gen. Bragg's left, and this drew still more force 
from the latter's centre. 

" General Grant now ordered Gen. Thomas 
to advance and take the rifle-pits at the base 
of the mountain. The Army of the Cumber- 
land, remembering Chickaraauga and impatient 
by reason of remaining spectators of the opera- 
tions of Gens. Sherman and Hooker for two 
days, went forward with a will; drove the 
enemy in disorder from his lower works ; and 
went on, heedless of the heavy artillery and 
musketry hurled against them from the crest 
of the ridge. Half-way up they seemed to 
falter, but it was only for breath. Without 
returning a shot they kept on, crowned the 
ridge, captured thirty-five out of the forty-four 
pieces of artillery on the hill, turned some of 
them against the masses in Gen. Sherman's 
front, and the routed line fell back, while the 
rest of Gen. Bragg's army, including Bragg and 
Hardee, fled, routed and broken, toward Ring- 
gold. Thousands of prisoners and small arms 
and quantities of munitions of war were taken. 
Gen. Hooker took up the pursuit, and that 
night Mission Eidge blazed resplendent with 
Union camp-fires. The next day Gen. Hooker 
pushed the enemy to Einggold, where he made 
a show of stubborn resistance, but was forced 
to retire. Gens. Sherman and Howard pushed 
for the railroad, which they smashed com- 
pletely. About sixty pieces of artillery and a 
thousand prisoners were captured." When the 
attack was planned, orders were sent to Gen. 
Bnrn.side to lure Gen. Longstreet as far away 
as possible, and fall back to a position where 
he could stand a siege and subsist from the 
country. Some skirmishes with the enemy 
still in East Tennessee, had previously taken 
place. On the 21st of September, one occur- 
red between Col. Foster and a body of the en- 
emy near Bristol, and on the 10th and 11th of 
October a sharp engagement took place at 
Blue Springs. The enemy was defeated with 
a heavy loss in killed and wounded, and one 
hundred and fifty ])risoners. The Federal loss 
was about one hundred. Subsequently Gen. S. 



Jones, who had held a threatening position 
with a small force of the enemy near the Vir- 
ginia line, moved down on the north side of 
the Holston river to Eogersville, with some 
three thousand five hundred cavalry, and sur- 
prised the garrison at that place, and captured 
four pieces of artillery, thirty-six wagons, and 
six hundred and fifty men. 

Previous to the advance of Gen. Longstreet 
into East Tennessee, Gen. Burnside had occu- 
pied Philadelphia, and other points on the 
south side of the Holston river with small gar- 
risons. Some of these forces were surprised 
and six or seven guns captured, with forty 4 
wagons, and between six and seven hundred 
prisoners. The remainder retreated to Lou- 
don. Upon receiving the orders from Gen. 
Grant, Gen. Burnside moved from Knoxville 
toward Loudon, to meet Gen. Longstreet. The 
latter placed his main force on the north side 
of the river Holston, but sent his cavalry up 
the south side, expecting that it would slip 
into Knoxville during Gen. Burnside's absence, 
and thus compel him to make a flank retreat. 
But the cavalry of Gen. Burnside was also on 
the south side of the Holston with a small force 
of infantry, and they fell back into the works, 
thus covering the town on that side. Gen. 
Burnside also fell back to Campbell's Station, 
and made a stand. A contest ensued for sev- 
eral hours in which Gen. Longstreet was re- 
pulsed. Gen. Burnside then withdrew to the 
neighborhood of Knoxville, and fortifled his 
position. Gen. Longstreet then came up and 
commenced a siege. Xnoxville was surrounded 
by Gen. Longstreet on the 17th and 18th of 
November. A constant fire was kept up on 
the line of Gen. Burnside until the evening of 
the 28th, when an attack was proposed on a 
small fort mounting six guns, on a hill near the 
town, and commanding the approaches to it on 
that side of the river. The fort was occupied 
by the 29th Massachusetts, the 79th New York 
and two companies of the 2d, and one of tho 
20th Michigan. On its front and flanks was 
once a thick field of pines, which had been cut 
down with the tops falling in all directions, 
making an almost impassable mass of brush 
and timber. A space around the fort was 
cleared. The ditch in front was about ten 
feet deep, and parapet nearly twenty feet higli. 
The assault was made near daylight, on the 
29th, by the Confederate brigades of Gens. 
Bryan and Humphi'ey, with a party from Wol- 
ford's. The enemy advanced in three lines and 
made the attack fiercely, but all attempts to 
scale the sides of the fort failed, and they were 
finally repulsed with a loss of two hundred 
killed and wounded, and several hundred made 
prisoners. Meantime the force of Gen. Burn- 
side was closely pressed, and provisions became 
so scarce, that his troops were put on half ra- 
tions of bread. 

After the battle of Chattanooga, the pur- 
suit of the enemy was discontinued through 
want of strong animals to draw the artillery 



MILITARY AKD NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



469 




470 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



and supply trains ; but Gen. Sherman being re- 
enforced by the eleventh corps, and a part of 
the fourth, commenced liis march for Ivnoxville. 
Five miles above Loudon at Davis's Ford, the 
eleventh corps crossed the Little Tennessee, 
and at Morgantown seven miles further up, the 
fourth and his own corps crossed. The eleventh 
moved on the next day to Louisville, a distance 
of thirty-one miles. The other troops moved 
to Marysville. All were on the south side of 
the Holston. On the night of Deeember 3d, 
the cavalry of Gen. Sherman reached Knox- 
ville. This movement turned the flank of Gen. 
Longstreet, and he raised the siege and re- 
treated toward Eutledge on that night. On 
the next day, the fourth arrived at Knoxville, 
and in conjunction with Gen. Burnside's forces 
immediately commenced a pursuit. Gen. Long- 
street fell back into the border of Virginia, and 
took a strong position. Gen. Burnside was sub- 
sequently relieved from the command of the De- 
partment of the Ohio at his own urgent request, 
and Gen. Foster assigned to its command. 

It was during this siege that Gen. Averill 
advanced from Western Virginia, and cut the 
communications of Gen. Longstreet, as here- 
atfer stated. 

The other military operations of the year 
1863, were, with the exception of the attack 
on Charleston, of a less conspicuous and im- 
portant character. Some of them, however, 
Avere designed to be made in cooperation with 
the principal movements above stated. 

Upon the departure of Gen. Longstreet's 
corps to reenforce Gen. Bragg, the remainder 
of Gen. Lee's army near Orange Court House, 
in Virginia, assumed a threatening attitude 
against Gen. Meade, and manoeuvred to turn 
his left flank while at Culpepper Court House. 
At this time Gen. Hooker had left with nearly 
two corps to reenforce Gen. Eosecrans in Ten- 
nessee. The forward movement on the part 
of the Confederate army commenced on Thurs- 
day, October 8th, when Gens. Anderson and 
Heth moved their divisions from the vicinity 
of Peyton's Ford and Eapidan Bridge, up to 
and beyond Orange Court House. On Friday 
morning Gen. Wilcox's brigade moved from 
Barnett's Ford, and forming the rear of Lieut. - 
Gen. A. P. Hill's column, the troops proceeded 
to Madison Court House. At the same time, 
the corps of General Ewell followed, consist- 
ing of the divisions of Gens. Ehodes, Johnson, 
and Early. Meanwhile a show of force was 
still kept up in front of Gen. Meade on the 
Eapidan, by burning heavy camp lires, and 
maintaining the regular picket force in front. 
In the afternoon Gen. Stuart's cavalry began 
to advance, keeping on the right of tlie infan- 
try, and rested at night near Madison Court 
House. On Saturday, the 10th, the infantry 
crossed the Eobinson river near Criglersville, 
and soon after a skirmish took ])lace between 
Gen. Stuart and a body of New York infantry, 
in which many of the latter were made pris- 
oners. 



Gen. Meade was now aware of the object of 
the enemy, and by Saturday night his whole 
force had left Culpepper and was falling back. 
His march was along the line of the railroad 
running from Alexandria. The enemy were 
encountered at times, and occasionally skir- 
mishing ensued, but a general engagement was 
avoided. 

On the 11th the main body of Gen. Lee's 
army reached Culpepper, and were compelled 
to halt during tlie day to furnish provision to 
the troops. On his advance Gen. Lee had left 
Gen. Fitz Lee with his division of cavalry and 
a detachment of infantry to hold his lines south 
of the Eapidan. This force was attacked by 
Gen. Buford on Saturday, and a sharp skirmish 
ensued ; but the enemy being reenforced by 
Gen. Stuart's troops, Gen. Buford fell back 
across the Eappahannock. 

On the 12th Gen. Lee advanced in two col- 
umns, Avith the design of reaching the Orange 
and Alexandria railroad north of the river, 
and intercepting the retreat of Gen. Meade. A 
cavalry skirmish occurred at Jeli'ersonton, but 
the Eappahannock at Warrenton Springs was 
reached that afternoon, when the passage was 
disputed by Federal cavalry and artillery. 
Upon the advance of a Confederate force 
these troops fell back. 

On Tuesday morning, the 13th, the march 
was resumed, and the two columns reunited 
at Warrenton in the afternoon, and halted. 
On the next morning the advance of Gen. Lee 
was continued, a portion of his army moving 
by way of New Baltimore toward Brist(je's 
Station, and the rest, accompanied by the 
main body of the cavalry, proceeding to the 
same point by Auburn and Greenwich. Near 
the former place a skirmish took place be- 
tween Gen. Ewell's advance and a body of 
Gen. Meade's troops. The retreat of Gen. 
Meade was conducted by direct parallel roads, 
while the enemy in their advance were com- 
pelled to march by diflScult and circuitous 
routes. They were thus unable to intercept 
the retreat. The rear guard of Gen. Meade 
consisted of the second corps, undtr Gen. 
Warren. It had reached Bristoe's Station, and 
about noon on the 14th it was suddenly at- 
tacked by Gen. Hill, who, with two brigades 
of the enemy, had arrived in advance. Gen. 
Warren immediately arranged his corps for 
action, and a sharp struggle ensued, which 
lasted for some hours, when the enemy were 
repulsed with a loss of five guns and a large 
number killed, wounded, and four hundred 
and fifty made prisoners. The Federal loss 
was filty-one killed, and three hundred and 
fifty-nine wounded. After remaining in pos- 
session of the field during the night, the sec- 
ond corps fell back across Broad Eun. Gen. 
Meade tlien fortified his position beyond Bull 
Eun, extending his line toward the Little 
Eiver turnpike. The enemy now ceased to 
advance further. Gen. Meade held a strong 
position, and if it could have been turned by 



MILITAKY AND iTAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOK 



471 



the enemy he ceroid readily have retired to the 
intra Qchments ai'ound Washington and Alex- 
andria. After destroying the railroad from 
Cub Run southwardly to the Rappahannock, 
the enemy retreated on the 18th to the line of 
that river, leaving their cavalry in front of 
Gen. Meade. 

During the next day the cavalry of Gen. 
Meade advance^, before whom Gen. Stuart 
retired, until an attack was made on their 
flank, near Buckland, by Gen. Fitz Lee, who 
had moved from Auburn. A severe action 
ensued, and the enemy advanced nearly to 
Haymarket and Gainesville, where the in- 
fantry were encountered, and the former re- 
tired. 

When the advance of Gen. Lee from the 
Rapidan commenced, orders were sent to Gen. 
Imboden to advance down the Shenandoah val- 
ley and guard the gaps of the mountains on the 
Confederate left. Having performed this duty 
he marched on the 18th upon Oharlestown, 
and, surrounding the place, captured nearly 
all of the force stationed there, with their 
stores and transportation. Upon an advance 
of the force at Harper's Ferry, Gen. Imboden 
retired with his booty. 

Gen. Halleck states the loss in the cavalry 
corps during these operations to have been 74 
by casualties and 885 missing. Gen. Lee states 
that in the course of these operations 2,436 
prisoners were captured, of which 436 were 
taken by Gen. Imboden. The loss of the en- 
emy is not stated. 

On the Tth of November Gens. Sedgwick 
and French attacked the enemy at Rappahan- 
nock Station and Kelly's Ford, and captured 
several redoubts, four guns, eight battle flags, 
and about two thousand prisoners. The Fed- 
eral loss in killed and wounded was three hun- 
dred and seventy. 

About the 20th of November an advance was 
made by Gen. Meade from the position held 
at that time, under the impression that Gen. 
Lee was either retreating south from the Rapi- 
dan, or was preparing for a movement in some 
other quarter. The intention was to ascertain 
the position of Gen. Lee's forces, and to bring 
on a contest with them. Upon this advance 
the enemy fell back and took up a strong posi- 
tion behind Mine Run, southwest of Chancel- 
lorsville. The strength of the position, and 
the risks attending an assault, were such that 
the army of Gen. Meade withdrew from the 
front of the enemy, and resumed its previous 
camps around Brandy Station, on the Orange 
and Alexandria railroad. 

In West Virginia the force was too small 
during the year to attempt any important cam- 
paign by itself; but it acted mainly on the de- 
fensive, in repelling raids of the enemy and 
breaking up bands of guerillas. 

When Gen. Lee's army retreated across the 
Potomac in July last, Brig.-Gen. Kelly concen- 
trated all his available force on the enemy's 
flank, near Clear Springs, ready to cooperate 



in the proposed attack by Gen. Meade. They 
also rendered valuable services in the j)ursuit 
after Gen. Lee had effected his passage of the 
river. 

On the 24th of July Col. Toland attacked the 
enemy at Wytheville, on the East Tennessee and 
Virginia railroad, capturing two pieces of artil- 
lery, TOO muskets, and 125 prisoners. Our loss 
was 17 killed and 61 wounded. The enemy's 
killed and wounded were reported to be 75. 

In August Gen. Averill attacked a force of 
the enemy under Gen. Sam. Jones, at Rocky 
Gap, in Greenbrier county, capturing one gun, 
150 prisoners, and killing and wounding some 
200. The Federal loss in killed, wounded, and 
missing, was 130. 

On the 11th of September Gen. Imboden at- 
tacked a small force of Federal troops at Moore- 
field, wounding 15 and capturing about 150. 

On the 5th of November Gen. Averill at- 
tacked and defeated the enemy near Lewis- 
burg, capturing three pieces of artillery, 100 
prisoners, and a large number of small arms, 
wagons, and camp equipage. The enemy's 
loss in killed and wounded was estimated at 
300. 

In December, Gen, Averill, with the 2d, 3d, 
and 8th Virginia mounted infantry, 14th Penn- 
sylvania, Dobson's battalion of cavalry, and 
Ewing's battery, advanced into Southwestern 
Virginia, and, on the 16th, destroyed the Vir- 
ginia and Tennessee railroad at Salem. At 
the same place three depots were destroyed, 
containing 2,000 barrels of flour, 10,000 bush- 
els of wheat, 100,000' bushels of shelled corn, 
50,000 bushels of oats, 2,000 barrels of meat, 
several cords of leather, 1,000 sacks of salt, 31 
boxes of clothing, 20 bales of cotton, a large, 
amount of harness, shoes, and saddles, equip- 
ments, tools, oil, tar, and various other stores, 
and 100 wagons. The telegraph wire was cut, 
coiled, and burned for a half mile. The water 
station, turn-table, and three cars were burned, 
the track torn up, and the rails heated and de- 
stroyed as much as possible, in six hours. Five 
bridges and several culverts were destroyed 
over an extent of fifteen miles. A large quan- 
tity of bridge timber and repairing materials 
were also destroyed. On returning, Gen. Av- 
erill found six separate commands under Gens. 
Early, Jones, Fitz Lee, Imboden, Jackson, and 
Echols, arranged in a line extending from 
Staunton to Newport, on aU the available 
roads, to intercept him. Having captured a 
despatch of the enemy, by which their posi- 
tions were made known. Gen. Averill marched 
from the front of Jones to that of Jackson dur- 
ing the night, crossed the river and pressed in 
the latter 's outposts, and passed him. In the 
meantime, forces were concentrating upon Gen. 
Averill at a place called Calaghan's, over every 
available road but one, which was deemed im- 
practicable. Over this one he crossed the top 
of the Alleghanies with his command, and ar- 
rived at Beverly on the 21st, with a loss of six 
drowned, four wounded, and nicety missing, 



472 



MILITAEY-AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION". 



and having captured about two hundred prison- 
ers and one hundred and fifty horses. 

In North Carolina, during the year 1863, no 
important operations were carried on against 
the enemy iu consequence of the weakness of 
the Federal force. It acted chiefly on the de- 
fensive, and held the important positions which 
had been previously captured. 

In March the Confederate general, Pettigru, 
■with a large force of infantry and artillery, 
made an unsuccessful demonstration on New- 
born. The loss of Gen. Foster, in command of 
the Federal forces, was two killed and four 
wounded. In April, Gen. Hill laid siege to 
"Washington, on the Tar river. The town had 
only a small garrison and was slightly fortified. 
Gen. Foster, who was there at the time, caused 
the works to be so strengthened, that they were 
held until rel-nforcemeuts arrived from New- 
bern to raise the siege. 

In May an expedition was sent against a 
camp of the enemy at Gum Swamp, which 
captured one hundred and sixty-five prisoners 
and military stores. In July another expedi- 
tion was sent against Eocky Mount on the Tar 
river, which destroyed the bridge at that place, 
and a large amount of property belonging to 
the enemy. No further operations of import- 
ance took place in North Carolina during the 
year. The Department of North Carolina was 
united with that of Virginia, under the com- 
mand of Gen. Dix, until the latter was trans- 
ferred to the command of the Department of 
the East, when Gen. Foster assumed the com- 
mand. The latter was subsequently transferred 
to the Department of the Ohio, and Gen. B. F. 
Butler appointed to the command of the De- 
partment of Virginia and North Carolina. 

After abandoning the siege of "Washington 
in April, Gen. Hill marched toward Nanse- 
mond to reenforce Gen. Longstreet, who was 
investing Sufiblk, in Southeastern Virginia. 
Upon failing in his direct assault upon the 
place, Gen. Longstreet began to establish bat- 
teries for its redaction. The defence of the 
place was conducted by Gen. Peck, under the 
command of Gen. Dix, who made every prepa- 
ration of which it was capable, and retarded 
the construction of the enemy's works until 
the attempt was finally abandoned. The Fed- 
eral loss daring these operations was forty -four 
killed, two hundred and one wounded, and four- 
teen missing. They captured four hundred 
prisoners. 

About the 20th of June, while Gen, Lee was 
advancing into Pennsylvania, all the available 
forces under the command of Gen. Dix, being 
about eighteen thousand men, were moved up 
the York river and landed at the Whitehouse, 
for the purpose of threatening Eichmond, of 
destroying the railroad bridges over the South 
and North Anna rivers, which were on Gen. 
Lee's line of communication, and doing as much 
damage as possible to the enemy, besides occu- 
pying the attention of a large body of his force. 
One of the bridges over the South Anna was 



destroyed by an expedition under Col. Spear, 
and the quartermaster's depot at Hanover Sta- 
tion. On his return he brought back thirty- 
five army wagons, seven hundred horses and 
mules, and Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, the son of Gen. 
E. E. Lee, as a prisoner. The other bridge 
over the South Anna -was not destroyed, but 
the railroad track between it and Eichmond 
was torn up for a considerable distance, and 
the bridge at Ashland Station, on the same 
road, eleven miles out of Eichmond, was com- 
pletely demolished and burned, as also the de- 
pot. After remaining at the Whitehouse three 
days. Gen, Dix received orders to return with 
his forces for the purpose of reenforcing Gen. 
Meade. At that time he had completely cut 
ofl:' Gen. Lee's communications with Eichmond 
by way of the two railroads crossing the South 
Anna river, and had control of the whole coun- 
try from the Pamunkey to the Eappahannock. 

The small force in the Department of the 
South caused a suspension of active oper- 
ations until March, 1863. An attack upon Fort 
Sumter and Charleston had long been con- 
templated by the Navy Department, and it was 
represented that the operation of the ironclads 
would be greatly aided by a land force pre- 
pared to assist the attack, and to occupy any 
work reduced by the navy. 

Gen, Foster was, therefore, sent with a con- 
siderable force and a large siege equipage to 
assist the naval attack. But not proving ac- 
ceptable to Gen. Hunter, then in command, he 
returned to North Carolina, leaving his troops 
and siege equipage. The naval attack on the 
fort was made upon April 7th, and is described 
elsewhere, but was rather unsuccessful, and 
notliing apparently remained to be done by the 
land forces. It was now represented by the 
Navy Department that a second attack upon 
Fort Sumter and Charleston was preparing, 
and that its success required the military oc- 
cupation of Morris Island, and the establish- 
ment of land batteries on that island to assist 
in the reduction of the fort. As this was a 
task requiring engineering skill, it was assign- 
ed to Gen. Q. A. Gillmore, who took the com- 
mand of the department. On the night of the 
3d of July he commenced his advance upon 
Charleston by the movement of troops to Folly 
Island. There they remained as secret as pos- 
sible, and erected batteries to cover those of the 
enemy on the south ends of Morris Island. On 
the 10th the entire force which was required 
having arrived, the batteries opened upon the 
enemy, and Avhen their guns were silenced a 
charge was made by the infantry, who had 
crossed to the island in boats, and the works 
captured. A despatch from Gen. Gillmore thus 
reports his movements : 

ITeadqcaiitf.rs department of the South, I 
In the Field, Morris Island, S. C, July 12lh, 1863, J 
Major-General IT. W. Ilallech, General-in-Cliief : 

Sir: I have the honor to report that at five o'clock 
on the mornlno; of the 10th instant I made an attack 
upon the enemy's fortitied position on the south end 
of Morris Island, and, after an engagement of three 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



473 




hours and a quarter, captured all his strongholds upon 
that part of the island, and pushed forward ray infan- 
try to within six hundred yards of Fort Wagner. 

We now hold all the island except about one mile on 
the north end, which includes Fort Wagner and a bat- 
tery on Cummings' Point, mounting at the present 
time fourteen or tifteen heavy guns in the aggregate. 

The assaulting column was gallantly led by Brig.- 
Gen. Strong. It landed in small boats under cover of 
my batteries on Folly Island and four monitors led 
by Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, which entered the main 
channel abreast of Morris Island soon after our bat- 
teries opened. The monitors continued their fire dur- 
ing the day mostly on Fort Wagner. 

On the morning of the 11th instant, at daybreak, an 
effort was made to carry Fort Wagner by assault. The 
parapet was gained, but the supports recoiled under 
the fire to which they were exposed and could not be 
got up. Our loss in both actions will not vary much 
from one hundred and fifty in killed, wounded, and 
prisoners. We have taken eleven pieces of heavy ord- 
nance and a large quantity of camp equipage. 

The enemy's loss in killed, wounded, and missing, 
will not fall short of two hundred. 

Q. A. GILLMORE, Brig.-Gen. Commanding. 

The portion of Morris Island not yet taken 
by Gen, Gillmore was well fortified. Fort 
Wagner was a strong work, constructed of im- 
mense timbers and rafters covered over with 
earth and sand some twenty feet thick. Its 
distance from Fort Sumter in an air line was 
about a mile and a half, and four and a half 
miles from Charleston. On the part of the 
island called Cummings' Point was Battery 
Gregg, about three-fourths of a mile from Fort 



Sumter. Morris Island is about five miles 
long and some three or four miles wide. 
Along the sea coast is an irregular ridge made 
of sand heaps, which is about half a mile wide, 
the rest of the island is low, level, marshy land, 
much of which is flooded at high tide. The 
Confederate forces on the island were under the 
command of Brig.-Gen. Harrison, of Georgia; 
Fort Sumter, which stands within the entrance, 
and nearly in the centre of tlie harbor, was 
under the command of Col. Rhett. Tlie walls 
were protected by tiers of sand bags in the in- 
side, some twenty feet thick, thus making an 
obstruction of brick and sand some twenty-six 
feet. Fort Moultrie is nearly opposite Sumter, 
on the north side of the harbor, and distant 
about one and one-fourth miles. Up the hai*- 
bor on the southern side is Fort Johnson, one 
and one-fourth miles distant. About a mile 
beyond, in the middle of the harbor, on the 
" middle ground," is Fort Ripley. Castle Pink- 
ney is in the same line, and on the north side 
of the harbor at the mouth of the Cooper river. 
There were, in addition, numerous batteries at 
various points on all the islands and the front 
of the city, and also works facing the land at- 
tack on James Island. The whole number of 
guns in position and afloat for the defence of 
Charleston, was estimated at three hundred 
and seventy-six. 
The naval force under Admiral Dupont, com- 



474 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



posing the Soutli Atlantic blockading squadron, 
consisted of sixty-one vessels of all classes, 
mounting three hundred and ninety-six puns. 
But iron clads, carrying in all about thirty- 
four guns, were expected to take the active 
part in the operations in the harbor. 

After the failure of the assault upon Fort 
Wagner, Gen. Gillmore set to work to bring his 
heavy guns into position, not only for an at- 
tack upon Wagner, but upon all the works of 
the enemy, and also to throw shells into 
Charleston. The form of the contest now con- 
sisted in pushing forward the siege works and 
annoying the enemy as much as possible with 
sharpshooters and shells. The enemy acted 
in the same manner. Fort Johnson night and 
day threw shells, which burst above the work- 
men in tlie trenches. Wagner was kept quiet 
by the ship Ironsides and the monitors, while 
tliese in turn were attacked by the guns of 
Gregg and Sumter. 

On the 18th of July, about twelve heavy 
guns were in position, besides eight or ten 
mortars, within eight hundred yards of Fort 
Wagner, and Gen. Gillmore determined on 
making another attack. It was commenced at 
noon by Gen. Gillmore's batteries and the fri- 
gate Ironsides; five monitors, two mortar 
schooners, and three wooden gunboats soon 
joined in. The enemy replied briskly from 
Fort Wagner, Battery Bee, beyond Ctiuimings's 
Point, and the guns on the southwestern face 
of Fort Sumter. Their fire was chiefly direct- 
ed against the vessels, occasionally a shell was 
thrown at the batteries. Soon after four o'clock 
the fire of Fort Wagner ceased. It was known 
that one gun had been dismounted and another 
was supposed to have exploded. Under the 
impression that the works were evacuated, an- 
other attempt to occupy them was determined 
upon. For this purpose two brigades consist- 
ing of the 7th Connecticut regiment, the 3d 
New Hampshire, the 9th Maine, the 76th Penn- 
sylvania, and the 48th New York, under Brig.- 
Gen. Strong, and the 7th New Hampshire, 6th 
Connecticut, G2d Ohio, 100th New York, and 
54th Massachusetts (colored), under Col. Put- 
nam, were ordered forward from behind the 
sand hills. The brigades were formed in line 
on the beach, with the regiments disposed in 
columns, the colored regiment being in advance. 
This movement was observed at Fort Sumter, 
and a fire was opened on the troops but with- 
out effect. At dark the order was given for 
both brigades to advance. Gen. Strong's lead- 
ing and Col. Putnam's within supporting dis- 
tance. The troops went forAvnrd at quick time 
and in silence, until tlie 54th Massachusetts, 
led by Col. Shaw, was within two hundred 
yards of the work, when the men gave a fierce 
yell and rushed up the glacis, closely followed 
by the other regiments of the brigade. 

The enemy, hitherto silent, opened upon 
them furiously Avith grape, canister, and a con- 
tinuous fusilade of small arras. The negroes, 
however, plunged on, and many of them cross- 



ed the ditch, although it contained four feet of 
water, gaining the parapet. They were dis- 
lodged, however, in a few minutes with hand 
grenades, and retired, leaving more than one- 
half of their number, including their colonel, 
dead upon the field. The 6th Connecticut regi- 
ment, xmder Lieut.-Com. Rodman, was next in 
support of the 54th, and they also sufl'ered ter- 
ribly, being compelled to retire after a stub- 
born contest. The 9th Maine, which was next 
in line, was broken up by the passage of the rem- 
nant of the repulsed colored regiment through 
its lines, and retired in confusion, excepting 
three companies which stood their ground. 

It now devolved upon the 3d New Hamp- 
shire regiment to push forward, and, led by 
Gen. Strong and Col. Jackson in person, they 
dashed up against the fort. Three companies 
gained the ditch, and wading through the 
water, found shelter against the embankment. 
Here was the critical point of the assault, and 
the second brigade, which should have been up 
and ready to support their comrades of the first, 
were unaccountably delayed. Gen. Strong then 
gave the order to fall back and lie down on the 
glacis, which was obeyed, without confusion. 

While waiting here, exposed to the heavy 
fire. Gen. Strong was wounded. Finding that 
the supports did not come, Gen. Strong gave 
the order for his brigade to retire, and the men 
left the field in perfect order. 

Soon afterward the other brigades cnme on, 
and made up for their tardiness by their valor. 
Rushing impetuously up the glacis, undeterred 
by the fury of tlie enemy, whose fire was not 
intermitted, several of the regiments succeeded 
in crossing the ditch, scaling the parapet, and 
descending into the fort. Here a hand-to-hand 
conflict ensued. The troops fought with des- 
peration, and were able to drive the enemy 
from one side of the work to seek shelter be- 
tween the traverses, while they held possession 
for something more than an hour. This piece 
of gallantry was unfortunately of no advantage. 
The enemy rallied, and, having received reen- 
forcements, made a charge upon them and ex- 
pelled them from their position by the force of 
numbers. One of the regiments engaged in 
this brilliant dash was the 48th New York, 
Col. Barton, and it came out almost decimated. 
The 48th was among the first to enter the fort, 
and was fired upon by a regiment that gained 
the parapet some minutes later, under the sup- 
position that it was the enemy. About mid- 
night the order was given to retire, and the 
troops fell back to the rifle pits outside of their 
own works. The loss in killed, wounded, and 
missing, was fifteen hundred and thirty. 

Gen. Gillmore now made his preparations to 
bombard both Wagner and Sumter, and the 
city of Charleston. 

Meantime a correspondence took place be- 
tween the opposing commanding oflSicers. 

Under date of Headquarters Department of South 
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, Charleston, S. C, July 
4th, 1863, Gen. Beauregard says that it is bis duty, in 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF TEE REBELLION. 



475 



the interests of humanity, to address Gen. Gillmore, 
with a view of effecting some understanding as to the 
future conduct of the war in this quarter. And then, 
after alluding to the expedition set on foot by his pre- 
decessor, Maj.-Gen. Hunter, to the Combuhee river, 
which seized and carried away negro skives otf planta- 
tions on its banks, ravaged the phiutations, &c., he 
says he does not propose to enter upon a discussion 
touching that species of pilhiging, but desires to ac- 
quaint Gen. Gilhnore formally tliat more than one plan- 
tation was pillaged, buildings burned, and crops de- 
stroyed—acts which were not rendered necessary by 
anv militarv exigency. 

I'lien he takes "up the question of the employment of 
negroes, and quotes Napoleon, to show the " atrocious 
consequences which ever resulted in the employment 
of a merciless, servile race as soldiers ; " that Napoleon 
refused to employ the serfs in his campaign against 
Russia, because lie dreaded the results of a civil or in- 
testine war. He characterizes all who call to their aid 
such material, in the lau!;;uage of the publicists, as 
barbarians, &c. In conclusion, he asks whether the 
acts which resulted in the burning of the villages of 
Darien, Ga., and Blnffton, and the ravages on the 
Combahee, are regarded by Gen. Gillmore as legitimate 
measures of war, which he will feel authorized to resort 
to hereafter. 

Gen. Gillmore addresses Gen. Beauregard from Mor- 
ris Island, under date of July 13th. He states that, while 
he and his Government will scrupulously endeavor to 
conduct the war upon principles established by usage 
among civilized nations, he shall expect from the com- 
manding general opposed to him full compliance with 
the same rules, in their unrestricted application to all 
the forces under his command. 

Gen. Beauregard, under the date of July 22d, 1863, 
Bays he is at a loss to perceive the necessity for the re- 
mark that Gen. Gillmore will expect from him "full 
compliance with the same rules established by usages 
of civilized nations, &c., in their unrestricted applica- 
tion to all his forces," inasmuch as he is wholly una- 
ware that any departure from the same has ever been 
alleged on his part, or by any of his troops, from the 
established laws and usages between civilized peoples; 
and then he calls for more specific charges. 

In reply to Gen. Beauregard's despatch of the 22d 
ultimo, Gen. Gillmore, on the 5th of August, after noti- 
cing the remark of Gen. Beauregard that he was at a 
loss to perceive the necessity for his statement that he 
(Gen. G.) should expect a full compliance on his (Gfen. 
B.'s) part with the same rules, &c., in their unrestrict- 
ed application to all the forces under his command, 
states that he considered his remarks as ]iertinent and 
proper at the time. Events, he adds, since transpired, 
show them to have been eminently so. In proof he 
quotes the circumstances of agreement for mutual pa- 
roling and returning to their respective commands 
the wounded prisoners in our hands. " Yon declined," 
Gen. Gillmore goes on to say, "to return the wounded 
officers and men belonging to my colored regiments, 
and your subordinate in charge of the exchange as- 
serted that the question had been left for after consider- 
ation." He could but regard this transaction as a pal- 
pable breach of faith on Gen. Beauregard's part, and 
a flagrant violation of Gen. B.'s pledges as an officer. 

The first works erected by Gen. GiUmore af- 
ter taking possession of Morris Island, were the 
construction of parallels. These extended from 
the beach on the right to the marsh on the left. 
The first was distant from Fort Wagner one 
thousand two hundred yards. The second, and 
principal one, was so constructed that its left 
was six hundred and seven yards from Wag- 
ner, and its right seven hundred and fifty 
yards. The third was four hundred and twenty- 
five yards from Wagner. The parallels were 
built in an oblong direction with the length of 



the island, having the highest points resting on 
the marsh. The rifle pits forming the founda- 
tion of the first parallel were thrown up shortly 
after the troops gained possession of the lower 
part of the island. These pits were thrown np 
in a single night, and used first in the attack 
on Fort Wagner, on July 18th. The interstices 
Avere subsequently filled, and the first parallel 
constructed. It was two hundred and twenty- 
five yards. The length of the second parallel 
was three hundred and twenty-five yards. 
The siege guns used for the offensive were 
mounted in the rear of this parallel. Its dis- 
tance from Fort Sumter was three thousand 
three hundred and fifty yards. The third 
parallel was one hundred yards in length. 
On the left of the parallels earthworks were 
constructed, containing guns of heavy caliber. 
Their mean distance from Fort Sumter was 
four thousand one hundred yards. Still farther 
to the left, on the marsh, another earthwork 
was constructed facing Fort Sumter. On this 
was mounted a gun called "Swamp Angel." 
The " Marsh " is a vast growth of cane, border- 
ing on Light House Inlet and Morris Island, 
directly facing James Island, which runs par- 
allel with Morris Island. It is about a mile wide, 
and borders the island nearly its whole length. 
At low tide it is dry, but at high water there is 
about four feet of water over its whole extent. 
Scows were procured and loaded with bags of 
sand, and at every tide floated into the marsh, 
and piled on the selected spot. They sank 
down in their watery bed and rapidly disap- 
peared, but the process was still continued with 
each renewing tide, until an immense bank, 
towering six feet above the tops of the canes, 
was visible. Strong traverses were erected, 
and after due time given for it to settle, the 
gun was placed on one of the scows, and floated 
through the canes at high tide to the site of the 
battery, where it was moored and soon mount- 
ed, the work having all been done at night, it 
being in full view of Fort Johnson and James 
Island batteries. 

On the night of August 13th, the Federal 
works were advanced within four hundred and 
twenty yards of Wagner, vfilhout any suspi- 
cion of the enemy. Soon after daylight, a fire 
was opened from Wagner, Gregg, and Sumter, 
which continued for two hours, and answered 
with great vigor from the Federal batteries. 
On the 15th all the forts of the enemy from 
Johnson Island, on the left, to Fort Wagner, on 
the right, opened fire, and continued it at in- 
tervals of fifteen minutes. For the first time 
fire was opened npon Fort Sumter by the Fed- 
eral batteries. A 200-pounder Parrott was 
brought to bear on the fort, for the purpose of 
testing the powder to be used in these guns. 
Seven shots were fired, a distance of two and 
five-eiglith miles , the first three fell short, but 
of the remaining four, two went directly 
through the gorge wall, a short distance above 
the sally port, and two struck the parapet, and 
sent an immense amount of brick and mortar 



476 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



into the ditch and into the fort. The solid shot, 
which went tlirough, made lioles from four to 
five feet in diameter. 

On the mornhig of August 17th, Gen. Gill- 
more, having completed his batteries, which 
numbered about sixty pieces, and obtained the 
range, his guns opened fire upon Fort Sumter. 
The fleet consisting of the frigate Ironsides and 
the Monitors, aided by some wooden gunboats, 
made an attack, at the same time, upon Forts 
Gregg and Wagner. The latter was completely 
silenced, and the former nearly so. The Moni- 
tors Passaic and Patapsco tlien moved nearer 
to Fort Sumter, and opened fire on it. In the 
afternoon the fleet retired, except so much as 
was required to prevent remounting the guns 
in Fort Wagner. The fire from tlie batteries 
upon Fort Sumter continued through the day 
and night. 

The bombardment of Fort Sumter had now 
been regularly commenced by Gen. Gillmore. 
The following is the daily report by the enemy 
of its efi'ect : 

Charleston, Thursday, August iOth. 

The firing of the Parrott guns upon Fort Sumter to- 
day was exceedingly heavy, but not so accurate as here- 
tofore. About noon the flag was shot away, but soon 
replaced. No casualties are reported. Col. Alfred 
Rhett is commanding, and the garrison is stout- 
hearted. 

The battery of Parrott guns is distant from Sumter 
two five-eighth miles. The missiles used are 200-pound 
bolts, eight inches in diameter, two feet long, with flat 
heads of chilled iron. Shells of the same dimensions 
are also used. 

Up to Wednesday night, the third day of the attack, 
1,972 of these missiles struck Sumter, and including 
to-day 2,500 have struck. The damage is of course 
considerable, and for the last two days all the guns on 
the south face of the fort have been disabled. 

Yesterday, about four o'clock, the iron-clads formed 
in line of battle to renew the attack on Sumter, but the 
fort opened at long range from the east face, and they 
retired without attacking. To-day the Ironsides and 
two Monitors kept up a fire on Wagner at intervals, 
and the Yankee sappers have begun to make ap- 
proaches on that battery from the nearest work. A 
shot from Wagner disabled one of the Parrott guns, 
and the James Island batteries, under Lieut. Col. 
Yates, exploded two of the enemy's ammunition chests. 

Chaeleston, Friday, At/gust 21st. 

The fire of the enemy's land batteries has been 
heavier than ever to-day. A new battery of Parrott 
guns opened on Sumter this morning, and the fires 
have been concentrated upon the east battery and its 
guns. The south wall of the fort is now a pile of rub- 
bish. On the north the wall is also crumbling into 
a heap of ruins. The flag has been shot away twice 
to-day, and six times during the attack. The flag- 
staff is shot 00', and the flag flies from the ruins of the 
south wall. 

Just before sunset Sumter fired several shots at the 
Ironsides, which was engaging Battery Wagner. 

A Jlonitor this morning fired at Sumter while mak- 
ing a reconnoissance, but was not replied to. There is 
no report of casualties. 

The sappers are making a regular approach on Bat- 
tery Wagner. 

Charleston, Saturday, Azigust 22c?. 

From 5 o'clock a. m. until 7 o'clock p. m. yesterday, 
the enemy's fire on Fort Sumter was very heavy. Nine 
hundred and twenty-three shots were fired, and seven 
hundred and four .struck the fort, either outside or in- 
side. The eastern face of the fort was badly battered. 



Some guns on the east end and the northeast face 
were disabled. The flag was shot down four times. 
Five privates and two negroes were wounded. 

The enemy's fire on Waguer caused five casualties, 
including Capt. Robert Pringle, killed. 

At 11 o'clock last night a communication from the 
enemy, unsigned, was sent to Gen. Beauregard, de- 
manding the surrender of Sumter and the Jlorris Isl- 
and batteries, with a notification that the city would 
be shelled in four hours if the demand was not com- 
plied with. Gen. Beauregard was on a reconnoissance, 
and Gen. Jordan returned it for the signature of the 
writer. 

About two o'clock this morning the enemy began 
throwing shells into the city from a battery on the 
marsh between Morris and James Islands, and distant 
five miles from the city. Twelve 8-inch Parrott shells 
fell in the city, but caused no casualties. The transac- 
tion is regarded as an outrage on civilized warfare. 
The shelling had a good efl'ect in hastening the exodus 
of non-combatants. 

At daylight this morning the enemy opened fire 
vigorously on Sumter. The Ironsides has since open- 
ed. Sumter is replying. Wagner is firing briskly on 
the enemy's advanced works, 4=50 yards from our 
battery. 

Charleston, August 'iHd. 

The fire of the enemy's land batteries has been kept 
up on Fort Sumter, and more guns disabled. There was 
only one casualty. 

There was also a heavy fire on Battery Wagner from 
the fleet and land, also on Battery Gregg. The casual- 
ties at Wagner were one officer and four privates. 

Gen. Gillmore's demand for the surrender of Fort 
Sumter and Morris Island, with a threat to shell Charles- 
ton in four hours from the delivery of the paper at 
Wagner, was signed and returned at seven o'clock this 
morning. 

Gen. Beauregard, in his reply, charges inhumanity 
and violation ot the laws of war, and affirms that if the 
ofl'ence be repeated he will employ stringent measures 
of retaliation. 

Up to this time the threat to shell the city has not 
been executed. 

Chaeleston, Sunday, August 23(2. 

To-day the land batteries opened from south to 
north, and the Monitors from east to west, coming 
close up. The fire was very damaging. The east wall 
was cracked and breached, and the shot swept through 
the fort. A shell burst, wounding Lieut. Boylston, Col. 
Rhett, and three other officers. 

The fort is now in ruins. Col. Rhett is ordered to 
hold this outpost even as a forlorn hope, until relieved 
or taken. Col. Gaillard was killed. 

Gen. Gillmore sent a communication at 11 o'clock, 
giving notice that at 11 o'clock to-morrow he would 
open lire on Charleston. 

Charleston, Monday, August 2Uh. 
The enemy's fire on Sumter slackened to-day. The 
fleet has not participated. At 12 o'clock last night 
the enemy's guns opened fire on the city, firing fifteen 
S-inch Parrott shells. No casualties resulted. Non-com- 
batants are leaving the city in continuous streams. 

On the 24th of August, Gen. Gillmore sent 
the following despatches to Washington : 

nEADQHABTEES DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, ) 

Morris Island, S. C, August 2ith, 1863. J 
To Maj.-Gen. IT. W. Halhclc, General-in- Chief: 

SiK : I have the honor to report the practical demo- 
lition of Fort Sumter as the result of our seven days' 
bombardment of the work, including two daj-s of which 
a powerful northeasterly storm most seriously dimin- 
ished the accuracy of our fire. 

Fort Sumter is to-day a shapeless and harmless mass 
of ruins. My chief of artillery, Col. J. W. Turner, 
reports its destruction so far complete, that it is no 
longer of any " avail in the defence of Charleston." 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



477 



He also says that " by a longer fire it could be made 
more completely a ruin and a mass of broken masonry, 
but could scarcely be made more powerless for the de- 
fence of the harbor." 

My breaching batteries were located at distances 
ranging between S,320 and 4,240 yards from the works, 
and now remain as efficient as ever. I deem it unne- 
cessary, at present, to continue the fire upon the ruins 
of Fort Sumter. 

I have also, under a heavy fire from James Island, 
established batteries on my left, within effective range 
of the heart of Charleston city, and have opened with 
them, after giving Gen. Beauregard due notice of my 
intention to do so. 

My notification to Gen. Beauregard, his reply there- 
to, with the threat of retaliation, and my rejoinder, 
have been transmitted to the army headquarters. 

The projectiles from my batteries entered the city, 
and Gen. 13eauregard himself designates them as the 
" most destructive missiles ever used in war." 

The report of my chief of artillery, and an accurate 
sketch of the ruins of Fort Sumter, taken at 12 m. yes- 
terday, six hours before we ceased firing, are herewith 
transmitted. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Q. A. GILLMORE, 
• Brigadier-General Commanding. 
Office op CntEF of Aetillery, Df.partment of 1 
THE South, Moeeis Island, 3. C. > 
A ugust 2Zd, 1863. ) 
£rig.-Gen. Q. A. Gillmore, Commanding De'partment 
of the South, Morris Island, S. 0. : 

Genbral : I have the honor to report the effect that 
our breaching batteries have had upon Fort Sumter, 
and the condition of that work to-night, at the close of 
the seven days' bombardment. 

The gor^ wall of the fort is almost a complete mass 
of ruins. For the distance of several casemates about 
midway of this face the ramparts are removed nearly, 
and in places quite to the arches, and but for the sand 
bags, with which the casemates were filled, and which 
have served to sustain the broken arches and masses 
of masonry, it would have long since been entirely cut 
away, and with it the arches to the floor of the second 
tier of casemates. The debris on this point now forms 
a ramp reaching as high as the floor of the casemates. 



The parapet wall of the two northeasterly faces is com- 
pletely carried away, a small portion only b|^ng left in 
the angle made with the gorge wall, and thTramparts 
of these faces are also a total ruin. Quite one half of 
our projectiles seem to have struck the parade and 
parapet of these two faces, and judging from the eflect 
they have had upon the gorge wall within our obser- 
vation, the destruction of masonry on these two sides 
must be very great, and I am of opinion that nearly 
every arch in these fronts must be broken in. But 
one gun remains in position on these two fronts. This 
is in the angle of the gorge, and I think unserviceable. 

The ruin extends around, taking in the northeast- 
erly face as far as can be seen. A portion of this face 
adjoining the angle it makes with the southeasterly 
face is concealed, but from the great number of mis- 
siles which have struck in this angle during the last 
two days, it cannot be otherwise than greatly damaged, 
and I do not think any guns can be left on "this face in 
a serviceable condition. 

The ramparts on this angle, as well as in the south- 
easterly face, must be ploughed up and greatly shat- 
tered ; the parapet on this latter face being torn ofi" in 
many places, as we can see, and I hardly thiuk the 
platforms of the three remaining guns 6u this face 
could have escaped. 

With the assistance of a powerful glass, I cannot 
determine that more than one of these guns can be 
used. The carriages of the others are evidently more 
or less shattered, and such is the ruin of the parapet 
and parade in the immediate vicinity of this gun 
that it probably could not be served for any length of 
time. 

In fine, the destruction of the fort is so far complete 
that it is to-day of no avail in the defence of the harbor 
of Charleston ; by a longer fire it can be made more 
completely a ruin and a mass of broken masonry, but 
could scarcely be more powerless for the defence of the 
harbor. 

I therefore respectfully submit my opinion that a 
continuance of our fire is no longer necessarj', as giv- 
ing us no ends adequate for the consumption of our 
resources. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JOHN W. TURNER, 
Colonel and Chief of Artillery. 










I^'^^^'^ 

j*^ 



The correspondence mentioned in the pre- 
ceding despatch commenced on the 21st. On 
that day Gen. Gillmore addressed the following 
note to Gen. Beauregard : 

Headqitarteks Department of the South, ) 
MoKEis Island. S. C, August %Ut, 1 S6.3. ( 
To Gen. G. T. Beauregard, Commanding Confederate 
Forces, Charleston, 8. C. : 
General : I have the bnnor to demand of vou the 
immediate evacuation of Morris Island and Fort Sum- 
ter by the Confederate forces. The present condition 
of Fort Sumter, and the rapid and progressive destruc- 



tion which it is undergoing from my batteries, seem to 
render its complete demolition within a few hours a 
matter of certainty. All my heaviest guns have not yet 
opened. 

Should you refuse compliance with this demand, 
or should I receive no reply thereto within four hours 
after it is delivered into the hands of your subordinate 
at Fort Wagner for transmission, I shall open fire on 
the city of Charleston from batteries already estab- 
lished within easy and effective range of the heart of 
the city. 

I am. General, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
vant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Brig. -Gen. Commanding. 



478 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



To ttis note Gen. Beauregard replied as fol- 
lows : 

Headquaeters Department of SotiTn Carolina, ] 
Geoegia, and Florida, 



ENT OF SotiTn Carolina, ) 

i, Charleston, S. C, V 

August t2d, 1863. ) 



Sir : Last night, at fifteen minutes before eleven 
o'clock, during ray absence on a recounoissance of my 
fortifications, a communication was received at these 
headquarters, dated " Headquarters Department of the 
South, Morris Island, S.C., August 21st, 1863," demand- 
ing " the immediate evacuation of Morris Island and 
FortSumtcr by the Confederate forces," on the alleged 
grounds "that the present condition of Fort Sumter, 
and the rapid and progressive destruction which it is 
undergoing from my batteries, seem to render its com- 
plete demolition within a few hours a matter of cer- 
tainty ; " and that if this demand were " not complied 
with or no reply thereto received within four hours 
after it is delivered into the hands of your (my) sub- 
ordinate commander at Fort Wagner for transmission," 
a fire would be opened " on the city of Charleston 
from batteries already established within easy and ef- 
fective range of the heart of the city." This commu- 
nication to my address was without signature, and 
was of course returned. 

About half past one o'clock one of your batteries did 
actually open tire, and threw a number of heavy shells 
into the city, the inhabitants of which, of course, were 
asleep and unwarned. 

About nine o'clock this morning the communication 
alluded to above was returned to these headquarters, 
bearing your recognized official signature, aud it can 
now be noticed as your deliberate otficial act. 

Among nations, not barbarous, the usages of war 
prescribe that when a city is about to be attacked 
timely notice shall be given by the attacking com- 
mander, in order that nou-combatants may have an 
opportunity for withdrawing beyond its limits. Gen- 
erally the time allowed is from one to three days ; that 
is, time for the withdrawal in good faith of at least the 
women and children. You, sir, give only four hours, 
knowing that your notice, under existing circum- 
stances, could not reach me in less than two hours, 
and that not less than the same time would be required 
for an answer to be conveyed from this city to Battery 
Wagner. With this knowledge, you threaten to open 
fire on the city, not to oblige its surrender, but to 
force me to evacuate these works, which you, assisted 
by a great naval force, have been attacking in vain for 
more than forty days. 

Batteries Wagner and Gregg and Fort Sumter are 
nearly due north from your batteries on Morris Isl- 
and, and in distance therefrom varying from half a 
mile to two and a quarter miles. The city, on the 
other hand, is to the northwest, and quite live miles 
distant from the battery opened against it this morning. 

It would appear, sir, that, despairing of reducing 
these works, you now resort to the novel measure of 
turning your guns against the old men, the women, 
and children, and the hospitals of a sleeping city, an 
act of inexcusable barbarity from your own confessed 
point of sight, inasmuch as you allege that the com- 
plete demolition of Fort Sumter withiii a few hours by 
your guns seems to you " a matter of certainty." 

Your omission to attach j-our signature to such a 
grave paper must show the recklessness of the course 
upon which you have adventured; while the facts that 
you knowingly fixed a limit for receiving an answer 
to your demand, which made it almost beyond the 
possibility of receiving any reply within that time, and 
that you actually did open fire and throw a number of 
the most destructive missiles ever used in war into the 
midst of a city taken unawares, and filled with sleep- 
ing women and children, will give you a *' bad emi- 
nence" in historj^ even in the history of this war. 

I am only surprised, sir, at the limits you have set 
to your demands. If, in order to attain the abandon- 
ment of Morris Island and Fort Sumter, you feel au- 
thorized to fii'c on this city, why did you not also in- 
clude the works on Sullivan's and James's Island — 



nay, even the city of Charleston in the same de- 
mand ? 

Since you have felt warranted iu inaugurating this 
method of reducing batteries in j'our immediate 
front, which were found otherwise impregnable, and 
a mode of warfare which I confidently declare to be 
atrocious and unworthy of any soldier, I now sol- 
emnly warn you that if you fire again on the city 
from your Morris Island batteiies without giving 
a somewhat more reasonable time to remove non-com- 
batants, I shall feel impelled to employ such stringent 
means of retaliation as may be available during the 
continuance of this attack. 

Finall}^ I reply, that neither the works on Morris 
Island nor Fort Sumter will be evacuated on the de- 
mand you have been pleased to make. Already, how- 
ever, I am taking measures to remove all non-com- 
batants, who are now fully aware of and alive to what 
they may expect at your hands. 

RespectfuUv, your obedient servant, 

G. T. BEAUREGARD, Gen. Com'g. 

To this letter Gen. Gillmore made the follow- 
ing response : 

Department op the SorTir, Headquarters in 
TUE Field, Morris Island, S. C, 

August 11(1, 9 p. M. 

G. T. Beauregard, Commanding Confederate State 
Forces, Clcarleston, S. C. : 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of j'our communication of this date, complaining that 
one of my batteries has opened upon the city of Charles- 
ton, and thrown a number of heavy rifle shells into that 
city, the inhabitants of which, of course, were asleep 
and unwarned. 

My letter to you demanding the surrender of Fort 
Sumter and Morris Island, and threatening, in default 
thereof, to open fire upon Charleston, was delivered 
near Fort AVagner at 11.1.5 o'clock p. m. on the 21st in- 
stant, and should have arrived at your headquarters in 
time to have permitted your answer to reach me with- 
in the limit assigned, namely, four hours. 

The fact that you were absent from your headquar- 
ters at the time of its arrival may be regarded as an 
unfortunate circumstance for the city of Charleston, but 
it is one for which I clearly am not responsible. This 
letter bore date at my headquarters, and was officially 
delivered by an oflicer of my staff. The inadvertent 
omission of my signature doubtless affords ground for 
special pleading, but it is not the argument of a com- 
mander solicitous only for the safety of sleeping wo- 
men aud children and unarmed men. 

Your threats of retaliation for acts of mine, which 
j^ou do not allege to be in violation of civilized warfare, 
except as regards the length of time allowed as notice 
of my intentions, are passed by without comment. I 
will, however, call your attention to the well establish- 
ed principle, that the commander of a place attacked, 
but not invested, having its avenues of escape open 
and practicable, has no right to expect any notice of 
an intended bombardment other than that which is 
given by the threatening attitude of his adversaiy. 
Even had this letter not been written, the city of 
Charleston has had, according to j'our own computa- 
tion, forty daj"s' notice of her danger. During that 
time my attack upon her defences has steadily pro- 
gressed. The ultimate object of that attack has at no 
time been doubtful. 

If, under the circumstances, the life of a single non- 
combatant is exposed to peril by the bombardment of 
the city, the responsibility rests with those who have 
first failed to apprize the non-combatants, or secure the 
safety of the city, after having held control of all its 
approaches for a period of nearly two years and a half, 
in the presence of a threatening force, and who after- 
ward refused to accept the terms upon which the bom- 
bardment might have been postponed. From various 
sources, official and otherwise, I am led to believe that 
most of the women and children of Charleston were 
long since removed from the city. But, upon j-our as- 
surance that the city is still full of them, I shall sus- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



479 



pend the bombardment until 11 o'clock p. m. to-mor- 
row, thus giving you two days from the time you ac- 
knowledged to have received my communication of the 
21st instant. 
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Q. A. GILLMORE, 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 

The effect of the shells first fired at Charles- 
ton is thus described by a citizen : " Between 
one and two o'clock, Saturday morning, the 
enemy commenced firing on the city, arousing 
the people from their slumbers. Twelve 8-inch 
shells fell into the city, thirteen in all having 
been fired. Fortunately no person was injur- 
ed. Several shells flew in the direction of St, 
Michael's steeple, and fell either in the vacant 
lots in the burnt district on King street, or 
more generally struck in Queen and Rutledge, 
where an 8-inch shell tore up the plank-road, 
and dug a large hole in the ground. Another 
shot entered the warehouse of G. W. Williams 
and Co., at the corner of Hayne and Church 
streets, entered the roof, and exploded in the 
upper story, making a large opening in the 
brick wall of the Medical Purveyor's store- 
house next door, and scattering things in great 
confusion. Some loose straw or packing was 
set on fire by the explosion, which caused the 
alarm bell to ring, and brought out the firemen. 
It was extinguished with little elFort before it 
had made any progress. Four shells fell in this 
locality. One large piece was picked up and 
exhibited at the guard-house, where it was the 
subject of much curiosity. There was a good 
deal of excitement and some surprise expressed 
at the enemy being able to reach the city from 
his present position. The battery is located in 
the marsh between Morris and Black Islands, 
distant fully five miles from Charleston." 

On Wednesday, August 26th, Gen. Gillmore, 
having completed a fourth parallel and sap, 
which extended very close to Fort Wagner, 
determined to possess a ridge of sand which in- 
terposed, and was necessary to the Success of 
his operations. It was constantly occupied by 
a strong body of the enemy's pickets, and at 
night by a force protected by rifle pits. A bom- 
bardment of the position was made just before 
dark, after which it was carried by the 24th 
Massachusetts. One company of North Caro- 
lina troops was captured. On the Tth of Sep- 
tember, Morris Island was evacuated by the 
enemy, which is thus reported by Gen, Gill- 
more: 

Department op the South, Headquarters in I 
THE Field, September Ith, 1SG3. J 
Mah-Gen.H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief: 

General: I have the honor to report that Fort 
Wagner and Battery Gregg are ours. Last night our 
sappers mined the counter-scarp of Fort Wagner on its 
sea point, unmasking all its guns, and an order was is- 
sued to carry the place by assault at 9 o'clock this 
morning, that being the hour of low tide. 

About 10 o'clock last night the enemy commenced 
evacuating the island, and all but seventy -five of them 
made their escape from Cummings's Point in small 
boats. 

Captured despatches show that Fort Wagner was 
commanded by Col. Keitt, of South Carolina.land gar- 



risoned by 1,400 effective men, and Battery Gregg by 
between 100 and 200 men. 

Fort Wagner is a work of the most formidable kind. 
Its bomb-proof shelter, capajjle of containing 1,S00 
men, remains intact after the most terrific bombard- 
ment to which any work was ever subjected. 

V\'e have captured nineteen pieces of artillery and a 
large supply of excellent ammunition. 

The city and harbor of Charleston are now com- 
pletely covered by my guns. 

I have the honor to be. General, very respectfully, 
your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLJIORE, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 

On the night of the Tth, an assault was made 
by an expedition on Fort Sumter. The flotilla 
consisted of between twenty-five and thirty 
boats, manned by over one hundred sailors, 
under Lieutenant Commandant Williams, and 
a hundred marines, under Capt. McCawley, 
The entire force was commanded by Com- 
mander Stephens, of the Patapsco. The boats 
were towed within a short distance of the fort, 
when they advanced. Three boats, under Com- 
mander Williams, Lieut. Remej^, and Ensign 
Porter, landed, and the parties attempted to run 
up the ruins to the parapet, when they were 
fired upon by musketry, and hand grenades were 
thrown down upon them. The slope was so 
sharp thatthey were unable to reach the parapet. 
The signal was given from the fort, and in r.a 
instant all of the batteries of the enemy opened 
on the fort and shelled it tcrriblj-. Three boats 
were smashed, and all wlio landed were either 
killed or captured. Lieut. Bradford, of the 
marines, was mortally wounded and captured. 
Among others captured Avere Commander Wil- 
liams, Lieut, Eemey, Lieut. Preston, Lieut, 
Bower, Lieut. Bunce, Dr. Wheeler, and Ensign 
Porter, Forty or fifty sailors and marines were 
killed and wounded. The entire list of casual- 
ties was about eighty. The remainder of tho 
command retired safe. 

The captured forts on Morris Island were en- 
larged and new batteries erected by Gen. Gill- 
more, which effectually conmaanded Fort Sum- 
ter, and could aid any naval attack on Charles- 
ton. But little further progress, however, was 
made in the siege during the remainder of tho 
year. The forts of the enemy were occasion- 
ally bombarded severely, and tlie shelling of 
Charleston at intervals, during day and night, 
was continued. The portion of the city within 
the reach of the shells was greatly injured, and 
entirely abandoned by its inhabitants. An at- 
tempt was made by the enemy to blow up the 
frigate Ironsides, with a torpedo, on the night 
of October 5 th. It failed of success, and did no 
serious damage to the vessels. 

Some further operations took place in the 
Department of the Gulf during the year. Af- 
ter the capture of Vicksburg, Gen. IBanks was 
reenforced by Gen. Grant, and an expedition 
was fitted out under Gen. Franklin to occupy 
the mouth of the Sabine river, in Texas. It 
consisted of a force of fcfnr thousand men, and 
the naval steamers Clifton, Sachem, Arizona, 
and Granite City. The squadron was under the 
command of Lieut, Crocker, The defences at 



480 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the pass were supposed to consist of t-wo 32- 
pounders, en harbette^ and a battery of field 
pieces, and two boats used on the bay, wliich 
had been converted into rams. The plan was 
that the squadron should make the attack alone, 
assisted by about one hundred and eighty 
sharpshooters divided among the four vessels, 
and, having driven the enemy from his defences 
and destroyed or driven otT the rams, the 
transports were then to advance and land their 
troops. 

Sabine Pass is the name of the outlet from 
Sabine Lake into the Gulf of Mexico. Sabine 
Lake is an expansion of the Sabine river about 
five miles from its entrance into the Gulf of 
Mexico, at the southwest extremity of Louisi- 
ana. Its length is 18 miles and its breadth 9 
miles. Sabine river rises in Hunt county, Texas, 
and flows in a direction east of southeast until 
it strikes the eastern boundary of the State. 
From this point it pursues a southerly course, 
forming the boundary between Texas and Lou- 
isiana. It is very shallow at its mouth. The 
whole length of the river is estimated at 500 
miles. 

Early on the morning of Sept. 8th, the Clif- 
ton stood in the bay and opened on the fort, to 
which no reply was made. At 9 a. m. the Sa- 
chem, Arizona, and Granite City, followed by 
the transports, stood over the bar, and, with 
much difliculty, owing to the low water, reach- 
ed an anchorage about two miles from the fort 
at 11 A. ji. About the middle of the afternoon 
the Sachem, followed by the Arizona, advanced 
up the eastern channel to draw the fire of the 
forts while the Clifton advanced up the western 
channel. The Granite City remained to cover 
the landing of a division of troops under Gen. 
Weitzel. No reply was made to the fire of the 
gunboats until tljey were abreast of the forts, 
when eight guns opened fire upon them. Three 
of these were rifled. Almost at the same mo- 
ment the Clifton and Sachem were struck in 
their boilers and both vessels enveloped in 
steam. The Arizona, not having room to pass 
<the Sachem, then backed down the channel 
until she grounded by the stern, v/hen the ebb- 
tide caught her bows and swung her across the 
channel. "White flags were raised on the Clif- 
ton and Sachem, and within twenty minutes 
they were taken in tow by the enemy. The 
naval force of the expedition being thus disa- 
bled, the transports moved out of the bay. 
The Arizona was got afloat during the night 
and followed. The expedition then returned 
to Brashear City. The officers and crews of 
the Clifton and Sachem and about ninety sharp- 
shooters who were on board were captured, 
and the loss in killed and wounded was about 
thirty. After remaining at Brashear City some 
time, the military force moved to Franklin and 
Vermillionville. 

On the 27th of October an expedition under 
Gen. Banks put to sea from New Orleans. _ It 
consisted of about twenty vessels accompanied 
by the gunboats Owasco, Virginia, and Monon- 



gahela, and was destined to the mouth of the 
Eio Grande river, which is the boundary line 
between Texas and Mexico. During the first 
three days out the weather was pleasant. On 
the fourth a "norther" prevailed, and one light 
draft steamer and two schooners were lost, but 
no lives. On the 31st the expedition anchored 
off" the mouth of the river and on the next 
day a force was landed on Brazos Island. By 
the 4th the troops were all landed, and on the 
next day. Gen. Banks, preceded by a small body 
of infantry and artillery, entered Brownsville 
on the Eio Grande river. A small body of 
the enemy under Gen. Bee attempted to de- 
stroy the public property, and retired on the 
approach of the Federal force. Subsequently 
Corpus Christi and the coast of Texas to within 
one hundred miles of Galveston were occupied. 
Gen. Banks successfully prosecuted the cam- 
paign thus begun in Texas, the extent and 
results of which more properly belong to the 
records of 1864. 

In Missouri and the Department of the Fron- 
tier, those portions of the Confederate army 
of the Trans-Mississippi Department, which 
was under command of Gens. Hindman, Ster- 
ling Price, and Marmaduke, maintained a rest- 
less activity. 

Early in January, 1863, a force of five or six 
thousand men, under Gen. Marmaduke's com- 
mand, comprising a portion of the troops which 
had been so signally defeated at Crawford's 
Prairie (as described on a former page) a 
month before, proceeded down the Arkansas 
river to Spadry's Bluff", near Clarksville, Ark., 
and thence marched rapidly north toward 
Springfield, Mo., with the intention of seizing 
and destroying the large amount of Federal 
commissary and quartermaster stores accumu- 
lated there for the supply of the Army of the 
Frontier. The design of Gen. Marmaduke in 
proceeding so far eastward before making a 
movement northward into Missouri was to avoid 
all chance of collision or interference with his 
plans by Gens. Blunt and Herron. He hoped 
to reach Springfield and accomplish his purpose 
before they could obtain intelligence of his ap- 
proach, and this once accomplished, those Fed- 
eral generals and their army, deprived of all 
supplies, would, almost of necessity, be com- 
pelled either to surrender to Gen. Hindman or 
fly from North-western Arkansas. The scheme 
was well planned and circumstances indicated 
that it would be successful. Springfield had 
some defensive works, but they were not com- 
pleted, and the Federal troops which were 
necessary to its adequate defence, were scat- 
tered widely over the entire region of South- 
western Missouri, two or three companies in a 
place. "When, on the afternoon of the 7th of 
January, it was ascertained that the Confeder- 
ate force had burned Lawrence Mills, and were 
then marching on Ozark, and would certainly 
appear before Springfield the next day, Brig.- 
Gens. Brown and Holland, who were in com- 
mand there, the one of the Missouri State 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



481 



militia and the other of the enrolled Missouri 
militia, exerted themselves to the utmost to 
call together a force adequate to the defence 
of the town, but their most strenuous eiforts 
only sufficed to bring together about 1,100 
men, of whom 400 were either convalescents 
in the hospitals or those who had just been 
discharged from those institutions, and the re- 
mainder were in about equal numbers Missouri 
State militia and enrolled Missouri militia, al- 
most wholly raw troops. The commissary and 
quartermaster's stores were sent north toward 
Bolivar, only enough being reserved to main- 
tain the siege, which were placed in one of 
the forts. The Confederate force (or ratlier 
about one-half of it, not far from three thou- 
sand men) appeared before the city about one 
p. M. on the 8th, and commenced firing with 
solid shot at once, without giving any notice 
for the removal of non-combatants. The fight- 
ing which followed was irregular, and occa- 
sionally the Confederates gained some advan- 
tages; but the courage of the new Federal 
troops seemed to increase under fire, and late 
in the afternoon they commenced driving the 
enemy from one position after another, till at 
night the battle ended, having continued five 
hours, when the Confederates retreated, carry- 
ing with them a part of their wounded. The 
Federal loss was 14 killed, 145 wounded and 5 
missing. The Confederates lost 41 killed, and 
over 160 wounded, of whom 80 were left in 
the town as prisoners. The next day the gar- 
rison of the town were ready to renew the 
battle, but found that the Confederates had es- 
caped, and they were too feeble to make a vig- 
orous pursuit. 

Before proceeding from Ozark to Springfield, 
Gen. Marmaduke had detached Gen. Porter 
with nearly 3,000 men to follow the road south 
of the Ozark mountains to Hartsville, and hav- 
ing made what captures he could there, to rejoin 
the main force again at or near Marshfield, 
having in view, probably, the extension of his 
expedition either to Lebanon or Bolivar. On 
the 9th, Gen. Porter occupied Hartsville, but 
evacuated it that night, and moved toward 
Marshfield. Gen. Fitz Henry Warren, in com- 
mand of that Federal military district, sent 
from Houston on the 9th of January Col. Mer- 
rill, with 850 men, to Springfield to reenforce 
the Federal garrison there. They reached 
Hartsville on Saturday, the 10th, and learned 
that Gen. Porter had been there the day pre- 
vious. Leaving Hartsville at 3 p. m. they 
marched to Wood's Forks, on the road toward 
Springfield, by nightfall, and encamped in line 
of battle. The next morning (Jan. 11th), at 
daybreak, they encountered Gen. Marmaduke's 
forces marching from Springfield, and though 
the Federal position was an unfavorable one. 
Col. Merrill fought till 9 o'clock a. m., when the 
Confederates withdrew in a southerly direction. 
Sending out a pursuing force of cavalry, and 
himself returning toward Hartsville, Col. Mer- 
rill soon found that the Confederates were also 
31 



marching toward Hartsville, and, as it after- 
ward appeared, had formed a junction with 
Gen. Porter's command. Col. Merrill immedi- 
ately ordered a forced march, and arrived in 
Hartsville in time to take a strong position, 
and awaited their attack. Firing commenced 
on both sides at a little after 11a. m., and the 
battle raged till half-past 4 p. m., the Confed- 
erates charging repeatedly upon the Federal 
position, but being met at short musket range 
by so terrible a fire that they were compelled 
to fall back each time. At length, finding 
themselves unable to make any impression on 
the Federal garrison, the Confederates retreat- 
ed, going at first toward Houston, but early 
the next morning they turned their faces south- 
ward, and moved rapidly toward the Arkansas 
line, near the north fork of White river. Their 
losses had been very heavy ; Brig.-Gon. Emmet 
McDonald, and acting Brig.-Gen. Porter, two 
colonels, a major, a captain, and two lieuten- 
ants being among the killed, and several other 
officers severely wounded. Their entire loss 
was over 300 killed and wounded, and 29 pris- 
oners. The Federal loss was 7 killed, 64 wound- 
ed, and 7 missing. 

A portion of Gen. Marmaduke's force made 
their way to Van Buren Creek, and 300 of 
tliem were taken prisoners, on the Julia Roan, 
on the 28th of January. The greater part, 
however, descended the White river, and, with 
Marmaduke himself, camped at Batesville, Ark., 
from which town they were driven, after a 
sharp fight, by the Federal Col. Waring, on the 
4th of February, a considerable number of the 
Confederates being killed and wounded, and a 
colonel and a number of privates being cap- 
tured. 

Gen. Marmaduke now repaired to the head- 
quarters of the Confederate army corps in 
Arkansas, at Little Rock, and the next two 
months were spent by the generals of that 
corps mainly in enlarging and disciplining 
their force. The guerilla bands in Arkansas 
and Missouri made frequent dashes into the 
towns, and occasionally stopped steamers on 
the Missouri river, and plundered, captured, 
and murdered Federal citizens and soldiers, as 
in the case of the Sam Gaty, on the 28th of 
March, but these were only the acts of the ir- 
regular and bushwhacking troops in Missouri, 
and they generally met with swift retribution 
from the militia scouts and cavalry parties who 
patrolled all sections of tl)at State. There was 
no considerable movement of Confederate 
troops till the latter part of April. 

On the 17th of April, the Confederate gen- 
eral, Cabell, left Ozark, Arkansas, with two 
thousand men, two pieces of artillery, and 
three days' rations, to attack FayetteviUe, Ar- 
kansas, which had been so many times a battle 
ground, and was then garrisoned by two regi- 
ments of Federal troops (the 1st Arkansas in- 
fantry and the 1st Arkansas cavalry), under the 
command of Col. M. La Rue Harrison. The 
attack was made on the ISth about sunrise, and 



482 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



after nearly six honrs' severe fighting the Con- 
federates were thoroughly defeated and in full 
retreat for Ozark. Gen. Marmaduke and his 
superior officer, Maj.-Gen. Sterling Price, hav- 
ing at last collected a suflSciency of troops, 
mostly Texans, and a large portion of them 
cavalry, to render an expedition into Missouri 
probably successful, sought and obtained per- 
mission to attempt the capture and destruction 
of Cape Girardeau, at that time the depot of 
supplies for a portion of Gen. Grant's army. 
The Confederate force, which consisted of 
Price's (1st) army corps of the trans-Mississippi 
Department, numbering somewhat more than 
ten thousand men, under the command of Gen. 
Marmaduke, left Little Eock, Arkansas, about 
the middle of April, and on the 20th had cross- 
ed the State line, and following the course of 
the St. Francis river, reached Fredericktown, 
Md., about the 22d. From this point they 
marclied upon Cape Girardeau, and came be- 
fore the town on the 25th. The garrison there 
was under the command of Gen. John McNeil, 
and consisted of one thousand seven hundred 
men, mostly militia. Gen. McNeil had reach- 
ed Cape Girardeau on the night of the 23d, and 
had taken immediate measures for the removal 
of the Government stores into Illinois, and had 
sent to St. Louis for reiinforcements. Confi- 
dent of success, the Confederates, though re- 
pulsed in their first attack, demanded on Satur- 
day night (25th) the surrender of the town, 
the demand being made by acting Brig.-Gen. 
Carter, whose brigade was in the advance. 
Gen. McNeil replied at once, declining to sur- 
render, as he believed himself capable of main- 
taining its possession. Fighting was not re- 
sumed till 10 A. M. of the 26th, when Gen. Mar- 
maduke again demanded a surrender, tlireaten- 
ing to storm the town in case of refusal. Gen. 
McNeil again refused, and after nearly five 
hours' fighting, in which the Federal artillery, 
which was admirably served, caused great havoc 
among the Confederate troops, Gen. Marma- 
duke retreated southward. He was pursued 
closely by Gen. Vandever and Gen. McNeil, 
and harassed severely, but succeeded in escap- 
ing into Arkansas, on the 2d of May. His loss 
in the battle of Cape Girardeau was sixty kill- 
ed and about three hundred wounded. In his 
retreat he also lost a considerable number of 
killed and wounded, and many prisoners. 

On the 6th of May a Federal force of about 
one 'thousand cavalry, and about the same 
number of infiintry, under command of Col. 
(acting brigadier-general) Powell Clayton, left 
Hekna, Arkansas, on an expedition to the re- 
gion of Arkansas, lying between the White and 
6t, Francis rivers, to break up a band of gue- 
rillas, and destroy Confederate stores accumu- 
lated there. The infantry went only as far as 
Snitzn's and then returned to Mariana. The 
cavalry proceeded to the vicinity of Taylor's 
Creek, n large detachment, however, going to 
Mount Vernon, and at these points, on the 11th 
of May,' the two small bodies of cavalry, one 



numbering two hundred and thirty men, and 
the other seven hundred and twenty-five, had 
each a severe fight with separate brigades of 
Marmaduke's division, and both repulsed them 
with heavy loss to the Confederates. 

On the 20th of May, the Federal forces, about 
one thousand two hundred in number, under 
the command of Col. William A. Phillips, near 
Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, were attacked 
by the Confederates, under Col. (acting briga- 
dier-general) Cofi"ey, commanding a force of 
five regiments. After a desultory fight, in 
which, through the cowardice of the Creek 
regiment, the Federal troops lost a part of their 
cattle, Col. Phillips succeeded in driving the 
Confederate troops over the mountain, and 
finally, in complete disorder, across the Arkan- 
sas river. The loss on the Federal side was 
about twenty-six in killed, wounded, and miss- 
ing ; that of the Confederates considerably 
larger. There were repeated skirmishes in 
this and other portions of the department, but 
no severe fighting in the Indian Territory, till 
July 15th, when Maj.-Gen. Blunt crossed the 
Arkansas river near Henry Springs, in that 
territory, and on the 16th attacked a superior 
force of Confederates under Gen. Cooper, which 
be completely routed, they leaving their dead 
and wounded on the field. The Federal loss 
was seventeen killed and sixty wounded, while 
that of the Confederates was one hundred and 
fifty killed (buried on the field by the Federal 
troops), four hundred wounded, seventy-seven 
prisoners, and one piece of artillery and one 
hundred stand of arms captured. After several 
subsequent skirmishes with the Confederates, 
Gen. Blunt descended the Arkansas river, and 
on the 1st of September occupied Fort Smith, 
Arkansas. The army of the frontier having 
been greatly depleted to furnish reiinforcements 
to Gen. Grant, while he was engaged in the 
siege of Vicksburg, the Confederate generals 
in the Trans-Mississippi Department took ad- 
vantage of the fact to make an attack on Helena, 
Arkansas, where the Federal general, Prentiss, 
was in command, with a force of about four 
thousand troops. Here again Gen. Sterling 
Price and Gen. Marmaduke found scope for 
action. The Confederate attack was made on 
the 4th of July, with a force of about fifteen 
thousand men. It was commenced about day- 
light, and, at first, they were successful in cap- 
turing a small fort forming a part of the out- 
works, but the gunboat Tyler, coming up op- 
portunely, and opening upon them with its 
heavy guns, they were compelled to abandon 
it with severe loss. Determined not to relin- 
quish their purpose, the Confederates fought 
desperately, charging repeatedly, and with 
large masses, upon the defences of the town, 
attacking now the north, and now the south 
side, but everywhere they met with the same 
terrible resistance from the Federal fire at 
short range, and from the large missiles from 
the gunboat; and at length, utterly foiled at 
every point, having lost over one thousand in 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



483 



kiUed and wounded, and more tban one thou- 
sand one hundred prisoners, the Confederates 
fell back, and though remaining for a day or 
two in the vicinity, in hope of an opportunity 
to renew the attack, finding the Federal garrison 
reenforced, retreated to the interior of Arkansas. 
After the surrender of Vicksburg, the Fed- 
eral Gen. Steele was sent to Helena, with a 
considerable force, and instructed to form a 
junction with Gen. Davidson, who was moving 
south from Missouri, by way of Crowley's 
Ridge, west of the St. Francis, and with the 
combined force drive the Confederates south 
of the Arkansas River. Having effected this 
junction and established his depot and hospi- 
tals at Duvall's Bluff, on the White River, Gen. 
Steele, on the 1st of August, advanced against 
the Confederate army, which fell back toward 
Little Rock. After several successful skir- 
mishes, he reached the Arkansas River, and 
threw part of his force upon the south side, to 
threaten the Confederate communications with 
Arkadelphia, their depot of supplies, and flank 
their position at Little Rock. Gen. Marmaduke 
was sent out with a cavalry force to beat the 
Federals back, but was completely routed. See- 
ing what must be the inevitable result of this 
movement of Gen. Steele, the Confederate Gen. 
Holmes destroyed what property he could, and 
after a slight resistance retreated with his 
army in great disorder, pursued by the Federal 
cavalry, and on the 10th of September Gen. 
Steele, with the Federal army, entered the cap- 
ital of Arkansas. His entire losses in killed, 
wounded, and missing, in this whole movement, 
did not exceed one hundred. He captured one 
thousand prisoners, and such public property as 
the Confederates had not time to destroy. The 
Federal cavalry continued to press the retreat- 
ing Confederates southward ; but a small force, 
which had ekided pursuit, and moved east- 
ward, attacked the Federal garrison at Pine 
Bluff, on the Arkansas, south of Little Rock, 
hoping to recapture it and thus cripple the 
Federals and break their communications. 
The attempt, Avhich was made on the 28th of 
October, was repulsed with decided loss on the 
part of the Confederates, and the same day the 
Federal cavalry occupied Arkadelphia, and the 
Confederates retreated toward the Red River. 
This completely restored Arkansas to the Fed- 
eral authority, except a small district in the ex- 
treme southwest, and the region of Northwest 
Arkansas, oyer which the guerrilla and other 
irregular troops of the Confederates continued 
to roam, in their plundering excursions into 
Missouri, Kansas, and the Indian Teri-itory. 
Some of these were conducted on a large scale, 
and were accompanied by acts of most atro- 
cious inhumanity. On the 20th of August one 
of the guerrilla leaders, who had assumed the 
name of Quantrell, or Quantrile, with a force of 
eight hundred, entered the city of Lawrence, 
Kansas ; murdered in cold blood one hundred 
and twenty-five of its citizens, and burned the 
greater pai't of the city, destroying property to 



the value of over $2,000,000. He was pursued 
as soon as troops could be raised, and forty or 
fifty of his men killed. The Confederate Gen. 
Cabell, collecting together as many of the guer- 
rillas and Indians as possible, and some of the 
routed troops, driven from Little Rock and its 
vicinity, started with a force variously* estimat- 
ed at from 4,000 to 10,000, in the latter part 
of September, from the Choctaw settlements 
of the Indian Territory, crossed the Arkansas 
River east of Fort Smith, and on the 1st of Oc- 
tober, a detachment of his troops, under Gen. 
Shelby, joined Coffey at Crooked Prairie, Mo., 
intending to make a raid into Southwestern Mis- 
souri. This combined force, numbering 2,000 
or 2,500 men, penetrated as far as the Missouri 
River at BoonevLlle, but were pursued by the 
Missouri mUitia, and finally brought to a stand 
about eight miles southwest of Arrow Rock, 
on the evening of the 12th of October, Gen. 
E. B. Brown, who commanded the Federal 
troops, fought them till dark that evening, and, 
during the night, having detached a small force 
to attack them in the rear, renewed the battle 
the next morning at eight a. m. After a sharp 
contest they fled, completely routed and broken 
up, with a loss of several hundred' in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners. They were pursued 
to the Arkansas line, and prisoners gleaned all 
the way. Gen. Marmaduke, who seems to have 
been with Gen. Cabell, attempted to advance 
from Fayettville, Ark., to I'eenforce them, but 
found them so thoroughly disorganized that the 
case was hopeless. 

Early in October a desperate effort was made 
to capture and murder Gen. Blunt and his staff", 
who was at this time marching toward Fort 
Scott, Kansas. Three hundred Confederate 
soldiers in Union uniform approached him as 
he with his escort was in advance of his wag- 
ons. The escort, consisting of a hundred men, 
broke when the Confederates commenced firing 
on them, and seventy-eight of the hundred, 
including Major Curtis, a son of Gen. Curtis, 
were captured, and murdered after their cap- 
ture. Gen. Blunt succeeded in rallying fifteen 
of the escort, and with these he advanced on 
his assailants, who retreated, till he found an 
opportunity of moving south, and joining the 
remainder of his command. These men, who 
thus murdered their prisoners, were under the 
command of Quantrell. The Confederates sup- 
posed that Gen. Blunt had been killed, and 
greatly rejoiced over his death. On the 20th 
of October Gen. Blunt was relieved from the 
command of the Army of the Frontier, and 
Gen. McNeil appointed his successor. 

With these last convulsive throes, the active 
existence of the Confederate authority in Ar- 
kansas died out. On the 12th of November a 
meeting was held at Little Rock, to consult on 
measures for the restoration of the State to the 
Union, and was succeeded by others in different 
parts of the State. 

The most atrocious outrage of the war was 
the attack of Col. Quantrell and his band of 



484 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Confederate guerrillas xipon the thriving city 
of Lawrence, on the 21st of August, 1863. 
The attack was made in the early morning, and 
entirely without warning. The citizens, un- 
armed, were unable to make any defence, and 
were many of them shot down in the streets 
in cold blood. The Eldridge House, the largest 
hotel in the city, and all the stores on Massa- 
chusetts Street, the principal business street, 
were plundered and burned, as were many 
dwellings and stores in other parts of the city. 
Two hundred and five men were killed and 
many others wounded. No women or children 
were killed or wounded, though one assailant 
snapped his pistol at Miss Lydia Stone, a heroic 
woman, who had exposed her life for the pres- 
ervation of others. Several of the churches 
were destroyed, and the property stolen and 
burned was estimated to exceed the value of 
$2,000,000. Quantrell, the leader of the gang, 
had been at one time a resident of Lawrence. 
Senator Lane (General James H. Lane) was in 
Lawrence at the time, but succeeded in avoid- 
ing the guerrillas, and as soon as they left the 
town raised such force as could be gathered 
and started in pursuit. Some thirty or forty 
of the gueirillas were overtaken and slain, but 
the remainder got away safely with their plun- 
der. Much indignation was felt by the citizens 
of Kansas at the alleged remissness of General 
Ewing, who was in command of the district of 
Kansas and Western Missouri, and of General 
Schofield, who commanded the Department of 
Missouri. Two days after the attack, General 
Ewing issued the following order : 

Kansas City, Mo., August 23, 18C3. 

All persons liviDg in Jackson, Cass, and Bates 
Counties, Missouri, and that part of Vernon County 
included in this district, except those living within 
one mile of the limits of Independence, Hickman's 
Mill, Pleasant Hill, and Harrisonville, and except 
those in Kaw township, Jackson County, north of 
this creek and west of the Big Blue, erabracing Kansas 
City and Westport, are hereby ordered to remove 
fi-om their present places of residence within fifteen 
days from the date hereof. 

Those who within that time prove their loyalty to 
the satisfaction of the commanding officer of the mil- 
itary station nearest their present places of residence, 
will receive from him certificates stating the fact of 
their loyalty and the names of the witnesses by whom 
it can be sworn. All who have received such certifi- 
cates will be permitted to remove to any military sta- 
tion in this district, or to any part of Kansas except 
the counties on the eastern border of the State. All 
others shall remove out of this district. Officers com- 
manding companies and detachments serving in com- 
panies, will see that this paragraph is promptly 
obeyed. 

AH hay or grain in the field or under shelter in the 
district from which the inhabitants are required to 
remove within reach of the military stations after the 
9th of September next, will be taken to such stations 
and turned over to the proper officers there, and a 
report of the amount so turned over made to the dis- 
trict headquarters, specifying the names of all loyal 
owners and the amount of such pi'oduce taken from 
them. All grain and hay found in such districts after 
the 9th of September next, not convenient to such 
stations, will be destroyed. 

Quantrell and his band of marauders for 
some time hovered around the Kansas border. 



The Department of the Northwest was not 
without its disturbances, though the wholesale 
massacres of the previous year were, happily, 
not repeated. During the spring and early 
summer there were occasional outrages on the 
part of the Sioux of Minnesota and Dakota, who 
penetrated the lines, although a guard of 2,000 
men wer6 stationed along the frontier, and 
murdered about 30 persons. About a dozen of 
these assassins were captured or killed. Early 
in June General Sibley started with a force of 
between two and three thousand men for 
Devil's Lake, in Dakota Territory, 500 miles 
ti'om St. Paul's, and sent General SuUy, about 
the same time, with a large body of cavalry, up 
the Missouri, to cooperate with him in cutting 
off the retreat of the savages. On the 3d of 
July, Little Crow, the principal chief of the 
Sioux, who had been actively engaged during 
the winter and spring in endeavoring to raise 
the Sioux and Yanktonians to make another at- 
tack upon the settlers in Minnesota, and had 
endeavored to obtain guns and ammunition 
from British America, was killed by Mr. 
Sampson, about six miles north of Hutchinson, 
Minnesota. He was not fully identified till some 
time after. The cavalry force under General 
Sully failed to connect with General Sibley, 
and that General encountered the Indians, near 
Missouri Conteau, on the 25th of July, and en- 
gagements followed between that date and the 
29th, at Big Mound, Dead Buffalo Lake, Stony 
Lake, and on the banks of the Missouri. In 
these engagements between 60 and 70 of the 
Indians Avere killed and as many more wounded. 
The loss of General Sibley's troops was five 
killed and four Avounded. On the 3d of Septem- 
ber General Sully encountered and defeated a 
body of Indians at Whitestone Hall, about 130 
miles above the little Cheyenne. A part of these 
Indians had previously been engaged against Gen. 
Sibley. A large number of them were killed 
and wounded, and 156 taken prisoners. Gen. 
Sully's loss was 20 killed and 38 wounded. 
The Indians fled across the Missouri, and most 
of them, it is believed, took refuge in Idaho 
Territory, where they were, late in the year, 
guilty of some outrages. 

In January, 1863, roying bands of Indians 
committed some thefts, robberies, and murders 
in the western j)art of what is now called Idaho 
Territory, in the vicinity of Bear River. Act- 
ing Brig.-General Connor, in command in that 
region, marched with a force of 275 men to 
Bear River, a distance of 140 miles, through 
deep snows, in which 76 of his men were dis- 
abled by frozen feet, and with 200 men at- 
tacked the Indian stronghold, in which 300 
warriors were assembled, and after a hard- 
fought battle of four hours, destroyed the entire 
band, leaving 224 dead upon the field. His own 
loss was 14 killed and 49 Avounded. Since that 
time the Indians in that quarter have been quiet. 

At the close of 1863 the federal armies had 
made large progress. The State of Missouri 
Avas placed beyond the danger of an invasion. 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE KEBELLIOK 



485 



The military power of the enemy in Arkansas 
■was broken, and the greatest portion of the 
State made subject to the army of the Union. 
The occupation of the mouth of the Eio Grande, 
in Western Texas, had destroyed one outlet 
from the Confederacy to foreign countries, and 
the commerce which thereby existed. The 
capture of Vicksburg and Port Hudson removed 
from the banks of the Mississippi every milita- 
ry station of the enemy, by which the naviga- 
tion of that river could be closed. It broke up 
the facilities for communication between the 
States east and west of that river, and, with the 
occupation of the eastern part of Tennessee, 
gave the Federal arms the entire control of 
that State. It brought under the same control 
a part of the States of Mississippi and Louisiana 
on the shores of the river. In the East there 
was no material change in the position of mili- 
tary affairs. No operations of any magnitude 
had taken place in the Departments of Virgi- 
nia and North Carolina. And with the excep- 
tion of the siege of Charleston, the same is true 
of the department of the South, embracing the 
States of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. 
The territory thus lost by the enemy embraced 
some of tlie most important districts for pro- 
ducing grain and cattle in the Southern States. 
It also contained some valuable deposits of 
nitre, used for the manufacture of gunpowder. 
The Secretary of "War, in his annual report, in 
December, said: "The success of our arms 
during the last year has enabled the Depart- 
ment to make a reduction of over two hundred 
millions of dollars in the war estimate for the 
ensuing fiscal year." 

The desolation caused by the war is almost 
indescribable. The condition of Mississippi will 
serve as an illustration. When Gen. Grant's 
army advanced as far south as Oxford and the 
Yallabusha at the close of 1862, the inhabitants 
had an opportunity to purchase a few of the 
most indispensable articles of clothing and 
household economy, but in the part of the State 
between Jackson and Granada there had not 
been even the most meagre stock of goods taken 
for three years. The destitution of the poor 
there reduced them almost to a state of barbar- 
ism. Of the fifty plantations on the road from 
Lagrange, Tennessee, to Holly Springs, Missis- 
sippi, only five were occupied. The rest were 
abandoned, and in a majority of instances the 
buildings were burned. On the 26th of May, 
an expedition, consisting of the 10th Missouri, 
7th Kansas, and 15th Illinois cavalry and 9th 
Illinois mounted infantry, left Corinth for the 
purpose of a raid through a portion of country 
which had escaped the ravages of war. The 
expedition passed to Florence, Ala., and Savan- 
nah, Tenn., and returned to Corinth on the 
31st, being absent five days and nights. What 
it accomplished in so short a space of time is 
thus described : 

We burned seven cotton factories, costing an aver- 
age of §200,000 each. The Southern Confederacy 
had oflered for the largest $1,000,000 containing three 



hundred looms. They employed on an average one 
hundred men and the same number of women and 
children each. But their contents were more valuable 
than the buildings and machinery, having a large 
amount of stock and manufactured goods on hand. A 
large amount of steam flouring and saw mills was 
likewise burned. A number of blacksmiths' and wag- 
onmakers' shops were destro3'ed, they being employed 
on Government work, and containing large numbers 
of wagons, arms of all kinds, &c., &c. A ton of pow- 
der, a large number of arms of English manufacture, 
GOO, 000 rounds of fixed ammunition, each cartridgo 
having the crown of England stamped upon it, and 
several boxes containing shell, were destroyed. A 
number of dwelling houses were accidentally burned 
by our shells. The splendid bridge near Florenca 
was burned. All along the route, both going and 
returning, our command marched in line through the 
waving wheat, just ripe, utterly destroying it. An 
immense ("immense" is not the word— language can- 
not describe the scene — the smoke arising from 
burning corn cribs in every direction, and for miles 
each side of our path) amount of forage was destroy- 
ed ; some was passed by on account of the close prox- 
imity of dwelling houses. Large quantities of meat, 
&c., were used, but more wasted and destroyed. The 
people appear to think that starvation is staring them 
in the face ; but let their Government protect them, 
and they will no doubt fare very well. We captured 
two majors, two captains, four or five lieuten- 
ants, and about one hundred men. A large Rebel 
flag was also captured. An immense amount of stock 
— horses, mules, oxen, cows, carriages, &c., &c. — was 
taken and turned over to the Government. About 
twenty men, who have escaped conscription bj' lying 
in the bush and other places of concealmeut, accom- 
panied us into camp, and are joining some one of our 
regiments here. We brought about one thousand 
contrabands — men, women, and children — about two 
hundred and fifty of them joining the negro brigade. 
And all with a loss of less than thirty wounded and 
missing. 

About the same time an expedition consist- 
ing of six brigades, and numbering about ten 
thousand men, moved up between the Big 
Black and Yazoo Rivers. The object was to 
destroy the resources of the countrj', to prevent 
the enemy from subsisting their armies, and to 
drive out any force that might be in that region. 
The results of the expedition are thus described : 

We have marched over a hundred miles in a week 
during the hottest kind of weather. We destroyed all 
the forage and supplies and cotton, and drove ofi" all 
the cattle, horses, and mules between the two lines 
for a distance of fifty miles. We met no considerable 
body of the enemy, and had only one or two slight 
skirmishes ; but we ascertained where the enemy was 
concentrating, and gained much valuable information 
which may be of use hereafter. It was made our 
painful but imperative duty to destroy every thing — 
corn, cotton, meat, mills, and cotton gins — that we 
could find, sparing only dwellings and a small supply 
of provisions for each family. The command will 
rest here for a day or so, and then return to Vicksburg, 
which cannot hold out very long against our forces. 

The number of locomotives and cars destroy- 
ed on the railroads of Mississippi during the 
year is stated to have been seventy-seven of 
the former, and about six hundred of the latter. 
Owing to the destruction of bridges it was im- 
possible to remove a large portion of the for- 
mer after they were captured. 

On the 1st of August Gen. Grant issued the 
following order recommending that in the re- 
gion subject to his arms the freedom of the 



486 



MILITAKY AND IN'AYAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION". 



negroes should be acknowledged, and instead 
of compulsory labor, contracts upon fair terms 
should be made between master and servants: 

Headqitaters Dep't. or the Tennessee, I 
ViCKSBUKG, Miss., Angust 1st, 1868. [ 

1. All regular organized bodies of the enemy having 
been driven from those parts of Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee west of the Tennessee River, and from all Mis- 
sissippi west of the Mississippi Central Railroad, and 
it being to the interest of those districts not to invite 
the presence of armed bodies of men among them, it 
is announced that the most rigorous penalties will 
hereafter be inflicted upon the following class of pris- 
oners, to wit: All irregular bodies of cavalry not 
mustered and paid by the Confederate authorities; all 
persons engaged in conscription, or in apprehending 
deserters, whether regular or irregular ; all citizens 
encouraging or aiding the same ; and all persons de- 
tected firing upon unarmed transports. It is not 
contemplated that this order shall affect the treatment 
due to prisoners of war captured within the districts 
named, when they are members of legally organized 
companies, and when their acts are in accordance 
with the usages of civilized warfare. 

2. The citizens of Mississippi within the limits above 
described are called upon to pursue their peaceful 
avocations, in obedience to the laws of the United 
Slates. Whilst doing so in good faith, all United 
States forces are prohibited from molesting them in 
any way. It is earnestly recommended that the free- 
dom of negroes be acknowledged, and that instead of 
compulsory labor contracts upon fair terms be entered 
into between the former masters and servants, or be- 
tween the latter and such other persons as may be 
willing to give them employment. Such a system as 
this, honestly followed, will result in substantial ad- 
vantages to all parties. 

All private property will be respected except when 
the use of it is necessary for the Government, in which 
case it must be taken under the direction of a corps 
commander, and by a proper detail under charge of a 



commissioned officer, with specific instructions to 
seize certain property and no other. A staff officer 
of the quartermaster or subsistence department will, 
in each instance, be designated to receipt for such prop- 
erty as may be seized, the property to be paid for at 
the end of the war on proof of loyalty, or on proper 
adjustment of the claim, under such regulations or 
laws as may hereafter be established. All property 
seized under this order must be taken up on returns 
by the officer giving receipts, and disposed of in accord- 
ance with existing regulations. * * * * 
4. Within the county of Warren, laid waste by the 
long presence of contending armies, the following rules 
to prevent suffering will be observed: Maj-Gen. Sher- 
man, commanding the Fifteenth army corps, and Maj.- 
Gen McPherson, commanding the Seventeenth army 
corps, will each designate a commissary of subsistence, 
who will issue articles of prime necesity to all desti- 
tute families calling for them, under such restric- 
tions for the protection of the Government as they 
deem necessary. Families who are able to pay for the 
provisions drawn will, in all cases, be required to do so. 

On the march of Gen. Sherman from East- 
port, Miss., where his army abandoned the 
Memphis and Charleston Railroad, to reenforce 
Gen. Grant at Chattanooga, his force was sub- 
sisted on the route. 

A very limited amount of supplies was 
brought by wagons, but the whole counti-y for 
miles on either flank was stripped of every ar- 
ticle of food and every pound of forage. The 
citizens were sorely pressed, but the safety and 
sustenance of armies were balanced against this 
fact, and decided in favor of the latter. All ani- 
mals capable of carrying a soldier, his gun and 
blanket, were pressed into the service, and al- 
most the whole command consequently arrived 
mounted. 



CHAPTEK XXXYII. 

Progress of Civil Affau'S— Finances of the Insurrectionary States— Decay of Eailroads— Crops— Mission of Mr. A. H. 
Stephens— His Keport— President Lincoln's Statement of the Condition of Atfalrs— His Amnesty Proclamation- 
Efforts to secure the advantages of the Emancipation Proclamation— Freedmen-Federal Finances— Confiscation — Ex- 
change of Prisoners. 



The progress of civU aflfairs is too important 
to be overlooked. The year 1863 did not ex- 
hibit much advance in a commercial point of 
view. The expectations that had been enter- 
tained of an immediate renewal of trade as a 
necessary consequence of the opening of the 
Mississippi, and the continued occupation of the 
Atlantic coast of South and North Carolina, and 
the penetration of the troops into the Texan 
country, were not realized ; and the foreign com- 
merce of the country was greatly contracted in 
face of the improved harvests in Europe. These 
have enabled the people to dispense with much 
of the breadstuflfs and provisions which were 
the main staples of the national export. 

Extensive regulations were adopted by the 
Government of the United States relative to 
trade with the inhabitants within the lines of 



the army in the insurrectionary States. The 
results, however, were very limited. 

In the insurrectionary States the currency 
exerted a most unfavorable influence on their 
internal afiairs, and very seriously diminished 
the hopes of the people of ultimate success in 
the war. 

At the commencement of hostilities, the im- 
pression was universal that the war would be 
short. The most distinguished politicians, the 
wisest commercial men and capitalists of all 
classes, indeed every household, acted upon this 
view. Hence, every one was soon embarrassed 
for the want of hundreds of small articles, 
which might have been procured at cheap rates 
if the parties had been able to look only a few 
months into the future. This same short-sight- 
edness controlled the financial affairs of the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



487 



Confederacy. Its loans were to be in bonds, 
and its currency was to be paper. The capital 
invested in the bonds was drawn principally 
from banks, from merchants who had been 
driven out of business, and from trust estates 
and charitable institutions. Such sources were 
soon exhausted, and it became impossible to 
make further progress in bonding by appeals 
to the patriotism of the people, in consequence 
of tlieir peculiar habits. There were no great 
money capitalists in the community. The cap- 
ital of the people consisted mainly in lands and 
negroes, and the habits of the wealthy for gen- 
erations had kept them in one channel — that 
of producing cotton, tobacco, and rice — the sur- 
plus products to be invested in lands and ne- 
groes. This thirst for land and negro invest- 
ments absorbed the millions of income, and 
kept the people generally in debt as much as a 
year's income. There existed no millionnaire 
bankers, merchants, manufacturers, and other 
moneyed capitalists, that lived in splendor on 
incomes derived from money at interest. Such 
people as those were not in a situation to invest 
in bonds ; nor was it reasonable to expect them 
to volunteer to invest in bonds at the expense 
of incurring new debts, or with the necessity 
of selling property. Many, very many planters 
who subscribed to the cotton loan sold the 
bonds immediately, and invested the proceeds 
in the payment of debts, or in land and negroes, 
and were unwilling afterward to sell, even to 
aid the Government, any of their agricultural 
products for less than the highest market value 
for currency. Many were not willing to sell 
for currency at any price. The consequence 
of this was an act of impressment on the part 
of the Government, and starvation to towns 
and villages, and all that class of persons who 
live on fixed incomes. 

The following is a statement of the finances 
at the close of the third quarter of 1863 : 

Receipts from January 1st to Septemler 20th, 1863. 

For eight per cent stock $107,292,900 

For seven per cent, stock 38,737,650 

For six per cent, stock 6,810.050 

For five per cent, call certificates 22,992,900 

For four per cent, call certificates 482,200 

Cotton certificates, act of April 21st, 1862 2,000,000 

Interest on loans 140,210 

War tax 4,128,988 

IVeasury notes 891,623,530 

Sequestration 1,862,556 

Customs 934,798 

Export duty on cotton 8,101 

Patent fund 10,794 

Miscellaneous, including repayments by disburs- 
ing officers 24,498,217 

Total $601,522,893 

^Expenditures during same period. 

■War Department $377,988,244 

Navy Department 38,487,661 

Civil, Miscellaneous, etc 11,629,278 

Customs 56,636 

Public debt 32,212,290 

Notes caucelkd and redeemed 59,044,449 

Total expenditures $519,368,559 

Total of receipts 601,522,893 

Balau ce in treasury $82,15i,334 



Brought for-svard $82,154,334 

From which is to be deducted the amount of 
Treasury notes which have been funded and 
brought in for cancellation, but have not yet 
been regularly audited, estimated 65,000,000 

Total $17,154,334 

The public debt (exclusive of the foreign loan) 
at the same period, was as follows : 

Funded. 

Eight per cents $207,128,750 

Seven per cents 42,745,600 

Six per cents 41,006,270 

Six per cent, cotton interest bonds 2,035,000 

Total $292,915,620 

Unfunded. 

Treasury notes ^ general currency $603,632,798 

Two-year notes 8,477,975 

Interest notes at 3.65 627,450 

Interest notes at 7.30 122,582,200 

Under $5 4,887,095 

Five per cent, call certificates 26,240,000 

Total $766,447,519 

Deduct amount of Treasury notes funded and 

cancelled 65,000,000 

Total $701,447,519 

In order to estimate the amount of Treasury 
notes in circulation at the date of this report, 
there must be added the further sum of one 
hundred millions for the two months which 
have elapsed since the date of the above sched- 
ules. The balance of appropriations made by 
Congress, and not drawn on September 30th, 
stood as follows : 

War Department $395,502,693 

Navy Department 24,413,645 

Civil, Miscellaneous, etc 56,240,996 

Customs 294,460 

Total $476,451,799 

The estimates submitted by the various de- 
partments for the support of the Government, 
were made to July 1st, 1864, the end of the 
fiscal year, and were as follows : 

Legislative Department $809,005 

Executive '■ 52,350 

Treasury " 22,583,359 

War " 438,078,870 

Navy " 13,624,945 

Post Oflice " 8,908 

State " 544,409 

Justice " 222,587 

Total $475 498,493 

If these estimates be extended to embrace 
the remaining sis months of the same year, 
they must be doubled, and that sum added to 
the undrawn appropriations would make an 
aggregate of $1,427,448,778. 

The Confederate currency was sold during 
the year at six cents, and less, on the dollar. 
This depreciation was followed by most disas- 
trous efiects. The staple property of the couir- 
try became worth two or three, and in some 
cases four, times its old value. But most of 
the articles of consumption, such as food and 
clothing, were from five to one hundred times 
their former value. 

The most serious consequence which result- 
ed from the depreciation of the currency, was 
the refusal of the agriculturists to sell their 
produce for the Government notes, or to sell 
only at the highest price. This determination, 



488 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



if adhered to, would result in the destruction 
of the army from a lack of supplies, and the 
starvation of the people who were engaged in 
other industrial pursuits in towns and cities. 
In anticipation of this danger, an act was 
passed hy Congress in the beginning of the 
year, which authorized the Government to 
seize or impress all the produce necessary for 
the army. It provided that a board of com- 
missioners should be appointed in each State, 
who should determine, every sixty days, the 
prices which the Government should pay for 
each article of produce impressed within the 
State. A central board of commissioners was 
also appointed for all the States. The act au- 
thorized the agents of the Government to seize 
all the pi-oduce of the farmer, except so much 
as was necessary to maintain himself and fam- 
ily. For this produce the agent paid at the 
rate fixed by the State commissioners. The 
operation of the act created an unparalleled ex- 
citement among the people. 

The embarrassment which arose from this 
state of affairs was greatly increased by the 
decay of the railroads. The means of trans- 
portation possessed in the Southern States be- 
came more and more limited during each year 
of the war. In Virginia the railroads were on 
the point of giving out at the beginning of 1863. 
Their rate of speed was reduced to ten miles an 
hour as a maximum, and their tonnage dhnin- 
ished from twenty-five to fifty per cent. This 
change in the rate of speed and quantity of 
freight was made through necessity. The wood 
work of the roads had rotted, and the machin- 
ery was worn out, and owing to the stringent 
enforcement of the conscription law among the 
men employed by the railroad companies, they 
had not been able, with all their efforts, to re- 
new the one or repair the other. This failure 
extended to the roads in all the States. The 
scarcity of iron for rails was another serious 
injury, which could not be repaired. In this 
respect, the pressure of the blockade was more 
severely felt than in any other. So completely 
were these roads a part of the military system, 
that serious apprehensions existed that the 
armies might be obliged to faU back from some 
of their positions in consequence of the diffi- 
culty of getting to them food for men and horses. 
The country in the vicinity of the armies, had 
been stripped of its provisions and forage, and 
they depended for their existence and the main- 
tenance of their positions upon the railroads. 
The better the roads were, the more certain 
Were the supplies of the troops and their ability 
to resist all the efforts of the Federal army to 
occupy the country. 

In two instances the Government made roads, 
to complete the internal system, where gaps 
existed. From Selma, in Alabama, to Meridien, 
in Mississippi, a link was built which completed 
this great highway from west to east, and 
superseded the necessity of a long detour by 
Mobile, and rendered useless any attempt by 
the forces at Pensacola to cut off communica- 



tion by destroying the railroad which connect9 
Montgomery with Mobile. The other instance 
was the line, of fifty miles in length, between 
Danville, in Virginia, and Greensborough, in 
North Carolina. By this work the Government 
was relieved from a dependence upon the line 
of railroad which runs from Richmond through 
Petersburg and Weldon, and which has for 
years been the great highway between the 
North and the South. 

But while the armies were exposed to want, 
from the probable inability of the roads to 
transport sufficient provisions, the situation of 
the inhabitants in some parts of the Confeder- 
acy was equally critical, from the same cause. 
The northern part of Virginia, the fruitful val- 
ley of the Shenandoah, and the eastern section 
of North Carolina, produced in ordinary times 
most of the grain which supplied bread to the 
South, and which was exported to South Amer- 
ica. Each of these districts was now in pos- 
session of the Federal forces. In Middle Ten- 
nessee agriculture was suspended, and the 
aged men, women, and children who adhered 
to the Confederacy, were forced to retire still 
farther south and increase the number of 
mouths to be fed there. Another source of 
supply, the North Carolina fisheries, which an- 
nually yielded millions of herring, besides shad 
to be salted, was also cut off. The wheat crop 
of 1862 was an unusually poor one; and al 
though a sufficiency of grain for the year's sup- 
ply of food was grown, the limited means of 
transportation possessed by the Confederacy 
were taxed to the utmost to bring this grain 
from the remote corners of States to the spots 
where it was demanded for consumption — to 
bring the food and the mouths together. Such 
was the aspect relative to provisions, in the 
beginning of the year. It was evident that a 
great change must be made in the production 
to enable the country to surmovmt these evils. 
The Government, foreseeing the danger, made 
vigorous appeals to the people. 

These were followed by appeals from the gov- 
ernors of several States to their citizens, and 
by resolutions of legislative bodies. A very 
extensive effort was also made to secure the 
planting of more wheat and corn. 

The crops during the summer were repre- 
sented to be good, but as the latter part of the 
year approached, the apprehensions of a scarcity 
were manifest. It was said, "the coming win- 
ter will be one of unusual trials." In October 
the following facts occurred at Richmond. One 
firm sent one hundred barrels of flour to be sold 
at $27, while the price in the stores was from 
$65 to $75, and promised to the city all the 
flour on hand and all the tolls they might receive 
at Government prices. Another firm offered 
to sell all the flour sent for consumers without 
any charge for commissions. Another offered 
to grind all the wheat purchased by the city, 
at the cost of labor. The city of Richmond es- 
tablished a Board of Supply to purchase articles 
of necessity to be sold to the poor at cost. 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



489 



Petersburg did the same, and the Secretary of 
"War instructed the officers of the Government 
to facilitate the labors of these committees. All 
the churches and civic societies undertook to 
-support their own poor. One firm, after stren- 
uous efforts for several days, were unable to 
purchase a lot of flour for the accommodation 
of their customers, and concluded that the 
farmers were prevented from sending in their 
wheat because they were required to sell it at $5 
per bushel. That there was an abundance in 
the country, and to spare, no one doubted. On 
the 29th of October, beef was quoted in Rich- 
mond at a dollar to a dollar and a half per 
pound. The butchers said they were unable to 
get cattle, and might be compelled to close their 
stalls. By an arrangement between the butch- 
ers and the Government, it ought to have sold 
at sixty-five to seventy cents per pound. 

The condition of the supjilies in Charleston 
was thus described : 

Since the necessaries of life have reached the very 
exorbitant rates which they now command, our city 
fathers have been most zealously laboring for the ben- 
efit of the citizens at large, and with what success, 
the thousands who are now daily supplied with flour, 
rice, &c., at less than half the current market prices, 
can gratefully testify. The action of the council in 
this matter, as well as for the supply of fuel, has tended 
very materially to check the inflation of prices, which, 
but for this course, would be much higher. Yester- 
day afternoon one hundred and fifty cords of wood 
were distributed in quarter-cord lots to six hundred 
families, at the rate of twelve dollars per cord. 

It was reported that in Southeastern Alaba- 
ma and Southwestern Georgia, fifty per cent, 
more hogs had been raised than at any previous 
season of the year. The crops of wheat gath- 
ered in those sections were unusually large. In 
North Carolina the agents of the city of Peters- 
burg were quite successful in procuring supplies. 
It was asserted that either North or South Caro- 
lina, Georgia, or Alabama, could furnish a suf- 
ficient supply for the population of Richmond. 

Notwithstandmg the general stringency of 
the blockade, many trips were made by vessels 
to Charleston and Wilmington during the early 
part of the year, with great profit to the own- 
ers. The officers of the Government owned 
many of these vessels. A large number, how- 
ever, were captured. 

The relations of the Confederate States with 
foreign nations underwent no favorable change 
during the year. England and France steadily 
declined to treat with them as independent 
States. Their views were approved by all the 
other States of Europe. It finally became evi- 
dent that the simple recognition, not accom- 
panied or followed by any thing in the shape of 
intervention, would be fruitless. The successes 
of the North also were such as to create the. 
conviction in Europe that the time for declar- 
ing the seceded States to have estabhshed their 
independence had not arrived. 

The Proclamation of Emancipation to all per- 
sons held as slaves in certain States and Dis- 
tricts, issued by President Lincoln on January 



1st, 1863, caused great excitement in the South- 
ern States. It is stated that the " Executive 
Government of the United States, including the 
military and naval authorities thereof, will rec- 
ognize and maintain the freedom of such per- 
sons ; " also, " such persons will be received into 
the armed service of the United States," &c. Its 
immediate effect was expected to arise under 
these clauses. The Confederate Congress took 
action at once on the subject. It was at first 
contemplated to make slaves of all free negroes 
found with arms in their hands; to kill all 
slaves found armed, and to hand over to the 
State authorities all their officers, to be dealt 
with according to the laws of the States rela- 
tive to persons exciting insurrection. Severe 
measures were proposed in the Confederate 
Congress. These, however, were not adopted, 
and the subject was referred to the discretion 
of the President. Whether any extreme meas- 
ures were inflicted upon these soldiers or their 
officers during the year, was not officially known. 
It was finally considered that, under the law of 
nations, a belligerent could employ against his 
antagonist any persons whom he could obtain, 
and, therefore, free negroes captured as Federal 
soldiers were entitled to be treated as prisoners 
of war. On the 23d of April an "Address to 
Christians throughout the World " was issued 
at Richmond, signed by ninety-six clergymen 
of all denominations. After asserting that " the 
Union cannot be restored," and that the Con- 
federate Government is a fixed fact, the address 
proceeds to say : 

The recent proclamation of the President of the 
United States, seeking the emancipation of the slaves 
of the South, is, in our judgment, a suitable occasion 
for solemn protest on the part of the people of God 
throughout the world. 

The address charges President Lincoln with 
intending to produce a general insurrection of 
the slaves, and such an insurrection " would 
make it absolutely necessary for the public 
safety that the slaves be slaughtered ; and he 
who would write the history of that event, 
would record the darkest chapter of human woe 
yet written." The proclamation, however, 
liberated no slaves except such as could come 
within the lines of the Federal armies. The 
political aspect of the proclamation was dis- 
cussed at some length in the message of Mr. 
Davis to the Richmond Congress in January. 

The difficulties which had arisen relative to the 
exchange of prisoners, and the threats of retali- 
ation for some occurrences on each side, which 
were regarded by the other as unjustifiable 
acts of cruelty, was made the ostensible occasion 
for a mission by Vice-President Stephens to 
Washington, which he thus reported : 

EicHMOND, Sih July, 1863. 
His Excellency, Jefferson Davis: 

Sir: Under the authority and instructions of your 
letter to me of the 2d instant, I proceeded on the mis- 
sion therein assigned, without delay. The steamer, 
Torpedo, commanded by Lieut. Hunter Davidson, of 
the navy, was put in readiness as soon as possible, by 
order of the Secretary of the Navy, and tendered for 



490 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the service. At noon, on the 3d, she started down 
James River, hoisting and bearing a flag of truce after 
passing City Point. The next day (the 4th) at about 
one o'clock, p. m., when within a few miles of Newport 
News, we were met by a small boat of the enemy, car- 
rying two guns, which also raised a white flag before 
approaching us. The officer in command informed 
Lieut. Davidson that he had orders from Admiral Lee, 
on board the United States flagship Minnesota, lying 
below, and then in view, not to allow any boat or 
vessel to pass the point near which he was stationed 
without his permission. By this oflicer I sent to Ad- 
miral Lee a note stating my objects and wishes, a 
copy of which is hereto annexed, marked A. 

I also sent to the admiral, to be forwarded, another 
in the same language addressed to the officer in com- 
mand of the United States forces at Fort Monroe. 
The gunboat proceeded immediately to the Minneso- 
ta with these despatches, while the Torpedo remain- 
ed at anchor. Between 3 and 4 o'clock, p.m., another 
boat came up to us, bearing the admiral's answer, 
which is hereunto annexed, marked B. 

We remained at or about this point in the river 
until the 6th inst., when, having heard nothing fur- 
ther from the admiral, at 12 o'clock m., on that day, 

1 directed Lieut. Davidson again to speak the gun- 
boat on guard, and to hand to the omcer on -board 
another note to his admiral. This was done. A copy 
of the note is appended, marked C. At half-past 

2 o'clock p. M., two boats approached us from below, 
one bearing an answer from the admiral to my note 
to him of the 4th. This answer is annexed, marked D. 
The other boat bore the answer of Lieut. Col. W. H. 
Ludlow to my note of the 4th, addressed to the of- 
ficer in command at Fort Monroe. A copy of this is 
annexed, marked E. Lieut. -Col. Ludlow also came 
up in person in the boat that brought his answer to 
me, and conferred with Col. Ould, on board the Tor- 
pedo, upon some matters he desired to see him about 
in connection with the exchange of prisoners. From 
the papers appended, embracing the correspondence 
referred to, it will be seen that the mission failed 
from the refusal of the enemy to receive or entertain 
it, holding the proposition for such a conference " in- 
admissible." 

The influences and views that led to this determi- 
nation after so long a consideration of the subject, 
must be left to conjecture. The reason assigned for 
the refusal of the United States Secretary of War, to 
wit : that " the customary agents and channels " are 
considered adequate for all needful military " com- 
munications and conferences," to one acquainted 
with the facts, seems not only unsatisfactory but 
very singular and unaccountable ; for it is certainly 
known to him that these very agents, to whom he 
evidently alludes, heretofore agreed upon in a former 
conference in reference to the exchange of prisoners 
(one of the subjects embraced in your letter to me), 
are now, and have been for some time, distinctly at 
issue on several important points. The existing car- 
tel, owing to these disagreements, is virtually sus- 
pended, so far as the exchange of ofiicers on either 
side is concerned. Notices of retaliation have been 
given on both sides. 

The effort, therefore, for the very many and cogent 
reasons set forth in your letter of instructions to me, 
to see if these differences could not be removed, and 
if a clear understanding between the parties as to the 
general conduct of the war could not be arrived at 
before this extreme measure should be resorted to by 
either party, was no less in accordance with the dic- 
tates of humanity than in strict conformity with the 
usages of belligerents in modern times. Deeply im- 
pressed as I was with these views and feelings, in un- 
dertaking the mission, and asking the conference, I 
can but express my profound regret at the result of 
the effort made to obtain it j and I can but entertain 
the belief that, if the conference sought had been 
granted, mutual good could have been effected by it ; 
and if this war, so unnatural, so unjust, so unchris- 



tian, and so inconsistent with every fundamental 
principle of American constitutional liberty, "must 
needs continue to be waged against us, that at least 
some of its severer horrors, f^hich now so eminently 
threaten, might have been avoided. 
Very respectfully, 

ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS. 

During the year no signs of yielding up were 
exhibited by the Confederate Government, or 
by the Governments of "any of the seceded 
States. On the question of submission to the 
Federal Government, no organized body mani- 
fested any assent, but on the contrary the most 
determined opposition. The Federal Govern- 
ment, on the other hand, continued steadfast 
and onward in the policy it had adopted. The 
views of President Lincoln on the state of the 
country are thus given in his message to Con- 
gress, Dec. 8th, 1863 : 

When Congress assembled" a year ago, the war had 
already lasted nearly twenty months, and there had 
been many conflicts on both land and sea, with vary- 
ing results. The rebellion had been pressed back 
into reduced limits ; yet the tone of public feeling 
and opinion, at home and abroad, was not satisfac- 
tory. With other signs, the popular elections, then 
just past, indicated uneasiness among ourselves, 
while, amid much that was cold and menacing, the 
kindest words coming from Europe were uttered in 
accents of pity that we were too blind to surrender a 
hopeless cause. Our commerce was suffering great- 
ly by a few armed vessels built upon and furnished 
from foreign shores, and we were threatened with 
such additions from the same (juarter as would sweep 
our trade from the sea and raise our blockade. We 
had failed to elicit from European Governments any 
thing hopeful upon this subject. The preliminary 
Emancipation Proclamation, issued in September, 
was running its assigned period to the beginning of 
the new year. A month later the final proclamation 
came, including the announcement that colored men 
of suitable condition would be received into the war 
service. The policy of emancipation and of employ- 
ing black soldiers gave to the future a new aspect, 
about which hope, and fear, and doubt contended in 
uncertain conflict. According to our political sys- 
tem, as a matter of civil administration, the General 
Government had no lawful power to effect emancipa- 
tion in any State, and for a long time it had been 
hoped that the rebellion could be suppressed without 
resorting to it as a military measure. It was all the 
while deemed possible that the necessity for it might 
come, and that, if it should, the crisis of the contest 
would then be presented. It came, and, as we antici- 
pated, it was followed by dark and doubtful days. 

Eleven months having now passed, we are permit- 
ted to take another review. The rebel hordes are 
pressed still farther back, and, by the complete open- 
ing of the Mississippi, the country dominated by the 
rebellion is divided into distinct parts; with no prac- 
tical communication between them. Tennessee and 
Arkansas have been substantially cleared of insur- 
gent control, and influential citizens in each, owners 
of slaves and advocates of slavery at the beginning 
of the rebeUion, now declare openly for emancipa- 
tion in their respective States. Of those States not 
included in the emancipation proclamation, Mary- 
land and Missouri, neither of which, three years ago, 
would tolerate anv restraint upon the extension of 
slavery into new Territories, only dispute now as to 
the best mode of removing it within their own limits. 
Of those who were slaves at the beginning of the re- 
bellion, full one hundred thousand are now in the 
United States military service, about one-half of 
which number actually bear arms in the ranks ; thus 
giving the double advantage of taking so much labor 
from the insurgent cause, and supplying the places 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



491 



which otherwise must be filled with so many white 
men. So far as tested, it is diflScult to say they are 
not as sjood soldiers as any. No servile insurrection, 
or tend^ency to violence or cruelty, has marked the 
measures of emancipation or arming the blacks. 
These measures have been much discussed in foreign 
countries, and contemporary with such discussion 
the tone of pubUc sentiment "there is much improved 
At home the same measures have been fairly discuss- 
ed, supported, criticized, and denounced, and the an- 
nual elections following are highly encouraging to 
those whose official duty it is to bear the country 
through this great trial. Thus we have the new 
reckoning. The crisis which threatened to divide 
the friends of the Union is past. 

Looking now to the present and future, and with 
reference to a resumption of the national authority 
within the States wherein that authority has been 
suspended, I have thought fit to issue a proclama- 
tion, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. 

On examination of this proclamation it will appear, 
as is believed, that nothing is attempted beyond what 
is amply justified by the Constitution. True, the 
form of an oath is given, but no man is coerced to 
take it. The man is only promised a pardon in case 
he voluntarily takes the oath. The Constitution 
authorizes the executive to grant or withhold the 
pardon at his own absolute discretion ; and this in- 
cludes the power to grant on terms, as is fully estab- 
lished by judicial and other authorities. It is also 
profi"ered that if, in any of the States named, a State 
Government shall be, in the mode prescribed, set up, 
such Government shall be recognized and guaran- 
teed by the United States, and that under it the 
State shall, on the constitutional conditions, be pro- 
tected against invasion and domestic violence. The 
constitutional obligation of the United States to 
guarantee to every State in the Union a republican 
form of government, and to protect the State in the 
case stated, is explicit and full. 

But why tender the benefits of this provision only to 
State Governments set up in this particular way? This 
section of the Constitution contemplates a case where- 
in the element within a State, favorable to republican 
government, in the Union, may be too feeble for an 
opposite and hostile element external to or even with- 
in the State ; and such are precisely the cases with 
which we are now dealing. An attempt to guarantee 
and protect a revived State Government, constructed 
in whole or in preponderating part from the very ele- 
ment against whose hostility and violence it is to be 
Erotected, is simply absurd. There must be a test 
y which to separate the opposing elements, so as to 
build only from the sound ; and that test is a suffi- 
ciently liberal one which accepts as sound whoever 
will make a sworn recantation of his former unsound- 
ness. 

But if it be proper to require, as a test of admission 
to the political body, an oath of allegiance to the Con- 
stitution of the United States and to the Union under 
it, why also to the laws and proclamations in regard 
to slavery? Those laws and proclamations were en- 
acted and put forth for the purpose of aiding in the 
suppression of the rebellion. To give them their 
fullest efi'ect, there had to be a pledge for their main- 
tenance. In my judgment they have aided, and will 
further aid, the cause for which they were intended. 
To now abandon them would be not only to relinquish 
a lever of power, but would also be a cruel and 
astounding breach of faith. 

I may add at this point, that while I remain in my 
present position I shall not attempt to retract or modi- 
fy the emancipation proclamation ; nor shall I return 
to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that 
proclamation, or by any of the acts of Congress. 
For these and other reasons it is thought best that 
the support of these measures shall be included in 
the oath ; and it is believed the executive may law- 
fully claim it iu return for pardon and restoration of 
forfeited rights, which he has clear constitutional 



power to withhold altogether, or grant upon the 
terms which he shall deem wisest for the public in- 
terest. It should be observed also that this part of 
the oath is subject to the modifying and abrogatincr 
power of legislation and supreme judicial decision. 
_ The proposed acquiescence of the national execu- 
tive in any reasonable temporary State arrangement 
for the freed people is made with the view of possibly 
modifying the confusion and destitution which must, 
at best, attend all classes by a total revolution of 
labor throughout whole States. It is hoped that the 
already deeply afflicted people of those States may be 
somewhat more ready to give up the cause of their 
affliction, if, to this extent, this vital matter be left 
to themselves; while no power of the national execu- 
tive to prevent an abuse is abridged by the proposi- 
tion. 

The suggestion in the proclamation as to maintain- 
ing the political framework of the States on what is 
called reconstruction, is made in the hope that it may 
do good without danger of harm. It will save labor 
.and avoid great confusion. 

But why any proclamation now upon this subject ? 
This question is beset with the conflicting views that 
the step might be delayed too long or be taken too 
soon. In some States the elements for resumption 
seem ready for action, but remain inactive, apparent- 
ly for want of a rallying point — a plan of action. Why 
shall A adopt the plan of B, rather than B that of A? 
And if A and B should agree, how can they know but 
that the General Government here will reject their 
plan ? By the proclamation a plan is presented which 
may be accepted by them as a rallying point, and 
which they are assured in advance will not be reject- 
ed here. This may bring them to act sooner than 
they otherwise would. 

The objections to a premature presentation of a 
plan by the national executive consists in the danger 
of committals on points which could be more safely 
left to further developments. Care has been taken 
to so shape the document as to avoid embarrassments 
from this source. Saying that, on certain terms, 
certain classes will be pardoned, with rights restored, 
it is not said that other classes, or other terms, will 
never be included. Saying that reconstruction will 
be accepted if presented in a specified way, it is not 
said it will never be accepted in any other way. 

The movements, by State action, for emancipation 
in several of the States not included in the Emanci- 
pation Proclamation, are matters of profound gratu- 
lation. And while I do not repeat in detail what I 
have heretofore so earnestly urged upon this subject, 
my general views and feelings remain unchanged ; 
and I trust that Congress will omit no fair oppor- 
tunity of aiding these important steps to a great con- 
summation. 

In the midst of other cares, however important, we 
must not lose sight of the fact that the war power is 
still our main reliance. To that power alone can we 
look, yet for a time, to give confidence to the people 
in the contested regions, that the insurgent power 
will not again overrun them. 

Until that confidence shall be established, little can 
be done anywhere for what is called reconstruction. 
Hence our chiefest care must still be directed to the 
army and navy, who have thus far borne their harder 
part so nobly and well. And it may be esteemed for- 
tunate that, in giving the greatest efficiency to these 
indispensable arms, we do also honorably recognize 
the gallant men, from commander to sentinel, who 
compose them, and to whom, more than to others, 
the world must stand indebted for the home of free- 
dom disenthralled, regenerated, enlarged, and per- 
petuated. 

PROCLAMATION. 

WJicreas, in and by the Constitution of the United 
States, it is provided that the President "shall have 
power to grant reprieves and pardons for ofiencea 
against the United States, except in cases of impeach- 
ment;" 



492 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



And wTiereas a rebellion now exists whereby the 
loyal State Governments of several of the States have 
for a long time been subverted, and many persons 
have committed and are now guiitj' of treason against 
the United States ; 

And whereas, with reference to said rebellion and 
treason, laws have been enacted by Congress, declar- 
ing forfeitures and confiscation of property and liber- 
ation of slaves, all upon terms and conditions there- 
in stated, and also declaring that the President was 
thereby authorized at any time thereafter, by procla- 
mation, to extend to the persons who may have par- 
ticipated in the existing rebellion, in any State or 
part thereof, pardon and amnesty, with such excep- 
tions and at such times and on such conditions as he 
may deem expedient for the public welfare; 

And whereas the Congressional declaration for lim- 
ited and conditional pardon accords with well-estab- 
lished judicial exposition of the pardoning power ; 

And whereas, with reference to said rebellion, the 
President of the United States has issued several 
proclamations, with provisions in regard to the liber- 
ation of slaves ; 

And ivhereas it is now desired by some persons 
heretofore engaged in said rebellion to resume their 
allegiance to the United States, and to reinaugurate 
loyal State Governments within and for their respec- 
tive States ; 

Therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the 
United States, do proclaim, declare, and make known 
to all persons who have, directly or by implication, 
participated in the existing rebellion, except as here- 
inafter excepted, that a full pardon is hereby granted 
to them and each of them, with restoration of all 
rights of property, except as to slaves, and in prop- 
erty cases where rights of third parties shall have in- 
tervened, and upon the condition that every such per- 
son shall take and subscribe an oath, and thencefor- 
ward keep and maintain said oath inviolate; and 
which oath shall be registered for permanent preser- 
vation, and shall be of the tenor and efl'ect following, 
to wit : 

I, , do solemnly swear, in presence of Al- 
mighty God. that I will henceforth faithfullj' support, pro- 
tect, and defend the Constitution of the United States and 
the Union of the States thereunder; and that I will, in like 
manner, abide by and faithfully support all acts of Congress 
passed during the existing rebellion with reference to slaves, 
60 long and so far as not repealed, modified, or held void by 
Congress, or by decision of the Supreme Court ; and that I 
will, in like manner, abide by, and faithfully support all 
proclamations of the Presicent, made during the existing 
rebellion, having reference to slaves, so long and so far as 
not modified or declared void by decision of the Supreme 
Court. So help me God. 

The persons excepted from the benefits of the fore- 
going provisions are all who are or shall have been 
civil or diplomatic officers or agents of the so-called 
Confederate Government; all who have left judicial 
stations under the United States to aid the rebellion ; 
all who are or shall have been military or naval offi- 
cers of said so-called Confederate Government above 
the rank of colonel in the army or lieutenant in the 
navy ; all who left seats in the United States Congress 
to aid the rebellion ; all who resigned commissions in 
the army or navy of the United States and afterwards 
aided the rebellion; and all who have engaged in any 
wav in treating colored persons, or white persons in 
charge of such, otherwise than lawfully as prisoners 
of war, and which persons may have been found in 
the United States service as soldiers, seamen, or in 
any other capacity. 

And I do further proclaim, declare, and make 
known, that whenever, in any of the States of Arkan- 
sas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ala- 
bama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North 
Carolina, a number of persons, not less than one- 
tenth in number of the votes cast in such State at the 
Presidential election of the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and sixty, each having taken 
the oath aforesaid, and not having since violated it. 



and being a qualified voter by the election laws of the 
State existing immediately before the so-called act 
of secession, and excluding all others, shall reestab- 
lish a State Government which shall be republican, 
and in nowise contravening said oath, such shall be 
recognized as the true Government of the State, and 
the State shall receive thereunder the benefits of the 
constitutional provision which declares that "the 
United States shall guarantee to every State in this 
Union a republican form of government, and shall 
protect each of them against invasion ; and, on appli- 
cation of the Legislature, or the executive (when the 
Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic 
violence." 

And I do further proclaim, declare, and make 
known, that any provision which may be adopted by 
such State Government in relation to the freed peo- 
ple of such State, which shall recognize and declare 
their permanent freedom, provide for their educa- 
tion, and which may yet be consistent as a temporary 
arrangement with their present condition as a labor- 
ing, landless, homeless class, will not be objected to 
by the national executive. 

And it is suggested as not improper that, in con- 
structing a loyal State Government in any State, the 
name of the State, the boundary, the subdivisions, 
the constitution, and the general code of laws, as be- 
fore the rebellion, be maintained, subject only to the 
modifications made necessary by the conditions here- 
inbefore stated, and such others, if any, not contra- 
vening said conditions, and which may be deemed 
expedient by those framing the new State Govern- 
ment. 

To avoid misunderstanding, it may be proper to 
say that this proclamation, so far as it relates to State 
Governments, has no reference to States wherein 
loyal State Governments have all the while been 
maintained. And, for the same reason, it may be 
proper to further say, that whether members sent to 
Congress from any State shall be admitted to seats 
constitutionally, rests exclusively with the respective 
houses, and not to any extent with the executive. 
And still further, that this proclamation is intended 
to present the people of the States wherein the na- 
tional authority has been suspended, and loyal State 
Governments have been subverted, a mode in and by 
which the national authority and loyal State Govern- 
ments may be reestablished within said States, or in 
any of them ; and, while the mode presented is the 
best the executive can suggest, with his present im- 
pressions, it must not be understood that no other 
possible mode would be acceptable. 

Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, 

the eighth day of December, a. d. one thou- 

[l. s.] sand eight hundred and sixty -three, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America 

the eighty-eighth. 

ABKAHAM LINCOLN. 
By the President : 
William H. Seward, Secretary of State. 

The efficacy of the Emancipation Proclama- 
tion was probably very imperfectly manifested 
during 1863. On the one hand, it did not ap- 
pear to make free any slave by its own opera- 
tion during the year. All those became _ free 
who came in contact with the armies or within 
the military lines. This freedom would have 
been obtained equally as Avell without the ex- 
istence of the proclamation, for all officers and 
soldiers had been forbidden to restore fugitives 
to rebel masters. On the other hand, it tended 
to awaken a great sympathy among the slaves 
for the Union cause, which held out to them 
the promise of certain freedom by its success ; 
it presented a strong stimulus to free blacks 
to enter the army and fight for a cause which 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



493 



•\rould give freedom to their race ; it also stim- 
ulated the unconditional Union men in Mary- 
land, Missouri, and Louisiana, to make every 
effort to change the constitutions of the former 
States so as to secure immediate emancipation. 
But the great efficacy of the proclamation was 
expected to become apparent at a future day, 
•when the insurrectionary States should be re- 
covered to the Union. In short, it made eman- 
cipation the policy of the Administration, and 
encouraged the friends of that great cause to 
make every exertion to secure its speedy ac- 
complishment. But it must not be supposed 
that this policy was adopted without opposition. 
The President nowhere during the year stated 
that it was any thing more than a measure for 
the preservation of the Union, and limits him- 
self to this position. The opposition to the 
Administration protested against it. The friends 
of the Administration, known as Union men, 
approved of it as a Avar measure, and a resolu- 
tion to this effect passed the Republican State 
Convention of New York. The friends of the 
Administration, known as unconditional Union 
men, not only warmly approved of the procla- 
mation, but demanded a most vigorous enforce- 
ment of it, by every method. 

It now remains to notice the efforts which 
were made to secure the advantages of the 
proclamation, and the new questions which 
arose in connection with those efforts. The 
first movement was to bring the colored men 
into the field as soldiers, which has been previ- 
ously related. On the 27th of January a bill 
was introduced into Congress to authorize the 
President to raise one hundred and fifty thou- 
sand colored volunteers. On the 31st of July 
the President issued an order declaring that the 
Government would give the same protection to 
jJl of its soldiers ; and that if the enemy should 
sell or enslave any one because of his color, the 
oftence should be punished by retaliation upon 
the enemy's prisoners. An opinion had already 
been given by the attorney-general, Mr. Bates, 
that the colored man was a citizen of the 
United States ; and upon his appearance in the 
field under arms, it was insisted by many that 
he should possess all the rights and enjoy all 
the privileges peculiar to that citizenship. He 
should become a voter, they argued, and eligible 
to public office. A few went still further, and 
advocated an entire wiping out of aU civil and 
social distinctions between the whites and 
blacks, and an establishment of all the intimate 
relations which exist between persons of one 
and the same race. 

But while the able-bodied men among the 
freednien were thus enlisted in the military 
and naval service of the United States, and 
many of the women found employment in the 
vicinity of the camps, garrisons, and hospitals, 
there was a much larger class who were not 
able-bodied, some of them capable of perform- 
ing some labor, others feeble, decrepit, and 
helpless. In the regions which were occupied 
by Federal troops, the planters who sympa- 



thized with the Southern Confederacy had gen- 
erally fled southward, taking with them or 
sending before them their able-bodied slaves, 
and leaving to the mercy of the invading army 
the old and decrepit, and the children who 
were too young to be of much value. Those 
who escaped, too, and came into the Union 
lines, often encountered great hardships in do- 
ing so, and in many instances arrived sick, half- 
starved, and with only a few rags for clothing. 
It was obviously the duty of the Government 
to provide in part at least for these poor crea- 
tures, and to furnish employment for such of 
them as were able to work, that they might 
sustain themselves and their more helpless 
kindred. There were, however, serious prac- 
tical difficulties in the way. On the Mississip- 
pi, especially below Vicksburg, it was a mat- 
ter of difficulty to obtain a sufficiency of rations 
for the soldiers, to say nothing of the 30,000 or 
40,000 helpless colored people who looked to 
the Government for food ; and the Government 
ration was not well adapted to the freedmen, 
who had been accustomed all their lives to corn 
bread and bacon. Clothing the Government 
had not, and could not procure, except for the 
uniforms of its soldiers. These sick, helpless, 
feeble, and infirm persons, and all who were 
not employed with the army, were therefore 
collected in camps at different points, and ra- 
tions furnished them, such clothing as could be 
collected provided, and appeals made to the 
people of the North for new and second-hand 
clothing to supply their needs. Generous re- 
sponses were made to these appeals, and vast 
quantities of clothing forwarded. Those who 
were capable of performing some labor, were 
presently employed on the abandoned planta- 
tions, which were leased under certain restric- 
tions to tenants for one year. 

This plan would have answered a tolerable 
purpose had the lessees of the plantations been 
honest, upright, humane men ; but, with few 
exceptions, they were adventurers and camp 
followers, who were ready to turn their hands 
to any opportunity of getting gain by the op- 
pression of the poor, the weak, or the defence- 
less. The wages prescribed were much smaller 
than were paid by the planters for the hire of 
slaves for the same work when cotton was but 
ten cents a pound, while at this time it was 
worth seventy cents ; the clothing, which by 
the terms of the contract was to be furnished at 
cost, was actually supplied at a most exorbitant 
profit ; and while a portion of their wages ($2 
per head) was withheld for medical attendance, 
no physician was ever allowed to see them, and 
no medicines furnished on most of the planta- 
tions. The provisions concerning families were 
also shamefully evaded, and on many planta- 
tions every rainy day, or day when there was 
no opportunity for work, was deducted, and 
even the little pittance which remained was not 
paid, nor were they furnished with food ac- 
cording to agreement. In short, the plan in- 
ured, in its results, wholly to the benefit of the 



494 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



lessees, many of whom made large fortunes on 
the single year's labor. There were of course 
some exceptions, though but few, to this state 
of things. Fifteen small plantations Avere 
leased by negroes themselves, some of whom 
cultivated them by the aid of their own fami- 
lies, while others employed a number of other 
negroes. They all did well ; and in a few in- 
stances in which men of a high and humane 
character leased plantations, and carried out 
their contracts in the spirit in which it had 
been conceived, they found the people whom 
they employed grateful and contented, and 
willing to labor faithfully, while their own re- 
ceipts were such as amply compensated then- 
exertions and expenditure. 

Meantime the suffering, sickness, and mor- 
tality at many of the camps where the feeble 
and infirm freedinen were coUected, were ter- 
rible. James E. Yeatman, president of the 
Western Sanitary Commission, visited these 
camps from Cairo to Natchez, in the autumn 
of 1863 ; and while in some of them the freed- 
raen employed by the Government in chopping 
wood or other Avork, supported themselves and 
those dependent upon them in tolerable com- 
fort, in others, and these the largest camps, 
there had been great distress and frightful mor- 
tality — the result of overcrowding, want of 
ventilation, malarious localities, the prevalence 
of small-pox, want of medical attendance, poor 
and insufficient food, and lack of clothing. 
Many of the people under these causes were 
seriously affected with nostalgia^ or home-sick- 
ness ; their condition being more wretched 
than it had been on the plantations. At the 
camp at Natchez, where there had been 4,000 
freedmen, the number was reduced to 2,100 by 
deaths, from fifty to seventy-five having died 
per day during July and August; at Young's 
Point, near Vicksburg, the mortality had beeii" 
equally great for three months ; De Soto and 
President's Island were among the worst of 
these camps. Camp Holly Springs and Camp 
Shiloh near Memphis, Helena, and the Freed- 
man's Hospital, were in better condition, and 
some of them had good schools for the instruc- 
tion of those who desired to learn to read. 

About 35,000 colored people were gathered 
in these camps between Cairo and Natchez, and 
about four-fifths of them under proper manage- 
ment could have eai-ned their own support. 

Near tbe close of the year, the management 
of these Infirmary farms and camps, as well as 
of the whole matter of leasing plantations and 
employing the freedmen, passed from the War 
Department to the Treasury Department, and 
the special agent appointed by the latter De- 
partment, in conjunction with Mr. Yeatman, 
perfected the regulations for the year 1864, 
guarding so far as was possible against all 
chances of fraud or ill treatment on the part 
of the lessees, placing them under strict super- 
vision, increasing the wages of the freedmen 
about three fold, and making them a first lien 
on the crop. The tax payable to Government 



on the crop was also increased, and one-fourth 
applied to the support of schools for the col- 
ored children, and another fourth to the main- 
tenance of the infirmary farms. Medical at- 
tendants were also to be provided for each dis- 
trict, and the money reserved paid to them by 
the district superintendent, and they were re- 
quired to attend strictly to the health of the 
people of their districts. 

Great attention was paid to the establishment 
of schools for the education of the freedmen, 
and to the imparting of religious instruction to 
them, especially at Port Royal, Roanoke Island, 
Norfolk, and at the Freedmen's village, Arling- 
ton, opposite Washington, D. C, under the di- 
rection of the Freedmen's Relief Societies, the 
American Missionary Association, the Free 
Mission Society, &c. In North Carolina, the 
land on Roanoke Island was assigned to the 
freedmen for cultivation, and they supported 
themselves comfortably. 

But the questions relative to freedmen were 
generally regarded as of less importance com- 
pared with the greater one which arose relative 
to the relations of the insurrectionary States to 
the Federal Government, and which involved 
the status of the slave at the close of the civU 
war. Previous to the adoption of emancipation 
as a principle and a policy of the Government, 
it had been held by all except those who were 
looking to ultimate emancipation, that it was 
only necessary for the Southern States, in good 
faith, to send representatives to Congress where 
vacant chairs were in place for them, to restore 
their States to their original position in the 
Union. But now, under the operation of the 
principle of emancipation, they could not re- 
cover their position as slaveholding States, but 
must appear as non-slaveholding States. The 
problem thus to be solved was to accomplish 
the reappearance of the slaveholding insurrec- 
tionary States in the Union, Avith the shackles 
of their slaves knocked off, with their b6nd- 
men and women and children sent forth as free. 
A problem of this magnitude called into exer- 
cise for its solution the ablest intellects of the 
unconditional Union men, or emancipationists. 
In the first place, it assumed that the United 
States should prescribe the terms and condi- 
tions of the reappearance of the insurrectionary 
States in the Union, and be able to secure their 
reappearance upon those terms. To accom- 
plish this measure involved the entire subjuga- 
tion of those States, the extinction of their ex- 
isting governments, and the creation of new ones. 
The operations of the Federal Treasury dur- 
ing the year 1863, were successfully conducted. 
The enactment by Congress of a national bank- 
ing law has proved a support of public credit ; 
and the general legislation in relation to loans 
fully answered the expectations of its favorers. 
The receipts during the year from all sources, 
including loans and the balance in the Treasury 
at its commencement, were $901,125,674.86, and 
the aggregate disbursements $895,796,630.65, 
leaving a balance on the 1st July, 1863, of 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



495 



$5,329,044.21. Of the receipts there were de- 
rived from customs, $69,059,042.40; from inter- 
nal revenue, $37,040,787.95 ; from direct tax, 
$1,485,103.61-, from lauds, $167,617.17; from 
miscellaneous sources, $3,046,615.35; and from 
loans, $770,682,361.57; making the aggregate, 
$901,125,674.86. 

Of the disbursements there were for the 
civil service, $23,253,922.08; pensions and In- 
dians, $4,216,520.79; for interest on public 
debt, $24,729,846.51 ; for the War Department, 
$599,298,600.83; for the Navy Department, 
$63,211,105.27; for payment of funded and 
temporary debt, $181,086,635.07; making the 
aggregate, $895,796,630.65; and leaving the 
balance of $5,329,044.21. 

But the payment of funded and temporary 
debt having been made from moneys borrowed 
during the year, must be regarded as merely 
nominal payments, and the moneys borrowed 
to make them as merely nominal receipts ; and 
their amount, $181,086,635,07, should therefore 
be deducted both from receipts and disburse- 
ments. This being done, there remains as actual 
receipts, $720,039,039.79; and the actual dis- 
bursements, $714,709,995.58, leaving the bal- 
ance as already stated. 

In January, 1863, Mr. John P. Usher was 
appointed Secretary of the Interior to succeed 
Mr. Smith, appointed judge of the U. S. District 
Court of Indiana. The Cabinet of Mr. Lincoln 
was thus composed as follows : 

William H. Seward, New York, Secretary of State. 

Salmon P. Chase, Ohio, Secretary' of the Treasuiy. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Pennsylvania, Sec'y of War. 

Gideon Welles, Connecticut,Secretary of the Navy. 

John P. Usher, Indiana, Secretary of the Interior. 

•Montgomery Blair, Maryland, Postmaster-General. 

Edward Bates, Missouri, Attorney-General. 

Intercourse of a private nature was allowed 
between the citizens of the Northern and South- 
ern States, under certain simple regulations, as 
follows : 

1. No letter must exceed one page of a letter sheet, 
or relate to any other than purely domestic matters. 

2. Every letter must be signed with the writer's 
name in full. 

3. All letters must be sent with five cents postage 
enclosed if to go to Kichmond, and ten cents if be- 
yond. A 

4. All letters must be enclosed to the commanding 
general of the Department of Virginia, at Fortress 
Monroe. No letter sent to any other address will be 
forwarded. 

At intervals, females and children were grant- 
ed passes to go South, under certain regulations. 

The power of the Government to confiscate 
the property of the inhabitants of the insur- 
gent States, early commanded the earnest at- 
tention of Congress, and led to a full discus- 
sion of the extent of this power, the manner 
of its exercise, and the restrictions imposed 
by the Constitution. The results of the exam- 
ination were the enactment by Congress of the 
act of August 6th, 1861, and of the act of 
July 17th, 1862. The distinctive features of 
these laws were, that the first provided for the 
confiscation of property actually used in aiding, 



abetting, or promoting the measures of the 
rebels, while the second freed the slaves and 
confiscated all other property of persons assist- 
ing, engaged with or giving aid or comfort to 
the rebellion. By an order of the President 
under date of November 13th, 1862, and a sub- 
sequent one extending the directions of the first, 
the Attorney General was charged with the 
superintendence and direction of all proceedings 
under the two acts of Congress above referred 
to, in so far as concerned the seizure, prosecu- 
tion, and condemnation of the estate, property, 
and eflfects coming under the operation of the 
same. Attorney General Bates, on the 8th of 
January, 1863, issued " General Instructions 
to District Attorneys and Marshals relative to 
proceedings under the acts of Congress for con- 
fiscation." These instructicms provided gene- 
rally that — 

1st. All seizures were to be made by the Mar- 
shal under the written authority of the District 
Attorney. 

2d. A true return thereof by the Marshal to 
the District Attorney. 

3d. A record by the District Attorney of 
every order of seizure, and one by the Marshal 
of every return. 

4th. That the District Attorney should exer- 
cise vigilance in executing the law and care to 
avoid hasty and improvident seizures, 

5th. State laws directing seizures should be 
conformed to as nearly as may be, consistently 
with the objects of the acts of Congress. 

6th. That property seized by the military 
officers might be received by the Marshal, who 
should make return thereof to the District At- 
torney. 

7th. After seizure the District Attorney to 
proceed in the proper court for the condemna- 
tion of the property seized. 

In pursuance of these instructions, proceed- 
ings were commenced in several districts to en- 
force the provisions of both laws. 

With regard to the exchange, of prisoners, 
the commencement of 1863 found the cai'tel 
agreed upon by Gens. Dix and Hill in the pre- 
ceding July in full force and operation. The 
preponderance of prisoners on either side was 
not great, and notwithstanding certain acrimo- 
nious correspondence and retaliatory proclama- 
tions of the previous year, exchanges proceeded 
regularly at City Point on the James River, the 
chief place appointed for that purpose, to the 
mutual relief and advantage of the hostile parties. 

The first indication of approaching complica- 
tions was afforded by the message of Jefferson 
Davis to the Confederate Congress on Jcin. 14th, 
in which he used the following language : 

So far as regards the action of the Government on 
such criminals as may attempt its execution [referring 
to President Lincoln's emancipation proclamation of 
Jan. 1st, 1863], I confine myself to informing you that 
I shall, unless in your wisdom j^ou deem some other 
course more expedient, deliver to the several State 
authorities all commissioned officers of the United 
States that may hereafter be captured bj our forces 
in any of the States embraced in the proclamation, 



496 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



that they may be dealt with in accordance with the 
laws of those States providing for the punishment of 
criminals engaged in inciting servile insurrection. 

Ou May 1st, the Congress, after mature de- 
liberation, passed a series of resolutions in con- 
formity with these views. 

The eifect of the resolutions was to withhold 
from exchange, if captured, a certain class of 
soldiers of the United States army, who were 
not regarded by the enemy as prisoners of war. 
As no colored soldiers had np to this time fallen 
into their hands, notwithstanding a large num- 
ber of colored persons employed as ambulance 
and wagon drivers, laborers, servants, and in 
other capacities, had been captured by them 
and never accounted for, no direct issue seemed 
to be raised, and it remained for future events 
to develop one. The cartel was in reality intei*- 
rupted when the resolutions became the law of 
the Confederacy, but its operation was not prac- 
tically stopped until several months afterwards, 
and then for reasons only partially connected 
with the position taken by the rebel authorities 
on this point. 

The cartel of July, 1862, had been go ar- 
ranged that a correct return of prisoners could 
be kept by both sides, in order that a balance 
sheet might at any time be struck between 
them. For this purpose City Point and Vicks- 
burg were selected as points of exchange. But 
under a liberal interpretation of the cartel it 
became the practice for the commanders of 
opposing armies to parole and exchange pris- 
oners at will, without the formality of sending 
them to the rear for transportation to the 
points of exchange, or designating such points. 
In consequence of this course it became im- 
possible to determine with accuracy the bal- 
ances between the contending parties ; and the 
United States Government, for the purpose, 
among other things, of making its generals 
conform strictly to the regulations of the cartel 
in the matter of paroles, issued, on May 22d, a 
code of instructions compiled by Dr. Francis 
Lieber, and known as general orders No. 100, 
in which it was provided that j-aptures, to be 
valid, " must be reduced to possession," and 
that when the Government did not approve of 
a parole, the officer or man paroled must return 
to captivity. This was sent to Robert Ould, 
Confederate agent of exchange at City Point, 
on May 22d, accompanied by a note from Col. 
Ludlow, the Federal agent at Fortress Monroe, 
in which he stated that, together with the car- 
tel, it would govern the U. S. army. He added : 
I would invite your special attention to article seven 
of tbe cartel, which provides that all prisoners of war 
shall be sest to places of delivery therein specified. 
The execution of this article will obviate much dis- 
cussion and difficulty growing out of the mode, time, 
and place of giving paroles. No paroles or exchanges 
will be considered binding except those under the 
stipulations of said article, permitting commanders 
of two opposing armies to exchange or release or 
parole at other points mutually agreed on by said 
commanders. 

On July 3d, Gen. Lee received his final repulse 
at Gettysburg, and on the 4th he retreated tow- 



ard the Potomac. A number of prisoners taken 
by him during the battles of the three previous 
days still remained upon his hands, and being 
unable to take these with him into Virginia 
he paroled and released them on the spot. Gen. 
Meade at once disavowed these paroles as hav- 
ing been made in violation of a liberal inter- 
pretation of the cartel, which required prison- 
ers, when exchanged or paroled at a distance 
from either of the points of exchange, to be so 
exchanged or paroled at a point mutually agreed 
upon by the commanders of the opposing ar- 
mies. In the present case nothing of the kind 
had been attempted, and the enemy, by showing 
his inability to remove his prisoners, failed to 
prove that he had reduced them to actual pos- 
session. Hence the Federal Government not 
only held these paroles to be invalidated, but 
ordered the officers and men to return to duty. 
The rebels complained bitterly of this proceed- 
ing, maintaining that the Federal Government 
had undertaken to supplement the cartel by its 
general orders, by which the basis of exchanges 
had been affected without previous agreement. 

The battle of Gettysburg was followed by 
the unconditional surrender of Vicksburg and 
Port Hudson, by which the number of prisoners 
falling into the Federal hands was enormously 
increased. In both instances the commanders 
of the opposing armies, acting under the author- 
ity of the cartel, mutually agreed upon a place 
for the delivery of the prisoners on parole. The 
Port Hudson prisoners were accordingly sent 
to Mobile. Mr. Ould nevertheless undertook 
to release these men from their obligations, 
ostensibly because they were not exchanged at 
City Point or Vicksburg, the two places spe- 
cially mentioned in the cartel (although that 
instrument provided for other arrangements, 
which in this instance were literally fultilled), 
but really as a retaliatory measure to offset the 
disavowal of the Gettysburg paroles, and also, 
there is good reason to believe, for the purpose 
of filling up the depleted ranks of the rebel 
army. Other prisoners, to the number of sev- 
eral thousands, were for similar reasons subse- 
quently absolved from their paroles. The pro- 
ceedings ibove related involved no slight amount 
of acrimonious correspondence, extending over 
a considerable period, but cannot be said to 
have permanently interrupted the system of ex- 
changes then in operation. 

Pre'sdous to July no engagement had occurred 
in which colored troops had fallen into the 
hands of the enemy. But the capture of a num- 
ber of the 54th Massachusetts (colored) regi- 
ment, at the assault on Fort Wagner in Charles- 
ton harbor, showed that the enemy were deter- 
mined to carry out literally the provisions of the 
resolutions of May 1st. To protect this class of 
soldiers from these harsh measures, the following 
retaliatory order was issued by the President : 

Executive Mansion, Washington, July SOth. 
It is the duty of every Government to give protec- 
tion to its citizens of whatever class, color, or condi- 
tion, and especially to those who are duly organized 



MILITARY AFD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



497 



as soldiers in the public service. The law of nations 
and the usages and customs of war, as carried on by 
civilized powers, permit no distinction as to color in 
the treatment of prisoners of war as public enemies. 
To sell or enslave any captured person, on account 
of his color, and for no" offence against the laws of war, 
is a relapse into barbarism and a crime against the 
civilization of the age. The Government of the 
United States will give the same protection to all its 
soldiers, and if the enemy shall sell or enslave any 
one because of his color, the ofi'ence shall be punished 
by retaliation upon the enemy's prisoners in our 
hands. 

It is therefore ordered that for every soldier of the 
United States killed in violation of the laws of war, a 
rebel soldier shall be executed, and for every one 
enslaved by the enemy or sold into slavery, a rebel 
soldier shall be placed at hard labor on the public 
works, and continue at such labor until the other 
shall be released and receive the treatment due to a 
prisoner of war. 
^ ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

By order of the Secretary of War. 
E. D. TowNSEND, Ass't Adj. -Gen. 

Of the fate of the negroes captured at Fort 
Wagner no certain intelligence reached the 
Federal Government for several weeks, the 
rebels maintaining a strict silence on the sub- 
ject ; but Secretary Stanton, ascertaining soon 
after that three colored men captured on board 
the gunboat Isaac Smith in the Stono River, had 
been placed in close confinement, ordered three 
rebel prisoners of South Carolina to be held as 
hostages for them, and directed this fact to 
be communicated to the Confederate Govern- 
ment. 

During the whole year not a single instance 
occurred of a negro soldier, or a commissioned 
officer of a negro regiment, being exchanged, 
or recognized as a prisoner of war. On the 
other hand, no instance came to light of the 
execution by the Confederate authorities of the 
death penalty upon prisoners of this class. A 
suspension of exchanges and a long correspond- 
ence now ensued. 

The report of the Commissary-General of 
Prisoners, accompanying the Secretary of "War's 
annual report of Dec, 1863, showed that the 
number of Confederate officers and men cap- 
tared by the Federals since the beginning of the 
war, is : 1 lieutenant-general, 5 major-generals, 
25 brigadier-generals, 186 colonels, 146 lieuten- 
ant-colonels, 244 majors, 2,497 captains, 5,811 
lieutenants, 16,563 non-commissioned officers, 
121,156 privates, and 5,800 citizens. Of these, 
the Federals had on hand at the date of the 
report, 29,229 officers and men, among whom 
were 1 major-general and 7 brigadiers. There 
had been 121,937 Confederates exchanged, 
against 110,866 Federal soldiers returned. The 
exchanges of officers on both sides were 



computed at their exchangeable value in pri- 
vates. 

Of the treatment of Federal prisoners by the 
rebel authorities, the accounts of exchanged 
surgeons, officers, and men, generally concurred 
in describing it as bad. Many had even de- 
nounced it as unnecessarily cruel. The enemy, 
in palliation of these complaints, alleged that 
the Union prisoners were placed on an equality, 
as respects rations and clothing, with their own 
soldiers, and that they did not receive the com- 
forts which might be reasonably expected, simply 
because it was not in the power of the Confed- 
erate authorities to give them. This, in the 
opinion of several exchanged surgeons, who 
were in the habit of making daily visits to the 
prison hospitals in Richmond, would not account 
for the dreadful mortality in those buildings, 
averaging, at certain periods, upward of fifty 
persons a day. Toward the close of 1863, the 
Federal Government was permitted to send 
supplies of food and clothing to these prisoners ; 
but charges of misappropriation of them having 
been made, the permission was, in December, 
revoked. 

A somewhat remarkable episode of this pe- 
riod was the plot set on foot by the rebel au- 
thorities to liberate 2,500 of their officers con- 
fined on Johnson's Island, in Lake Erie, and in 
connection with this act to burn or destroy 
Buffalo and other lake cities. The expedition 
intended for this purpose was to rendezvous in 
Canada, surprise the Federal garrison on John- 
son's Island, liberate" the prisoners, convey them 
to Canada in vessels provided for that purpose, 
and forward them by Halifax to Nassau or Ber- 
muda ; the greater part of the fnnds being spe- 
cially devoted to paying their passage to one 
of these points. 

These facts coming to the knowledge of the 
American consul-general in Montreal, he at 
once laid them before the governor-general of 
Canada. The Canadian authorities gave the 
subject immediate attention, and by November 
11th enough had been discovered of the plans 
of the rebels to authorize the governor-general 
to inform Lord Lyons, the British minister at 
"Washington, by telegraph, of the existence of 
the plot. Lord Lyons at once communicated 
his despatch to the United States Government, 
and at midnight of the 11th a despatch was sent 
by Secretary Stanton to the mayors of Detroit, 
Buffalo, and other "Western cities. 

The prompt movement of troops to the scene 
of danger, and the precautions taken by the 
local authorities in the lake cities, had the effect 
of averting the threatened catastrophe, and in 
a few days tranquillity was restored. 



498 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



CHAPTEE XXXYIII. 

Position of the Armies at the beginning of 1SG4 — Gen. Sherman's march to Meridian — Opposing movements of the Enemy 
Gen. Gilmorc's movements in Florida — Battle of Olustee — Campaign of Gen. Banks on the Ked Eiver — Battles — Co- 
operation of Gen. Steele — Its Results— Capture of Fort Pillow and slaughter of the Garrison — Unsuccessful Operations 
in North Carolina, 



At the commencement of the year, 1864, the 
Ai*my of the Potomac, under Gen. Meade, was 
near Culpepper Court House, in Virginia, with 
the army under Gen. Lee in front and south of 
him. The Confederate Gen. Early had been 
ordered to command the forces in the Shenan- 
doah valley, with his headquarters at Staunton. 
The Federal forces held Winchester, Martins- 
burg, and Harper's Ferry, and occupied the 
line of the Baltimore and' Ohio Railroad in 
Western Virginia. Gen. Burnside was still at 
Knoxville, in East Tennessee, with a line of 
communication into Kentucky. Eastward of 
him was Gen. Longstreet, with a division of the 
Confederate army. The army of Gen. Grant 
was in front of Chattanooga, in the southeast 
corner of Tennessee, and a force of the enemy 
before him at Dalton, xmder Gen. Bragg. The 
following address to his soldiers had been is- 
sued by Gen. Grant, near the close of 1863 : 

Headquarters Military Division or the 1 

Mississippi, in the Field, V 

Chattanooga, Tenn., December 10, 1863. ) 

The General commanding takes this opportunity 
of returning his sincere thanks and congratulations 
to the brave Armies of the Cumberland, the Ohio, the 
Tennessee, and their comrades from the Potomac, for 
the recent splendid and decisive successes achieved 
over the enemy. In a short time you have recovered 
from him the control of the Tennessee River, from 
Bridgeport to Knoxville. You dislodged him from 
his great stronghold upon Lookout Mountain, drove 
him from Chattanooga valley, wrested from his de- 
termined grasp the possession of Missionary Ridge, 
repelled with heavy loss to him his repeated assaults 
upon Knoxville, forcing him to raise the siege there, 
driving him at all points, utterly routed and discom- 
fited, beyond the limits of the State. By your noble 
heroism and determined courage, you have efiectu- 
ally defeated the plans of the enemy for regaining 
possession of the States of Kentucky and Tennessee. 
You have secured positions from which no rebellious 
power can drive or dislodge you. For all this the 
General commanding thanks you collectively and 
individually. The loyal people of the United States 
thank and bless you. Their hopes and prayers for 
your success against this unholy rebellion are with 
you daily. Their faith in you will not be in vain. 
Their hopes will not be blasted. Their prayers to 
Almighty God will be answered. You will yet go to 
other fields of strife ; and with the invincible bravery 
and unflinching loyalty to justice and right which 
have characterized you in the past, you will prove 
that no enemy can withstand you, and that no de- 
fences, however formidable, can check your onward 
march. 

By order of Major-General U. S. GRANT. 

T. S. Bowers, Ass't Adj. -Gen. 

The line of communication of Gen. Grant 
extepded to Nashville by the railroad, through 
Stevenson and Murfreesboro'. Florence and 
Corinth were also held by a Federal force until 



the earlier portion of the year, when the former 
was occupied by the enemy. Military pos'ts 
consistuig of fortifications and heavy guns, with 
negro troops, were established on the Missis- 
sippi River at Cairo, Columbus, New Madrid, 
Fort Pillow, Memphis, Helena, Goodrich's Land- 
ing, Vicksburg, Natchez, Port Hudson, Baton 
Rouge, New Orleans, and Forts Jackson and 
St. Philip. There were also forces at other 
points adjacent to these. A large force was 
under the command of Gen. Banks, in New Or- 
leans, with detachments at Brashear City, and 
at Brownsville, on the Rio Grande. Gen. 
Steele occupied Little Rock, Arkansas, with a 
considerable force, and Gen. Rosecrans, in com- 
mand of the department, had a small body of 
troops in Missouri. The military positions on 
the coast of North Carolina and South Carolina 
remained unchanged. 

The number of troops in the field at the com- 
mencement of the year can be only indefinitely 
estimated. Between October, 1863, and May, 
1864, seven hundred thousand new troops took 
the field, as stated by Senator Wilson in Con- 
gress. A portion of these supplied the place 
of the three years' men whose term of service 
expired in 1864. A large majority of the latter, 
however, reenlisted. 

The number of Confederate troops in the 
field known as veterans, in the beginning of 
the year, was as follows : That portion of the 
Southern army which constituted the force 
under Gen. Lee (counting in Gen. Longstreet, 
who commanded a portion of his army), num- 
bered ninety thousand troops. This is also 
counting in the troops which were in the vicin- 
ity of Abingdon, Lynchburg, and other por- 
tions of Southwestern Virginia and East Ten- 
nessee, formerly under Gen. Samuel Jones, who 
was detached from Gen. Lee's army late in Sep- 
tember, 1863, to operate against Gen. Burnside, 
and afterwards under the command of Gen. 
Breckinridge. At Richmond and at Peters- 
burg there were, not counting in citizens and 
home guards, about three thousand men. Be- 
tween Petersburg and Weldon there were one 
thousand men. Along the railroad, between 
Weldon and Wilmington, there were at least 
six thousand men. The forces under Gen. 
Pickett numbered eight thousand men. Ln- 
boden and Moseby together had four thousand 
men — all guerrillas. This swelled the army in 
Eastern Virginia and North Carolina to one 
hundred and twelve thousand strong. 

The second great army in the Confederacy 
was that under Gen. Johnston, a large portion 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



499 



of which was cavalry. The army known as 
the Army of the Tennessee was composed of 
two corps, each having six divisions of in- 
fantry, amounting to thirty-six thousand men. 
There were also several divisions of cavalry, 
numbering at least eighteen tliousaud men, 
making an aggregate of fifty-four thousand. 
This included the four divisions sent to reen- 
force Gen. Polk, and the two divisions sent 
to Mobile, and the entire cavalry under Wheel- 
er, Wharton, and John Morgan. Gen. John- 
ston also had command of all the Confederate 
forces in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, 
except those at Savannah, Mobile, and under 
Forrest, who had an independent (roving) com- 
mission. Before the arrival of Gen." Sherman 
at Meridian, Gen. Polk had .eighteen thousand 
troops, only two thousand of which were vet- 
erans. 

The forces in South Carolina and at Savan- 
nah, under Gen. Beauregard, and in Florida, 
under Gen. McCown, numbered ten thousand. 
This only included the veterans, or old soldiers, 
as the armies in these three localities above 
mentioned a little later numbered twenty-five 
thousand men. 

The next regular armies of the Confederacy 
were the Trans-Mississippi forces, scattered in 
different portions of Arkansas and Texas, and 
all under the command of Lient.-Gen. Kirby 
Smith, the army in Arkansas under Gen. 
Holmes, and the army in Texas under Gen. 
Magruder ; the old solcliers of which numbered 
twelve thousand men. 

The forces at Mobile, under Gens. Maury and 
Claiborne, numbered about eight thousand. 
The forces under Gen. Forrest, and under Chal- 
mers, Lee, and Richardson, amounted to six 
thousand, which included all the veterans in the 
rebel service. 

To this may be added, however, in the same 
line, twelve thousand soldiers engaged in im- 
portant prison guard, and in the hospitals and 
quartermasters' and commissary departments. 
There were also about two tliousand men en- 
gaged in the guerrilla warfare on the banks of 
the Mississippi. No other guerrilla bands of 
importance existed in Gen. Grant's department. 
There was not a single squad in Kentuck^y, East 
and Middle Tennessee, Northern Alabama, or 
Northern Georgia. There were still several 
guerrilla organizations in West Tennessee and 
Northern Mississippi. The people themselves 
had rid the country. 

The total of these veterans was two hundred 
and twenty-four thousand ; to these were add- 
ed, at the beginning of the year, one hundred 
and twenty thousand conscripts, making the 
number in the service three hundred and forty- 
four thousand. 

The earliest operations of importance, in 
1864, consisted of a movement under Gen. 
Sherman from Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Meri- 
dian, Alabama; another under Gen. Smith, 
from Memphis, Tennessee, to cooperate with 
Gen. Sherman; another under Gen. Grant's 



orders, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, upon 
Dalton, Georgia, and another under Gen. Scho- 
field, who relieved Gen. Burnside, upon the 
forces under Gen. Longstreet, in East Tennessee. 

Upon the return of Gen. Sherman from East 
Tennessee to Chattanooga, his command was 
stationed at Scottsboro', Alabama, and thence 
along the Memphis and Chattanooga Railroad, 
to Huntsville. Near the end of January, Gen. 
Sherman went to Memphis and Vicksburg, to 
command an expedition. Corinth was aban- 
doned, and the Memphis Railroad eastward of 
Lagrange to Huntsville, and a large body of 
troops sent down the Mississippi to Vicksburg. 

The following letter w'as addressed by Gen. 
Sherman, at this time, to his adjutant-general, 
relative to the course to be pursued by subor- 
dinate commanders of military districts to the 
inhabitants : 

Headquarters Dep't op the Tennessee, ) 
Vicksburg, January 31, 1S64 ( 
Major R. If. Sawyer, Ass'i Adj. -Gen. Army of the 
Tennessee, Huntsville. 

Dear Sawyer : In my former letter I have an- 
swered all your questions, save one, and that relates 
to the treatment of inhabitants known or suspected 
to be hostile, or " secesh." This is in truth the most 
difficult business of our army as it advances and oc- 
cupies the Southern country. It is almost impossi- 
ble to lay down rules, and I invariably leave this 
whole subject to the local commanders, but am will- 
ing to give them the benefit of my acquired knowl- 
edge and expennce. 

In Europe, whence we derive our principles of war, 
as developed by their histories, wars are between 
kings or rulers, through hired armies, and not be- 
tween peoples. 

The war which prevails in our land is essentially 
a war of races. The Southern people entered into a 
clear compact of Government, but still maintained a 
species of separate interests, history, and prejudices. 
These latter became stronger and stronger, till they 
have led to a war which has developed the fruits of 
the bitterest kind. 

We of the North are, beyond all question, right in 
our lawful cause, but we are not bound to ignore the 
fact that the people of the South have prejudices 
which form part of their nature, and which they can- 
not throw off without an effort of reason, or the 
slower process of natural change. Now, the ques- 
tion arises, should we treat as absolute enemies all 
in the South who differ from us in opinion or preju- 
dice, kill or banish them; or should we give them 
time to think, and gradually change their conduct so 
as to conform to the new order of things, which is 
slowly and gradually creeping into their country ? 

When men take arms to resist our rightful author- 
ity, we are compelled to use force, because all reason 
and argument cease when arms are resorted to. 
When provisions, forage, horses, mules, wagons, 
etc., are used by our enemy, it is clearly our duty 
and right to take them, because otherwise they might 
be used against -us. 

In like manner, all houses left vacant by an inimi- 
cal people are clearly our right, or such as are needed 
as storehouses, hospitals, and quarters. But a ques- 
tion arises as to dwellings used by women, children, 
and non-combatants. So long as non-combatants 
remain in their houses and keep to their accustomed 
business, their opinions and prejudices can in no- 
wise influence the war, and therefore should not be 
noticed. But if any one comes out into the public 
streets and creates disorder, he or she should be 
punished, restrained, or banished, either to the rear 
or front, as the officer in command adjudges. If the 
people, or any of them, keep up a correspondence 



500 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



with parties in hostility, they are spies, and can be 
punisned with death or minor punishment. 

These are well-established principles of war, and 
the people of the South having appealed to war, are 
barred from appealing to our Constitution, which 
they have practically and publicly defied. They 
have appealed to war, and must abide its rules and 
laws. Ihe United States, as a belligerent party 
claiming right in the soil as the ultimate sovereign, 
have a right to change the population, and it may be 
and is, both politic and just, we should do so in cer- 
tain districts. When the inhabitants persist too 
long in hostility, it may be both politic and right we 
should banish them and appropriate their lands to a 
more loyal and useful population. No man will deny 
that^the United States would be benefited by dis- 
possessing a single prejudiced, hard-headed, and dis- 
loyal planter, and substituting in his place a dozen or 
more patient, industrious, good families, even if they 
be of foreign birth. I think it does good to present 
this view of the case to many Southern gentlemen, 
who ^rew rich and wealthy, not by virtue alone of 
their industry and skill, but- by reason of the pro- 
tection and impetus to prosperity given by our hith- 
erto moderate and magnanimous Government. It 
is all idle nonsense for these Southern planters to 
say that they made the South, that they own it, and 
that they can do as they please — even to break up 
our Government, and to shut up the natural avenues 
of trade, intercourse, and commerce. 

We know, and they know, if they are intelligent 
beings, that, as compared with the whole world, they 
are but as five millions are to one thousand millions 
-—that they did not create the land — that their only 
title to its use and usufruct is the deed of the United 
States ; and if they appeal to war, they hold their all 
by a very insecure tenure. 

For my part I believe that this war is the result of 
false political doctrine, for which we are all as a peo- 
ple responsible, viz. : that any and every people have 
a right to self-government ; and I would give all a 
chance to reflect, and when in error to recant. I 
know slave owners finding themselves in possession 
of a species of property in opposition to the growing 
sentiment of the whole civilized world, conceived 
their property in danger, and foolishly appealed to 
war; and by skilful political handling involved with 
themselves the whole South on the doctrines of error 
and prejudice. I believe that some of the rich and 
slaveholding are prejudiced to an extent that nothing 
but. death and ruin will extinguish, but hope that as 
the poorer and industrial classes of the South realize 
their relative weakness, and their dependence upon the 
fruits of the earth and good will of their fellow-men, 
they will not only discover the error of their ways, 
and repent of their hasty action, but bless those who 
persistently maintained a Constitutional Government, 
strong enough to sustain itself, protect its citizens, 
and promise peaceful homes to millions yet unborn. 

In this belief, whilst I assert for our Government 
the highest military prerogatives, I am willing to 
bear in patience that politicalnonsense of slave rights, 
State rights, freedom of conscience, freedom of press, 
and such other trash as have deluded the Southern 
people into war, anarchy, bloodshed, and the foulest 
crimes that have disgraced any time or any people. 

I would advise the commanding officers at Hunts- 
ville, and such other towns as are occupied by our 
troops, to assemble the inhabitants and explain to 
them these plain, self-evident propositions, and tell 
them that it is for them now to say, whether they 
and their children shall inherit the" beautiful land, 
which, by the accident of nature, has fallen to their 
share. The Government of the United States has in 
North Alabama any and all rights which they choose 
to enforce in war, to take their lives, their homes, 
their lands, their every thing, because they cannot 
deny that war does exist there, and war is simply 
power unrestrained by constitution or compact. If 
they want eternal war, well and good — we will accept 



the issue and dispossess them, and put our friends in 
possession. I know thousands and millions of good 
people who, at simple notice, would come to J^orth 
Alabama and accept the elegant houses and planta- 
tions now there. If the people of Huntsville think 
diflFerent, let them persist in war three years longer, 
and then they will not be consulted. Three years 
ago, by a little reflection and patience they could 
have had a hundred years of peace and prosperity, 
but they preferred war; very well, last year they 
could have saved their slaves, but now it is too late — 
all the powers of earth cannot restore to them their 
slaves any more than their dead grandfathers. Next 
year their lands will be taken, for in war we can take 
them, and rightfully, too, and in another year they 
may beg in vain for their lives. A people who will 
persevere in war beyond a certain limit, ought to 
know the consequences. Many, many people, with 
less pertinacity than the South, have been wiped out 
of national existence. 

My own belief is, that even now the non-slavehold- 
ing classes of the South are alienating from their as- 
sociates in war. Already I hear crimination. Those 
who have property left, should take warning in time. 

Since I have come down here, I have seen many 
Southern planters who now hire their negroes, and 
acknowledge that they knew not the earthquake they 
were to make by appealing to secession. They 
thought that the politicians had prepared the way, 
and that they could part in peace. They now see 
that we are bound together as one nation, by indis- 
soluble ties, and that any interest or any people that 
set themselves up in antagonism to the nation, must 
perish. 

While I would not remit one jot or tittle of our 
nation's rights, in peace or war, I do make allow- 
ances for past political errors and false prejudices. 
Our national Congress and Supreme Courts are the 
proper arenas in which to discuss conflicting opin- 
ions and not the battle-field. 

You may not hear from me again, and if you think 
it will do any good, call some of the people together, 
and explain these my views. You may even read 
to them this letter, and let them use it, so as to pre- 
pare them for my coming. 

To those who submit to the rightful law and au- 
thority, all gentleness and forbearance, but to the 
petulant ana persistent secessionists, why, death is 
mercy, and the quicker he or she is disposed of, the 
better. Satan, and the rebellious saints of heaven, 
were allowed a continuance of existence in hell, 
merely to swell their just punishment. To such as 
would rebel against a Government so mild and just 
as ours was in peace, a punishment equal would not 
be unjust. 

We are progressing well in this quarter. Though 
I have not changed my opinion that we may soon as- 
sume the existence of" our National Government, yet 
years will pass before rufiBanism, murder, and rob- 
bery will cease to afflict this region of our country. 
Truly your friend, 
(Signed) W. T. SHERMAN, 

Major-General Commanding. 

The advance of Gen. Sherman's movement, 
consisting of the 17th corps, under Gen. Mc- 
Pherson, left Vicksburg on February 3d, in 
light marching order, with rations for some 
days. The enemy were encountered after 
crossing the Big Blaajc River, during the day, 
and some skirmishing ensued. The encamp- 
ment was made that night on the west side of 
Baker's Creek, the enemy appearing in line of 
battle on the opposite side. The Confederate 
force consisted of about two thousand cavalry 
under Gen. Whitworth, who was in command 
from Jackson westward. At Canton there was 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



501 




502 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION, 



a force of about five thousand men under Gen. 
Loring, and at Meridian Gen. Polk witli ten 
thousand more. The latter officer was in com- 
mand of the department. 

The preparation^for Gen. Sherman's expe- 
dition had attractea the attention of the en- 
emy, and many unaware of the difficulties of 
such a movement across the country, had sup- 
posed his object might be an attack on Mobile. 
The uncertainty which existed is shown by 
the following order, issued at a later date : 

Mobile, February 10, 18&4. 
Dear Sir: I have just been informed by General 
Polk that the enemy is moving from Morton against 
Mobile. It is, therefore, my duty to ask all persons 
who cannot take part in the defence of the city to 
leave it. 

I am, sir, very respectfully yours, 

DABNEY MAURY, 
Major-General Commanding. 
To Col. John Forsyth, Mobile. 

The Governor of Alabama, upon the first 
advance of the Federal troops from Vicksburg, 
issued the following address to the people : 

ExEctrnvE Department of Alabama, | 
MoNTGOMBBY, February 6, 1864. f 
To the People of Alabama : 

The recent action of Congress has deprived the 
State of much of the materials of the second-class 
militia. It is important to the defence of the State, 
that Alabama shall have more troops subject to the 
call of her Commander-in-chief. We have, within 
the State, the materials for an efficient army. It 
needs nothing but the spirit, the prompt and willing 
spirit to fight, as men ou^ht to fight, to guard our 
firesides and drive the hireling Yankee from our bor- 
ders. We are threatened with raids into the heart 
of the State. 

As your Executive Chief I call upon the middle 
aged, the young men and boys, to organize into com- 
panies at once, and report, without delay, that they 
are organized and ready. I cannot suppose that 
Alabamians, will wait to be drafted into the service. 
The enthusiastic reenlistment of our veteran troops 
in the Virginia and Tennessee armies has caused a 
thrill of joyful hope to animate the hearts of even 
the croaking and despondent. If these battle-scarred 
heroes, who for three years have carried their lives 
in their hands, ready to be sacrificed in the defence 
of their homes and liberty, are willing to battle on 
while the feet of a hated foe press our soil, shall we 
at home be laggards in the race of glory ? I trust 
no such damning stigma shall rest upon the honored 
name of Alabama. 

I confidently expect a hearty, prompt, and noble 
response to this call. 

The rolls of companies will be reported to the 
Adjutant-General. 

T. H. WATTS, Governor of Alabama. 

The force of Gen. Sherman consisted of 
two corps under Gen. McPherson and Hurl- 
but, estimated at thirty thousand men, with 
sixty pieces of light artillery. He reached 
Jackson on February 6th, and pressed forward 
toward Meridian. The enemy fell back, de- 
stroying all provision, and making a desert of 
the country. From Jackson Gen. Sherman 
crossed the Pearl Eiver, and passed through 
Brandon to Morton. Here the enemy had 
made dispositions for a battle, but retired during 
the night. On the next day the army advanced 
and reached Meridian. The enemy state that 
all the Confederate Government property was 



previously removed, and nearly all the machi- 
nery of the railroad company. The force under 
Gen. Polk fell back across the Tombigbee. On 
his arrival at Meridian Gen. Sherman issued 
the following congratulatory address to his 
troops : 

Headqxjaetees, Depaktment or the Tennessee, ) 
Mebidian, Miss., February 15, IS&l f 

The General Commanding conveys his congratu- 
lations and thanks to the officers and men composing 
this command for their most successful accomplish- 
ment of one of the great problems of the war. 
Meridian, the great railway centre of the Southwest, 
is now in our possession, and by industry and hard 
work can be rendered useless to the enemy, and de- 
prive him of the chief source of supply to his armies. 
Secrecy in plan and rapidity of execution accomplish 
the best results of war; and the General Command- 
ing assures all that by following their leaders fear- 
lessly and with confidence they will in time reap the 
reward so dear to us all — a peace that will never again 
be disturbed in our country by a discontented mi- 
nority. 

By order of W. T. SHERMAN, 

Major-General Commanding. 

On the same day he issued the following in- 
structions : 

Hkadquasteks, Depaktment op the Tennessee, ) 
Meridian, Miss., February 15, 1864. ( 

1. The destruction of the railroads intersecting at 
Meridian is of great importance, and should be done 
most efiectually. Every tie and rail for many miles 
in each direction should be absolutely destroyed or 
injured, and every bridge and culvert should be com- 
pletely destroyed. To insure this end, to General 
Hurlbut is entrusted the destruction east and north, 
and to General McPherson the roads west and south. 
The troops should be impressed with the importance 
of this work, and also that time is material, and 
therefore it should be begun at once and be prose- 
cuted with all the energy possible. Working parties 
should be composed of about one-half the command, 
and they should move by regiments, provided with 
their arms and haversacks, ready to repel attacks of 
cavalry. The other half in reserve will be able to 
watch the enemy retreating eastward. 

2. Colonel E. P. Winslow, commanding cavalry, 
will keep his cavalry in advance of the Darty work- 
ing eastward, and will act as though this army were 
slowly pursuing the enemy. 

3. Special instructions will be given as to the gen- 
eral supply train ; and the troops now in Meridian 
will, under proper brigade parties, 'collect meal, 
meat, and supplies. The destruction of buildings 
must be deferred till the last moment, when a special 
detail will be made for that purpose. 

By order of W. T. SHERMAN, 

Major-General Commanding. 

Gen. Sherman reports that while at Meridian 
he made "the most complete destruction of 
railroads ever beheld." This was done on the 
road running south as far as Quitman ; on the 
east as far as Cuba Station, twenty miles ; and 
two miles north to Lauderdale Springs. Lau- 
derdale County was already desolate, and the 
country between Meridian and Demopolis was 
sterile and unproductive. "While at Meridian 
he heard nothing of the cavalry force under 
Gen. W. S. Smith, who was ordered to be there 
from Memphis by February 10th; and after oc- 
cupying the town for a week, and his supplies 
growing short, he began to fall back toward 
Vicksburg, making a circuit by the north to 
Canton. This place was reached February 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



503 



26th. His total loss was reported at one hun- 
dred and seventy men kiUed and wounded. 

Meantime, Gen. W. S. Smith, who was or- 
dered to report to Gen. Sherman at Meridian, 
moved from Memphis on February 11th, with 
a force of seven thousand men, consisting of 
cavalry and a brigade of infantry. After two 
days the expedition reached the Tallahatchie. 
A demonstration was made westward by the 
infantry toward Panola, thus attracting the 
attention of a force of the enemy, while the 
cavalry moved eastward to New Albany, where 
the river was crossed without opposition. Gen. 
Smith then pushed forward, and in the vicinity 
of Houston encountered some troops under 
Col. Gholson. They fell back to a swamp, 
where a considerable force was concentrated. 
Finding it impossible to turn either flank of 
this position. Gen. Smith moved rapidly east- 
ward, while a demonstration was made in front 
of the enemy as if an attack was intended. On 
the same day he surprised and entered Okalona. 
The 9th Illinois cavalry, Lieut.-Col. Burgh, 
was then sent to Aberdeen to endeavor to se- 
cure a crossing of the Tombigbee. On the 
next morning Col. Grierson was sent forward 
with a brigade to support the 9th, with di- 
rections to threaten Columbus strongly. 
"With the remaining force Gen. Smith advanced 
along the railroad toward West Point, tearing 
up the track and burning all the corn he found. 
The quantity which he destroyed is reported as 
nearly a million of bushels, with about two 
thousand bales of cotton. During this portion 
of the march negroes flocked to Gen. Smith 
by hundreds, mounted on their masters' horses 
and mules. They welcomed Gen. Smith as 
their deliverer whenever he met them : " God 
bless ye ; has yer come at last ? We've been 
lookin' for you for a long time, and had almost 
done gone give it up," was the cry of many. 
They bid farewell to their wives and children 
and marched in the van. 

Hearing that the enemy was concentrated in 
heavy force at West Point, the brigade at Ab- 
erdeen was called over by a forced march to 
the railroad, at a station fifteen miles north of 
West Point. Two miles north of this station 
Gen. Smith encountered a force of the enemy, 
which fell back, after a sharp skirmish, through 
the town to a swamp on the right. Gen. 
Smith now found the enemy on his front in 
strong force, holding all the crossings of the 
swamp on the right ; also on the line of the 
Octibbeha in front, and that of the Tombig- 
bee River on his left. He could attack only 
with light carbines, as his horses were useless 
on the marshy ground. The enemy were armed 
with muskets and rifles. Gen. Smith was also 
now encumbered with pack-trains, and mules 
and horses captured, numbering about two 
thousand, beside as many negroes. To guard 
these his effective force was reduced, and he 
therefore determined to make a demonstra- 
tion in front, and at the same time fall back 
with his trains and his main body to Okalona. 



This movement was successfully executed, al- 
though the enemy pressed closely, under the 
command of Gens. Forrest, Lee, and Chalmers. 
At Okalona, on the 22d, Gen. Smith was at- 
tacked, and • suffered severely in the loss of 
men, besides five howitzers. His retreat that 
day was followed up. Under cover of the 
night he moved toward Pontotoc. This move- 
ment is thus described : " Picture to yourself, 
if you can, a living, moving mass of men, ne- 
groes, mules, and horses, of four thousand or 
five thousand, all en masse, literally jammed, 
huddled, and crowded into the smallest possi- 
ble space ; night setting in ; artillery and small 
arms booming behind us; cavaby all around 
and ahead, moving on, on, on over fences, 
through fields and brush, over hills and across 
mud-holes, streams, and bridges, and still on, 
on into the night, until the moon rises on the 
scene and shows us some of the outlines of 
this living panorama. I forgot to say that in 
this crowd were a lot of prisoners, too, once 
or twice attempting to escape, followed by 
the swift report of the revolver, once with 
bitter consequences to the escaping prison- 
ers." 

During the day the enemy had moved on 
each flank, with the evident design of reaching 
the Tallahatchie River in advance, and forming 
a junction to prevent the crossing of Gen. 
Smith and capture his whole force; but, by 
marching all night, he safely crossed the river 
at New Albany. On the 23d the rear guard 
had skirmishing all day. On the 25th the ad- 
vance reached Memphis, at 11 p. m., having 
marched nearly fifty miles that day. It was re- 
ported that a million bushels of corn were de- 
stroyed, many miles in length of the Memphis and 
Ohio Railroad, bridges, cotton-gins, and build- 
ings. Says one : " We have probably devoured 
fifty thousand hams, some eggs, chickens, tur- 
keys, milk, and but'ter by wholesale, and such 
et ceteras as can be found in so rich a country 
as we have passed through." The captured 
stock and trains were brought off safely. The 
loss was less than two himdred killed and cap- 
tured. The expedition failed to make a junc- 
tion withixen. Sherman. 

When the expedition of Gen. Sherman re- 
turned toward Vicksburg, a detachment was 
sent up the Yazoo River, accompanied with 
some gunboats. Yazoo City was attacked, 
but the enemy held it until reenforced. An 
amount of stores and cotton was destroy- 
ed. The Federal loss was about fifty killed 
and wounded. The general results of this 
movement, including those of Gens. Sherman 
and Smith, is stated to have been as follows: 
One hundred and fifty miles of railroad, sixty- 
seven bridges, seven hundred trestles, twenty 
locomotives, twenty-eight cars, several thou- 
sand bales of cotton, several steam mills, and 
over two million bushels of corn were de- 
stroyed. Some prisoners were captured, and 
upwards of eight thousand negroes and ref- 
ugees came in with the various columns. 



504 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



Many dwellings and all the outbuildings and 
farming utensils were destroyed. 

The expedition of Gen. Sherman was gen- 
erally supposed to be designed for the capture 
of Mobile. But, however that may have been, 
no official statement has been made. As it ad- 
vanced toward Meridian, a force was detached 
from the army of Gen. Johnston, formerly 
commanded by Gen. Bragg, near Dalton, in 
Georgia, and sent to reenforce Gen. Polk. Two 
divisions of Gen. Hardee's Corps, under Gens. 
Stewart and Anderson, composed this force. 
To counteract this movement of the enemy, 
another was set on foot by Gen. Grant, then in 
command at Chattanooga. This consisted of 
an advance of the Fourteenth Corps, under 
Gen. Palmer, upon Dalton. It commenced on 
February 22d. The divisions of Gens. Jeflf. C. 
Davis, Johnson, and Baird participated on the 
right, or direct road to Dalton, and the division 
of Gen. Stanley, under command of Gen. 
Crufts, on the left. This latter division had 
been encamped at Cleveland, and formed a 
junction with the main force between Ring- 
gold and Tunnel Hill. The advance of the 
main force passed to the left of the Chicka- 
mauga battle-field, over Taylor's Ridge and 
through Ringgold Gap. A small force of the 
enemy was seen here, who retired. Ringgold, 
twenty-three miles from Chattanooga, was oc- 
cupied that night. On the next day the col- 
umn moved at daylight, and during the fore- 
noon there was constant skirmishing with the 
cavalry of the enemy. At noon Gen. Crufts 
made a junction, and the whole corps moved 
forward in line of battle, with cavalry in ad- 
vance and on the flanks, until it reached the 
vicinity of Tunnel Hill. On the ridge were 
four pieces of artillery, under Gen. Wheeler, 
which soon opened fire. -These were dislodged 
in a short time by the 2d Minnesota and 
9th Indiana batteries, and the ridge occupied 
about 4 p. M. The advance continued and the 
cavalry force pressed forward in pursuit of the 
few scattered enemies, until it was checked by 
a cross-fire from six guns, at Rocky Fall, in a 
gorge through which the railroad and turnpike 
passes. The enemy succeeded in h<}iding that 
position for the night. On the next morning, 
after considerable heavy fighting, the corps ad- 
vanced into the town and captured about a 
hundred and fifty prisoners. The movement 
•was immediately continued upon Dalton, dis- 
tant seven miles from Tunnel Hill. The corps 
descended through the gaps into the Rocky Fall 
valley, the division of Gen. Crufts being on the 
left, Gen. Johnson on the right. Gen. Baird on 
the left centre, and Gen. Davis on the right 
centre. During the whole forenoon there was 
lively skirmishing, and the enemy's force evi- 
dently increased in numbers. Gen. Palmer 
advanced cautiously within two miles of Dal- 
ton, when it appeared that preparations had 
been made by the whole of Gen. Johnson's 
army to receive him. Considerable activity 
was perceptible in the interior of the enemy's 



works, and their cavalry began to hover about 
the flanks of Gen. Palmer's corps. Deserters 
reported that two divisions which had started 
toward Mobile had returned. Gen. Palmer 
now fell back to Tunnel Hill. His loss in the 
expedition was about three hundred and fifty 
killed and wounded. That of the enemy is 
unknown. Some prisoners were taken by Gen. 
Palmer. On March 10th he had fallen back to 
Ringgold. 

The movement in East Tennessee consisted 
merely in an advance toward the position of 
Gen. Longstreet, who was then reported to be 
retreating into Virginia. He finally joined the 
army of Gen. Lee with his command. 

In the Department of the South, authority 
was given to Gen. Q. A. Gillmore commanding, 
on December 22d, 1863, to imdertake such oper- 
ations as he might deem best on a conference 
with Admiral Dahlgren commanding the naval 
force. On the 13th of January the President 
wrote to Gen. Gillmore as follows : 

Executive Mansion, WAsnrNGTON, January 13, 1864. 
Major-General Gillmore : I understand an efibrt is 
being made by some worthy gentlemen to reconstruct 
a legal State Government in Florida. Florida is in 
your department, and it is not unlikely you may be 
there in person. I have given Mr. Hay a commission 
of major and sent him to you with some blank books 
and other blanks to aid in the construction. He will 
explain as to the manner of using the blanks, and 
also my general views on the subject. It is desirable 
for all to cooperate ; but if irreconcilable differences 
of opinion shall arise you are master. I wish the 
thing done in the most speedy way possible, so that 
when done it be within the range of the late procla- 
mation on the subject. The detail labor will of course 
have to be done by others, but I shall be greatly 
obliged if you will give it> such general supervision 
as you can find consistent with your more strictly 
military duties. A. LINCOLN. 

On January 14th Gen, Gillmore proposed to 
the War Department to occupy the west bank of 
the St. John's River in Florida, and establish 
small depots there preparatory to an advance 
west. On the 22d of January he was informed 
by the Secretary that the matter w^as left en- 
tirely to his judgment and discretion with the 
means at his command. On January 31st Gen. 
GUlmore again wrote to the Secretary that the 
objects to be obtained by the operations were : 

1st. " To procure an outlet for cotton, lum- 
ber, timber, &c. 

2d. " To cut ofi" one of the enemy's sources 
of commissary supplies, &c, 

3d, " To obtain recruits for my colored regi- 
ments. 

4th, " To inaugui-ate measures for the speedy 
restoration of Florida to her allegiance in ac- 
cordance with the instructions which he had 
received from the President, by the hands of 
Major John Hay, Assistant Adjutant-General." 

On the same day Gen, Gillmore issued the 
following order : 

Headquaetees Depaktment of the South. I 
Hilton Head, S. C, January 31, 1S64. ( 

General Orders No. 16. — In accordance with 
the provision of the Presidential Proclamation 
of Pardon and Amnesty, given at Washington 
on the 8th day of December, in the year of out 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



505 



Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, 
and in pursuance of instructions received from 
the President of the United States, Major John Hay, 
Assistant Adjutant-General, will proceed to Fernan- 
dina, Florida, and other convenient points in that 
State, for the purpose of extending to the citizens of 
the State of Florida an opportunity to avail them- 
selves of the benefits of that Proclamation, by offer- 
ing for their signature the oath of allegiance therein 
prescribed, and by issuing to all those subscribing to 
said oath certificates entitling them to the benefits of 
the Proclamation. Fugitive citizens of the State of 
Florida, within the limits of this Department, will 
have an opportunity to subscribe to the same oath 
and secure certificates in the office of the Post Com- 
mander at Hilton Head, South Carolina. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE. 
Ed. W. Smith, Ass't Adj. -Gen. 

Orders were issued to Brig,-Gen. Truman 
Sejinour ou February 5th to proceed to Jack- 
sonville, Fla., and effect a landing and push 
forward his mounted force to Baldwin, seventy 
miles from Jacksonville. It was the junction 
of the railroads from Jacksonville and Fernan- 
dina. On the 6th the expedition, consisting of 
twenty steamers and eight schooners, under 
convoy of the gunboat Norwich, left Hilton 
Head and arrived at Jacksonville on the next 
day, February 7th. When the landing of the 
troops commenced a small body of the enemy 
in a wood adjacent to the town fired three 
shots, thus wounding two or three persons. A 
company of colored troops went in pursuit, and 
the enemy after firing a few shots fled. 

About twenty-five families remained in Jack- 
sonville. They were chiefly women and chil- 
dren, and all professed to be in favor of the 
Union. The railroad was in running order to 
Tallahassee. Provisions and cattle were abun- 
dant. Gen. Joseph Finegan was in command 
of the forces of the enemy. 

In the afternoon of the 8th the march to the 
interior of the State was commenced. The 
forces were divided into three columns, com- 
manded respectively by Cols. Barton, Hawjey, 
and Henry. Col. Barton took the main road, 
Col. Henry took the road to the right of that, 
and Col. Hawley one still further to the right. 
After an advance of three miles the three roads 
united on the line of the railroad. Here the 
infantry bivouacked for the night, and Col. Guy 
v. Henry, with the 40th Massachusetts infantry, 
the independent battalion of cavalry and Elder's 
horse battery B, 1st artillery, pushed forward 
on a reconnoissance. It was dark when the 
movement commenced at a brisk trot toward 
Lake City. For the distance of five miles none 
of the enemy were seen. The country through 
which the force passed was low, level, and 
marshy. On each side the road was flanked by 
pine forests. The soil was that of fair farm- 
ing land to Lake City, but beyond it becomes 
a rich sandy loam. A mile and a half from 
Camp Finegan a picket station was discovered, 
but the pickets had fallen back to the reserve 
post. Pressing forward, after a short stop. Col. 
Henry soon came in sight of Camp Finegan on 
the right. About two hundred cavalrymen _ 
were seen drawn up in line of battle. Having " 



no apprehension from this force, he continued 
his advance, and three miles beyond surprised 
and captured a camp of artillery containing 
four guns, camp and garrison equipage, includ- 
ing wagons, tents, commissory stores and offi- . 
cers' baggage. Three prisoners were taken. 
The remainder of the force escaped to the 
woods. This body was falling back, and had 
not anticipated so rapid an advance of the 
Federal force. Early on the next morning the 
advance reached Baldwin, a place of fifteen 
buildings. Here three cars, two of which were 
filled with corn, a three-inch rifled gun, a con- 
siderable quantity of cotton, rice, tobacco, and $ 
other stores Avere captured. At evening Gens. 
Gilmore and Seymour arrived. 

On the 10th Col. Henry continued his ad- 
vance. At Barber's Station a thousand barrels 
of turpentine and five hundred pounds of bacon 
were captured. An advance guard was then 
sent forward to see if the enemy were in posi- 
tion to defend the south fork of the St. Mary's 
river, while the remainder of the force cau- 
tiously followed. The enemy in small force 
were found defending the fork, when a skir- 
mish ensued, in which four were killed on the 
Federal side and thirteen wounded. Two of 
the enemy were killed and three wounded, 
when they fled to tlie woods. Their force was 
about one hundred and fifty men. At 6 p. m. 
Col. Henry reached Sanderson, forty-miles from 
Jacksonville. The place had been abandoned 
by the enemy, and a large amount of stores 
committed to the flames. On the 11th the 
command encamped five miles from Lake City, 
which was held by the enemy but evacuated 
during the night. This was unknown to Col. 
Henry, and, as he was without infantry, ho 
retraced his steps to Sanderson. The most im- 
portant property captured was as follows : Two 
twelve-pounder rifled guns, two six-pounder 
guns, one three-inch gun, two other guns, five 
caissons, a large quantity of ammunition, an 
immense supply of camp and garrison equi- 
page, four railroad cars, one hundred and thir- 
teen bales of cotton, four army wagons, one 
hundred and five horses and mules, a large 
stock of saddlery, tanning machinery, three 
thousand and eighty-three barrels turpentine, 
six thousand bushels corn ; three large ware- 
houses were destroyed. On the 1 1th telegraphic 
communication was established between Jack- 
sonville and Baldwin, and on that day Gen. 
Gilmore sent instructions to Gen. Seymour not 
to risk a repulse in advancing upon Lake City, 
but to hold Sanderson unless there were rea- 
sons for falling back, and also in case his ad- 
vance met with serious opposition io concen- 
trate at Sanderson and the south fork of the 
St. Mary's. On the 13th Gen. Seymour was 
further instructed to concentrate at Baldwin 
without delay. This was done at once. 
Meantime, Col. Henry was sent toward the 
left to capture some railroad trains at Gains- 
ville on the Fernandina and Cedar Keys' rail- 
road. This resulted in a skirmish with a 



506 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



BRUNSWICK 5< j^ENSACO LA 

f 




MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



507 



body of East Florida cavalry, whicli was re- 
pulsed. A reconnoissance was also made along 
the Georgia State line by Col. Scammon, de- 
stroying several small works of the enemy. 
After arranging with Gen, Seymour for the 
construction of certain defences at Jackson- 
ville, Baldwin, and the south fork of the St, 
Mary's, Gen. Gillmore departed to Hilton Head. 
His understanding was that no advance would 
be made by Gen. Seymour without further in- 
structions, and not until the defences were well 
advanced. It was the intention of Gen. Gil- 
more to construct several works capable of re- 
sisting a coup de main at Jacksonville, Baldwin, 
Pilatka, and perhaps one or two other impor- 
tant points, so strong that two or three hundred 
men would be sufficient at each. His desire 
was to see the lumber and turpentine trade on 
the St. John's Eiver revived, and to give assur- 
ance that the occupation of the river was in- 
tended to be permanent. 

On Thursday the 18th, the force of Gen, Sey- 
mour at Jacksonville left camp with ten days 
rations, and advanced on the line of the railroad 
sixteen miles. On the next day it moved seven- 
teen miles to Barber's Station, the roads having 
been bad on the whole route. On the 20th 
the troops were in motion at an early hour, the 
light cavalry in advance. The line of march 
was across the south fork of the St. Mary's, 
and up the road to Sanderson, nine miles dis- 
tant. The day was beautiful. The sky was clear 
overhead, and the savannahs which stretched 
out on each side of the sandy road winding 
through the pine woods, were warm with the 
sunshine. Sanderson was reached without a 
halt. There the infantry made a short halt, but 
the cavalry kept its position about two miles in 
advance. The march was resumed at midday 
toward Lake City. Gen. Seymour's force, con- 
sisting of five thousand men, moved in three 
columns. Col. Hawley's brigade on the left. Col. 
Barton's in the centre, and Col. Scammon's 
regiment on the extreme right. ' The cavalry 
in advance were led by Col. Henry with Elder's 
battery. In the rear was the colored brigade 
led by Col. Montgomery. About six miles 
from Sanderson the enemy's mounted pickets, 
thirty or forty in number, were met and driven 
in after exchanging shots. The main body hur- 
ried forward a distance of two miles, when 
three or four cannon shot of the enemy feU 
among the head of the column. Skirmishing 
commenced immediately. The artillery dashed 
into position on the gallop, the infantry on the 
double-quick step, and in a brief period of time 
a severe battle was progressing. Elder's bat- 
tery unlimbered at the head of the road, Ham- 
ilton's to the left, and Langdon's on the ex- 
treme left, opening at short range with canister 
shot. The artillery of the enemy consisted of 
four or five guns, and was badly served at first, 
being fired too high to do injury. .Gen. Sey- 
mour's line of infantry was well formed for the 
position.. With the exception of a small field 
of a few acres, it was in the woods, amid a 



heavy growth of pine timber, and with swampy 
ground intervening between it and the enemy, 
of whose position nothing was known. The 
battle lasted for three hours. Two of the 
Federal batteries were disabled early in the 
action. The 7th New Hampsj^iire broke, but 
was rallied again. The 8th U. S. colored 
fought well until the loss of their leader, when 
they fled. The contest closed at dusk, and Gen. 
Seymour finding his force repulsed with some 
loss, and the colored reserve unequal to the 
emergency, retired from the field leaving his 
dead and wounded. The retreat for a short 
distance was conducted in successive lines of 
battle, but finding the enemy were not disposed 
to follow the line was changed, and the force re- 
tired in column, Barton's brigade bringing up 
the rear covered by the cavalry and Elder's 
battery. A halt was made at Sanderson, six or 
seven miles, coffee cooked, and some attention 
given to the wounded. From Sanderson to 
Barber's Station, says a writer, " ten miles, we 
wended or crawled along, the wounded filling 
the night air with lamentations, the crippled 
horses neighing in pain, and a fuU moon kiss- 
ing the cold, clammy lips of the dying." On 
the next morning the retreat was continued to 
Baldwin, where the cavalry of the enemy made 
their appearance. Many of the wounded were 
here sent on cars drawn by mules to Jackson- 
ville, and Gen, Seymour, knowing that the 
enemy was following in force, ordered the com- 
missary stores, worth about sixty thousand dol- 
lars, to be destroyed, and resumed his march to 
Jacksonville. His loss in killed, wounded, and 
missing was about twelve hundred. 

The following despatch from the Governor 
of Florida presents the enemy's account of the 
battle : 

Tallahassee, Fla'., February 21, 
To President Davis: I have just received the fol- 
lowing despatch from Gen. Finegan, dated yester- 
day: 

" I met the enemy in full force to-day, tinder Gen. 
Seymour, and defeated him with great loss. I cap- 
tured five pieces of artillery, hold possession of the 
battle-field, and the killed and wounded of the en- 
emy. My cavalry are in pursuit. I don't know pre- 
cisely the number of prisoners, as they are being 
brought in constantly. My whole loss, I think, wiu 
not exceed two hundred and fifty killed and wound- 
ed. Among them I mourn the loss of many brave 
ofiicers and men." 

I understand that Gen. Finegan also captured 
many small arms. 

(Signed) JOHN MILTON, Governor. 

Gen. Seymour now occupied Jacksonville 
with his forces, and the enemy took up a posi- 
tion at Camp Finegan, eight miles distant, 
toward Baldwin. The following correspond- 
ence passed, at this time, between Gen. Sey- 
mour and Gen. Finegan commanding the en- 
emy's force : 

HeADQUAETEES DiSTKICT of FLOErDA, D. S, ) 

Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 23, 18&1 j 
Sir: In view of the inconveniences to which the 
wounded prisoners in your hands, since the action 
of the 20th, near Olustee, Florida, may be unavoid- 
ably subjected, I have the honor to propose that they 
may be paroled, and delivered within my lines as 



508 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



soon as possible, and Capt. G. S. Dana, of mj staff, 
the bearer of this communication, is authorized to 
make such arrangements therefor as may be conven- 
ient, and a horse car or ambulance will be sent for 
the wounded, at such times as may be designated, 
should this proposal be acceded to. 

The body of Col. C. W. Fribley was left on the 
field at Olustee. If there have been any means of 
identilying his person, I request that his grave may 
be so marked, that at some future day his family may 
be able to remove his remains. 
I am, General, very respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 

T. SEYMOUR, 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 
To the General commanding the Confederate forces 
in Florida. 

Headquarters District East Floriba, I 
Baldwin, Fla., Feb. 24, 1SS4. J 

Brig. -Gen. T. Seyjnour, Commanding United States 

forces, Jacksonville : 

General: I have the honor to acknowledge the 
receipt of your communication of the 23d inst., pro- 
posing "that the wounded prisoners left by you on 
the field of battle, at Ocean Pond, on the 20th inst., 
be paroled and sent within vour lines, and request- 
ing that, if the body of Col". C. W. Fribley, left on 
the ground, can be identified, that his grave be 
marked, so that at some future day his family may 
be able to remove his remains." 

In reply, I have to state that the wounded prison- 
ers have been sent forward and properly taken care 
of, and will be kept to await the future action of my 
Government in reference to a general exchange of 
prisoners. 

I regret to state that the body of Col. Fribley has 
not been identified. 

Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

JOSEPH FINEGAN. 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 

HEADQtJAETEna DISTRICT OF FlOKIDA, D. S.,.| 

Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 25, 1864 j 
General : Notwithstanding the information con- 
tained in your communication of the 24th inst., re- 
specting the body of the late Col. Fribley, that it 
has not been identified, I have the honor to urge 
that measures be taken to ascertain the possession of 
some of the articles upon his person, with a view to 
the return of some of them to his widow, at this 
place. The accompanying memorandum may serve 
to assist in whatever investigation you may decide 
to institute. 

And I feel assured that whatever can be done by 
you to mitigate the sorrow that is the lot of a most 
deserving and greatly suffering lady, will be cheer- 
fully accorded. 

And auv remuneration that may be desired or 
necessary to procure any part of the personal me- 
morials mentioned in this memorandum, will be duly 
forwaj^ded to the parties having them in possession. 
I have further to request, if the arrangement can 
be made, that Mrs. Fribley herself, accompanied by 
the adjutant of the late colonel, may be permitted to 
pass within j'our lines, in the hope of obtaining 
more information than can perhaps otherwise be an- 
ticipated. 

The circnmstances of this contest will certainly 
not be injuriously affected by such a concession to 
humanity. 

Respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

T. SEYMOUR, Brig.-Gen. Commanding. 
Brig.-Gen. Joseph Finegan, Commanding Confed- 
erate forces East Florida. 

Headquakters District Eastern Florida, | 

February 26, 1864. j 

General : I have the honor to acknowledge the 

receipt of your communication of the 25th inst., and 

to reply that I will cause the proper inquiries to be 

made to obtain the information sought for in your 



letter, and will, as soon as practicable, forward you 
a reply by flag of truce. 

I regret to say that I consider it at present objeo- 
tionable, for reasons which it is needless for me to 
state, but which will doubtless be appreciated by 
yourself, to grant a permit for Mrs. Fribley and the 
adjutant of her late husband's regiment to visit the 
battle-field of Ocean Pond. At a future day these 
obstacles may be removed. 

I am, very respectfullv, your obedient servant, 
(Signed) ' JOSEPH FINEGAN, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 
Brig.-Gen. T. Seymour, Commanding United States 

forces Jacksonville, Florida. 

Headquarters Department South Carolina, I 
Georgia and Florida, March 4, 1864. j" 

District of Florida headquarters, forces in the field. 

General : In further reply to your communication 
of the 25th of February, 1864, I have the honor to 
forward through you to the widow of the late Col. 
Fribley, an ambrotype, supposed to be the one re- 
ferred to in the memorandum accompanying your 
communication. 

Traces have also been discovered of his watch, a 
letter from his wife to himself, and his diarv, and 
steps have beeta taken to recover possession of^them. 
If successful, the two former articles will be for- 
warded. 

That I may not be misunderstood, it is due to my- 
self to state that no sympathy with the fate of any 
officer commmnding negro troops, but compassion 
for a widow in grief, has induced these efforts to re- 
cover for her relics which she must naturally value. 

Verv respectfullv, your obedient servant, 
' (Signed) " W. M. GARDNER, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 
To Brigadier-General T. Seymoue, 

Comm'g United States forces, Jacksonville, Fla. 

A small Federal force remained at Jackson- 
ville for several months, and many raids in dif- 
ferent directions were made by portions of it, 
No important military operations took place. 
The movement to reorganize the State ceased 
after the battle at Olustee. 

Early in the year, a concentration of forces 
at New Orleans commenced. To these were 
added a portion of the forces of Gen. Sherman. 
After his return to Vicksburg from his expe- 
dition to Meridian, a considerable body of his 
troops moved to join Gen. Banks, while the 
division of Gen. A. J. Smith remained at 
Vicksburg, ready to cooperate. It was the 
purpose of Gen. Banks to open the region of 
Western Louisiana to trade, and scatter or de- 
stroy the forces of the enemy. During only 
the months of March and April the Red River 
has sufficient water to be navigable by the 
largest vessels. 

In the beginning of the month of March, 
the division of Gen. Franklin, who formerly 
held a command in the army of the Potomac, 
moved from New Orleans by the railroad to 
Brashear City, thence along the Bayou Teche 
and Opelousas, to Alexandria. This was sub- 
stantially the same route as was taken by the 
army in the previous year, under Gen. Banks, 
and described in pre\aous pages of this vol- 
ume. In the mean time the most formi- 
dable fleet ever seen in the western waters had 
been collected under Rear- Admiral Porter, at 
the mouth of the Red River. It consisted of 
twenty powerful armed steamers of all classes. 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



509 



from the light to the heaviest draught. Among 
them were the monitors Ozark, Osage, Neosho ; 
the ironclads Benton, Carondelet, Pittsburg, 
Mound City, Louisville, Essex, and Chillicothe ; 
the rams Price, Choctaw, Lafayette, besides 
the lighter boats, Blackhawk, Ouachita, Cham- 
pion, and Tyler. ♦ 

On the 10th of March, about ten thousand 
troops imder Gen. A. J. Smith embarked in 
twenty transports at Vicksburg, and proceeded 
to join the fleet. This force consisted of the 
first and third divisions of the sixteenth army 
corps, and the first and fourth divisions of the 
seventeenth. It was intended to unite with 
the force of Gen. Banks, to which was subse- 
quently to be added the force under Gen. Steele 
from Arkansas. The principal force of the en- 
emy was under Gen. Eichard Taylor, at Shreve- 
port. Bodies of troops under Gen. Price and 
Gen. "Walker were also moving to unite with it. 

On the next afternoon the transports arrived 
at the mouth of Eed Eiver, and joined the 
fleet. On the next day, Saturday, the 12th, 
the fleet moved up the old Eed Eiver, into the 
Atchafiilaya, and in the afternoon anchored at 
Semmesport. The town had ceased to exist ; 
a few chimneys marked the former site. It 
was burned by C0I..C. E. Ellet, in retaliation 
for the firing upon his steamer, the Queen of 
the West ; and afterward entirely destroyed by 
Col. John Ellet, during the siege of Port Hud- 
son, to prevent the construction of batteries 
by the enemy, and a traffic across the river. 
Hearing nothing from Gen. Banks, Gen. Smith 
disembarked a portion of his troops on the 
next day, and sent a brigade under Gen. Mow- 
er to reconnoitre in the vicinity of Yellow Ba- 
you. The enemy had broken up their camp 
and retired. Two extensive earthworks in an 
incomplete state were found. A distance fur- 
ther five teams loaded with tents were over- 
taken. The latter were burnt, and the teams 
loaded with sugar and molasses, and taken to 
the fleet. It was now decided that the column 
should march overland to Fort De Eussy, a 
distance of thirty miles, whither it was sup- 
posed the enemy had retreated. At daybreak, 
on Monday morning, the force started in light 
marching order, with the brigade of Gen. 
Mower in advance. They had advanced 
scarcely five miles before they were beset by 
the enemy's cavalry, in front and rear. This 
continued until the position of the enemy, 
known as Fort De Eussy, was approached in 
the afternoon. It consisted of two distinct 
and formidable earthworks, connected by a 
covered way ; the upper part facing the road 
mounted four guns, two field and two siege ; 
the lower work, commanding the river, was a 
casemated battery of three guns. Only two 
guns were in position in it, one a 11-inch Co- 
lumbiad, and an 8-inch smooth bore. On each 
side were batteries of two guns each, making 
in all eight siege and two field-pieces. As the' 
line moved up to the edge of the timber, the 
upper work opened with shell and shrapnel. 



against which two batteries were brought to 
bear. The cannonading continued for two 
hours. A charge was then ordered, and as the 
men reached the ditch, the garrison surren- 
dered. The Federal loss was four killed and 
thirty wounded ; that of the enemy, five killed 
and four wounded. The prisoners taken were 
twenty-four officers and two hundred men. 
Considerable ammunition and stores were 
found, besides a thousand muskets. A portion 
of the fleet arrived as the fort surrendered. 
Gen. Smith ordered the works to be destroyed. 
This portion of his troops were then embarked 
on the transports, and reached Alexandria, 
one hundred and forty miles from the Missis- 
sippi Eiver, on the evening of the Ifith. They 
were followed by the remainder of the forces 
and the fleet. The enemy retired before the 
advance, destroying two steamboats and con- 
siderable cotton. During the first week, the 
gunboats rescued upwards of four thousand 
bales of cotton, and large quantities were 
brought in by the negroes. The fleet was de- 
tained by the low water on the falls above Al- 
exandria, its depth being only six feet, whereas 
nine feet were required to float the largest 
gunboats. Three formidable iron-clad rams of 
the enemy were reported to be at Shreveport, 
about four hundred and fifty miles above the 
Mississippi Eiver. On the 19th, Gen. Stone, 
chief of Gen. Banks' staffs", arrived and report- 
ed that the latter was at Opelousas. On the 
20th, the cavalry force under Gen. Lee, at- 
tached to the command of Gen. Banks, reach- 
ed Alexandria, after marching from Franklin 
across the Teche country. Meantime detach- 
ments from Gen. Smith's command had been 
sent forward, and captured several small bodies 
of the enemy. 

On the 21st, Natchitoches was taken, with 
two hundred prisoners and four pieces of artil- 
lery. It is about eighty miles from Alexan- 
dria. On the 26th, the force of Gen. Smith as 
the advance, left Alexandria for Shreveport, to 
be followed by the troops of Gen. Banks then 
arriving. Shreveport was the destination of 
the expedition. It had been tlie capital of 
the Confederate State Government. Its sit- 
uation is in almost the extreme northwestern 
corner of Louisiana, and at the head of navi- 
gation on the Eed Eiver. The enemy were 
reported to have a strong force there, and 
large quantities of cotton and military stores 
were expected to be captured. The coopera- 
tion of Gen. Steele in command at Little Eock, 
Arkansas, was also expected by Gen. Banks. 
Twelve of the gunboats and a fleet of thirty 
transports were able to pass over the shoals, 
and moved up the river in cooperation with 
the land forces. On the 4th of April, Gen, 
Banks' column reached Nachitoches, Here he 
remained two days. 

On "Wednesday, the 6th, the army moved 
from Nachitoches for Shreveport, with Gen. 
Lee's cavalry in advance. The infantry march- 
ed seventeen miles, and the cavalry reached 



510 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Crump's Hill four miles further, and half way 
between Natchitoches and Mansfield. On the 
Vth, Gen. Lee pushed forward, maintaining a 
constant skirmish with the enemy, until he 
arrived at a position two miles beyond Pleasant 
Hill. Here the main body of the enemy's cav- 
alry, under Major-Gen. Thomas Green, was en- 
countered by the advance of Gen. Lee's cavalry, 
consisting of a brigade under Col. H. Robinson. 
Heavy skirmishing ensued for two hours and a 
half, when Gen. Green fell back upon the Con- 




CilEMEYVILLE 



federate infantry and artillery at Bayou du 
Paul. Col. Robinson finding the enemy in an 
increased force, halted for the night and to 
await reenforcements. Early the next morn- 
ing, the infantry brigade of the 4th division 
of the 13th corps, under Col. Landrum, joined 
him, and the advance was resumed and contin- 
ued until 2 o'clock p. m., driving the enemy 
before them for seven miles. The main force 
of the enemy now appeared, occupying a strong 
position in the vicinity of Sabine Cross roads 
east of Mansfield. Tliey were partly concealed 
in a dense wood witli an open field in front and 
the Shreveport road passing througli their 
lines. Major-Gen. Taylor was in command. 
Major-Gen. Green commanded the left wing, 
Brig. -Gen. Mouton the right, with Gen. Walk- 
er's division still further to the right, and two 
cavalry regiments on the extreme right. Mean- 
time Gen. Ransom arrived on the field with 
the remaining brigade of the 4th division of 



the 13th corps. The entire division numbered 
2,600 men. The 19th corps, under Gen. Frank- 
lin, were in camp nine miles in the rear, and 
Gen. A. J. Smith, with about one-half of tho 
16th and iVth corps, was nearly twenty miles 
in the rear. The Federal artillery consisted 
of the Chicago Mercantile battery, the 1st In- 
diana battery, Nim's Massachusetts battery, 
and battery G, 5th regular artillery. Col. 
Landrum's brigade took a position on the right 
and centre with all the batteries except one, 
and Gen. Ransom's brigade on the left with 
Nim's battery supported by Col. Dudley's cav- 
alry brigade, while Col. Robinson's cavalry 
protected the wagon train, and Col. Lucas 
acted on the right. Gen. Banks had, in the 
meanwhile, arrived on the field, and at once 
sent couriers for Gen. Franklin to hasten for- 
ward with all possible despatch. Heavy skir- 
mishing commenced at 5 o'clock, and in a short 
time the skirmishers were driven in by the 
enemy advancing in force, when the engage- 
ment became general on the right and centre. 
To sustain this portion of the line, which was 
heavily pressed, the left was necessarily much 
weakened. This was observed by the enemy, 
who massed upon their right and dashed upon 
the left of Gen. Banks, which was soon driven 
back, and four guns of Nim's battery cap- 
tured. Not horses enough were alive to drag 
it from the field. Meantime the right contin- 
ued fiercely engaged and the centre was pressed 
back, when the right also gave way. The 
loss of the Chicago battery and the 1st Indiana 
soon followed. Gen. Cameron came up with 
a brigade of Indiana troops belonging to the 
third division of the 13th corps, and advanced 
to the front, but was unable to resist the force 
of the enemy. Gen. Frankhn with staff", also 
arrived on the field in advance of his division. 
The line continued to fall back slowly until 
the baggage trains blocked up the roads in the 
rear so that the troops could not easily pass, 
when a panic ensued. The enemy now pur- 
sued for three and a half miles, when their 
advance was checked and driven back by Gen. 
Emory's division. Here the conflict ended for 
the day. Six guns of the Chicago battery, two 
of battery G, four of the 1st Indiana, and six 
of Nim's battery were left on the field, with 
two howitzers of the Gth Missouri. The loss 
of Gen. Banks was estimated at two thousand 
killed, wounded, and missing. His force on the 
field was about eight thousand. The force of 
the enemy was much larger. Gen. Mouton 
was among the badly wounded of the enemy. 

As it was now known that Gen. Smith with 
his force had marched to Pleasant Hill and 
halted, Gen. Banks determined to withdraw to 
that place for the sake of concentrating his 
forces, and of the advantageous position which 
he could there occupy. The movement com- 
menced at ten o'clock at night, and before day- 
light the rear of the army was well on the road. 
The enemy during the night had pressed his 
pickets down on Gen. Banks' front, but failed 



MILITARY AND FAYAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION", 



511 



to discover the retreat of tlie troops as it was 
conducted with the greatest silence and expe- 
dition. Becoming aware of it in the morning, 
he followed after with his main force, his cav- 
alry being in advance, but the cavalry failed to 
come up with the rear under Gen. Emory, 
before it had arrived at Pleasant Hill about 
seven o'clock in the morning. Col, Gooding, 
of the cavalry division, was then sent out on 
the Shreveport road to find the enemy. About 
a mile up the road the advance was seen ap- 
proaching in strong force. 

The battle-ground was an open field on the 
outside of the town of Pleasant Hill on the 
Shreveport road. It was open and rolling, and 
ascended both from the side of the town and 
from the side on which the enemy were ap- 
proaching. A belt of timber extended almost 
entirely around it. The division of Gen. Em- 
ory was drawn up in line of battle on the 
sloping side, with the right resting across the 
Shreveport road. Gen. McMillen's brigade 
fomned the extreme right of the line, with his 
right resting near the woods, which extended 
along the whole base of the slope and through 
which the enemy would advance. Gen. Dwight's 
brigade was formed next with his left resting 
on the road, Col. Benedict's brigade formed 
next, with liis right resting on the road and a 
little in the rear of Gen. Dwight's left. Two 
pieces of Taylor's battery were placed in the 
rear of Gen, Dwight's left on the road, and 
four pieces were in position on an eminence <5n 
the left of the road and in rear of Col, Bene- 
dict, Hibbard's Vermont battery was in the 
rear of the division. Gen. Smith's division, 
under command of Gen, Mower, was massed 
in two lines of battle fifty yards apart with 
artillery in rear of Gen, Emory's division. The 
right of the first line rested on the road, and 
was composed of two brigades : the first brigade 
on the right commanded by Colonel Linch; 
the second brigade on the left commanded 
by Colonel Shaw, The 3d Indiana battery 
(Crawford's) was posted in the first line of 
battle, and on the right of the 89th Indiana, 
The 9th Indiana battery (Brown's) was in 
position on the right of the first brigade. The 
Missouri battery occupied ground on the right 
of the 89t]i Indiana, 

The second line was composed of two bri- 
gades. The 13th corps were in reserve. Skir- 
mishing continued through the day, and at 4 
p. M. the enemy's line of battle was formed. 
Gen. Green's division was posted on the ex- 
treme left ; Gen. Mouton's division, under com- 
mand of Bi-ig.-Gen. Polignac, on Gen. Green's 
right; Gen. Walker on Polignac's right, and 
Gen. Churchill's division of Ax-kansians and 
Missourians on the extreme right. About 5 
p. M. the enemy appeared on the. field at the 
edge of the woods, and the battle began by the 
Federal batteries opening upon him with case 
shell as he advanced at double-quick. The left 
under Col. Benedict came into action first, and 
soon after the right and centre were engaged. 



The contest now became fierce on both sides, 
when Gen. Emory's division, pressed by over- 
whelming numbers, fell back up the hill to 
the 16th corps, which was just behind the 
orest. The enemy rushed forward and were 
met by Gen. Smith with a discharge from all 
his guns, which was followed by an immediate 
charge of the infantry, by which the enemy 
were driven rapidly back to the woods, where 
they broke in confusion. Night put an end to 
the pursuit. The Taylor battery lost on the 
advance of the enemy was recovered, and also 
two guns of Nim's battery. Five hundred pris- 
oners were also taken. Early on the next 
morning, leaving the dead nnburied and the 
muskets thrown on the field, the army com- 
menced its march back to Grand Ecore, thirty- 
five miles from Pleasant Hill, to obtain rest 
and rations. 

The entire losses of the campaign thus far 
were stated to be twenty pieces of artillery, 
three thousand men, one hundred and thirty 
wagons, twelve hundred horses and mules, in- 
cluding many that died of disease. The gains 
were the capture of Fort De Russy, Alexan- 
dria, Grand Ecore, and Natchitoches, the open- 
ing of Red River, the capture of three thousand 
bales of cotton, twenty-three hundred prison- 
ers, twenty -five pieces of artillery, chiefly cap- 
tured by the fleet, and small arms and consid- 
erable stores. A large number of citizens 
enlisted in the service in Alexandria, and the 
material for two colored regiments was gather- 
ed, and five thousand negroes, male and female, 
abandoned their homes and followed the army. 

Meanwhile Rear- Admiral Porter ascended the 
falls with twelve gunboats and thirty transports, 
and reached Grand Ecore when the army was 
at Natchitoches preparing for an immediate 
march. As the river was rising slowly the ad- 
vance was continued with six smaller gunboats 
and twenty transports, having ai'my stores and 
a part of Gen. Smith's division on board. 
Starting on the Tth of April, Springfield Land- 
ing was reached on the third day. Here a 
large steamer sunk in the river obstructed fur- 
ther progress; and information was received 
that the army had met with a reverse. Orders 
also came to Gen. Smith's troops to return to 
Grand Ecore with the transports. The fleet, 
therefore, turned back, but was constantly an- 
noyed by the enemy on the bank of the river. 
Two of the fleet at Grand Ecore were found 
above the bar, and not likely to get away until 
there was a rise of water in the river. 

The continued low water in the Red River, 
and the difficulty of keeping up a line of sup- 
plies, caused the army to fall back to Alexan- 
dria. The march commenced in the afternoon 
of April 21st, by starting the baggage train with 
a suitable guard. At 2 o'clock the next morn- 
ing the army began silently to evacuate its 
position. Gen. Smith's force forming the rear 
guard. Soon after daylight the enemy observ- 
ing the movement began his pursuit, but with 
so small a force that only shght skirmishing 



512 



MILITAEY 'AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



513 



took place. After moving thirty miles, the 
army bivouacked for the night. On the next 
morning the march was resumed, six miles 
to the crossing of Cane River. Here the enemy 
appeared in a strong position to dispute the 
crossing of the river. A flank movement 
through an almost impassable wood was made 
upon the enemy's position, from which he Avas 
driven, and the crossing secured. The pursuit 
was continued by the enemy until Alexandria 
was reached on the 27th. 

Although Gen. Banks had declared in the 
commencement of the campaign that his occu- 
pation of the country would be permanent, 
such was now the state of atfairs as to require 
his withdrawal, the season having passed for 
operating with any chance of success. Prepa- 
rations for this object were soon commenced. 
The position of the fleet was most serious, and 
its extrication is thus related by Rear- Admiral 
Porter : 

Mississippi Squadkon^, Flagship Black IlA-n-K, I 
Mouth Red Kiver, May 16th, IS&l ( 

Sir: I have the honor to iiiform you that the ves- 
sels lately caught by low water above the falls at 
Alexandria, have been released from their unpleasant 
position. The water had fallen so low that I had no 
hope or expectation of getting the vessels out this 
season, and, as the army had made arrangements to 
evacuate the countrj', I saw nothing before me but 
the destruction of the best part of the Mississippi 
squadron. 

There seems to have been an especial Providence 
looking out for us in providing a man equal to the 
emergency. Lieut. -Col. Bailey, Acting Engineer of 
the 19th Army Corps, proposed a plan of build- 
ing a series of dams across the rocks at the falls, 
and raising the water high enough to let the vessels 
pass over. This proposition looked like madness, 
and the best engineers ridiculed it ; but Col. Bailey 
was so sanguine of success that I requested to have 
it done, and he entered heartily into the work. Pro- 
visions were short and forage was almost out, aud 
the dam was promised to be finished in ten days or 
the army would have to leave us. I was doubtful 
about the time, but I had no doubt about the ultimate 
success, if time would only permit. Gen. Banks 
placed at the disposal of Col. Bailey all the forces he 
required, consisting of some three thousand men 
and two or three hundred wagons. All the neighbor- 
ing steam-mills were torn down for material ; two or 
three regiments of Maine men were set at work fell- 
ing trees, and on the second day after my arrival in 
Alexandria, from Grand Ecore, the work had fairly 
begun. 

Trees were falling with great rapidity, teams were 
moving in all directions, bringing in brick and stone; 
quarries were opened ; flat-boats were built to bring 
stone down from above, and every man seemed to be 
working with a vigor I have seldom seen equalled, 
while perhaps not one in fifty believed in the under- 
taking. These falls are about a mile in length, filled 
with rugged rocks, over which at the present stage 
of water It seemed to be impossible to make a chan- 
uel. 

The work was commenced by running out from the 
left bank of the river a tree dam, made of the bodies 
of very large trees, brush, brick, and stone, cross- 
tied with heavy timber, and strengthened in every 
way which ingenuity could devise. This was run 
out about three hundred feet into the river; four 
large coal barges were then filled with brick and 
sunk at the end of it. From the right bank of 
the river, cribs filled with stone were built out to 
meet the barges, all of which were successfully ac- 
33 



complished, notwithstanding there was a current 
running of nine miles an hour, which threatened to 
sweep every thing before it. 

It will take too much time to enter into the details 
oX this truly wonderful work ; suffice it to say that 
ftje dam had nearly reached completion in eight 
days' working time, and the water had risen sufii- 
ciently on the upper falls to allow the Fort Hindman, 
Osage, and Neosho, to get down and be ready to pass 
the dam. In another day it would have been high 
enough to enable all the other vessels to pass the 
upper falls. Unfortunately, on the morning of the 
9th inst., the pressure of water became so great that 
it swept away two of the stone-barges which swung 
in below the"dam on one side. Seeing this unfortu- 
nate accident, I jumped on a horse and rode up to 
where the upper vessels were anchored, and ordered 
the Lexington to pass the upper falls if possible, and 
immediately attempt to go through the dam. I 
thought I might be able to skve the four vessels below, 
not knowing whether the persons employed on the 
work would ever have the heart to renew the enter- 
prise. 

The Lexington succeeded in getting over the upper 
falls just in time, the water rapidly falling as she 
was passing over. She then steered directly for the 
opening in the dam, through which the water was 
rushing so fur'ously that it seemed as if nothing but 
destruction awaited her. Thousands of beating 
hearts looked on anxious for the result. 

The silence was so great as the Lexington ap- 
proached the dam that a pin might almost have 
been heard to fall. She entered the gap with a full 
head of steam on, pitched down the roaring tor- 
rent, made two or three spasmodic rolls, hung for 
a moment on the rocks below, was then swept into 
deep water by the currents, and rounded to safely 
into the bank. 

Thirty thousand voices rose in one deafening cheer, 
and universal joy seemed to pervade the face of every 
man present. The Neosho followed next — all her 
hatches battened down, and every precaution taken 
against accident. She did not fare as well as the 
Lexington, her pilot having become frightened as he 
approached the abyss, and stopped her engine when 
I particularly ordered a full head of steam to be car- 
ried. The result was that for a moment her hull dis- 
appeared from sight, under the water. Every one 
thought she was lost. She rose, however, swept 
along over the rocks with the current, and fortunate- 
ly escaped with only one hole in her bottom, which 
was stopped in the course of an hour. The Hind- 
man and Osage both came through beautifully with- 
out touching a thing, and I thought if I was only 
fortunate enough to get my large vessels as well over 
the falls my fleet once more would do good service 
on the Mississippi. 

The accident to the dam, instead of disheartening 
Col. Bailey, only induced him to renew his exertions, 
after he had seen the success of getting four vessels 
through. The noble-hearted soldiers, seeing their 
labor of the last eight days swept away in a moment, 
cheerfully went to work to repair damages, being 
confident now that all the gunboats would be finally 
brought over. The men had been working for eight 
days and nights, up to their necks in water, in the 
broiling sun, cutting trees and wheeling bricks, and 
nothing but good humor prevailed among them. On 
the whole, it was very fortunate the dam was carried 
away, as the two barges that were swept away from the 
centre swung around against some rocks on the left 
and made a fine cushion for the vessels, and pre- 
vented them, as it afterward appeared, from running 
on certain destruction. 

The force of the water and the current being too 
great to construct a continuous dam of six hundred 
teet across the river in so short a time. Col. Bailey 
determined to leave a gap of fifty-five feet in the dam, 
and build a series of wing dams on the upper falls. 
This was accomplished in three days' time, and on 



514 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the 11th instant the Mound City, the Carondelet, and 
Pittsburgh came over the upper falls, a good deal of 
labor having been expended in hauling them through, 
the channel being very crooked, scarcely wide 
enough for them. Next day the Ozark, Louisville, 
Chillicothe, and two tugs also succeeded in crossing 
the upper falls. 

Immediately afterward the Mound City, Caronde- 
let, and Pittsburgh started in succession to pass the 
dam, all their hatches battened down and every pre- 
caution taken to prevent accident. 

The passage of these vessels was a most beautiful 
sight, only to be realized when seen. They passed 
over without an accident except the unshipping of 
one or two rudders. This was witnessed by all the 
troops, and the vessels were heartily cheered when 
they passed ovei". Next morning at ten o'clock, the 
Louisville, Chillicothe, Ozark, and two tugs passed 
over without any accident except the loss of a man, 
who was swept off the deck of one of the tugs. By 
three o'clock that afternoon, the vessels were all 
coaled, ammunition replaced, and all steamed down 
the river with the convoy of transports in company. 
A good deal of difficulty was anticipated in getting 
over the bars in lower Red River — depth of water re- 
ported only five feet; gunboats were drawing six. 
Providentially, we had a rise from the back-water of 
the Mississippi — that river being very high at that 
time — the back water extending to Alexandria, one 
hundred and fifty miles distant, enabling it to pass all 
the bars and obstructions with safety. 

Words are inadequate to express the admiration I 
feel for the ability of Lieut.-Col. Bailey. This is 
without doubt the best engineering feat ever per- 
formed. Under the best circumstances, a private 
company would not have completed this work under 
one year, and to an ordinary mind the whole thing 
would have appeared an entire impossibility. Leav- 
ing out his ability as an engineer — the credit he has 
conferred upon the country — he has saved the Union 
a valuable fleet, worth neai-ly $2,000,000 ; more, he has 
deprived the enemy of a triumph which would have 
emboldened them to carry on, this war a year or two 
longer, tor the intended departure of the army was 
a fixed fact, and there was nothing left for me to do 
in case that event occurred but to destroy every part 
of the vessels, so that the rebels could make nothing 
of them. The highest honors the Government can 
bestow on Col. Bailey can never repay him for the 
service he has rendered the country. 

To Gen. Banks, personally, I am much indebted 
for the happy manner in which he has forwarded this 
enterprise, giving it his whole attention night and 
day ; scarcely sleeping while the work was going on ; 
attending personally to see that all the requirements 
of Col. Bailey were complied with on the instant. 

I do not believe there ever was a case where such 
difficulties were overcome in such a short space of 
time, and without any preparation. 

Previous to passing the vessels over the falls, I had 
nearly all the guns, ammunitions, provisions, chain 
cables, anchors, and every thing that could effect 
their draft taken out of them. 

******** 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your 
obedient servant, 

DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. 
Hon. GiDKON Welles, Secretary of the Navy, Wash- 
ington, D. C. 

The last of the gunboats passed the falls on 
May 12th, and Alexandria was evacuated on 
the next day. As early as 10 A. m. the town 
was discovered to be on fire in several places. 
Various opinions existed as to its origin, but 
nothing positive was known. It is situated on 
a plain, in the centre of a rich cotton-growing 
region, with six hundred inhabitants. The fire 
spread with great rapidity. Gen. Banks made 



some ineffectual attempts to stay the progress 
of the flames, and tore down several buildings, 
but the soldiers, it is said, did not work with 
much interest. An engine was drawn to the 
river, but the hose was found to be cut. The 
scenes attending the burning of the town now 
became appalling. A spectator thus describes 
it: 

Women gathering their helpless babes in their 
arms, rushing frantically through the streets with 
cries that would have melted the hardest hearts to 
tears. Little boys and girls were running hither and 
thither crying for their mothers and fathers ; old men 
leaning on a staS" for support to their trembling 
limbs, were hurrying away from the sufibcating heat 
of their burning homes. The helpless wives and 
children of absent husbands and fathers were almost 
in the twinkling of an eye driven into the streets, 
leaving every thing behind but the clothes they then 
wore. Owing to the simultaneous burning in every 
part of the city, the people found no security in the 
streets, where the heat was so intense as almost to 
create suffocation. Everybody rushed to the river's 
edge, being protected there from the heat by the high 
bank of the river. The steamboats lying at the land- 
ing were subjected to great annoyance, the heat be- 
ing so great that the decks had to be flooded with 
water to prevent the boats from taking fire. Among 
those who thus crowded the river bank were the 
wives, daughters, and children, helpless and now 
all homeless, of the Union men who had joined the 
Federal army since the occupation of Alexandria. 
Their husbands had already been marched ofi' in 
the front toward Semmesport, leaving their families 
in their old homes, but to the tender mercies of the 
Confederates. Tbe torch had now destroyed their 
dwellings, their household goods and apparel, the last 
morsel of provisions, and left them starving and des- 
titute. As might be expected, they desired to go 
along with the Federal army, where their husbands 
had gone. They applied to be allowed to go aboard the 
transports. They were refused ! They became frantic 
with excitement. The officers of the boats were de- 
sirous of doing so, but there was the peremptory 
order not to allow any white citizen to go aboard. 

It had been expected when the army arrived that 
the occupation would be permanent, and that pro- 
tection would be given to all who came forward and 
took the oath of allegiance ; while those who would 
not were threatened with banishment and confisca- 
tion of property. Hundreds came forward and took 
the oath. An election was held, and delegates were 
sent to the constitutional convention then in session 
at New Orleans. A recruiting office was opened, and 
a large number of white men were mustered into the 
United States service. Quite a number of permanent 
citizens of Alexandria took the oath, and were prom- 
ised protection. Their houses and other property 
were now all reduced to ashes, and they turned out 
in the world with nothing, absolutely nothing, save 
the amnesty oath. They could not now go to the 
Confederates and apply for charity. They too ap- 
plied to be allowed to go aboard the transports and 
go to New Orleans. They were refused in every in- 
stance ! 

The guns taken from the boats above the 
falls were bursted ; and when every thing was 
ready, the fleet, last of all, moved away, leaving 
the place wrapped in a dense volume of smoke. 
The fleet proceeded down the river about ten 
miles, and laid up for the night. On the next 
day the advance of the army was overtaken by 
the fleet, and on the 16th both began to arrive 
at Semmesport. The Atchafalaya was crossed 
the next day by the army, by means of twenty- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



515 



two steamboats placed side by side, with 
their bows lashed firmly together, "A plank 
bridge was thea laid across the bows of each, 
connecting them together, and forming a sohd 
bridge across the stream, A^hich was no sooner 
finished than it was covered with teams, and 
there was a constant stream of wagons, caval- 
ry, and men, until the night of the 20th, when 
the last of Gen. Smith's division crossed over, 
and the bridge in five minutes was endowed 
with life, and broke into fragments and pro- 
ceeded up the river." 

Thence the army proceeded toward the Mis- 
sissippi, encountering on the way a considera- 
ble force of the enemy, with whom a sharp 
skirmish ensued. It finally returned to New 
Orleans, and the fleet resumed its station on 
the Mississippi. This withdrawal of Gen. Banks 
left the enemy at liberty to move into Arkan- 
sas and operate against Gen. Steele, who was 
moving toward Shreveport. 

It was expected that Gen. Steele, in com- 
mand of the 7th army corps, at Little 
Rock, in Arkansas, would cooperate with Gen. 
Banks on his approach to Shreveport. For 
this purpose he left Little Rock, March 23d, 
with twelve thousand infantry and three thou- 
sand cavalry, under Gen. Carr. On the previ- 
ous day Gen. Thayer, in command of the Army 
of the Frontier, left Fort Smith, with nearly 
five thousand men, to join Gen. Steele. About 
the same time Gol. Clayton, with a small force, 
left Pine Bluffs on an expedition. Camden was 
the point of junction for the three commands. 
It was 120 miles distant from Little Rock, 
about 180 miles from Fort Smith, and 80 miles 
from Pine Bluifs. 

It was known that a force of the enemy, 
about twelve thousand men, under command 
of Gen. Price, was in southwestern Arkansas, 
and occupied a line from Camden, at the head 
of navigation on the "Washita River, west to 
"Washington, in Hampstead County. Camden 
is an important position for all movements look- 
ing to the occupation of the Red River and con- 
fluent streams. Forage and subsistence were 
abundant in the region, and the army of the 
enemy was well clothed and in good spirits. 

Camden was known to be well fortified. 
Gen. Steele, therefore, directed his march tow- 
ard "Washington, evidently with the design of 
flanking Camden and drawing out of the forti- 
fications what forces might be there. On the 
14th of April, having advanced one hundred 
and ten miles in twenty-two days, he first en- 
countered a strong cavalry division under Gen. 
Marmaduke. This was at the Little Missom*i 
River, sixteen miles west of Camden. Heavy 
skirmishing ensued. On the 16th Gen. Thayer 
arrived with his force. Crossing the Little 
Missouri at a point menacing Shreveport, "Wash- 
ington, or Camden, Gen. Steele concealed the 
real destination of the expedition, which was 
Camden, and marched beyond the junction of 
the roads, thus deluding the enemy into the be- 
lief that he intended to attack Shreveport. Act- 



ing upon this opinion, they withdrew and took 
a fortified position. From this they were driv- 
en by a flank movement of Gen., Steele, who 
pursued, apparently with vigor, and captured 
some prisoners, and then moving in a direct 
line to Camden. The enemy, having discovered 
his error, concentrated his cavalry, and attack- 
ed in front, flank, and rear, hoping to embarrass 
Gen. Steele, so that his own infantry might 
have time to regain the works at Camden. 
Their eff'orts were in vain, and Gen. Steele 
took possession of the town. 

Col. Clayton, in advancing from Pine Bluff's, 
captured a pontoon bridge over the Saline, and 
attacked and dispersed a cavalry force and took 
a number of prisoners. He thus reported his 
movement : 

Pine BLurr, Akk., March 81, 1861 
Major G-reene, A. A. Gen. : 

The expedition to Mount Elba and Longview has 
just returned. We destroyed the pontoon bridge at 
Longview ; burned a train of thirty-five wagons, 
loaded with camp and garrison equipments, ammu- 
nition, quartermaster stores, &c. ; captured three 
hundred and twenty prisoners ; engaged in battle at 
Mount Elba, yesterday morning. Gen. Docking's di- 
vision, of about twelve hundred men, from Mouticel- 
lo ; routed him, and pursued him ten miles, with a 
loss on his side of over one hundred killed and 
wounded ; captured a large quantity of small arms, 
two stands of colors, many wagons, and over three 
hundred horses and mules. Our loss will not exceed 
fifteen in killed, wounded, and missing. We brought 
in several hundred contrabands. The expedition 
was a complete success, the details of which will be 
furnished in my ofiicial report, which will be for- 
warded in a few days. 

POWELL CLAYTO^T, Col. Commanding. 

It was soon known that Gen, Banks had fail- 
ed in his object on the Red River. This, to 
some extent, endangered the command of Gen, 
Steele. The force of the enemy, estimated to 
reach twenty -five thousand men, could now, in 
part, be moved against Gen. Steele. As it was 
not his plan to act alone, but in conjunction 
with Gen, Banks, he now prepared to fall back. 
In addition to these circumstances, his commu- 
nications were interrupted and Little Rock 
threatened. On the day following the occupa- 
tion of Camden, the enemy appeared in force 
about six miles to the south, A pontoon bridge 
was put across the Washita River thirty miles 
east of Camden, by which a force of the ene- 
my's cavalry crossed and cut off" the supplies. 
Trees were also felled into the stream, and oth- 
er obstructions made to the navigation. On 
the 21st, a foraging party, with one hundred 
and fifty wagons and an escort of nearly a 
thousand men, Avere sent to a point sixteen 
miles west. On the return, at Poison Springs, 
twelve miles west of Camden, the command 
was attacked by a strong force of the enemy. 
After a severe struggle of some hours, the force 
reached Camden, with a loss of two hundred 
and fifty men, four guns, and the trains, with a 
number of arms. 

On the 23d Gen. Steele started a train of 
two hundred and fifty wagons, six ambulances, 
and an escort of two hundred cavalry and 



516 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



twelve hundred infantry, with four pieces of 
artillery, to Pine Bluffs for supplies for the 
army. The expedition was under the command 
of Lieut.-Col. Drake, of the 36th Iowa. On 
the 25th, an attack was made on the train, 
within six miles of the Saline River, by a caval- 
ry force under Maj.-Gen. Fagan, which result- 
ed in the capture or Avounding of all the offi- 
cers, nearly all the men — of whom two hun- 
dred and fifty were killed and wounded — four 
brass guns, and the Wagon trains. 

On the 26th Gen. Steele determined to 
evacuate Camden, and before daylight of the 
27th the army had crossed, the pontoon bridge 
was secured, and the Washita River put between 
him and the forces of the enemy. The army 
was pushed forward over bad roads, and on 
the 28th camped at Princeton crossing, and on 
the next evening at the Saline crossings, Jen- 
kins Ferry. During the night the enemy show- 
ed themselves in the rear. Whether they were 
in force, or only sufficient to harass by caval- 
ry attacks until Gen. Kirby Smith's main force 
could intercept the march to Little Rock, was 
uncertain. Dispositions were, however, made 
by Gen. Steele to resist a large force. The bad 
condition of the roads, and the heavy rain 
which commenced, and the darkness, prevent- 
ed the crossing of the* Saline during the night. 
The pontoon bridge, however, had been laid, 
and a small portion of the force passed over. 
The remainder of the army encamped in tlie 
bottom lands of the river, to which it descend- 
ed from a considerable elevation about four 
miles west of the stream. Gen. Salomon's divi- 
sion camped about two miles from the hill, and 
the line which it was to hold in the morning 
was protected on the left by the Saline and 
swampy bottom lands, and on the right by a 
bayou skirting the base of the uplands. In the 
morning the rain poured in torrents. The ar- 
tillery, the trains, and men were to cross over 
the river. Soon after daylight skirmishing 
commenced in the rear, and a general engage- 
ment soon succeeded. The enemy consisted of 
all their forces in southwestern Arkansas, with 
some from Louisiana, under Gens. Smith, Price, 
Walker, Churchill, an'd others. Under Gen. 
Steele, the commands of Gens. Salomon, Thay- 
er, Rice, Ingleman, and Col. Benton were en- 
gaged. The battle continued about seven 
hours, and resulted in the repulse of the ene- 
my, and a loss to Gen. Steele of seven hundred 
in killed and wounded, although several stands 
of colors were captured and three pieces of ar- 
tillery. The loss of the enemy in killed and 
wounded was also severe. The effect of the 
battle was not only to secure a safe retreat to 
Little Rock for Gen. Steele, where he arrived 
on the 2d of May, but also to relieve, for some 
time, that portion of Arkansas, and also Mis- 
souri, from the presence of the enemy. The fol- 
lowing is Gen. Steele's address to his troops : 

HEADQrAETEKS DEPARTMENT OP AEKANSA8. 1 

Little Eock, May 9. ) 
To you troops of the Tth army corps, who par- 
ticipated in the recent campaign designed to co- 



operate with Gen. Banks' movement against Shreve- 
port, the Major-General Commanding tenders his ear- 
nest and grateful thanks. Although you were com- 
pelled to fall back without seeing the main object of 
the expedition accomplished, you will have the satis- 
faction of knowing that you have beaten the enemy 
wherever he has met you in force, and extricated 
yourselves from the perilous position in which you 
were placed by the reverses of the cooperating col- 
umn. This let loose upon you a superior force of the 
enemy, under one of their best generals, causing the 
loss of your trains and the total interruption of your 
communications, rendering it impossible for you to 
obtain supplies. You have fallen back over rivers 
and swamps, while pressed by a superior force of the 
enemy. This you have done successfully, punishing 
the enemy severely at the same time. 

The patience with which you have endured hard- 
ships and privations, and your heroic conduct on the 
battle-field, have been brought to the notice of the 
Government, and will furnish a page in the history 
of this war of which you may well be proud. 

F. STEELE, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

For further details of military affairs under 
Gen. Steele. 

The withdrawal of the forces of Gens. Sher- 
man and A. J. Smith from Vicksburg to engage 
in the Red River expedition, afforded an oppor- 
tunity for the irregular command of Gen. For- 
rest, with other detached forces of the enemy 
in Northern Mississippi and Southwestern Ten- 
nessee, to concentralie for an attack on the 
Federal posts in West Tennessee and Ken- 
tucky. Accordingly, on March 23d, Gen. For- 
rest left Jackson, Tennessee, with about five 
thousand men, marching north to Union City. 
Jackson is a station on the railroad from Cairo 
and Columbus to New Orleans, and about one 
hundred and seven miles from Cairo, and sixty 
miles from Union City, another station on the 
same railroad, where the line to Paducah and 
the one to Hickman commence. On the next 
day he arrived before Union City and summoned 
Col. Hawkins, with four hundred and fifty men 
of the 11th Tennessee Union cavahy, to sur- 
render. The surrender of the place was made 
after resisting an assault, and also two hun- 
dred horses and five hundred small arms. This 
surrender was opposed by the officers under 
Col. Hawkins' command, and only one man 
had been injured when it was made. A force 
under Gen. Brayman, from Cairo, advanced 
within six miles for its defence ; but on learn- 
ing that it had surrendered. Gen. Brayman re- 
tired. Gen. Forrest next occupied Hickman, 
and then moved immediately north with Bu- 
ford's division of his forces, direct from Jackson 
to Paducah. This place was occupied by Col. S. 
G. Hicks, 40th Illinois regiment, with six hun- 
dred and fifty-five men. Col. Hicks retired into 
Fort Anderson and there made a stand, assisted 
by the gunboats Peosta and Paw-Paw, belong- 
ing to the command of Capt. Shirk of the navy. 
Gen, Forrest then sent the following demand 
for a surrender : 

Headquarters Forrest's Cavalry Corps, ) 
PADtlCAH, March 25, 1SC4. { 
To Col. Hicks, commanding Federal forces cd VaJ.ucah : 
Having a force amply sutiBcicnt to cany your works 
and reduce the place, in order to avoid the unneces- 
sary effusion of blood, I demand a surrender of the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



517 



fort and troops, with all the public stores. If you 
surrender you shall be treated as prisoners of war, 
but if I have to storm your works you may expect no 
quarter. N-. B. FORREST, Maj.-Gen. Com'ing. 

Col. Hicks replied as foUows : 

Headqttarteks Post PADucAn, | 
Paditoah, Kt., March 25, ISM. j 

Maj.-Gen. JV. B. Forrest, commanding Confederate 
forces : 
I have this moment received yours of this instant, 
in which you demand an unconditional surrender of 
forces under my command. I can answer, that I 
have been placed here by my Government to defend 
the post. In this, as well as all other orders from 
my superior officers, I feel it my duty as an honor- 
able officer to obey, and must therefore respectfully 
decline surrenderins;, as you require. Very respect- 
fully, S. G. HICKS, Commanding Post. 

Two successive attacks upon the fort were 
now made by the enemy and repulsed. They next 
occupied the houses, and fired from behind them 
and from the windows, but were steadily held 
back. At half-past eleven p.m. they retired. 
During the evening a steamboat on the marine 
ways was burned, and also some houses. On 
the next morning Gen. Forrest proposed an 
exchange for some prisoners in Col. Hicks' 
hands, but the latter had no power to make 
the exchange. In the afternoon the enemy re- 
tired. Gen. Forrest reported that he held the 
town ten hours, and captured many stores and 
horses, burned sixty bales of cotton, one steam- 
boat, and took fifty prisoners. His loss at Union 
City and Paducah he stated at twenty-five 
killed and wounded, and the prisoners captured 
at five hundred. The loss of Col. Hicks was 
fourteen killed and forty-six wounded. A large 
portion of the town Avas destroyed, partly by 
the guns fired from the foi't upon the enemy, 
and partly by the enemy. 

On the 12th of April an attack was made on 
Fort Pillow by Gen. Forrest, with Gen. Chal- 
mers' division of his forces, of which Gen. 
Forrest led Bell's brigade, and Chalmers led 
McCuUoch's. Fort Pillow is situated about 
seventy miles above Memphis, on the Missis- 
sippi River. Its garrison at the time of the 
assault consisted of nineteen ofiicers and five 
hundred and thirty-eight enlisted men, of whom 
two hundred and sixty-two were colored troops, 
comprising one battalion of the 6t]i United 
States heavy artillery, formerly the 1st Ala- 
bama artillery of colored troops, under the 
command of Major L. F. Booth ; one section 
of the 2d United States light artillery (color- 
ed), and one battalion of the 13th Tennessee 
cavalry (white), commanded by Major "W. F. 
Bradford. Major Booth was the ranking offi- 
cer, and was in command of the fort. 

The troops which had seiwed to garrison the 
fort were withdrawn in January, to accompany 
Gen. Sherman's expedition to Meridian, and 
others had been sent from Memphis subse- 
quently to hold it. 

Just before sunrise in the morning, April 
12th, the pickets of the garrison were driven 
in. This was the first intimation which the 
force then had of an intention of the enemy to 



attack the place. Fighting soon became gen- 
eral, and about nine o'clock Major Bradford 
succeeded to the command and withdrew all 
the forces within the fort. They had previ- 
ously occupied some intrenchments at some 
distance from the fort and further from the 
river. 

This fort was situated on a high bluff", which 
descended precipitately to the river's edge, the 
ridge of the bluff on the river side being cover- 
ed with trees, bushes, and fallen timber. Ex- 
tending back from the river on either side of 
the fort was a ravine or hollow, the one be- 
low the fort containing several private stores 
and some dwellings, constituting what is called 
the town. At the mouth of that ravine and on 
the river bank were some Government build- 
ings containing commissary stores. 

The ravine above the fort was known as Cold 
Bunk Ravine, the ridge being covered with 
trees and bushes ; to the right or below, and a 
little to the front of the fort, was a level piece 
of ground, not quite so elevated as the fort it- 
self, on which had been erected some log huts 
or shanties, which were occupied by the white 
troops, and also used for hospital and other 
purposes. Within the fort tents had been 
erected, with board floors, for the use of the 
colored troops. There were six pieces of artil- 
lery in the fort, consisting of two 6-pounders, 
two 12-pounder howitzers, and two 10-pounder 
Parrotts. 

The rebels continued their attack, but up to 
two or three o'clock in the afternoon they had 
not gained any decisive success. The Federal 
troops, both white and black, fought bravely, 
and were in good spirits. The gunboat No. 7 — 
New Era, Capt. Marshall — took part in the con- 
flict, shelling the enemy as opportunity offered. 

Signals had been agreed upon by which the 
officers in the fort could indicate where the 
guns of the boat could be aimed most effectively. 
There being but one gunboat no permanent im- 
pression appears to have been produced upon 
the enemy, for as they were shelled out of one 
ravine they would make their appearance iu 
the other. They would thus appear and retire 
as the gunboat moved fi-om one point to another. 

About one o'clock the fire on both sides 
slackened somewhat, and the gunboat moved 
out in the river to cool and clean the guns, hav- 
ing fired 282 rounds of shell, sharpnel, and can- 
ister, which nearly exhausted the supply of 
ammunition. The rebels having thus far failed 
in their attack, resorted to their customary flags 
of truce. The first flag conveyed a demand 
from Gen. Forrest for the imconditional sur- 
render of the fort. To this Major Bradford 
replied, asking to be allowed an hour to consult 
with his officers and the officers of the gunboat. 

In a short time a second flag of truce ap- 
peared with a communication from Gen. Forrest. 
He would allow Major Bradford twenty minutes 
in which to move his troops out of the fort, and 
if it was not done in that time, an assault would 
be ordered. To this Major Bradford replied 



518 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLIOK 



that he would not surrender. Immediately 
after the second flag of truce retired, the rebels 
made a rush from the positions they had treach- 
erously gained, while the flags of truce were 
sent in, and obtained possession of the fort, 
raising the cry of no quarter. But little oppor- 
tunity was allowed for resistance. The Fed- 
eral troops, black and white, threw down their 
arms, and sought to escape by running down 
the steep bluff near the fort, and secreting 
themselves behind trees and logs, in the bushes, 
and under the brush, some even jumping into 
the river, leaving only their heads above the 
water as they crouched down under the bank. 

The scenes which now followed became a 
subject of investigation by a Committee of Con- 
gress, who state in their report as follows : 

The rebels commenced an indiscriminate slaughter, 
sparing neither age nor sex, white or black, soldier 
or civilian. The officers and men seemed to vie with 
each other in the devilish work. Men, women, and 
even children, wherever found, were deliberately 
shot down, beaten, and hacked with sabres. Some 
of the children not more than ten years old, were 
forced to stand up and face their mothers while being 
shot. The sick and wounded were butchered with- 
out mercy, the rebels even entering the hospital 
bjiildings, and dragging them out to be shot, or killing 
them as they lay there unable to ofler the least resist- 
ance. All over the hillside the work of murder was 
going on. Numbers of our men were gathered 
together in lines or groups and deliberately shot. 
Some were shot while in the river, while others on 
the bank were shot and their bodies kicked into the 
water, many of them still living, but unable to make 
any exertion to save themselves from drowning. 
Some of the rebels stood upon the top of the hill, or 
a short distance down its side, and called to our sol- 
diers to come up to them, and as they approached 
shot them down in cold blood ; if their guns or pis- 
tols missed fire, forcing them to stand there until 
they were again prepared to fire. All around were 
heard cries of " No quarter, no quarter ; " " Kill the 
d — n niggers ;" " Shoot them down." AH who asked 
for mercy were answered by the most cruel taunts 
and sneers. Some were spared for a time only to be 
murdered under circumstances of greater cruelty. 
No cruelty which the most fiendish malignity could 
devise was omitted by these murderers. One white 
soldier, who was wounded in the leg so as to be un- 
able to walk, was made to stand up while his torment- 
ors shot him. Others who vrere wounded and unable 
to stand up were held up and again shot. One negro 
who had been ordered by a rebel officer to hold his 
horse was killed by him when he remonstrated. 
Another, a mere child, whom an officer had taken up 
behind him on his horse, was seen by Chalmers, who 
at once ordered the officer to put him down, and 
shoot him, which was done. The huts and tents in 
which many of the wounded had sought shelter were 
set on fire both that night and the next morning, 
while the wounded were still in them, those only 
escaping who were able to get themselves out, or who 
could prevail on others less injured than themselves 
to help them out; and even some of them thus seek- 
ing to escape the flames were met by these ruffians 
and brutally shot down, or had their brains beaten 
out. One man was deliberately fastened down to the 
floor of a tent, face upwards, by means of nails driven 
through his clothing and into the boards under him 
so that he could not possibly escape, and then the 
tent set on fire. Another was nailed to the side of a 
building, outside of the fort, and then the building 
set on fire and burned. The charred remains of five 
or six bodies were afterwards found, all but one so 
much disfigured and consumed by the flames that 



they could not be identified, and the identification of 
that one is not absolntely certain, although there can 
hardly be a doubt that it was the body of Lieut. 
Akerstrom, quartermaster of the 13th Virginia caval- 
ry, and a native Tennessean. Several witnesses who 
saw the remains, and who were personally acquainted 
with him while living here, testified that it is their 
firm belief that it was his body that was thus treated. 
These deeds of murder and cruelty closed when night 
came on, only to be reflewed the next morning, when 
the demons carefully sought among the dead lying 
about in all directions for any other wounded yet alive, 
and those they killed. Scores of the dead and wounded 
were found there the day of the massacre by the men 
from some of our gunboats, who were permitted to 

to on shoi'e and collect the wounded and bury the 
ead. The rebels themselves had made a pretence 
of burying a great many of their victims, but they 
had merely thrown them, without the least regard to 
care or decency, into the trenches and ditches about 
the fort, or the little hollows and ravines on the 
hillside, covering them but partially with earth. 
Portions of heads and faces, hands and feet,, were 
found protruding through the earth in every direc- 
tion even when your committee visited the spot 
two weeks afterward, although parties of men had 
been sent on shore from time to time to bury the 
bodies unburied, and re-bury the others, and were 
even then engaged in the same work. We found 
evidences of this murder and cruelty still most pain- 
ful. We saw bodies still unburied, at some distance 
from the fort, of some sick men, who had been flee- 
ing from the hospital, and beaten down and brutally 
murdered, and their bodies left where they had fallen. 
We could still see the faces, and hands, and feet of 
men, white and black, protruding out of the ground, 
whose graves had not been reached by those engaged in 
reinterring the victims of the massacre; and although 
a great deal of rain had fallen within the preceding two 
weeks, the ground, more especially on the side at the 
foot of the blufi" where the most of the murders had 
been committed, was still discolored by the blood 
of our brave but unfortunate men, and the logs and 
trees showed but too plainly the evidences of the 
atrocities perpetrated there. Many other instances 
of equally atrocious cruelty might be enumerated, but 
your committee feel compelled to refrain from giving 
here more of the heart-sickening details, and refer to 
the statements contained in the voluminous testi- 
mony herewith submitted. Those statements were 
obtained by them from eye-witnesses and sufferers. 
Many of them, as they were examined by your com- 
mittee, were lying upon beds of pain and suffering; 
some so feeble that their lips could with difficulty 
frame the words by which they endeavored to con- 
vey some idea of the cruelty which had been inflicted 
on them, and which they had seen inflicted on others. 
In reference to the fate of Major Bradford, who 
was in command of the fort when it was cap- 
tured, and who had, up to that time, received no 
injury, there seems to be no doubt. The general un- 
derstanding everywhere seemed to be that he had 
been bi'utally murdered the day after he was taken 
prisoner. How many of our troops thus fell victims 
to the malignity and barbarity of Forrest and his 
followers cannot yet be definitely ascertained. Two 
officers belonging to the garrison were absent at the 
time of the capture and massacre. Of the remaining 
officers biit two are known to be living, and they are 
wounded, and now in the hospital at Mound City. 
One of them (Capt. Porter) may even now be dead, 
as the surgeons, when your committee were there, 
expressed no hope of his recoverJ^ Of the men, 
from three hundred to four hundred are known to 
have been killed at Fort Pillow, of whom at least 
three hundred were murdered in cold blood, after the 
fort was in possession of the rebels, and our men 
had thrown down their arms and ceased to offer re- 
sistance. Of the survivors, except the wounded in 
the hospital at Mound City, and the few who sue- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



519 



ceeded in making their escape unhurt, nothing defi- 
nite is known, and it is to be feared that many have 
been murdered after being taken away from the fort. 
When your committee arrived at Memphis, Tennes- 
see, they found and examined a man (Mr. McLogan) 
who had been conscripted by some of Forrest's 
forces, but who, with other conscripts, had succeeded 
in making his escape. He testifies that while two 
companies of rebel troops, with Major Bradford and 
many other prisoners, were on their march from 
Brownsville and Jackson, Tennessee, Major Bradford 
was taken by five rebels, one an officer, led about 
fifty yards from the line of march, and deliberately 
murdered in view of all those assembled. He fell, 
killed instantly by three musket balls, and while ask- 
ing that his life might be spared, as be had fought 
them manfully, and was deserving of a better fate. 
The motive for the murder of Major Bradford seems 
to have been the simple fact that, although a native 
of the South, he remained loyal to his Government. 

On the other side is the following statement 
by Lieut.-Gen. S. D. Lee, who was in command 
of the Confederate department. It is part of 
a letter on the subject, dated June 28th : 

As commanding officer of this department, I desire 
to make the following statement concerning the cap- 
ture of Fort Pillow — a statement supported in a great 
measure by the evidence of one of your own ofiicers 
captured at that place. The version given by you 
and your Government is untrue, and not sustained 
by the facts to the extent that you indicate. The 
garrison was summoned in the usual manner, and its 
commanding ofiicer assumed the i-esponsibility of 
refusing to surrendei", after having been informed by 
Gen. Forrest of his ability to take the fort, and of 
his fears as to what the result would be in case the 
demand was not complied with. The assault was 
made under a heavy fire and with considerable loss 
to the attacking party. Your colors were never low- 
ered and your garrison never surrendered, but retreat- 
ed under cover of a gunboat, with arms in their hands 
and constantly using them. This was true particu- 
larly of your colored troops, who had been firmly 
convinced by your teachings of the certainty of 
slaxighter in case of capture. Even under these cir- 
cumstances many of your men — white and black — 
were taken prisoners. I respectfully refer you to 
history for numerous cases of indiscriminate slaugh- 
ter after successful assault, even under less aggra- 
vated circumstances. It is generally conceded by 
all military precedent that where the issue had been 
fairly presented and the ability displayed, fearful re- 
sults are expected to follow a refusal to surrender. 
The case under consideration is almost an extreme 
one. You had a servile race armed against their 
masters, and in a country which had been desolated 
by almost unprecedented outrages. 

I assert that our officers, with all the circumstances 
against them, endeavored to prevent the eflusion of 
blood; and as an evidence of this, I refer you to the 
fact that both white and colored prisoners were 
taken, and are now in our hands. As regards the 
battle of Tishimingo Creek, the statements of your 
negro witnesses are not to be relied on. In their 
panic they acted as might have been expected from 
their previous impressions. I do not think many of 
them were killed — they are yet wandering over the 
country, attempting to return to their masters. With 
reference to the status of those captured at Tishimin- 
go Creek and Fort Pillow, I will state that, unless 
otherwise ordered by my government, they will not 
be regarded as prisoners of war, but will be retained 
and humanely treated, subject to such future instruc- 
tions as may be indicated. 

Your letter contains many implied threats ; these, 
of course, you can make, and you are fully entitled 
to any satisfaction that you may feel from having 
made them. 

It is my intention, and that also of mv subordinate 



officers, to conduct this war upon civilized principles, 
provided you permit us to do so ; and I take this occa- 
sion to state that we will not shirk from any respon- 
sibility that your actions may force upon us. We 
are engaged in a struggle for the protection of our 
homes and firesides, for the maintenance of our 
national existence and liberty ; we have counted the 
cost, and are prepared to go to any extremes ; and 
though it is far from our wish to fight under a black 
flag, still, if you drive us to it, we will accept the 
issue. Your troops virtually fought under it at the 
battle of Tishimingo Creek, and the prisoners taken 
there state that they went into battle under the im- 
pression that they would receive no quarter, and, I 
suppose, with the determination to give none. 

I will further remark, that if it is raised, so far as 
your soldiers are concerned, there can be no distinc- 
tion, for the unfortunate people whom you pretend to 
be aiding are not considered entirely responsible for 
their acts, influenced, as they are, by the superior 
intellect of their white brothers. I enclose for your 
consideration certain papers touching the Fort Pillow 
affiiir, which were procured from the writer after the 
exaggerated statements of your press were seen. 

I am, general, yours, respectfully, 

S. D. LEE, Lieutenant-General. 

The report of the enemy stated that Gens. 
Forrest and Chalmers " both entered the fort 
from opposite sides, simultaneously, and an in- 
discriminate slaughter followed. One hundred 
prisoners were taken and the balance slain. 
The fort ran with blood. Many jumped into 
the river and were drowned, or shot in the 
water. Over $100,000 worth of stores were 
taken, and sis guns captured. The Confeder- 
ate loss was seventy-five. Lieut. -Col. Reed, of 
the 5th Mississippi, was mortally wounded." 

A party of the enemy on the capture of Fort 
Pillow made an advance against Columbus, 
Gen. Buford being in command of their force. 

On the 13th he sent the following summons 
to the commander of the fort : 

Headqtjabters Confederate States Armt, J 
Before Cohtmbtjs, Kt., April 13, ]S64. j 

To the Commander of the United States forces, CoU 
tmihus, Ky : 

Fully capable of taking Columbus and its garrison 
by force, I desire to avoid shedding blood. I there- 
fore demand the unconditional surrender of the 
forces under your command. Should you surren- 
der, the negroes now in arms will be returned to 
their masters. Should I be compelled to take the 
place by force, no quarters will be shown negro' 
troops whatever ; white troops will be treated as 
prisoners of war. I am, sir, yours, 

A. BLfFORD, Brig.-Gen. 

This demand was refused, and Gen. Buford 
retired without making an attack. At the 
same time an excitement arose at Paducah, un- 
der apprehension of another attack of the en- 
emy. The entire forces, however, retired to Bol- 
ivar, Trenton, and Grand Junction. Some fur- 
ther military operations in this part of the 
country, chiefly of a partisan nature, took place. 

Some active operations took place in North 
Carolina. The important ports on the sounds, 
as Newbern, Washington, Plymouth, &c., had 
been held since their capture by the forces un- 
der Gen. Burnside. On the 1st of February, a 
force of the enemy under Gen. Picket, con- 
sisting of Gen. Hoke's brigade, with a part of 
Gens. Corse's and Olingman's, made an assault 



520 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



on the Federal outpost at Bachelor's Creek, 
eight miles from Newbern, and captured it 
with seventy-five prisoners. They then ad- 
vanced toward Newbern, where an attack was 
greatly feared. Before dayhght on the next 
morning a party in barges captured the gun- 
boat Underwriter, with her officers and a por- 
tion of her crew. The steamer was aground, 
but so lay as to cover a portion of the fortifi- 
cations between Fort Anderson and Fort Ste- 
vens, at Newbern. Gen. Picket thus reported 
his expedition : 

KiNSTON, February 3, 18M. 
To Gen. S. Cooper: 

I made a reconnoissance within a mile and a half 
of Newbern, with Hoke's brigade, and a part of 
Corse's and CUngman's, and some artillery; met the 
enemy in force at Batchelor's Creek, killed and 
wounded about one hundred in all, captured thir- 
teen officers and two hundred and eighty prisoners, 
fourteen negroes, two rifled pieces and caissons, 
three hundred stand of small arms, four ambulan- 
ces, three wagons, fifty-five animals, a quantity of 
clothing, camp, and garrison equipage, and two 
flags. Commander Wood, Confederate States navy, 
captured and destroyed the United States gunboat 
Underwriter. Our loss thirty-five killed and wound- 
ed. G. E. PICKET, 
Major-General Commanding. 

The next movement of importance made by 
the enemy was the capture of Plymouth. This 
town is on the soutli bank of the Roanoke 
River, about eight miles from its mouth. The 
river flows in an easterly direction into Albe- 
marle Sound. The town originally contained 
about one thousand inhabitants, but was burn- 
ed by the Union fleet two years previously. It 
had been held for some time as a key to the 
river, and had been strongly fortified. A 
breastwork with strong forts at different points 
along the line, had been constructed. Another 
strong work, called Fort Gray, had also been 
constructed about a mile further up the river, 
opposite which a triple row of piles had been 
driven, to which torpedoes were attached, to 
serve as a protection to the fleet below. The 
enemy had a powerful iron-clad ram in the 
river above. Still further up there was another 
row of piles with torpedoes, near which a pick- 
et boat was stationed to watch the iron-clad. 
The Federal gunboats Southfield and Miami 
were anchored in the river opposite the town. 
The garrison of the town was about twenty- 
four hundred men, under command of Gen. 
Wessels. They composed the 85th New York 
infantry regiment, 101st Pennsylvania infantry 
regiment, 103d Pennsylvania infantry regi- 
ment, 16th Connecticut infantry regiment, two 
companies of the Massachusetts heavy artil- 
lery, two companies of the 2d North Carolina 
volunteers, two companies of the 12th New 
York cavalry. 

The approach of the enemy was unknown, 
until they began to appear about 8 p. m., April 
iTth, in the rear of the. town, driving in the 
Union pickets. A brisk artillery fire was soon 
opened upon Fort Gray, which continued with 
some vigor until near midnight. About daylight 
on the next morning the contest was renewed, 



and two charges were made during the fore- 
noon, which were repulsed. In the afternoon, 
two guns of the enemy were captured by a 
sortie from the fort. The gunboats then took 
a position, one apove and the other below the 
town, and the contest continued fiercely until 
night, when it ceased without any advantage 
to the enemy. Early the next morning the 
picket boat up the river reported that the iron- 
clad had passed down. The gunboats were 
immediately lashed together, to make a joint 
resistance to the iron-clad. This had scarcely 
been done when she appeared within a hun- 
dred yards. As they approached each other, 
the gunboats fired w^ithout eff"ect. The ram 
first struck the Miami, and gliding off" struck 
the Southfield on her left side, crushing in six 
or eight feet square. The Miami now fired a 
shell at the iron-clad, which rebounded and 
killed her captain, Flusser, and wounded eight 
persons. Becoming separated from the South- 
field, the Miami was swung round by the cur- 
rent, and unable for a time to render further 
assistance. The Southfield was now rapidly 
sinking, and her crew took to the boats and 
fled. The Miami, after her loss, withdrew. 
The iron-clad, called the Albemarle, under 
command of J. "VV. Coke, came down to the 
mouth of the river, outside of which were 
four gunboats. Her position in the river cut 
ofi:" all hopes of sending reenforcements to Gen. 
Wessels, and he surrendered to Brig.-Gen. Hoke 
on the next day. This surrender was thus an- 
nounced by Gen. Peck, in command of the de- 
partment : 

IIeadqttaktees of the Akmt and District of I 
NoKTU Carolina, Newbekn, N. C, April 21, 1864. f 

General Orders JVb. 66 : 

With feelings of the deepest sorrow the command- 
ing general announces the fall of Plymouth, N.C., 
and the capture of its gallant commander, Brig.-Gen. 
H. W. Wessels, and his command. This result, how- 
ever, did not obtain until after the most gallantand 
determined resistance had been made, five times 
the enemy stormed the lines of the general, and as 
many times were they repulsed with great slaughter; 
and but for the powerful assistance of the rebel iron- 
clad ram, and the floating sharpshooter battery, the 
Cotton Plant, Plymouth would still have been in our 
hands. For their noble defence the gallant Gen. 
Wessels and his brave band have, and deserve the 
warmest thinks of the whole country, while all will 
sympathize with them in their misfortune. 

To the officers and men of the navy the command- 
ing general tenders his thanks for their hearty coop- 
eration with the army, and the bravery, determina- 
tion, and courage that marked their part of the 
unequal contest. With sorrow he records the death 
of the noble sailor and gallant patriot, Lieut.-Com. 
C. W. Flusser, U. S. Navy, who in the heat of battle 
fell dead on the deck of 'his ship, with the lanyard 
of his gun in his hand. 

The commanding general believes that these mis- 
fortunes will tend, not to discourage, but to nerve 
the army of North Carolina to equal deeds of brave- 
ry and gallantry hereafter. 

Untirfurther orders, the headquarters of the sub- 
district of the Albemarle will be at Roanoke Island. 
The command devolves upon Col. D. W. Wardrop, 
of the 99th New York infantry. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. JOHN G. PECK. 

J. A. JuDSON, Ass't Adj't-Gen. 



MLITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



521 




522 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



Gen. Hoke thus reported his capture of the 
position : 

Pltmouth, N. C, April 20, 1864. 
To Gen. Braxton Bragg : 

I have stormed and carried this place, capturing 
one brigadier, sixteen hundred men, stores, and 
twenty-five pieces of artillery. 

K. F. HOKE, Brig.-Gen. 

Only two phxces on the main land were now 
held by the Federal forces. These were Wash- 
ington, on the Tar Eiver, and Newbern, at the 
mouth of the Neuse. Washington was evac- 
uated in the latter part of April, and burned. 
The following order of Gen. Palmer was issued 
for the purpose of detecting the incendiaries : 

Headqxjaetees District op N. C, ) 
Newbeen, N. C, May 3, 1864 f 
General Orders JVb. 5. 

While the troops of this command may exult and 
take just pride iu their many victories over the en- 
emy, j'et a portion of them have, within a few days, 
been guilty of an outrage against humanity which 
brings the blush of shame to the cheek of every true 
man and soldier. ■» * * * 



The commanding general had, until this time, be- 
lieved it impossible that any troops in his command 
could have committed "so disgraceful an act as this, 
which now blackens the fame of th j Army of North 
Carolina. He finds, however, that he was sadly mis- 
taken, and that the ranks are disgraced by men who 
are not soldiers, but thieves and scoundrels, dead to 
all sense of honor and humanity, for whom no pun- 
ishment can be too severe. 

The commanding general is well aware what troops 
were in the town of Washington when the flames 
first appeared. He knows what troops last left the 
place. He knows that in the ranks of only two of 
the regiments in the district of North Carolina the 
culprits now stand. To save the reputation of the 
command, it is hoped that the guilty parties may be 
ferreted out by the officers who were in Washington 
at the time of these occurrences. 

This order will be read at the head of every regiment 
and detachment in this command, at dress parade, 
on the day succeeding its receipt, and at the head of 
the I'rth Massachusetls volunteers and the 15th Con- 
necticut volunteers, at dress parade, every day for ten 
consecutive days, or until the guilty parties are found. 

By command of Brig.-Gen. I. N. PALMER, 
J. A. JoDSON, Ass't Adj't.-Gen. 



CHAPTEE XXXIX. 



Desultory Operations in Virginia — General Grant appointed Lieutenant-General — Eeorganization of the Army of the Po- 
tomac — Gen. Slierman's Campaign against Atlanta — Its Plan — Battles — Manoeuvres approaching Atlanta — Its Evac- 
uation — Correspondence with tiie Authorities — Civilians sent away. 



In Virginia, a few desultory operations took 
place previous to the commencement of the 
great campaign of the year. On the 3d of 
January a supply train, consisting of two hun- 
dred animals, Avas captured by the enemy on its 
return from Petersburg, in West Virginia, to 
New Creek. A few of the men and animals 
escaped. The enemy, being in considerable 
force, now made several demonstrations for the 
purpose of reaching the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, but were unsuccessful. On January 
28th, a train from New Creek to Petersburg, 
laden with commissary stores for the garrison 
at the latter place, was attacked three miles 
south of Williamsport, and, after a sharp con- 
test, c^aptured by the enemy. The losses in this 
region in horses, wagons, stores &c., to Feb. 
1st, was estimated at two hundi-ed and fifty 
thousand dollars. 

The headquarters of Gen. Meade, in command 
of the Army of the Potomac, was near Culpep- 
per Court House. This position was occupied 
by that army from December, 1863, until May, 
1864. The army of Gen. Lee, on the south 
side of the Rapidan, confronted it. A few re- 
conuoissances were made, but without important 
results. A cavalry expedition into the neigh- 
borhood of Richmond was the most active 
movement at tins period of the year. It com- 
menced with the advance of the 8th corps, un- 
der Gen. Sedgwick, from Madison Court House, 
on Feb. 27th. A division under Gen. Birney 
followed on the next day. Madison Court House 



was occupied by a brigade of infantry, with a 
small force of cavalry, but the main force was 
encamped along the heights of Robertson's 
River. From this position pickets Avere sent 
out to the right and left. Gen. Birney 's force 
occupied James City, a small village west of 
Culpepper. Meanwhile a cavalry force under 
Gen. Custer pushed forward by way of Madi- 
son Court House, in the direction of Charlottes- 
ville, the junction of the Alexandria Avith the 
Lynchburg Railroad. About the same time, in 
the afternoon of the 28th, Gen. Kilpatrick, 
with his division of cavalry and a portion of 
Gens. Merritt's and Gregg's divisions, with a 
light battery of six guns, being neai'ly eight 
thousand men, left Stevensburg for the lower 
fords of the Rapidan, intending to make a dash 
upon Richmond. This force crossed at Ger- 
mania and Ely's fords, distant about sixty miles 
from Richmond. The command encamped on 
that night eight miles south of the Rapidan. 

The headquarters of Gen. Lee were at Orange 
Court House, and the movements of the in- 
fantry Avith the command of Gen. Custer, tow- 
ard Charlottesville, threatened to turn his 
left, and thus serve as a diversion in favor of 
the advance of Gen. Kilpatrick. Early on the 
morning of the 28th (Monday), Gen. Custer 
pushed forward across the Rapidan, and pass- 
ing through Stannardsville arrived within four 
miles of Charlottesville. Here a body of cav- 
alry under Col. Caskie were encountered. 
Six caissons, some camj) equipage, and a few 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



523 



prisoners were captured, when the enemy 
rallied in force, and Gen, Ouster fell back 
toward Ravenna River. Finding that the 
force of the enemy was considerable, tlie 
original intention of destroying the railway 
bridge and stores at Cliarlottesville was aban- 
doned, and after burning three mills and a sad- 
dle factory the Ravenna was crossed, and the 
bridge burned. It now began to rain and 
freeze, and the night became exceedingly dark. 
Gen. Steadman's brigade being in advance, 
reached Madison Court House soon after day- 
light in the morning. Gen. Ouster, however, 
was delayed by the difficulty of crossing 
streams with his artillery in the extreme dark- 
ness. Thus the enemy intercepted him near 
StannardsviUe. By means of his artillery Gen. 
Custer held them in check until he could fall 
back upon a by-road, and thus avoid them. 
Madison Court House was reached at dusk on 
the 29th, with a number of horses and prison- 
ers captured, and without the loss of a man. 

In the meanwhile Gen. Kilpatrick resumed 
his advance on the next morning, to Frederick's 
Hall, on the Virginia Central Railroad. Here 
the track was torn up for some distance, and 
several officers of the enemy captured, and the 
carriages of several pieces of artillery destroyed. 
Col. Dahlgren was here detached with a por- 
tion of the force, and moved toward the James 
River Canal, and Gen. Kilpatrick advanced tow- 
ard Ashland, on the railroad, twenty miles 
above Richmond. Here he rested on Monday 
night, and tore up a portion of the railroad 
track. Early the next morning he moved tow- 
ards Richmond, on the Brooks' turnpike, and 
reached within six miles of that city. There 
he was met by a portion of the engineer troops 
and a few sections of light artUlery, by which 
his advance was checked. A contest with artil- 
lery ensued for two hours, when Gen. Kil- 
patrick withdrew in the direction of Mechanics- 
viUe, burning the trestle work of the railroad 
accross the Ohickahominy on his route. 

The detachment under Col. Dahlgren pene- 
trated as far as the farm of James A. Seddon, 
Confederate Secretary of War, and burned his 
barn and stables, and the flour and saw mills 
in the vicinity. On the canal a number of 
freight and other boats were destroyed, and a 
lock cut. A large number of horses were also 
seized. The ignorance or evil intention of their 
negro guide had misled the command, so that 
it was unable to join Gen. Kilpatrick at Ash- 
land, and aid in the attack on Richmond, where 
it was supposed the enemy had few troops. It 
was afternoon, however, before he reached the 
vicinity of Richmond, advancing by the "West- 
ham or river road. As he approached nearer 
he was confronted on every road by superior 
numbers, and obliged to fall back. 

He then attempted to reach the Peninsula 
through King's and Queen's county, where he 
encountered on the next day the 9th Virginia, 
Lieut.-Col. Pollard, and a sharp skirmish en- 
sued. Col. Dahlgren was killed, and about 



sixty of his men captured. The remainder of the 
command, and the force of Gen. Kilpatrick, 
who had been obliged to move during the 
night by the pressure of the enemy, met a cav- 
alry force sent out by Gen. Batler, from 
Williamsburg, near Tunstell's station on the 
York River railroad, and retired down the 
Peninsula. Their loss was about one hundred 
and fifty men killed and Avounded, besides Col. 
Dahlgren. A number of prisoners were cap- 
tured. The newspaper press at Richmond sub- 
sequently published the following address and 
orders, and asserted that they were found in 
the pocket of Col. Dahlgren. His connection 
with them has been denied, in the most positive 
manner, by the fi-iends of Col. Dahlgren : 

Headquabtees, TniKD Division. ) 
Cavalry Corps, 1S64. j 

OJicers and Meti — You have been selected from bri- 
gades and regiments as a picked command to attempt 
a desperate undertaking — an undertaking which, if 
successful, will write your names on the hearts of 
your countrymen in letters that can never be erased, 
and which will cause the prayers of our fellow 
soldiers now confined in loathsome prisons to follow 
you and yours wherever you may go. We hope to 
release the prisoners from Belle Isle first, and, having 
seen them fairly started, we will cross the James 
Eiver into Richmond, destroy the bridges after us, 
and, exhortina; the released prisoners to destroy and 
burn the hateful city, will not allow the rebel leader 
Davis and his traitorous crew to escape. The pris- 
ners must render great assistance, as you cannot leave 
your ranks too far, or become too much scattered, or 
you will be lost. Do not allow any personal gain to 
lead you ofl', which would only bring you to an igno- 
minious death at the hands of citizens. Keep well 
together and obey orders strictly, and all will be 
well ; but on no account scatter too far, for in union 
there is strength. With strict obedience to orders 
and fearlessness in their execution you will be sure 
to succeed. We will join the main force on the 
other side of the city, or perhaps meet them inside. 
Many of you may fall ; but if there is any man here 
not willing to sacrifice his life in such a great and 
glorious undertaking, or who does not feel capable 
of meeting the enemy in such a desperate fight as 
will follow, let him step out, and he may go hence to 
the arms of his sweetheart, and read of the braves 
who swept through the city of Richmond. We want 
no man who cannot feel sure of success in such a 
holy cause. We will have a desperate fight; but 
stand up to it when it does come, and all will be well. 
Ask the blessing of the Almighty, and do not fear the 
enemy. 

U. DAHLGREN, Colonel Commanding. 

SPECIAL ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS. 

Guides and pioneers, with oakum, turpentine, and 
torpedoes, signal officer, quartermasters, commis- 
saries, scouts and pickets, and men in rebel uniforms 
— these will remain on the north bank and move 
down with the force on the south bank, not get ahead 
of them, and if the communication can be kept up 
without giving an alarm, it must be done ; but every 
thing depends upon a surprise, and no one must be 
allowed to pass ahead of the column. Information 
must be gathered in regard to the crossings of the 
river, so that, should we be repulsed on the south 
side, we will know where to recross at the nearest 
point. 

All mills must be burned and the canal destroyed, 
and also every thing which can be used by the rebels 
must be destroyed, including the boats on the river. 
Should a ferry" boat be seized which can be worked, 
have it moved down. Keep the force on the south 
side posted of any important movement of the enemy, 



524 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



and in case of danger, some of the scouts must swim 
the river and bring us information. As we approach 
the city the party must take great care that they do 
not get ahead of the other party on the south side, 
and must conceal themselves and watch our move- 
ments. We will try and secure the bridge to the 
city, one mile below Belle Isle, and release the pris- 
oners at the same time. If we don't succeed they 
must then dash down, and we will try to carry the 
bridge by storm. When necessary the men must be 
filed through the woods and along the river bank. 
The bridge once secured and the prisoners loose and 
over the river, the bridges will be burned and the 
city destroyed. 

The men must be kept together and well in hand, 
ruid once in the city, it must be destroyed and Jefl". 
Davis and his Cabinet killed. Pioneers will go along 
with combustible material. The officer must use his 
discretion about the time of assisting us. Horses 
and cattle which we do not need immediately must be 
shot, rather than left. 

Every thing on the canal and elsewhere, of service 
to the rebels, must be destroyed. 

As Gen. Custer may follow me, be careful not to 
give a false alarm. The signal officer must be pre- 
pared to commanicate at night by rockets, and in 
other things pertaining to his department. The 
Quartermasters and Commissaries must be on the 
lookout for their departments, and see that there are 
no delays on their account. The engineer officer 
will follow and survey the road as we pass over it, 
&c. The pioneers must be prepared to construct a 
bridge or destroy one. They must have plenty of 
oakum and turpentine for burning, which will be 
soaked and rolled into balls and be given to the men 
to burn when we get into the city. Torpedoes will only 
be used by the pioneers for burning the main bridges, 
&c. They must be prepared to destroy the railroads. 

Men will branch off to the right with a few pioneers 
and destroy the bridges and railroads south of Rich- 
mond, and then join us at the city. They must be 
well prepared with torpedoes, &c. 

The line of Falling Creek is probably the best to 
march along, or, as they approach the city, Good's 
Creek, so that no reenforcements can come up on any 
cars. 

No one must be allowed to pass ahead, for fear of 
communicating news. 

Rejoin the command with all haste, and if cut off, 
cross the river above Richmond and rejoin us. Men 
will stop at Bellona Arsenal and totally destroy it 
and every thing else but hospitals ; then follow on and 
rejoin the command at Richmond with all haste, and, 
if cut off, cross the river and rejoin us. As Gen. 
Custer may follow me, be careful and not give a false 
alai'm. 

On tlie approach of Gen. Kilpatrick Rich- 
mond was in a defenceless condition. The 
Departments of the Government were closed 
and the clerks armed for defence. Men were 
collected from every quanter to oppose him. At 
the same time great consternation prevailed. 

On the 29th of February an act of Congress 
to revive the grade of Lieutenant-General was 
approved by President Lincoln. He immedi- 
ately sent the nomination of Maj.-Gen. Ulysses 
S. Grant to the Senate for confirmation. On 
March 3d this nomination was confirmed by the 
Senate. Gen. Grant was then in command 
of the army in Tennessee. He at once left 
his Department for Washington, and visited the 
President on March 9th. On presenting to 
him the commission as Lieutenant-General, in 
the presence of the Cabinet, Gen. Halleck, Gen, 
Rawlins, and Col. Comstock, of Gen. Grant's 
stafi*, the son of Gen. Grant, Mr. Lovejoy, of 



the House of Representatives, and others, the 
President rose and said : 

Gen. Grant: The nation's appreciation of what 
you have done, and its reliance upon you for what 
remains to do, in the existing great struggle, are 
now presented with this commission, constituting 
you Lieutenant-General in the Army of the Unitecl 
States. With this high honor devolves upon you, 
also, a corresponding responsibility. As the country 
herein trusts you, so, under God, it will sustain you. 
I scarcely need to add that with what I here speak for 
the nation, goes my own hearty personal concurrence. 

To which Gen. Grant replied : 

Mr. President : I accept this commission with 
gratitude for the high honor conferred. 

With the aid of the noble armies that have fought 
on so many fields for our common country, it will be 
my earnest endeavor not to disappoint your expec- 
tations. 

I feel the full weight of the responsibilities now 
devolving on me, and I know that if they are met, 
it will be due to those armies, and, above, all to the 
favor of that Providence which leads both nations 
and men. 

On the 11th of March Gen. Grant returned 
to Nashville, Tennessee. On the 12th, the fol- 
lowing order was issued at Washington: 

Wae Depaetment, Abjtjtant General's Office, ) 
Washington, March 12. ) 
General Orders No. 98. 

The President of the United States orders as fol- 
lows : 1. Maj-Gen. Halleck is, at his own request, 
relieved from dutv as General-in-Chief of the Army, 
and Lieut.-Gen. iJ. S. Grant assigned to the command 
of the Armies of the United States. The'headquar- 
ters of the army will be in Washington and also with 
Lieut.-Gen. Grant in the field. 

2. Maj.-Gen. Halleck is assigned to duty in Wash- 
ington as Chief-of-Staff of the Army, under the 
direction of the Secretary of War and the Lieutenant- 
General commanding. His orders will be obeyed 
and respected accordingly. 

3. Maj.-Gen. W. T. Sherman is assigned to the 
command of the military division of the Mississippi, 
composed of the Department of the Ohio, the Cum- 
berland, the Tennessee, and the Arkansas. 

4. Maj.-Gen. J. B. McPherson is assigned to the 
command of the Department and Army of the Ten- 
nessee. 

5. In relieving Maj.-Gen. Halleck from duty as Gen- 
eral-in-Chief, the President desires to express his 
approbation and thanks for the zealous manner in 
which the arduous and responsible duties of that 
position have been performed. 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. TOWNSEND, Ass't Adj't Gen. 

On thel7th. Gen. Grant issued the following 
order : 

Headqitaetbrs Arxheb of United States, | 
Nashville, March 17, 1S64. ) 
General Orders No. 1, 

In pursuance of the following order of the Presi- 
dent — 

Executive Mansion, ) 
WAsmNGTON, D. C, March 10, 1864. j 
Under the authority of the act of Congress to 
revive the grade of Lieutenant-General of the United 
States Army, approved February 29th, 186-4, Lieut- 
Gen. U. S. Grant, U, S. A., is appointed to the com- 
mand of the Armies of the United States. 

(Signed) A. LINCOLN. 

I assume command of the Armies of the United 
States. My headquarters will be in the field, and 
until further orders will be with the Army of the 
Potomac. There will be an officers' headquarters in 
Washington, to which all official communications 




'?, r £-'«-« 



ARMY. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



525 



will be sent, except those from the army where head- 
quarters are at the date of this address. 
(Signed) U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-Gen. U. S. A. 

On tho loth Gen. Grant left Nashville for 
"Washintjton, and proceeded thence to the Army 
of the Potomac. On the 24th the follow mg 
order was issued by Gen Meade, in command 
of the Army of the Potomac : 

Headquarters Army op the Potomac, ) 
Thursday, March 24, IS&l. ) 
General Orders No. 10. 

The following order has been received from the 
War Department : 

Wab Department, Adjutant General's Office, I 
■Washington, March 23, 1864. j 
General Orders No. 15. 

By direction of the President of the United States 
the number of army corps comprising the army of the 
Potomac will be reduced to three, viz., the 2d, 5th, 
and Cth corps ; and the troops of the other two corps, 
viz., the 1st and 3d, will be temporarily reorganized 
and distributed among the 2d, 5th and 6th by the 
commanding general, who will determine what exist- 
ing organizations will retain their corps badges and 
other distinctive marks. The staffand officers of the 2d 
corps, which are temporarily broken up, will be 
assigned to vacancies in the other corps, so far as 
such vacancies may exist. Those for whom there are 
no vacancies will cease to be considered as officers of 
the general stafi' of army corps. 

2. Maj.-Gen. G. K.Warren is assigned by the Pres- 
ident to the command of the 5th corps. 

3. The following general officers are detached from 
the Army of the Potomac, and will report for orders 
to the Acijutant General of the armv, viz.: Maj.-Gen. 
George Sykes, U. S. V.; Maj.-Gen. \V. H. French, U. 
S. v.; Maj.-Gen. John Newton, U. S. V.; Brig.-Gen. 
J. R. Kenly, U. S. V.; Brig.-Gen. F. Spinola, U. S. V., 
and Brig.-Gen. Solomon Meredith, U. S. V. 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. TOWNSEND, Ass't Adj't Gen. 

The following arrangements are made to carry 
out the provisions of the foregoing order: 

The 2d, 5th, and 6th army corps will each be con- 
solidated into two divisions. The 1st and 2d divis- 
ions of the 3d corps are transferred to the 2d corps, 
preserving their badges and distinctive marks. The 
3d division of the Sd corps is transferred permanently 
to the 6th corps. The three divisions now forming 
the 1st corps are transferred to the 5th corps, preserv- 
ing their badges and distinctive marks, and on formiog 
the 5th corps they will be consolidated into two 
divisions. 

The commanders of divisions transferred to the 
2d, 5th, and 6th corps will at once report to the com- 
manders of those corps for instrucfions. Brig.-Gen. J. 
B.Carr will report to Maj.-Gen. Hancock,commanding 
2d corps, and Brig.-Gen. H. Prince to Maj.-Gen. Sedg- 
wick, commanding 6th corps. The chief of artillery 
will assign eight batteries each to the 2d, 5th, and 6th 
corps ; the batteries to be taken from those now with 
the corps and with the 1st and 3d corps. The bat- 
teries with the several corps in excess of the above 
allowance will join the artillery reserve. 

The consolidation of divisions called for in this 
order will be made by the corps commanders con- 
cerned, who are authorized to rearrange the bri- 
gades of their respective commands in such manner as 
they may think best for the service. The reassign- 
ment of officers of the staff departments consequent 
upon the reorganization of the army, will be made 
upon the nomination of chiefs of the staff' depart- 
ments at these headquarters. 

Special instructions will be given hereafter with re- 
spect to staff officers of the 2d corps, temporarily 
broken up. 
The Major-General Commanding avails himself 



of the occasion to say that, in view of the reduced 
strength of nearly all the regiments serving in this 
army, the temporary reduction of the army corps to 
three is a measure imperatively demanded by the 
best interests of the service, and that the reasons for 
attaching the 1st and 3d corps for the time being to 
other corps, were in no respect founded on any sup- 
posed inferiority of those corps to the other corps of 
the army. All the corps have equally proved their 
valor in many fields, and all have equal claims to the 
confidence of the Government and the country. The 
1st and 3d corps will retain their badges and dis- 
tinctive marks, and the Major-General Commanding 
indulges the hope that the ranks of the army will be 
filled at an early day, so that those corps can again 
be reorganized. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. MEADE. 

S. Williams, Ass't Adj't Gen. 

A concentration of troops was now com- 
menced in preparation for a campaign against 
Richmond,in 7 irginia, by the Army of the Poto- 
mac, under'Gen. Meade, and a campaign against 
Atlanta, in Georgia, by the Army of Tennessee, 
under Gen. Sherman. Gen. Grant continued to 
be present with the Army of the Potomac during 
the year. Gen. Meade was as truly the com- 
mander of that army as Gen. "W. T. Sherman 
of the army operating in Georgia, and both 
these officers Avere equally under the command 
of Gen. Grant. His presence with the Army 
of the Potomac naturally led to his assuming 
a more direct and personal supervision of affairs 
in Virginia than he was able to do of the co- 
operative movement of Gen. Sherman in Georgia. 
The orders of Gen. Grant to Gen. Meade w^ere 
of the most general character. The manner of 
executing them was left to the judgment and 
skill of the latter. It was now nine months 
since the Army of the Potomac had fought a 
general battle, and seven months since the 
Western army marched into Chattanooga — the 
last battle for the possession of which was 
fought in November. 

» The month of April passed in reorganizing 
both armies, and in making preparations for the 
campaign against Richmond and Atlanta. 

It was the middle of March when Gen. 
Grant turned over the military division of 
the Mississippi, comprising the departments 
of the Cumberland, the Tennessee, and the 
Ohio, to Major-General "W. T. Sherman, who 
had previously commanded the department of 
the Tennessee, to which Major-General Mc- 
Pherson was soon after assigned. In the suc- 
ceeding month the general plan of the summer 
campaign, which contemplated a simultaneous 
advance upon Richmond by the army of the 
Potomac, and upon Atlanta from Chattanooga, 
by the several western armies, was matured, 
and Gen. Sherman at once bent every energy 
to the perfecting and enlargement of the com- 
munications between Nashville and Chatta- 
nooga, his primary and secondary bases, and to 
the accumulation in the latter place of a suffi- 
cient quantity of provisions and military stores. 
These went forward with great rapidity, and by 
the end of April the depots in Chattanooga 
•vvere reported abundantly supplied for all im- 
mediate purposes. 



526 



MLITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



At this time the headquarters of the armies 
of the Tennessee, the Cumberland, and the 
Ohio, were respectively at Huntsville, Chat- 
tanooga, and Knoxville ; and on the 27th, 
Gen. Sherman having been notified by Gen. 
Grant that the Army of the Potomac would 
march from Culpepper on or about May 5th, 
and that he wished the movement from Chat- 
tanooga to commence at the same time, put 
. his troops in motion toward the latter place. 
The total force under his command for offen- 
sive purposes, was as follows : 

Army of the Cumberland, Major-Gen. Thomas Com- 
manding. 

Infantrv 54,563 

Artillery 2,377 

Cavalry 3,828 

Total 60,773 

Gvtns 130 

Army of the Tennessee, Major-Gen-. McPherson Com- 
manding. 

Infantry 22,437 

Artillery 1,404 

Cavalry 624 

Total 24,465 

Guns 96 

Army of the Ohio, Major-Gen. Sdhojield Commanding. 

Infantry 11,183 

Artillerv 679 

Cavalry 1,679 

Total 13,559 

Guns 28 

making a grand aggregate of 88,188 infantry, 
4,460 artillery, and 6,149 cavalry, or 98,797 
men and 254 guns. The Army of the Cumber- 
land compi'ised the 4th corps, Gen. Howard ; 
the 14th corps, Gen. Palmer, and the 20th 
corps. Gen. Hooker ; the Army of the Tennes- 
see, the 15th corps, Gen. Logan; the 16th 
corps. Gen. Dodge ; and later in the campaign, 
the 17th corps. Gen. Blair ; and the Army of 
the Ohio, the 23d corps. Gen. Schofield. These 
armies were grouped on the morning of May 
6th as follows: That of the Cumberland at 
Ringgold, on the Western and Atlantic Rail- 
road, 23 miles southeast of Chattanooga ; that 
of the Tennessee at Gordon's Mill, on the 
Chickamauga, eight miles west of Ringgold ; and 
that of the Ohio, near Red Clay, on the Georgia 
line, about ten miles northeast of Ringgold. 
The enemy, comprising Gens. Hardee's, Hood's, 
and Polk's corps of infantry and artillery, and 
Wheeler's division of cavalry, the whole com- 
manded by Lieut.-General Joseph E. Johnston, 
of the Confederate Army, lay in and about 
Dalton, fifteen miles south of Ringgold, on the 
railroad, the advance being at Tunnel Hill, a 
station about midway between the two places. 
Their cavalry were estimated by Gen. Sherman 
at 10,000 men, and the infantry and artillery at 
from 45,000 to 50,000, of whom much the 
greater part were veteran troops. 

Topographically considered, the Stat^ of 
Georgia admits of three distinct divisions: 1. 
A mountainous region, embracing the north- 
west corner of the State, and which terminates 
at the Kenesaw Mountain, near Marietta, 120 
miles from Chattanooga ; 2. A gently undulat- 



ing country extending from the mountainous 
region to a line passing in a northeasterly di- 
rection through Columbus, Macon, and Augusta ; 
and 3. A level country extending to the sea- 
board, for the most part sandy and thickly 
covered with pine woods, and along the coast 
bordered by extensive swamps. The north- 
western portion of the State, as far south as 
Atlanta, is almost exclusively a grain and grass- 
bearing region; the middle and eastern divi- 
sions being devoted chiefly to the cultivation 
of cotton. But its mineral wealth, particularly 
in iron ores, which abound among the moun- 
tains, has, since the commencement of the war, 
rendered the possession of this first-mentioned 
division a matter of prime importance to the 
Confederates. At Etowah, Rome, and Atlanta 
were large iron works in the employ of the 
rebel government, the capture and permanent 
occupation of which by a Union force would 
be likely to cause much embarrassment, not to 
speak of cotton and woollen mills at Roswell, 
Rome, and elsewhere, which turned out large 
quantities of fabrics for the use of the rebel 
troops. 

Atlanta, lying near the boundary between 
the northwestern and middle divisions had, 
previous to the war, become an important cen- 
tre of railroad communication and trade be- 
tween the western and Atlantic and Gulf States, 
and one of the chief manufactuiing towns of 
the South. It is laid out in a circle, two miles 
in diameter, in the centre of which was the 
passenger depot (since destroyed) of railroads 
radiating to Chattanooga, Augusta, Macon, and 
Montgomery ; and the business portion of the 
town contained many fine blocks of warehouses 
for storing goods consigned from the north and 
northwest to the cotton regions of the South. 
Here also were established the machine shops of 
the principal railroads, the most extensive roll- 
ing mill in the South, foundries, pistol, and tent 
factories, and numerous works under the di- 
rection of the Confederate Government for 
casting shot and shell, and the manufacture of 
gun-carriages, cartridges, caps, shoes, clothing, 
and other military supplies. The population, 
numbering in 1860 about 15,000, had, subse- 
quent to the commencement of the war, been 
increased by the arrival of refugees and gov- 
ernment ofiicials and employes to fully 20,000. 
In any event the capture of the place, with its 
vast stores and costly machinery, would so 
cripple the rebel resources, that the simple sug- 
gestion of such a contingency sent a thrill of 
alarm through the entire Confederacy. In the 
opinion of many its importance was not second 
even to that of Richmond. Strenuous efforts 
were accordingly put forth for its defence, and 
the line of approach along the Western and At- 
lantic Railroad, which is crossed by the Oosta- 
naula and Etowah, branches of the Coosa River, 
which in turn is a branch of the Alabama, and 
by the Chattahoochee, and is girt as far as 
Marietta by ranges of rugged hills, was ren- 
dered as difficult for Sherman as the abundant 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



527 




528 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



resonrces at the disposal of Johnston would 
admit. Should the mountain region he trav- 
ersed or turned, and the Chattahoochee he 
crossed hy an invading army, the enormous 
strength of Atlanta itself still gave promise of 
a long and perhaps successful defence, while an 
active cavalry force operating on Sherman's 
flanks might so seriously interrupt his commu- 
nications as to compel him to retrace his steps 
and ahandon tlie campaign. His forces were 
also liahle to daily depletion as he advanced hy 
the necessity of garrisoning captured places as 
well as of guarding the line of railway, while 
Johnston, moving constantly nearer to his sup- 
plies and reenforcements, would probably be 
relatively stronger when he reached Atlanta 
than when he started. The consequences 
which defeat would entail upon either party 
seemed so disastrous that the campaign was 
watched with an interest hardly inferior to 
that attending the more extensive operations 
around Richmond. 

For the convenience of reference the follow- 
ing table of stations on the Western and At- 
lantic Railroad, with their distances from Chat- 
tanooga, is appended : 

Miles. 

Kingston 79 

Cass 86 

Cartersville 91 

Etowah 95 

Alloona 98 

Ackworth 102 

Big Shanty 103 

Marietta 119 

Vining'a 130 

Atlanta 138 

A reconnoissance by Gen. Sherman of Gen. 
Johnston's position at Dalton satisfied him that 
an attack in front was impracticable, even 
should the enemy abandon their works at 
Tunnel Hill. Directly south of this eminence, 
through which passes the railroad by a tunnel 
eighteen hundred feet in length, opens a level 
valley about three miles long by half to three- 
quarters of a mile in width, bounded at its fur- 
ther extremity by "Rocky Faced Ridge," a 
steep, thickly-wooded and rugged eminence, 
which commands the approach to Dalton both 
by railroad and wagon road, and extends as 
an impassable barrier along its west side for 
many miles. The outlet to this valley is through 
a naiTow mountain pass called- Buzzard Roost, 
nearly midway between Tunnel Hill and Dal- 
ton, which by means of abatis, a formidable 
series of batteries, and a line of riiie-pits at its 
northern entrance, had been rendered absolutely 
impregnable to a force advancing along the rail- 
road. On its northeast side Dalton was de- 
fended by strong works on MiU Creek. Gen. 
Sherman accordingly directed Gen. McPherson, 
with the Army of the Tennessee, to move rapid- 
ly southward from his position at Gordon's 
MiU, via Ship's Gap, Villanov, and Snake Creek 
Gap, upon Resaca, a station eighteen miles he- 
low Dalton, or upon any other point on the 
railroad which might prove more accessible. 
This movement, he supposed, would compel 
Gen. Johnston to evacuate Dalton, when Gen. 



Miles. 

Boyce 5 

Chickamauga 10 

Johnson IS 

Einggold 23 

Tunnel Hill 31 

Dalton 38 

Tillon 4T 

liesaca 56 

Calhoun CO 

Adairsville 69 



McPherson would be in a position to harass 
the enemy's flank, while the main body of the 
Federal army pressed him from the north. 
While this flanking movement was in progress 
a strong feint of attack was to be made by Gen. 
Thomas in front of Buzzard Roost, and Gen. 
Schofield, with the Army of the Ohio, was di- 
rected to close up upon the latter's left. 

On the 7th Gen. Thomas advanced from 
Ringgold toward Tunnel Hill, which was car- 
ried by the 14th corps under Gen. Palmer, after 
a brief skirmish, with the loss of a few men 
wounded. The slight resistance ofi'ered by the 
enemy indicated that they had no intention of 
defending the position, but only sought to hold 
Gen. Thomas in check until they could make 
good their retreat to the stronger position of 
Buzzard Roost. The Federal line was estab- 
lished on the same evening about a mile south 
of Tunnel Hill. On the 8th a demonstration 
in force was made against Rocky Faced Ridge 
and Buzzard Roost, which, on the 9th, was 
pushed almost to a battle. The 4th (Howard's) 
corps succeeded in carrying the ridge, but found 
the crest too narrow to enable it to attack the 
pass with any prospect of success. Gen. Scho- 
field meanwhile came up on Gen. Thomas's left, 
which was held by Gen. Howard, and a brigade 
of his cavalry, while demonstrating against the 
enemy's right flank, met with some loss in an 
encounter with a superior force of rebel in- 
fantry. 

On the 8th Gen. McPherson passed through 
Snake Creek Gap, surprising a rebel cavaliy 
force sent to hold the position, and approached 
within a mile of Resaca, which he found too 
strong to be carried by assault. Apprehend- 
ing, also, that if he should attempt to cross over 
to the railroad he might expose his left flank to 
an attack from the direction of Dalton, he feU 
back to a strong position at the west end of 
Snake Creek Gap, and reported to Gen. Sher- 
man. The latter, finding that the demonstra- 
tion on the enemy's flank had fafled to compel 
him to evacuate his strong position, immediate- 
ly determined to put the remainder of his army 
in motion for Snake Creek Gap ; and on the 
10th Gen. Hooker's (20th) corps, which held 
the right of Gen. Thomas's line, started for that 
place, followed on the succeeding day by the 
rest of Thomas's troops, with the exception 
of two divisions of Howard's corps and some 
cavalry, who were left to threaten the ene- 
my in front of Buzzard Roost, and by Gen. . 
Schofleld's army ; the three armies thus hold- 
ing the same relative positions occupied by 
them at the commencement of the campaign. 
The Federal loss in the actions of the 8th and 
9th was between 700 and 800 kiUed, wounded, 
and missing, the greater number being only 
slightly wounded. 

Resaca, toward which Sherman was now 
moving, is situated on the Oostanaula, in a pen- 
insula formed by the junction of that river 
with its northwest fork, the Conasauga, and 
across this peninsula the rebels had erected 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



529 



continuous lines of rifle-pits with strong field 
fortifications, particularly about the town, by 
means of which their flanks were protected on 
either river, and a line of retreat preserved 
across the Oostanaula. Friday, May 13th, was 
occupied by the troops in deploying through 
Snake Creek Gap and getting into position in 
Sugar Valley, a fertile tract beyond, much 
broken by hiUs, which are covered by a dense 
undergrowth, and on that account difiicult of 
approach. The movement was covered by the 
cavalry under Gen. Kilpatrick, who, while 
pressing the enemy toward Resaca, fell into an 
ambuscade and received a severe flesh wound, 
which incapacitated him for several months for 
active duty. During the day the Federal lines 
were advanced toward Resaca, the right under 
McPherson resting on the Oostanaula, about 
two miles below the town, and extending 
thence northward so as to face it ; the centre, 
under Gen. Thomas, closing up upon Gen. 
McPherson's left, and the left, under Schofield, 
striking the Oonasauga near Tilton, a station 
on the railroad about midway between Dalton 
and Resaca. Beside the protection atForded by 
the two rivers, both flanks of the army were 
covered by heavy bodies of cavalry. The scene 
of these operations was a rugged, thickly-wood- 
ed country, abounding in steep hills and narrow 
ravines, through one of which, directly in front 
of the rebel lines, flows Camp Creek, a. small 
stream emptying into the Oostanaula near 
Resaca. 

Gen. Johnston was not long in detecting the 
object of Sherman's flanking march, and judg- 
ing the position at Dalton to be no longer 
tenable, he moved rapidly southward on the 
12th, and having the shorter line of march, 
reached Resaca with his entire force before the 
Union army had debouched from Snake Creek 
Gap. The divisions of Howard's corps left to 
watch Buzzard Roost, soon after occupied 
Dalton, which was found thoroughly stripped 
of supplies and almost deserted, and moving in 
the enemy's rear, eftected a junction on the 
14th with the Federal left, near Tilton. The 
successful turning of the rebel position at Dal- 
ton was justly considered a great step gained 
in the movement upon Atlanta; and even among 
the rebel troops there were many who thought 
that if their leader could not hold for more 
than four days a place so strongly fortified by 
nature, he would be unable to maintain himself 
for a long time at any of the rem;uning points 
north of Atlanta, no one of which was per- 
haps so capable of defence as Dalton. 

The night of the 13th was employed by the 
rebels in strengthening their already formidable 
position by additional earthworks, and on the 
morning of the 14th they were in complete 
readiness for an attack, their right wing being 
held by Gen. Hardee, their centre by Gen. 
Hood, and their left by Gen. Polk. Skirmish- 
ishing commenced at an early hour, and the 
object of Gen. Sherman being to press Resaca 
at all points, while a force of infantry and cav- 



alry crossed the Oostanaula and threatened 
Calhoun in the rear, the firing toward noon 
grew heavy along the whole rebel line. The 
Federal general had hoped to be able to turn 
the rebel left wing, and thus cut oft' their re- 
treat, but the nature of the ground rendered 
this impossible. At 1 p. m. an attempt was 
made by Palmer's corps, holding the left centre, 
to break the enemy's line, and force him from 
an elevated position in the immediate front. To 
reach this point it was necessary to descend a hiU 
in full range of rebel artiUery, ford a stream 
thickly bordered with undergrowth and inter- 
lacing vines, and then, crossing a valley full of 
ditches and other obstructions, to mount the 
opposite eminence. In the teeth of a murder- 
ous fire of musketry and artillery, Palmer's 
troops charged down the hiU and across the 
creek ; but becoming speedUy entangled in the 
obsti-uctions, and unable to find shelter or to re- 
turn with effect the plunging fire of the enemy, 
which caused havoc in their ranks, they were 
forced to retire, with a loss estimated at up- 
wards of a thousand. About the same time, 
further to the left. Gen. Judah's division of the 
23d corps and Newton's of the 4th corps, mov- 
ing over comparatively level ground, succeeded, 
after a desperate struggle, in forcing the enemy 
to abandon an important position on their outer 
line. Although the Federal troops were unable 
to hold this, they succeeded in advancing their 
line and getting their artillery into a position to 
prevent the enemy from reoccupying the works. 
On the extreme left, that portion of the 4th 
corps which had arrived from Dalton, in concert 
with Gen. Schofield, maintained heavy skir- 
mishing with the rebel right, the dense woods in 
that direction preventing the use of artillery, 
and effectually concealing the movements of 
troops on either side. The operations on Gen. 
McPherson's end of the line were, during the 
morning, of the same character. 

xit about 3 o'clock in the afternoon Gen. 
Johnston, perceiving that no serious impression 
had been made upon his lines, quietly massed a 
heavy force on the road to Tilton, with a view 
of turning the Federal left flank, held by Stan- 
ley's division of the 4th corps. The attack was 
delivered with impetuosity and in such over- 
whelming numbers, that Stanley's troops, after 
a stubborn resistance, were forced in confusion 
from a hill upon which they were posted. The 
rebels rushed on with loud yells across an open 
field west of the hilL, and for a few moments 
matters wore a critical aspect. Fortunately, 
however, the movement of the rebel right had 
been early detected, and Hooker's corps sent 
from the centre to reenforce the Federal left. 
The timely arrival of a portion of his troops 
checked the rebel advance, and the scattered 
division of Stanley having been partially rallied, 
the rebels were at dusk driven back within their 
lines with severe loss. Meanwhile Gen. Mc- 
Pherson, taking advantage of the enemy's oc- 
cupation with this movement, ordered Logan's 
(15th) corps, with a portion of the 16th, to 



530 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



cross Camp Creek and carry a hill and a line of 
rifle-pits on the enemy's extreme left, in front 
of Resaca, which was effected with slight loss. 
As the position was one which would enable 
the Federal General to pour a destructive en- 
filading fire upon the rebel works, and also to 
command the railroad and trestle bridges across 
the Oostanaula, a desperate effort was made 
soon after dark to retake it. Heavy columns 
of infantry with fixed bayonets moved up to 
tjie very crest of the hill, but recoiled under 
the steady fire of the Federal troops, and finally 
retired in confusion. At 10 p. m. the fighting 
terminated for the day. The result of the day's 
work was on the whole satisfactory to Gen. 
Sherman, as the Federal lines had nowhere been 
permanently forced back, while on their left and 
centre the rebels had lost positions of import- 
ance. 

The night of the 14:th was occupied by both 
armies in strengthening their positions, and the 
morning of the 15th opened with heavy skir- 
mishing along the Federal centre, under cover 
of which troops were massed for an assault 
upon two fortified hills commanding each other, 
on the enemy's extreme right, which were con- 
sidered the key to the whole position. For this 
purpose Gen. Hooker's corps had been shifted 
to the extreme left, and Gens. Howard's, Scho- 
field's, and Palmer's troops moved to the right 
to fill up the gap occasioned by the withdrawal 
of Gen. Hooker. Shortly after 1 o'clock in the af- 
ternoon Gen. Hooker sent forward Butterfield's 
division as the assaulting column, supported by 
the divisions of Gens. Geary and Williams, and 
after several unsuccessful attacks the enemy 
were driven from a portion of their lines, and 
a lodgment was secured under the projecting 
works of a lunette, mounting four pieces of 
artillery. So severe, however, was the fire 
from rifle-pits beyond and on either side of this 
work, forming the inner rebel line, that further 
advance was impossible, and the Federal troops 
were fain to seek such shelter a.s was available, 
and content themselves with holding the posi- 
tion they had gained. Toward the close of the 
afternoon Gen. Hood's corps made a deter- 
termined but unsuccessful effort to dislodge 
them, and subsequently, under cover of the 
darkness, a number of rebel prisoners were 
brought up, the ends dug out of the works, 
and the guns hauled out by means of ropes, 
under a destructive fire from the rebels. As 
soon as a breach was made our forces rushed in 
and captured the lunette after a desperate en- 
gagement. The guns seized were twelve- 
pounders. The flags of the 35th and 38th 
Alabama regiments were captured, with over 
two hundred prisoners. "While these opera- 
tions were in progress the enemy's attention 
was occupied by heavy skirmishing along the 
whole line. 

During the night the enemy quietly aban- 
doned Resaca, leaving behind a four-gun bat- 
tery and a quantity of stores, and by dawn were 
well on their way to Kingston, thirty-two miles 



south on the railroad. Gen. Thomas's troops 
immediately occupied the town, and succeeded 
in saving the road bridge, but the railroad 
bridge, the most costly structure of the kind 
between Chattanooga and Atlanta, was de- 
stroyed by the enemy, with the exception of 
the stone piers. The total Federal loss in the 
two days' fighting was between 4,000 and 5,000 
killed and wounded, upward of 2,000 of the 
latter being so slightly injured that they were 
returned to duty in two or three weeks. The 
rebel loss was stated by themselves at 2,500, 
which is probably not far from the mark. 
Fighting for the most part behind earthworks, 
and having the advantage of position, they 
necessarily suffered less than then* opponents. 
Beside the eight guns and the stores already 
mentioned, they left about 1,000 prisoners in 
the hands of the Federals. According to Gen. 
Sherman nothing saved Gen. Johnston's army 
at Resaca but the impracticable natiire of the 
surrounding country, which made the speedy 
passage of troops across the valley from Snake 
Creek Gap an impossibility. This fact enabled 
the rebel army to reach Resaca from Dalton 
along comparatively good roads, constructed 
beforehand by the foresight of their general. 
The latter was nevertheless severely criticized 
for this second abandonment of what was con- 
sidered a defensible position, notwithstanding 
that the Richmond newspapers explained that 
his peculiar forte consisted in drawing an enemy 
after him, and then overwhelming him by a 
sudden attack. . They also endeavored to de- 
rive consolation from a reputed caution of Gen. 
Scott to a Federal commander: "Beware of 
Lee advancing, and watch Johnston at a stand ; 
for the devil himself would be defeated in the 
attempt to whip him retreating," which was 
extensively quoted in the Southei'n papers. 

Soon after the discovery of Gen. Johnston's 
retreat, the cavalry divisions of Gens. Stoneman 
and McCook were thrown forward in pursuit, 
and during the 16th the army was occupied in 
crossing the Oostanaula. Gen. Thomas made 
the passage at Resaca, Gen. McPherson at 
Lay's Ferry, a few miles to the southwest, 
while Gen. Schofield, moving to the left of 
Thomas, crossed the Conasauga and Coosawat- 
tee, which unite near Resaca to form the Oos- 
tanaula. In this order the army marched south- 
ward on roads parallel to the railroad, finding 
no trace of the enemy until reaching the neigh- 
borhood of Adairsville, thirteen miles below 
Resaca, where Newton's division of the 4th 
corps had a smart skirmish with the rebel rear 
guard, who had posted their sharpshooters in 
an octagon cement building called " Graves 
House," for the purpose of delaying the ad- 
vance. By the aid of artillery they were driv- 
en out, and on the 18th the 4th corps reached 
Kingston, four miles beyond which place the 
enemy were again discovered in considerable 
force on open ground. At Cassville, five miles 
east of Kingston, they were knowTi to have 
constructed strong works; and on the 19th, in 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



531 



anticipation of a general engagement, Gen. 
Sherman directed Gen. Schofield to move dowTi 
toward this place from the north, while Gen. 
Thomas closed up upon his right, and McPher- 
son marched to Kingston to be in close support 
of Thomas. Gen. Johnston, however, declined 
the ofter of battle, and during the night re- 
treated across the Etowah, burning the road 
and railroad bridges behind him. A few days' 
halt for rest and refreshment was now allowed 
the army, and as the country north of the 
Etowah had been completely stripped by Gen. 
Johnston, it was necessary to await the arrival 
of supplies by railroad. The latter fortunately 
had received little injury at the hands of the 
enemy, and by the energetic labors of the re- 
pairing parties, who followed close behind the 
army, was put in running order to Kingston 
on the 20th, on which day trains arrived laden 
with supplies. By this means the army was 
soon restored to a condition of complete effi- 
ciency, and reliev^ed of the necessity of looking 
after the wounded, who were sent back to 
Chattanooga. In like manner telegraphic com- 
muoication with the latter place was kept open 
as the army advanced. 

"While these operations were in progress, 
Gen. Jeff. 0. Davis, of Palmer's corps, on the 
17th marched southwesterly from Resaca tow- 
ard Rome, fifteen miles west of Kingston, 
which place he occupied on the 19th after a 
sharp fight, gaining possession of several forts, 
eight or ten guns of heavy caliber, large quan- 
tities of stores, and the valuable mills and 
foundries employed in the service of the Con- 
federate Government. 

Gen. Johnston had meanwhile taken a strong 
position at Allatoona Pass, in the Etowah 
Mountains, south of the Etowah River, which 
formed an almost impregnable barrier to a di- 
rect advance upon Atlanta by railroad. Gen. 
Sherman accordingly resorted to the same tactics 
which had proved so successful at Dalton ; and 
having supplied his wagons with twenty days' 
provisions, and left garrisons at Rome and 
Kingston, he put his army in motion on May 
23d for Dallas, a town lying about fifteen miles 
southwest of Allatoona Pass, and eighteen 
miles directly west of Marietta, a station on 
the railroad forty miles Irelow Kingston, and 
twenty-four south of the Etowah River. He 
expected thus, by threatening Marietta, to 
compel the evacuation of Allatoona, The 
country between Dallas and the railroad is of 
the same impracticable character as that in 
which previous operations of the campaign 
had been conducted, being for the most part 
densely wooded, traversed by ranges of rugged 
hills, and cut up by frequent ravines. The 
roads were few and poor. Through this re- 
gion, admirably adapted for defence, and of 
which the topography was scarcely known to 
the Federal general, the advance in the pres- 
ence of a vigilant enemy had necessai-ily to be 
made with much caution, and it will be seen 
that several days were occupied with manoeu- 



vring for position and other movements, before 
any practical results were obtained. 

In marching upon Dallas, Gen. McPherson, 
still holding the Federal right, made a some- 
what wide detour to the southwest through 
Van Wert, while Gen. Thomas took a course 
nearly due south, having Gen. Schofield on his 
left flank. The movement had scarcely com- 
menced before it was detected by Gen. Johnston, 
who having the shorter line to Dallas, marched 
in the direction of that place to cover the ap- 
proaches to Marietta. On the 25th Hooker's 
corps, approaching Pumpkin Vine Creek on 
the main Dallas road, came into collision with 
parties of Hood's and Hardee's corps, and a 
severe engagement took place for the posses- 
sion of a point known as the New Hope Church, 
where three roads meet from Ackworth [four 
miles south of Allatoona by rail]. Marietta, and 
Dallas. By means of earthworks the enemy 
successfully resisted the advance of Gen. Hooker, 
and the night closing with a heavy rain storm, 
no further attempt was made to force the posi- 
tion. In this affair Hooker sustained a loss of 
about six hundred killed and wounded. Gen. 
Sherman then ordered McPherson to move up 
to Dallas, and Gen. Thomas to make a bold dem- 
onstration against New Hope Church, while 
Schofield overlapped the enemy's right wing. 
Owing to the difficult nature of the country, 
the 26th and 27th were occupied in perfecting 
these dispositions, and on the evening of the 
latter day his line extended in a semicircular 
direction northeast from Dallas, the enemy 
having his right resting on the road from Ack- 
worth to Dallas, at a point three miles north- 
east of New Hope Church, and his left at a 
point nearly due east of Dallas. Heavy sku'- 
mishing attended these manoeuvres, but as the 
den'sity of the surrounding woods rendered the 
use of artillery impracticable, the casualties 
were not numerous. On the 28th, just as Gen. 
McPherson was on the point of closing up to 
Gen. Thomas in front of New Hope Church, 
in order to enable a further development of 
the Federal left wing, he was attacked by a 
heavy rebel force, whose repeated and desper- 
ate, though fruitless assaults had the effect of 
checking temporarily the contemplated move- 
ment. The Federal troops, protected by their 
breastworks, finally drove the enemy back with 
a loss of upward of two thousand killed and 
wounded. 

After a brief pause, interrupted only by the 
customary skirmishing, renewed orders were 
given for the shifting of the Federal line to the 
left. The movement was now effected with 
comparative ease, and on June 1st, the roads to 
Allatoona and Ackworth being occupied, the 
cavalry divisions of Stoneman and Garrard were 
pushed forward to Allatoona Pass, which was 
carried with slight loss. Orders were imme- 
diately given to rebuild the railroad bridge 
over the Etowah, at Etowah Station, and on 
June 4th Gen. Sherman moved directly upon 
Ackworth. This manoeuvre compelled Gen. 



532 



MILITARY AJTD NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



Johnston to abandon his intrenchments at New 
Hope Church, and move westward to the rail- 
road to cover Marietta, and on the 6th the Fed- 
eral army reached Ackworth, where it rested 
for several days. Allatoona Pass was at once 
fixed upon as a secondary base, and put in a 
defensible condition. A well-informed corre- 
spondent, summing up the results of the cam- 
paign to this date, observes : " We have in a 
month's time, with a force not very much su- 
perior to his, forced the enemy back nearly one 
hundred miles, obliging him to abandon four 
different positions of unusual strength and pro- 
portions; have fought him six times; have 
captured twelve guns, three colors, over two 
thousand prisoners, with considerable forage, 
provisions, and means of transportation ; have 
placed at least fifteen thousand of his men Jiors 
de combat^ and have destroyed several impor- 
tant foundries, rolling mills, iron works, &c., 
at Rome, and in the Allatoona Mountains." 

On the 8th Gen. Blair reached Ackworth 
with two divisions of the 17th army corps, 
which were attached to Gen. McPherson's 
command, and a brigade of cavalry belonging 
to Gen. Garrard's division. These accessions 
compensated for the Federal losses in battle, 
and the garrisons left at Resaca, Rome, Kings- 
ton, and Allatoona, and on the 9th the army, 
refreshed by three days' much needed rest, and 
abundantly supplied with stores, moved for- 
ward to Big Shanty, the next railroad station 
south of Ackworth. Between this place and 
Marietta intervenes a mountainous district of 
vast natural strength, having three detached and 
well-defined summits, where Gen. Johnston had 
made his next stand. Kenesaw Mountain, the 
most easterly of these summits, is a double- 
peaked eminence, about 1,200 feet high, lying 
directly north and northwest of Marietta, and 
Avest of the railroad, and sending out a spur for 
several miles in a northeasterly direction. "West 
of Marietta, on the road to Dallas, is Lost 
Mountain, and midway between the latter and 
Kenesaw, half a mile further to the north, is 
Pine Mountain, a rugged, cone-sliaped peak, 
which may be said to form the apex of a trian- 
gle, of which Kenesaw and Lost Mountains 
constitute the base. The three eminences are 
connected by several ranges of lesser heights, 
seamed with ravines, and covered with a dense 
growth of oal< and hickory, and upon their 
summits the rebels had erected signal stations 
which commanded an excellent view of all the 
general operations of the Federal forces. As 
the latter drew in sight, the most assailable 
points in this succession of mountain fortresses 
appeared bristling with cannon, and the spurs 
were alive with men constructing earthworks, 
felling timber for obstructions, and otherwise 
preparing for an obstinate resistance. The 
rebel front extended westward from the rail- 
road, on which their right rested, about four 
miles, and comprised several successive lines 
of intrenchments. They had also some works 
on the ridge east of the railroad. "The rebel 



works," says the correspondent above quoted, 
" consisted of log barricades, protected by earth 
thrown against them, with a formidable abatis, 
and in many places a chetaux-de-frise of sharp- 
ened fence-rails besides. The thickness of this 
parapet (which really resembled a parallel) was 
generally six to eight feet at top, on the in- 
fantry line, and from twelve to fifteen feet 
thick at top where field guns were posted, 
or where fire from our artillery was antici- 
pated." 

The controlling point of the whole region is 
Kenesaw Mountain, which covers the railroad 
and the town of Marietta so effectually that a 
direct advance upon the latter place from the 
north would be well-nigh impossible. As the 
rebel lines were drawn, it constituted a strong- 
hold or citadel in a deep reentrant, Pine and 
Lost Mountains and the connecting ridges being 
in the nature of outworks, useful in retarding 
the approach of an enemy, but not absolutely 
essential as portions of a system of defences. 
The accounts of prisoners, deserters, and scouts, 
placed Gen. Johnston's force at nine divisions of 
seven thousand men each, which was probably 
somewhat above the mark ; in addition to 
which an auxiliary force of fifteen thousand 
Georgia militia, called out by Governor Brown, 
was placed at his disposal. The latter, though 
comparatively undisciplined, did good service 
as laborers on fortifications, and Avere capable 
of offering considerable resistance behind earth- 
works. Hardee's corps occupied their right, 
Polk the centre, and Hood the left. Their cav- 
alry, estimated at fifteen thousand, operated 
on the flanks, and in the Federal rear. 

The oi'der of the Federal advance was some- 
what different from that previously observed 
during the campaign. Gen. McPherson's com- 
mand was now transferred to the extreme left, 
and moved toward Marietta, having its right 
on the railroad, while Gen. Schofield, shifting 
to the right wing, marched for Lost Mountain. 
Gen. Thomas kept his old position in the cen- 
tre, and moved on Kenesaw and Pine Moun- 
tains. Gens. Stoneman and Garrard covered 
the right and left wings with their cavalry, 
and McCook guarded the communications and 
rear. From the 9th to the 14th the Federal 
lines were gradually closed up toward the rebel 
position, Sherman's first object being to break 
the line between Kenesaw and Pine Mountains; 
and on the latter day, during a heavy cannon- 
ade by the 4th corps, the rebel Gen. Polk, com- 
manding on Pine Mountain, was killed by the 
explosion of a shell. On the same night, the 
rebels, perceiving that Hooker's corps was 
moving around the base of the mountain to 
cut off" their retreat, abandoned their works 
without loss of guns or material of war, and 
on the morning of the 15th the position was 
quietly occupied by Stanley's division of the 
4th corps. A paper was found aflixed to a 
stake, stating, " Here Gen. Polk was killed by 
a Yankee shell;" and from the reports of de- 
serters it appeared that Gens. Johnston and 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION, 



533 



Hardee were standing near Gen. Polk when he 
was struck, and narrowly escaped death. 

Gen. Johnston now drew back his centre 
about a mile, to a strong line of intrenchments 
in the rugged hills connecting Kenesaw and 
Lost Mountains, keeping his flanks on these 
two eminences. The 15th, 16th, and 17th, 
were occupied with incessant skirmishing, 
which told upon the spirits and endurance of 
the Federal army almost as much as a pitched 
battle. "The enemy," says a correspondent, 
" seems to have marked out this whole country, 
from the Allatoona Mountains to the Chatta- 
hooche, with line after line of rifle-pits and in- 
trenchments and fortification. No sooner do we 
take possession of one formidable line of works 
than another confronts us, and each seems to 
be stronger than the preceding." On the ex- 
treme right during the afternoon of the 15th, 
Gen. Schofield carried the first line of the rebel 
works at the foot of Lost Mountain. During 
the 17th, the left and centre remained quiet, 
its line being so far advanced that a general 
engagement would otherwise have resulted. 
The right and right centre were pushed for- 
ward more than a mile, occupying a heavy line 
of intrenchments which the rebels had evacu- 
ated, and their main line at the foot of Lost 
Mountain, without serious loss. Toward even- 
ing, after much heavy skirmishing, the enemy's 
left was dislodged from the strong intrench- 
ments at the Lost Mountain and in the rear 
of Kenesaw, and driven back upon his centre, 
the Federal army swinging around so as to 
threaten his flank. The movement occupied 
the whole day, and was rendered difilcult by 
the thick growth of timber and underwood 
and the pertinacity of the skirmishers of the 
enemy. During the 18th, the right crowded 
the rebel left still further backward. The 
possession of the Dallas and Marietta road was 
secured, and the enemy pushed so hard at dusk 
that the 20th corps was in a line perpendicular 
to their own. The Federal troops met with 
considerable loss during the day, as in many 
places it was necessary to construct opposing 
works under the fiercest fire, especially from 
the enemy's sharpshooters ; but from extreme 
right to extreme left the rebel skirmishers 
were steadily driven, and many of them killed 
and wounded. Several hundred prisoners were 
also taken. These made the number taken since 
the 11th about one thousand. 

Apprehending that his position on Lost 
Mountain was in danger of being enveloped. 
Gen. Johnston, on the night of the 18th, under 
cover of the darkness and a violent storm of 
rain, drew in his left flank toward Kenesaw, 
which he made his salient, his right wing being 
thrown back to cover Marietta, and his left 
behind Nose's Creek, for the purpose of guard- 
ing his railroad communication with the Ohat- 
tahooche. The abandoned works on Lost 
Mountain, and the line of breastworks connect- 
ing it with Kenesaw, were at once occupied 
by the Federal troops, and during the 19th the 



enemy was steadily pressed at all points. On 
the evening of that day our left held the base 
of Kenesaw on its north face, and the first ridge 
of hills running thence to the northeast, while 
our right lay to the west and rear of Kenesaw, 
and within three miles of Marietta. During 
these operations the rain fell almost incessantly, 
and the roads were rendered so heavy that a 
general movement would have been impossible. 
The most that could be attempted was to press 
the enemy without cessation, and harass him 
by constant skirmishing. The fact that under 
such discouraging circumstances so many strong 
positions were cai-ried, testifies to the discipline 
and endurance of the troops. 

The operations of the 20th and 21st were of 
a similar character to those above described, 
but on the 22d the enemy made a sudden at- 
tack upon portions of Gens. Hooker's and 
Schofield's troops on the Federal right, near 
what is known as the "Kulp House," and 
was handsomely repulsed, leaving his dead, 
wounded, and many prisoners behind him. 
The Federal centre was now established square- 
ly in front of Kenesaw, but it required so many 
men to hold the railroad and the line running 
along the base of the mountain, that but a 
small force was left with which to attempt a 
flank movement to the right. So small was it 
that Gen. Sherman hesitated to push it vigor- 
ously toward the railroad, in the rear of Marietta, 
for fear that it might be altogether detached 
from the army and exposed to disaster. He 
therefore contented himself with extending his 
right along the enemy's flank, hoping that Gen. 
Johnston would thereby be induced to weaken 
his centre sufficiently to render an assault in that 
direction practicable. "Although inviting the 
enemy at all times," says Gen. Sherman in his 
oflicial report, "to make such mistakes, I could 
not hope for him to repeat them after the ex- 
amples of Dallas and the 'Kulp House;' and 
upon studying the ground, I had no alternative 
but to assault his lines or tui-n his position. 
Either course had its difiiculties and dangers. 
And I perceived that the enemy and our own 
ofiicers had settled down into a conviction that 
I would not assault fortified lines. All looked 
to me to 'outflank.' An army to be efficient 
must not settle down to one single mode of 
offence, but must be prepared to execute any 
plan which promises success. I waited, there- 
fore, for the moral efiect, to make a successful 
assault against the enemy behind his breast- 
works, and resolved to attempt it at that point 
where success would give the largest fruits of 
victory." The genei-al point selected was the 
rebel left centre, in the belief that if this should 
be once forced, a road to the railroad below 
Marietta would be opened to the assaulting 
column, the enemy's retreat cut off", and their 
army overwhelmed in detail. Simultaneous 
with this an attack was directed to be made on 
Little Kenesaw by McPherson. The 27th was 
selected for the movement, and three days were 
allowed for preparation. 



534 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



At 6 A. M., on the appointed day, Gen. Blair's 
(17tli) corps, holding the extreme left of Gen. 
McPherson's line, moved toward the eastern 
point of the mountain to threaten the enemy's 
right, while Gen. Dodge's (16th) corps and Gen. 
Logan's (1 5th) corps assaulted the northern slope 
adjoining. The brunt of the attack was borne 
by three brigades of the 15th corps, which im- 
mediately scattered the enemy's skirmishers, 
and pushing on up the hill with impetuosity, 
carried part of the rebel rifle-pits. Some of the 
retreating enemy were captured while endeav- 
oring to escape to a gorge which intervenes be- 
tween the right and left halves of Kenesaw. 
Still pressing forward our troops arrived at the 
foot of a perpendicular cliif thirty feet high, 
from the crest of which the enemy formed in 
line of battle, poured a destructive plunging 
fire, and rolled down huge stones. Seeing it 
impossible to scale these clifis our line halted, 
retired a short distance, and fortified on the 
extreme right. For the second and more im- 
portant attack portions of Gen. Newton's divi- 
sion of the 4th corps, and of Gen. Davis's of the 
14th corps, were selected. At a given signal 
the troops rushed forward with buoyant cour- 
age, charged up the face of the mountain amidst 
a murderous fire from a powerful battery on 
the summit and through two fines of abatis, 
carried a line of rifle-pits beyond, and reached 
the works. The colors of several regiments 
were planted before the latter, and some of the 
men succeeded in mounting the ramparts, but 
the deaths of Gens. Wagner and Harker, and 
the wounding of Gen. McOook, the destructive 
fire of both musketry and artillery, and the dif- 
ficulty of deploying the long columns under such 
fire, I'endered it necessary to recall the men. 
Gen. Newton's troops returned to their original 
line, while Gen. Davis's 2d brigade threw up 
works between those they had carried and the 
maia linejof the enemy, and there remained. The 
whole contest lasted little more than an hour, 
but cost Gen. Sherman nearly three thousand in 
killed and wounded, while the enemy, lying be- 
hind well-formed breastworks, suffered com- 
paratively slight loss. During the day Gen. 
Schofield had sharp skirmishing with the ene- 
my's left wing, and Gen. Cox's division of the 
23d corps pushed forward to a point nine 
miles south of Marietta and three from the 
Chattahoochee ; but the important fighting was 
in the centre. The failure of the attack is to 
be attributed to the fact that Gen. Johnston 
did not allow himself to be deceived by the 
lengthened line which Gen. Sherman opposed to 
him. From his elevated position on the sum- 
mit of Kenesaw he could see plainly that the 
main posts still confronted him, and that the 
flanking movement to his left was not in earnest. 
Contenting himself, therefore, with sending a 
single corps to watch the right wing, he held 
his main body to repel the assault on his centre. 

It was not, however, the intention of Gen. 
Sherman to rest long under the imputation of 
defeat, and he almost immediately commenced 



preparations to turn the enemy's left, amusing 
Gen. Johnston, meanwhile, by a show of ap- 
proaching his centre by saps. On July 1st, 
Gens. Hooker and Schofield advanced to the 
right some two miles, and on the 2d Gen. 
McPherson received orders to rapidly shift 
his whole force from the extreme left to the 
extreme i-ight of the Federal lines, and push 
on to Nickajack Creek, which flows into the 
Chattahoochee, four miles below the railroad 
bridge. His place on the left, in front of Ken- 
esaw, was occupied by Gen. Garrard's cavalry, 
while Gen. Stoneman's cavalry moved on his 
flanks to strike the river near Turner's Ferry, 
two miles and a half below the railroad bridge. 
The object of the movement was speedily de- 
tected by Gen. Johnston, who at once prepared 
to evacuate Kenesaw and fall back to the Chat- 
tahoochee. On the night of the 2d his rear 
guard abandoned the works which for upward 
of three weeks had been so resolutely assailed 
and defended, and before dawn of the 3d the 
Federal pickets occupied the crest of the moun- 
tain. Orders were immediately given for Gen. 
Thomas to move forward along the railroad to 
Marietta, and thence southward to the Chatta- 
hoochee, the rest of the army pressing rapidly 
toward Nickajack Creek to harass the enemy in 
flank and rear, and if possible to assail him in 
the confusion of crossing the river. Gen. Sher- 
man himself, accompanying the Army of the 
Cumberland, entered Marietta at 9 o'clock on 
the morning of the 3d. During the retreat about 
two thousand prisoners, principally stragglers, 
fell into the hands of the Federal troops. 

Gen. Johnston was too good a general to 
leave his movement uncovered, and Gen. 
Thomas pushing forward in pursuit, found 
him intrenched behind a fortified line at Smyr- 
na, half way between the river and Marietta, 
having his flanks protected by Nickajack and 
Rottenwood Creeks. This, however, was but 
an advance line, his intention being to make 
his real stand in a series of works on the left 
bank of the river, and at the railroad bridge, 
where he had constructed a strong tcte de 
pont. Again a flanking movement to the 
right was attempted, and with such success 
that on the night of the 4th Gen. Johnston 
fell back to the river, across which the main 
body of his army passed. Gen. Hardee's corps 
remaining on the right bank. Gen. Sherman 
then moved up to the Chattahoochee, and on 
the evening of the 5th Gens. Thomas's and Mc- 
Pherson's troops occupied a line extending from 
a short distance above the railroad bridge to the 
mouth of Nickajack Creek, while Gen. Schofield 
was posted in the rear near Smyrna as a re- 
serve. Cavalry demonstrations were extended 
as far south as Campbelltown, fifteen miles be- 
low the railroad bridge. By these several man- 
oeuvres, and particularly by the shifting of Gen. 
McPherson's troops to the right. Gen. Sherman 
aimed to convey to Gen. Johnston the impression 
that it was his left flank that was to be turned; 
and in pursuance of the same strategy the Fed- 



MIUTAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



535 



eral general having determined that the ene- 
my's position was unassailable except by a flank 
movement across the river, amused his enemy 
by demonstrations south of the railroad bridge, 
as if he intended crossing there. His real ob- 
ject "was, by rapidly shifting masses of troops 
from extreme right to extreme left, to turn the 
enemy's right flank, and seize and hold the vital 
strategic points in that direction. 

Gen. Schofield was, accordingly, directed to 
move due eastward from his position at Smyrna 
to the Chattahoochee, and to make a crossing 
near the mouth of Soap Creek, eight miles 
north of the railroad bridge. This was suc- 
cessfully accomplished on the 7th, with the 
capture of a gun and a number of prisoners, 
and a lodgment was eftected on high ground 
on the left bank, and a substantial bridge con- 
structed. At the same time Gen. Garrard occu- 
pied Rosswell, a town near the Chattahoochee, 
nearly due north of Atlanta, and about seven 
miles above Gen. Schofield's crossing, where 
he destroyed some woollen and cotton mills 
which hai supplied the rebel armies. In accord- 
ance with Gen. Sherman's orders he secured 
the ford at .this place until a corps could be sent 
thither from the Army of the Tennessee on the 
right wing. On the 9th, while the enemy were 
amused by feints extending from Power's Ferry, 
four miles above the railroad bridge, to Turner's 
Ferry, three miles below it, a crossing was 
effected at Eosswell, and the river firmly bridg- 
ed ; and under cover of the same demonstra- 
tions Gen. Howard was enabled to throw a 
bridge across at Power's Ferry. Gen. John- 
ston at length took the alarm, and during the 
night of the 9th gave orders for another retreat. 
His heavy guns were removed to Atlanta, seven 
miles distant. Gen. Hardee's corps was safely 
crossed to the left bank, and at daylight of the 
10th the railroad bridge, the road bridge, and 
the pontoons, were in flames. The rebel army 
then fell back toward the fortifications of 
Atlanta, abandoning the whole line of the 
river, although its left wing kept in the neigh- 
borhood of Turner's Ferry, in the expectation 
of an attack from that quarter. Leaving Gen. 
Johnston to his delusion. Gen. Sherman rapidly 
and quietly moved the rest of the Army of the 
Tennessee behind the line of our forces, to its 
old position on the extreme left, and busied 
himself with strengthening his bridges and col- 
lecting supplies, which, as early as the 8th, 
were brought by railroad within a mile of the 
railroad bridge. 

A Aveek's rest was now allowed the army, a 
sufficient force being detailed to the left bank 
of the Chattahoochee to secure the several posi- 
tions there and occupy the works of the enemy. 
These proved to be of the most fornudable 
character, and had evidently cost many months 
of labor, the lines extending for upward of five 
and a half miles along the river, with allnost 
impenetrable abatis in front. The sudden 
abandonment of them caused more consterna- 
tion to the enemy than any previous disaster of 



the campaign, as it was anticipated that here, in 
the immediate neighborhood of his supplies, 
Gen. Johnston could make a long and probably 
successful stand ; or at least keep Gen. Sherman 
at bay until reenforcements from other parts of 
the confederacy should arrive. The catastro- 
phe completed the long catalogue of complaints 
against this general which his enemies had 
sedulously arrayed before the public, and his re- 
moval was clamored for as indispensable to the 
salvation of the cause. The inhabitants of 
Atlanta in particular urged that the retreating 
policy had been followed far enough. It can 
hardly admit of a doubt, however, that he had 
conducted the campaign with prudence and 
skill, and considering his inferiority in numbers 
to Gen. Sherman, who was always in a condi- 
tion to outflank him, he had probably delayed 
the Federal advance as long as it was possible. 
On the iTth the whole army was across the 
Chattahoochee, with the exception of Gen. Da- 
vis's division of the 14th corps, left to watch the 
railroad bridge and the rear, and prepared to 
move upon Atlanta. The Army of the Cum- 
berland now occupied the right wing and right 
centre, resting on the river just above the rail- 
road bridge, the Army of the Ohio the left cen- 
tre, and the Army of the Tennessee the left. In 
this order a grand right wheel was commenced, 
the right wing of the Army of the Cumberland 
serving as the pivot, which, on the evening of 
the 17th, brought the Federal line into a posi- 
tion about northeast of the railroad bridge, 
along what is known as the old Peach Tree 
road. On the 18th the left wing, swinging 
rapidly around, struck the Georgia Railroad, 
which connects Atlanta with Augusta, at a 
point two miles west of Stone Mountain, a vast 
elevation of granite towering over the sur- 
rounding country, fifteen miles northeast of 
Atlanta. With the aid of Gen. Garrard's cav- 
alry, which moved on his flank, Gen. Mc- 
Pherson broke up a section of about four 
miles of the road, while Gen. Schofield oc- 
cupied Decatur, six miles east of Atlanta, 
and Gen. Thomas brought his troops close 
up to Peach Tree Creek, a small stream rising 
five or six miles northeast of Atlanta, and 
flowing southwesterly into the Chattahoochee, 
near the railroad bridge. In these manoeuvres 
our extreme left encountered little else than 
cavalry, supported by a few guns and a very 
inadequate force of infantry, an evidence that 
the enemy was still laboring under the delusion 
that his left and not his right was the real point 
of attack, and that Atlanta was to be ap- 
proached from the southwest instead of from 
the northeast. Under these circumstances Gens. 
McPherson and Schofield were enabled, on the 
19th, to pass with little trouble westward of 
Decatur, within the naturally strong defensive 
lines of Nance's and Peach Tree Creeks. Gen. 
Thomas, moving more directly from the north 
of Atlanta, found the enemy in larger force, 
hut succeeded on the same day in crossing Peach 
Tree Creek in front of their intrenched lines. 



536 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The Federal line then held the arc of a circle, 
extending from the railroad between Atlanta 
and the river to some distance south of the 
Georgia Railroad, and in a direction north and 
northeast of Atlanta. 

Meanwhile, on the 17th, Gen, Johnston had, 
in accordance with orders from the confederate 
war department, turned over his command to 
Gen. Hood, accompanying the act with the fol- 
lowing farewell address to his troops : 

Headquaetees, Army of Tennessee, ) 
July IT, ISW. j" 

In obedience to the orders of the War Department, 
I turn over to Gen. Hood the command of the Army 
and Department of Tennessee. I cannot leave this 
noble army without expressing my admiration of the 
high military qualities it has displayed so conspicu- 
ously — every soldierly virtue, endurance of toil, obe- 
dience to orders, brilliant courage. 

The enemy has never attacked but to be severely 
repulsed and punished. You, soldiers, have never 
argued but from your courage, and never counted 
your fears. No longer your leader, I will still watch 
your career, and will rejoice in your victories. To one 
and all I offer assurances of my friendship, and bid 
an afifectionate farewell. 

J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 

General Hood, on assuming command, issued 
the following address : 

Headqitaktees, Aemt op Tennessee, | 
July 18, 1864. f 

Soldiers : In obedience to orders from the War 
Department, I assume command of this Army and 
Department. I feel the weight of the responsibility 
so suddenly and unexpectedly devolved upon me by 
this position, and shall bend all my energies and em- 
ploy all my skill to meet its requirements. I look 
with confidence to your patriotism to stand by me, 
and rely upon your prowess to wrest your country 
from the grasp of the invader, entitling yourselves 
to the proud distinction of bein^ called the deliverers 
of an oppressed people. J. B. HOOD, General. 

With this change in commanders commenced 
a change in the method of conducting the cam- 
paign, by which it was expected that the morale 
of the rebel army, weakened by the persistent 
Fabian policy of Gen. Johnston, would be fully 
reestablished. The time for retreating had 
passed when the chief city of western Georgia 
lay almost in the grasp of Gen. Sherman ; and 
the rebel army, which, to give Gen. Johnston 
due credit, had been kept in a compact body, 
and had experienced but insignificant losses of 
guns or material of war, was to be launched, 
after their well-known tactics, in fierce assaults 
upon the invader. With this view the command 
was given to Gen. Hood, who had an unequalled 
reputation among their generals for energy and 
impetuous bravery. 

On the 20th the Federal lines converged still 
more closely around the northern and eastern 
sides of Atlanta, and as a gap existed between 
Gc'us. Schofield and Thomas, Stauley's and 
Wood's division of Gen. Howard's corps were 
moved to the left to connect with Gen. Scho- 
field, leaving Gen. Newton's division of Gen. 
Howard's corps, with inadequate force, to hold 
an important position on the road leading from 
Atlanta to Buckhead. This weak point was 
soon detected by Gen. Hood, who determined 
to signalize his appointment to the chief com- 



mand by an assualt which, at one blow, should 
retrieve the disasters of the campaign. Gen. 
Sherman also was well aware that his line was 
vulnerable at this point ; and as there were 
indications during the morning of a concen- 
tration of troops on the enemy's right, as if 
to attack the left, orders were sent to Gen. 
Newton and the rest of the Army of the Cum- 
berland to close rapidly up in the latter direction. 
Gen. Newton accordingly pushed forward to a 
prominent ridge, where, about two o'clock in 
the afternoon his troops stacked arms and 
made a temporary halt. Some prisoners, gath- 
ered up by the skirmishers, having reported 
that there was no considerable force of the 
enemy Avithin a mile and a half, no apprehen- 
sion of an attack seems to have been felt, and 
no preparations had been made beyond the ac- 
customed piles of logs and rails, which the Fed- 
eral troops constructed as a matter of course, 
whenever halting for any considerable time on 
new groand in presence of the enemy. Gen. 
Hood had meanwhile been massing his main 
body in the woods immediately ih front of 
Gen. Newton and of Gen. Hooker, who was 
approaching from the right, expecting, by a sud- 
den and overwhelming attack upon the col- 
umns while in motion, to cut the Federal army 
in twain. At 4 o'clock he advanced from his 
covert without skirmishers, and pushed direct- 
ly for Gen. Newton's position. Notwithstand- 
ing the unexpectedness of his appearance, the 
Federal troops sprang instantly to their arms, 
and from behind their breastworks poured 
deliberate and deadly volleys into the dense 
masses of the Confederates, who were further 
kept in check by well-served batteries which 
Gen. Newton had posted on ea-ch of his flanks. 

Almost at tlie instant of the attack on Gen. 
Newton, Gen. Geary's division of Gen. Hooker's 
corps was struck by the advancing columns of 
the enemy and thrown back in some confusion. 
But quickly rallying, it recovered its ground 
aiftl kept the enemy in clieck until Ward's di- 
vision could arrive to its assistance. The lat- 
ter met the enemy's charge by a counter charge, 
and the two columns mingling in the shock of 
battle, the enemy, after a brief and fierce strug- 
gle, were driven back. Further to the right, 
and next to Geary, WUUams' division, though 
attacked with desperation, stood manfully up 
to the work, and repulsed with heavy loss every 
onset of the enemy. After four hours of in- 
cessant fighting, the latter retired precipitately 
to his intrenchments, leaving on the field up- 
ward of six hundred dead, one thousand severe- 
ly wounded, seven regimental flags, and a num- 
ber of prisoners. His total loss was estimated 
by Gen. Sherman at five thousand. That of 
the Federal troops was one thousand nine 
hundred, of which the greater part fell on Gen. 
Hooker's corps, which fought wholly on open 
ground, and bore the brunt of the battle. 

During the 21st the enemy kept within his 
intrenched position, commanding the open val- 
ley of Peach Tree Creek, his right beyond the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



537 



Georgia railroad to the east, and Ms left ex- 
tended toward Turner's Ferry, at a general 
distance of four miles from Atlanta. In the 
course of the dav a steep and strongly-fortified 
hill, about five hundred yards in advance of 
the skirmish line of the extreme Federal left, 
"ivas gallantly carried by Gen. Leggett's division 
of the lYth corps, though with a loss of seven 
hundred and fifty men. Four desperate 
attempts were made by the division of Gen. 
Cleburne to regain the position, which com- 
pletely commanded Atlanta and the two prin- 
cipal roads leading north and south from the 
city; but the enemy finally retired, baffled and 
severely crippled, leaving his dead and most of 
his wounded on the slope of the hill. He also 
lost about a hundred prisoners. Gen. McPhei*- 
son immediately threw out working parties to 
the hill, with the intention of occupying it with 
strong batteries. 

On the 22d the whole advanced line of the ene- 
my was found abandoned, a circumstance which 
at first led Gen. Sherman to believe that they 
intended to surrender Atlanta without further 
contest. Gen. Hood, however, was only prepar- 
ing to repeat, on a larger scale, the experiment 
of the 20th. By a show of retreating upon the 
city he hoped to decoy Gen. Sherman into a rapid 
advance, and then suddenly, with heavy masses 
of troops, to strike the Federal army while in 
motion, at such weak points as should present 
themselves. "It is now quite evident," says an 
army correspondent, writing on the 24th, "that 
the enemy, when they fell back out of their 
works, did not retire to the inner line around 
the city at all, though by taking that direction, 
and showing themselves in large numbers upon 
their works, they intended to make us believe 
they had done so. Gen. Hardee's corps, instead, 
marched during the night away round to' the 
eastward, sweeping entirely the circle of the 
Federal left wing, and then, as we closed in 
around the city, and before the left wing had 
got in position, struck us upon the front, and 
also upon the flanks." Unsuspicious of this 
deep laid plan for his discomfiture, Gen. Sher- 
man pushed his troops beyond the abandoned 
works, and found the enemy occupying in force 
a line of finished redoubts completely covering 
the approaches to Atlanta, and busily occupied 
in connecting these redoubts with curtains 
strengthened by rifle trenches, abatis, and che- 
vaux-de-frise. This satisfied him that Gen. 
Hood meant to fight, and he immediately re- 
sumed the dispositions previously commenced 
for pressing the city on its eastern and north- 
ern fronts. As the Federal line closed in, the 
circle which it formed became so contracted, 
that the 16th corps, Gen. Dodge, which formed 
the right of the Army of the Tennessee, was 
thrown out of position, and fell behind the 15th 
corps, the latter thus closing up with Gen. 
Schofield, who held the centre. Gen. McPher- 
son accordingly ordered Gen. Dodge to shift 
his position to the extreme left of the line, and 
occupy the hill carried by the 17th corps on 



the previous day, and which was still held by 
Gen. Leggett's division. At about 11 a.m., 
soon after this movement had commenced, Gen. 
McPherson met the commander-in-chief near 
the centre of the lines. " He described to me," 
says Gen. Sherman in his ofiicial report, " the 
condition of things on his flank and the dispo- 
sitions of his troops. I explained to him that 
if we met serious resistance in Atlanta, as pres- 
ent appearances indicated, instead of operating 
against it by the left, I would extend to the 
right, and that I did not want him to gain 
much distance to the left. He then described 
the hiU occupied by Gen. Leggett's division of 
Gen. Blair's (17th) corps as essential to the oc- 
cupation of any ground to the east and south 
of the Augusta railroad, on account of its com- 
manding nature. I therefore ratified his dis- 
position of troops, and modified a previous order 
I had sent him in writing to use Gen. Dodge's 
corps, thrown somewhat in reserve by the 
closing up of our line, to break up railroad, 
and I sanctioned its going, as already ordered 
by Gen. McPherson, to his left, to hold and 
fortify that position." 

At noon Gen. McPherson rode oif to the left, 
where the enemy appeared to be making a 
slight cavalry demonstration. He had not been 
gone half an hour when the desultory skirmish- 
ing which had been going on in that quarter 
all the morning suddenly deepened into a loud 
crash of musketry, followed by rapid artillery 
firing, indicating the presence of the enemy in 
large force. Gen. Hood had in fact secured 
the opportunity which he desired, and ap- 
prehending rightly that a demonstration was 
least expected on the left flank, had massed 
Gens. Hardee's and Stewart's corps under 
the cover of the thick woods which skirt 
the railroad, and was preparing to attack the 
16th and 17th corps while they were getting 
into position, his forts meanwhile holding 
the Federal centre and right in check. Gen. 
Sherman instantly transmitted orders to Gens. 
Schofield and Thomas to keep the enemy em- 
ployed on all parts of their front, and the former 
was directed to hold as large a force as possible 
in reserve to sustain the left, should aid be 
needed. 

Gen. McPherson, upon reaching the left, 
found the 16th corps just about moving into 
position to prolong the flank, and temporarily 
facing to the left in a direction perpendicular 
to our main line. Between the right of the 
16 th and the left of the l7th corps was a wooded 
space of about half a mile which was not occu- 
pied by any troops. Shortly after twelve o'clock 
the enemy emerged from the dense woods in 
front of these corps in three solid columns, and 
marched directly upon the 16th corps for the 
purpose of turning our whole line. Three des- 
perate assaults were repelled by Gen. Dodge, 
in the last of which the enemy suftered severe 
loss from the well-directed fire of the Federal 
batteries. Finding that the attempt to break 
the lines had failed at this point, Gen. McPher- 



538 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



son took advantage of a temporary lull in the 
fighting to ride through the woods to Gen. 
Giles A. Smith's division, which held the left 
of the 17th corps. A report that the enemy in 
heavy force were moving around the left of the 
17th corps, and were pushing in tlirough the 
gap ahove mentioned, as existing between it 
and the 16th (the attack on the 16th corps 
having, in fact, been a feint to draw attention 
from the real point of attack), induced him to 
hasten in that direction. After reaching the 
gap he gave directions to the only member of 
his staff who accompanied him, the rest having 
been sent with orders to • different portions of 
the field, to obtain a brigade from Gen. Logan's 
command and throw it across the gap, and 
then, with a single orderly, struck into a cross 
road leading directly to Gen. Smith's position. 
Already, however, unknown to him, the ene- 
my's skirmish line had advanced close up to this 
road, and when it was too late to retrace his 
steps he found himself within fifty feet of it. 
The rebel oflicer in command called upon him 
to surrender, but he only dashed his horse to 
the right of the road, and was almost imme- 
diately brought to the ground, mortally wound- 
ed, by a volley from the skirmishers. His body 
was for a time in the possession of the enemy, 
but was subsequently recovered and brought 
Avithin the Federal lines. Upon hearing of this 
disaster. Gen. Sherman ordered Gen. Logan to 
assume command of the Ai-my of the Tennes- 
see. 

The brigade (Wangelin's) ordered up from 
Gen. Logan's corps, arrived in time to partially 
check the enemy, but could not prevent him 
from getting a portion of his force in the rear 
of the 17th corps, while heavy masses of troops, 
principally from Gen. Stewart's corps, were 
pushed against the works held by Gen. Leggett 
•on the hill, wrested from Gen, Cleburne the day 
before, and which they were evidently determin- 
ed to retake at any sacrifice. Sweeping up in 
their advance the 'working party engaged upon 
the fortifications, the enemy bore heavily against 
Gens. Smith's and Leggett's divisions, which, at- 
tacked in front and rear, were obliged to fire al- 
ternately from behind their own breastwork and 
the old abandoned parapet of the enemy. Gen. 
Leggett's troops clung firmly to their important 
position on the top of the hill, against the 
fortified angle of which the rebels dashed their 
columns with desperate but fruitless energy. 
Gen. Smith had meanwhile been compelled to 
abandon his more exposed lines, but by a skil- 
ful movement he gradually withdrew his men, 
regiment by regiment, to a new line connecting 
on the right with Gen. Leggett, his left, refused, 
facing to the southeast. In executing this 
movement he was obliged to abandon two 
guns to the enemy. Against this new forma- 
tion of the 17th corps the enemy could make no 
impression, but recoiled again and again before 
the deadly fire of the Federal troops, which 
mowed down wliole ranks at a time, and cov- 
ered the ground and ditches with dead and 



wounded men. A part of the rebel force that 
pushed for the gap between the 16th and 17th 
corps renewed the attack upon tlie right flank 
of the former, and upon its first advance cap- 
tured a six-gun battery of the regular army, 
which was moving along unsupported and un- 
apprehensive of danger. Gens. Sweeney's and 
Fuller's divisions soon checked the enemy's ad- 
vance, and finally drove him back in confusion 
with the loss of many prisoners. At a critical pe- 
riod of the battle several of Gen. Sweeney's regi- 
ments were found to be without ammunition ; 
but as it was indispensable that they should 
hold their position, their commander ordered 
them to meet the enemy with the bayonet, 
whereupon the latter broke and fled to the 
rear. At about half-past three o'clock the 
enemy desisted from his attack on our left 
flank, having gained no ground and suffered 
enormous losses, for which his capture of eight 
guns ill compensated. 

Meanwhile two divisions of Gen. Wheeler's 
cavalry, with a section of artillery, took a wide 
circuit to the east and fell upon Decatur, now 
three miles in our rear, where Col. Sprague, 
with three infantry regiments, and a battery, 
was guarding a number of wagon trains filled 
with commissary and ammunition supplies. 
By a skOful disposition of his small force. Col. 
Sprague held the enemy in complete check untU 
every wagon except three was sent to the 
rear of Gens. Schofield and Thomas, when he 
also fell back nearer the main body, having in- 
fiicted considerable damage upon the enemy and 
secured a number of prisoners. Gen. Wheeler's 
unopposed approach to Decatm- was owing to 
the absence of Gen. Garrard's cavalry on a 
raid southeast of Atlanta. 

About 4 p. M. a pause occurred in the bat- 
tle, occasioned by Gen. Hood's massing troops 
for an assault upon Gen. Logan's (15th) corps, 
temporarily commanded by Gen. Morgan L, 
Smith, which held the right of the Army of the 
Tennessee behind substantial breastworks, im- 
me'diately adjoining the 17th corps. At half- 
past 4 p. M., while just enough of an attack 
was maintained against the extreme left to 
occupy the attention of the troops in that 
quarter, a heavy force two lines deep marched 
directly toward the left of the 15th corps, driv- 
ing before it a couple of regiments of skirmish- 
ers and capturing two guns. Protected by 
their works. Gen. Lightburn's brigade, which 
held this part of the line, for half an hour kept 
the enemy at bay by Avell-directed discharges 
from a battery of 20-pounder Parrotts; but a 
second strong rebel column now approached, 
which scarcely faltered beneath the volleys 
which ploughed its ranks in long furrows, and 
presently, to add to the perplexity of the situa- 
tion, a third column was seen pouring in at the 
rear through a deep cut in the Georgia rail- 
road. Finding that to hold their position 
would insure capture. Gen. Lightburn's troops 
retired in considerable confusion to the second 
line of breastworks, .five hundred yards from 



MLITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



539 



the main line, and the abandoned works, with 
two batteries, fell into the hands of the enemy. 
The position gained by the latter, if allowed to 
be held by them, threatened such serious dis- 
aster that «Gen. Sherman sent orders to Gen. 
Logan, which had already been anticipated by 
that general, to make the 15th corps regain its 
lost ground at any cost. In aid of this move- 
ment he posted certain batteries from Gen. 
Schofield's corps where they could sheU the 
enemy and the works beyond, so as to prevent 
reenforcements. Just as the enemy were pre- 
paring to turn the captured Parrotts upon the 
inner Federal line, the 15th corps, supported 
by portions of Gen. Schofield's troops, ad- 
vanced with loud cheers upon them ; and 
after a desperate struggle, in the course of 
which both Federals and rebels at times fought 
hand to hand across the narrow parapet, the 
latter Avere driven out of the works and the 
guns retaken. Their retreat was accelerated 
by repeated discharges of grape and canister 
among their crowded ranks which caused an 
awful carnage. With this repulse the battle 
terminated. 

This was by far the bloodiest battle yet 
fought in Georgia; and notwithstanding the 
complete defeat of the enemy at all points, the 
Federal army sustained an irreparable, loss in 
the death of Gen. McPherson, described by 
Gen. Sherman as " a noble youth, of striking 
personal appearance, of the highest profes- 
sional capacity, and with a heart abounding in 
kindness that drew to him the aftections of all 
men." The heroic conduct of the Army of the 
Tennessee during the whole battle was in no 
slight degree owing to the desire to avenge the 
fall of their commander. The total Federal 
loss on the 22d was 3,722, of whom much the 
greater portion were killed and wounded. The 
enemy's dead alone in front of our lines num- 
bered 2,200 from actual count, and of these 
800 were delivered to the enemy under flag of 
truce. Their total loss in killed was computed 
by Gen. Logan at 8,240. Upwards of 3,000 
prisoners, including 1,000 wounded, and many 
commissioned officers of high rank, beside 18 
colors and 5,000 small arms, fell into the hands 
of the Federals. The enemy of course removed 
many of their dead and most of their wounded. 
Owing to the closeness and desperation of the 
conflict, the proportion of wounded to killed 
was much less than usual — probably not more 
than two to one — which would make their 
loss in wounded about G,500, and their total 
loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, more 
than 12,000. 

As an important feature in his campaign, 
Gen. Sherman had contemplated, in addition to 
offensive operations against the enemy in the 
field, a series of expeditions against the several 
railroads by which supplies or reenforcements 
were brought to Atlanta. The first line of rebel 
communications selected to be broken was the 
raih-oad system connecting Atlanta with the 
southwest, comprising the Atlanta and "West 



Point and the "West Point and Montgomery 
roads; and on July 10, in accordance with or- 
ders long previously issued l)y Gen. Sherman, 
a body of 2,000 Federal cavalry, under Gen. 
Rousseau, started from Decatur, Ala., for Ope- 
lika, a station on the latter of these roads, in 
eastern Alabama, whence a road diverges east 
to the important manufacturing town of Colum- 
bus, Geo., and thence to Macon, On the 13th 
Gen. Rousseau crossed the Coosa near the Ten 
Islands, routing a body of Alabama cavahy ; 
passed rapidly through Talladega ; skirmished 
again with the enemy at the crossing of the Tal- 
lapoosa ; and on the 16th struck the West Point 
and Montgomery road at Loachapoka, ten miles 
west of Opelika. From this point to Opelika 
the railroad was well broken up, and the 
bridges and culverts destroyed, beside three 
miles of the branch toward Columbus and two 
toward West Point. Gen. Rousseau then turn- 
ed north, and brought his command in safety 
to Marietta on the 22d, with a loss of less than 
thirty men. 

The next operation was to more thoroughly 
disable the Georgia railroad. This had been 
broken up between Decatur and Atlanta as the 
army closed around the city ; but as Gen. Sher- 
man already contemplated prolonging his right 
toward the west and south of the town, and 
possibly abandoning his hold on the railroad, it 
became necessary to render the latter unavail- 
able to the rebels. Gen. Garrard was therefore 
detached on the 21st, and ordered to proceed 
with his cavalry to Covington, forty-one miles 
east of Atlanta, and destroy the railroad bridges 
over the Yellow and Ulcopauhatchee Rivers, 
branches of the Ocmulgee. He returned in safe- 
ty on the 2-4th, having completely destroyed the 
two bridges, of which that over the Yellow River 
was 550 feet in length, and the other 250 feet, 
and broken up the railroad for seven miles be- 
tween the two. He also burned three trains 
of cars, numerous depots, minor bridges and 
culverts, 2,000 bales of cotton, a new and ex- 
tensive hospital building at Covington, and a 
considerable quantity of commissary and quar- 
termaster's stores, and brought in with him 
several hundred prisoners and negroes and 
many horses. He lost but two men in the ex- 
pedition. 

Having rendered the Georgia road useless to 
the eHemy Gen, Sherman next turned his atten- 
tion to the Macon and Western Railroad, con- 
necting Atlanta with Macon, and the only ave- 
nue left for the conveyance of stores and am- 
munition to the rebel army. For the purpose 
of eftectually crippling this, he organized his 
cavalry in two large bodies, to move in concert 
from each wing of the army, while simultane- 
ously with this movement the Army of the 
Tennessee was to be sliifted by the right toward 
East Point, a station six miles south of Atlanta, 
where the Atlanta and West Point and Macon 
and Western Railroads diverge from a common 
track. Gen. Stoneman was transferred to the 
left flank, and assumed command of his own 



540 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE KEBELLIOK 



cavalry and Gen. Garrard's, comprising an ef- 
fective force of 5,000 men, while Gen. McOook, 
on the right flank, received his own command 
and the cavalry brought by Gen. Rousseau, 
amounting in the aggregate to 4,000 men. 
This joint force Gen. Sherman supposed was 
fully adequate to look after Gen. Wheeler's 
rebel cavalry, and to accomplish the work allot- 
ted to it, which was to rendezvous atLovejoy's 
station on the Macon road, thirty miles south 
of Atlanta, on the night of July 28th, and there 
make such a complete destruction of the road 
as would lead to the speedy abandoment of At- 
lanta. At the moment of starting, Gen. Stone- 
man asked permission, after fulfilling his orders, 
to proceed with his own command to Macon 
and Andersonville, and release the Federal pris- 
oners of war confined at those places. After 
some hesitation Gen. Sherman consented, stip- 
ulating, however, as a condition precedent, that 
the railroad should be effectually broken up 
and "Wheeler's cavalry put hors de combat. 



On the 27th the two expeditions started 
forth. Gen. Stoneman making for McDonough, 
a town about ten miles east of Lovejoy's, and 
sending Gen. Garrard to Flat Rock to cover his 
movement ; and Gen. McCook keeping down 
the right bank of the Chattahoochee. Gen. 
Stoneman, however, almost immediately turn- 
ed off toward the Georgia Railroad, which he 
followed as far as Covington, whence he struck 
due south, and to the east of the Ocmulgee, for 
Macon, distant sixty miles, in the neighborhood 
of which he arrived on the 30th. A detach- 
ment was sent east to Gordon, a station on the 
Georgian Central Railroad, where eleven loco- 
motives and several trains loaded with quarter- 
masters' stores were destroyed, together with 
several bridges between that place and Macon. 
But as he learned that the prisoners in Macon 
had on the previous day been sent to Charles- 
ton, Gen. Stoneman decided to return at once 
by the way he had come, without attempting 
to reach Macon or Andersonville. On the even- 




MILITARY AND FAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



541 



ing of the 30th he turned northward again, 
skirmishing on the way ; and on the morning 
of the 31st, when about twenty miles from Ma- 
eon, encountered a heavy force in his front. 
The country being unfavorable for cavalry 
operations, he dismounted a portion of his com- 
mand, and threw them forward as skirmishers, 
but soon found himself surrounded. After va- 
rious fruitless attempts to make head against 
the enemy, he gave directions to the greater 
part of his force to break through the opposing 
lines, and escape in the readiest manner possi- 
ble, while he, with several hundred men and a 
section of artillery, occupied t^e attention of 
the enemy. He was finally overpowered and 
compelled to surrender. Of his three brigades 
one arrived safely within the Fedei'al lines, 
one was attacked and somewhat scattered on 
the way back, and the third was captured with 
him. Gen. Garrard meanwhile, after waiting 
at Flat Rock for orders from Stoneman until 
the 29th, moved toward Covington, and learn- 
ing that he had gone south fi'om that point, 
returned to his position on the left flank of the 
army. 

Gen. McOook, after reaching the neighbor- 
hood 0^ Rivertown on the Chattahoochee, 
crossed on pontoons and made for Palmetto 
Station on the Atlanta and West Point Rail- 
road, twenty-five miles south of Atlanta, where 
he destroyed a section of the road. He thence 
moved eastward upon FayetteviUe and burned 
five hundred wagons belonging to the rebe# 
arniy, besides killing eight hundred mules and 
capturing several hundred quartermasters' men, 
and reached Lovejoy's on the night of the 28th. 
Here he destroyed a section of the Macon and 
Western Railroad, but, hearing nothing from 
Stoneman, and finding his progress eastward 
barred by a constantly accumulating force of 
the enemy, he turned off to the southwest, and 
at Newman, a station on the Atlanta and West 
Point Railroad fifteen miles south of Palmetto, 
encountered a rebel infantry force coming up 
from Mississippi to Atlanta. After a severe 
fight with superior numbers he finally cut his 
way out, with the loss of five hundred men and 
aU his prisoners, and reached the Chattahoochee, 
whence he arrived safely within the Federal 
lines. The damage done by the several expe- 
ditions scarcely compensated for the severe 
losses sustained by Gens. Stoneman and Mc- 
Cook, amounting to upward of fifteen hundred. 
Owing to the failure of Gen. Stoneman to con- 
centrate with Gen. McCook at Lovejoy's, the 
communications with Atlanta were only tempo- 
rarily interrupted, and the enemy gained at 
least a month's respite from their final catas- 
trophe. 

While the cavalry raid was in progress, the 
Army of the Tennessee was, pursuant to in- 
structions, drawn out of its intrenchments on 
the left fiank and moved en echelon to a position 
on the extreme right, the right flank being 
held by Gen. Logan's corps. This movement 
was dii-ected by Gen. Howard, who on the 



27th, by appointment of the President, assumed 
the command vacated by the death of Gen. 
McPherson. The line was thus prolonged due 
south, facing east, and south of Proctor's Creek. 
Ajsprehending that Gen. Hood might again im- 
prove the opportunity to attack the Federal 
army while in motion. Gen. Sherman on the 
28th disposed of Gen. Davis's division of the 
14th corps so that it might be within easy sup- 
porting distance of the flank of Gen. Howard's 
new line, in the event of a strong rebel demon- 
stration in that quarter. The enemy was not 
slow to perceive that Gen. Sherman was grad- 
ually swinging around toward the Macon road, 
and to oppose the movement massed his troops 
in the same direction. About noon of the 28th 
Gen. Stewart's corps came out from Atlanta by 
the Bell's Ferry road, and, forming on open 
ground, advanced in long parallel lines upon 
Gen. Logan's troops, fortunately sheltered be- 
hind the customary breastworks of rails, ex- 
pecting to find his flank "in air." For up- 
ward of four hours a series of desperate attacks 
were made upon Gen. Logan's position, which 
were uniformly repelled with loss. Again and 
again the rebel columns were brought up to the 
breastworks, only to recoil shattered and bleed- 
ing before the steady volleys of musketry and 
the incessant discharges of grape and canister 
by which they were assaUed. The fcAV ofiicers 
and men who reached the rail piles were either 
killed or taken prisoners. Shortly after 4 
o'clock the enemy retired, leaving his killed and 
wounded in our hands, and having experienced 
a total loss estimated by Gen. Sherman at five 
thousand. The Federal loss was under six hun- 
dred. By some inadvertency Gen. Davis's di- 
vision failed to come up to the support of Gen. 
Logan, whereby an opportunity was lost to 
strike the assailing rebel columns in flank, and 
probably to put them to a disastrous rout. 

About this time Gens. Hooker and Palmer 
resigned the command of their corps, and were 
succeeded, the former by Gen. Slocum, and the 
latter by Gen. Jeff. C. Davis. Gen. Slocum, 
however, being absent at Vicksburg, the com- 
mand of the 20th corps was temporarily as- 
sumed by Gen. H. S. Williams. Gen. D. S. 
Stanley also succeeded Gen. Howard in com- 
mand of the 4th corps. 

Failing to dislodge Hood from Atlanta in this 
way, Gen. Sherman next resorted to a further 
extension of his right, in thehope of flankinghim 
in that direction. The 23d corps, supported by 
the 14th, was accordingly, on the 5th and 6th 
of August, transferred from the left to a posi- 
tion somewhat below Utoy Creek, a small af- 
fluent of the Chattahoochee, where it joined 
on Gen. Logan's right and formed our right 
flank. Demonstrations of more or less import- 
ance were made against the enemy's works 
during the prolongation of the right, but every- 
where he Avas found well protected behind an 
admirably constructed line of defences, within 
which was a second line, comprising a series of 
redoubts of great thickness of parapet and good 



542 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



command, connected througliout by a contin- 
uous infantry parapet, covered by abatis, che- 
veaux-de-frise, and other impediments of the 
most approved kind. This inner line of works 
completely enveloped Atlanta, and thence ex- 
tended for six miles along the railroad track to 
East Point, previously described as jointly used 
by the Atlanta and West Point and Macon and 
Western Roads, thus covering the latter. The 
Federal army, instead of threatening the city on 
the north and east, was now so shifted from its 
first position that, while the extreme left cov- 
ered the northern approaches to Atlanta, the ex- 
treme right was southwest of it, running parallel 
to the railroad. The Federal lines were drawn 
at an average distance of two and a half miles 
from the city, and between them and the rebel 
works intervened a narrow belt of rough and 
wooded country, the scene of constant skirmish- 
ing between the opposing forces. Thus Gen. 
Hood, though in inferior force to Gen. Sher- 
man, having the advantage of interior lines, and 
acting strictly on the defensive behind almost 
impregnable works, seemed able to "hold his 
position for an indefinite period. He had re- 
cently been reenforced by some veteran troops 
and by a body of several thousand Georgia mi- 
litia, and had also added considerably to his 
fighting material by arming and organizing la- 
borers, teamsters, and quartermasters' men, 
whose places were supplied by negroes. 

A survey of the situation satisfied Gen. Sher- 
man that Gen. Hood's lines could only be car- 
ried at a fearful sacrifice of life, and that in 
order to reach the Macon Road and control the 
supplies of Atlanta, a new movement by the 
right flank, in which nearly the whole army 
should participate, must be attempted. He ac- 
cordingly determined to withdraw one corps to 
the intrenched position at the railroad bridge 
over the Chattahoochee, to protect communica- 
tion Avith his base, and with his remaining 
troops to march rapidly to the southwest and 
south of the city, and crossing the two rail- 
roads, break them up in such a manner that im- 
mediate repairs would be impossible. The 
movement thus resolved itself into a raid, as 
the term is understood in modern military par- 
lance, on a truly gigantic scale, and, if success- 
ful, would probably cut off Atlanta for months 
from its supplies and compel its evacuation. 
It involved, in brief, to use Gen. Sherman's 
own words, " the necessity of raising the siege 
of Atlanta, taking the field with our main force, 
and using it against the communications of At- 
lanta, instead of against its intrenchments." 
By the 16th of August his plans were com- 
pleted ; but, before commencing to put them in 
execution, he ascertained that Gen. Wheeler, 
with nearly the whole force of rebel cavalry, 
had moved round in a northeasterly direction 
to cut his communications between Marietta 
and Chattanooga. Thinking that in the ab- 
sence of Gen. Wheeler the Federal cavalry 
might perhaps accomplish the task he had 
marked out for the whole army, he temporarily 



suspended his orders and directed Gen. Kil- 
patrick, recently returned to duty, to move 
across fhe railroads and tear them up thorough- 
ly. Gen. Kilpatrick started on the 18th with 
a force of five thousand men, struck the Atlanta 
and West Point Road at Fairburn and the Macon 
road at Jonesboro, and Lovejoy's ; but, being 
harassed by the enemy at each place, could 
eflect no permanent damage. He finally re- 
turned on the 22d by way of Decatur, bringing 
one hundred prisoners, three flags, and one 
piece of artillery. 

This satisfied Gen. Sherman that his original 
plan must be adhered to, and preparations for 
carrying it out were pressed with renewed ac- 
tivity. A battery of 4i-inch rifled guns was 
meanwhile put in position, and by its well- 
directed discharges impressed the enemy with 
the belief that regular siege operations were 
in progress, thus aiding to mask the new move- 
ment. It also materially interrupted the run- 
ning of the rebel supply trains on the Macon 
road, and was the cause of several conflagra- 
tions in Atlanta. Notwithstanding the latter, 
the enemy held resolutely to their forts, with 
the evident intention of suflfering the city to 
perish rather than abandon their position. On 
the night of the 25th, every thing being in 
readiness, and the wagons loaded with fifteen 
days' provisions, the 4th and 20th corps, occu- 
pying the extreme left, were moved quietly 
out of their intrenchments, and marched, the 
former to a position in the rear of the Army of 
the Tennessee, and the latter to the raih-oad 
bridge over the Chattahoochee and the adjacent 
ferries, which it was appointed to guard. On 
the succeeding night the 4th corps was moved 
southward toward Red Oak and Fairburn sta- 
tions, on the Atlanta and West Point road, 
twelve or fifteen miles south of Atlanta, fol- 
lowed by the Army of the Tennessee, and on 
the morning of the 27th the whole front of 
the city was uncovered, except that portion 
occupied by the 23d corps, which alone re- 
mained within its intrenchments. In like 
manner the 23d corpsVas withdrawn from its 
intrenchments and formed the left of the new 
line, of which the Army of the Cumberland 
held the centre, and the Army of the Tennes- 
see the right. These operations were viewed 
with undisguised wonder by the rebel troops 
from within their fortifications, and seemed 
to give color to the belief that Gen. Sherman 
had commenced a retreat. A skirmish line 
sent out toward the bridge, after the with- 
drawal of Gens. Thomas and Howard, encoun- 
tered the 20th corps intrenched behind a strong 
tete de pont^ and returned more bewildered if 
possible than before. 

On the morning of the 28th, the Armies of 
the Cumberland and the Tennessee lay between 
Fairburn and Red Oak in a line facing east and 
north. The day was devoted to a thorough 
destruction of the West Point Railroad be- 
tween these points, and some distance above, 
" It was done," says Gen. Sherman, " with a 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



543 



■will. Twelve and a half miles were destroyed, 
the ties burned, and the iron rails heated and 
tortured by the utmost ingenuity of old hands 
at the work. Several cuts were filled up with 
trunks of trees, with logs, rock and earth, inter- 
mingled with loaded shells prepared as tor- 
pedoes, to explode in case of an attempt to clear 
them out." On the 30th the army was again 
in motion in a southeasterly direction, aiming 
to strike the Macon Railroad from Rough and 
Ready to Jonesboro. Gen. Hood now began 
to understand the object of Gen. Sherman's 
movement ; but still ignorant, apparently, that 
nearly the whole Federal army was moving 
upon his communications, he contented himself 
with sending Gens. Hardee and S. D. Lee's 
corps to Jonesboro, where they intrenched, re- 
maining in Atlanta with Gen. Stewart's corps 
and the militia. Gen. Howard, marching due 
east from Fairburn, arrived within half a mile 
of Jonesboro on the evening of the 30th ; but 
encountering Gens. Hardee and Lee, he halted 
for the night in a strong position, and proceeded 
to throw up intrenchments. The remainder 
of the army, moving en echelon to the left, did 
not succeed in reaching the railroad. 

Meanwhile the 15th corps, having seized a 
prominent hill which formed the key to the 
enemy's position, took post in the centre of the 
Army of the Tennessee, the 16th somewhat 
retired, holding the extreme right, and the 
17th the left. The 15th corps spent the night 
in intrenching, and early next day, before the 
right and left flanks had taken up their ad- 
vanced position, the enemy burst in masses on 
the 15th corps, but were steadily and repeat- 
edly repulsed, losing several general officers, in- 
cluding Major-Gen. Anderson, mortally wound- 
ed, and five colonels and majors (wounded) 
taken prisoners, besides upward of three thou- 
sand rank and file killed, wounded, and cap- 
tured. The Federal loss was slight, as the men 
fought behind breastworks. It was observed 
that the rebel attacks lacked the enthusiasm 
and dash which had characterized the severe 
assaults before Atlanta. During the 31st the 
23d and 4th corps reached the railroad near 
Rough and Ready, and commenced destroying 
it north and south from that point, in the same 
thorough manner which had characterized their 
operations on the West Point road. 

Upon the repulse of the enemy on. the after- 
noon of the 31st, Gen. Sherman directed Gen. 
Howard to hold him in his fortifications until 
the remainder of the army could close in upon 
him. The 14th corps only, having a compar- 
atively short distance to travel, succeeded in 
getting up to Jonesboro on September 1st, the 
other two being too far from the field, and too 
much embarrassed by the diflncult character of 
the country and the want of good roads, to move 
with rapidity. At 4 p. m. the 14th corps, which 
had taken position on the left of the Army of 
the Tennessee, was ordered to assault the ene- 
my's works, Gen. Sherman fearing that, if he 
waited for the arrival of Gens. Schofield and 



Stanley, darkness might intervene, and the 
enemy escape without a fight. The troops 
steadily advanced under a withering fire of 
musketry and artillery, and after a desperate 
conflict of two hours drove the enemy from 
their works, capturing two batteries — 6ne of 
them Loomis' battery, captured at Chick- 
amauga, some battle flags, and a large number 
of prisoners, including Gen. Govan and the 
greater part of his brigade, forming part of the 
celebrated "fighting division" of Gen. Cle- 
burne. Darkness now setting in, Gen. Hardee 
was enabled to fall back seven miles to Love- 
joy's, where he intrenched himself in a natu- 
rally strong position. Had Gens, Stanley and 
Schofield succeeded in coming up in season, he 
would in all probability have been overwhelmed 
and forced to capitulate. 

Meanwhile, in Atlanta on the 1st, all was 
excitement and consternation, as it gradually 
transpired that the main body of the Federal 
army lay between the city and Gen. Hardee. 
Gen. Hood at once gave orders for the evacu- 
ation of his works, and the destruction of such 
stores and ammunition as could not be removed. 
The removal of all the supplies and ammunition 
that the transportation facilities of the army 
would permit commenced early in the morn- 
ing, and was continued throughout the day. 
Large quantities of provisions were also dis- 
tributed to the people, and the several bodies of 
troops, as they were withdrawn from the de- 
fences and went through the city, were allowed 
access to the public stores. The rolling stock 
of the railroads, consisting of about one hun- 
dred cars and six engines, was concentrated 
near the rolling mill before dark, by which time 
all the troops had passed through, with the ex- 
ception of the rear guard, left to prevent strag- 
gling. The cars were then laden with the sur- 
plus ammunition, and together with the loco- 
motives, depots, and store houses, and every 
thing, in fine, which would be of use to the Fed- 
eral army, fired about midnight. The fiames 
lit up the heavens for many miles, and the ex- 
plosion of the ordnance trains was distinctly 
heard by the army in front of Jonesboro, and 
by Gen. Slocum at. his position on the Chatta- 
hoochee. The latter sent out a heavy recon- 
noitring column at daybreak on the 2d, which, 
pushing forward without opposition, entered 
the city at 9 o'clock, where it was met by the 
mayor, who made a formal surrender, at the 
same time requesting protection for non-com- 
batants and private property. This having 
been freely granted. Gen. Ward's division 
marched into the city with drums beating and 
colors displayed, and the national flag was 
raised over the Court House amidst hearty 
cheers. Eleven heavy guns were found in the 
fortifications, beside a number subsequently ex- 
humed ; and among the additional spoils were 
three uninjured locomotives, three thousand 
muskets in good order, a quantity of tobacco, 
and other stores. Of the valuable machinery 
in the workshops part had been removed to 



544 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



Augusta and Macon, and part destroyed. 
"We have," says Gen. Sherman, in his de- 
spatch announcing the capture of Atlanta, " as 
the result of this quick, and, as I think, well- 
executed movement, twenty-seven guns, oyer 
three thousand prisoners, and have buried 
over four hundred rebel dead, and left as 
many wounded that could not be removed. 
The rebels have lost, besides the important city 
of Atlanta and their stores, at least five hun- 
dred dead, twenty -five hundred wounded, and 
three thousand prisoners ; whereas our aggre- 
gate loss will not foot up fifteen hundred. If 
that is not success I don't know what is." 

Of the losses in killed, wounded, and miss- 
ing, sustained by the Federal army up to this 
period, the following table, based upon the most 
trustworthy information at present attainable, 
rnay be considered to give a fair estimate : 

Skirmishing from Chattanooga to Eesaca 1,200 

Battle of Eesaca 4,500 

Skirmishing from Eesaca to Allatoona 500 

Battles around Dallas 8,000 

Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, July 27th 8,000 

Lesser contests around Kenesaw, June 9th to July 1st 4,500 

Bkirmishing between Kenesaw and the Chattahoochee 1,000 

Battle of July 20th 1,900 

" ofJuly22d 3,700 

« ofJuly28th GOO 

Skirmishing from July 17th to August 28th 8,000 

Fighting at Jonesboro, August 31st and Sept. Ist 1,500 

Losses in cavalry raids 2,000 

"30400 

Of the total number, less than one-sixth 
come under the head of missing. The loss in 
cannon was fifteen pieces — ten in the battle of 
July 22d, three taken from Stoneman, and two 
abandoned by McCook. Notwithstanding these 
casualties, amounting to nearly a third of the 
force with which he set out from Chattanooga, 
Gen. Shei-man was enabled to report, after the 
fall of Atlanta, that by the arrival of re- 
enforcements, recruits, furloughed men and 
convalescents, he had maintained his original 
strength. Of the rebel losses it is more difficult 
to form an estimate, but the following is be- 
lieved to be reasonably correct : 

Loss in skirmishiug from Chattanooga to Atlanta. . . . 6,000 

Battles at Eesaca 2,500 

" ai-ound Dallas 8,500 

Battle of KeneSaw Mountain 1,000 

" of July20th 5.000 

" of July 22d 12,000 

" ofJuly28th 5,500 

Lesser contests around Atlanta 1,500 

Battles at Jonesboro 5,000 

43v000 

The enemy lost more than twenty general 
officers, killed and wounded, according to their 
own showing, besides from forty to fifty pieces 
of cannon, of which eight were G4-pounders, 
and over 25,000 stand of small arms. Their 
loss in colors was also much greater than that 
of the Federals. 

Gen. Hood, upon abandoning Atlanta, di- 
rected his march toward McDonough, whence 
moving west he succeeded in forming a junc- 
tion with Gens. Hardee and Lee. On the 2d 
Gen. Sherman followed in Gen. Hardee's traces, 
but finding him intrenched in a position of great 
strength, and learning the capitulation of the 



city, he desisted from further attack, and on the 
4th gave orders for the army to proceed by easy 
marches in the direction of Atlanta. On the 8th 
the Army of the Cumberland encamped around 
the city, that of the Tennessee about East Point, 
and that of the Ohio at Decatur. Atlanta it- 
self was held by Gen. Slocum's (20th) corps. 

Previous to the departure of the cavalry un- 
der Gen. Wheeler, on their raid against the 
railroad communications of Gen. Sherman, as 
mentioned above, the latter had enjoyed a com- 
parative immunity from such demonstrations. 
This was mainly the result of the skilful dis- 
positions which he had made for guarding the 
road between Atlanta and Chattanooga. In 
the latter place he had also wisely accumulated 
a sufficient quantity of stores to render him in 
a measure independent of Nashville, in the 
event of any interruption of travel between the 
two places. He consequently felt little imme- 
diate uneasiness upon hearing of the departure 
of Gen. Wheeler, but rather congratulated him- 
self that he was at a critical moment superior 
to the enemy in cavalry. Gen. Wheeler left 
Atlanta soon after the miscarriage of Gen. 
Stoneman's raid, with a mounted force of six 
thousand men, and moving around to the north- 
east, struck the Western and Atlanta road near 
Adairsville, just midway between Atlanta and 
Chattanooga. Here he succeeded in capturing 
nine hundred beef cattle. He next approached 
the road at Calhoun, nine miles north of Adairs- 
viUe, where he committed some damage, and on 
August 14th made his appearance at Dalton, of 
which place, " to prevent the effusion of blood," 
he demanded the immediate and unconditional 
surrender. Col. Leibold, who held the town 
with five hundred or six hundred men, replied 
that he had "been placed there to defend the 
post, but not to surrender." Apprising Gen. 
Steedman, in command at Chattanooga, of his 
danger, he kept Gen. Wheeler at bay until the 
next day, when reenforcements arrived from 
that place, by whose aid the enemy were driven 
off" in confusion. Gen. Wheeler then passed up 
into East Tennessee, leaving the Federals to 
repair at their leisure the damage he had done, 
and in a few days the railroad was again in 
good running order between Atlanta and Chat- 
tanooga. He subsequently destroyed a con- 
siderable portion of the road between Chat- 
tanooga and Knoxville, and moving west dur- 
ing the latter part of August and first week of 
September, made strenuous eflPorts to inteiTupt 
railroad and telegraph communication between 
Chattanooga and Nashville ; but being pursued 
by Gens. Rousseau, Steedman, and Granger, 
he was speedily driven toward Florence, and 
thence into Northern Alabama. The damage 
committed by him between Chattanooga and 
Atlanta was so slight, that Gen. Sherman, 
writing from the latter place on September 
15th, was enabled to say, " Our roads and tele- 
graphs are all repaired, and the cars run with 
regularity and speed." 

The news of the capture of Atlanta reached 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



545 



"Wasblngton on Sept. 2d, and immediately 
elicited the following expression of thanks 
from President Lincoln : 

ExECUTiTE Mansion. "WAsniNGTON. Sept. 2. 

The national thanks are tendered by the President 
to Maj.-Gen. Sherman and the gallant officers and 
soldiers of his command, before Atlanta, for the dis- 
tinguished ability, courage, and perseverance dis- 
played in the campaign in Georgia, which, under 
Divine Power, resulted in the capture of the city of 
Atlanta. 

The marches, battles, sieges, and other military 
operations that has signalled this campaign, must 
render it famous in the annals of war, and have en- 
titled those who have participated there, to the ap- 
plause and thanks of the Nation. 

(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

Orders were also given for the firing of na- 
tional salutes at the principal arsenals, and the 
11th of September was appointed a day of sol- 
emn national thanksgiving for the signal suc- 
cesses of Gen. Sherman in Georgia, and of Ad- 
miral Farragnt at Mobile. The following is Gen, 
Sherman's congratulatory address to his troops : 
Headquabters Military Division of the Miss., I 
In the Field, Atlanta, (Ja., Sept. 8. ) 
Special Field Orders Av. 68. 

The officers and soldiers of the Armies of the Cum- 
berland, Ohio, and Tennessee, have already received 
the thanks of the nation through its President and 
Commander-in-Chief ; and it now remains only for him 
who has been with you from the beginning, and who 
intends to stay all the time, to thank the officers and 
men for their intelligence, fidelity, and courage dis- 
played in the campaign of Atlanta. 

On the first of May our armies were lying in garri- 
son, seemingly quiet, from Knoxville to Huntsville, 
and our enemy lay behind his rocky-faced barrier at 
Dalton, proud, defiant, and exulting. He had had 
time since Christmas to recover from his discomfiture 
on the Mission Ridge, with his ranks filled, and a 
new commander-in-chief, second to none of the Con- 
federacy in reputation for skill, sagacity, and extreme 
popularity. 

AH at once our armies assumed life and action, and 
appeared before Dalton ; threatening Rocky Face we 
threw ourselves upon Resaca, and the rebel army 
only escaped by the rapidity of its retreat, aided by 
the numerous roads with which he was familiar, and 
which were strange to us. 

Again he took post at AUatoona, but we gave him 
no rest, and by a circuit toward Dallas and subse- 
quent movement to Ackworth, we gained the AUa- 
toona Pass. Then followed the eventful battles 
about Keuesaw, and the escape of the enemy across 
Chattahoochee River. 

The crossing of the Chattahoochee and breaking 
of the Augusta road was most handsomely executed 
by us, ancl will be studied as an example in the art 
of war. At this stage of our game our enemies be- 
came dissatisfied with their old and skilful com- 
mander, and selected one more bold and rash. New 
tactics were adopted. Gen. Hood first boldly and 
rapidly, on the 20th of July, fell on our right at 
Peach Tree Creek, and lost. 

Again, on the 22d, he struck our extreme left, and 
was severely punished ; and finally again, on the 
2Sth, he repeated the attempt on our right, and that 
time he must have been satisfied, for since that date 
he has remained on the defensive. We slowly and 
gradually drew our Hues about Atlanta, feeling for 
the railroads which supplied the rebel army and 
made Atlanta a place of importance. 

We must concede to our enemy that he met these 
efi'orts patiently and skilfully, but at last he made 
the mistake we had waited for so long, and sent his 
cavalry to our rear, far beyond the reach of recall. 
Instantlv our cavalry was on his only remaininor 
"85 



road, and we followed quickly with our principal 
army, and Atlanta fell into our possession as the 
fruit of well-concerted measures, backed by a brave 
and confident army. 

This completed the grand task which had been 
assigned us by our Government, and your General 
again repeats his personal and official thanks to all 
the officers and men composing this army, for the 
indomitable courage and perseverance which alone 
could give success. 

We have beaten our enemy on every ground he 
has chosen, and have wrested from him his own 
Gate City, where were located his foundries, arse- 
nals, and workshops, deemed secure on account of 
their distance from our base, and the seeming im- 
pregnable obstacles intervening. Nothing is impos- 
sible to an army like this, determined to vindicate 
a Government which has rights wherever our flag 
has once floated, and is resolved to maintain them at 
any and all costs. 

In our campaign many, yea, very many of our 
noble and gallant comrades have preceded us to our 
common destination, the grave ; but they have left 
the memory of deeds on which a nation can build a 
proud history. Gens. McPherson, Harker, McCook, 
and others dear to us all, are now the binding links 
in our minds that should attach more closely to- 
gether the living, who have to complete the task 
which still lies before us in the dim future. 

I ask all to continue as they have so well begun the 
cultivation of the soldierly virtues that have enno- 
bled our own and other countries. Courage, pa- 
tience, obedience to the laws and constituted authori- 
ties of our Government ; fidelity to our trusts, and 
good feeling among each other ; each trying to excel 
the other in the practice of those high qualities, and 
it will then require no prophet to foretell that our 
country will in time emerge from this war, purified 
by the fires of war, and worthy its great founder, Wash- 
ington. W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen. Com'ng. 

Upon arriving in Atlanta, Gen, Sherman de- 
termined that the exigencies of the ser\'ice re- 
quired that the place should for the present be 
appropriated exclusively for military purposes, 
and orders "were immediately issued for the 
departure of all civilians, both male and fe- 
male, excepting those in the employment of 
the Government. The following conveys the 
intentions of Gen, Sherman : 

Headquaetees Post op Atlanta, I 
Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 5, 1864 J 
General Order No. 3, 

All families living in Atlanta, the male representa- 
tives of which are in the service of the Confederate 
States, or who have gone south, will leave the city 
within five days. They will be passed through the 
lines and go south. 

All citizens from the North, not connected with 
the army, and who have not authority from Maj.- 
Gen. Sherman or Maj.-Gen. Thomas to remain in 
the city, will leave within the time above mentioned. 
If found within the city after that date, they will be 
imprisoned. 

All male residents of this city, who do not register 
their names with the city Provost-Marshal within 
five days and receive authority to remain here, will 
be imprisoned. WM. COGSWELL, 

Col. Commanding Post. 

A truce of ten days was accordingly pro- 
posed, in a letter from the Federal general to 
Gen. Hood, then encamped near Lovejoy's, to 
which the latter made the following reply : 

Headqttartees Army of the Tennessee, I 
Office Chief of Staff, Sept. 9, IS&l f 
Major-Gen. SJiernian, Comm'g U. S./o?res in Georgia : 
Gi^neral: Your letter of yesterday's date, borne 
by James W. Ball and James R. Crew, citizens of 



546 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Atlanta, is received. You say therein : " I deem it to 
be to the interest of the United States that the citi- 
zens residing in Atlanta should I'emove," etc. I do 
not consider that I have any alternative in the mat- 
ter. I therefore accept your proposition to declare a 
truce of ten days, or such time as may be necessary 
to accomplish the purpose mentioned, and shall ren- 
der all the assistance in my power to expedite the 
transportation of citizens in this direction. 1 suggest 
that a staff officer be appointed by you to superintend 
the removal from the city to Rough and Ready, while 
I appoint a similar officer to control their removal 
further south; that a guard of 100 men be sent by 
either party, as you propose, to maintain order at 
that place ; and that the removal begin next Monday. 

And now, sir, permit me to say that the unprece- 
dented measure you propose, transcends in studied 
and ingenious cruelty all acts ever before brought to 
my attention in the dark history of war. 

In the name of God and humanity I protest, be- 
lieving that )'0u will find you are expelling from their 
homes and firesides the wives and children of a brave 
people. 

I am, General, very respectfullv, your obedient 
servant, J. B. HOOD, General. 

Official : McA. Hdmmett, Lieutenant, etc. 

Accompanying the above letter was one ad- 
dressed to Col. Calhoun, Mayor of Atlanta, as 
follows : 

Headqtjabteks Aemt of the Tennessee, | 
September 9, 1864. f 
Hon. James M. Calhoun, Mayor : 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your letter touching the removal of the citizens of 
Atlanta, as ordered by Gen. Sherman. Please find 
inclosed my reply to Gen. Sherman's letter. I shall 
do all in my power to mitigate the terrible hardships 
and misery that must be brought upon your people 
by this extraordinary order of the Federal com- 
mander. Transportation will be sent to Rough and 
Ready to carry the people and their effects further 
South. 

You have my deepest sympathy in this unlooked 
for and unprecedented affliction. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
J. B. HOOD, General. 

The following is Gen, Sherman's reply to 
Gen. Hood: 

Headquarters MiLrrARY Division of the Mississippi, I 
In tub Field, Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 10, 1864. j 

Oen. J. B. Hood, Commanding Army of the Tennes- 
see, Confederate Armi/ ; 

General : I have the honor to acknowledge the 
receipt of your letter of this date at the hands of 
Messrs. Ball and Crew, consenting to the arrange- 
ments I had proposed to facilitate the removal south 
of the people of Atlanta, who prefer to go in that di- 
rection. I inclose you a copy of my orders, which 
will, I am satisfied, accomplish my purpose perfectly. 
You style the measure proposed "unprecedented," 
and appeal to the dark history of war for a parallel as 
an act of "studied ungenerous cruelty." It is not 
unprecedented ; for Gen. Johnston himself very 
wisely and properly removed the families all the way 
from Dalton down, and I see no reason why Atlanta 
should be excepted. Nor is it necessary to appeal to 
the dark history of war, when recent and modern ex- 
amples are so handy. You, yourself, burned dwell- 
ing-houses along your parapet, and I have seen to- 
day fifty houses that you have rendered uninhabita- 
ble, because they stood in the way of your forts and 
men. 

You defended Atlanta on a line so close to the 
town, that every cannon-shot, and many musket- 
shots from our line of intrenchments, that overshot 
their mark, went into the habitations of women and 
children. Gen. Hardee did the same at Jonesboro, 
and Gen. Johnston did the same, last summer, at 



Jackson, Miss. I have not accused you of heartless 
cruelty, but merely instance those cases of very re- 
cent occurrence, and could go on and enumerate 
hundreds of others, and challenge any fair man to 
judge which of us has the heart of pity for the fami- 
lies of "brave people." I say it is a kindness to 
those families of Atlanta to remove them now at once 
from scenes that women and children should not be 
exposed to ; and the brave people should scorn to 
commit their wives and children to the rude barbo^ 
rians, who thus, as you say, violate the laws of war, 
as illustrated in the pages of its dark history. 

In the name of common sense, I ask you not to ap- 
peal to a just God in such a sacrilegious manner — you 
who, in the midst of peace and prosperity, have 
plunged a nation into civil war, "dark and cruel 
war, who dared and badgered us to battle, insulted 
our flag, seized our arsenals and forts that were left 
in the honorable custody of a peaceful Ordnance 
Sergeant, seized and made prisoners of war the very 
garrisons sent to protect your people against negroes 
and Indians, long before any overt act was committed 
by the "to you hateful Lincoln government, tried 
to force Kentucky and Missouri into the rebellion 
in spite of themselves, falsified the vote of Louisiana, 
turned loose your privateers to plunder unarmed 
ships, expelled Union families by the thousand, burn- 
ed their houses, and declared bj- act of Congress the 
confiscation of all debts due Northern men for goods 
had and received. Talk thus to the marines, but not 
to me who have seen these things, and will this day 
make as much sacrifice for the peace and honor of 
the South as the best-born Southerner among you. 
If we must be enemies, let us be men, and fight it out 
as we propose to-day, and not deal in such hypocriti- 
cal appeals to God and humanity. God will judge me 
in good time, and He will pronounce whether it be 
more humane to fight with a town full of women, and 
the families of a " brave people" at our backs, or to 
remove them in time to places of safety among their 
own friends and people. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen. Com'g. 

The following is the truce agreed upon be- 
tween the two generals : 

Headquarters Military Division, Mississippi, ) 
In the Field, Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 10, 1864. f 

Spicial Field Order No. 70. 

1. Pursuant to an agreement between Gen. J. B. 
Hood, commanding the Confederate forces in Geor- 

fia, and Maj.-Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding this 
.rmy, a truce is hereby declared to exist from day- 
light of Monday, September 12, until daylight of 
Thursday, September 22— ten (10) full days — at a 
point on the Macon Railroad known as Rough and 
Ready, and the country round about for a circle of 
two (2) miles radius, together with the roads leading 
to and from, in the direction of Atlanta and Lovejoy 
station, respectively, for the purpose of affording the 
people of Atlanta a safe means of removal to points 
south. 

2. TheChief Quartermaster at Atlanta, Col. Easton, 
will afford all the citizens of Atlanta who elect to go 
south all the facilities he can spare to remove them, 
comfortably and safely, with their effects, to Rough 
and Ready station, using cars and ambulances lor 
that purpose ; and commanders of regiments and 
brigades may use their regimental and staff teams to 
carry out the object of this order; the whole to cease 
after Wednesday, 21st inst. 

3. Maj.-Gen. Thomas will cause a guard to be 
established on the road out beyond the camp ground, 
with orders to allow all wagons and vehicles to pass 
that are used manifestly for this purpose ; and Maj.- 
Gen. Howard will send a guard of one hundred men, 
with a field officer in command, to take post at Rough 
and Ready during the truce, with orders, in concert 
with a guard from the Confederate army of like size, 
to maintain the most perfect order in tiat vicinity 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



547 



during the transfer of these families. A white flag 
will be displayed during the truce, and a guard will 
cause all wagons to leave at 4 p. m. of Wednesday, the 
21st instant, and the guard to withdraw at dark, the 
truce to terminate the next morning. 

By order of Maj.-Gen. W. T. SHERMAN. 

L. M. Dayton, Aide-de-Camp. 

The civic authorities made a final appeal to 
Geii. Sherman to revoke or modify his order, 
which, with his reply, is here appended : 

Atlanta, Ga., September 11, 1S64. 
Major- General W. T. Sherman: 

Sin: The undersigned. Mayor, and two members 
of Council for the City of Atlanta, for the time being 
the only legal organ of the people of the said city to 
express their wants and wishes, ask leave most 
earnestly but respectfully to petition you to recon- 
sider the order requiring them to leave Atlanta. At 
first view it struck us that the measure would involve 
extraordinary hardship and loss, but since we have 
seen the practical execution of it, so far as it has 
progressed, and the individual condition of many of 
the people, and heard the statements as to the incon- 
venience, loss, and suffering attending it, we are 
satisfied that the amount of it will involve in the ag- 
gregate consequences appalling and heart-rending. 

Many poor women are in an advanced state of preg- 
nancy ; others having young children, whose hus- 
bands, for the greater part, are either in the army, 
prisoners, or dead. Some say: "I have such a one 
sick at my house ; who will wait on them when I am 
gone?" Others say: " What are we to do; we have 
no houses to go to, and no means to buy, build, or 
rent any; no parents, relatives, or friends to go to." 
Another says : "I will try and take this or that arti- 
cle of property; but such and such things I must 
leave behind, though I need them much." We reply 
to them: "Gen. Sherman will carry j^our property 
to Rough and Ready, and then Gen. Hood will take 
it thence on;" and they will reply to that: "But I 
want to leave the railroad at such a place, and can- 
not get conveyance from thence on." 

AVe only refer to a few facts to illustrate, in part, 
how this measure will operate in practice. As you 
advanced, the people north of us fell back, and be- 
fore your arrival here a large portion of the people 
here had retired south ; so that the country south of 
this is already crowded, and without sufficient houses 
to accommodate the people, and we are informed that 
many are now staying in churches and other out- 
buildings. This being so, how is it possible for the 
people still here (mostly women and children) to find 
shelter, and how can they live through the winter in 
the woods? no shelter or subsistence ; in the midst 
of strangers who know them not, and without the 
power to assist them much if they were willing to 
do so. 

This is but a feeble picture of the consequences of 
this measure. You know the woe, the horror, and 
the sufieting cannot be described by words. Im- 
agination can only conceive of it, and we ask you to 
take these things into consideration. We know your 
mind and time are continually occupied with the 
duties of your command, which almost defers us 
from asking your attention to the matter, but thought 
it might be that you had not considered the subject 
in all of its awful consequences, and that, on reflec- 
tion, you, we hope, would not make this people an 
exception to mankind, for we know of no such in- 
stance ever having occurred — surely not in the Uni- 
ted States. And what has this helpless people done, 
that they should be driven from their homes, to 
wander as strangers, outcasts, and exiles, and to 
subsist on charity? 

We do not know as yet the number of people still 
here. Of those who are here, a respectable number, 
if allowed to remain at home, could subsist for sev- 
eral months without assistance; and a respectable 



number for a much longer time, and who might not 
need assistance at any time. 

In conclusion, we most earnestly and solemnly 
petition you to reconsider this order, or modify it, 
and sufier this unfortunate people to remain at home 
and enjoy what little means they have. 

Respectfully submitted, 

JAMES M. CALHOUN, Mayor. 



E. E. Rawson, I ^ ., 

S. C. Wells, \ Councilmen. 



GEN. SHERMAN S REPLY. 

Headquartees Militaet Division or the 1 

Mississippi, in the Field, V 

Atlanta, Ga., September 12, 1864. ) 

James M. Calltoun, Mayor, E. E. Rawson, and S. C. 
Wells, representing Cittj Council of Atlanta : 
Gentlemen : I have your letter of the 11th, in the 
nature of a petition, to revoke my orders removing 
all the inhabitants from Atlanta. I have read it care- 
fully, and give full credit, to your statements of the 
distress that will be o(?casioned by it, and yet shall 
not revoke my order, simply because my orders are 
not designed to meet the humanities of the case, but 
to prepare for the future struggles in which millions, 
yea, hundreds of millions of good people outside of 
Atlanta have a deep interest. We must have Peace, 
not only at Atlanta, hut in all America. To secure 
this we must stop the war that now desplates our 
once happy and favored country. To stop war we 
must defeat the rebel armies that are arrayed against 
the laws and Constitution, which all must respect 
and obey. To defeat these armies we most prepare 
the way to reach them in their recesses provided with 
the arms and instruments which enable us to accom- 
plish our purpose. 

Now, I know the vindictive nature of our enemy, 
and that we may have many years of military opera- 
tions from this quarter, and therefore deem it wise 
and prudent to prepare in time. The use of Atlanta 
for warlike purposes is inconsistent with its character 
as a home for families. There will be no manufac- 
tures, commerce, or agriculture here for the main- 
tenance of families, and sooner or later want will 
compel the inhabitants to go. Why not go now, 
when all the arrangements are completed for the 
transfer, instead of waiting till the plunging shot of 
contending armies will renew the scene of the past 
month? Of course I do not apprehend any such 
thing at this moment, but you do not suppose that 
this army will be here till the war is over. I cannot 
discuss this subject with you fairly, because I cannot 
impart to you what I propose to do, but I assert that 
my military plans make it necessary for the inhabit- 
ants to go away, and I can only renew my ofi"er of 
services to make their exodus in any direction as easy 
and comfortable as possible. You cannot qualify war 
in harsher terms than I will. 

War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it ; and those 
who brought war on our country deserve all the 
curses and maledictions a people can pour out. I 
know I had no hand in making this war, and I know 
I will make more sacrifices to-day than any of _you to 
secure peace. But you cannot have peace and a di- 
vision of our country. If the United States submits 
to a division now, it will not stop, but will go on till 
we reap the f:\te of Mexico, which is eternal war. 
The United States does and must assert its authority 
wherever it has power; if it relaxes one bit to pres- 
sure it is gone, and I know that such is not the na- 
tional feeling. This feeling assumes various shapes, 
but always comes back to that of Union. Once ad- 
mit the Union, once more acknowledge the authority 
of the National Government, and instead of devoting 
your houses, and streets, and roads, to the dread 
uses of war, I, and this army, become at once your 
protectors and supporters, shielding you from danger, 
let it come from what quarter it may. I know that a 
few individuals cannot resist a torrent of error and 
passion such as has swept the South into rebellion ; 
but you can point out, so that we may know those 



548 



MHITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



who desire a Government and those who insist on 
war and its desolation. 

You might as well appeal against the thunder-storm 
as against these terrible hardships of war. Thev are 
inevitable, and the onlv wav the people of Atlanta 
can hope once more to live in peace and quiet at 
home is to stop this war, which can alone be done by 
admitting that it began in error, and is perpetuated 
in pride. We don't want your negroes, or your 
horses, or your land, or anything you have, but we 
do want and will have a just obedience to the laws 
of the United States. That we will have, and if it 
involves the destruction of your improvements we 
cannot help it. You have heretofore read public sen- 
timent in your newspapers, that live by falsehood 
and excitement, and the quicker you seek for truth 
in other quarters, the better for you. 

I repeat, then, that, by the original compact of 
government, the United States had certain rights in 
Georgia, which have never been relinquished and 
never will be ; that the South began war by seizing 
forts, arsenals, mints, custom-houses, &c., &c., long 
before Mr. Lincoln was installed, and before the 
South had one jot ortittle of provocation. I myself 
have seen in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and 
Slississippi, hundreds and thousands of women and 
children fleeing from your armies and desperadoes, 
hungry and with bleeding feet. In Memphis, Yicks- 
burg, and' Mississippi, we fed thousands upon thou- 
sands of the families of rebel soldiers left on our 
hands, and whom we could not see starve. Jfow that 
war comes home to you, you feel very different ; you 
deprecate its horrors, but did not feel them when you 
sentcar-loads of soldiers and ammunition, and mould- 
ed shell and shot, to carry war into Kentucky and 
Tennessee, and desolate the homes of hundreds and 
thousands of good people, who only asked to live in 
peace at their old homes, and under the Government 
of their inheritance. 

But these comparisons are idle. I want peace, and 
believe it can only be reached through Union and 
war ; and I will ever conduct war purely with a view 
to perfect and early success. 



But, my dear sirs, when that peace does come, you 
may call on me for any thing. Then will I share with 
you the last cracker, and watch with you to shield 
your homes and families against danger from every 
quarter. Now you must go, and take with you the 
old and feeble, feed and nurse them, and build for 
them in more quiet places proper habitations to 
shield them against the weather until the mad pas- 
sions of men cool down, and allow the Union and 
peace once more to settle on your old homes at At- 
lanta. Yours in haste, 

W. T SHERMAJ^, Maj.-Gen. ' 

In another commnnication to the Mayor 
Gen. Sherman ordered the latter to announce 
to the citizens : 

The government will furnish transportation south 
as far as Rough and Ready; north, as far as Chatta- 
nooga. All citizens may take their movable property 
with them. Transportation will be furnished for all 
movables. Negroes who wish to do so may go with 
their masters ; other male negroes will be put in 
Government employ, and the women and children 
sent outside the lines. . 

For the purpose of contrihuting to the com- 
fort of those who "were under orders to remove, 
an extension of the truce was subsequently 
obtained. The difficult and delicate task of su- 
perintending the departure of these persons 
was not eifected without charges of cruelty 
and peculation against the Federal officers, with 
which for several weeks the Southern press 
teemed. Gen. Sherman, in a letter of Sept. 25, 
says : " The truth is, that during the truce 446 
families were moved south, making 705 adults, 
860 children, and 470 servants, with 1,651 
pounds of furniture and household goods on the 
average to each family, of which we have a 
perfect recollection by name .ind articles." 



CHAPTER XL. 

Eeorganization of the Army of the Potomac — Plans of Gen. Grant — ^Advance of the Army under Gen. Grant — Crosses the 
Eappahannock — First Day's Battle — Position of the Armies at Night — Bnmside's Eeserve brought on the Field — 
Subseqaent Battles — March to the Left — Battles at Spottsylvania Court House — Thanksgivings at the North — ^Disposal 
of the Wounded. 



The Army of the Potomac, under Gen. 
Meade, in its reorganization was reduced to 
three corps, as stated on previous pages. Maj.- 
Gen. Warren was assigned to the command of 
the 5th army corps. The consolidation of 
divisions and arrangement of brigades was 
made as foUovt^s : The commanding officer of 
the 1st division of the old 5th corps was or- 
dered to consolidate t^e three brigades into 
two brigades, to be designated as the 1st and 
2d brigades, 1st division, 5th army corps. The 
old 2d division, 5th corps, was consolidated 
into one brigade, and designated as the 3d bri- 
gade, 1st division, 5th corps, commanded by 
JBrig.-Gen. R. B. Ayres. The old 3d division, 
5th corps, remained as the new 3d division, 
5th army corps. The 2d brigade of the 3d 
division, 1st army corps, was ti*ansferred to the 



2d division, 1st army corps, and this division 
afterwards designated as the 2d division, 5th 
army corps. The 1st brigade of the 3d division, 
1st army corps, was transferred to the 1st di- 
vision, 1st army corps, and this division after- 
wards designated as the 4th division, 5th army 
corps. The designating flags of the old 3d 
brigade, 1st division, 5th army corps ; of the 
old 2d division, 5th army corps ; of the old 2d 
brigade, 2d division, 5th army corps, and of 
the 3d division, 1st army corps, were ordered to 
be turned in to the corps quartermaster. 

The following was the assignment of general 
officers to commands in the consolidated corps : 

1 — Brig.-Gen. J. S. Wadsworth, commanding 4th 
division. 

2 — Brig. Gen. S. W. Crawford, commanding 3d 
division. 



MILITARY AND ITAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



549 



3 — Brig.-Gea. J. C. Robinson, commanding 2d 
dirision. 

4 — Brig.-Gen. Charles Griffin, commanding 1st 
division. 

5 — Brig.-Gen. S. B. Ayres, commanding 3d brigade, 
1st division. 

6— Brig.-Gen. L. Cutter, commanding 1st brigade, 
4th division. 

7 — Brig.-Gen. Henry Baxter, commanding 2d bri- 
gade, 2d division. 

8 — Brig.-Gen. J. J. Bari^lett, commanding 2d bri- 
gade, 1st division. 

9 — Brig.-Gen. James Barnes, commanding 1st bri- 
gade, 1st division. 

10 — Brig.-Gen. J. C. Rice, commanding 2d brigade, 
ith division. 

The 2d corps was commanded by Maj.-Gen. 
Hancock. The original regiments of the 2d 
corps were consolidated into two divisions, with 
a new assignment of division and brigade com- 
manders. 

The division formerly known as the 1st divi- 
sion of the 3d coi'ps, commanded by Maj.-Gen. 
Birney, was designated as the 3d division of the 
2d corps. The division formerly known as the 
2d di\ision of the 3d corps, to which Brig.-Gen. 
Carr had been assigned as commander, was 
afterwards known as the 4th division of the 2d 
corps. Each of these divisions had been re- 
duced to two brigades. The following was the 
arrangement of divisions and assignment of 
commanders : 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Brig.-Gen. T. C. Bariow. 

First Brigade— Col. N. A. Miles, 61st New York. 

Second Brigade — Col. T. A. Smyth, 1st Delaware 
volunteers. 

Third Brigade— Col. P. Frank, 52d New York. 

Fourth Brigade — Col. J. R. Brooke, 55th Pennsyl- 
vania. 

SECOXD DIVISIOX. 

Brig.-Gen. John Gibbon. 
First Brigade-^Brig.-Gen. A. S. Webb. 
Second Brigade — Brig.-Gen. J. P. Owens. 
Third Brigade— Col. S. S. Carroll, 8th Ohio. 

TSIRD DIVISIOX. 

Maj.-Gen. D. B. Birney. 
First Brigade — Brig.-Gen. J. H. Ward. 
Second Brigade — Brig.-Gen. A. Hayes. 

FOURTH DIVISION'. 

Brig.-Gen. J. B Carr. 
First Brigade — Brig.-Gen. G. Mott. 
Second firigade — Col. W. R. Brewster, 73d New 
York. 

Chief of ArtUlery, Col. Tibball. 

Sixth corps was commanded by Gen. Sedg- 
wick. 

The old 3d division, 6th corps, was broken 
up, one brigade (Shaler's) going to the 1st di- 
vision; the 2d (Wheaton's and Eustis') going 
to the 2d division. The 3d division, 3d corps, 
was transferred to the 6th corps, and Gen. 
Prince was assigned to the command of it. 
The three brigades of this division Avere con- 
solidated into two, under Gen. Russell and Gen. 
Morris. 

FIRST DIVISION'. 

Brig.-Gen. H. G. Wright. 
First Brigade— Bri^. -Gen. A. T. A. Torbett. 
Second Brigade — Col. E. Upton, 121st New York. 
Third Brigade — Col. H. Bnrnham, 5th Maine Tot 
anteers. 
Fourth Brigade — ^Brig.-Gen. A. Shaler. 



SECOND DIVISION. 

Brig.-Gen. G. W. Getty. 
First Brigade — Srig.-Gen. F. Wheaton. 
Second Brigade — Col. L. A. Grant, "Fremont Bri- 
gade." 

Third Brigade— Brig.-Gen. T. H. Neill. 
Fourth Brigade — Brig.-Gen. A. L. Eustis. 

THIRD DIVISION. • 

Brig.-Gen. H. Prince. 
First Brigade — Bri».-Gen. W. H. Morris. 
Second Brig^ade — Brig.-Gen. D. A. Russell. 
Col. C. H. Tompkins, 1st Rhode Island artillery, 
commanding artillery. 

Tlie cavalry corps of this army was placed 
under the command of Gen. P. H. Sheridan, 
previously in service at the West. Brig.-Gen. 
Kilpatrick, ia command of the 3d cavalry di- 
vision, was transferred to the command of the 
cavalry in tlie Army of the Cumberland, under 
Major-Gen. Sherman; Gen. Pleasanton was re- 
lieved from the command of his cavalry corps, 
and ordered to report to Gen. Rosecrans ; Gen. 
Sykes was ordered to report to Gen. Curtis; 
Gen. Newton was ordered to report to Gen. 
Sherman ; Gen. French was ordered to report 
at Philadelphia ; Gen. Meredith was ordered 
to report at Cairo; Gens. Ricketts, Gibbon, 
and Wadsworth, were ordered to report to 
Gen. Meade for assignments to command. 

The following were the addresses of Gens. 
Pleasanton, Newton, and French, on pai'ting 
with their commands : 

Heabquabtees Cavalkt Corps, Abmy of | 
THE PoTOsiAC, Marcli 25, ISW. J 
General Orders No. 14. 

Having been relieved from duty with the Army of 
the Potomac, the regret of separation from the many 
personal associations established in the cavalry corps 
becomes more impressive by the devotion, generos- 
ity, and noble daring that has been exhibited through- 
out one of the most eventful periods in the history 
of the war. The brave seek no higher tribute than 
the confidence of their commander. Your glorious 
deeds testify to the trust you have maintained so 
sacredly. Continue to be animated by the same 
spirit that now guides your colors to victory, and 
you will reap the reward of duty to yourselves, your 
country, and your God. 

A. PLEASANTON, Major-General. 

Headquaetees Fiest Coeps, March 25. 1S64. 

In relinquishing command, I take occasion to ex- 
press the pride and pleasure I have experienced with 
you, and my profound regret at our separation. 

Identified by its services with the history of this 
war, the 1st corps gave at Gettysburg a crowning 
proof of valor and endurance, in saving from the en- 
emy the strong position upon which the battle was 
fought. The terrible losses sufiered by the corp^ on 
the 1st of July, attest its supreme devotion to' the 
(?ountry. Though the the title of the corps may not 
survive the present changes, history will not be si- 
lent upon the maenitude of its services. 

John NEWTON, Major-General. 

HEAD<itrAETEES TniED AeMT C0EP8, ) 

Beandy Station, March 24, 1S64. j 
General Orders No. 26 : 

Having been detached from the Army of the Poto- 
mac, in consequence of its reorganization into three 
corps, I desire to express the personal feelings of 
regret with which the order is received. The con- 
solidation of the corps gives this army greater 
strength. The generals to command them are con- 
spicuous for their gallantry and ability. Only known 
in the department where bullets whistle, there, is a 
strong probability that I may soon meet in the field 



550 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



those brave soldiers with whom I have been so long 
associated with pride and distinction. 

WM. H. FRENCH, Major-Gen. Volunteers. 

The following officers composed the staff of 
Gen. Grant in the field : 

Briff.-Gen. John A. Rawlins, Chief of Staff; Lieut.- 
Col. ■T. S. Bowers, Ass't Adj't Gen.; Lieut.-Col. C. 
B. Comstock, Senior Aide-de-Camp ; Lieut.-Col. 0. 
E.Baca Babcock, Aide-de-Camp; Lieut.-Col. F. T. 
Dent, Aide-de-Camp; Lieut.-Col. Horace Porter, Aide- 
de-Camp ; Lieut.-Col. W. L. Dupp, Ass't Insp.-Gen. ; 
Lieut.-Col. W. R. Rowley, Sec. ; Lieut.-Col. Adam 
Badeau, Sec; Capt. E. S. Parker, Ass't Adj't-Gen. ; 
Capt. George K. Leet, Ass't Adj't-Gen., in charge 
of office at vV ashington ; Capt. P. T. Hudson, Aide- 
de-Camp; Capt. H. W. Jones, Ass't Quartermaster, 
on duty at headquarters ; First-Lieut. Wm. Dunn, 
jr., 83d Indiana volunteers. Acting Aide-de-Camp. 

At the same time the 9th corps of the army, 
at Annapolis, was filled up, partly with color- 
ed troops, and placed under the command of 
Major-Gen. Burnside, its former commander. 

About the 23d of April, this corps moved to 
Washington, were reviewed by President Lin- 
coln, and proceeded to Culpepper Court House, 
and were united to the Army of the Potomac. 

Early in March Major-Gen. Sigel had been 
placed in command of the active forces in the 
Department of Western Virginia, for the pur- 
pose of co5perating with Gen. Grant by way 
of the Shenandoah valley. Those forces were 
largely increased. 

The forces of Major-Gen. Butler, in com- 
mand at Fortress Monroe, were also largely in- 
creased. Major-Gen. W. F. Smith, from the 
Western army, was assigned to the command 
of the 18th corps, and Major-Gen. Q. A. Gill- 
iQoro, from the Department of the South, was 
assigned to the command of the 10th corps. 
Major-Gen. Foster was ordered to the com- 
mand of the Department of the South. He 
had previously been in command in North 
Carolina. 

On the 21st of April the Governors of Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, tendered to the 
President the services of one hundred thou- 
sand men for one hundred days. The object 
of this tender of men, the service in which 
they were to be engaged, and the reasons for 
the same, are fully stated in the following proc- 
lamation of the Governor of Illinois : 
To the people of the State of Illinois : 

On the 21st of April, the Governors of Ohio, Indi- 
ana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, submitted to the 
President of the United States a proposition to fur- 
nish volunteers from their respective States for the 
coming campaigns : . 

War Depaetment, Washington, April 21, 1864 
To the Pre»ulent of the United States : 

First — The Governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and 
Wisconsin, offer to the President infantry troops for the ap- 
proacbins campaign. 

Second — The term of service to be a hundred days, reckon- 
ing from the date of muster into the service of the United 
States, unless sooner discharged. 

Third — The troops to be mustered into the United States 
Bcrvice by regiments, when the regiments are filled up ac- 
cording to regulations to the minimum strength. The regi- 
ments to be organized according to the regulations of tne 
War Department. The whole number to be furnished with- 
in twenty days from date of notice of the acceptance of this 
proposition. 

Foiu-th — The troops to bo clothed, armed, equipped, sub- 



sisted, transported, and paid as other United States infantry 
volunteers, and to serve in fortifications or wherever their 
services may be required, within or without their respective 
States. 

Fifth — No bounty to be paid the troops, nor the service 
charged or credited on any draft. 

Sixth — The draft for three years service to go on in any 
State or district where the quota is not filled up ; but, if any 
oflScer or soldier in the special service should be drafted, ha 
shall be credited for the service rendered. 

JOHN BROUGH, Governor of Ohio. 
O. H. MOKTON, Governor of Indiana. 
EIGH'D TATES, Governor of Illinois. 
W. M. STONE, Governor of Iowa. 
The foregoing proposition of the Governors is accepted, 
and the Secretary of War is directed to carry it into- execu- 
tion. A. LINCOLN. 
Apeil 23d, 1864. 

I shall not set forth the various reasons which in- 
duced the Executive of these States to submit their 
proposition. It will be sufficient for you to know 
that it is evident from the circumstances which sur- 
round us, that the battles which are to decide the 
fate of the country are soon to be fought. The en- 
emy has, during the past winter, been concentrating 
all his stength for the summer campaign which is 
before us. It is of the utmost importance to meet 
them with the greatest force, and with the most over- 
whelming numbers which it is possible to bring to 
bear. 

You are also aware that the country which has al- 
ready been wrested from the grasp of the enemy is 
of vast extent, embracing many States and Territo- 
ries, many thousands of miles of seacoast, and the 
whole length of the Mississippi River, and of most 
of her tributaries, arnl that to hold this country and 
these long lines of sea and river coast requires large 
stationary forces. 

The strongholds, forts, garrisons, cities, and towns, 
situated as they are in the midst of populations which 
are for the most part disloyal, and ready to rise upon 
the withdrawal of our troops, are almost innumer- 
able, and require by far the greater part of our im- 
mense army in their protection and defence. In this 
view of the case, the Executives of the most West- 
ern States believed that the efficiency of the army 
might be immensely increased by a volunteer force, 
to be immediately raised, which shonid occupy the 
points already taken, and release our veteran troops, 
and send them forward to join the main body of the 
army, which is soon to engage the forces of the en- 
emy. It will be apparent also that, while these forces 
are to be employed in fortifications, and at such 
points as the Government may require them now, in 
the future, also, they will place in the hands of the 
States the means to repel invasion from their bor- 
ders, suppress insurrection, and maintain the peace. 

The mode of enlistments, places of rendezvous, 
and all information pertaining to organization, &c., 
will be communicated to you by the adjutant-general 
of the State. 

I make my appeal to the State of Illinois, to re- 
spond to the Government with her full quota of 20,- 
000 men in the next twenty days. Although the 
State has thus far exceeded her quota under all calls 
by so many thousands, I doubt not she will stand 
ready to strengthen the arm of the Government in 
this trying hour, and that she will send this timely 
necessary relief to her gallant sons now in the field, 
and who have so distinguished her proud name upon 
every battle-field of the war. It is confidently hoped 
that by the timely aid which may thus be given our 
veteran army, the last blow may be given this wick- 
ed rebellion, and the Government reestablished, the 
Union restored, and all the blessings of a stable and 
lasting peace secured. 

Though in the North and in the South the notes 
of preparation for the conflict fill the land, yet for 
the first time have I fully seen the beginning of the 
end of this frightful war. All that is now required is, 
that the Government put forth its power at the nght 
time, and in the right place. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOPwY OF THE REBELLION. 



551 



The people of Illinois have confidence in her sons, 
and in the great commander, Gen. Grant, whom she 
has given to the country, as well as in the armies 
under his command. Let us do all in our power to 
uphold and strengthen their arms. 

Glorious Illinois, in every period of this war you 
have done your duty. The shining achievements of 
your sons are the admiration of the world. In this 
most eventful hour you will not fail. 

EICHARD YATES, Governor. 

The address of the Governor of Indiana was 
as follows : 

ExECinivB Department, Indianapolis, April 23,1864. 
To the -people of Indiana : 

The Governors of Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, 
and Indiana, have ofl'ered to raise for the service of 
the General Government eighty-five thousand men for 
the period of one hundred days, to perform such 
military service as may be required of them in any 
State. They will be armed, subsisted, clothed, and 
paid by the United States, but receive no bounty. 
They will be mustered into the service of the United 
States for the period designated, the time to com- 
mence from the date of muster. 

The importance of making the approaching cam- 
paign successful and decisive is not to be over-esti- 
mated, and I feel confident that this call will be 
promptly and fully responded to. 

I need not enter into the reasons which have in- 
duced the making of this offer, and its acceptance 
by the Government, as they will be suggested to all 
by the condition and position of our military afiiairs. 

I therefore call for twenty thousand volunteers, to 
rendezvous at such places as may be hereafter desig- 
nated, and to be organized under instructions given 
by the Adjutant-General. Existing organizations of 
the Indiana Legion, offering their services, will be 
preserved when the regiment or company is filled to 
the minimum number, under the regulations govern- 
ing the army of the United States. 

0. P. MORTON, Governor of Indiana. 

The following order was issued in Ohio: 

CoLUMBirs, April, 24th, 1864. 
General Orders No. 12. 

The regiments, battalions, and independent compa- 
nies of infantry d( the National Guard of Ohio are 
hereby called into active service for the term of one 
hundred days, unless sooner discharged. They will 
be clothed, armed, equipped, transported, and paid 
by the United States Government. These organiza- 
tions will rendezvous at the nearest eligible places in 
their respective counties, the place to be fixed by the 
commanding officer, and to be on a line of railroad 
where practicable, on Monday, May 2, 1864, and re- 
port by telegraph to these headquarters at four 
o'clock p. M. of the same day the number of men 
present for duty. The alacrity with which all calls 
ibr the military forces of the State have been hereto- 
fore met, furnishes the surest guarantee that the Na- 
tional Guard will be prompt to assemble at the ap- 
pointed time. Our armies in the field are marshalling 
for a decisive blow, and the citizen soldiery will share 
the glory of the crowning victories of the campaign, 
by relieving our veteran regiments from post and 
garrison duty, to allow them to engage in the more 
arduous labor of the field. By order of the Governor, 
B. R. COWEN, Adjutant-General of Ohio. 

The plan of Gen. Grant was more compre- 
hensive than the mere capture of the city of 
Richmond. His purpose was to secure the 
machinery of the Confederate Government, 
and to destroy the army of Gen. Lee. Other 
movements were therefore necessary in con- 
nection with the one made under his own 
direction. The first of these was to be made 
by Gen. Sigel up the Shenandoah Valley toward 



Staunton with the view of taking possession of 
the Virginia Central Railroad, and ultimately 
holding Lynchburg on the Virginia and Ten- 
nessee Railroad. The next of these movements 
was to be made by Gen. Averill moving toward 
the same great railroad with the design of 
striking it near Salem or Wytheville. The 
next was to be made by Gen, Crook moving 
with a strong force and abundant supplies from 
Charleston, Va., toward Dublin Depot (New- 
bern), on the same railroad. The remaining 
movement on the west was to be made up the 
eastern side of the Big Sandy River, toward 
Abingdon, on the same railroad. It was in- 
tended that these difi"erent forces should strike 
the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad about the 
same time, at Abingdon, "Wytheville, Dublin 
Depot, and Staunton, and should afterwards 
unite centrally west of Lynchburg, and march 
against that town. This combined movement 
comprehended a large aggregate of forces, to 
wit: 12,000 men by the Big Sandy route, un- 
der Gen. Burbridge ; 4,000 under Gen. Crook, 
moving from the lower Kanawha ; 2,500 cav- 
alry under Gen. Averill, from northwest Vir- 
ginia, and the army of Gen. Sigel, numbering 
nearly 12,000. 

On the south side of Richmond it was in- 
tended by Gen. Grant to capture and hold 
Petersburg by a heavy force, under the com- 
mand of Gen. B. F. Butler. Thus holding 
Petersburg and Lynchburg, all southern com- 
munication with Richmond would be cut off. 
The progress and results of these respective 
cooperating movements will be stated on a sub- 
sequent page. 

On the 3d of May Gen. Meade issued the 
following address to the army : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, May 8, 18M. 

SolCiers : Again you are called upon to advance 
on the enemies of your country. The time and the 
occasion are deemed opportune by your Command- 
ing-General to address you a few words of confidence 
and caution. You have been reorganized, strength- 
ened, and fully equipped in every respect. You form 
a part of the several armies of your country — the 
whole under an able and distinguished general, who 
enjoys the confidence of the Government, the people, 
and the army. Your movement being in cooperation 
with others, it is of the utmost importance that no 
effort should be spared to make it successful. 

Soldiers ! The eyes of the whole country are look- 
ing with anxious hope to the blow you are about to 
strike in the most sacred cause that ever called men 
to arms. Remember your homes, your wives, and 
children ; and bear in mind that the sooner your ene- 
mies are overcome the sooner you will be returned to 
enjoy the benefits and blessings of peace. Bear with 
patience the hardships and sacrifices you will be 
called upon to endure. Have confidence in your oflS- 
cers and in each other. 

Keep your ranks on the march and on the battle- 
field, and let each man earnestly implore God's bless- 
ing, and end&avor by his thoughts and actions to 
render himself worthy of the favor he seeks. With 
clear conscience and strong arms, actuated by a high 
sense of duty, fighting to preserve the Government 
and the institutions handed down to us by our fore- 
fathers, if true to ourselves, victory, under God's 
blessing, must and will attend our efibrts. 

GEORGE G. MEADE, Maj.-Gen. Com' ding. 

S. Williams, Ass't Adj. Gen. 



552 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



On the same day camp was broken up, and 
with six days' rations the army was put in mo- 
tion in hght marching order. About 2 p. m. 
the division of cavah-y commanded by Gen. 
Gregg, with a part of the canvas pontoon train, 
moved toward Richardsville and were engaged 
till late at night in repairing the roads to Ely's 
Ford. Soon after midnight a crossing was 
prepared by throwing two bridges over to the 
south shore. At the same time Gen. Wilson, 
in command of the 3d cavalry division, advanced 
to Germania Ford, eight miles above, and there 
prepared another bridge with canvas pontoons. 
About midnight the 2d corps, under Maj.-Gen. 
Hancock, began to move down the Stevensburg 
and, Richardsville road to Ely's Ford. The 
entire corps were on the march before 3 A. m., 
and crossed soon after daylight. At the same 
time the 5th corps, under Maj.-Gen. Warren, be- 
gan to move. The advance, consisting of two 
divisions of infantry and a portion of artillery, 
passed through Stevensburg soon after mid- 
night, .closely followed by the remainder of the 
corps, and destined to Germania Ford. This 
corps was closely followed by the 6th corps, un- 
der Maj.-Gen. Sedgwick, which left its camp at 
4 A. M. It was the forces at Culpepper Court 
House which moved by the old plank road and 
crossed at Germania Ford; Those at Brandy 
Station, Oatlett's, &c., on the Alexandria rail- 
road, moved by the old turnpike, crossing the 



Rappahannock at Ely's Ford, four miles below 
the junction of the Rapidan and the Rappahan- 
nock rivers. Germania Ford is about twelve 
miles and Ely's Ford about four miles fi-om 
Ohancellorsville. Orange Court House is about 
twenty-seven miles and Wilderness Tavern 
about twenty-two miles from Ohancellorsville. 
From points between Chancellorsville and Wil- 
derness Tavern, roads lead to Gordonsville, 
Louisa Court House and Frederick's Hall, on 
the Virginia Central RaOroad, in distances 
varying from twenty to thirty miles. From 
these places there are good roads leading direct 
to Richmond, which is distant between forty- 
two and fifty-four miles ; and also good roads 
to Hanover Junction. 

The crossing Avas effected during the day 
by these three corps without opposition. 
The pickets of the enemy withdrew quietly 
from the river, and the cavalry of Gen. 
Gregg advanced toward Chancellorsville with- 
out finding the enemy anywhere in force. 
Gen. Wilson's cavalry moved up the road to 
Parker's store, toward Orange Court House, 
the position of the enemy. Tlie infantry 
and artillery followed in the direction of 
Chancellorsville and the Wilderness. The 2d 
corps camped on the old battle-field at Chan- 
cellorsville ; the 5th at the old Wilderness 
Tavern, and the 6th at the Tavern and at Ger- 
mania Ford. 




MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF TEE REBELLION. 



553 



The 9tli corps, under Gen. Burnside, was en- 
camped at Warrenton. On May 1st lie issued 
the following address to his troops : 

IIeadquaktees Qth Aemt Corps, ) 
Waerenton Junction, Va., May 1, 1S64. j" 

The General commanding publishes the following 
instructions to the men just entering the service of 
the country. He expects that every old soldier who 
has learned their value by experience, will join in 
impressing their importance on those who are now 
to share with him the honor of a soldier's life. 

On the march no soldier should quit the ranks, on 
any pretence whatever, without permission of his 
commanding officer. The army is about to move 
into the country of an active enemy, with no fiiendly 
force behind or near it, and every straggler runs the 
risk of Libby Prison or a bullet. 

No soldier should leave camp without his musket ; 
nor, on any consideration, whether on the march or in 
action, take off the haversack, canteen, or cartridge- 
box. 

He should sleep with his arms within reach. 

Washing the feet at night, soaping the stockings, 
and greasing the shoes will prevent toot-soreness. 

Cavalry and artillery should husband their forage. 
Every soldier should endeavor to make his rations 
hold out longer than the time for which they were 
issued. A little saving may save a day's starving. 
It is well to make little bags, or some secure pack- 
ages, for coffee, salt, and sugar. If mixed in the 
haversack they become worthless. 

Blankets and overcoats should never be thrown 
away, no matter how tired or hot one may be. Cold 
nights follow hot days. The chief point in health 
and comfort is to sleep warm. At the same time 
the recruit should not overload his knapsack ; by 
endeavoring to carry many comforts he may be com- 
pelled to throw away all. 

He should never waste a caj'tridge nor a cap ; the 
time may come when every one will tell. 

When on picket duty he must remember that the 
safety of the whole army may depend upon his vigi- 
lance. He should observe and report every unusual 
sound. If attacked he must remember that a cool 
and determined party, acting on the defensive and 
properly protecting themselves, can keep at bay 
many times their number, and thus give time to their 
comrades to form and come to their support. 

In action he should keep cool, not loading in haste, 
bnt tearing the cartridge and pouring in all the pow- 
der before* putting in the ball. He should aim de- 
liberately, aim low, and pull the trigger slowly. One 
shot in five minutes, well aimed, is better than five 
in a minute without aim. 

He should never leave the ranks to carry oflF the 
wounded without permission of his officer; the 
ambulance attendants will take care of them, and 
he must feel that his first duty is to stand by his com- 
rades in the fight. 

Spies and persons in citizen's dress found lurking 
in our lines with hostile intent, should be immedi- 
ately turned over to the Provost Guard. 

Prisoners of war, wounded or not, should be treated 
with that soldierly kindness and consideration which 
the 9th corps has always honorably shown, and which 
Is due to an open enemy. 

The General Commanding desires to express to the 
9th corps that he feels the same confidence in them 
now that he has ever felt in times past, and has ever 
found just cause for feeling. He believes that they 
will do their duty thoroughly and heartily on all oc- 
casions and under all circumstances. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. BURNSIDE. 

Edward M. Nbill, Ass't Adj. -Gen. 

Acting as a reserve upon the advance of the 
army Gen. Burnside followed to the banks of 
the Rapidan, but did not cross over. 

The army of Gen. Lee consisted of three corps 



under Lieut.-Gens, Longstreet, A. P. Hill, and 
Ewell, and occupied a position around Orange 
Court House, south of Culpepper Court House. 

The plan of Lieut.-Gen. Grant in his advance 
upon Richmond was to follow a line nearly cor- 
responding to the route of the Fredericksburg 
and Richmond railroad, making his base at 
Aqiiia Creek. For this purpose he moved down 
the right of the position of Gen. Lee, and was 
prepared either to accept a battle from him on 
the Rapidan or to continue his march to Spott- 
sylvania Court House. But Gen. Lee would, 
not consent to be outflanked, and ultimately 
endanger his railroad communication with 
Richmond. He, therefore, prepared to resist 
the progress of Licut.-G^n. Grant, and com- 
menced a rapid movement of his forces par- 
allel with the course of the river. Lieut.-Gen. 
Longstreet's corps started from Gordonsville, 
Lieut.-Gen Hill took the plank road, and Lieut.- 
Gen Ewell the old turnpike which joins the 
plank. The two latter arrived in front of Lieut.- 
Gen. Grant's forces on Thursday morning. 
Early on that morning his foi-ces began to 
move. The 5th corps, under Maj.-Gen. War- 
ren, advanced from its position near Wilderness 
Tavern along the roads leading to Orange 
Court House, five miles to Parker's Store. It 
is here that the Germania Ford road debouches 
into the old turnpike. This point is in Spottsyl- 
vania county, about eight miles above Chan- 
cellorsville, and twenty below Orange Court 
House. The whole face of the country in that 
neighborhood is thickly covered with an under- 
growth of field pines, cedars, and scrub oaks, 
and therefore utterly unfit for the use of cav- 
alry or artillery. Maj.-Gen. Sedgwick with the 
6th corps was to follow, and Maj.-Gen. Hancock 
with the 2d corps was to stretcla southwesterly 
from Chancellorsville toward Shady Grove 
Church. Gen. Sheridan covered the extreme 
left beyond Maj.-Gen. Hancock, with the ob- 
ject of finding the enemy's cavalry under Gen. 
Stuart. The effect of these movements was to 
bring Maj.-Gen. Sedgwick on the right, Maj.- 
Gen. Hancock on the left, and Maj.-Gen. War- 
ren in the centre of the line extending nearly 
five miles. The centre was thrown a little for- 
ward, the wings not having reached the best 
position, and then the action commenced. 

At noon. Gen. Griffin, whose advance had 
been driven in, was ordered to push the 1st di- 
vision of the 5th corps out to the right and left 
of the turnpike and feel the enemy. An ad- 
vance of less than a mile, stretching across the 
turnpike, brought them in contact with the 
enemy under Lieut.-Gen. Ewell, posted on a 
wooded declivity. A sharp engagement ensued 
for an hour, when the pressure of the enemy 
could no longer be resisted. Gen. Griffin's di- 
vision was driven back, leaving two pieces of 
artUlery in the enemy's hands. The 4th divi- 
sion, under Gen. Wadsworth, and the 2d, under 
Gen. Robinson, now advanced, relieving Gen. 
Griflan, and holding the enemy in check. The 
Federal loss was about one thousand men. 



554 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



The next movement of the enemy was to 
press between the corps of Gens. Warren and 
Hancock on the left centre. Here the contest 
commenced about 3 p. m. In anticipation of 
this movement Gen. Hancock's advance had 
been checked, and his corps was rapidly moving 
to close the gap between it and the centre. 
One division of the 6th corps, under Gen. Getty, 
had been detached and moved to the left, taking 
position on the right of the Orange Court House 
plank road. The advance, consisting of the 1st 
brigade of the 2d division of the 2d corps, had 
scarcely formed a junction with Gen. Getty, 
when the enemy, belonging to Lieut.-Gen. 
Hill's corps, made a powerful attack upon them. 
The position was held with the utmost obstina- 
cy, iteanwhile the remainder of Gen. Han- 
cock's corps arrived and attacked on the ene- 
my's front and right. The divisions of Gens. 
Birney, Barlow, and Gibbons, took an active 
part, and the contest became exceedingly bloody. 
Such was the nature of the undergrowth that 
there was little opportunity to use artillery. 
The furious fire of the enemy's musketry was 
seldom surpassed. Aft^r the contest had stub- 
bornly continued for two hours, a portion of 
Gens. "Wadsworth's and Robinson's divisions of 
the 5th, moved out to turn the flanks of Gen. 
Hill's corps. The contest continued here until 
late in the night, and closed with a loss of a 
thousand killed and wounded, among whom 
was Gen. Alexander Hayes. The eflort of the 
enemy to penetrate the left centre failed. 

On the right the fighting commenced with an 
attack by Gen. Sedgwick, who advanced his 
line. In the afternoon the enemy advanced to 
drive him back, during which they made a des- 
perate efibrt to turn his right. In this extremi- 
ty he sent a request to Gen. Burnside, who 
had that day crossed over, to close up and as- 
sist him. At this time the attack of the enemy 
was repulsed, but near nightfall it was renewed 
again with great vigor. A most desperate en- 
gagement ensued, which continued until two 
hours after dark, when the indecisive conflict 
closed. Three hundred of the enemy had been 
taken prisoners, and they in turn claimed the 
capture of a thousand during the day. 

The following is Gen. Lee's despatch : 

Headqiiakters .\rmt Northern Yikginia, May 5, 1854 
Hon. Secretary of War ; 

The enemy crossed the Rapidan at Ely's and Ger- 
mania Fords. Two corps of this army moved to op- 
pose him, Ewell's by the old turnpike and Hill's by 
the plank road. They arrived this morning in close 
proximity to the enemy's line of march. A strong 
attack was made upon Ewell, who repulsed it, cap- 
turing many prisoners and four pieces of artillery. 

The enemy subsequently concentrated upon Gen. 
Hill, who with his and Wilcox's divisions, success- 
fully resisted the repeated and desperate assaults. 
A large force of cavalry and artillery on our right 
were driven back by Rossan's brigade. By the bless- 
ings of God, we maintained our position against every 
effort until night, when the combat closed. We have 
to mourn the loss of many brave officers and men. 

Gallant Brig.-Gen. J. M. Jones was killed, and Gen. 
Stafford, I fear, mortally wounded, while leading his 
command with conspicuous valor. R. E. LEE. 



No despatch was sent from Lieut.-Gen. Grant. 

During the day the 9th corps, under Gen. 
Burnside, had come upon the field after a forced 
march. It was disti-ibuted as occasion required 
on the right, right centre and left centre. The 
Federal line continued substantially as during 
the day, stretching northwest and southeast, 
nearly parallel to a line from Germania Ford to 
Chancellorsville. Gen. Grant had thus been 
successful in covering the fords by which all his 
teams were yet to pass, and which it was abso- 
lutely necessary to keep open in order to pre- 
serve his line of communication, and which 
were threatened by the rapid and bold move- 
ment of Gen. Lee from west to east. 

On the next day, Friday, May 6th, the battle 
consisted of a succession of fierce attacks made 
by each side. Both had more or less intrench- 
ed their positions by felling timber and cover- 
ing it with earth, or with slight earthworks. 
An advance had been ordered on the right, at 
5 A. M., by Gen. Grant, but before it took place 
the firing of the pickets had commenced and 
increased until six o'clock, when the engage- 
ment became general. The interval of ground 
between the opposing lines was fought over in 
some places as many as four or five times, the 
combatants driving each other in turn from the 
opposite lines of rifle-pits. Gen. Seymour with 
a provisional division on the extreme right, and 
Gen. Wright's 1st division of the 6th corps, 
next adjoining, were first engaged, and Gen. 
Ricketts' was next involved. An effort made 
on the part of the enemy to flank was repelled, 
and the line pushed a few hundred yards ahead, 
but witliout any decisive advantage. At 8 and 
half-past 10 o'clock the right was again pressed 
by the enemy. The firing at each period extend- 
ed all along the line. The efforts of the enemy 
appeared to be intended to break through the 
separate corps. The gaps, however, were closed 
by the 9th corps. Earthworks were thrown up 
whenever and wherever practicable, and proved 
to be of invaluable service. On the left the en- 
gagem'ent commenced at the same time as on 
the right. Gen. Hancock pressed the enemy 
some distance, until being reenforced they held 
their ground. Soon a severe assault was again 
made on the left, followed up along the line 
with such vigor as nearly to involve the whole 
in confusion. Reenforcements from Gen. Burn- 
side checked the advance of the enemy, and re- 
lieved the left and centre. Before noon Gen. 
Wadsworth, commanding the 4th division of 
the 5th corps was shot in the forehead and 
instantly killed. 

At noon the contest was comparatively sus- 
pended, and Gen. Grant concentrated his lines, 
interposing the greater part of Gen. Burnsidc's 
corps between Gens. Warren and Hancock, 
The left was also brought forward a little tow- 
ard the centre from the Brock Road, to which 
it had been driven. These movements had 
hardly been completed when the forces of Gens. 
Longstreet and Hill renewed the attack on the 
left and centre with great fury, and drove theni 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



555 



back. The fight "was fiercest at the junction 
of these two corps and Gen. Crawford's 3d di- 
vision of the 5th corps. Gen. Oarr's 4th divi- 
sion of the 2d corps, and Gen. Stevenson's 
division of the 9th corps, suifered the most 
heavily. The latter division being on Gen. 
Hancock's right gave way, and the enemy 
rushed through the gap. Their advance was 
checked by an attack on the flank by Gen. Car- 
rol's brigade of Gen. Hancock's corps, and they 
retired with much loss. The centre and left 
then recovered their former position. 

Toward night the battle was renewed on the 
right. The assault of the enemy was sudden 
and furious, and the 2d brigade of the 3d 
division, under Gen. Seymour, on the extreme 
right, was panic-stricken, and, with Gen. Sha- 
ler's brigade, were overwhelmed and their com- 
manders captured. Gen. Seymour had taken 
command of this brigade only on the previous 
night, and did every thing that skill and braveiy 
could effect. The whole right wing, if not the 
whole army, was now in peril. Gen. Sedgwick, 
however, rallied and held his troops, thus sav- 
ing the army from the threatened destruction. 
The enemy, not perceiving the havoc which 
they had made, or not knowing the condition 
of the right wing, and exhausted Avith the se- 
vere eft'orts of the day, retired in the darkness 
which now prevailed. No further eftort was 
made to cut off the army from Germania Ford, 
even when it was nearly successful. The loss 
on the right wing was about 6.000, of which 
4,000 occurred during this assault of the enemy. 
The total of the two days' battles was estimated 
at 15,000. Among the killed Avere Gens. Hayes, 
Wadsworth, and Webb of Gen. Grant's army. 
Of the enemy's. Gens. Jones, Jenkins, and 
Pickett were killed, and Gens. Longstreet, 
Pegram, and Hunter severely wounded. Gen. 
Longstreet was struck in the neck below the 
Adam's apple. The ball passed along the clav- 
icle, fracturing it, and came out on the shoul- 
der, cutting some important nerves of the arm. 
He was unable to take the field until near the 
close of the year. 

At the close of the day both armies held 
substantially the same line as on the previous 
evening, and the intervening space was occupied 
by the dead and wounded. Gen. Grant had 
strengthened his left, and during the night prep- 
arations were made to strengthen the right, 
and to repair the disaster on that flank. 

During these two days Gen. Grant's cavalry 
had occupied a position covering tlie rear and 
left, and prevented flanking movements by the 
cavalry of the enemy. On Friday, as Gen. 
Hancock's corps advanced to battle, the enemy 
charged and captured several hundred of the 
18th Pennsylvania cavalry. 

On Saturday, the 7th, brisk skirmishing en- 
sued along the lines. Gen. Gordon's brigade 
of the enemy cut off the communication of 
Gen. Sedgwick with Germania Ford, and 
the latter was withdrawn toward Wilderness 
Tavern. Gen. Burnside's corps was moved out 



on the road to Spottsylvania Court House. 
It was evident in the afternoon that Gen. 
Lee was withdrawing his main force to- 
ward Spottsylvania Court House, and or- 
ders were issued to the surgeons in charge of 
the hospitals to remove their sick and wounded 
to Ely's Ford, and the supply trains were or- 
dered to move in the night to the vicinity of 
Todd's tavern. Subsequently Fredericksburg 
was occupied by some of Gen. Grant's forces, 
and made a depot for the wounded and a basis 
for supplies. 

The following despatches were sent by Gen. 
Lee to Richmond : 

HEABQlfARTEKS AbMT NORTHEKN VIRGINIA. ( 

May 7, 1864—8 P. M. ) 
Honorable Secretary of War : 

Gen. Gordon turned the enemy's extreme right 
yesterday evening and drove him from his rifle-pits. 
Among the prisoners captured are Gens. Seymour 
and Shaler. A number of arms were also taken. 
The enemy has abandoned the Germania Ford road 
and moved his pontoon bridge toward Ely's. There 
has been no attack to-day — only sHght skirmishing 
along the line. (Signed) R. E. LEE. 

Headquaktijiis Army Nortueek Virginia, May 8. 
Honorable Secretary of War : 

The enemy have abandoned their position and are 
marcmng toward Fredericksburg. I am moving on 
the right flank. (.Signed) R. E. LEE. 

During the afternoon a battle took place be- 
tween the cavalry. The loss was about two 
hundred and fifty on each side. At dark the 
2d corps began to move by. way of Brock's 
road, followed by the 5th corps on the same 
route. Gens. Burnside and Sedgwick moved 
on the old Chancellorsville road, and arrived on 
the field near Spottsylvania at noon on Sunday. 
Gen. Warren reached a point about three miles 
from Spottsylvania Court House, after march- 
ing all of Saturday night. About the same 
time Gen. Ewell's corps, with a portion of Gen. 
Longstreet's, had arrived. A sharply-con- 
tested action ensued in a field to the left of the 
Brock road, which stretched away to the east, 
toward the Spottsylvania and Fredericksburg 
road. The country was rolling, and dotted 
here and there with thick groves of pine and 
cedar for the distance of a mile from the point 
where the Wilderness terminates in the open 
country. A contest between cavalry had taken 
place in front of Gen. Warren, and some artil- 
lery was seen, but it was inaccurately reported 
that there was no infantry. As the advance 
of Gen. Warren passed down the road, shells 
were thrown at it with great activity, and the 
enemy fell back, making only a slight resistance. 
On reaching a triangular clearing knuwn as 
Alsop's farm, of a hundred acres, tlie artillery 
of the enemy Avas found to be stationed there. 
Beyond the clearing was Ny Run, a small streajn 
affording no obstacle to the advance of ti:oops. 
The wooded ground rises beyond in ridges. 
The Union batteries were stationed to the right, 
commanding those of the enemy. The infantry 
advanced through the clearing and came upon 
three lines of the enemy, the hist of which was 
behind earthworks. Here the struggle took 



556 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



place with the greatest violence, and continued 
some houi-s, during which Gen. Warren held 
his ground. In the afternoon a brigade of the 
6th corps came to his assistance, and the enemy 
were driven from their position. The Federal 
loss was thirteen hundred. Many officers were 
wounded, among whom was Gen. Robinson, 
who was shot in the knee. Several brigades 
lost their commanders, and the 4th Michigan 
was finally commanded by a first lieutenant. 
The 1st Michigan, two hundi-ed strong, came 
out of the fight with twenty-three men. The 
day was intensely hot, and many sufi'ered from 
sun-stroke. 

Monday was comparatively quiet in the 
morning, followed by cannonading and skir- 
mishing, but no general battle. While super- 
intending the mounting of artillery. Gen. 
Sedgwick was kiUed by a ball from a sharp- 
shooter entering his head. The centre of the 
the line formed on Sunday was held by Gen. 
Warren, with the 2d corps. Gen. Hancock, on 
the right, and the 6th corps. Gen. Wright, lately 
Gen. Sedgwick, on the left. Toward night, 
on Monday, Gen. Grant ordered another ad- 
vance on the enemy. The right, with Gens. 
Birney's and Gibbon's divisions in advance, 
followed by Gen. Carroll's brigade, crossed 
over to the south bank of a branch of the Po 
River. Here a severe battle with both infantry 
and artillery ensued. Each side alternately 
charged. At night the enemy held Spottsyl- 
vania Court House, and Gen. Hancock slowly 
retired his corps, after suftering heavy losses. 
During the day an attack, directed on Gen. 
Wilcox's division of the 9th corps, was met 
and repulsed. 

The following despatches from Mr, Stanton, 
the Secretary of War, relative to the preceding 
operations, were sent to the public press : 

Washington, May 8—^ a. m. 
To Gen. John A. Dix, New York : 

We have no official reports from the front; 
but the Medical Director has notified the Surgeon 
General that our wounded were being sent to Wash- 
ington, and will number from six to eight thousand. 

The Chief Quartermaster of the army of the Poto- 
mac has made requisition for seven days' grain, and 
for railroad construction trains, and states that the 
enemy is reported to be retiring. This indicates 
Gen, 'Grant's advance, and affords an inference of 
material success on our part. 

The enemy' s strength has always been most felt in 
his first blows, and his eSbrts having failed, and our 
forces, not only having maintained their ground, but 
preparing to advance, lead to the hope of full and 
complete success ; for when either party falls back, 
disorganization by straggling and desertion com- 
mence, and the enemy's loss in killed and wounded 
must weaken him more than we are weakened. Noth- 
ing later than my last night's despatch has been re- 
ceived from Gen. Butler. 

A despatch from Gen. Sherman, dated at 5 o'clock 
p. M. Yesterday, states that Gen. Thomas had occu- 
pied 'Tunnel Hill, where he expected a battle, and 
that the enemy had taken position at Buzzard Roost 
Pass, north of Dalton. Skirmishing had taken place, 
but no real fighting. 

Nothing later from Gen. Banks. 

You may give such publicity to the information 
transmitted to you as you deem proper. 



It is designed to give accurate official statements 
of what is known to the department in this great 
crisis, and to withhold nothing from the public. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

Washington, May 8 — 5 p. m. 
Ma}. -Gen. John A. Dix, New Yorlc : 

We are yet without any official despatches from the 
Army of the Potomac, except those referred to this 
morning from the Medical Director and Chief Quar- 
termaster, and nothing additional has been received 
by the Department from any other source. It is be- 
lieved that no fighting took place yesterday. 

A part of the wounded arrived in ambulances this 
morning at Rappahannock Station, and are on the 
way in by railroad. The Department will probably 
receive despatches by that train, which will arrive to- 
night. 

A despatch from Gen. Butler, just received, and 
which left him yesterday, states that a demonstra- 
tion had been made by his forces on the railroad be- 
tween Petersburg and Richmond, and had succeeded 
in destroying a portion of it, so as to break the con- 
nection ; that there had been some severe fighting, 
but that he had succeeded. He heard from a rebel 
dfeserter that Hunter was dangerously wounded 
Pickett also, and Jones and Jenkins were killed. 

Nothing further has been heard from Gen. Sherman. 
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

Washington, May 9—10:45 a. ii. 
Mai.- Gen. John A. Dix: 

We have intelligence this morning, by agents direct 
from the army, as late as Saturday evening, but no 
official reports. The general result may be estimated 
as a success to our arms. 

The fighting on Friday was the most desperate 
known in modern times. 

I deeply regret to say that the country will have to 
mourn the death of that accomplished soldier, Brig.- 
Gen. Wadsworth, who was struck in the forehead by 
a ball, at the head of his command, while leading 
them against one of the enemy's strongest positions. 
His remains are in our hands in charge of Col. 
Sharpe. Gen. Webb was wounded. . Gen. Jones, of 
the rebel army, was killed. 

The condition of our army is represented to be 
most admirable. Their cool, determined courage, has 
in every instance proved too much for the desperate 
fury of the rebels, who have been driven at all points. 
There has been no straggling. 

At the latest accounts Hancock was pushing for- 
ward rapidly, by the left, to Spottsylvania Court 
House, and yesterday heavy cannonading was heard 
at Aquia Creek from that direction. 

We have lost some prisoners. One regiment, the 
7th Pennsylvania reserves, charged through an abatis 
of the enemy, but were unable to get bacK, and most 
of them were captured. We have also taken a large 
number of prisoners, supposed to be more than we 
lost. The wounded had not yet arrived at the point 
where the trains were to receive them. The Medical 
Director reports that a large proportion are slightly 
wounded. Artillery was not used on either side the 
last two days. 

There is nothing later from Gen. Butler than the 
dates of my last despatch. 

Gen. Sherman was heard from last night._ He had 
been all day reconnoitring the enemy's position, and 
would attack to-day. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

WASHrNGTON, May 9—11:30 a. m. 
My. -Gen. John A. Dix: 

This Department has just received from Gen. Butler 
the official report of Gen. Lee of the operations of Fri- 
day. He says their loss in killed is not large, but they 
have many wounded. He grieves to announce that 
Gen. Longstreet was severely wounded. Gen. Jenkins 
killed, and Gen. Pegram badly wounded on Thurs- 
day, and that it is supposed that Gen. Stafford will 
recover. He thanks a merciful God that every ad- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



557 



vance on their (Gen. Grant's) part has been re- 
pulsed. He states that our forces attacked them and 
caused some confusion. Gen. Wadsworth's body 
fell into their hands; but our reports this morn- 
ing state that it is now in our possession, under 
charge of Col. Sharpe, as stated in my first despatch 
this morning. 

The belief here is that Lieut.-Gen. Grant is achiev- 
ing a complete victory. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 
"Washington, May 9 — 4 p. m. 
Maj.-Gen. John A. Dix : 

Despatches have just reached here direct from 
Gen. Grant. They are not fully deciphered yet, but 
he is "on to Eichmond." We have taken two thou- 
sand prisoners. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

TTie last official despatch. 

"Washington, May 9 — 4, p. ii. 

A bearer of despatches from Gen. Meade's head- 
quarters has just reached here. He states that Lee's 
army commenced falling back on the night of Friday. 
Our army commenced the pursuit on Saturday. 

The rebels were in full retreat for Richmond by 
the direct road. 

Hancock passed through Spottsylvania Court 
House at daylight yesterday. 

Our headquarters at noon yesterday were twenty 
miles south of the battle field. 

We occupy Fredericksburg. The 22d New York 
cavalry occupied that place at eight o'clock last 
night. 

The depot for our wounded is established at Fred- 
ericksbura;. 

ED'WIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

The President, on the 9th, also issued the 
following proclamation : 

Executive Mansion, "Washington, May 9, 1S64. 
To the Friends of Union and Liberty : 

Enough is known of the army operations within 
the last five days to claim our especial gratitude to 
God. While what remains undone demands our 
most sincere prayers to and reliance upon Him 
(without whom all human effort is vain), I recom- 
mend that all patriots, at their homes, in their places 
of public worship, and wherever they may be, unite 
in common thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty 
God. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

The excitement produced throughout the 
North by these despatches "was very great. 
Washington also "was almost wild with enthu- 
siasm over what "was regarded as a great vic- 
tory achieved by the Army of the Potomac over 
the army under Gen. Lee. In the evening the 
feelings of the people found vent in a congratu- 
latory visit to the President, which is thus re- 
ported : 

"A procession was formed in front of Wil- 
lard's Hotel about half-past eight this even- 
ing, headed by the band of the 27th Michigan 
regiment, and proceeded to the White House. 
After several patriotic airs had been performed 
by the band, in response to the cheers and 
' calls of the multitude assembled, the President 
came forward, and was introduced to the peo- 
ple by Senator Foster, of Connecticut. 

"He returned his thanks for the compliment 
paid him, and said that "we had "won a great 
victory, for which "we should return thanks to 
the Almighty, who had smiled upon and blessed 
our efforts, and also to Gen. Grant and his 
brave officers and soldiers, to whose heroism 
and sacrifices we "were indebted, under Provi- 



dence, for this triumph. "We had won a grent 
victory, but we must not be prematurely san- 
guine, for although much had been done, there 
was a great deal of "work yet to do before the 
rebellion could be suppressed and the Union 
restored. There was one thing which he de- 
sired to say to them, and that was, that while 
Gen. Grant had met with stubborn resistance, 
he had not been forced back in the slightest 
degree from the line upon which he had 
started, and was now moving forward upon 
the line which he had marked out before the 
movement commenced. He had every confi- 
dence in Gen. Grant, and believed that he 
would accomplish the great work which he 
had yet to do. 

"Enthusiastic cheers were given for the 
President, Gen. Grant, Gen. Meade, and our 
brave armies, after which the crowd retired in 
a quiet and orderly manner." 

The thanksgiving recommended by the Pres- 
ident was very generally observed" by the 
churches on the following Sunday. As an in- 
stance, the rector of Trinity Church, New 
York, issued the following: 

Trinity Eectort, May 13, 1864. 
The reverend the clergy of this parish are re- 
quested, on the approaching feast of Whitsunday, 
to offer solemn thanksgivings to Almighty God for 
the answer to the prayers of his people, and for the 
great mercies extended to this nation by His Divine 
Providence during the past week. The form of 
thanksgiving set forth and authorized by the Bishop 
of this diocese will be used immediately after the 
general thanksgiving, at each service during the day. 
MORGAN DIX, Rector of Trinity Church. 

The following is a report of the manner of 
observance : 

After the usual initial exercises had been gone 
through, the prayer for victories, to be found in the 
prayers at sea in the Episcopal book of common 
prayer, was read. 

Dr. "Vinton then ascended the pulpit and preached 
the sermon, taking his test from St. John, seventh 
chapter and thirty-ninth verse : — "The Holy Ghost 
is not yet." The preacher only briefly alluded to 
our victories in the course of his discourse. He said 
that the day of Pentecost had again dawned on the 
world ; but the anniversary of the Christian year 
came that day, not ushered in like the fast days of 
the world formerly, but with the booming of cannon 
and hurrahs echoing in the air, and the rejoicing 
which all the people of this land were now express- 
ing for their victories. 

The rest of the preacher's discourse was strictly 
confined to remarks on the coming of the Holy Ghost, 
and in conclusion he said we should now especially 
give God thanks for all the favors we have received 
at His hands. 

The despatches of the Secretary were con- 
tinued as follows : 

Washington, May 10, 1864. 
To Major-Gen. Dix : 

Despatches have been received this evening from 
Maj.-Gen. Grant, dated at one o'clock yesterday. 

'the enemy have made a stand at Spottsylvania 
Court House. There had been some hard fighting ; 
but no general battle had taken place there. 

I deeply regret to announce that Maj.-Gen. Sedg- 
wick was killed in yesterday's engagement at Spott- 
sylvania, being struck by a ball from a sharpshooter. 
His remains are at Fredericksburg, and are expected 



558 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



here to-night. [A ball entered his eye and passed 
tiiiough his head, killing him instantly.] 

The army is represented to be in excellent condi- 
tion, and with ample supplies. 

Gen. Robinson and Gen. Morris are wounded. No 
other casualties to general officers are reported. 

Gen. H. G. Wright has been placed in command 
of Sedgwick's corps. 

Gen. Grant did not design to renew the attack to- 
day, being engaged in replenishing from the supply 
train, so as to advance without it. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

On Tuesday morning, the 10th, Gen. Grant's 
forces occupied substantially the same position 
as on the previous day. His line stretched 
about sis miles on the northerly bank of the 
Po, and took the general form of a crescent, 
the wings being thrown forward. The 2d 
corps, across the Po, now held a line on the 
right, nearly parallel to the road from Shady 
Grove Church to the Court House. The 5th 
corps held the centre, being on the east side of 
the Po, and the 6th corps held the left, facing 
toward the Court House. Further on the left 
was the 9th corps, under Gen.' Burnside. Sev- 
eral batteries covered the right and others the 
left centre. In front was a dense forest. The 
enemy held Spottsylvania and the region north 
of the Court House. His left rested on Glady 
Run, sweeping northward and sheltered by 
strong works long before made in anticipation 
of this emergency. His right curved in a similar 
direction, and rested on the Ny River, and his 
centre, a little thrown forward from the right 
and left centres, was posted on commanding 
ground. His position was well supported by 
breastworks, and along the centre was the for- 
est and underbrush, lining a marsh partially 
drained by the run. The conflict opened in 
the morning by a terrific fire of artillery, which 
was incessant during all the forenoon. A most 
vigorous and gallant attack was then made by the 
5th corps, and by Gens. Gibbons' and Birney's 
divisions of the 2d corps, on the centre of Gen. 
Lee's army. The losses of Gen. Grant were 
most severe in the repeated charges by which 
the enemy was driven to his rifle-pits. Brig.- 
Gen. Rice, commanding the 2d brigade of the 
4th divi'sion of the 5th corps, was killed at this 
time. In the mean time the enemy had attacked 
and turned Gen. Barlow's division of the 2d 
corps, on the right; but it was finally extri- 
cated without great loss. Toward the close of 
the day a most energetic assault was made 
along the whole line, in which the enemy's 
works were scaled, and more than a thousand 
pi-isoners taken, with several guns, by Gen. 
Upton's 1st brigade of Gen. "Wright's 1st divi- 
sion of the Gth corps, which was in the advance 
of this onset. His position being too far in 
advance of the residue of the army to be held, 
he was compelled to foil back with the pris- 
oners which he had taken. The Federal losses 
throughout the day were estimated to exceed 
ten thousand ; and the total loss thus far, thirty- 
five thousand. The enemy's loss was supposed 
to be equally severe. 

The following despatches from the Becrctai-y 



of War, relative to this contest at Spottsylvi- 
nia, were published : 

"Washtngton, May 11, 1864. 
Maj.-Gen. John A. Dix : 

Despatches from the Army of the Potomac have 
just reached here, bearing dates to 5 o'clock p. m. 
yesterday. % 

Both armies at that time held their positions at 
Spottsylvania Court House, without any material 
change. The enemy had been driven to their breast- 
works. 

The 6th corps, under Gen. Wright, had carried the 
first line of the enemy's rifle pits. 

There had been heavy skirmishing during the day. 

Our wounded had reached Fredericksburg, and dur- 
ing the night some were brought up to Washington. 

The Surgeon General reports that ample supplies 
of nurses, surgeons, and medical stores have gone 
forward. 

There has been nothing heard from Gen. Sherman 
or Gen. Butler since my last despatch of yesterday. 
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, 
WASnmGTON. May 11 — 11:30 p. it. 
Maj. Gen. John A. Dix : 

Despatches from Gen. Grant, dated at 8 o'clock 
this morning, have just reached this department. 
He says : 

"We have now ended the sixth day of very hard 
fighting. The result to this time is much in our 
favor. Our losses have been heavy as well as those 
of the enemy. I think the loss of the enemy must 
be greater. We have taken over five thousand pris- 
oners in battle, while he has taken from us but few 
except stragglers. 

" I propose to fight it out on this line, if it takes 
all summer." 

The Government is sparing no pains to support him. 
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

The following despatch of Gen. Lee was 
sent to Richmond: 

Spottsylvania Court IIouse, via Gukney's, | 
May 10, 1864. f 
T?ie Honorable Secretary of War : 

Gen. Grant's army is intrenched near this place, 
on both sides of the Brock road. Frequent skir- 
mishing occurred yesterday and to-day, each army 
endeavoring to discover the position of the other. 
To-day the enemy shelled our lines and made several 
assaults with infantry agaiiist difl'erent points, par- 
ticularly on our left, held by Gen. R. H. Anderson, 
The last, which occurred after sunset, was the most 
obstinate, some of the enemy leaping over the 
breastworks. They were easily repul'sed, except in 
front of Gen. Doles' brigade, where they drove onr 
men from their position, and from a four-gun bat- 
tery there posted. The men were soon rallied, and 
by dark our line was reestablished and the battery 
recovered. 

A large body of the enemy moved around our left 
on the evening of the 9th, and took possession of the 
road about midway between Shady Grove Church 
and the Court House. Gen. Early, with a part of 
Hill's corps, drove them back this evening, taking 
one gun and a few prisoners. 

Thanks to a merciful Providence, our casualties 
have been small. 

Among the wounded are Brig.-Gens. Hayes and H. 
H. Walker. R. E. LEE. • 

On the next day, Wednesday, the 11th, the 
position of the two armies was nearly the same 
as on the previous day. The enemy still held 
and covered the town with a crescent-shaped 
line. Their centre was very strong and posted 
securel}', with rifle-pits in front and tlie strip of 
forest covering it, well guarded with lines of 
skirmishers. During the morning there was a 
brisk skirmishing, which died away at noon. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOET OF THE REBELLION". 



559 



Some reconnoitring movements were made, and 
the enemy, apprehending an attack on their left, 
moved artillery from their right to left, tow- 
ard the point threatened. Durinj^ the after- 
noon rain fell for the first time since the army 
moved. It was determined dui-iug the day to 
make an assault early the next morning on 
the enemy's left, where their batteries were so 
strongly posted as to annoy Gen. Grant's lines. 
The 2d corps was selected to make this move- 
ment. Soon after midnight, in the darkness 
and storm. Gen. Hancock changed the position 
of his corps from the extreme right to the 
left, filling up the space between Gens. Wright 
and Burnside. It was then near ground well 
commanded by the enemy, and requiring a 
quick advance in the morning. 

On Thursday the 12th, at the dawn of day, 
veiled by the twilight and by a dense fog, tlie 
2d corps moved up to the enemy's lines. Gen, 
Barlow's 1st division and Gen. Birney's 3d 
division formed the first line; Gen. Gibbon's 
2d division and Gen. Mott's 4th formed the 
second line. The advance of Gen. Barlow 
marched in column of battalions doubled on 
the centre. As the corps moved over the 
rugged and woody space intervening the ex- 
citement increased, until it broke out in a rush 
at the hostile intrenchments. These the corps 
leaped, with loud cheers, and dashed among the 
astonished enemy, compelling their surrender 
in mass. An entire division was surrounded, 
and oflicers and men captured. Three thousand 
pi-isoners and two generals — Maj.-Gen. Edward 
Johnson and Brig.-Geu. G. H. Stewart — were 
taken. So complete was the surprise that the 
hostile oflicers were taken at their breakfast, 
and within an hour after the start of the corps 
Gen. Hancock reported as follows: "I have 
captured from thirty to forty guns. I have 
finished up Johnson, and am now going into 
Early." The second line of rifle-pits was im- 
mediately stormed, and after a stubborn resist- 
ance wrested from the enemy. A heavy can- 
nonade then commenced all along the line, to 
which the enemy replied with the utmost spirit. 
The whole line now pressed up to support the 
2d corps. The 9th corps rushed in on the ex- 
treme left, converging toward the penetrated 
space, and joined its i-ight to the left of the 2d 
corps. The 6th corps advanced against Gen. 
EweU's left, and on the extreme right Gen. 
"Warren's corps became hotly engaged. About 
9 o'clock the enemy began to charge desper- 
ately upon the 2d and 9th corps, to i-ecover the 
lost works. For three hours a bloody fight 
continued. At noon, however, they abandoned 
for a time the attempt to retake the position 
so obstinately held. But the further advance 
of Gen. Hancock had been successfully checked. 
Most of the captured cannon were covered by 
the guns of the sharpshooters, and neither party 
were able to bring them off. Meantime the right 
and centre had charged the enemy's position 
with great intrepidity, but without success, his 
position being found impregnable. Every ave- 



nue of approach was swept by a most destruc- 
tive fire of artillery, and his force was sti'ong 
enough to hold the position against twice the 
attacking numbers. 

Gen. Meade now sought to turn the enemy's 
right ; and after a temporary lull in the after- 
noon, began to crowd his troops down toward 
the left, still keeping up his artillery and in- 
fantry fire. The rain began to fall at noon, but" 
the carnage went on until night. The enemy 
finding that the Federal right had been rfferely 
holding him in front from reiinforcing las right, 
and had now abandoned his front, also con- 
centrated on his right. Every inch of ground 
was fought over with desperation. The dead 
and wounded lay thickly strewn along the 
ground, and heaped up where the fight was 
hottest. After fourteen hours, night fell on 
one of the severest contests of the war. The 
movement of Gen. Hancock in the morning 
was the first decided success of the campaign, 
having secured an advance of a mile in the line 
at that point. About three thousand prisoners 
were reported to be captured. The loss in 
killed and wounded was estimated at ten thou- 
sand, and that of the enemy was supposed to 
be equally severe. The artillery which had 
been captured remained on disputed ground, 
and was subsequently withdrawn by the enemy. 

On Friday the 13th it was soon apparent that 
the enemy had withdrawn his tnain force on the 
left, by falling back to a new defensive position. 
The storm increased, and rendered the roads 
very heavy. Skirmishing and artillery firing 
were kept up by small bodies of the troops 
during the day. At noon Gen. Meade issued 
the following address to his army : 

HEADQCrARTEBB AKMT OP THE POTOMAC, I 

May 13, 1S64. f 

Soldiers ! The moment has arrived when your 
commanding officer feels authorized to address you 
in terms of congratulation. 

For eight days and nights, without almost any in- 
termission, through rain and sunshine you have been 
fighting a desperate foe in positions naturally strong, 
and rendered doubly so by intrenchments. 

You have compelled him to abandon his fortifica- 
tions on the Rapidan, to I'etire and to attempt to 
stop your progress, and now he has abandoned the 
last intrenched position, so tenaciously held, suffering 
in all a loss of eighteen guns, twenty-two colors, eight 
thousand prisoners, including two general officers. 

Your heroic deeds, noble endurance of fatigue and 
privation, will ever be memorable. Let us return 
thanks to God for the mercy thus shown us, and ask 
earnestly for its continuance. 

Soldiers ! Your work is not over. The enemy must 
be pursued, and, if possible, overcome. The courage 
and fortitude you have displayed render your Com- 
manding General confident that your future efforts 
will result in success. 

Wliile we moura the loss of many gallant comrades, 
let us remember that the enemy must have sufifered 
equal if not greater losses. 

We shall soon receive reenforcements which he 
cannot expect. Let us determine, then, to continue 
vigorously the work so well begun, and, under God's 
blessing, in a short time the object of our labors will 
be accomplished. 

(Signed) GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Major-Gen. Commanding. 

Official: S, Williams, 



560 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



On Saturday the 14th, the enemy appeared 
to have fallen back a little, hnt to be still hold- 
ing the Court House tenaciously. Gen. Meade's 
line finally stretched nearly at right angles 
across the Fredericksburg and Spottsylvania 
road, with Gen. Hancock's corps on the right, 
Gen. Burnside's 9th on the right centre, Gen. 
"Wright's 6th on the left centre, and Gen. War- 
ren's 5th on the left. The position of the 
enemy seemed to be a semicircular line of earth- 
works with rifle-pits here and there, well estab- 
lished on commanding heights, and the whole 
flanked right and left by dense woods. A part 
of the works appeared to be sodded, showing 
an old construction, and great activity was 
manifest in strengthening the position. Gen. 
Grant's forces soon commenced to throw up 
military works, and both armies were diligently 
at work with the spade. On the extreme left 
there was considerable fighting. In the after- 
noon Gen. Meade narrowly escaped capture or 
injury, being in a house near which the enemy 
■ made a sudden and unlooked-for charge. 

On this day Gen. Lee issued the ft)Ilowing 

address to his army : 

General Order JSv. 41. 

Headquakters Akmy of Northern Va., May 14, 18G4. 

1. The General Commanding takes great pleasure 
in announcing to the army the series of successes 
that, by the favor of God, have recently been achieved 
by our arms. 

2. A part of the enemy's force threatening the 
Valley of Virginia, has been routed by Gen. Imboden 
and driven back to the Potomac, with the loss of their 
train and a number of prisoners. 

3. Another body of the enemy under Gen. Averill, 
ponetrated to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, 
at Dublin depot. A portion of his force has been dis- 
persed by Gens. Morgan and W. E. Jones, who are 
in pursuit of the remainder. 

4. The army of Gen. Banks sustained a severe de- 
feat in Western Louisiana by the forces of Gen. Kirby 
Smith, and retreated to Alexandria, losing several 
thousand prisoners, thirty-five pieces of artillery, and 
a large number of wagons. Some of the most formi- 
dable gunboats that accompanied the expedition were 
destroyed to save them from capture. 

5. The expedition of Gen. Steele into Western 
Arkansas has ended in a complete disaster. North- 
ern journals of the 10th inst. announce his surrender, 
with an army of nine thousand men, to Gen. Price. 

6. The cavalry force sent by Gen. Grant to attack 
Richmond has been repulsed, and retired toward the 
Peninsula. Every demonstration of the enemy south 
of James River has, up to this time, been successfully 
repelled. 

7. The heroic valor of this army, with the blessing 
of Almighty God, has thus far checked the principal 
army of the enemy, and inflicted upon it heavy losses. 
The eyes and hearts of your countrymen are turned 
to you in confidence, and their prayers attend you in 
your gallant struggle. Encouraged by the success 
that has been vouchsafed to us, and stimulated by 
the great interests that depend upon the issue, let 
every man resolve to endure all and brave all, until, 
by the assistance of a just and merciful God, the 
enemy shall be driven back and peace secured to our 
country. Continue to emulate the valor of your 
comrades who have fallen, and remember that it de- 
pends upon you whether they shall have died in vain. 
It is in your power, under" God, to defeat the last 
great eff'ort of the enemy, establish the independence 
of your native land, and earn the lasting love and 
gratitude of your countrymen, and the admiration of 
mankind. R. E. LEE, General. 



The following despatches were sent by the 
Secretary of War : 

Washington, May 13—2:30 p. m. 
To Major- General John A. I)ix : 

A despatch from Lieut.-Gen. Grant has just been 
received, dated near Spottsylvania Court House, May 
12, 6:30 p. M. It is as follows : 

"The eighth day of battle closes leaving between 
three and four thousand prisoners in our hands for 
the day's work, including two general oflScers and 
over thirty pieces of artillery. The enemy are ob- 
stinate, and seem to have found the last ditch. We 
have lost no organization, not even a company, while 
we have destroyed and captured one division (John- 
son's), one brigade (Dobbs'), and one regiment en- 
tire of the enemy." 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

Washington, May 13 — 6:30 p. m. 
Major-General Dix : 

The following despatch from Mr. Dana has just 
reached this department. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

Spottsylvania Cottet HotJse, Va., May 13 — 8 a. m. 
Hon E. M. Sta'-iton, Secretary of War .• 

Lee abandoned his position during the night, 
whether to occupy a new position in the vicinity or 
to make a thorough retreat is not determined. 

One division of Wright's and another of Hancock's 
are engaged in settling this question, and at half-past 
7 A. M. had come up on his rear guard. Though our 
army is greatly fatigued from the enormous efforts 
of yesterday, the news of Lee's departure inspires 
the men with fresh energy. 

The whole force will soon be in motion ; but the 
heavy rains of the last thirty-six hours render the 
roads very diflicult for wagons and artillery'. 

The proportion of severely wounded is greater than 
on either of the previous days' fighting. This was 
owing to the great use made of artillery. 

Washinoton, May 13 — 6:55 p. m. 
Major- Gejieral Dix, New York : 

The Acting Surgeon General reports that of five 
hundred patients from the recent battle-field admitted 
into the Harwood Hospital, not one will require any 
surgical operation, and that, in his opinion, two- 
thirds of the whole number of wounded will be fit for 
service in thirty days. 

Reenforcements are going forward to the Army of 
the Potomac. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

Washington, May 15 — 9 a. m. 
To Major- General Dix : 

An oQicial despatch from the battle field at Spott- 
sylvania yesterday morning, at half-past 6, states 
that during the preceding night (Fi'iday) a move- 
ment was made by the 5th and 6th corps to our left, 
and an attack was" to have been made at daylight, but 
no sound of battle had been heard from that quarter. 
This manoeuvre, it is said, if successful, would place 
our forces in Lee's rear, and compel him to retre.it 
toward Lynchburg. 

No cannon nor any sound of battle was heard yes- 
terday at Belle Plain or Fredericksburg, which afibrds 
f round for inference that Lee had retreated during 
i'iday night, and before the advance of the 5th and 
6th corps. 

Nothing later than half-past 6 a. m. of yesterday 
has been received from the army by the department. 
All the wounded that had reached Belle Plain yester- 
day evening have arrived here. 

The surgical report from the headquarters of the 
army states that the condition of the supplies is satis- 
factory, and the wounded are doing well. The medi- 
cal director at Belle Plain reports that every thing at 
that point is satisfactory. The surgical arrange- 
ments have never been so complete as now. 

Gen. Sheridan's command had reached the left 
bank of Turkey Island at S o'clock yesterday after- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



561 



noon, and have formed their junction with the forces 
of Gen. Butler. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

On the 15tli, 16th, and 17th, offensive oper- 
ations were suspended. The roads had been 
made impassable by the rains. 

It was at first supposed that the wounded in 
these terrible battles would be sent to Rappa- 
hannock Station, and thence by railroad to 
Washington. But the guerrillas of the enemy 
were so numerous in the rear of Gen. Grant's 
army as to prevent this arrangement. The 
trains were therefore withdrawn to "Washing- 
ton. At first hospitals were established on the 
field. But on Friday, the 6th, a number of 
slightly wounded men, who had been ordered 
to the rear, made their way to Fredericksburg 
under an escort of fourteen armed men. On 
entering the town, they were fired on by the 
citizens with such arms as could be obtained. 
They, however, succeeded in passing out and 
proceeded to Aquia Creek, where they were 
taken up by a gunboat and carried to Wash- 
ington. Fredericksburg was occupied by a 
force of Gen. Grant, and hospitals established. 
Surgeons and nurses were immediately sent 
forward from Washington, Philadelphia, Har- 
risburg, Trenton, New York, and Albany, and 



other cities, to render assistance. The vessels 
in the employment of the Sanitary Commission 
were loaded with hospital supplies, and de- 
spatched with relief agents and nurses. The 
^most severely woimded were retained at the 
hospitals in Fredericksburg, but others were 
transported to the Government hospitals in the 
northern cities. The Chi'istian Commission had 
a large number of persons, with stores at hand, 
to afford relief. The Government also did 
every thing in its power to succor the wounded. 
The losses by the battles of the first eight days 
were variously estimated. The following is a 
statement which does not include the 9th 
corps : 

Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. 

Second corps 1,100 7,000 1,400 9,500 

Fifth corps 1,200 7,500 1,800 10,000 

Sixth corps 1,000 6,000 1,200 8,200 

Total 8,800 20,500 8,900 27,700 

If the losses in the 9th corps are added to the 
above, and supposed to be in the same propor- 
tion, the entire loss wiU reach thirty-five thou- 
sand men. 

On the 14th the first detachment of the hun- 
dred days' volunteers reached Washington. 
Many of them were sent into the anny under 
Gen. Grant before their term of service expired. 



CHAPTEE XLI. 



strength of the Army of the Potomac — Cooperating Movements — Cavalry Eaid to cut Gen. Lee's CommTuiications — Ad- 
vance of Gen. Averill in West Virginia — Advance of Gens. Crook and Sigel — Defeated hy Gen. Breckinridge— Move- 
ment of Gen. Butler up the James — Attempts to cut the Eailroads — ^Attack on Fort Darling — Expedition of 
Gen. Kautz. 



The nunjber of troops in the Army of the Po- 
tomac, when it crossed the Rapidan, has been 
variously stated at 120,000 and 150,000. The 
army consisted of four corps, each of which, 
with full ranks, would have numbered about 
forty thousand men. The ranks, however, were 
not full. No official statement of the numbers 
has been made. But there were various coop- 
erating movements in which large forces were 
engaged. Gen. Butler moved up the Peninsula 
with a force between forty and fifty thousand 
strong, to cut the southern communications 
with Richmond. Another force, about fifteen 
thousand strong, moved up the Shenandoah 
valley, under Gen. Sigel, and from Western 
Virginia under other commanders, for the pur- 
pose of cutting the railroads running from the 
west and southwest to Richmond. It evidently 
must have been the opiflion of Gen. Grant that 
the army of Gen. Meade would have been suffi- 
cient to cope with the forces of Gen. Lee. 'But, 
to secure ample provision for that object, the 
corps of Gen. Burnside was added as a reserve 
against all contingencies. After the first day's 
36 



encounter, it was found necessary to ortler up 
this reserve in haste, and in the subsequent 
battles every brigade was fuUy employed as a 
part of the ordinary force. The subsequent 
and immense reenforcement required by Gen. 
Grant, after the battles at Spottsylvania Court 
House, served to show the unexpected great 
strength of the enemy in the field. 

Several cooperating movements were in pro- 
gress during the advance thus far of Gen. Grant. 
On Monday the 9th of May, the cavalry force 
connected with Gen. Grant's army commenced 
an advance to cut the communications between 
Gen. Lee's army and Richmond. At daylight 
the march began, with Gen. Merritt's 1st di- 
vision in advance, Gen. Wilson's 3d division in 
the centre, and Gen. Gregg's 2d division in the 
rear. The movement was first toward Fred- 
ericksburg. At a distance of three miles from 
that city the column turned to the right and 
passed round the right flank of the enemy to 
the south of Spottsylvania Court House, on the 
road to Ohildsburgh, at which place a halt was' 
made. Moving thence on the same road south- 



562 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



erly and westerly, they forded the North Anna 
River at Anderson's bridge, two miles below 
Beaver Dam, about dusk. Gen. Custer's bri- 
gade took possession of the railroad station and 
captured a train of cars having on board three 
hundred and seventy-eight Union wounded and 
'prisoners on their way to Richmond. These 
prisoners had been captured by the enemy 
during the late operations. The trains of cars, 
with the depot of supplies, were quickly set on 
fire, and two locomotives, three long trains, and 
a large quantity of bacon, meal, flour, and other 
supplies for Gen. Lee's army, were destroyed. 
The ties and bridges were burned, and the rails 
twisted so as to become useless. Meantime the 
enemy came up and attacked the flank and rear 
of the column, and captured many prisoners of 
the 6th Ohio. At night the column bivouacked 
on both sides of the North Anna. 

Early on the next morning the enemy began 
to shell the camp, and the column moved south, 
the advance being annoyed by the enemy as it 
proceeded. The South Anna was crossed at 
Ground Squirrel bridge, and the bridge de- 
stroyed. The bivouac at night was near Good- 
all's, but the sharpshooters of the enemy caused 
some annoyance. Early on the next morning, 
the 11th, the 1st brigade of the 2d division un- 
der Gen. Davies was sent seven miles east to 
Ashland, on the Richmond and Fredericksburg 
Railroad. There the depot was burned and a 
considerable quantity of stores destroyed ; also 
six mUes of railroad, three culverts, two trestle 
bridges, several Government buildings, a loco- 
motive, and three trains of cars. On the return 
the force was fired upon from the houses, and 
about thirty men were left in the enemy's 
hands. In the mean time the column had ad- 
vanced and destroyed the track on the same 
road at Glen AUen station. The nearer it ap- 
proached Richmond, the more opposition was 
made to its progress. At Yellow Tavern the 
cavalry of the enemy, concentrated under Gen. 
Stuart, made an attack on the advance under 
Gen. Devens. A sharp contest ensued, dur- 
ing which the brigades of Gens. Custer, and 
Gill, and WUson came to his support, and the 
enemy were driven toward Ashland. Ad- 
vancing still further toward Richmond, the 
picket defences were entered, and in a charge 
by Gen. Custer's brigade a hundred prisoners 
and a section of artillery were captured. In 
the conflict Gen. J. E. B. Stuart and Col. Pate, 
of the enemy, were fatally wounded. On the 
next morning the column turned toward Mead- 
ow Bridge, on the Chickahominy. It had been 
destroyed, but was rebuilt under a galling fire 
from the enemy, and crossed. The column 
next reached MechanicsviUe and Coal Harbor, 
and encamped toward night at Gaines's Mill. 
On the next day the march was pursued by the 
way of Bottom bridge to Turkey Bend, where 
supplies were obtained from Gen. Butler. 

Two movements were made by the forces in 
the Shenandoah valley and Western Virginia, 
which were designed to act against Lynchburg. 



The first, in May, miscarried, and the plan was 
afterwards altered. It was determined to carry 
it into efiect in June. According to the origi- 
nal plan, at the time when Gen. Grant crossed 
the Rapidan, May 4th, Gen. Sigel was in motion 
upon Staunton, Gen. Crook upon Dublin depot, 
and Gen. Averill upon "Wytheville, with the 
design, after destroying that town and the lead 
mines, to unite with Gen. Crook at Dublin de- 
pot, for a march toward Lynchburg in con- 
nection with Gen. Sigel. A movement by the 
Big Sandy, under Gen. Burbridge, upon Abing- 
don, and to prevent the advance of the enemy 
from the southwest, was not ready. The 
enemy, upon the advance of Gen. Sigel, ordered 
Gen. Breckinridge to move in haste further 
east, with all the troops he could collect, to 
oppose him, thus leaving Gens. Jenkins and 
McCausland, with a scattered force of fifteen 
hundred men, to resist Gen. Crook. Further 
to the southwest, on the line of the Lynchburg 
and Tennessee Railroad, the enemy happened 
to have a larger force than anywhere else on 
that route. Gen. W. E. Jones, in command, at 
once despatched Gen. Morgan further east. 
By making a forced march from Saltville, he 
arrived at Wytheville in advance of Gen. Av- 
eriU. The latter, with a cavalry force of two 
thousand men, left camp at Charleston, Va., 
on May 1st, with three days' rations and two 
days' forage, and moved day and night over 
mountain paths until the evening of the 8th, 
when a cavalry force of the enemy was encoun- 
tered near JetfersonviUe, Va. This force was 
repelled, and a detour made by way of Prince- 
ton. On the 9th Gen. Averill left Tazewell 
Court House for Wytheville, in order to cut the 
railroad thirty miles lower down than it was to 
be cut by Gen. Crook. Cove Mountain Gap, 
near Wytheville, was reached on the 10th, and 
the enemy found to be in possession of the lat- 
ter place. A conflict ensued, which, it is as- 
serted by the enemy, resulted in the defeat of 
Gen. Averill, with a heavy loss in killed, 
wounded, prisoners, and horses, and prevented 
his reaching Dublin station and forming a junc- 
tion with Gen. Crook before the latter had re- 
tired from that place. The following is Gen. 
Averill's address to his command, made some 
days later : 

Headqitaeteks Cavalry Depaktmekt, f 
West Vieginia, Monday, May 23, 1864. ] 

General Order No, 5 ,• . 

The Brigadier-General commanding Cavalry Di- 
vision, desires to express his sincere thanks to the 
oflBcers and men of the division, for the uncomplain- 
ing fortitude with which they have endured the terri- 
ble vicissitudes incident to their recent march of 
three hundred and fifty miles, over mountains with- 
out roads, and the unwavering courage with which 
they attacked and held a superior force of the enemy 
near Wytheville, on the 10th, thereby enabling an- 
other command to accomplish its purposes without 
the opposition of overwhelming numbers. Your 
country will remember your heroism with gratitude ; 
and the noble sacrifices and suflferings of our fallen 
comrades will be cherished forever in our memories. 
The 14th Pennsylvania and 1st Virginia cavalry first 
received the shock of battle, while the 2d and Sd Vir- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



563 



giuia cavalry and S'ith Ohio infantry established a 
fine which the enemy had reason to respect and re- 
member. Great credit is due to the brigade com- 
manders, Brig.-Gen. Duffie and Col. Schoonmaker, 
for the energy and skill they displayed. While the 
conduct of all was admirable and deserving the praise 
of the Brigadier-General commanding, he desires, 
without making invidious distinction, to express his 
high appreciation of the steady and skilful evolutions 
of the 2d Virginia cavalry, under Col. Powell, upon 
the field of battle. It was a dress parade, which con- 
tinued without disorder, under a heavy fire, during 
four hours. 

The purposes of the enemy were foiled by the en- 
gagement. The railroad was reached and destroyed, 
New River crossed, and the baffled columns of the 
enemy arrived in time to witness the destruction 
which all the energies of their superior force, even 
with artillery, failed to prevent. 

(Signed) W. W. AVERILL, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 

Will Rumset, A- A. G. 

Gen. Ci'ook moved from Charleston, Va., at 
the same time with Gen. Averill. His object 
was to strike the Virginia and Tennessee Rail- 
road at Dublin Station. His force consisted 
of the 23d, 34th, and 36th Ohio, forming the 
first brigade ; the 12th, 91st Ohio, 9th and 14th 
Virginia, forming the second brigade ; the 3d 
and 4th Pennsylvania Reserves, 11th and 15th 
Virginia, forming the 3d brigade. He pro- 
ceeded without opposition nearly to Princeton, 
where two companies of the enemy, one of 
cavalry and one of infantry, were encountered 
and driven off. Near the southwestern base 
of Lloyd's Mountain, about four miles from 
Dublin depot, a more considerable force of the 
enemy was found. These were under the com- 
mand of Gen. Jenkins. When he was killed, 
Gen. McCausland took the command. 

After some skirmishing and manoeuvring for 
a position, the enemy were attacked in front 
and flank and driven through Dublin to New 
River bridge. The Union loss was one hun- 
dred and twenty-six killed and five hundred 
and eighty-five wounded ; and that of the enemy 
was severe, but unknown. On the next day 
an attack was made on the enemy's position 
near the bridge, and it was destroyed. The 
expedition proceeded as far as Newberne, on 
the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, ninety- 
nine miles from Bristol, destroying the railroad 
for some distance. The resistance of the enemy, 
with the approach of a strong force under Gen. 
Morgan, caused Gen. Crook to abandon the de- 
sign of the expedition against Lynchburg and 
withdraw to Meadow Bluff, in Greenbrier 
County. 

The force in the Shenandoah valley, num- 
bering about fifteen thousand men, was placed 
under the command of Gen. Sigel. He advanced 
to the vicinity of New Market, about fifty miles 
from Winchester, on the west sid^of the Mas- 
anuttan range of mountains, and nearly midway 
between Mount Jackson and Harrisonburg. 
His command was designed to cooperate with 
Gen. Grant, as before mentioned, up the She- 
nandoah valley, and o6cupy Gordonsville and 
Lynchburg, and thus destroy the western com- 



munication of Gen. Lee s army, and aid to 
isolate Richmond. 

On the 13th of May Gen. Sigel's advance 
encountered the advance of Gen. Breckinridge. 
Some skirmishing ensued, which was renewed 
on the next day, and also on Sunday. Gen. 
Sigel, however, continued to advance, and 
brought a part of his forces into position, one 
division still being in the rear. About 3 p. m. 
the enemy moved to attack. A hot contest 
ensued, which resulted in the defeat of Gen. 
Sigel, with a loss of a thousand stand of small 
arms, six pieces of artillery, and seven hundred 
men. The loss of the enemy was also large. 
Gen. Sigel fell back in disordei', abandoning his 
hospitals, and destroying a portion of his train, 
and retreated to Cedar Creek, near Strasburg. 
The enemy failed to pursue in force. These 
results to Gens. Averill, Crook, and Sigel, 
caused a suspension of that part of the plan of 
Gen. Grant which consisted in destroying the 
Virginia and Tennessee RaCroad, and the occu- 
pation of Lynchburg. 

The next important movement in coopera- 
tion with Gen. Grant, was made on the south- 
east side of Richmond, from Fortress Monroe 
up the James River. The 18th corps, under 
Maj.-Gen. M. F. Smith, and the 10th corps, 
under Maj.-Gen. Q. A. Gilmore, composed the 
military force of the movement, under the com- 
mand of Maj.-Gen. B. F. Butler. These forces 
were concentrated at Yorktown and Glouces- 
. ter as if designed for a movement up the York 
River. At the same time a brigade under Col. 
S. F. Alford, 3d New York, landed at West 
Point, up the York River, and commenced 
building the wharves, &c. On the 4th of May 
orders to move were issued, and the troops 
embarked on board the transports. After 
dark on the 5th, the vessels began to move 
down the York River, and up the James River, 
preceded by three army gunboats under com- 
mand of Brig.-Gen. Graham ; by the double- 
enders Eutaw, Mackinaw, and Osceola; four 
monitors, the Tecumseh, Canonicus, Saugus, 
Onondaga, and the iron-clad Atlanta, and 
by the smaller gunboats Commodore Morris, 
Hunchback, Commodore Jones, Dawn, Dela- 
ware, Putnam, and Sheshonee. 

As the fleet proceeded up the James River, 
a regiment of negro troops, under Gen. Wild, 
were landed at Wilson's Wharf, on the north 
bank, below Charles City Court House. This 
was done for the purpose of preventing the 
interruption of water communication. At 
Fort Powhatan Landing, a little above on the 
south bank of the river, two regiments of the 
same brigade were landed for the same object. 
At City Point, the division of Gen. Hinks, with 
some other troops, and a battery were landed. 
At this place the flag of truce boat was lying 
with four hundred and fifty prisoners brought 
up on the previous day for exchange. The 
remainder of the force proceeded up the river, 
and landed on the south bank at Bermuda 
Hundred, which is three or four miles above 



564 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 




MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



565 



the mouth of the Appomattox River. Imme- 
diately upon landing, the troops intrenched 
themselves, with the gunboats covering their 
flank on the water. On the same day, Gen. 
Butler sent the following despatch relative to 
his proceedings to Gen. Grant : 

Off City Point, Va., May 5, 1864. 
Lieutenant- General Grant, Commanding Armies of 
the United States, Washington, D. U. : 

We have seized Wilson's Wharf Landing. A bri- 
gade of Wild's colored troops are there. At Fort 
Powhatan Landing two regiments of the same bri- 
gade have landed. At City Point Hinks' division, 
with the remaining troops and battery, have landed. 
The remainder of both the 18th and 10th army corps 
are being landed at Bermuda Hundred, above the 
Appomattox. 

No opposition experienced thus far. The move- 
ment was apparently a complete surprise. Both army 
corps left Yorktown during last night. The Monitors 
are all over the bar at Harrison's Landing and above 
City Point. The operations of the fleet have been 
conducted to-day with energy and success. Gens. 
Smith and Gilmore are pushing the landing of the 
men. Gen. Graham, with the army gunboats, led 
the advance during the night, capturing the signal 
station of the rebels. 

Col. West, with eighteen hundred cavalry, made 
several demonstrations from Williamsburg yesterday 
morning. Gen. Kautz left Sufiblk this morning, 
with his cavalry, for the service indicated during the 
conference with the Lieutenant-General. 

The New York, flag of truce boat, was found lying 
at the wharf, with four hundred prisoners, whom she 
had not time to deliver. She went up yesterday 
morning. 

We are landing troops during the night — a hazard- 
ous service in the face of the enemy. 

BENJ. F. BUTLER, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

A. F. Puffer, Captain and A. D. C. 

Gen. Kautz, above mentioned, left SuflTolk 
on the 5th, and forcing a passage over the 
Black Water, advanced to Stony Creek, on the 
Weldon and Petersburg Railroad, and burned 
the bridge over that stream. A part of the 
force of Gen. Beauregard moving from Charles- 
ton to Richmond, had previously crossed over, 
and contested the further progress of Gen. 
Kautz, who then moved through Surry and 
Prince George counties to City Point, which 
he reached on the 8th. 

On the 5th, also, Col. West, with two regi- 
ments of cavalry — the 1st and 2d coloi'ed — made 
a demonstration on Williamsburg, above York- 
town, on the Peninsula. He advanced to the 
Pamunkey River, stopping at the White House, 
and returned to Williamsburg on the next night. 
On the 7th he advanced over nearly the same 
ground again, but met with more opposition, 
than on his previous expedition. Subsequently 
his force was embarked on transports, and land- 
ed at Bermuda Hundred. 

On the 6th, Gen. Butler caused reconnois- 
sances to be made of the position of the enemy. 
On the 7th, an expedition consisting of five 
brigades under Brig.-Gen. Brooks was sent 
forward for the purpose of cutting the Peters- 
burg and Richmond Railroad. When within 
two miles of the railroad, the cavalry advance 
camft on the enemy in a strong position, from 
which thiy opened fire upon the mounted rifles. 



The cavalry fell back to the infantiy line, 
which deployed as skirmishers, and slowly ad- 
vanced with a strong support in line of battle. 
The enemy were now steadily driven, with 
some loss to both sides, back to their main 
line in front of the railroad. Here a sharp 
contest took place, during which some of the 
railroad was torn up, and a railroad bridge, 
crossing one of the tributaries of the Appomat- 
tox, was set on fire and totally consumed. The 
increase of the force of the enemy finally 
compelled Gen. Brooks to retire, leaving some 
of his dead and wounded on the field, and with 
an estimated loss of two hundred and fifty. 

At the same time when Gen. Brooks' main 
column started, a brigade under Gen. Heck- 
man, with Belger's Rhode Island battery, moved 
out on another road, and meeting a force of 
the enemy, drove them back on the railroad, 
but were unable to penetrate far. 

The Petersburg and Weldon Railroad was 
supposed to be an important route by which 
supplies were brought to Richmond. For the 
purpose of disabling this line more eflfectually, 
another advance was made on the 9th. 

Three divisions from the 10th corps, under 
Gens. Terry, Ames, and Turner, and two from 
the 18th, under Gens. Weitzel and Wistar, 
moved from camp at daylight, and reached the 
railroad at four points without opposition. Gen. 
Terry's division occupied Chester station, about 
fourteen miles from Richmond, and destroyed 
the track. Gen. Turner moved on his left 
toward Petersburg, until he came up with Gen. 
Ames' division, each destroying the road. Four 
miles was thus finished before noon,. and the 
column began to move toward Petersburg, 
the division of Gen. Weitzel leading the ad- 
vance. The enemy were met near Swift Creek. 
A desultory skirmish began, which was con- 
tinued until the line of battle was formed and 
pushed forward. The fire on both sides then 
increased, and artillery was brought into ac- 
tion. Gen. Ames' division formed on the left, 
then Gens. Weitzel's, Turner, and Terry in the 
order named. The enemy were steadih^ driven 
back, with considerable loss on both sides. At 
night the enemy had fallen back to their bat- 
teries across the creek, and the skirmishers con- 
fronted each other on opposite sides. During 
the night the enemy formed in a column, and 
advanced about one o'clock, either to test the 
strength of the pickets, and to determine if the 
force had been withdrawn, or to capture a 
battery. The pickets on their approach fell 
back to the main line ; and as they came well 
up, a destructive fire of musketry was opened 
upon them. Three charges were thus made 
in the dark, and repulsed, when the enemy 
withdrew, leaving sixty dead on the field. In 
the morning they made an attack upon the 
right flank, for the purpose of turning it, but 
without success. In the afternoon a simi- 
lar attack was made on the left, which was 
repulsed with some loss on both sides. At 
night the forces had returned to their original 



566 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE KEBELLION. 



567 



position. The 11th was a day of quiet and rest 
to the army save that portion engaged in 
strengthening the intrenchments. 

On Thursday, the 12th, a heavy force from 
both corps was sent out, under Gens. Gillmore 
and Smith, and at the same time an expedition 
of cavalry, under Gen. Kautz, for the purpose 
of cutting the railroad communication between 
Richmond and Danville. Leaving a sufficient 
force under Gen. Ames to watch the enemy at 
Petersburg, Gen. Fillmore advanced on the left 
up the railroad toward Chester station and 
Richmond. Gen. Smith, with the 18th corps 
and a division of the 10th, advanced in the 
same direction on the right, up the turnpike 
between the railroad and the James River. A 
little above "Werbottom church the skirmishers 
in advance met the enemy and drove them back 
a mile or more. They then made a determined 
stand in a strong position, and a sharp engage- 
ment ensued. Finally the enemy retired slowly 
to a new position, where they again made a 
stand, and were again driven from it. The 
skirmishing continued until dark, when the 
command of Gen. Smith had advanced to 
Proctor's Creek, within about three miles of 
Fort Darling, and within sight of that work. 
The weather during the day was hot and sul- 
try, and a number of cases of sunstroke oc- 
curred. 

Meanwhile Gen. Gillmore moved from his po- 
sition to Chester Junction, and thence up the 
railroad toward Richmond, reaching Chester- 
field Coui't House, on the enemy's right, with- 
out any real opposition. Continuing his ad- 
vance, and diverging still further to the right, 
he reached a formidable earthwoi'k, stretching 
from west of the railroad across to the James 
River, which was strongly constructed, and 
well supplied with embrasures for artillery. 
This proved to be the outer line of defence 
about Fort Darling. The movement of Gen. 
Smith had caused the enemy to concentrate in 
his front, so that no he^y force appeared be- 
fore Gen. Gillmore. Throwing forward the 
24th Massachusetts and 10th Connecticut as 
skiri^ishers, with some sharpshooters and a 
battery or two in position to annoy the enemy 
and occupy his attention. Gen. Gillmore sent 
the brigade of Col. Hawley through the woods 
on the right, which surprised the enemy and 
entered the right flank of the work in the rear. 
The enemy made a sharp resistance, but were 
driven to the rear by the brigade of Col. White 
advancing and occupying the line. Finding 
their position turned by this movement, the 
enemy on the next morning — Saturday, the 
14th — under cover of a vigorous demonstration, 
abandoned the whole line, and withdrew to the 
second, a stronger line of works, about three- 
fourths of a mile distant. 

A despatch of Gen. Butler on the morning 
of the 14th says: 

We are still before the base of the enemy's works 
ot Drury's BluiF, Fort Darling. The enemy are here 
in force. 



Gen. Gillmore, by a flank movement with a portion 
of his corps and a brigade of the 18th corps, assaulted 
and took the enemy's works on their right. It was 

fallantly done. The troops behaved finely. We 
eld our lines during the night, and shall move this 
morning. 

Two hours later he added : 

Gen. Smith carried the enemy's first line on the 
right this morning at 8 a. m. Loss small. The enemy 
have retired into three square redoubts, upon which 
we are now bringing our artillery to bear with effect. 

The redoubts into which the enemy had re- 
tired commanded the outer line of their de- 
fences, and it was necessary that Gen. But- 
ler should obtain possession of these to enable 
him to secure his position. His artillery was 
therefore brought to bear upon them, and with 
the aid of the sharpshooters the enemy's guns 
were silenced. About 9 p. m. the enemy at- 
tempted to advance on Gen. Butler's line near 
the Petersburg turnpike, but after a short en- 
gagement they withdrew within their work. 
On the next day, at noon, they again ad- 
vanced, and attacked Gen. Heckman's brigade ; 
a contest with musketry ensued, which con- 
tinued for four hours, when they withdrew 
within their works. On the next morning, 
Monday, May 16th, under cover of a thick 
fog, the enemy made an attack on the line of 
Gen. Butler. The attack was made On the 
right, with cavalry, artillery, and infantry. 
The extreme right next the James River was 
held by Gen. Heckman's brigade. Next the 
river were two squadrons of colored cavalry, 
then came the 9th New Jei-sey infantry, then 
the 23d Massachusetts, then tike 25th and 27th 
Massachusetts, all of Heckman's brigade, of 
Weitzel's division, of Gen. Smith's corps. Gen. 
Gillmore's corps held the left and left centre. 
The line of battle was the fortifications, except 
on the extreme right, where they did not ex- 
tend down to the river. Prominent among the 
batteries on the right was battery E of the 3d 
New York artillery, of twenty-pounder Par- 
rotts, and the 1st Rhode Island battery. On 
the right, in reserve, Col. Drake's brigade of the 
10th corps was temporarily posted. A narrow 
belt of timber screened the reserves from the 
view of the enemy on the right. The advance 
of the enemy reached the rear of the 9th New 
Jersey before the attack was made. Gen. 
Heckman finding he could not hold his posi- 
tion, began to fall back. The enemy, however, 
ftharged upon him in overwhelming numbers, 
and his force was broken and driven from the 
field, and he was made a prisoner. At the- 
same time a force of the enemy moved down 
the turnpike, and attempted to surprise Ash- 
by's battery of twenty-pounder Parrott's. Most 
of the guns were saved, but the loss was heavy 
in men. The Rhode Island battery also lost 
one gun. Having forced back the right, a 
heavy attack was made on the entire line of the 
18th corps, with feints along the Une of the 
10th corps; and the entire right was forced 
back some distance after several hours of severe 
and sanguinary conflict. The loss was severe 



568 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



on botli sides in killed and wounded, and some 
prisoners were taken. After thus gaining a 
portion of their first line of intrenchments, the 
enemy massed their forces on the 10th corps to 
drive it back. Repeated charges were made, 
which were desperately resisted and di-iven 
back at aU points. Finally, ceasing their ef- 
forts to force 'the position of the 10th corps, 
and leaving their dead and wounded on the 
field before its line, the enemy again massed 
on Gen. Smith's front and attacked his left. 
Gen. Gillmore immediately ordered Gen. Tur- 
ner to attack the enemy on their flank, and also 
ordered Gen. Terry to support him. Gen. Tur- 
ner's attack had hardly commenced, before 
Gen. Gillmore was ordered by Gen. Butler to 
retire and strengthen Gen. Smith's corps by 
forming in his rear. The troops fell back 
slowly and in order, repulsing every attempt 
of the enemy to quicken their movements, un- 
til they ceased to follow up and fell back to 
their first line of intrenchments. At half-past 
two o'clock the fighting, which had been going 
on with more or less violence along the whole 
line, ceased, and preparations were made by 
Gen. Butler to draw oif his forces from the 
field and return to his intrenchments. The 
artillery was sent to the rear, except a section 
to cover the rear guard. The ambulances, 
loaded with wounded, and the supply trains, 
were despatched to the rear, and finally the 
entire army fell back. The enemy did not pur- 
sue. During the action of the morning, a bri- 
gade of the enemy attacked the force guarding 
the extreme left on the roads from Petersburg 
under Col. Dobbs, and after a sharp struggle 
drove him back toward Gen. Butler's intrench- 
ments, but finally gave up the pursuit. The 
loss of Gen. Butler was estimated at twenty- 
five hundred. That of the enemy was severe, 
but the amount unknown. 

The despatch relative to the above operations 
was as follows : 

War Department, "WASniNGTON, May 17, 9 p. m. 
Major- General Dix : 

Despatches from Gen. Butler, just received, report 
the success of his expedition under Gen. Kautz, to 
cut the Danville road and destroy the iron bridge 
across the Appomattox. 

On Monday morning the enemy in force, under 
cover of a thick fog, made an attack upon Smith's 
line, and forced it back in some confusion and with 
considerable loss. But as soon as the fog lifted. Gen. 
Smith reestablished his lines, and the enemy was 
4fiven back to his original lines. 

EDWIN 5L STANTON, Secretary of War. 

The cavalry expedition under Gen. Kautz 
returned on the 17th. On the night of the 
day on which he started, Gen. Kautz reached 
Midlothian coal-pits, where he remained an 
hour. No injury was done to public property 
here, but a considerable amount of private 
property was destroyed. Thence he proceeded 
to Coalfield station, where he arrived between 
10 and 11 o'clock. The depot building and 
water-tank here were destroyed, the telegraph 
wire torn down, and some hundred feet of the 
railroad track ripped up. Thence he advanced 



at daylight upon Powhatan station, which 
was reached at 8 a. m. The railroad was torn 
up, and the depot and water-tank destroyed. 
An advance was next made to destroy the 
iron bridge at Mattaox station. This was found 
to be too strongly guarded by the enemy, and 
the column turned to the right and reached 
Goode's bridge about 4 p. m. This bridge had 
been partly destroyed, but was repaired by 
Gen. Kautz, who pushed on and reached Chula 
station at 10 p. m. The enemy sent a loco- 
motive from Mattaox to reconnoitre, which 
was captured and destroyed. On the morning 
of the 14th the column faced about and recross- 
ed Goode's bridge, approaching Mattaox. Here 
a fight took place with the enemy, who were 
m a strong position, and after a loss of about 
thirty Gen. Kautz retired. The column now 
moved to the south, and crossed the Appomat- 
tox at Devil's bridge, which they were com- 
pelled to rebuild, reaching Finney Mill at 12 m. 
Here the 5th Pennsylvania, under command 
of Maj. Kleinz, was sent to the left near to 
Mansboro', on the road to Petersburg, to con- 
vey the impression that Gen. Kautz was about 
to move on that point. The march was then 
resumed, and, arriving within six miles of the 
Petersburg and Lynchburg road. Gen. Spear 
was sent with his brigade to destroy the road 
at Wilson's station, while the main column 
moved on to Welville, where they arrived at 
about 4 p. M. After waiting patiently until 5 
p. M. for a train that was due at that hour from 
Petersburg, but which did not come. Gen. Spear 
destroyed the railroad property at Wilson's, 
and, moving up the road, rejoined Gen. Kautz 
at Wellville, just as the latter had finished tear- 
ing up the track and burning the depot. 

The column arrived at Black's and White's at 
10 p. M., and found large supplies of forage and 
rations. These were dealt out with a liberal 
hand to the exhausted men and horses : and the 
track and other railroad and government prop- 
erty having been destroyed, the force moved 
a few miles further on, and bivouacked at 

2 A. M. 

On the 15th, at 7 a. m., the column set out 
for Lawrenceville, and after a long march, 
passing through Jonesborough and Edmonds, 
arrived at that place at dusk. A large amount 
of property was destroyed here, and large 
quantities of corn and bacon distributed to the 
men. At daylight the march was resumed 
with the intention of striking tlie Petersburg 
road at Hickford. Finding a strong force of 
the enemy at Stony Point ready to receive him. 
Gen. Kautz turned directly north. After march- 
ing eight or ten miles, the advance came to a 
stand in the centre of an immense pine forest, 
at a loss how to proceed. The road to the 
right was followed, and Jarrett's station reach- 
ed at 5 p. M. The track of the railroad was 
again torn up, and the troops marched to Free- 
man's bridge, arriving about midnight. Thence 
they moved to Belcher's Mills, Heart's station, 
and City Point. 



MILITAEY AND FAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



569 



The naval part of the forces had heen chiefly 
employed in keeping the river open to naviga- 
tion, and in removing the obstruction and tor- 
pedoes. In order to remove torpedoes, the 
shore near where they were placed was first 
shelled by the gunboats, to drive away any 
body of the enemy. A boat with a comple- 
ment of men was then sent ashore to do the 
work. At the first place of landing, opposite 
Turkey Bend, they captured one large tor- 
pedo. The next landing was made under the 
bluff above which stands the mansion of Gen. 
Pickett, where they captured six more of the 
same size, making seven in all. There was 
great difficulty in cutting the strings of the tor- 
pedoes, as they led up the bluff, where the per- 
son exploding them is generally stationed. 
Great coolness and discretion had to be used in 
handling them. The officers waded up to their 
arm-pits in the water to get at them, which was 
very dangerous, as they knew not but that at 
any moment the string might be pulled from 
above and the torpedo exploded. All they had 
to depend upon to prevent this was the boat's 
crew, stationed on the bluff as sharpshooters, 
Each of the torpedoes contained about seventy- 
five pounds of powder. They were taken out 
of the stream, and, after considerable difficulty, 
successfully emptied of their contents. 

On the 6th one of the smaller gunboats, Cora. 
Jones, was destroyed by a torpedo. About 
fifty of the crew were killed and wounded. 
This was an instance of the most complete de- 
struction by a submarine battery to which any 
vessel has been subjected, her annihilation being 
utter and instantaneous. The torpedo was fired 
amidships and directly under her, upraising the 
centre of the ship, which burst asunder as the 
explosion rent the air; and then, amid a cloud 
of smoke and steam, the body of her hull and 
upper works, rent into a thousand pieces, and, 
worst of all, numbers of her unfortunate crew, 
were propelled into the air, and fell like a 
shower of missiles from the crater of a volcano. 
"When the smoke drifted from the scene the 
sunken framework and ribs of the destroyed 
vessel were aU that remained, except innumer- 
able splintered relics of the wreck, which cov- 
ered the waters around the fatal spot. Two 
other boats, the Sheshonee and the Brewster, 
were destroyed by an explosion, not, however, 
of a torpedo. 

The forces of Gen. Butler reached their in- 
trenchments on Monday night, the 16th. On 
the next day scouts reported that two heavy 
columns of the enemy, with large trains, were 
passing down the turnpike to Petersburg. It 
was supposed that the trains were either car- 
rying supplies for the moving column, or were 
sent to Petersburg to be loaded with supplies 
for Gen. Lee's army, or the forces at Eichmond. 
The capture or destruction of any portion of 
them, therefore, appeared to be desirable. Ac- 
cordingly, about 9, p. M., Gen. Foster, chief of 
Gen. Gillmore's staff, with a body of cavalry and 
nfantry, moved quietly out to the picket lines, 



and a few hundred yards beyond. There he 
stationed pickets on different roads to guard 
against an attempt to cut him off, and began 
to move up the road leading to the turnpike. 
In a moment or two he encountered the pickets 
of the enemy, and attempting to capture them 
received a heavy fire from the j^ickets and a 
force of the enemy behind them. Finding they 
were in too great force he made an attack on 
another portion of the line, but with the same 
result. He then returned to camp. This exist- 
ence of the enemy in so large a force in his 
front caused Gen. Butler to make extraordinary 
exertions to complete other works on his de- 
fences. On the river he was covered by the 
gunboats under Rear- Admiral S. P. Lee. 

At daylight on the 18th the enemy appeared 
and drove back the picket line within a few 
hundred yards of the breastworks. But their 
advance was checked after a heavy sku-mish. 
They then commenced throwing up works di- 
rectly in front of Gen. Butler's lines, either for 
the purpose of laying siege to his position, or 
to prevent him from reaching again the rail- 
road to destroy it. On Thursday, the 19tb, 
they put two or three light batteries in position 
and commenced vigorously shelling the lines. 
No assault was made, and their guns finally 
became silent during the remainder of the day. 
At midnight, however, they advanced in force 
on the pickets along nearly the entire line. 
The sharp fire of the pickets retarded their ad- 
vance, but they crowded forward and the re- 
serves were ordered up by Gen. Butler. A 
sharp fight ensued which lasted nearly an hour, 
when the enemy retired with considerable 
loss. At daylight on the 20th they began to 
shell the lines and camps, and to push the pick- 
ets sti'ongly. The pickets of Gen. Ames were 
driven back from the rifle-pits thrown up on the 
picket line, and Gen. Terry's line was forced back 
under a heavy fire. The position thus obtained 
by the enemy was too important to be given 
up. A brigade, under Col. Howell, was there- 
fore sent to retake the rifle-pits and establish a 
firm line there. This was accomplished after 
heavy fighting, with considerable loss on both 
sides. The attack was renewed again on the 
next day, but no advantage was gained by the 
enemy. Meantime the work on the fortifica- 
tions of Gen. Butler was continued night and 
day, and all cover for the enemy's sharpshoot- 
ers cleared away. Thus the failure of the ex- 
pedition on the west to destroy the Virginia 
and Tennessee Railroad, and occupy Lynch- 
burg, and the failure of Gen. Butler to capture 
and occupy Petersburg, enabled the enemy to 
concentrate against Gen. Grant, 'ihe forces 
of Gen. Breckinridge were immediately added 
to the army of Gen. Lee, and Richmond was 
held by the troops of Gen. Beauregard, which 
had opposed Gen. Butler. Gen. Grant, on the 
other hand, proceeded to organize new expe- 
ditions against Lynchburg, putting Gen. Hunter 
in the place of Gen. Sigel, and pressed forward 
himself to capture Petersburg. 



570 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



CHAPTER XLII. 



Concentration of Troops under Gen. Lee — Attempt to turn the Eight of Gen Grant's Line — New Movement to the Left — 
Gen. Grant reaches the North Anna — Position of the Armies — Gen. Grant crosses the Pamunliey — Reenforcements 
from Gen. Butler— Battle at Coal Harbor — Failure of the attempt to push the Enemy across the Chickahominy — Cross- 
ing the James— Movement of Gen. Butler on Petersburg— Failure — Other Movements — Gen. Grant before Petersburg 
— Condition of the Army. 



The army of Gen. Grant had remained in- 
active during the 16th, 17th, and 18th, before 
Spottsylvania. On the afternoon of the 18th 
the enemy in force made an effort to turn the 
right of Gen. Grant's line. It was held by 
some regiments of heavy artillery, acting as in- 
fantry, comprising the 1st Massachusetts, 15th, 
2d, 6th, and a battalion of the 4th New York, 
all under Ool. Kitchings, who fell back across 
an open field under cover of some woods. Re- 
peated attempts were made by the enemy to 
drive them farther, but without success. Sub- 
sequently a charge was made, driving the ene- 
my back across the open field, which was held. 
Night put an end to the conflict. The loss of 
Col. Kitchings was about eleven hundred men. 
About four hundred of the enemy were made 
prisoners. 

The following is the despatch of the "War 
Department: 

War Department, "Washington, May 20—6 : 80 p. m. 
Major- General Dix : 

This afternoon we have despatches dated at half- 
p ist eight this morning, from Gen. Grant. 

Last evening an effort was made by E well's corps 
to turn our ri^ht. They were promptly repulsed by 
Blrney's and Tyler's divisions, and some of Warren's 
troops that were on the extreme right. About three 
hundred prisoners fell into our hands, besides many 
killed and wounded. Our loss foots up a little over six 
hundred wounded and one hundred and fifty killed 
and missing. 

General Grant says that probably our killed and 
missing are over-estimated. 

Over twenty-five thousand veteran reenforcements 
have been forwarded to Gen. Grant. The condition 
of the army and his contemplated operations are en- 
tirely satisfactory. The army is abundantly supplied. 

Major-General Hunter has been placed in command 
of the Department of West Virginia, including the 
Shenandoah valley. 

On the night of the 20th the troops were 
moving all night to new positions ; and on the 
nest morning the general headquai'ters were 
broken up, and nearly the whole army was in 
motion. At 12 o'clock, p. m., of the 20tli the 
cavalry left their camp in the woods near 
Massaponax Church, and advanced toward 
Guineas' station, on the Richmond and Fred- 
ericksburg Railroad. The pickets of the ene- 
my, firing only a few shots, withdrew before 
the advance until they reached Guineas' bridge 
on the river Ny, a short distance from the sta- 
tion. Here an inclination to make a stand and 
oppose the advance was shown. They were, 
however, soon driven from the bridge. At 
Downer's bridge another stand was made, and 



the position held for some time. At Bowling 
Green the enemy made no stand, but assem- 
bled at Milford station in considerable force. 
On an eminence a little to the left of the sta- 
tion the enemy had mounted a battery, and 
thrown up some rifle-pits. A battery accom- 
panying the cavalry was put into position, and 
occupied the enemy whilst a flank movement 
to the left was made. This was executed with 
success, and the enemy made a hasty retreat 
across the Mattapony. Six oflBcers and sixty- 
six soldiers were surprised and captured. Mil- 
ford station had been, until the previous day, 
the base for supplies to the army under Gen. 
Lee. But obtaining information of the con- 
templated movement, the enemy had removed 
their stores before the arrival of the cavalry. 

Soon after midnight on the night of the 20th 
the 2d corps moved from its position on the Ny, 
near Spottsylvania Court House, and followed 
the road thus opened by the cavalry. Nothing 
unusual occurred during the march to Bowling 
Green. The corps then crossed the Mattapony 
at Milford bridge, and about a mile from the 
river Gen. Hancock halted his column and 
formed a line of battle in a commanding position 
on the crest of a range of hills. The enemy's 
cavalry followed close in the rear during the' 
march and picked up the stragglers. 

At six o'clock on the morning of the 21st the 
5th corps, under Gen. Warren, left the position 
occupied by them and pushed on in the rear of 
Gen. Hancock. As the column approached 
the bridge across the Mattapony at 4 p. m., it 
was delayed by a detachment of the enemy's 
cavalry posted in the woods that skirt the river 
on both sides of the road. They were soon 
driven out with a slight loss. During the day 
the whole army was in motion. The weather 
had become tine and the roads well settled. 
On Sunday, the 22d, the following despatch 
was sent from the War Department: 

Wab Department, Washington, May 23 — 10 p. m. 

Major- General Dix : 

On Friday evening General Grant commenced a 
movement for the purpose of compelling Lee to aban- 
don his position at Spottsylvania. It has thus far 
progressed successfully. 

Longstreet's corps started south at one o'clock 
Friday night, an hour and a half after Hancock 
moved. Ewell's corps followed Longstreet's last 
night. 

The indications are that the rebel army has fallen 
back behind the North Anna. Hoke's brigade has 
joined Lee. 

The movement of General Grant has thus far been 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



571 



accomplished without any severe engagement or se- 
rious interruption. 

We now occupy Guineas' station, Milford station, 
and south of the Mattapony on that line. No de- 
spatches have been received to-day from General 
Butler. 

Despatches from Kingston, Ga., state that General 
Sherman's forces are restinsf and replenishing their 
suppUes. EDWIN M. STANTON, 

Secretary of War. 

On the next morning the following addi- 
tional despatch was sent from the Depart- 
ment : 

WASHiNGTOir, May 23, 18&1 
Major-General Dix : 

We have no official reports since my last telegram 
from General Grant or General Butler. 

Official reports of this Department show that 
within eight days after the great battle at Spottsyl- 
vania Court House many thousand veteran troops 
have been forwarded to General Grant. 

The whole army has been amply supplied with full 
rations and subsistence. 

Upwards of twenty thousand sick and wounded 
have been transported from the fields of battle to 
the Washington hospitals and placed under surgical 
care. 

Over eight thousand prisoners have been trans- 
ported from the field to prison depots, and large 
amounts of artillery and other implements of an 
active campaign brought away. 

Several thousand fresh cavalry horses have been 
forwarded to the army, and the grand Army of the 
Potomac is now fully as strong in numbers, and bet- 
ter equipped, supplied, and furnished, than when 
the campaign opened. 

Several thousand reenforcements have also been 
forwarded to other armies in the field, and ample 
supplies to all. 

During the same time over thirty thousand volun- 
teers for a hundred days have been mustered into 
the service, clothed, armed, equipped, and trans- 
ported to their respective positions. 

This statement is due to the chiefs of the army 
staff and bureaux, and their respective corps, to 
whom the credit belongs. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

The 9th corps, under Gen. Bnrnside, hegan 
to move on the 21st. Early in the after- 
noon orders were given to leave the line of 
works thrown up in their front. The move- 
ment was covered by a sortie of Gen. Ledlie's 
brigade of Gen. Crittenden's di-vision, who de- 
ployed in front in skirmish line with two 
regiments held in reserve. The enemy were 
driven some distance toward Spottsylvania 
Court House, Meanwhile the rest of the corps 
moved out of the works, and by night were 
far on the road. The march was kept up 
steadily until eleven o'clock, when a short halt 
was ordered. 

Finding the enemy in force on the road pro- 
posed, the route was abandoned. The column 
retrograded a few miles on the Richmond and 
Fredericksburg telegraph road, and thence 
moved to the southeast. At 9 o'clock on the 
next morning a halt of an hour was made, and 
then the march was resumed, crossing the rail- 
road near Guineas' station, and arriving at 
Bowling Green at 4 p. m. On the next morn- 
ing the march was continued to Milford station. 

The 6th corps moved after the 9th, and filed 
into the intrenchments as vacated by the 9th. 



The sortie of Gen. Ledlie had rallied the enemy 
on their main line, and they advanced in con- 
siderable force upon the 6th corps, but were 
met with such a fire as caused them to retreat 
with severe loss. Subsequently it followed the 
route of the 5th corps. On the 22d the entire 
array was in a new position, facing westerly 
from Milford to Guineas' station. 

On Monday forenoon, May 22d, the advance 
of the army reached the North Anna River. 
The 5th corps arrived, by the telegraph road, 
in the neighborhood of Jericho Mills. The 2d 
corps arrived in the afternoon, and took position 
on the left of the 5th, extending to the railroad. 
In front of the army there were three fords of 
the North Anna, known as Island, Jericho, and 
Chesterfield, or Taylor's Bridge fords. The 
latter is about a mile above the railroad crossing 
of the river, and the next, or Jericho ford, about 
four miles further up. The 2d corps arrived at 
Taylor's bridge about the time when the 5th 
arrived at Jericho. About a hundred rods in 
front of Taylor's bridge is a smaU stream called 
Long Creek, parallel with the North Anna, 
and forming a junction with it below the rail- 
road, thus giving a peninsular form to the land 
between. The bridge across the North Anna 
was commanded at its entrance by a redan 
whose extremities were covered by the river, 
and its flanks swept by artillery in field-works 
on the opposite bank, as well as by infantry 
in rifle-pits. The peninsula formed a broad 
open space between the redan and the 2d corps 
drawn up in front. Gen. Barlow's division oc- 
cupied the right of the railroad. Gen. Birney's 
was in front of the peninsula, and Gen. Gib- 
bon's on the right, while the 5th corps was on 
the right on the Milford road, and about four 
miles up from the railroad. Skirmishing com- 
menced in front of Gen. Birney, and his bat- 
teries opened upon the enemy at 4 p. m. His 
division was ordered to charge and carry the 
works, and, if possible, get possession of the 
bridge across the river. A brilliant charge was 
made without a halt until the enemy was driven 
across the bridge, and guns so placed as to com- 
mand it. The loss was about five hundred on 
each side. No effort was made to cross that 
night, but the bridge was then held by a small 
command. About 11 p. m. the enemy made a 
sortie from his works and endeavored to retake 
the bridge, but after a spirited skirmish of 
about twenty minutes he was driven off". About 
midnight another attack was made with a much 
larger force. The enemy got possession of the 
bridge and held it for some time, and made 
several attempts to burn it, but were finally 
forced to retire. Early the next morning the 
2d corps crossed the river. 

About the time when the bridge was taken 
by the 2d corps, the 5th corps effected a cross- 
ing and took a position on the south bank, and 
threw up some breastworks. Soon after they 
were attacked by a heavy force of the enemy, 
which was repulsed after causing a loss of about 
five hundred. Their own loss was unknown. 



572 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



This attack was renewed during the night. 
About dark Gen, Burnside's corps came up and 
took position between Gens, Hancock and 
"Warren, and made preparations to cross, while 
the 6th corps took the right of the 5th. On 
the next day, the 24th, the army crossed the 
river, and considerable skirmishing took place 
along the whole line with a loss of about five 
hundred. During the day a portion of the cav- 
alry force under Gen, Sheridan reached the 
army, returning from James River, On the 
25th, contrary to general expectation, the enemy 
were found strongly posted in force within two 
miles of Gen, Grant's lines. They lay in the 
form of a triangle, with the apex reaching 
nearly to the North Anna River, between the 
points where Gens. Warren and Hancock 
crossed with their corps. Their ground was 
found to be admirably chosen and extensively 
fortified. The formation of their line gave 
them every facility for a quick movement of 
troops from one flank to the other. A success- 
ful assault would have involved immense 
slaughter. As the apex of the enemy's position 
stretched toward the North Anna, his right 
wing resting on a formidable marsh and ex- 
tending across the railroad, protected it and 
covered the junction. His left wing ran along 
Little River, New movements were therefore 
fnade by Gen, Grant. His plan was to recross 
the North Anna and march by the left flank. 
The swelling of the streams by the recent rains 
made it prudent to commence it as soon as pos- 
sible. To cover the movement a strong demon- 
stration was made during Thursday on the left 
of the enemy. Some divisions of cavalry at- 
tacked his left, whilst the 3d division of Gen. 
Sheridan's cavalry moved up the Virginia Ceur 
tral Railroad and began to burn the track. 
Under cover of this attack, on Thursday even- 
ing the 27th, the 6th corps quietly and swiftly 
withdrew to the north bank of the river, fol- 
lowed by the other corps in quick succession, 
and moved out easterly for the Pamunkey. 
The rear was protected by Gen. Hancock. At 
the same time a strong skirmish line was left in 
front to engage the enemy's attention and dis- 
arm suspicion. 

At 9 o'clock on the next morning, Friday the 
28th, Hanover Ferry and Hanovertown were 
occupied by a portion of Gen. Sheridan's cav- 
alry, who captured seventy-five of the enemy. 
At 10 A. M. the 1st division of the 2d corps 
arrived, followed closely by the remainder of 
the corps. Hanovertown is on the Pamunkey 
River, fifteen miles from Richmond, and sixteen 
miles from the White House, on the same river. 
Thirteen miles east of the White House is West 
Point, where the Mattaponyand the Pamunkey 
join and form the York River. Transports 
with supplies for the army were already on the 
wa}' to the White House, to which the base of 
the army was now changed. On Saturday the 
28th the troops continued to arrive all day, and 
the crossing of the Pamunkey was secured. 
The enemy had previously occupied Hanover 



Court House, and in the mean time extended 
his lines southerly. The despatch of the War 
Department relative to these movements was 
as follows: « 

WAsniNGTON, May 2S — 9:50 P. m. 
To Major- General Bix : 

An oflBcial despatch from the headquarters of the 
Army of the Potomac, at Magahick Church, ten miles 
from Hanovertown, dated yesterday afternoon at five 
o'clock, has just been received. 

It states that our army was withdrawn to the north 
side of the North Anna on Thursday night, and moved 
toward Hanovertown, the place designated for cross- 
ing the Pamunkey. 

At 9 o'clock yesterday (Friday) morning Sheridan, 
with the 1st and 2d divisions of cavalry, took pos- 
session of Hanover Ferry and Hanovertown, finding 
there only a rebel vidette. The 1st division of the 
6th corps arrived at 10 a. m., and now hold the place, 
with sufiicient force of cavalry and infantry and ar- 
tillery to resist any attack likely to be made upon 
them. The remainder of the corps is pressing for- 
ward with rapidity. Weather fine and perfect. 

A later despatch dated at 7 o'clock this morning 
(28th), from Headquarters, Magahick Church, has 
also been received. It reports that every thing goes 
on finely; weather clear and cool; the troops came 
up rapidly and in great spirits, and that the army 
will be beyond the Pamunkey by noon. 

Breckinridge is at Hanover Court House with a 
force variously reported from three thousand to ten 
thousand. Wickham's and Lomax's brigades of cav- 
alry are also there. 

The despatch further states that, after seizing Han- 
over Ferry yesterday. General Torbert captured 
seventy-five cavalry, including six ofiicers ; that the 
rebel cavalry is exceedingly demoralized, and flees 
before ours on every occasion. 

No despatches frt)m any other field of operations 
have been received to-dav. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

On Saturday two divisions of cavalry, under 
Gens.. Torbert and Gregg, were pushed toward 
Mechanicsville as a reconnoissance of the ene- 
my's line. Near the Tolopatomy Creek, a trib- 
utary of the Pamunkey, a sharp engagement 
took place with a cavalry force of the enemy, 
which resulted in forcing them back some dis- 
tance, leaving apart of their dead and wounded. 
The loss of the Union force was about four 
hundred, and that of the enemy was supposed 
to be not less. 

On Sunday, the 29th, the whole army was 
across the Pamunkey, and fronted southwest 
about three miles from the river. Reconnois- 
sances were made from each corps, followed 
up by a gradual advance. The enemy appeared 
to be in force, distant about six miles, and be- 
yond the Tolopatomy Creek, holding Shady 
Grove and Mechanicsville with his extreme 
right, and his centre in front of Alice's station 
on the Virginia Central Railroad, and his left 
covering Hanover Court House. 

On Monday, the 30th, the forces of Gen. 
Lee were reported to be on the Mechanicsville 
road south of the Tolopatomy Creek, with his 
right resting on Shady Grove. The right of 
Gen. Grant's army, consisting of the 6th corps 
under Gen. Wright, extended in the direction 
of Hanover Court House. The right centre 
Avas held by Gen. Hancock on the Shady Grovo 
road, and the left centre by Gen. Warren on 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



573 



the Mechanicsville road. Gen. Burnside held 
the left, and a little in rear. The right and 
rear were covered by the 3d division of cavalry 
under Gen. Wilson. The di^sions of Gens. 
Torbert and Gregg were advanced on the left 
flank. The division of Gen. Torbert held the 
Old Church Tavern Cross Road with a picket 
force extending on the road to Coal Harbor. 
A movement of the enemy was made about 
2 p. M. upon these pickets, who were driven in, 
and a sharp engagement ensued, with a loss of 
eighty or ninety on each side, when the enemy 
were driven back. About 5 p. m. an attack 
was made on Gen. "Warren's corps, which was 
gradually moving to the left along the Me- 
chanicsville road, by a reconnoitring division 
of Gen. Ewell's corps with two brigades of 
cavalry. The turning of Gen. "Warren's flank 
was endangered, which was prevented only by 
the timely arrival of reenforcements. A sharp 
engagement followed, and the enemy were 
forced to rethe by a road parallel to the Coal 
Harbor road. Gen. Meade, upon being inform- 
ed of the situation of Gen. "Warren, ordered an 
attack along the whole line. Gen. Hancock 
alone received the order in time to attack be- 
fore dark, and immediately advanced upon the 
enemy's skirmish line, captured their rifle-pits, 
and held them all night. Gen. Warren held 
his position near Mechanicsville, and the enemy 
moved down troops to prevent any further 
dangerous concenti-ation on his riglit. An ef- 
fort was made to dislodge Gen. Hancock at 
midnight, but without success. 

On Tuesday, the 31st, the army of Gen. 
Grant was further reenforced by the arrival of 
the 18th corps under Gen. Smith. This corps, 
being a part of the command of Gen. Butler, 
embarked on transports at City Point, and 
moved with celerity down the James River 
and up the York River to the White House, 
which was the base of supplies for Gen. Grant's 
army. 

After the retirement of Gen. Butler to his 
inti-enchments on the 20th, little fighting oc- 
curred. An attack was made on his post at 
Wilson's WTiarf, on the northerly bank of the 
James, held by two regiments of negro troops, 
on the 24th, by a body of cavalry under Gen. 
Fitz Lee. A demand for surrender was made, 
which Gen. Wild declined, when the skirmish- 
ing line was speedily driven in, and furious 
charges made on the works. After a contest 
of three or four hours the enemy withdrew, 
leaving twenty-five dead on the ground. On 
the 26th a reconnoissance discovered the ene- 
my in considerable force. The position of Gen. 
Butler now was such that his communication 
and supplies were perfectly secure. Both flanks 
of his remaining force were covered by gun- 
boats. 

On Tuesday, May 31st, the headquarters of 
Gen. Grant were about five miles southeast 
of Hanover Court House, and less than that 
distance west of Hanovertown, In front of 
that position, facing westerly on its right and 



southwesterly on its left, the line of battle of 
the army extended a distance of six miles across 
Tolopatomy Creek. The right was held by 
Gen. Wright's 6th corps, next Gen. Hancock's 
2d corps, next Gen. Burnside's 9th corps, and 
Gen. "Warren's 5th corps on the left. The po- 
sition of the enemy was on the westerly bank 
of a creek running southeast, and a tributary 
to the Tolopatomy before the latter turns to 
the northeast to the Pamunkey. Their lino 
closely followed in general direction that of 
Gen. Grant's army. The right was held by Gen. 
A. P. Hill, the centre by Gen. Longstreet's corps, 
and the left by Gen. Ewell. In this position they 
covered the Chickahominy, which is the outer 
line of defence for Richmond and the "V^irginia 
Central Railroad, with cavalry supports thrown 
out on the left as far as Hanover Court House, 
and on the right to Bottom Bridge. This was 
the theatre of operations of the Army of the 
Potomac in 1862, when the approach to Rich- 
mond was made across the Chickahominy, be- 
fore which the eneyiy were now strongly 
drawn up. 

On Tuesday there was desultory firing 
through the day along the whole line. Gen. 
Grant already contemplated a movement by 
the left, and the 1st division of cavalry, under 
Gen. Torbert, were ordered forward to recon- 
noitre thoroughly the ground in the vicinity of 
Coal Harbor, and to hold it at all hazards for 
the occupation of infantry. While there a 
sharp fight ensued with a body of the enemy's 
cavalry, which resulted in Gen. Torbert's hold- 
ing the desired ground. 

On the next day, June 1st, an efi'ort was 
made by a division of the enemy under Gen. 
Hoke, to get possession of Coal Harbor. This 
was repulsed by Gen. Sheridan. Subsequently 
Gen. Hoke was reenforced, and about noon 
checked the further advance of Gen. Sheridan 
on the left. On the previous night the Ctli 
corps was detached from the right, and march- 
ed from Shady Grove to Coal Harbor, Avhere 
they arrived soon after the close of the above 
aff"air. It formed in line on the right of the 
Gaines' Mill road, with Gen. Ricketts' division 
on the right, Gen. Russell's in the centre, and 
Gen. Neill's 2d on the left. About 3 o'clock 
the 18th corps, under Gen. Smith, from the 
White House, came into the field, and formed 
on the right of the 6th corps, with Gen. Mar 
tindale on the right. Gen. Brookes in tlie cen- 
tre, and Gen. Devins on the left. Their march, 
like that of the 6th corps, had been severe, 
over a distance of twenty-five miles. A charge 
by the 18th corps was ordered at once, and, 
without stopping, they crossed an open field to 
a strip of wood, and took and held the first line 
of the enemy's rifle-pits, capturing six hundred 
prisoners. A lodgment was also effected in the 
enemy's line further to the right, but the po 
sition proved to be completely commanded by 
a redoubt in the second line of the enemy, and, 
amidst a heavy fire, it was abandoned. During 
the night the enemy made desperate eff"orts to 



574 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




■.VA7 CRS-WV Sg M.Y. 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 



575 



regain the rifle-pits, and succeeded in annoy- 
ing the troops "with an enfihiding fire. Their 
charges, however, were repelled. The loss of 
the Union troops was about two thousand ; the 
enemy being behind breastworks, probably suf- 
fered much less. The change in the line now 
had brought Gen. "Wright to the extreme left, 
between whom and the 5th corps was now the 
18th under Gen. Smith. During the entire day 
there had been warm work along the whole 
line, in which the artillery took a part toward 
night. Several distinct charges were made by 
the enemy, which were repulsed. No careful 
estimate of the losses in this part of the field 
during the day was made, but it was supposed 
not to exceed a thousand. The loss of the 
enemy was severe. The result of the day was 
the complete occupation and holding of Coal 
Harbor, which was an important position both 
as commanding the road to the White House, 
whence supplies were brought, and also in ref- 
erence to a subsequent crossing of the Chicka- 
hominy. 

In the night it was determined by Gen. 
Grant to make the attempt to push the enemy 
across the Chickahominy, and to secure a 
jjlace to ford that stream. The 2d corps was 
therefore advanced from the extreme rigkt 
to the extreme left, in order to increase the 
force in that direction. It reached its .position 
about noon the next day, Thursday, June 2d. 
The attack which was to have been made on 
that evening, owing to the heavy rain which 
ensued, was postponed until the next morning, 
Friday. Considerable skirmishing had taken 
place during the day, and a charge was made 
upon the 5th and 9th corps, without gaining 
any special advantage. 

At half-past 4 o'clock on Friday morning 
the army was in motion. Its line extended 
from Tolopatomy Creek across the road from 
Coal Harbor to the Chickahominy. The ground 
consisted of woodlands, swamp, and open fields. 
The skirmishers were promptly advanced, and 
the whole line was soon engaged in a terrific 
battle. From Gen. Hancock's corps on the 
extreme left the brigades of Gens. Gibbon and 
Barlow moved boldly forward, exposed to shot 
and shell, up the ascent on which the enemy in 
their front had concentrated their men and ar- 
tillery. They drove out the ene'my, and for a 
moment were in possession of their position. 
Being in advance of the line, they were exposed 
to a most destructive enfilading fire of the 
enemy. At the same time the second line of 
the enemy was massed and hurled upon them. 
Thus overwhelmed in front, and swept by a fire 
on the flank, these divisions were now driven 
out of the intrenchments, but not until they 
had secured a color and three hundred prison- 
ers. Falling back about fifty yards they were 
under a partial cover of the ridge. Here they 
intrenched themselves, and remained through 
the day. So far had they advanced that one 
of the enemy's batteries was captured and 
nearly turned against them when the retreat 



was ordered. The 18th and the 6th corps ad- 
joining the second along the line charged for- 
ward with not less gallantry, and carried tho 
first line of the enemy's intrenchments, but 
were received with a most destructive enfilad- 
ing fire. After an obstinate conflict they Avere 
forced back, yielding the position which they 
had taken, and occupied another close to the 
enemy's works, which they intrenched. On 
the right'the 5th and 9th corps were advanced ; 
but the conflict here was not so severe, as the 
force of the enemy was massed on their right. 
Still further to the right the 3d division of 
cavalry, under Gen. "Wilson, were engaged with 
a force of the enemy under Gen. Hampton, but 
without important results. The contest was 
continued with more or less vigor throughout 
the day. The enemy were found too strongly 
posted to carry their works, and all eflTorts to 
cross the Cliickahominy at that point were re- 
pelled. The loss was nearly seven thousand in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners. The enemy 
lost many prisoners, but the advantages under 
which they fought prevented their loss from 
being so severe. The following despatches 
were issued by the "War Department : 

Washington, June 4, 1S64. 
To Major- Gen. Biz : 

Despatches from Gen. Grant's headquarters, dated 
3 o'clock yesterday, have just been received. No 
operations took place on Ihursday. Yesterday, at 
half-past 4 o'clock a. m., Gen. Grant made an assault 
on the enemy's lines, of which he makes the follow- 
ing report : 

"We assaulted at half-past 4 a. m., driving the 
enemy within his intrenchments at all points, but 
without gaining any decisive advantage. Our troops 
now occupy a position close to the enemy, some 
places within fifty yards, and are remaining. Our 
loss was not severe, nor do I suppose the enemy to 
have lost heavily. We captured over three hundred 
prisoners, mostly from Breckinridge." 

Another later official report, not from Gen. Grant, 
estimates the number of our killed and wounded at 
about three thousand. The following ofiBcers are 
among the killed : 

Col. Haskell, 36th Wisconsin; Col. Porter, Sth New 
York heavy artillery ; Col. Morris, 6Gth New York. 

Among the wounded are Gen. R. 0. Tyler — seri- 
ously — will probably lose a foot; Col. ilcMahon, 
164th New York ; Col. Byrnes, 28tb Massachusetts — 
probably mortally ; and Col. Brooke, 53d Pennsyl- 
vania. EDWIN M. STANTON, Sec'y of War. 

■Washington, June 5 — 1 p. m. 
Major- Gen. Dix : 

A des'patch from Gen. Grant's headquarters, dated 
half-past 8 o'clock last night, has been received. It 
states that "about 7 p. m. yesterday, Friday, 3d of 
June, the enemy suddenly attacked Smith's brigade, 
of Gibbon's division. The battle lasted with great 
fury for half an hour. The attack was unwaveringly 
repulsed. Smith's losses were inconsiderable." 

At 6 p. M., Wilson, with his cavalry, fell upon the 
rear of a brigade of Heth's division, which Lee had 
thrown around to his left, apparently with the inten- 
tion of enveloping Burnside. After a sharp but short 
conflict, Wilson drove them from their rifle-pits in 
confusion. He took a few prisoners. He had previ- 
ously fought and routed Gordon's brigade of rebel 
cavalry. During these fights he lost several officers, 
among them Col. Preston, 1st Vermont cavalry, kill- 
ed ; Col. Benjamin, Sth New York cavalry, seriously 
wounded. 

Our entire loss in killed, wounded, and missing 



576 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



during the three days' operations around Coal Harbor 
will not exceed, according to the Adjutant-General's 
Report, seven thousand five hundred. 

This morning, Saturday, June 4, the enemy's left 
wing, in front "of Gen. Burnside, was found to have 
been drawn in during the night. 

Col. Cesnola, in command of five thousand men, 
arrived there vesterdav, having marched from Port 
Royal. EDWIN M." STANTON, Sec'y of War. 

The position gained, however, was held, and 
during the next day, Saturday, June 4th, the 
erection of temporary breastworks was busily 
prosecuted. At 9 o'clock at night the enemy 
made a fierce attack on the corps of Gen. Han- 
cock, Smith, and Wright, but after a severe 
loss they were repulsed. 

On Sunday, the 5th, the lines continued close 
to each other. The sharpshooters of the enemy 
endangered any person exposed in the rifle- 
pits, and many officers and men were fatally 
wounded. Meanwhile the work on the in- 
trenchments, when practicable, was kept up. 
Soon after dark the enemy made a sudden 
dash on Gen. Smyth's brigade of the 2d divi- 
sion of Gen. Hancock's corps. They met with 
a sharp resistance, and were soon repelled with 
a disproportionably large loss. On Monday the 
picket-firing was continued, with some change 
of position in bodies of the troops, and with 
the work on the intrenchments. At midnight 
an attack was made on Gen. Burnside's corps 
on the right, but soon repelled. The nearness 
of the lines of the two armies made the battle- 
fields of Friday disputed, and the dead still re- 
mained upon it unburied and the wounded 
were unrelieved. A correspondence ensued 
relative to these dead and wounded, between 
Gens. Grant and Lee. It resulted in an armis- 
tice of two hours, during which the dead and 
wounded were carefully removed. Meanwhile 
the 5th corps was detached from its position on 
the right centre and withdrawn to the rear. 
Its place in the line was filled by a transfer of 
the 9th corps from the extreme right. Com- 
missary supplies had been constantly sent for- 
ward to the army from the White House, with 
some reenforcements of hundred days' men and 
convalescents. New earthworks were built, 
extending along the course of the Chickahomi- 
ny, and everywhere the enemy built parallel 
works a few hundred yards distant. On Tues- 
day, June 7th, the enemy making a reconnois- 
sance, attacked the 9th corps in the afternoon, 
but were vigorously repelled. Of the 5th corps 
detached during the night from their position 
in the line, the divisions of Gens. Gritfin and 
Cutter moved rapidly down toward Sumner's 
bridge, on the Chickahominy. The enemy at 
the bridge were in force, and opened with 
rather heavy guns on the approaching column. 
They were soon driven from the bridge, but 
continued to command it with their artillery. 
During Wednesday and Thursday there was no 
change of position. On the latter day, the 
cavalry under Gens. Torbert and Gregg were 
pushed further to the left. On Friday some 
skirmishing of cavalry todk place on the right. 



The work of intrenchment was continued, and 
an advance was pushed as far as Bottom bridge, 
the next below the railroad crossing of Chicka- 
hominy. The enemy kept pace, confronting 
the advance, and fortifying at the bridge. On 
the same day the destruction of the railroad to 
the White House was begun from Despatch sta- 
tion easterly. The rails and ties were removed 
to the White House, and shipped on barges. 

On Sunday night, June 12th, the movement 
for crossing the James River commenced. The 
line of the enemy extended from Bottom bridge 
along the Chickahominy, nearly parallel to 
which was the line of Gen. Grant, and both in- 
trenched. Bottom bridge was commanded by 
the enemy, and could not be used for crossing. 
The next were Long bridge, six or seven miles, 
and Jones's bridge, ten or twelve miles below. 

On Sunday night, June 12th, the army began 
to move. The 2d and 5th corps moved to Long 
bridge, over which they crossed, and took the 
road due south to Wilcox's wharf, twelve miles 
distant on the James' River, and a little west 
of Charles City. The 6tli and the 9th corps at 
the same time marched t^ Jones's bridge, by 
which they crossed the Chickahominy and ad- 
vanced rapidly to Charles City Court House, 
about nine miles nearly south of the bridge and 
a mile from the James' River. The 18th corps 
about the same time marched to the White 
House, embarked on transports and proceeded 
directly to Bermuda Hundred, on the south 
side of the James' River, being the headquarters 
of Gen. Butler. The points designated for the 
crossing of the other corps were Powhatan's 
and near Wilcox's Wharf, where pontoons had 
already been prepared by Gen. Bntler. During 
all Sunday night and Monday the troops moved 
forward, and at evening the advance reached 
Wilcox's wharf. On Tuesday the crossing of 
the James commenced, and was completed on 
Wednesday. The movement had been attended 
with some slight skirmishing with the enemy, 
with a loss of not more than four hundred men. 

Meanwhile deserters having reported that 
the force of the enemy at Petersburg had been 
greatly reduced, a demonstration against that 
city, was made by a portion of the forces under 
Gen. Butler at Bermuda Hundred. It was de- 
termined tliat Gen. Gillmore, with thirty-five 
hundred men, crossing the Appomattox, should 
move by the turnpike road and assault the city, 
while Gen. Kautz, with a cavalry force of fif- 
teen hundred men, should make a circuit of 
the place and attack it on the southerly or 
southwesterly side, and thus, as the movement 
was simultaneous, both forces might enter the 
city together. At the same time another dem- 
onstration was to be made upon Fort Clifton, 
The movement commenced on Monday night. 
June 8th. Gen. Gillmore encountered no seri- . 
ous opposition until within two miles of the 
city, when he met the enemy's skirmish lino 
and briskly drove it back. On arriving in 
front of the city where the fortifications could 
be closely examined, he foun'l Hiem too strong 



MILITAKY AND NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



577 



for the force at his command to attempt, and 
accordingly withdrew about noon and returned 
to camp in the evening. Meanwhile Gen. Kautz 
had forced the enemy's intrenchments and 
reached the streets of the city, sharply tpgaged 
in fighting. But the force of the enemy con- 
centrating against him, he was forced to retire. 
Some prisoners were taken, and the loss was 
about twenty men. Two gunboats and a bat- 
tery engaged Fort Clifton during the morning 
with a brisk fire. 

Petersburg, a city of eighteen thousand in- 
habitants, is situated on the south bank of the 
Appomattox Eiver, twenty-two miles south of 
Eichmond, and ten miles from the James Eiver 
at City Point. The Appomattox empties into 
the James at City Point. It is navigable to 
Petersburg for vessels of one hundred tons, and 
to "Waltham, six miles below, by larger vessels. 
The city is connected with City Point by a 
railroad. The road from Eichmond to North 
and South Carolina also passes through it. The 
river at this point runs nearly northeast to the 
James. The city was defended by several series 
of strong earthworks, consisting not only of 
square redoubts, but also of well-established and 
commanding rifle-trenches. 

On Wednesday, June 15th, a reconnoissance 
was made by the cavahy, by which it was dis- 
covered that the corps of Gen. Hill occupied 
the region southeast of Eichmond in strong 
force. At 1 o'clock on the morning of th^ 
same day the 18th corps, which had arrived on 
the previous evening from the White House, 
started for Petersburg. The Appomattox was 
crossed by a pontoon-bridge near Point of 
Eocks. The route was nearly the same as that 
taken by the advance of Gen. GUlmore on a 
previous day. Skirmishing of the advance 
with the enemy commenced at daylight. A 
row of rifle-trenches with two t vvelve-pounders 
was carried by a body of colored troops under 
Gen. Hinks' command later in the day. In the 
afternoon the movement resulted in forming a 
line of battle in front of the outer intrench- 
ments of the enemy, about two miles from Pe- 
tersburg. Just before sunset the order was 
given to carry the works by assault. The 
whole line rapidly advanced under a hot artil- 
lery fire from the enemy, and swept the entire 
range of rifle-pits with great gallantry. The 
enemy broke and deserted their intrenchments, 
losing sixteen guns, a battle flag, and three hun- 
dred prisoners. The Union loss was about five 
hundred. The position was held, but no fur- 
ther advance was made. It was supposed that, 
if a supporting force had been at hand, the sec- 
ond line of works might have been carried 
with comparative ease. The force of the enemy 
in the city was small, but reenforcements were 
received by them previous to the arrival of the 
other corps of Gen. Grant's army. The troops 
which held Petersburg composed the command 
of Gen. Beauregard. A portion of them had 
confronted Gen. Butler, and some had been in 

Richmond. 

37 



The cavalry under Gen. Kantz, which pre- 
ceded the 18th corps, had moved out to the ex- 
treme left against the works near the Noi'folk 
Eailroad and on the Baxter road. The posi- 
tion of the enemy was, however, too strong to 
be carried, and Gen. Kautz i-etired. 

Meanwhile the other corps of the army were 
approaching as rapidly as possible. Gen. Bir- 
ney's division of the 2d corps arrived at even- 
ing and occupied the captured intrenchments. 
During the night the remainder of the corps 
came up. 

On Thursday morning a part of the 10th 
corps, under Gen. Terry, was sent out to recon- 
noitre in front of Gen. Butler's position. The 
skirmishers soon di-ove the enemy, and his line 
was penetrated and carried, and the railroad 
subsequently reached near Port Walthall Junc- 
tion. About two miles of the track were torn 
up, when the enemy came down in such force 
that Gen. Terry was obhged to retire. 

Early in the morning Gen. Birney sent out a 
force under Gen. Egan and carried a redoubt on 
his left, with a loss of about a hundred. Mean- 
time the troops of the enemy were crowded 
forward so rapidly that it became necessary to 
wait for Gen. Burnside's corps to come up. 
The intrenchments of the enemy ran semicircu- 
larly from the river on the north of the city to 
the river on the south. Their northern extrem- 
ity was also strengthened by batteries on the 
opposite side of the Appomattox. In the after- 
noon the corps of Gen. Burnside arrived and a 
line of battle was formed, with the 18th corps 
under Gen. Smith on the right, the 2d corps 
under Gen. Birney during this assault, which 
was commanded by Gen. Hancock, and the 9th 
under Gen. Burnside on the left. At 6 o'clock 
an attack was made, and continued for three 
hours. Gen. Birney's division, on the right of 
the centre corps, carried the crest in his front 
and held it firinly. On the left of Gen. Birney's 
division the advance of Gen. Barlow found 
more difficulty, from the concentration of the 
enemy in front. A charge was made by the 
brigades of Gens. MUes and Griffin, which suc- 
ceeded in gaining a foothold of the rifle-pits 
outside of the stronger works. But the troops 
were so annoyed by the enemy that Gen. Bar- 
low determined to make an assault. But the 
enemy cut off his skirmish line in front, amount- 
ing to three hundred men, with their officers. 
Gen. Burnside also prepared to make an assault, 
but the enemy opened so severely as to frus- 
trate it. The right took no important part in 
the contest. After three hours the assault was 
suspended. The loss was between fifteen hun- 
dred and two thousand. That of the enemy, 
as they held an advantageous position, waa 
much less. 

Early on Friday morning, June 17th, the as- 
sault was renewed by an order of Gen. Burn- 
side to Gen. Patten's division to take the works 
in their front. The brigade of Gen. Griffin, 
supported by that of Gen. Curtin, dashed for- 
ward, carrying the position and capturing six 



578 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



guns, sixteen officers, and four hundred men, 
with a loss of about five hundred men. A 
pause now ensued, but skirmishing was kept 
up by the picket lines, and there was a moder- 
ate fire of artillery. In the afternoon Gen. 
Patten's division was felieved by that of Gen. 
Ledlie. An advance of this latter division was 
ordered, under cover of artillery, upon the 
enemy's breastworks, from which, after a des- 
perate contest, they were driven, and the posi- 
tion carried, with the capture of some prison-, 
ers. Gen. Burnside was now about a mile and 
a half from the city and threw some shells into 
it. Several attempts were made by the ene- 
my to recover the intrenchments during the 
day, but without success. About 9 o'clock at 
night, however, a desperate attempt to retake 
them was made and succeeded. In this affair 
about two hundred prisoners were made on 
each side. The loss of the division was esti- 
mated at a thousand. The rest of the line dur- 
ing the day was engaged in skirmishing, with- 
out any attempt at decisive assault. On the 
right the 18th corps had been withdrawn and 
returned to the intrenchments at Bermuda Hun- 
dred. The 5th corps, under Gen. Warren, had 
come and massed on the left in the rear of Gen. 
Burnside's 9th corps. The 2d corps was com- 
manded by Gen. Birney, as Gen. Hancock was 
suffering from an old wound. 

The proper dispositions were now made for 
a vigorous assault early on Saturday morning 
the 18th. The line was formed by the divisions 
of Gens. Martindale and Hinks, of the 18th 
corps, on the right, extended by the 6th, 2d, 
' 9th, and 5th, in the order named, to the left. 
Oil sending out skirmishers preparatory to the 
assault, at 4 A. m., it was found that the enemy 
had withdrawn to an inner series of defences. 
New arrangements, therefore, became neces- 
sary. At noon a general advance of the 2d, 
9th, and 5th corps was ordered. From the 
2d coi;ps an assaulting column of three brigades 
was sent forward, while the rest of the corps 
threw out double lines of skirmishers to divert 
the attention of the enemy. The men moved 
promptly up to the works to be assaulted, 
which were situated near the Petersburg and 
City Point Eailroad. As they came out fi-om 
cover, they were received by such a desperate 
enfilading fire from the left, that they retired 
without reaching the breastworks,.leaving their 
dead and wounded on the field. In the after- 
noon a second storming party was organized to 
commence the attack from Gen. Mott's posi- 
tion. His division, with detachments from the 
other two of the corps, advanced in two 
columns about 5 p. m., but were received with 
such a destructive tire from concentrated bat- 
teries and musketry, as to force them back with 
tci'rible loss, in spite of the greatest bravery on 
their part. 

The 9th corps, on the left of the 2d, was 
prompt to act during the day. There was 
brisk skirmishing, but no decisive advantage 
was gained. The line was established during 



the afternoon across the Petersburg and Nor- 
folk Eailroad. 

On the left of the 9th, the 5th corps, at the 
time of the attack of the 2d, made a determined 
and vi^rous advance against the south side of 
the Norfolk Eailroad, and was partially suc- 
cessful. In the evening their efforts were again 
renewed, but were foiled by the enemy. The 
division of the 18th, on the extreme right, ex- 
perienced the same results as the other troops. 
'The operations of the day had been unsuccess- 
ful. The loss of the four days' operations was 
estimated above ten thousand men. 

On Sunday, June 19th, there was skirmish- 
ing and considerable artillery fire, but no de- 
cisive movement. The loss was estimated at a 
hundred men. The 6th corps, heretofore on 
the north side of the Appomattox, now took a 
position on the right, and the colored division 
of Gen. Ferrero', of the 9th corps, arrived, and 
was posted in front. At night the enemy 
made an attack on the centre of the line, but 
were driven back. During the afternoon an 
attack with infantry and artillery was made 
on Gen. Butler's lines at Bermuda Hundred 
by a division of Gen. Longstreet's corps under 
Gen. Pickett. At the same time, three iron- 
clads from Eichmond made their appearance 
near Dutch Gap, but retired before the fleet 
of Admiral Lee. During the same night, 
squTids of the enemy made their appearance 
along the James Eiver and destroyed the wharfs 
at Wilcox's and Westover landings. 

Monday, the 20th, was unusually quiet near 
Petersburg. Some demonstrations of the ene- 
my's cavalry were near the White House, but 
without any serious result to the convalescents 
there. 

On Tuesday, the 21st, a movement was made 
to occupy and destroy the railroad from Peters- 
burg to Weldon. On the previous evening the 
2d corps moved from its entrenchments on the 
right centre to the left, and its position was 
occupied by the 9th and a part of the 18th. 
In the morning, crossing the Petersburg and 
Norfolk Eailroad, it marched as rapidly as pos- 
sible in a southerly direction. A division of' 
' the 5th and one of the 6th corps moved out in 
support. Before noon, the 2d corps halted, and 
in the afternoon a division, under Gen. Barlow, 
with sharpshooters skirmishing in advance, 
was sent forward and found the enemy's lines 
in the neighborhood of the Jerusalem road, 
which bisects the region between the Norfolk 
and the Weldon Eailroad. The position was 
known as Davis Farm, about three miles below 
Petersburg, and a mile from the railroad. -The 
enemy proved to be in force, with artillery 
planted in earthworks. They advanced to at- 
tack, and a severe skirmish ensued, and the 
advance line of Gen. Barlow was withdrawn, 
and rejoined the column. The loss was about 
a hundred men. A reconnoissance toward 
Petersburg, at the same time, was attended 
with no results. So threatening was the as- 
pect of the enemy on the left, that a SQiiadron 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



579 




580 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



of cavalry was sent to protect that flank, and 
the corps retired to form position for the night. 

In the lines east of Petersburg comparative 
quietness prevailed. The bridges across the 
Appomattox, between Petersburg and Poca- 
hontas, the village on the Richmond side of 
the river, were shelled daily by the batteries of 
Gen. Grant. On the same day, the 21st, a division 
of the 10th corps, under Gen. Foster, crossed 
the James, at a point between Aikin's Landing 
and Four Mile Creek, and occupied Deep Bot- 
tom, about ten miles from Richmond. On the 
opposite side of the river, about six miles from 
Gen. Foster, the enemy had a battery at a 
position caUed Howlett's. In this position he 
threatened, to some extent, the southeast ap- 
proaches to Richmond. At the same time the 
18th corps moved from Bermuda Hundred to 
Petersburg, and occupied the position vacated 
by the 6th corps. 

Early on Wednesday, the 22d, the movement 
against the railroad was resumed. The object 
was to cut off the communication with Peters- 
burg from the south. At the same time a 
cavalry expedition was sent about ten miles 
further south, under Gen. Wilson, to destroy 
the railroad. The general movement was de- 
signed to consist of an advance of the 2d and 
6th corps directly against the road. The 2d 
corps was on the left of the Jerusalem road, 
with Gen. Gibbon's division resting its right on 
the left of the road. Gen. Griffin's division 
of the 5th corps was on the further side. The 
position of Gen. Gibbon was so near the works 
of the enemy that any further advance by him 
would bring on a general engagement. The 
advance was, therefore, ordered, for the left of 
the line, consisting of the divisions of Generals 
Barlow and Mott, and the 6th corps. It was 
to have been made at daybreak, but was de- 
layed by each corps apparently waiting for the 
other to lead. At length each corps was 
ordered to advance independently, and to pro- 
tect its own flank as connection between was 
not made. The line was deployed in open 
style, covering a large extent of ground, until 
it approached the presence of the enemy, in 
more intricate ground, when the left of the 2d, 
under Gen. Barlow, was pressed well in tow- 
ard the right, thus opening a gap between it 
and the 6th corps. Gen. Barlow threw out 
flanking regiments to protect himself But no 
sooner was the entire line of the 2d corps in 
position, and Gen. Barlow's division had com- 
menced to intrench, when it was attacked on 
the flank by the enemy. In its advance, the 
2d corps had separated from the 5th, on its 
right, and the 6th was now far distant, on the 
left and rear. The enemy took advantage of 
the error. One entire division, with Mah one's 
brigade, pushed through the interval. The 
flank of Gen. Barlow was instantly rolled up 
and a large number made prisoners. This 
movement of Gen. Barlow's force quickly un- 
covered the flank of Gen. Mott's division, and 
exposed him to the same danger. Gen. Mott 



at once fell back, with the loss of many made 
prisoners, and thus exposed the left flank of 
Gen. Gibbon's division. The line of intrench- 
ments occupied by Gen. Mott was now captured 
by the enemy, who thus pressed Gen. Gibbon 
in front and rear. Several regiments were 
captured, with McKnight's battery, before the 
enemy were checked by the bravery of the 
20th Massachusetts. The broken corps was 
soon rallied and a new line formed, and further 
attacks of the enemy repulsed. The 6th corps 
was also attacked on its left flank by a division 
of Gen. HiU's command, and its advance line 
driven back, thus widening the gap between it 
and the 2d. In the evening. Gen. Meade get- 
ting both corps well in order, directed an ad- 
vance. The 6th recovered its former line and 
the 2d a part of its line, and intrenched for 
the night. At daylight the enemy appeared, 
strongly intrenched, before the Weldon Rail- 
road. The loss of the day included about two 
thousand made prisoners, four guns, and some 
colors. 

On the next day, the 23d, Gen. Wright 
moved out to the extreme left, and finding that 
the enemy had not advanced so far, sent out a 
reconnoitring force to the railroad. They 
reached it unopposed and cut the telegraph. 
The 3d, 4th, and 11th Vermont regiments 
were then sent forward to hold the road. But 
they had hardly reached it when they were 
attacked on their flank by a division of the 
enemy under Gen. Andersfin, and their position 
was turned at once. Several hundred were 
taken prisoners, and some were killed and 
wounded. The enemy, elated with success, 
pushed the troops back to the main body, and 
then began a general attack. The line was 
withdrawn toward evening to the cover of 
the breastworks. The loss of the enemy in 
these two days wag. disproportionately small. 
Elsewhere, during the day, nothing of im- 
portance occurred. 

On Friday, the 24th, the enemy opened with 
artillery upon the position of Gen. Stannard's 
division of the 10th corps. After an hour, a 
charge was made, which was repulsed with^a 
loss to the enemy of one hundred and fifty 
prisoners, besides some killed and wounded. 
No important movements were made in other 
parts of the line. During the evening, the cav- 
alry force under Gen. Sheridan, while march- 
ing from the White House to the James River, 
were attacked by the enemy and a bloody 
struggle ensued. The enemy were finally 
driven off", after a loss by Gen. Sheridan of 
four to five hundred men. His trains were 
saved from capture. 

On the next day, the 25th, the principal 
demonstration was made in front of Gen. 
Burnside's position. It consisted of the ad- 
vance of a strong skirmish line, which was 
easily repulsed. 

The cavalry expedition of Gen. Wilson set 
out from the camps near Prince George Court 
Houee, on the morning of June 22d. His 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLIOiT. 



581 



force was between six and eight tlioasand men, 
with three batteries of four guns each. The 
cohimn moved to the Petersburg and Weldon 
Raih-oad at Reims' station. Here it took up 
and burned the track for several hundred yards, 
the water-tank, depot, and pubUc buildings. It 
thence moved to Sutherland's station, on the 
Petersburg and Lynchburg Railroad, and ad- 
vanced to Ford's station in the evening. Here 
two locomotives, sixteen cars, a depot, and a 
few stores were burned, and several miles of the 
road destroyed. On the next morning Gen. 
Kautz advanced toward Burkesville, which he 
reached in the afternoon, and destroyed the prop- 
erty of the road as at the other stations. Mean- 
while the main body followed, and encountered 
in the afternoon a body of the enemy near Not- 
toway. A sharp conflict ensued until night, 
when the enemy retired. On the 24th the 
column reached Keysville, and bivouacked for 
the night. About eighteen miles of the road, 
besides other property, were destroyed during 
the day. On the next day the bridge over 
Staunton River was reached, but it was found 
to be well defended by the enemy. The return 
of the expedition now commenced. On the 
route they were so harassed by the enemy as 
barely to escape capture. On Thursday and 
Friday, July 1st and 2d, they arrived within 
the lines, in straggling parties, in a most pitiable 
and wretched condition, both men and horses 
being jaded and worn beyond description after 
their hard march, severe fighting, and the re- 
lentless harassing of the enemy. The entire 
wagon train, the ambulance train, all the guns 
(sixteen), nearly all their caissons, and many 
horses had been lost, and between ten and fifteen 
hundred men. More than a thousand negroes 
had been collected and followed the column, 
but most of them were recaptured by the ene- 
my. It was asserted that about fifty miles of 
the Danville Railroad had been destroyed. A 



movement was made by the 6th corps to aid 
the expedition, on learning its situation, but 
without important results. 

The weather at this period was exceedingly 
hot, and the army suffered greatly. At the 
same time a drouth prevailed, water became 
scarce, and the dust rose in clouds at every 
movement. The condition of the army at this 
time is thus described by the " Army and Navy 
Journal " : 

The medical and commissary department had been 
well conducted, but it is not too much to say that the 
troops were thoroughly worn out. While their spirit 
and enthusiasm were, and always have been, beyond 
all praise, the fatigues of so extraordinary a cam- 
paign had been overpowering. Officers experienced 
its eflfects as well as men. Their conspicuous bravery 
had stretched out, dead or wounded, commissioned 
officers of all grades, not by hundi'eds, but by thou- 
sands, before the James was crossed. The effect was 
apparent in some want of skill and experience in suc- 
ceeding battles. Captains were sometimes command- 
ing regiments, and majors brigades. The men miss- 
ing the familiar forms and voices that had led them 
to the charge, would complain that they had not 
their old officers to follow. On the other hand, more 
than one leader of a storming party was forced to 
say, as he came back from an unsuccessful attempt 
against the outworks of Petersburg, " My men do not 
charge as they did thirty days a^o." A few com- 
manders, too, showed the fatiguing effects of the 
campaign by a lack of health, by a lack of unity and 
harmony, or of alertness and skill. The last attacks 
on Petersburg show clearly how the campaign was 
telling on men and officers, and the two achievements 
on the Jerusalem road of the 22d and 23d of June, 
put the matter beyond all doubt. On the former 
occasion, the gallant 2d corps, whose reputation is 
unexcelled, fell back, division after division, from the 
enemy's onset, and one of the very finest brigades in 
the whole army was captured, with hardly a shot 
fired. In our account at that time the probable cause 
of the disaster was intimated. But when, in addition 
to this, the Vermont brigade of the 6th corps was 
badly cut up on the following day, it became clear that 
the rapidity of the fighting must be checked awhile. 
The pace was now too great. There was need of rest, 
recruitment, and some reorganization. 



CHAPTER LXIII. 



The Second Movement against Lynchburg — Gens. Crook, Averill, and Hunter— Movement of Gen. Morgan — Advance of 
Gen. Hunter— Capture of Staunton, Lexingto'n, &e. — He retreats to West Virginia — Invasion of Maryland — Defeat 
of Gen. Wallace — Approach of the enemy to Baltimore — Attack on Washington — The Enemy retire — Other Move- 
ments — Changes in the command of the Army of the James — Explosion of a Mine before Petersburg— Battle at Beams' 
Station — Hatcher's Eun. 



The second movement against the Virginia 
and Tennessee Railroad, and for the occupation 
of Lynchburg, thereby to cooperate with Gen. 
Grant against Richmond, commenced about 
May 31st. Gen. Sigel was removed from the 
Department of Western Yirginia, and Gen. 
Hunter placed in command. 

The commands of Gens. Crook and Averill, 
which retired to Meadow Bluff, were reorgan- 
ized and prepared for a simultaneous advance 
upon the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad and 
Lynchburg. Gen. Burbridge, in Kentucky, 



was ready to move upon extreme Southwest 
Virginia, so as to prevent any advance from 
that direction upon the rear of the combined 
forces about to move against Lynchburg. The 
position of the enemy at this time was most 
unfavorable for opposing these movements. 
Gen. Breckinridge, .with the only Coiifederate 
force of importance west of the Blue Ridge, 
had been withdrawn to the army of Gen. Lee, 
leaving nothing but a few small brigades of in- 
ferior cavalry, about two regiments of infantry, 
and a small brigade of dismounted troops acting 



582 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



as infantry. To supply the place of Gen. Breck-^ 
inridge, the little force of Gen. McCausland 
was sent from Dublin depot to the front of 
Staunton, and Gen. W. E. Jones was ordered 
to take all the troops to the same position 
which he could move from Southwest Wirginia. 
Gen. Jones, accordingly, got together all the 
Confederate troops west of New River, dis- 
mounting the brigades of cavalry, and moved 
to Staunton. He thus left in the extreme south- 
west only a few disjointed bodies of cavalry, 
and Gen. Morgan's command to oppose the ad- 
vance of Gen. Burbridge. As this force was 
too small to effect that object by meeting Gen. 
Burbridge in front, with the slightest hope of 
success, it was resolved, as the only chance of 
saving the Southwest, that Gen, Morgan should 
dash boldly into the heart of Kentucky, and 
thus draw Gen. Burbridge away. This was 
expected to be successful, especially as Gen. 
Bui'bridge had much more to lose in Kentucky 
than the enemy had in Soutliwest Virginia. 

On Sunday, June 29th, Gen. Morgan at the 
head of two thousand men passed through 
Pound Gap, on the border of Kentucky. At 
the same time a body of Gen, Burbridge's com- 
mand was moving eastward and passedby Gen. 
Morgan. From Pound Gap he moved to Paint- 
ville, thence a scouting party was sent in ad- 
vance to pick up horses. This body passed to 
Hazel Green, Owingsville, Flemingsburg, and 
Maysville, without resistance, thence to Mount 
Sterling, where a force from Gen. Burbridge 
overtook them. Other parties appeared in vari- 
ous places, but the main force moved to Cyn- 
thiana and Lexington, and approached Frank- 
fort, Property was taken everywhere, the rail- 
roads destroyed, and bridges burned. Gen. 
Hobson, with a force of sixteen hundred men, 
was captured, and by the 12th of June Gen, 
Burbridge, with his whole command, was near 
Paris in full pursuit of Gen. Morgan. At Cyn- 
thi'ana a conflict took place, in which Gen, 
Burbridge reports that he killed three hundred 
and took as many more prisoners. He says: 
" Our loss in killed and wounded was about one 
hundred and fifty, Morgan's scattered forces 
are flying in all directions ; have thrown away 
their arms, and are out of ammunition, and are 
wholly demoralized." Thus, by these move- 
ments. Gen. Burbridge was lured back to Ken- 
tucky and Southwest Virginia, for a time se- 
cured to the enemy. The rest and reorganiza- 
tion required by Gen. Burbridge's command, 
detained him until all the available reenforco- 
ments in Kentucky were required by Gen. 
Sherman in his progress to Atlanta. 

Meanwhile the other parts of the general 
movement were in progress ; Gen. Hunter, after 
assuming the command of the Department, is- 
sued the following order : 

General Order No. 29. ' 

Ueabquaktees, Department West Vieginia, ) 
Ijt the Field, * * * * j 
It is of the utmost importance that this army be 
placed in a condition for immediate efiSciency. 
We are contending against an enemy who is in 



earnest, and if we expect success we too must be in 
earnest. We must be willing to make sacrifices — 
willing to sufi'er for a short time that a glorious result 
may crown our eflforts. The country expects that 
every man will do his duty ; and this well done, the 
protective care of a kind Providence will certainly 
ensure to us a complete success. 

I. Every tent will be immediately turned in for 
transportation to Martinsburg, and all baggage not 
expressly allowed by this order will be at once sent 
to the rear. There will be but one wagon allowed to 
each regiment, and these will only be used to trans- 
port spare ammunition, camp kettles, tools, and mess- 
pans. Every wagon will have eight picked horses or 
mules, two drivers and two saddles. One wagon and 
one ambulance will be allowed to department head- 
quarters, and the same to division and brigade head- 
(juarters. The other ambulances will be under the 
immediate orders of the Medical Director. 

II. For the expedition on hand, the clothes that 
soldiers have on their backs, with one pair of extra 
shoes and socks, are amply sufficient. Every thing 
else in the shape of clothing will be packed to-day 
and sent to the rear. In each knapsack there must be 
one hundred rounds of ammunition, carefully packed ; 
four pounds of hard bread, to last eight days; ten ra- 
tions of cofiee, sugar, and salt, and one pair of shoes 
and socks, but nothing else. 

III. Brigade and all other commanders will be 
held strictly responsible that their commands are 
amply supplied on the march. Cattle, sheep, and 
hogs, and if necessary, horses and mules must be 
taken and slaughtered. These supplies will be seized 
under the direction of officers duly authorized, and 
upon a system which will hereafter be regulated. No 
straggling or pillaging will be allowed. Brigade and 
other commanders will be held responsible that there 
is a proper and orderly division of the supplies taken 
for our use. 

IV. Commanders will attend personally to the 
prompt execution of this order, so that we may move 
to-morrow morning. They will see that in passing 
through the country in this way — depending upon it 
for forage and supplies —great attention is required 
of every commanding officer toward the enforcement 
of strict discipline. 

V. The commanding general expects of every offi- 
cer and soldier of the army in the field an earnest and 
unwavering support. He relies with confidence upon 
an ever kind Providence for a glorious result. The 
lieutenant-general commanding the armies of the 
United States, who is now vigorously pressing back 
the enemy upon their last stronghold, expects much 
from the Army of the Shenandoah, and he must not 
be disappointed. 

VI. In conclusion, the major-general commanding 
makes it known that he will hold every officer to the 
strictest accountability for the proper enforcement 
of discipline in all respects; and th'at, on the other 
hand, he will never cease to urge the prompt promo- 
tion of all officers, non-commissioned officers, and en- 
listed men who attract recognition by their gallantry 
and good conduct. 

By command of Maj.-Gen, HUNTER. 

Charles G. H alpine, Ass't Adj. -Gen. 

His first movement was made from the 
neighborhood of Cedar Creek nearly to Wood- 
stock, The guerrillas in the rear soon became 
troublesome, and were partially successful in 
destroying his communications. The advance 
continued through Woodstock, Mount Jackson, 
New Market, to Harrisonburg. On leaving 
this place the column was divided into two 
parts, one of which took the road by Port Re- 
public, and the other the direct route to Staunton. 
The movement to Port Republic was a demon- 
stration against the right of the enemy, and it 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



583 



encountered a movement on their part against 
the Federal left. At the same time the main 
hody advanced in the direction of Mount Craw- 
ford, and met the enemy on North River, twelve 
miles from Staunton. A hot conflict ensued, as 
well here as at Port Republic, but the enemy 
were steadily driven on the North River, which 
exposed their right, and thus compelled it to 
fall back. At the same time Gen. Crook was 
approaching from the west, and the enemy in 
falling back retired toward Waynesboro' on the 
east. The loss of Gen. Hunter was two hun- 
dred and fifty. That of the enemy was severe, 
and included the commanding general, "W. E. 
Jones. Staunton was immediately occupied by 
Gen. Hunter. Stores and rtiilroad property of 
a large amount were captured. 

The advance of Gens. Crook and AveriU 
from Meadow Bluff was commenced on May 
31st. They moved through Lewisburg, "White 
Sulphur Springs, &c., to the Gaston depot on 
the Vu-ginia Central Railroad by June 5th. 
This is about forty miles below the terminus 
of the road. Here the work of destruction 
commenced. The track was torn up, and 
bridges and culverts destroyed for a distance 
of ten miles. Thence the force moved over 
North Mountain, through Pond Gap to Staun- 
ton, and arrived on the 8th of June. The 
enemy attempted constantly to impede their 
progress. 

On June 10th the consolidated command of 
Gen. Hunter marched from Staunton on the 
road through Middlebrook to Lexington, Gen. 
Crook's command being in advance. Three 
miles from Staunton the enemy, under Gen. 
McCausland, were posted behind rail breast- 
works, designed to delay the movement as 
much as possible. The steady advance, how- 
ever, dislodged them, driving them ahead. 
Seventeen miles from Staunton they managed 
to kill two men and wound two others, when 
a strong force of cavalry dispersed them for 
that day. In the forenoon of the 11th Lexing- 
ton was reached. The enemy had burned the 
bridge over the James, and were posted on the 
high bank opposite. They were driven off with 
artillery, after which the river was crossed at 
the fords and the town occupied. On Sunday, 
the 12th, the Military Institute and the house 
of Gov. Letcher were burned. Ten minutes 
were allowed to remove any property from the 
latter. A number of canal boats were destroy- 
ed, and considerable ammunition seized. A* 
bronze statue of Gen. Geo. Washington, cast 
upon the orders of the legislature of Virginia, 
was taken down and subsequently transported 
to Wheeling, Va. On the 13th Gen. Averill 
was ordered to Buchanan, and the whole force 
followed on the next day. On Thursday, the 
16th, Liberty was reached, and seven miles of 
railroad and the culverts and bridges destroyed. 
On the 17th the advance under Gen. Crook 
arrived within eight miles of Lynchburg at 
10 a. m., and halted for the main force to come 
up. It arrived at 3 p. m., and moved on within 



an hour. After an advance of two miles the 
first position of the enemy was reached. They 
immediately opened with a brisk cannonade, 
but were soon driven back two miles to their 
line of breastworks with considerable loss to 
both sides. Night coming on Gen. Hunter was 
compelled to halt. All night the whistles of 
locomotives were heard in Lynchburg, bringing 
reenforcements from Richmond. On the next 
day the enemy appeared iu force, and advanced 
to turn the right of Gen. Hunter's force. Af- 
ter a sharp struggle they were driven back to 
their breastworks, which were protected by 
others in the rear. The position of the enemy 
now appeared to Gen. Hunter to be so strong, 
and his numbers so great, as to destroy all hope 
of success with his army, now on limited ra- 
tions. In the afternoon, therefore, the trains 
were started back, and at 9 p. m. the command 
commenced retreating, and marched imtil 1 A. M. 
"ttie next morning, when they arrived within five 
miles of Liberty. At 9 a. m. the march was 
renewed until 2 p. m., when a halt was made 
three miles southwest of Liberty. The enemy 
followed close, and the skirmishing was contin- 
ually heavy. The rear was brought up by 
Gen. Crook. At 6 p. M. the command was 
again on the march, and reached Bonsack's 
depot at 10 a. m. of the 20th, where a halt for 
rest was made. At 8 p. m. the march was re- 
sumed, via Buford's Gap, for Salem, which was 
reached at 5 o'clock on the next morning. The 
enemy continued a hot pursuit, and on the 21st 
captured ten pieces of artillery in a deep gap. 
Six were recaptured. That night the command 
rested all night for the first time since leaving 
Lynchburg. New Castle, in Craig County, was 
reached at 6 p. m. on the 22d. On the night 
•of the 25th Meadow Bluff was reached by the 
force, being without supplies, except such as 
could be obtained from the sparse inhabitants 
of a mountainous country. On the 27th rations 
were obtained, and Gen. Hunter arrived at 
Loup Creek during the next day. On the same 
day the following despatch from Gen. Hunter 
was issued by the War Department : 

WAsmNQTON, June 28 — i p. m. 
Mai.- Gen. Dix : 

The following despatch has just been received from: 
Gen. Hunter : 

"I have the honor to report that our expedition! 
has been extremely successful, inflicting great injury_ 
upon the enemy, and victorious in every engagement.. 
Eunning short of ammunition, and finding it impos- 
sible to collect supplies while in the presence of an 
enemy believed to be superior to our force in num- 
bers and constantly receiving reenforcements from 
Richmond and other points, I deemed it best to with- 
draw, and have succeeded in doing so without serious 
loss to this point, where we have met with abandact 
supplies of food. A detailed report of our oparations 
will be forwarded immediately. The command is in 
excellent heart and health, and ready, after a few 
days' rest, for service in any direction." 

Nothing later than my telegram of this morning has 
been received from Gen. Grant or Gen. Sherman. 
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War, 

The operations of the expedition were com- 
mented upon unfavorably by two newspapers 



584 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



in West Virginia. They were temporarily sup- 
pressed by Gen. Hunter. His reasons for this 
suppression, as well as his views of the condi- 
tion of his men during the retreat, will be found 
in the annexed portion of a letter written by 
him: 

Headqitaetees Dep't op West Virginia. I 
Cumberland, Md., July 13, 1864. ( 

To Tiis Exc. A. I. Boreman, Governor of West Virginia. 

SiE : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 

of your communication dated July 10th, 1864, relative 

to the case of James E. Wharton, Esq,, editor and 

Eroprietor of the "Parkersburg Gazette," and have 
rst to state, in reply, that about two hours previous 
to the "receipt of your letter orders had been given 
to the provost-marshal for Mr. Wharton's release, 
and he had been released before your letter reached 
my hand. And now a few words as to the causes 
which led to Mr. Wharton's arrest, and the temporary 
suppression of his journal. 

As to the "criticism on your (my) conduct" in 
which Mr. Wharton indulged, and to which you re- 
fer, I agree with you that there was, of course, n^ 
offence whatever. It was merely a matter of taste on 
his part ; nor was it noticed by me until you called 
my attention thereto as one of the possible causes for 
my action. But Mr. Wharton, in the editorial which 
led to the suppression of his paper, stated, first, that 
" Gen. Hunter, with his command, have principally 
passed through our city (Parkersburg) on their way 
east." This was contraband news, and was utterly 
untrue. Much less than one-tenth of my command 
had passed through Parkersburg, and I was detained 
there for some time after the appearance of the arti- 
cle, hurrying forward the balance. 

In the second place Mr. Wharton went on to say, 
in the same article : " We were sorry to see so much 
suffering among them. They were completely worn 
out, and many in the division had died of starva- 
tion." " The sufferings of the soldiers in 

their movement from Lynchburg to Charleston were 
terrible, and they half require rest and surgical care." 

That there was "some suffering" amongst the 
troops is true. The business of the soldier is one in 
which " suffering" forms an inevitable part. But on 
careful inquiry, personally and through many officers 
employed for the purpose, I have faued to discover 
even a report of any one case of death from hunger ; 
while, on the other hand, niy medical director. Sur- 
geon Thomas B. Keed, an officer of large military ex- 
perience and excellent judgment, assures me that, 
despite the certain limited privations and great fa- 
tigues of the march, the health of the command was, 
throughout, far better than the average health of 
soldiers quietly resting in their camps 

I have the honor to be, sir, with very sincere re- 
spect, your most obedient servant, 

D. HUNTER, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

The reason for his retreat through "West Vir- 
ginia was stated to be that " the return march 
down the Shenandoah to Staunton, was flanked 
by the railroad from Lynchburg to "Waynes- 
boro', and that Hunter with his whole command 
must, therefore, have been cut off and destroyed 
or captured, had any such movement been at- 
tempted." 

Simultaneously with the beginning of the 
movement against Richmond, a cavalry raid 
was made by Gen. Sheridan from New Castle 
Ferry on the Pamunkey River to Gordonsville, 
the junction of the Virginia Central Railroad 
with the road to Alexandria. His report of the 
expedition was as foUows : 

I crossed the Pamunkey River on the 7th instant, 



marching via Aylett's, and encamped on Herring 
Creek. 

On the morning of the 8th I resumed the march, 
via Polecat station, and encamped three miles west 
of the station. 

On the 9th I marched through Childsburg and New 
Market, encamping on E. N. E. Creek, near Young's 
bridge. 

On the 10th I marched via Andrews' Tavern and 
Leiman's store, crossing both branches of the North 
Anna, and encamped at Buch Childs, about three 
miles northeast of Trevilian station. 

My intention was to break the railroad at this sta- 
tion, march through Mechanicsville, cut the Gor- 
donsville and Charlottesville Railroad near Lindsay's 
house, and then to march on Charlottesville ; but on 
our arrival at Buch Childs I found the enemy's cav- 
alry in my immediate front. 

On the morning of the 11th Gen. Torbert, with- his 
division, and Col. Gregg, of Gen. Gregg's division, 
attacked the enemy. After an obstinate contest they 
drove him from successive lines of breastworks, 
through an almost impassable forest, back on Tre- 
vilian station. 

In the mean time Gen. Custer was ordered with his 
brigade to proceed by a country road so as to reach 
tlie station in the rear of the enemy's cavalry. On 
his arrival at this point the enemy broke into a com- 
plete rout, leaving his dead and nearly all of his 
Wounded in our Lands ; also twenty officers, five 
hundred men, and three hundred horses. 

These operations occupied the whole of the day. 
At night I encamped at Trevilian station, and, on the 
morning of the 12th inst., commenced destroying the 
railroad from this point to Lorrain Court House. 
This was thoroughly done, the ties burned and the 
rails rendered unserviceable. 

The destruction of the railroad occupied until 
3 o'clock of this day, when I directed Gen. Torbert 
to advance with his division and Gen. Davis' brigade 
of Gen. Gregg's division in the direction of Gordons- 
ville and attack the enemy, who had concentrated 
and been reenforced by infantry during the night, and 
had also constructed rifle-pits at a point about five 
miles from Gordonsville. The advance was made, 
but as the enemy's position was found too strong to 
assault, no general assault was made. On the ex- 
treme right of our lines a portion of the Reserve 
brigade carried the enemy's works twice, and was 
twice driven therefrom by infantry. Night closed the 
contest. I found, on examination of the command, 
that there was not a sufficiency of ammunition left 
to continue the engagement. 

The next day trains of cars also came down to 
where we were engaged with the enemy. The re- 
ports of prisoners and citizens were that Pickett's old 
division was coming to prevent the taking of Gor- 
donsville. I, therefore, during the night and next 
morning, withdrew my command over the North 
Anna, via Carpenter's ford, near Miner's bridge. In 
addition, the animals were for the two entire days in 
which we were engaged without forage. The sur- 
rounding country afforded nothing but grazing of a 
very inferior quality, and generally at such points as 
were inaccessible to us. The cavalry engagement of 
the ]2th was by far the most brilliant one of the 
present campaign. The enemy's loss wa;s very heavy. 
They lost the following named officers in killed and 
wounded : — Col. McAllister, commanding a regiment, 
killed; Brig.-Gen. Rosser, commanding a brigade, 
wounded, and Col. Custer, commanding a regiment, 
wounded. My loss in killed and wounded will be 
about five hundred and seventy-five. Of this num- 
ber four hundred and ninety are wounded. I brought 
off in my ambulances three hundred and seventy 
seven — all that could be transported. The remainder 
were, with a number of rebel wounded that fell into 
my hands, left behind. Surgeons and attendants 
were detailed, and remained in charge of them. I 
captured and have now with me three hundred and 



MILITARY AND XAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



585 



seventy prisoners of war, including twenty commis- 
sioned officers. My loss in captured will not exceed 
one hundred and sixty. They were principally from 
the 5th Michigan cavalry. This regiment gallantly 
charged down the Gordonsrille road, capturing fifteen 
hundred horses and about ei^ht hundred men ; but 
were finally surrounded and had to give them up. 
When the enemy broke they hurried between Gen. 
Custer's command and Col. Gregg's brigade, captur- 
ing five caissons of Pennington's battery, three of 
which were afterwards recaptured, leaving in their 
hands two caissons. 

The contest at Trevilian was reported by 
Gen. Lee to be a rebel victory. 

The retirement of Gen. Hunter to West Vir- 
ginia, with his army in such condition as to 
need rest and reorganization, left the Shenan- 
doah valley open to the unresisted occupation 
of the enemy. At the same time the state of 
affairs at Petersburg permitted Gen. Lee to 
detach a force for the invasion of Maryland, 
and perhaps cause troops to be recalled from 
Gen. Grant for the defence of "Washington. 
Rumors of the advance of the enemy down the 
Shenandoah valley preceded their appearance 
by some days. On Saturday, July 2d, they 
first reached the region of Martinsburg. On 
the news of their approach. Gen. Sigel deter- 
mined to evacuate Martinsburg and a part of 
the stores were removed, including nearly all 
the rolling stock of the railroad company, and 
heavy trains loaded with supplies for Gen. 
Hunter. A quantity of valuable stores, how- 
ever, were lost. The enemy first appeared at 
North Mountain, eight miles north of Martins- 
burg, which compelled Gen. Sigel to fall back 
to Harper's Ferry. On Saturday, July 3d, he 
was attacked at Leetown, and quickly driven 
from his position, and moved to the strong 
position of Maryland Heights, which he held. 
The main line of the enemy's advance was by 
way of Martinsburg and North Mountain, 
across the Potomac to Hagerstowu. A panic 
spread over the region, and the inhabitants fled 
with such property as they could hastily seize 
and remove. At Fredrick, Md., on the 5 th, all 
the Government stores were loaded on railroad 
trains, and preparations made for an immedi- 
ate evacuation of the city. On the same day 
Hagerstowu was occupied and the stores plun- 
dered, and a requisition made on the inhabitants 
for $20,000. This money was paid and the 
raiding party left. The Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad was held by the enemy as far down as 
Sandy Hook, and much of the track torn up. 
The following were the orders of the command- 
ing officer of the enemy to his force : 

Headqitabteks Cavalry Divisiok, 1 
Valley District, June 28, 18&4. ( 

The following directions for the march of this com- 
mand will hereafter be strictly observed : — 

Before the march begins on each morning the rolls 
of each company will be called after mounting, and 
the adjutant of each regiment will keep a list of the 
names of all deserters. 

Before dismounting at camp in the evening the 
rolls will again be called, and the brigade command- 
ers will report to these headquarters the number of 
men absent at each roll call. 

The habitual order of the march will be in column 



of "fours," but on narrow roads by "twos." The 
distance between the head of one brigade and the 
rear of the other will be two hundred yards. When 
artillery and ambulances accompany the brigades, 
those assigned to each brigade will" follow immedi- 
ately in rear of their brigades. During the march the 
brigades in rear will regulate their movements by 
those in front. 

Regular halts will be made during the march, and 
neither officers nor men will leave the column, except 
at such halts, unless by the written consent of the 
brigade commander, and such permission will not be 
granted unless for important reasons. 

Brigade, regimental, and company commanders will 
pass frequently from front to rear of their respective 
commands, to see that the column is at all times well 
closed up. Brigades will alternate in the march daily. 
A rear guard will be placed behind each brigade, and 
no person, except staff officers or couriers, will be 
permitted to fall behind such guard. 

All the wagons of this division will march together 
under direction of the division quartermaster. 

The quartermasters of the command will constantly 
accompany their respective trains. One man, dis- 
mounted when practicable, will go with each wagon 
to assist the driver. He will remain with the wagon. 
No other parties will be permitted with the ti-ain, ex- 
cept when a guard shall be necessary. The quarter- 
masters will be held responsible that no others ac- 
company the wagons. No other wagons or convey- 
ances than those allowed from army headquarters 
will be allowed. 

Upon reaching camp, officers and men must remain 
in their camps, and commanders will establish proper 
camp guards. 

Immediately upon fixing the headquarters of the 
brigade the commanders will report their locality to 
division headqitarters. 

The utmost order and perfect quiet will be pre- 
served upon the march and in camp. The silly prac- 
tice of whooping and hallooing is strictly forbidden. 

Destruction of the fences and crops of the farmers 
is positively prohibited, and such outrages will be 
paid for from the pay of the officers of the command 
nearest where such depredations may be committed. 

Greatest care must be taken of ammunition. Not 
a cartridge must be fired unnecessarily. An impor- 
tant campaign is commenced, and upon its results 
depend more than we can estimate. 

The Major-General commanding asks and expects 
from every man of his command a hearty and cheer- 
ful compliance with orders, assuring all that they 
shall reap and enjoy the full fruits of whatever their 
labors and privations may obtain. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. RANSOM. 

Walter K. Martin, Asst.-Adjt.-Gen. 

Brig.-Gen. Ned McCausland, com'dg brigade. 

N. FiTzauGH, Asst.-Adjt.-Gen. 

On the same day the President issued a call 
for twelve thousand militia from Pennsylvania, 
twelve thousand from New York, five thou- 
sand from Massachusetts, and the various Gov- 
ernors issued proclamations calling out the 
troops, and the militia began to assemble. 

On Wednesday there was some skirmishing 
with a few of the enemy's cavalry, between 
Hagerstown and Frederick. The Federal force 
from Hagerstown fell back toward Chambers- 
burg. At various points along the Potomac 
and north there was some skirmishing. 

On Thursday, a reconnoitring force sent out 
by Gen. Wallace from Monocacy, was quickly 
repulsed by the enemy. Boonsboro' and Mid- 
dletown were occupied by them, and they ad- 
vanced within a few miles of Frederick, and 
threw some shots into the city. Before morn- 



586 



MILITAEY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 




MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



587 



ing of the 8tli tlaey withdrew to another quar- 
ter. The country on all sides was scoured for 
horses, forage, provisions, and money. On the 
8th, another party from Harper's Ferry en- 
tered Hagerstown from WiUiamsport, and 
again plundered the inhabitants and burned 
some buildings. The enemy still occupied the 
road to Frederick with their main body behind 
Catoctin Mountain. In the evening of the 

' same day. Gen. "Wallace withdrew with his 
force from Frederick to Monocacy Junction. 
At sunrise on the next morning, the 9th, the 
enemy entered and levied a contribution on 
the inhabitants. About 9 a.m. they advanced 
against Gen. Wallace, who occupied a position 
on the east side of the Monocacy River, with 
his batteries protecting the railroad and the 
turnpike. The attack of the enemy was made 
on his left under Gen. Ricketts, with varying 
success for some hours, when it was forced to 
give way. At the same time the right of Gen. 
"Wallace was outflanked by the enemy, who, 
appearing in tlie rear, poured in a reverse fire 
and swept off about six hundred men and ofii- 
cers, including Gen. Tyler. Gen. "Wallace now 
fell back, and the enemy pursued him some 
miles toward Ellicott's Mills on the Baltimore 
turnpike. His loss was about twelve hundred 
men, with six cannon. The command under 
Gen. Ricketts had been sent forward from 
Petersburg by Gen. Grant. The force of the 
enemy consisted of a column which crossed the 
Potomac at "Williamsport, and another which 
had besieged Gen. Sigel for four days in Har- 
per's Ferry. 

The disaster to Gen. "VYallace created great 
excitement in Washington and through the 
Northern States. Washington appeared to be 
in imminent peril, and reenforcements were 
hurried forward. The 19th army corps, which 
had been sent from New Orleans to reenforce 
Gen. Grant, was at this time entering the Ches- 
apeake Bay. It was at once sent to Washing- 
ton. One corps of Gen. Grant's army — the 
6th, under Gen. Wright — was detached from 
the lines before Petersburg, and also sent to 
Washington. Gen. Wallace, in command at Bal- 
timore, was superseded by Gen. Ord. Mean- 
time the enemy, after tearing up some of the 
railroad from Frederick to Baltimore, sent 
their main body south of it and detached a 
cavalry force toward the Northern Central Rail- 
road from Harrisburg, Penn., to Baltimore. This 
cavalry expedition overran Eastern Maryland. 
Twenty-five miles of the Northern Central 
road were destroyed, and on Monday, the 11th, 
a force appeared on the Baltimore, "Wilmington, 
and Philadelphia road, and captured and set on 
fire the traius at Magnoliar station, seventeen 
miles south of Havre de Grace. In one train 
Maj.-Gen. Franklin was captured, but after- 
wards made his escape. Some damage was 

, done to the track, and Gunpowder bridge was 
partially burned. The cavalry, heavily loaded 
with plunder, came within six miles of Balti- 
more, then turning southward they joined the 



force near Washington, which had been sent 
in that direction to guard against surprise. 
Part of it halted before Fort Stevens, on Seven- 
teenth Street. Toward evening their sharp- 
shooters had become so annoying, and their pres- 
ence at the Capital so humiliating, that an at- 
tempt was made by Gen. Augur to dislodge 
them. A brigade of veteran infantry was de- 
tached along Seventeenth Street road, which 
encountered them, and a sharp skirmish ensued. 
The enemy were driven ofl', leaving about a 
hundred dead and wounded on the field. The 
Federal loss was between two and three hun- 
dred. While this demonstration was made 
before Washington, the rest of the enemy's 
force were moving across the Potomac, and on 
Wednesday morning the whole force was ap- 
proaching the river and the invasion was ended. 
On the retreat they were cautiously followed 
by a column from Washington, under Gen. 
"Wright, consisting of the 6th corps and a division 
of the 19th. He crossed the Potomac below 
Edward's fei'ry and moved to Leesburg. At 
the same time a portion of one train was cap- 
tured by the cavalry under Gen. Crook, with 
some of the teamsters and guard, and the 
rear driven through Snicker's gap after a sharp 
fight. The enemy, however, held the ferry 
across the Shenandoah with two guns, and 
checked the pursuit. On Monday, July IBtli, 
the command of Gen. Wright and the cavalry 
under Gen. Crook, excepting a body sent to 
guard Ashby's gap, passed through Snicker's 
gap to the ferry. The infantry began to cross 
below the ferry. The cavahy also crossed, and 
forming a line with the brigade of Col. Wells on 
the left, and that of Col. Thorburn on the right, 
hotly engaged the enemy. As the latter were 
concentrating on the right. Gen. Wright began 
to cross the 6th coi'ps to meet the enemy's 
concentration. But they charged the line with 
violence, and at length turned the riglit and 
drove it with some confusion across the ford. 
Finding the right giving way, Col. Wells with- 
drew the left, and the troops recrossed the 
river with a loss of three hundred. The force 
sent to Ashby's gap drove the enemy through 
the gap and across the river, but the latter 
finding their rear attacked, hurried back in 
force and compelled the command to retire 
with a loss of two hundred. The enemy now 
leisurely moved toward Winchester and Stras- 
burg, and the force of Gen. Wright crossed the 
Shenandoah. They soon halted and recrossed, 
returning to Leesburg, whence Gen. Crook 
moved to Harper's Ferry, and Gen. Wright to 
Washington. On the 19th, the same day on 
which the enemy were overtaken at Snicker's 
ferry. Gen. AveriU moved from Martinsburg 
toward Winchestei", and encountered a cavalry 
force near Darksville. On the next morning 
he pressed toward Winchester, where he met 
the enemy, and a contest ensued for three 
hours, during which Gen. AveriU captured 
four guns, several hundred small arms, and 
about two hundred prisoners. The totaJ loss 



588 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOK 



of tlie enemy was between three and four hun- 
dred. The force of the enemy at hand caused 
him to halt in his advance. 

The entire force of the enemy in this inva- 
sion was not far from 20,000 men. It included 
two infantry corps under Gens. Breckinridge 
and Ehodes, a division of cavalry under Gen, 
Ransom, and three batteries of artillery. The 
whole was under the command of Maj.-Gen. 
Jubal Early. Leaving a considerable force to 
guard his rear, about fifteen thousand crossed 
the Potomac. His loss was about fifteen hun- 
dred. A large amount of property was de- 
stroyed, five thousand horses driven oif, one of 
the greatest panics was excited, and several 
thousand men were withdrawn from Gen. 
Grant's army. 

Gen. Crook, after returning toward Harper's 
Ferry joined Gen. Averill, and on July 23d 
there was considerable skirmishing at Kerns- 
town, four miles beyond Winchester, and the 
Federal cavalry were di'iven back on the main 
body. On the next day the enemy pressed his 
advantage, and the cavalry were driven back 
in great rout through Winchester toward 
Bunker Hill. The breaking of his cavalry 
forced Gen. Crook to retreat. His command 
consisted of the cavalry under Gens. Averill 
and Duffle, and two divisions of infantry, about 
ten thousand men. The enemy being in 
greater strength outflanked him, and compelled 
a retreat from point to point. After the first 
struggle Gen. Early halted his main force about 
five miles north of Winchester, but his cavalry 
kept up a hot pursuit to Martinsburg. The 
loss of Gen. Crook from all sources was about 
twelve hundred, among whom was Col. Mul- 
ligan, killed. On the next day a sharp artil- 
lery engagement took place at Martinsburg, 
but Gen. Crook, having gained time to get off 
most of his trains, again fell back, and on the 
succeeding day crossed the Potomac into Mary- 
land, without molestation by the enemy. 
Their loss in these affairs was considerable, 
None, however, were taken prisoners. 

The enemy now held the west bank of the 
Potomac from Williamsport to Shepardstown. 
In Maryland and southern Pennsylvania the 
scenes in anticipation of the previous invasion 
were renewed — the panic — the frightful stories, 
fugitives, and the roads blocked with every spe- 
cies of property, which its owners were endea- 
voring to remove to a place of safety. The 
Federal troops rallied again, and on the 27th it 
was found that the enemy was not opposite 
Williamspoint. On the next day, Gen. Kelly 
crossed and reoccupied Martinsburg, which the 
enemy had already evacuated. On the next 
day, the 29tli of July, a force of the enemy 
crossed the Potomac, and advanced on Cham- 
bersburg, in Pennsylvania. On the next day, 
Saturday, they dispersed some troops at Car- 
lisle barracks, and a force of two or three hun- 
dred mounted men entered Chambersburg and 
set it on fire. A part of the inhabitants, with 
tlieir valuable property, had gone off on the 



previous day. The enemy demanded a ransom 
of $500,000, which not being paid, about two- 
thirds of the town, or two hundred and fifty 
houses, were burned. The inhabitants who re- 
mained made no opposition. 

Dui-ing the forenoon the enemy withdrew. 
Immediately afterwards Gen. Averill entered 
the town, and without stopping to extinguish 
the flames set out in pursuit. On Thursday 
evening previous he had retreated from Hagers- 
town toward Carlisle. During Friday he was 
driven back to Greencastle by the force of the 
enemy which on that day crossed the Poto- 
mac, and a part of his train lost. At night the 
enemy turned toward Chambersburg, and Gen. 
Averill on the next morning began to follow 
after them through St. Thomas, Loudon, and 
McConnellsburg. The force from Chambers- 
burg having reached their reserves, were over- 
taken by Gen. Averill toward evening, eight 
miles beyond McConnellsburg. Skirmishing 
took place until dark. On the next day Gen. 
Averill followed to Hancock, where the enemy 
checked the pursuit by felling trees and burn- 
ing bridges behind him. 

On Saturday, Col. Mosby, a partisan ranger, 
with about flfty men crossed the Potomac at 
Cheat ferry, pushed up the towpath to Adams- 
town, c/iptured the picket there, consisting of 
thirty or forty cavalry, cut the telegraph wire, 
robbed a few stores, and quickly retired. This 
affair created great alarm at Frederick, Mono- 
cacy, and Poolesville. It stopped the railroad 
trains in the neighborhood, and gave rise to a 
report that Gen. Early was invading Pennsyl- 
vania with forty thousand men. 

The band of Col. Mosby on its return en- 
countered a superior force at Conrad's ferry, 
with which a slight skirmish occurred. The 
panic, however, increased. Gen. Couch tele- 
graphed to the authorities at Pittsburg that 
" it is believed Breckinridge is marching west." 
All business was immediately suspended, and 
on Sunday a public meeting was held to pre- 
pare for defence. On Monday, August 1st, Gov. 
Curtin called the State Legislature to assemble 
on the 9th to take prompt measures in so great 
a crisis. At the same time Gen. Couch exam- 
ined the defences on the Ohio and Mononga- 
hela Rivers. The 6th corps started for the scene 
of action on hearing of the defeat of Gen. 
Crook. Leaving Georgetown on July 26th, it 
bivouacked at RockviUe at night. On the next 
day it marched to Hyattstown and reached the 
Monocacy on Thursday, and passing through 
Frederick encamped at Jefferson. On Friday 
evening it reached Halltown, three miles from 
Harper's Ferry. The force at that point, on 
Saturday, the day that Chambersburg was 
burned, consisted of the 6th corps, a part of 
the 19th, and the infantry of Gen. Hunter, un- 
der Gen. Crook. On that day orders came to 
move in pursuit of Gen. Early's army, which was 
reported to be ravaging Pennsylvania. The 
whole force, with an immense wagon-train, 
marched hard during that day and the next, 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



589 



losing some men by sunstroke, but finding no 
enemy. After a severe march they arrived at 
Frederick quite exhausted, and rested. 

The small force of the enemy which had been 
in Maryland moved from Hancock on the Cum- 
berland road, as above stated, the pursuit of 
Gen. Averill being checked by felling trees, &c. 
Gen. Kelly with his command in Western Vir- 
ginia now started to intercept this advance. 
On Monday afternoon the enemy reached 
Folck's mill, three miles from Cumberland, 
and attacked Gen. Kelly, who was protectmg 
the town. The skirmish continued until dark, 
and the enemy during the night fell back 
to Oldtown, leaving his killed and wounded, 
some wagons and ammunition. During the 
afternoon previous a force of five hundred 
men had been posted at Oldtown, under Col. 
Stough, to cut off the enemy's retreat. In 
the morning this force was attacked by the 
enemy, and, after a sharp skirmish, routed. 
The colonel and ninety men were made prison- 
ers. The loss of the enemy in killed and wound- 
ed was about thirty ; the Federal loss in this 
respect was much less. On Thursday, August 
4th, the enemy made an attack on Gen. Crook, 
but were foiled, and during the night v/ithdrew 
on the road to Moorefield. At that place he 
was overtaken by Gen. AveriU and routed with 
the loss of his artillery, many wagons, and five 
hundred prisoners. The loss of Gen. Averill 
was about fifty. On Thursday, the 4th, a panic 
prevailed in Harrisburg, caused by a report that 
the enemy had crossed the Potomac, and wag 
invading the North. Gov. Ourtin issued a proc- 
lamation calling out thirty thousand militia, and 
the inhabitants in the Cumberland valley com- 
menced another grand removal. 

The result of these operations was to secure 
an organized defence under the command of 
Gen. Sheridan for the defence of the valley. 
This force, by orders of Gen. Grant, consisted 
of the 6th and 19th corps, the division of in- 
fantry under Gen. Crook, and the division of 
cavalry under Gen. Torbert, with four brigades 
of Gen. Hunter's cavalry. 

The changes made before Petersburg during 
the operations of the enemy in Maryland, con- 
sisted chiefly in the transfer of troops to thwart 
them. The army of Gen. Grant continued more 
quiet than at any time since his campaign was 
commenced. The principal firing during this 
period was on the right and right centre, where 
Gen. Grant's lines were persistently pushed foi'- 
ward, and Petersburg and the batteries of the 
enemy monotonously shelled. Some skirmishes 
at different points also occurred by which a 
few men wex-e lost on each side. 

On July 1st a movement was made by a body 
of troops under Gen. Birney from Hilton Head, 
up the North Edisto River. They disembarked 
at White Point for the purpose of penetrating 
the country as far as practicable. The enemy 
were found in strong positions, and after some 
skirmishing the force withdrew. An attempt 
was also made to seize Fort Johnson on the 



northern end of James Island, by crossing Mor- 
ris Island. The enemy Avere found to be strong 
and on the alert, and the force was with- 
drawn. 

About the same time, July 3d, Gen. Dennis 
with a force of three thousand men moved out 
from Vicksburg to destroy the railroad from 
Jackson to Canton. Jackson was easily occu- 
pied, but on the return, an attack of the enemy 
was made upon the rear, and a sharp skirmish 
followed. The loss was about two hundred 
on each side. Some other movements were 
made at this time in Mississippi and Missouri 
partaking of a guerrilla character. 

In the latter part of July some changes were 
made in the commanders of the corps of the 
army of the James River. An order from the 
War Department relieving Gen. Butler was 
rescinded by Gen. Grant, and the former was 
retained in command. Gen. Smith was relieved 
from the command of the 18th corps and suc- 
ceeded temporarily by Gen. Martindale, and 
then permanently by Gen, Ord, of the 8th corps. 
Gen. GUlmore was relieved of the command of 
of the lOtli corps, succeeded temporaz'Oy by 
Gens. W. H. H. Brooks and Terry, and perma- 
nently by Gen. Birney of the 2d corps. 

The line of Gen. Grant extended at this time 
a distance of twenty miles. On the right, north 
of the James, at Deep Bottom, Gen. Foster's 
division of the 10th corps had been for some 
time in possession of an intrenched camp. This 
position served to prevent any sudden demon- 
stration on the right flank by the enemy, who 
were in possession of Malvern Hill, and also 
checked any effort by them to blockade the 
river against gunboats and transports by field 
artUlery. At the same time it furnished a good 
base for threatening an advance oa Richmond 
from the southeast, or for making a feint in that 
direction. In the rear of Gen. Foster's position 
a pontoon bridge crossed the James which was 
thoroughly protected by gunboats, but in his 
fi'ont a large force of the enemy prevented an 
advance. On July 21st a second bridge was 
thrown across the James at Strawberry Plains 
a little further down, and on the next day a 
brigade of the 19th corps crossed over and held 
the head of the bridge. Constant skirmishing 
with the enemy followed for some days, and so 
threatening was the demonstration that a divi- 
sion was added to their force in front of Gen. 
Foster. On Tuesday, July 26th, rapid artillery 
firing, intermingled with musketry, was kept 
up during the forenoon. At evening it was re- 
newed with the addition of the gunboats, and 
continued through the night. At 4 p. m. of the 
same day the 5th corps moved from the extreme 
left, followed by the cavalry under Gen. Sher- 
idan to the James River at Jones's Neck. Be- 
fore daylight they began to cross on a pontoon 
bridge, which had been mufiied with hay and 
grass. A line of battle was then formed with 
Gen. Sheridan's cavalry on the extreme right, 
and the 2d corps next at Strawberry Plains, the 
brigade of the 19th corps on its left, and Gea 



590 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



Foster in his old position on the extreme left, 
at Deep Bottom. 

The position of the enemy was in front of 
the 2d corps. They occupied rifle-pits, de- 
fended by one battery. An advance upon them 
was made by the 2d corps, during which Gen. 
Miles's brigade under cover flanked the whole 
position under a brisk charge. The enemy im- 
mediately retreated, losing their guns and some 
prisoners. A mile further in the rear they took 
a new position on a ridge. The Federal loss 
during the day was about a hundred. On the 
next day the demonstrations were continued, 
and a cavalry battle took place on the right with 
a loss of about two hundred and fifty. On 
Friday about four hundred empty wagons were 
taken across on the bridges as if an advance 
on Malvern Hill was to be made in great force. 
Nearly twenty thousand men and twenty can- 
non had thus been sent north of the James. 
Meanwhile the enemy hurried off a considera- 
ble force from Petersburg to meet these demon- 
strations, and during Thursday still more were 
sent. On Thursday evening, therefore, the 3d 
division of the 2d corps was secretly removed 
to Petersburg. After some skirmishing with 
the enemy on Friday afternoon, the rest of the 
2d corps and the cavalry, after dark, retraced 
their steps and arrived before daybreak at Pe- 
tersburg. At this place there had been the 
usual cannonade during the four preceding 
days. 

All those movements were preliminaries to the 
explosion of a heavy rhine which had been 
planted under one of the enemy's heaviest 
works. It had been suggested by Lieutenant- 
colonel Pleasants of the 48th Pennsylvania 
regiment, who Avith his regiment had been ac- 
customed to mining before the war. By them 
the whole work was accomplished. It was 
begun on June 25th. It started in the side of 
a ravine in front of the 9th corjDs and pushed 
toward a formidable fort of the enemy situated 
about two thousand yards from Petersburg. 
The distance to be mined was about five hun- 
dred feet. The gallery was made in the usual 
shape, being about four feet wide at the bottom 
and sloping up to the top. Its height was 
about four and a half feet. A ventilating 
shaft was sunk near the entrance. The ground 
rose toward the enemy's position, and the tun- 
nel was sloped upwards as it advanced. When 
the fort was reached, it was about twenty feet 
overhead. Wings' were extended to the right 
and left, so that the main gallery might open 
into two diverging galleries, running along the 
outer line of the fort. Eight chambers were 
formed in these latter, separated by sand-bags 
and wood. Wooden pipes ran about a hun- 
dred fe6t from the magazines toward the 
mouth of the gallery, and were connected there 
by a hose or fuse which extended the rest of 
the distance. The chambers were charged with 
four tons of powder. After its completion a 
delay of some days ensued, during which the 
feint at Deep Bottom was made. 



Every effort to conceal the work was made, 
but it was supposed that the enemy were 
aware of its existence. 

The plan of assault was to explode the mine 
and immediately to open a cannonading from 
every gun on the line. Under cover of this 
concentrated fire, which might somewhat un- 
nerve the enemy, a storming party was to 
rush through the gap made by the explosion 
and endeavor to carry the enemy's position 
beyond. In the rear of his first line was a 
strong crest, which commanded Petersburg. 
The Federal lines were less than a hundred 
and fifty yards distant from the enemy at the 
nearest points. The approach to the part to 
be charged, which was about the same distance, 
had been made difficult by abatis and entangle- 
ments. Nearly a hundred heavy guns had 
been brought up by Gen. Grant, some of 
which were eight-inch and some even heavier. 

The assaulting force was the 9th corps, sup- 
ported by the 1 8th corps, with the 2d in re- 
serve on the right, and the 5th on the left, the 
whole closely massed, and leaving only the 
necessary garrisons to hold the more distant 
intrenchments. This force was in position 
soon after midnight on Friday, July 29th. The 
9th corps was arranged with Gen. Ledlie's 
division in advance. Gens. Wilcox and Pot- 
ter's next in support, and the colored division, 
in command of Gen. Ferrero, in the rear. 
The fuse was to be lighted at 3|- o'clock a. m. 
But, owing to dampness, the fire went out in 
the gallery. It was renewed after much delay, 
but the explosion did not take place until 
twenty minutes of five o'clock, and after sun- 
rise. A heaving and trembling of the earth 
was followed by huge clouds of earth and all 
the contents of the fort, as guns, caissons, lim- 
bers, and the soldiers which manned them 
being thrown into the air. To the spectators 
it resembled a great fountain in appearance; 
then, poising for a moment, it quickly de- 
scended. A crater, one hundred feet or more 
in length and half as wide, and a depth of 
twenty feet, with heaps of ruins, remained 
where once stood a six-gun fort, its camp 
equipage, and two hundred men. Immediately 
after the explosion, the cannonading from a 
hundred guns commenced. Gradually recover- 
ing from his surprise the enemy began to re- 
spond, and soon their entire line was engaged. 
Meantime, after a few minutes' delay. Gen. 
Marshall's brigade, of Gen. Ledlie's division, 
began to advance across the deadly plain. The 
supporting brigades spread out and enveloped 
the flanking rifle-pits, capturing about two hun- 
dred prisoners. The breech was gained, and 
the troops began to reform for assault. In- 
stead of bursting at once upon the frowning 
crest, four hundred yards distant, the advance 
brigades were suff'ered to throw up intrench- 
ments and spend time in getting two guns to 
bear on the enemy. Meanwhile the latter 
rallied and poured a terrific enfilading fire 
upon tbe captured fort. At length the 7th 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



591 



corps was re-formed, after a fatal delay, and 
with Gen. Potter's division on the right, Led- 
Re's in the* centre, and "Wilcos on the left, 
under cover of the fire of two guns, began the 
charge. At every step, the fire of the enemy 
In front and on each flank, concentrated with 
greater fury upon them and ploughed their 
ranks with slaughter. The charge was checked 
on the side of the crest, there was a halt, and 
finally the whole line, wavering under terrible 
odds, recoiled to the fort. The colored di- 
vision of the corps remained. As a forlorn 
hope, it was despatched to do what the other 
three had failed in attempting. It rushed for- 
ward over the four hundred yards which sepa- 
rated it from the enemy only to meet the fate 
of its comrades. When once broken, it plunged 
headlong into the fort, upon which the enemy 
now concentrated their fire. It was evident 
the day was lost, and the question now was, 
how best to save the troops. Eiforts were 
made by a division of the 18th and another of 
the 10th corps to distract the attention of the 
enemy, but they proved to be useless. His fire 
was directed straight upon the dismantled fort, 
now become a slaughter-pen, in which were 
huddled the fragments of the 9th corps, hoping 
for relief from their comrades who lay in their 
intrenchments, two hundred yards distant. 
Then squads of men began the work of re- 
treating. But the enemy kept up a destruc- 
tive cross-fire over every rod of the space be- 
tween the fort and the Federal lines. The 
retreating movement, however, was kept up. 
Meanwhile, the enemy made several charges 
upon the ruins of the fort, which were bravely 
resisted by some of the officers and the rem- 
nants of the corps. About noon, however, a 
general retreat was ordered, a considerable 
part of the survivors of the assault having al- 
ready crossed to the rear. . Those who re- 
mained in the fort having exhausted their am- 
munition and being left unsupported by the 
rest of the army, were captured about 2 p. m. 
by a final charge of the enemy. 

The Federal loss was estimated at five thou- 
sand ; that of the enemy, one thousand, of 
whom two hundred were made prisoners. The 
dead lay on the field for thirty-six hours, when 
they were removed under a flag of truce. 

On Friday, Aug. 5th, a mine was exploded 
by the enemy. No assault followed. On the 
7th there was a sharp skirmish and an artillery 
duel in front of the 9th corps. In the after- 
noon of the 9th another duel with heavy mor- 
tars occurred on the right and right centre. 
On the same day an ordnance boat was re- 
ceiving fixed ammunition at City Point, when, 
by dropping one of the cases, the whole cargo 
was exploded. On several succeeding days, 
before Petersburg, only picket and artillery 
firing took place. 

On August 10th, preparations were made for 
digging a canal at Dutch Gap. A great bend 
in the James River forms a peninsula called 
Farrar's Island, which a neck of land, less 



than half a mile wide, connects with the north 
shore. This isthmus it was proposed to cut by 
a canal. Such canal would save a circuit of 
six miles in a bend crowded with obstructions 
and torpedoes and guarded by gunboats of the 
enemy. If occupied, it would also flank the 
strong position of the enemy at Ilowlett's, 
where his heavy batteries swept the river. It 
would compel him to construct a new and more 
extended line of defence, requiring a larger 
force of men to defend it, and also bring Gen. 
Grant's forces dangerously near to Fort Dar- 
ling. The prosecution of the work was con- 
tinued through the remainder of the year, al- 
though often seriously and dangerously an- 
noyed by the enemy. One of the last acts of 
Gen. Butler, while in command on the James, 
was an unsuccessful attempt to remove, by an 
explosion of powder, the earth at the entrance 
of the canal. 

The state of operations at this time, as view- 
ed by Gen. Grant, is expressed in the following 
letter : 

HEADQ0AETEKS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, f 

City Point, Va., August 16th, ISOi ] 
To Eon. E. B. WasUurne : 

Dear Sir — I state to all citizens who visit me that 
all we want now to insure an early restoration of the 
Union is a determined unity of sentiment North. 
The rebels have now in their ranks their last man. 
The little boys and old men are guarding prisoners, 
guarding railroad bridges, and forming a good part 
of their garrisons for entrenched positions. A man 
lost by them cannot be replaced. They have robbed 
the cradle and the grave equally to get their present 
force. Besides what they lose iu frequent skir- 
mishes and battles, they are now losing from de- 
sertions and other causes at least one regiment per 
day. 

With this drain upon them the end is not far dis- 
tant, if we will only be true to ourselves. Their 
only hope now is in a divided North. This might 
give them reSnforcements from Tennessee, Ken- 
tucky, Maryland, and Missouri, while it would weaken 
us. With the draft quickly enforced the enemy 
would become despoudeut, and would make but 
little resistance. I have no doubt but the enemy 
are exceedingly anxious to hold out until after the 
Presidential election. They have many hopes from 
its effects. 

They hope a counter revolution ; they hope the 
election of the Peace candidate. In>fact, like " Mi- 
cawber," they hope for something to "turn up." 
Our Peace friends, if they expect peace from separa- 
tion, are much mistaken. It would but be the be- 
ginning of war with thousands of Northern men 
joining the South because of our disgrace in allow- 
ing separation. To have "peace on any terms" the 
South would demand the restoration of their slaves 
already freed ; they would demand indemnity for 
losses sustained, and they would demand a treaty 
which would make the North slave-hunters for the 
South. They would demand pay for the restoration 
of every slave escaping to the North. 

Yours, truly, U. S. GRANT. 

On August 18th the 5th corps marched to 
Reams' station, on the Weldon Railroad, and 
surprised a body of the enemy guarding it, and 
took possession of the road. On the next day 
an impetuous attack was made upon their right 
by three brigades of the enemy under Gen. 
Mahone, The pickets and an advanced regi- 
ment were quickly driven back to the breast- 



592 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



works, and the enemy rushed through a gap in 
the line, separating the divisions of Crawford 
and Wilcox, A desperate engagement now- 
ensued. At the same time the left of the line 
was attacked by the enemy under Gen. Heth, 
and the temporary intrenchments carried. On 
reaching the second line the enemy was brought 
to a stand, and then driven back with great 
slaughter. At this time reenforcements had 
arrived, consisting of the 1st and 2d divisions 
of the 9th corps. The lines were thus finally 
rallied and the enemy driven back, retrieving 
in a measure the disaster at the outset. The 
Federal loss was estimated between 3,500 and 
4,000. The enemy claimed to have captured 
2,700 prisoners. The Weldon Railroad was 
thus recovered by the enemy as far as Yellow 
Tavern, but the position first taken by Gen, 
Warren was held. 

On August 28th, Gen. Grant issued the fol- 
lowing order : 

Headqtjaetees Aemies of the U. 8., m the Field, | 
Virginia. August 2Sth, 1S64. j 
Special Orders JVb. 82. ' 

Hereafter deserters froni the Confederate army, 
who dehver themselves up to the United States 
forces, will, on taking the oath that they will not 
again take up arms during the present rebellion, be 
furnished subsistence and free transportation to their 
homes, if the same are within the lines of the Fed- 
eral occupation. 

If their homes are within such lines, they will be 
furnished subsistence and free transportation to any 
point in the Northern States. 

All deserters who take the oath of allegiance will, 
if they desire it, be given employment in the Quar- 
termaster's and other departments of the army, and 
the same remuneration paid them as is given to 
civilians employed for similar services. 

Forced military duty, or services endangering 
them to capture by the Confederate forces, will not 
be exacted from such as give themselves up to the 
United States military authorities. 

By command of Lieut.-Gen. GRANT. 

T. S. Bowers, A. A. G. 

Affairs now remained quiet imtil September 
10th, when the brigade of Gen. De Trobriand 
captured a portion of the enemy's pickets, in- 
flicting a loss of one hundred to one hundred 
and fifty. On the 16th a body of the enemy's 
cavalry marched around in the rear of Gen. 
Meade's left at Reams' station, and captured 
the 13th Pennsylvania and a herd of 2,500 
cattle. They were pursued by cavalry, but 
the pursuit was repulsed and they retired at 
leisure. 

On September 14th the Secretary of War 
sent forward the following despatch : 

War Department, September 14. 
Major-Gcncral J)ix, New Yorh : 

i/ieutenant-General Grant telegraphs this depart- 
ment in respect to the draft as follows : 

City Point— 10:30 a. m., September 13. 
non. Ed/win M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

We ought to have the whole number of men called 
for by the President in the shortest possible time. 
Prompt action in filling our armies will have more 
effect upon the enemy than a victory over them. 
They profess to believe, and make their men believe, 
there is such a party North in favor of recognizing 
Southern independence that the draft cannot be en- 



forced. Let them be undeceived. Deserters come 
into our lines daily who tell us that the men are 
nearly universally tired of the war, and that deser- 
tions would be much more frequent, but they believe 
peace will be negotiated after the fall election. The 
enforcement of the draft and prompt filling up of our 
armies will save the shedding of blood to an immense 
degree. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. 

The following telegram has been received from 
Major-General Sherman on the same subject : 

Atlanta, Ga.— 6:30 p. m., Sept. 13. 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

I am very glad to hear that the draft will be en- 
forced. First, we want the men ; second, they come 
as privates to fill up our old and tried regiments, 
with their experienced officers already on hand ; 
and third, because the enforcement of the law will 
manifest a power resident in our Government equal 
to the occasion. Our Government, though a Democ- 
racy, should in times of trouble and danger be able 
to wield the power of a great nation. All well. 

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. 

The draft is ordered to commence in all the States 
and districts where the quota is not filled by volun- 
teers, on Monday, the 19th, and will go on until 
completed.' Volunteers and substitutes will be re- 
ceived and credited to as late a period as possible. 
Volunteering is still progressing with vigor in most 
of the States. EDWIN M. STANTON, 

Secretary of War. 

A call for 500,000 men had been issued by 
the President on July 18th, 

On Sept, 28th a movement was made by 
Gen. Grant on the north of the James. It was 
predicated on the belief that only a small force of 
the enemy occupied the works on the north side 
of the river, and a hope was entertained that 
by a sudden movement and a rapid advance the 
capture of Richmond might be the result. At 
the same time it was assumed that if the ad- 
vance was successfully resisted it could only be 
accomplished by the withdrawal of a force 
from the south side of the river, which would 
materially aid the army of the Potomac in a 
contemplated movement on the enemy in the 
vicinity of Petersburg. Gen. Ord with the 
18th corps was ordered to cross the James at 
Aikin's Landing, eight miles above Deep Bot- 
tom, and to mass his troops quietly on the 
north bank, and at daylight to advance against 
the enemy's works in his front with the utmost 
celerity, in order that no reenforcements might 
reach the enemy in time to oppose the move- 
ment. After capturing the works on Chapin's 
Farm, it was designed that he should without 
delay advance against the rear defences of 
Chapin's Bluff", and, after capturing these, de- 
stroy the bridges across the James and con- 
tinue his advance toward Richmond, capturing 
the enemy or driving them before him, and 
effectually protecting his rear by the destruc- 
tion of the bridges. At the same time Gen. 
Birney, on the afternoon of the 28th, with the 
10th corps, moved to Bermuda Hundred and 
crossed the river during the night. A division 
of colored troops of the 18th corps was added 
to his force. Gen. Birney was ordered, by a 
rapid movement at daylight, to capture the 
enemy's work in front of Deep Bottom and 
gain possession of the New Market road lead- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



593 



ing to Eichmond ; thence to advance as rapidly 
as practicable toward Eichmond, assaulting any 
works occupied by the enemy which he might 
meet, and establish communication or a con- 
nection with Gen. Ord at the Mill road, distant 
about seven miles from Eichmond. Gen. Bir- 
ney had captured the enemy's works at 8^ a. m., 
and by nine o'clock his second division was on 
the advance toward Eichmond on tlie New 
Market road. Communication was established 
with Gen. Ord, as directed, by 10^ o'clock, and 
Gen. Grant, being on the field, expressed his 
gratification with the progress. The strong 
inner defences of Ohapin's Bluff were soon 
encountered, and preparations were made to 
assault them. Gen. Ord had carried the first 
line of the enemy's works in his immediate 
front, capturing some fifteen pieces of artillery, 
and was then preparing to act in conjunction 
with Gen. Birney upon the enemy's line of 
fortifications. As the works were evidently 
very formidable, it became necessary to organ- 
ize a regular assaulting column. This delayed 
the assault until 2 p. m. Meantime reenforce- 
ments were sent to the enemy, and as the as- 
saulting column advanced they could be seen 

, entering the works. From this cause and the 
strength of the works, the assault was unsuc- 
cessful, although the troops behaved with great 
gallantry. Two regiments only of the colored 
division reached one of the rebel forts, where 
they found a ditch ten feet wide and eight feet 
deep between them and the parapet. More 
than a hundred of these brave fellows jumped 
into the ditch and assisted some of their com- 
rades to mount the parapet by allowing them 
to climb up on their shoulders. About a dozen 
succeeded in mounting the parapet by these 
means. But this force which had bravely pushed 
on was far too small to capture the fort, and 

• was therefore compelled to retire, leaving their 
comrades in the ditcli of the fort. But these 
were unable to make good then- escape, as it 
would have been certain death to leave the 
the ditch and return to the troops, and were 
afterwards compelled to surrender. About 
eight hundred men were lost in this assault in 
kUled, wounded, and prisoners. On the 30th 
the enemy attempted to recapture the works 
which had been taken, but without success. 
On the same day Gen. Warren attacked and car- 
ried the enemy's lines on their extreme right, 
and captured a number of prisoners. At the 
same time Gen. Meade attacked and carried the 
enemy's line near Poplar Grove Church. 

On Oct. 7th the enemy made a vigorous and 
partially successful effort to turn the right flank 
of the Army of the James. Gen. Anderson, with 
one brigade of cavalry and two of infantry, sur- 

38 



prised the Federal cavahy and routed the force 
on the right and captured many of them. Upon 
encountering the main body near New Market 
the enemy were repulsed and abandoned the 
Central road. The loss was about five hundred, 
that of the enemy was some larger, including 
one hundred and fifty prisoners. 

On the 27th a movement was made by a por- 
tion of the 2d and 5th corps against the enemy's 
position at Hatcher's Eun. A severe engage- 
ment ensued, in which the troops of both corps 
were driven back with severe loss. They, how- 
ever, held their original position. The follow- 
ing is Gen. Grant's despatch respecting this 
movement : 

CiTT Point, Oct. 27—9 p. m. 
To Hon. Edwin If. Stanton, Se(^y of War : 

I have just returned from the crossing of the Boyl- 
ston plank road with Hatcher's Creek. Our line now 
extends from its former left to Armstrong's mill, 
thence by the south bank of Hatcher's Creek to the 
point above named. At every point the enemy was 
found intrenched and his works manned. No attack 
was made during the day further than to drive pickets 
and cavalry inside of the main work. Our casualties 
have been light, probably less than two hundred 
killed, wounded, and missmg. The same is probably 
true with the enemy. We captured, however, seven 
loaded teams on their way to Stony Creek to the 
enemy, about a dozen beef cattle, a travelling forge, 
and from seventy-five to one hundred prisoners. 
Butler extended around well toward the Yorktown 
road without finding a point unguarded. I shall keep 
our troops out where they are until toward noon to- 
morrow, in hopes of inviting an attack. 

(Signed) U. S. GRANT, Lieut. General. 

The following is Gen. Lee's despatch : 

HEADQTJAETEBS AkMT op NORTirERN ViBOTNIA, | 

October 28tb, 1864. ) 
Ifon, James A. Seddon, Secretary of War : 

Gen. A, P. Hill reports that the attack of Gen. 
Heth upon the enemy upon the Boylston plank road, 
mentioned in my despatch last evening, was made by 
three brigades under Gen. Mahone in front and Gen. 
Hampton in the rear. Mahone captured four hun- 
dred prisoners, three stands of colors, and six pieces 
of artillery. The latter could not be brought off, the 
enemy having possession of the bridge. 

In the attack subsequently made by the enemy 
Gen. Mahone broke three lines of battle, and during 
the night the enemy retired from the Boylston plank 
road, leaving his wounded and more than two hun- 
dred and fifty dead on the field. 

About 9 o clock p. m., a small force assaulted and 
took possession of our works on the Baxter road, in 
front of Petersburg, but was soon driven out. 

On the Williamsburg road, yesterday. Gen. Field 
captured upward of four hundred prisoners and seven 
stands of colors. The enemy left a number of dead 
in front of our works and returned to his former 
position to-day. E. E. LEE. 

The subsequent movements during the year 
were comparatively unimportant. Both armies 
prepared such quarters as to enable them to 
retain their positions during the winter. 



594 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



CHAPTEE XLIV. 



The Sanitary Ctommlssion — Its Organization — Objects — ^Means of Transportation — Preventive Service — General Relief— 
Special Eelief— Field Relief— Auxiliary Relief Corps — Receipts— Expenditures — Western Commission — Other Sani- 
tary Commissions — Christian Commission — Organization — Objects — Services — American Union Commission — Objects. 



Some notice should be given to those chari- 
table organizations which were designed to re- 
lieve the sufferings of the wounded soldiers. 
Their agents were not only present on the field 
of these unparalleled battles, but they had ac- 
companied the armies in every campaign. 

The proclamation of the President of the 
United States on the 15th of April, 1861, an- 
nouncing the beginning of a civU war, and 
calling for 75,000 volunteer soldiers, not only 
brought to light the patriotic feeling of the 
masses of American citizens, who hastened to 
enrol themselves among the volunteer defenders 
of the country, but evoked a deep feeling of 
sympathy, and a desire to aid in the good work 
on the part of those who from age, profession, 
or sex, were debarred the privilege of giving 
their personal service in the field. Soldiers' aid 
societies, to furnish lint, bandages, hospital 
clothing, and delicacies, as well as nurses for the 
sick and wounded, sprung up on every hand; 
their zeal was often mingled with inexperience 
and ignorance, and the Medical Bureau of the 
War Department, nearly as ignorant as they of 
the immense duties and responsibilities which 
would soon overwhelm it, turned a cold shoul- 
der to their ofters of aid ; but the motives which 
prompted them in their benevolent ofters were 
worthy of all praise. Among these aid socie- 
ties, many of them organized within two or 
three weeks after the President's proclamation, 
was one, " The Woman's Central Association 
of Relief," in New York, which had among its 
officers some gentlemen of large experience in 
sanitary science, and of considerable knowledge 
of military hygiene. These sought to give to 
its labors' a practical character from the begin- 
ning, and they urged upon the association the 
importance of ascertaining at once what the 
Government would and could do, and then 
making arrangements to coOpei'ate with it and 
supplement its deficiencies. Prominent among 
these gentlemen was Rev. Henry W. Bellows, 
D.D., who had previously won a high reputa- 
tion by his efforts for improving the sanitary 
condition of our large cities. 

Other organizations of gentlemen were at- 
tempting by different, yet in the main similar 
measures, to render assistance to the Govern- 
ment. Among these were the " Advisory Com- 
mittee of the Board of Physicians and Surgeons 
of the Hospitals of New York," and " The New 
York Medical Association for furnishing Hospi- 
tal Supplies in aid of the Army," both new asso- 
ciations, called into existence by the exigencies 
of the war. Fraternizing with each other, as 
they well might, since they all looked to the ac- 



complishment of the same end, these associations 
resolved to send a joint delegation to Washington 
to confer with the Government, and ascertain 
by what means they might best cooperate with 
it for the benefit of the soldiers of the nation. 

The idea of organizing a Commission which 
should unite and energize all these as yet iso- 
lated societies, and apply their contributions to 
the best advantage in aid of the Medical Bureau 
and the sick and wounded soldiers, seems to 
have been suggested to the delegation at the 
very outset of their mission. 

On the 18th of May, 1861, Messrs. Henry W. 
Bellows, D.D., W. H. Van Buren, M.D., Ehsha 
Han-is, M.D., and Jacob Harsen, M.D., repre- 
sentatives of these three associations, drew up 
and forwarded to the Secretary of War a com- 
munication setting forth the propriety of creat- ' 
ing an organization which should unite the 
duties and labors of the three associations, and 
cooperate with the Medical Bureau of the War 
Department to such an extent that each might 
aid the other in securing the welfare of the 
army. For this purpose they asked that a 
mixed commission of civilians, military officers, 
and medical men, might be appointed by the 
Government, charged with the duty of method- 
izing and reducing to practical service the 
already active but undirected benevolence of 
the people toward the army. 

On the 22d of May, R. C. Wood, M.D., then . 
Acting Surgeon-General, and subsequently in 
charge of the Western Medical Department, fol- 
lowed this communication by a letter addressed 
to the Secretary of War, urging the establish- 
ment of the desired Commission as a needed 
adjunct to the new, extensive, and overflowing 
duties of the Medical Bureau. 

On the 23d of May, the delegation addressed 
to the Secretary of War a " Draft of powers, 
asked from the Go^'ernment, by the Sanitary 
delegates to the President and Secretary of 
War." In this paper the powers desned were 
stated as follows : 

"1. The Commission being organized for the 
purposes only of inquiry and advice, asks for no 
legal powers, but only the official recognition 
and moral countenance of the Government, 
which will be secured by its public appointment. 
It asks for a recommendatory order, addressed 
in its favor to all officers of the movement, to 
further its inquiries; for permission to corre- 
spond and confer, on a confidential footing, with 
the Medical Bureau and the War Department, 
proffering such suggestions and counsel as its 
investigations and studies may from time to time 
prompt and enable it to offer. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



595 



" 2. The Commission seeks no pecuniary re- 
muneration from tlie Government. Its motives 
being humane and patriotic, its labors wiU be 
its own reward. The assignment to them of a 
room in one of the pubhc buildings, with sta- 
tionery and other necessary conveniences, would 
meet their expectations in this direction. 

" 3. The Commission asks leave to sit through 
the war, either in "Washington, or when and 
where it may find it most convenient and use- 
ful ; but it will disband should experience ren- 
der its operations embarrassing to the Govern- 
ment, or less necessary and useful than it is 
now supposed they will prove." 

Concerning the objects of the Commission, 
the delegation say: 

" The general object of the Commission is 
through suggestions reported from time to 
time to the Medical Bureau and the War De- 
partment, to bring to bear upon the health, 
comfort, and morale of our troops, the fullest 
and ripest teachings of sanitary science, in its 
application to military life, whether deduced 
from theory or practical observations, from gen- 
eral hygienic principles, or from the experience 
of the Crimean, the East India, and the Italian 
wars. Its objects are purely advisory." 

They indicate the following specific objects 
of inquiry : 

" 1. Materiel of the Volunteers. The Com- 
mission proposes a practical inquiry into the 
materiel of the volunteer forces, with reference 
to the laws and usages of the several States, 
in the matter of inspections, with the hope of 
assimilating the regulations with those of the 
army proper, alike in the appointment of medi- 
cal and other officers, and in the vigorous ap- 
plication of just rules and principles to recruit- 
ing and inspection laws. This inquiry would 
exhaust every topic appertaining to the original 
materiel of the army, considered as a subject 
of sanitary and medical care. 

" 2. Prevention. The Commission would in- 
quire with scientific thoroughness into the sub- 
ject of diet, cooking, cooks, clothing, huts, 
camping grounds, transports, transitory depots, 
with their expenses, camp police, with reference 
to settling the question how far the regulations 
of the army proper are or can be practically 
carried out among the volunteer regiments, and 
what changes or modifications are desirable 
from their peculiar character and circumstances? 
Every thing appertaining to outfit, cleanliness, 
precautions against damp, cold, heat, malaria, 
infection, and unvaried or ill-cooked food, and 
an irregular or careless commissariat, would fall 
under this head. 

" 3. Relief. The Commission would inquire 
into the oi'ganization of Military Hospitals, gen- 
eral and regimental; the precise regulations 
and routine through which the services of the 
patriotic women of- the country may be made 
available as nurses ; the nature and sufficiency 
of hospital supplies; the method of obtaining 
and regulating all other extra and unbought 
supplies, contributing to the comfort of the sick • 



the question of ambulances and field services, 
and of extra medical aid; and whatever else 
relates to the care, relief, or cure of the sick 
and wounded, their investigations being guided 
by 'the highest and latest medical and military 
experience, and carefully adapted to the nature 
and wants of our immediate army, and its pecu- 
liar origin and circumstances." 

The President and Secretary of "War were not 
at first disposed to look with any great favor 
upon this plan, which they regarded rather as 
a sentimental scheme concocted by women, 
clergymen, and humane physicians, than as one 
whose practical workings would prove of incal- 
culable benefit to the army which was rapidly 
coming into existence. The earnestness of its 
advocates, their high position, and the evidence 
which was adduced that they only represent- 
ed the voice of the nation, produced some 
effect in modifying their views ; and when the 
Acting Surgeon-General asked for it, as a needed 
adjuvant to the Medical Bureau, likely soon to 
be overwhelmed by its new duties, they finally 
decided, though reluctantly, to permit its organ- 
ization. Accordingly the Secretary of "War, on 
the 9th of June, decided on the creation of such 
a Commission, the President approving. The 
title first given to the new organization was " The 
Commission of Inquiry and Advice in respect 
of the Sanitary Interests of the United States 
Forces," but was subsequently changed to " The 
United States Sanitary Commission." 

It was composed of the following gentle- 
men; Rev. Henry "W. Bellows, D.D., Presi- 
dent, New York ; Professor A. D. Bache, Vice- 
Pi'esident, "Washington; Elisha Harris, M.D., 
Corresponding Secretary, New York; George 
"W. CuUum, U. S. A., "VVashington ; Alexander 
E. Shiras, U. S. A., Washington; Robert C. 
Wood, M.D., U. S. A., Washington ; WilUam 
H. Van Buren, M.D., New York; Wolcott 
Gibbs, M.D., New York ; Cornelius R. Agnew, 
M.D., New York; George T. Strong, New 
York ; Frederick Law Olmsted, New York ; 
Samuel G. Howe, M.D., Boston ; J. S. New- 
berry, M.D., Cleveland, Ohio. To these were 
subsequently added Horace Binney, Jr., Phila- 
delphia; Rt. Rev. Thomas M. Clark, D.D., 
Providence, R. I. ; Hon. Joseph Holt, Ken- 
tucky ; R. W. Burnett, Cincinnati, Ohio ; Hon. 
Mark Skinner, Chicago, Illinois ; Rev. John H. 
Hey\Vood, Louisville, Kentucky ; Professor 
Fairman Rogers, Philadelphia ; J. Huntington 
Wolcott, Boston; Charles J. Stille, Philadel- 
phia ; Ezra B. McCagg, Chicago, 111. ; and 
nearly six hundred associate members, in all 
parts of the country. 

It is a matter of wonder that in a field so 
wholly new the delegation should have so 
fully comprehended the duties which would 
be incumbent upon the Commission, and the 
range of its future operations. There were 
indeed certain features of its work which, of 
necessity, could only be developed by the bit- 
ter experiences through which it was called to 
pass ; and in the end, the great lack in the Gov- 



596 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



eminent medical service compelled it to assume 
more of the executive and less of the advisory 
functions. Still it has never failed to bear in 
mind that it was created to aid by its advice, 
counsel, and, where needed, its direct help, the 
medical department of the Government service. 

Under its charter, it at once proceeded to or- 
ganize its action and to appoint committees 
from its members to visit every camp, recruit- 
ing-post, transport, fort, hospital, and military 
station, to ascertain and report aU abuses, and to 
perfect such organization as might insure a high- 
er degree of health and comfort for the soldiers. 

The medical members of the Commission un- 
dertook to consider the questions which might 
arise concerning the diseases of the camp, and 
their medical and surgical treatment, from the 
highest scientific point of view ; and guided by 
the rich and abundant experience of European 
army surgeons, to prepare brief medical and 
surgical tracts adapted to the wants of the vol- 
unteer surgeons of the array. Among these 
tracts, of which many thousands have been cir- 
culated, were, "Advice as to Camping; " " Re- 
port on Military Hygiene and Therapeutics ; " 
" Dr. Guthrie's Directions to Army Surgeons 
on the Battle-field ; " " Rules for preserving the 
Health of the Soldier ; " " Quinine as a Prophy- 
lactic against Malarious Diseases ;" "Report on 
the value of Vaccination in Armies; " " Report 
on Amputation ; " " Report on Amputation 
through the Foot and at the Ankle-joint ;" "Re- 
port on Venereal Diseases; " "Report on Pneu- 
monia; " "Report on Continued Fevers ; " "Re- 
port on Excision of Joints for Traumatic Cause ;" 
" Report on Dysentery ; " "Report on Scurvy;" 
" Report on the Treatment of Fractures in Mil- 
itary Surgery ; " " Report on the Nature and 
Treatment of Miasmatic Fevers ; " " Report on 
the Treatment of Yellow Fever ; " "Report on 
the Treatment of Infectious Diseases," etc. 

Three committees were appointed, one to 
communicate the matured counsels of the Com- 
mission to the Government, and procure their 
ordering by the proper departments ; a second 
to maintain a direct relation with the army ofii- 
cers and medical men, with the camps and hos- 
pitals, and by all proper methods to make sure 
of the carrying out of the sanitary orders of the 
Medical Bureau and the War Department ; and 
a third to be in constant communication with 
the State Governments, and the public benevo- 
lent associations interested in the army. 

This plan of organization was approved by 
the Secretary of War, on the 13th June, 1861, 
and on the 21st of that month the Commission 
issued its first address to the public. This was 
soon followed by an appeal to the Life Insurance 
Companies, and another to men of wealth 
throughout the country, for aid in the prosecu- 
tion of its work. The members of the Com- 
mission, as such, received no compensation, but 
the purposes of the organization would require 
a very considerable number of paid employes, 
and would involve heavy expenses for publica- 
tions and supplies, which could only be pur- 



chased with money. A considerable number 
of associate members were elected at this time, 
who gave their services in raising means for the 
operations of the Commission, and Ladies' As- 
sociations, in all parts of the country, prepared 
clothing and supplies of all sorts, and forwarded 
them to its depots. 

The members of the Commissiob visited, 
during the summer of 1861, the different camps 
of the widely-extended armies of the republic, 
and carefully inspected and reported upon their 
sanitary condition and needs. 

The necessity of the services of the agents of 
the Commission on the field immediately after, 
or, when practicable, dm-ing the progress of, im- 
portant battles, was felt, as soon as such battles 
occurred. At first, owing to the difficulties 
of procuring transportation for its supplies to 
the field, in consequence of the dependence of 
the Medical Bureau upon the Quartermaster's 
Bureau for transportation, it could not reach 
the field so early as its officers desired, and in 
some of the earlier battles there was great suf- 
fering (partially ameliorated, it is true, by indi- 
vidual effort and enterprise) in consequence. 
But the Commission soon found it necessary to 
have its own independent transportation, and 
this both by land and water, its hospital trans- 
ports, its wagons and ambulances, and its am- 
bulance railroad cars. In July, 1863, it added 
to these the plan of attaching to each army 
corps a Superintendent of Relief, with his as- 
sistants, wagons, ambulances, and supplies, to 
ren>ain constantly with his coi"ps and minister 
to its needs. 

The transportation of the wounded soldier 
from the battle ground to the field-hospital, as 
well as to the more remote camp, post, or gen- 
eral hospital, is a matter of importance. If 
roughly and unskilfully performed, the wound- 
ed man not only suffers severely, but his inju- 
ries may be rendered mortal. At first it was the 
practice in the army for the line officers to de- 
tach two men who were uninjured from the 
ranks to bear off" each wounded man ; but this 
weakened the force so much in a severe battle 
(the bearers seldom returning to their place), 
that it was finally prohibited, and only the am- 
bulance men of the regiment, or the members 
of the band, aided sometimes by the chaplain, 
or by civilians, assisted in that duty. An am- 
bulance corps was organized in connection with 
the Army of the Potomac in the autumn of 1862, 
but did not attain much efficiency till the spring 
of 1863. Congress, at its session of 1863-'64 
extended its provisions to the other ai'mies of 
the republic. By its provisions each regiment 
in going into battle is entitled to three ambu- 
lances, with their drivers, and six stretcher- 
bearers, who are commanded by a sergeant, the 
stretcher-bearers marching with the regiment 
into battle, and the ambulances being drawn up 
in rear between the army and the field hospital; 
the ambulance force of the regiments forming 
a brigade, being under the command of a second 
lieutenant, that of a division being commanded 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



597 



by a first lieutenant, and the force attached to a 
corps by a captain who is responsible to the 
medical director of the army. The ambulances 
to be provided with stretcher-hooks and seats, 
and with water, cordials, bandages, etc. The 
wounded are brought off by these arrangements 
promptly and with comparatively little suffering. 
As a matter of fact, however, there have been 
usually but two ambulances to a regiment, and 
sometimes but one. 

The different means of transportation adopted 
deserve notice. In most of the armies the U. 
S. army hand-litter or stretcher is now in use 
for carrying men off from the field, but some 
of the smaller outlying bodies of troops, and 
occasionally detachments of cavalry, are not 
provided with them. For these, as well as for 
the larger bodies of troops early in the war, the 
hand-litter made with' guns and blankets, has 
been extemporized ; for this purpose the edges 
of the blanket are rolled over the guns, and tied 
firmly with twine, and two stout sticks are also 
tied transversely across at the head and foot 
ser\dng as handles for the bearers. This being 
laid on the ground, the wounded man is placed 
gently upon it with his knapsack under his 
head, and the bearers, standing between the 
guns, carry him with comparative comfort. 
The Indian litter is made by taking two stout 
saplings, and attaching to them three cross- 
pieces about two and a half or three feet apart 
by cords and notches; the sick or wounded 
man being placed on his blanket, this frame- 
work is placed over him and the blanket knot- 
ted to it. By three bent twigs and an addi- 
tional blanket a land of wagon top can be made 
to this in case of storm. Dr. James R. "Wood 
hf-s invented an admirable hand-litter of can- 
vas, with the sides bound with very strong 
rope with loops at suitable distances and the 
cross-pieces of steel. This can be roUed up in 
small compass for transportation, and needs 
only a couple of poles, easUy obtainable for 
use at any time. Panniers to be fitted on 
the backs of mules or horses (the former are 
preferable) are of service in mountainous dis- 
tricts where wheel carriages are inadmissible. 
The French use them to some extent in their 
ambulance corps. One of the panniers receives 
a man sitting, the other, one in a recumbent or 
partially recumbent position. It is necessary 
that the animals, whether horses or mules, should 
have been trained specially for this service.* A 
horse or mule litter for transporting a wounded 
man in a recumbent position, by means of two 
horses, one before, the other behind the litter, 
was ordered by the U. S. Army Medical Board 
in 1860, but has not been very generally intro- 
duced. It is convenient for a mountainous 
country, but requires too many horses and men 
for a single soldier. The 'two- wheeled ambu- 
lance, known as Cherry's Cart, which may be 
used either as an ambulance or transport, found 
at first considerable favor in the army, though 
Dr. (now Medical Inspector, U. S. A.) Ooolidge's 
two- wheeled ambulance soon superseded it, and 



proved an admirable conveyance for wounded 
men on smooth and good roads, though too 
light for the rough and horrible routes over 
which most of our campaigning has been con- 
ducted. Surgeon General Hammond ordered, 
in 1863, four-wheeled ambulances to be di'awn 
by two horses, which proved preferable to any 
others in the sei'vice. They were intended to 
convey ten or twelve persons sitting, or two 
sitting and two or three lying down. A still 
better four-wheeled ambulance, also drawn by 
two horses, has, within a few months past, been 
perfected by Dr. B. Howard, late a surgeon in the 
U. S. Army, and has been adopted in the ser- 
vice, and received the approval of the Sanitary 
Commission {fig. 3). It is beyond question the 
most admirably contrived conveyance for sick 
or wounded men over roads of any description 
which has ever been constructed, and seems to 
leave no room for further improvement. It 
admits of the transportation of six persons sit- 
ting, or two recumbent, or one recumbent and 
three sitting, and gives to the sitter all the ad- 
vantages of a corner seat with cushion, for sup- 
port, while the josting and shaking of an ordi- 
nary ambulance is entirely prevented by the use 
of semi-elliptic springs with counterpoise springs 
inside, and rubber buffers to receive any sudden 
shock {figs. 4, 5, 6). The badly wounded are 
brought on the litters of the ambulance, which 
are well cushioned and slid into place in the 
ambulance on steel rollers, and steadied in their 
position by loops and guys. A tank of fresh 
water is placed underneath the seats and beds, 
and the water can be drawn from the rear end 
of the ambulances {figs. 7, 8). There are also 
contrivances for the suspension of fractures of 
the lower extremities without motion, and for 
suspending, if necessary, additional stretchers 
in the ambulance. There are also hooks on 
the sides of the ambulance for carrying folded 
stretchers, and compartments for the necessary 
simple cordials, lint, bandages, &c. It is in 
short a complete fiying hospital {fig. 9). 

It has sometimes been necessary to transport 
the sick and wounded to hospitals remote from 
the battle-fields, either for the sake of a more 
healthful climate, or to afford them better hos- 
pital accommodation and greater facilities for 
recovery. In the earlier years of the war, this 
was done, when it was possible, on steamboats 
or steamships chartered as transports. They 
were often fearfully crowded and exposed to 
great suffering in their voyages, and where, as 
was the case after the battles of the Peninsula 
and Antietam in 1862, the voyage was made 
by sea, the rolling of the vessels in the gales 
they often encountered, increased the agony 
and caused the death of many of the helpless 
sufferers. Subsequently, where transportation 
by railroad was necessary, they were carried in 
passenger cars, or oftener in box or freight cars, 
with straw laid upon the floors. In this way 
many thousands were brought from Chatta- 
nooga to NashviUe and Louisville, in the au- 
tumn of 1863, and a large number in the spring 



598 MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 

Fig. 8. 




MILITAEY AND FAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 

Fig. 5. Fig. 6. 



599 




Fig. T. 



Fig. a 




and summer of 1864. The Sanitary Oommis- 
eion, desirous to relieve the suffering thus caus- 
ed, ordered the construction of a number of 
hospital cars, from di-awings made by EUsha 
Harris, M.D. In these cars the seats are re- 
moved, and the stretchers in which the patients 
are brought suspended upon gutta percha or 
rubber loops, and secured from swaying. There 
were five or six of them on the Atlanta, Chat- 
tanooga, Nashville, and Louisville route, with 
the surgeon's car in the centre of the train, with 
kitchen, dispensary, nurses, assistant-surgeons, 
and apothecaries in attendance, and the sick 
and wounded had the same care and attention 
they could have had in the best regulated hos- 
pitals. The same number have been constantly 
running between Washington, New York, and 
Boston. 

The introduction of new and more deadly 
missiles into modern warfare considerably mod- 



ified the methods of treatment as well as the 
diagnosis and prognosis of gunshot wounds. 
The old round bullet produced wounds far less 
formidable than those inflicted by the Mini6 
ball or the shell, which played so prominent a 
part in the battles of this war. The round 
musket-ball had a much lower initial velocity, 
was readily deflected from its course by coming 
in contact with bone, tendon, or even firm 
muscular tissue, and if it penetrated the large 
cavities, usually made a clean perforation of a 
diameter but little larger than its own. The 
Minie, on the contrary, made a ragged, ugly 
wound, and passed straight on through muscle, 
tendon, cartOage, and bone, producing terrible 
comminuted fractures of the latter; and if it 
did not pass entirely through, usually came to 
the skin on the opposite side from that which 
it perforated, and lying there, presenting its 
long diameter to the surface, left a large and 



600 MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 

Fig. 9. 






2- 




G^ 




5" 


- 


c 




H^ljijrl 


n 





4 



JLJ1h=,JL 



m j^'.^^aii 



J 



ragged cavity in its last resting-place. The 
wounds made -by fragments of shell were still 
more severe, mangling the unfortunate subject 
most cruelly, and producing destructive frac- 
tures and sloughing wounds. 

The Commission worked throughout in har- 
mony with the United States Government, and 
especially with the Medical Bureau, to which it 
proved of great service. That bureau, which 
at the commencement of the war was utterly 
inadequate, though from no fault of its own, to 
the vast work before it, was soon regulated 
and admirably organized, having a corps of 
three thousand skilful and responsible sur- 
geons, and fifteen thousand hired nurses expe- 
rienced in their duties. 

But even with this large force, trained as it 
had been by the arduous duties to which it had 
been called, there were numerous instances 
where the most perfect working of the Govern- 
ment machinery could not remedy sufiiering 
and misery which a more flexible system could 
relieve. The presence of tucipient scurvy 
among the troops on Morris Island, and the 
forces engaged in the siege of Vicksburg and 
Port Hudson, was detected and remedied by 
the sending at once of large amounts of fresh 
vegetables and anti-scorbutics by the Commis- 
sion to those points, which reached them 
promptly, and arrested the disease, while, by 
the necessarily slow movements of the Govern- 
ment, many weeks must have elapsed ere the 
needed remedies covdd have been furnished, 



and meantime half the forces engaged would 
have perished. " Potatoes and onians, " says one 
of the energetic lady agents of the Commission 
in Chicago, " captured Vicksburg." " The sup- 
plies of fresh vegetables and anti-scorbutics 
sent by the Sanitary Commission to Morris 
Island, saved the army of the South," is the 
testimony of an impartial but thoroughly com- 
petent witness, who spent ten months in the 
hospitals of that department in 1863. 

The work of the Sanitary Commission com- 
prehended the following distinct departments 
of labor: 1st. The preventire service^or Sanitary 
Inspection., which requii-ed a corps of Medical 
Inspectors, whose time was passed with each 
army corps in the field, visiting camps, hospi- 
tals, and transports ; skilful and experienced 
physicians, who watched the perils from climate, 
malarious exposure, from hard marching or ac- 
tive campaigning, from inadequate food or 
clothing, growing out of imperfect facilities of 
transportation, and reported to the Chief In- 
spector of that army, and through him to the 
Chief of Inspection at headquarters, for reme- 
dy, or to the Associate Secretary in charge, or 
to relief agents imder their control, and thus 
saw to the supplying of the needs of that por- 
tion of the army, and the adoption of the 
necessary measures for the improvement of its 
sanitary condition. From the reports of these 
inspectors the materials were gathered which 
were digested into such forms as to be of per- 
manent value in the Commission's Bureau of 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



COl 



Statistics. To this department belonged also 
the corps of Special Hospital Inspectors, select- 
ed from the most learned and skilful physicians 
of the country, who, from time to time, made 
the circuit of all the general hospitals of the 
army (numbering nearly three hundred), and 
reported upon their wants, condition, progress, 
personnel, and capacity for improvement. The 
substance of these reports was confidentially 
made over to the Surgeon-General. A third 
agency, in connection with this preventive ser- 
vice, was the preparation and circulation of the 
medical tracts already named, and information 
important and indispensable to the officers, sol- 
diers, and especially the medical men in the 
field. 

2. The Department of General Belief. — The 
supplies of food, clothing, bandages, hospital 
furniture, clothing, and bedding, delicacies for 
the sick, stimulants and cordials for the wound- 
ed on the ii eld, the sick and wounded in camp, 
field, regimental, post, and general hospitals, 
came from the branches of the Commission, of 
which there were twelve, having depots in Bos- 
ton, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, Cin- 
cinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Buffalo, Pittsburg, 
Detroit, Columbus, and Louisville. Each of 
these branches, which were variously denomi- 
nated as Ladies' Aid Societies, Relief Associa- 
tions, etc., had its distinctly defined field, from 
which it drew its supplies, and had from one 
hundred and fifty to twelve hundred auxiliary 
aid societies, in the towns, hamlets, and villages, 
and, in the cities, in the different churches of 
its field. The stores collected by the branch 
were received at its depot, opened, assorted, 
each kind by itself, repacked, and reports of the 
number and amount of the supplies thus accu- 
mulated were sent every week to the principal 
ofiice of the Commission, or to the Associate 
Secretary of the Eastern or "Western Depart- 
ment, as the case might be, and shipped, ac- 
cording to orders received, to the depots of dis- 
tribution, Washington, D. C, Camp Distribution, 
Va., Baltimore, Md., Harper's Ferry, Va., An- 
napolis, Md., Camp Parole, Md., Norfold, Va., 
City Point, Va., Newbern, N. C, Beaufort, 
S. 0., New Orleaus, La., or to the army where 
they were needed, with the utmost promptness, 
One of these branches (the " Woman's Central 
Association of Relief") reported, among the 
stores forwarded from its depot, from May 1, 
1861, to November 1, 1864, 599,780 pieces of 
clothing, 89,898 pieces of bedding, and over 
90,000 packages of fruit, vegetables, jellies, 
wine, condensed milk, beef stock, groceries, 
pickles, lemonade, etc., of a total value of over 
a million of dollars. The " Northwestern Sani- 
tary Commission," the branch of the U. S. 
Sanitary Commission at Chicago, had sent to 
the depots of distribution from its organization 
to December 31, 1864, supplies to the value of 
$230,645,02, and had expended besides for the 
purposes of the Commission, about $57,000 
more. The supplies thus furnished were dis- 
tributed with great care to avoid waste, and to 



supplement the food, clothing, and medicines 
which the Government was bound to furnish — 
the object being to do what the Government 
could not, and to avoid duplicating its supplies of 
what it could and should furnish. Care was 
exercised also to avoid imposition, while no 
sufferer in need was allowed to suffer when the 
Commission could supply his wants. The Com- 
mission was national in its character, and sup- 
plied the soldiers of one State as readUy as those 
of another. Nay, more — the rebel wounded, 
when left on the field, or in temporary hospitals 
within the Union lines, or when sent to camps 
and hospitals as prisoners, uniformly received its 
bounty and its assiduous care. It had in this 
matter, at times, to contend, both among the 
people and on the field, ,*vith that exclusive 
feeling which would limit its beneficence to 
the soldiers of a single State or regiment ; but 
oftenest the agents of these local organizations, 
from the feeling which such exclusiveness caused 
among the soldiers, turned their stores into the 
depots of the Commission, and themselves aided 
in their distribution to the soldiers, without dis- 
tinction of locality. The Field Relief Superin- 
tendents, already mentioned, who accompanied 
each army corps, belonged to this department 
of general relief. 

3. The Department of Special Relief. — This 
department was under the general superintend- 
ence of Rev. F, N. Knapp, Associate Secretary 
of the Commission for the East, at Washington, 
and of Dr. J. S. Newberry, Associate Secre- 
tary for the West, at Louisville. It furnished 
" Homes " to soldiers, where shelter, food, and 
medical care and general superintendence were 
furnished for those soldiers who were not yot 
under the care of the Govei'nment, or had just 
got out of their care, or had somehow lost their 
status, and could not immediately regain it — 
recruits, or men on leave, sick leave or furlough, 
going to and fro ; men without skill to care for 
themselves, ignorant, underwitted, or vicious ; 
men discharged prematurely from the hospitals , 
men found in the streets, or left behind by their 
regiments. Of these classes about seven thoa- 
sand five hundred were accommodated daily 
or nightly in the homes of the Commission at 
Alexandria, Harrisburg, Baltimore, Washington, 
Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cairo, Paducah, Camp Nel- 
son, Louisville, New Albany, Nashville, Co- 
lumbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, and New 
Orleans. 

There were also belongmg to this department 
six lodges — homes on a smaller scale — where 
the wearied soldier, sick or feeble, might await 
his opportunity of obtaining his pay from the 
Paymaster-General; or landing sick from a 
steamer or cars, and unable to reach the hospi- 
tal to which he might belong, could find rest, 
food, and medical care, till he could be trans- 
ferred to the hospital, or was able to rejoin his 
regiment. There were also at Annapolis, Md., 
and at Washington, D. C, " Homes for the Wives, 
Mothers, and Children of Soldiers," fitted up 
and supphed by the Commission, where these 



602 



MILITARY AND FAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



friends of the sick and wounded soldier, coming 
with scanty means to minister to his necessities, 
could find comfortable food and shelter. Besides 
these, " feeding stations " for the supply of the 
sick, wounded, and famished soldier, passing to 
and from the field, were established, usually 
temporarily, hut sometimes permanently, on the 
route from Louisville to NashviUe, Chattanooga, 
Atlanta, &c., and in the Shenandoah valley, at 
City Point, and elsewhere. The hospital cars, 
of which there were several, between Washing- 
ton, New York, and Boston, and between Louis- 
ville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, fitted up with 
hammocks, in rubber slings, and with a small 
kitchen for preparing the necessary food for the 
sick and wounded, and under the charge of a 
skilful surgeon, belcjjiged to this department; 
as also the Sanitary steamers, the Clara Bell, 
on the Mississippi, the New Dunleith, on the 
Cumberland, and the Ehzabeth, on the Potomac. 
These were used both for the transmission of 
necessary supphes, and the transportation of the 
wounded. In this department, also, the com- 
mission established agencies at Washington, 
Philadelphia, New York, Louisville, and New 
Orleans, for obtaining for the soldiers and their 
families pensions, bounties, back pay, trans- 
portation, aid in correcting the soldiers' papers, 
where there were errors in form, or recovering 
them their positions when they had wrongfully 
been set down as deserters, and saving them 
from sharpers. The Commission also established 
Hospital Directories at Washington, Philadel- 
phia, New York, and Louisville. In these four 
directories were registered the names of aU sol- 
diers in the United States general hospitals, and 
as far as possible the regimental and post hos- 
pitals throughout the country, and these were 
constantly receiving additions from the reports 
sent regularly from such hospitals. By apply- 
ing to these Directories, information was fur- 
nished to friends without cost, other than that 
of postage or telegram, of the location and con- 
dition of any soldier who was or had been within 
a year an inmate of any United States military 
hospital. At the Washington oflice of the Com- 
mission, the names of patients in the hospitals 
in Eastern Virginia, Maryland, District of Co- 
lumbia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Flori- 
da, and Louisiana, were recorded ; at Philadel- 
phia, those in Pennsylvania hospitals ; at New 
York, those in New York, New Jersey, and 
New England; at Louisville, those in West- 
ern Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, 
Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and 
Arkansas. The ofiicers in charge required the 
name, rank, company, and regiment of the per- 
son inquired for, and where he was when last 
heard from. About 900,000 names were thus 
recorded, and the information afforded by these 
directories to the friends of the sick and wounded 
was of incalculable value, often leading to the 
preservation of life, and to the relief of that most 
teri'ible mental anguish, the tortm-e of a dread 
uncertainty. 

StUl another measure of special relief, on 



which the Commission expended more than 
$30,000, was the sending of supplies, so long as 
it was permitted, to our soldiers who were pris- 
oners at Richmond, Salisbury, and Anderson- 
ville, and there undergoing the terrors of cold, 
nakedness, and starvation. It also sent on every 
flag-of-truce boat from Fortress Monroe ample 
stores of clothing, cordials, nourishing food, 
medicine, and restoratives, for 'the poor fellows 
who were exchanged, and who, but for this 
timely relief, would have many of them died on 
the voyage. It organized a system of furnishing 
fresh supplies to the hospitals around Washing- 
ton at prime cost, which it brought from Phila- 
delphia in arctic cars, thus preventing frauds, 
and the commissions formerly obtained by the 
hospital stewards, and furnishing more and bet- 
ter supplies to the inmates of the hospitals for 
less money. It caused reforms to be instituted 
in our own convalescent and parole camps, and 
in the prison camps of the rebels, which our 
Government held as prisoners, promoting the 
health and comfort of both in every possible way. 
Its agents and superintendents often brought ofi" 
men under fire from the battle-field, and four 
of them were taken prisoners by the rebels 
after Gettysburg, and notwithstanding the kind- 
nesses bestowed by the Commission on rebels, 
wounded and prisoners, were subjected to the 
meagre fare and filth of Libby prison and Castle 
Thunder, for months, when two of them .were 
finally released on parole. 

4. The Department of Field Helief.— The 
Commission maintained a chief inspector for the 
armies of the East, and another for the military 
division Of the Mississippi, whose duty it was 
to superintend the work of field relief. He had 
under his command a superintendent and assist- 
ant-superintendent of such army, two field store- 
keepers and two messengers, and one or more 
relief agents to each army corps. These relief 
agents were furnished with one or more wagons 
of supplies and ambulances, and moved with 
their corps in the field, ministering to the 
wounded on the field, furnishing bandages, cor- 
dials, and nourishment, and aiding the surgeons 
and assistant-surgeons in the field hospitals. 
They also rendered assistance and supplied de- 
ficiencies in the care of the sick in camp. The 
expenditure of the Commission for the Field 
Relief Department exceeded $190,000. 

5. StiU another department of the Sanitary 
Commission's work was its Auxiliary Belief 
Corps. This was first organized in May, 1864. 
Its object was to supply the deficiency of sys- 
tematic personal attendance and Avork in the 
hospitals, or among the wounded on the field. 
It einployed in the Eastern armies (in Virginia 
and the Department of the South) forty men 
regularly, and the number was increased during 
the severe battles of May and June, by volun- 
teers, to one hundred and fifty. In all, four 
hundred diff'erent agents were employed, and 
more than seventy -five thousand patients served 
with suitable food, delicacies, cordials, clothing, 
&c., &c., previous to Jan. 1, 1865. Personal 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



603 



•ministrations to the sick and wounded, in the 
way of conversation, writing letters^ supplying 
them with stationery, postage stamps, news- 
papers, magazines, and books, also formed a 
part of the duties of this corps. 

In these labors it constantly had the aid and 
cooperation of the Medical Department, and, 
where it could be bestowed, that of the Quar- 
termaster's Department ; and the generals and 
commanding officers in the field have, almost 
without exception, given it their hearty sanction 
and assistance. Without these, its work would 
have been fomfold more expensive than it was ; 
but even with this assistance, it necessarily had 
to incur large expenditures, and distributed 
supplies to an immense value. At the com- 
mencement of its work, when it was expected 
that the war would be a brief one, it made its 
appeals to the public for fifty thousand dollars, 
a sum which it was thought would suffice to 
accomplish its purposes ; but with the increasing 
proportions of the war, increasing means were 
found necessary. "While, of most descriptions 
of supplies, their stock derived from the branches 
was ample, there were some, such as the best 
qualities of wines and brandies, quinine, &c., 
which could only be obtained by cash purchases. 
The transportation of their supplies, though 
much of it was given by railroad companies, 
was still very expensive, while the maintenance 
of their homes, lodges, offices, and directories, 
required a heavy outlay. The Commission, as 
such, received no compensation, and of its offi- 
cers, the President, Vice-President, and Treas- 
urer, received no pay ; while the Associate 
Secretary for the West, having left his residence 
and practice at Cleveland for Louisville in the 
Commission's service, had a moderate salary. 
The Commission regarded it necessary for the 
proper performance of its extensive, varied, and 
onerous duties, to employ paid agents, and had 
in its employ about two hundred. To none of 
them were salaries paid so large as they could 
receive in other business, but they remained in 
the work because they loved it. The aggre- 
gate salaries, previous to May, 1864, was about 
$15,000 per month, and of other expenses from 
$30,000 to $35,000 per month, making a total 
sum of $45,000 to $50,000 per month ; but with 
the progress of the gigantic campaigns, and the 
terrible battles, both East and West, in the 
months of May, June, July, and August, 1864, 
this expenditure was greatly increased. For the 
months of May and June alone the outlay was 
$525,000, and for the season more than $1,000,- 
000 ; tlie expenditure of supplies varied with the 
occui-rence of gi-eat battles. During, and imme- 
diately after, the battles at Gettysburg, supplies 
to the value of $75,000 were distributed tliere. 
To the Army of the Cumberland, within ten 
days after the disastrous battle of Chickamauga, 
six thousand packages were sent ; and immedi- 
ately after Chattanooga, five thousand packages 
and boxes went forward. 

The receipts of the Commission, from its or- 
ganization in June, 1861, to Oct. 1, 1864, were 



in money $3,083,124.58; of this amount about 
$1,000,000 was received from the States and 
territories on the Pacific slope, including about 
$700,000 from California alone. Aside from 
this, its branches received in money to Decem- 
ber, 1864, about $2,000,000, which had been 
expended in the purchase of supplies, in local 
relief, a\id in the support of establishments of 
special relief under their direct charge. Its ex- 
penditures for the same period were $2,467,- 
958.55, and in the months of October and Nov., 
$263,000, making its total expenditure fi-om 
June, 1861, to Dec, 1864, $2,731,203.79. The 
value of articles received in kind as contribu- 
tions by the Commission, from June, 1861, to 
Oct., 1864, was $8,406,272.78, of which $5,286,- 
439.85 consisted of bedding, hospital furniture, 
and wearing apparel; $1,362,560.42, of hos- 
pital food and delicacies ; $298,437.28, of mis- 
cellaneous supplies, and the remainder unspeci- 
fied articles. The branches of the Commission, 
twelve in number, had furnished supplies to 
local institutions, soldiers' families, hospitals, 
etc., to the amount of between two and three 
millions more. Previous to July 1, 1864, the 
cost of distribution was only 8.76 per cent, of 
the amount distributed. The heavy expense 
of chartering steamers and employing auxihary 
relief agents, etc., during the campaign of 1864, 
increased the cost of distribution to 4.88 per 
cent, of the value of the supplies distributed. 

During the autumn and winter of 1863-'4, 
and the spring and summer of 1864, a series of 
fairs were held in several of the principal cities 
of the Union, in the interest of the Commission 
and its branches. These fairs were more gigan- 
tic in their conception and execution, and yield- 
ed larger returns than any enterprises of the 
kind ever attempted in this country. The Chi- 
cago fair, the first held, realized about $80,000 
net; that at Boston, about $140,000; Cincinna- 
ti, $240,000; Albany, 80,000; Cleveland, about 
$80,000; Brooklyn, N.Y., $401,000 ; New York 
City, $1,200,000; Pittsburg, $100,000; Balti- 
more, $55,000 ; Philadelphia, $1,080,000. Sev- 
eral of the smaller cities collected at fairs for 
the same object, from $10,000 to $20,000. 
These sums were not, except in the case of the 
New York and Philadelphia fairs, paid wholly 
into the treasury of the parent Commission, a 
part, and in some cases the whole, being re- 
served for the purchase of supplies and mate- 
rial, and the support of local institutions for 
the soldiers or their families. 

II. Thk Westeejt Sanitary Commission. 
This organization was entirely distinct from the 
United States Sanitary Commission, but, like 
that, knew no State boundaries, but ministered 
alike to the needs of soldiers from all the States, 
though from its location it had only supplied 
the wants of western armies, and of the freed- 
men and white refugees of the Mississippi Val- 
ley. It derived its first authority to act from 
an order of Maj.-G-en. Fremont. 

The authority conferred by the order was 
recognized and confirmed by Maj.-Gen. Hal- 



604 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



leek, who added Dr. S. PoUak to the Commis- 
sion, and still later, viz., December 16, 1862, 
by an order from the Secretary of War (Hon. 
E. M. Stanton), extending the field of its labors, 
and reappointing the members of the Commis- 
sion as at first constituted. 

This Commission did not devote its attention 
to as wide a range of topics as the United 
States Sanitary Commission, but confined itself 
to the work of superintending hospitals, fur- 
nishing supplies, appointing nurses, visiting and 
caring for the sick and wounded of the army 
of the Southwest Frontier, the District of East 
Arkansas, the armies operating on both sides 
of the Mississippi, and the Mississippi Naval 
Flotilla; it acted at all times in concert with 
the Medical Directors and Inspectors of these 
armies, and on account of their effici^t super- 
vision of the condition and sanitary wants of 
the armies imder their charge, did not find it 
necessary to appoint separate medical inspec- 
tors. It had the superintendence of twelve 
hospitals (one for officers and another for mil- 
itary prisoners), having accommodations for 
about eight thousand patients, besides ten large 
hospital steamers and floating hospitals ; it es- 
tablished Soldiers' Homes and Soldiers' Lodges 
at St. Louis, Memphis, and Columbus, Ky., and 
agencies at Helena, Milliken's Bend, and Spring- 
field, Mo., and prepared, published, and distrib- 
uted a large edition of a " Treatise on the Pres- 
ervation of the Health of the Soldier, the cook- 
ing of food, the preparation of diet for the sick, 
the duties of nurses and attendants, and the 
organization and general management of hos- 
pitals." During 1863 and 1864 it gave special 
attention to the necessities of the freedmen in 
the Mississippi Valley, and its officers interested 
themselves in the adjustment of wages and in 
securing just and considerate treatment of the 
emancipated slaves from those who have rented 
the plantations, which had been abandoned by 
rebel owners. The Commission expended about 
$40,000 in the relief of freedmen. It also kept 
a registry of the location and condition of in- 
valid and wounded soldiers in the Western ar- 
mies. It also provided to a considerable ex- 
tent for the large number of white refugees 
from the States in insurrection, who drifted into 
St. Louis, and were in a condition of great suf- 
fering. 

The Western Sanitary Commission received 
from its organization to January, 1865, a little 
more than $1,000,000 in cash, of which $500,000 
was the net-result of a fair held in St. Louis in 
May, 1864; and about $2,000,000 in supplies. 

III. Other Sanitary Commissions. Two or 
three of the Western States established organi- 
zations dependent partly upon legislative grants, 
and partly upon contributions, for the care of 
the sick and wounded soldiers of their respec- 
tive States, and their famihes. to which they 
gave tlie name of "State Sanitary Commis- 
sions." 

They generally expended their moneys for 
those services which might be more appropri- 



ately rendered to a soldier by his own State, or 
its representatives, than by others, such as the 
furnishing means of i-eaching home during a 
furlough, or of reaching his regiment when he 
had been detained from it by sickness ; the pro- 
curing of the allotment of his pay or bounty, or 
the rendering him contented by the care of his 
family. The Indiana State Sanitary Commis- 
sion, fostered and prompted by the energetic 
and patriotic Governor of that State, accom- 
plished much good in this way, and up to Feb- 
ruary, 1864, had expended $320,000 in its suc- 
cor of Indiana soldiers. The Iowa State San- 
itary Commission was also very efficient. It 
expended $175,500 to February 1, 1864. An 
organization of a similar character, though not 
with the same name, existed in Wisconsin, hav- 
ing originated with the late lamented Governor, 
Louis P. Harvey, who lost his life in a journey 
to the field of Shiloh, to distribute its bounties. 
It contributed largely to the aid of the soldiers, 
and its benefactions were not confined to those 
from Wisconsin. In Illinois there was an of- 
ficer called a Commissioner-General, whose 
function it was to collect stores and supplies 
from the towns and counties of the State, and 
send them forward for distribution after each 
great battle. In New York, a State Soldiers' 
Depot was established in July, 1863, in Howard 
Street, New York City, and received an appro- 
priation from the State Legislature of $200,000, 
which combined the character of a Soldiers' 
Home, hospital, and reading-room, and had its 
couriers on each train on which New York and 
other soldiers came from the Army of the Poto- 
mac, and met them coming from other points, 
by steamers or otherwise, cared for the comfort 
of the sick and wounded, administering, under 
the direction of its surgeon, cordials and nutri- 
ment while in transit, protected them from the 
sharpers who would plunder them, and in every 
way looked after their interests. It expended 
since its organization in June, 1863, to February, 
1865, about $65,000 in money, and distributed 
clothing, etc., to the amount of over $10,000 
more. It fed and lodged over 15,000 soldiers, 
and gave aid and counsel to thousands more. 

One of the -best of the institutions of this 
class was " The New England Soldiers' Relief 
Association," located at 194 Broadway, New 
York, and organized April 3, 1862. Its found- 
ers and supporters were New England men and 
women, but its doors were opened to, and its 
charities lavished upon, the soldiers of every 
State. That a soldier was on furlough, or sick 
or wounded, discharged or in trouble, was ever 
a sufficient passport to its halls and its sympa- 
thies. Since its organization, to January, 1865, 
it received, registered, lodged, fed, aided and 
clothed, sick and wounded or disabled soldiers 
from thirty-one States, the District of Colum- 
bia, the regular army, the navy, and the In- 
valid Corps, to the number of about 45,000, and 
fed or lodged, and rendered assistance to many 
thousands more, who were not sick, wounded, 
or disabled. It had a Hospital Record and Di- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



605 



rectory, very full and complete, of the inmates 
of all the military hospitals of New Yoi-k and 
New England, which was kept up to date hy 
daily reports from each hospital, and gave full 
particulars in regard to the location, condition, 
and final disposition of each patient. This 
register contained about 40,000 names, and was 
80 complete that the Sanitary Commission, in 
February, 1864, relinquished theirs for that 
Department in its favor. It had a good hos- 
pital for the sick or wounded soldiers, with a 
skilful surgeon, careful attendants, and assid- 
uous volunteer night watches; furnished an 
asylum to those unfortunate soldiers who, dis- 
charged from the service without means, found 
themselves homeless and shelterless, giving 
them a home till employment could be pro- 
vided for them. It also interested itself in pro- 
curing transportation, bounties, and back pay 
for the soldiers, and furnishing information to 
the friends of those who were sick, or had 
died, relative to procuring their dues. Religious 
services were conducted every Sabbath at its 
rooms. Much of the service rendered, includ- 
ing that of the Superintendent, was voluntary, 
and without compensation. The Superintendent 
of this Association acted also in the capacity of 
State Military Agent for tlie States of Maine, 
New Hampshire, Vei-mont, Massachusetts, Wis- 
consin, Minnesota, and Indiana, and was au- 
thorized to render such assistance as might be 
needed to the soldiers of those States coming to 
New York. 

From the commencement of the war the 
Young Men's Christian Associations, in most 
of the larger cities and towns of the loyal States, 
had contributed largely, not only in money and 
supplies, to the relief and comfort of the sol- 
diers, but in personal service. 

At a convention of these Christian Associa- 
tions, held in New York, November 16, 1861, 
it was resolved to organize from the represent- 
atives of these bodies a United States Christian 
Commission, and the following persons were 
appointed: Rev. Rollin H. Neale, D.D., Bos- 
ton ; George H. Stuart, Esq., Philadelphia ; Rev. 
Bishop E. S. Janes, D.D., New York ; Rev. M. 
L. R. P. Thompson, D.D., Cincinnati; Hon. 
Benjamin F. Manierre, New York; Gen. Clin- 
ton B. Fisk, St. Louis ; Rev. Benjamin C. Cut- 
ler, D.D., Brooklyn; Hon. John V. Farwell, 
Chicago ; Mitchell H. Miller, Esq., Washington ; 
John D. Hill, M.D., Buffalo. During the suc- 
ceeding year Mr. Manierre and Rev. Dr. Cutler 
resigned, and their places were filled by the 
appointment of Jay Cooke, Esq., of Philadel- 
phia, and Rev. James Eells, D.D., of Brooklyn. 
To these were subsequently added John P. 
Crozer, of Philadelphia; Charles Demond, of 
Boston ; Rev. W. E. Boardman, Ex. Off., Phila- 
delphia; Hon. George F. Patton, Bath, Maine; 
Rev. James Pike, Sanbornton Bridge, N. H.; 
Edward S. Tobey, Boston ; Rev. Francis Way- 
land, D.D., Providence, R. I.; Rev. Heman 
Dyer, D.D., New York ; Hon. William E. Dodge, 
New York; Nathan Bishop, LL.D., New York; 



Morris K. Jesup, New York ; Joseph Patterson, 
Philadelphia; Rev. Bishop M. Simpson, D.D., 
Philadelphia ; Hon. J. G, Smith, Gov. of Vt. ; 
G. S. Griffith, Baltimore ; Hon. W. T. Willey, 
Morgantown, W. V. ; A. E. CRamberlain, Cin- 
cinati ; Rev. R. J. Breckinridge, D.D., Lexing- 
ton, Ky. ; Rev. S. D. Storrs, Atchison, Kansas;. 
J. B. Roberts, San Francisco ; Hon. James W. 
Nye, Carson City, Nevada; Hon. W. A. Buck- 
ingham, Norwich, Conn.; Walter S. Griffith, 
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Samuel B. Caldwell, Brook- 
lyn, N. Y. ; Rev. Charles Hodge, D.D., Prince- 
ton, N. J. ; Stephen Colwell, Philadelphia ; 
Horatio G. Jones, Philadelphia; William Frew, 
Pittsburg; Prof. M. L. Stoever, Gettysburg; 
Rt. Rev. Alfred Lee, D.D., WUmington, Del. ; 
Hon. Francis H. Pierpont, Alexandria, Va. ; 
Rt. Rev. C. P. McHvaine, D.D., Cincinnati, 
Ohio ; Hon. Schuyler Colfax, South Bend, Ind. ; 
Hon. John Owen, Detroit ; Walter' S. Carter, 
Milwaukee; Hon. Hiram Price, Davenport, 
Iowa ; Rev. E. Lehman, Chaska, Minn. ; Rev. 
S. Cornelius, Portland, Oregon; Hon. John 
Evans, Denver City. Col. 

Mr. George H. Stuart, of Philadelphia, was 
elected President, and served in that capacity. 
Three or four months were consumed in arrang- 
ing its plan of operations, in obtaining the ap- 
proval of the President of the United States, 
the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, 
the General in command, and the Surgeon 
General. It was then deemed best to remove 
its headquarters to Philadelphia, and Rev. Wil- 
liam E.*Boardman was appointed General Sec- 
retary. There were added, in 1864, a Secretary 
of the Home organization, and a Secretary of 
the Field organization. 

The general character of the duties of the 
Commission was defined at the meeting that 
brought it into existence; its grand object as 
avowed was to promote the physical comfort 
and the spiritual welfixre of the brave men of 
the army and navy, in the field, in the hospital, 
the prison, or wherever they might be found. 
Like the Government, it embraced within the 
range of its influence the whole Union, and 
provided for the material and spiritual neces- 
sities of suffering humanity without regard to 
race, creed, or position. It aimed to save life 
in the hoiu" of peril, to ameliorate the condition 
of our soldiers and seamen, to perform in the 
midst of the war the offices of a kind friend, to 
supply, as far as possible, the place of home, to 
furnish opportune and substantial relief when 
requu'ed, to bind up the wounds, to pour in the 
wine and the oil of love and peace, to speak a 
word of sympathy and encouragement to the 
suffering and depressed, to bring the influences 
of the Gospel to bear upon those who were far 
from home and its privileges, exposed to the 
dangers and temptations peculiar to the camp, 
to arrest the thoughtless in then* course and 
reclaim the wayward, to send forth the living, 
practical teacher, to whisper Christian consola- 
tion to the dying, the wounded, and heavy-ladenl 
in heart. 



606 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



In addition to the general executive commit- 
tee and its central office in Philadelphia, the 
Commission had its agencies, its branch organi- 
zations, in the principal cities and towns of the 
land, engaged iil collecting stores and procur- 
ing funds to carry on the work in the field. It 
had its extensive bases of supphes for the dif- 
ferent armies, and its carefally organized corps 
of permanent agents, thoroughly acquainted 
with the wants of the soldiers and prepared to 
forward stores upon a requisition given by 
those in proximity to the scene of action. It 
maintained a constant supervision over the camp 
and field-hospitals, and when special emergen- 
cies arose demanding extraordinary activity and 
energy, during and after every battle, its repre- 
sentatives were present dispensing with a boun- 
tiful hand whatever might contribute to the 
comfort and immediate relief of the wounded. 
It sent forth ministers and laymen, voluntary 
agents, who labored without compensation to 
distribute with their own hands, under the 
direction of the surgeons, the stores gathered 
together, to circulate the Scriptures, religious 
newspapers and tracts, reading of a moral and 
instructive character, and lead men to repent- 
ance and a Christian life. It aided the surgeon, 
helped the chaplain, followed the army in its 
marches, went into the trenches, coursed along 
the picket-line, and ministered personally to the 
suffering and the distressed. Its influence was 
felt wherever the dying, the wounded, the sick, 
and the afflicted wei*e to be found. It furnished 
clothing to the destitute, nutritious food to the 
sick, books for military hospitals, posts, and 
gunljoats, a supply of paper, envelopes, ink, 
pens, pencils, and the thousand comforts which 
were gratefully appreciated by the soldier, and 
which the Government could not provide. It 
cheered with the consolations of religion those 
appointed to die ; and as the soul passed from 
the body it received its dying words, and com- 
municated the sad record to the bereaved at 
home. It administered Christian burial when 
practicable, and marked the place of intei'ment 
for the satisfaction of distant friends. Besides 
the more private appeals and personal instruc- 
tions given by the delegates in the tent and the 
hospital, public services were held from day to 
day, especially during the winter campaigns ; 
chapels were erected, and meetings for prayer, 
conference, and preaching organized. The Sec- 
retary of the Commission compendiously but 
clearly set forth its system and work as follows: 

1. DIVISION OP THE ARMY FIELD. 

General. — 1. Armies near Richmond. 2. Army 
in the Shenandoah Valley. 3. Army of the Cumber- 
land, etc. 4. Armies along the Southern Mississippi. 
5. Armies in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. 6. The 
navy, southern coast, and gulf supplied from New 
York. 

Special. — Stations and corps organizations. 

A station in each great army centre when the army 
is at rest, and a moving organization in each corps 
when the army moves. 

Out-stations to meet wants of various sections. 

Permanent stations in all great permanent centres. 



II. MEN AND WOMEN FOE THE FIELD. 

1. Agents. — Permanent — paid. 

One field agent for each general division, five in all, 
with assistants in the larger fields. 

One station agent or corps captain for each station 
or corps organization, with teamsters. 

2. Delegates for six weeks, or longer, unpaid ; from 
two to ten at each station, as needed ; and at City 
Point, forty to fifty. Three hundred the full corps. 
Over three thousand in all have served. 

8. Managers of Diet Kitchens. — About sixty ladies 
employed. 

III. APPLIANCES. 

1. Barrack chapels, store, and subsistence rooms, 
at permanent camps. 

2. Chapel, store, and subsistence tents, at all mov- 
able stations. 

3. Churches, houses, etc., detailed by Govern- 
ment, at most permanent stations. 

4. Wagons and teams, four-horse, for each moving 
organization ; two-horse for such stations as require 
them. 

5. Special diet kitchens in field hospitals, managed 
under direction of the surgeons, by Christian Com- 
mission lady managers. 

IV. LABORS. 

1. Hospital. — Preaching ; prayer-meetings ; per- 
sonal intercourse with soldiers ; and distribution. 

2. Field. — The same — at all stations, and along the 
lines ; at all out-stations, isolated posts, batteries, etc. 

3. Battle-field work. 

4. Individual relief, aid, and information, at special 
request. 

5. Forwarding home money for soldiers in service, 
and efi'ects of deceased soldiers. 

6. Managing special diet kitchens, under medical 
authorities. 

V. WHAT IS DISTRIBUTED. 

Battle-field, hospital, and special diet kitchen 
stores ; Such as shirts, drawers, socks, handkerchiefs, 
towels, bandages, lint, farina, corn-starch, crackers, 
cordials, dried fruits, canned fruits, fresh apples, 
grapes, peaches, etc., onions, potatoes, ice, syrups, 
jellies, pickles, etc., Jamaica ginger, condensed miik, 
Bibles for hospitals and Bible-classes ; Testaments to 
all soldiers. Scriptures in German, French, and 
other foreign languages. Gunboat libraries, hos- 
pital libraries, soldiers' books, weekly and monthly 
religious papers, over four hundred thousand a 
month ; tracts. Silent Comforters, etc. 

The General Government cheerfully furnished 
the free transportation of men and supplies over 
all military railways, and generously granted 
many pri\aleges and accommodations, restricted 
only by absolute military necessity. Railroad 
and steamboat companies under proper regula- 
tions, very generally gave passes for the delegates 
of the Commission and for the transportation of 
their stores. The telegraph wires, without charge, 
were used for the transmission of despatches 
on business with the Institution, and every in- 
formation and opportunity afforded to enable 
the Commission to carry forward its appropriate 
and benevolent work intelligently and success- 
fully. The whole army was accessible to the 
labors of the Commission. Its delegates were 
welcomed at all points, its authoi-ity regarded, 
and its influence felt. Its voluntary, unpaid 
delegates were men of the highest position and 
character, bishops and pastors of the largest and 
most influential churches in city and country, 
lawyers and physicians of eminence, merchants 
and manufacturers, students of colleges and 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



607 



theological seminaries, etc. The American Bi- 
hle Society granted largely of Bibles and Tes- 
taments in different languages ; the Tract and 
PubMcation Societies, and publishers of religious 
and moral books, periodicals, and newspapers, 
of their several issues ; and ladies of the highest 
respectability gave themselves to the vyork, un- 
der its auspices, of providing for the necessities 
of the suffering soldier. 

The expenditures as well as the receipts of 
the Commission increased each year in a rapid- 
ly-expanding rate. In 1862, the first year of 
its existence, its entire receipts vi^ere $231,- 
256.29, of which only $50,000 or $60,000 were 
in cash, the remainder being in supplies and 
facilities of transportation, etc., granted to it. 
In 1863 the total receipts of the central and 
branch offices of the Commission were esti- 
mated at $916,837.65 : of which $358,239.29 
was in money, and the remainder in stores, 
grants, and railroad and telegraph facilities, and 
the estimated value of the services of delegates. 
In 1864 the total estimated receipts wei'e $2,- 
882,347.86: of which $1,297,755.28 was in 
money; $1,160,508.37 in hospital stores; $33,- 
084.38 in publications donated; $72,114.83 m 
Bibles and Testaments from the American Bi- 
ble Society. The estimated value of volunteer 
delegates' services was $169,920 ; the value of 
railroad, steamboat, and other transportation 
facilities, $106,765 ; value of telegraphic facil- 
ities, $26,450 ; rents of warehouses and offices 
donated, $6,750. 

The total aggregate of receipts for the three 
years ending Jan. 1, 1865, was $4,030,441.80. 
Since that period not far from $400,000 in 
money has been received, and very large 
amounts of hospital supplies. 

The following general summary of the work 
and distribution of the Commission for the year 
1864, wiU give some idea of its activity and 
usefulness : 



Boxes of hospital stores and publica- 
tions distributed during the year.. 

Value of stores distributed 

Value of publications distributed 

A'alue of stationery distributed 

Value of 205 chapels and chapel tents 
erected during last winter and the 
present in the various armies 

Copies of Bible aud Testaments and 
portions of Scriptures distributed 
during the year 

Copies of Hymn and Psalm-books 
distiibuted during the year 

Copies of bound library books dis- 
tributed during the year 

Copies of magazines and pamphlets 
distributed during the year 

Copies of religious, weekly, and 
monthly newspapers distributed 
during the year 

Copies of pages of tracts 

Copies of " Silent Comforter," etc 

Delegates commissioned during the 
year 

Aggregate number of days of dele- 
gate service 

Average number of delegates con- 
stantly in field during the year. . . . 

Number of delegates now in the 
field 

Balance of cash on hand at the cen- 
tral office, January 1st, 1865. 



47,103 



569,594 

4,815,923 

33,872 

846,536 

7,990,753 

13,681,342 

8,691 

2,217 

78,869 

217 

276 



$1,714,261 85 

446,574 26 

24,834 71 



114,359 T8 



$5,420 12 



With these should be mentioned the Union 
Commission, This, like the Sanitary and 
Christian Commissions, was called into exist- 
ence by the exigencies of the war. The con- 
tending armies surging to and fro over exten- 
sive regions of country had desolated them 
completely, seizing not only garnered but grow- 
ing crops, cattle, horses, and mules, and de- 
stroying ruthlessly dwellings, barns, and fences, 
often applying the torch to those edifices which 
shot and shell had spared. From these deso- 
lated regions, often infested with guerrillas, 
whose murderous malignity spared neither age 
nor sex, fled their wretched inhabitants, mostly 
women and children, homeless and penniless, 
nearly naked and often starving, wearied, sick, 
and dying, seeking shelter and sustenance with- 
in the "Union lines, at Nashville, Vicksburg, and 
Memphis. Military necessity forbade their re- 
maining in these advanced posts of the Union 
armies; and rendering them what assistance 
could be spared in the way of food, the Govern- 
ment shipped them to Cairo, Louisville, St. Lou- 
is, Cincinnati, and other points. Here they 
were landed, sick, helpless, and friendless. 
Neither State nor municipal charity could 
legally be bestowed upon them ; but that they 
might not perish, benevolent societies were or- 
ganized which did what they could to shelter, 
clothe, and feed them, and provide places for 
them in the country. These orgatftzations were 
local, called into existence by the emergency, 
and had not any central organization or means 
of mutual cooperation. Meanwhile the demand 
for help was increasing with fearful rapidity. 
In June, 1864, the present President of the 
American Union Commission, visiting the West 
with other gentlemen as a delegate of the United 
States Christian Commission, became deeply 
affected with the sufferings and necessities of 
these poor refugees, and after free conference 
with other patriotic and benevolent men, East 
and West, it was resolved to organize a Com- 
mission, having for its object the care and wel- 
fare of these refugees, and their eventual resto- 
ration, so far as was possible, to homes and 
home comforts. Most of these people were the 
wives and children of Unionists, who had either 
been killed or imprisoned for their loyalty, or 
were serving in the Union armies as soldiers of 
the nation. To leave their families to perish 
would have been unworthy of a great and no- 
ble people. A small portion, under the teach- 
ings of southern demagogues, were, in spite of 
their sufferings, still disloyal; but they, too, 
were starving, and Christianity forbade refus- 
ing succor to them. It was foreseen, too, that 
with the close of the war would arise other 
needs no less imperious, and demanding an en- 
larged and national charity. Industry must be 
revived in the regions wasted by war ; desolated 
homes must be rebuilt, and farms stocked anew 
and supplied with the implements of husbandry 
and with seeds for crops. The confiscated lands 
must be made accessible to settlers, and emigra- 
tion of the right character guided and stimu- 



608 



MELITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



lated. Free schools must be organized and sus- 
tained for a time in part by northern capital. 
Loyal presses, too, must be established, and the 
social structure renovated and placed upon its 
new basis of freedom, order, and law. While 
this change was going on, though superintend- 
ed mainly, and supported in part by persons 
w^ho had previously resided in the regions to be 
reclaimed, aid would be required for some time 
from those sections which had not been despoil- 
ed by the ravages of war. To the various local 
refugee societies letters were addressed, and 
their cooperation, counsel, and suggestions 
sought. These organizations welcomed with 
great cordiality the new movement, and united 
with it as branches, or entered into harmonious 
cooperation with it. The American Union Com- 
mission, as thus organized, had its headquarters 
in New Yoi'k city, but included auxiliaries in 
Boston, Baltimore, Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chi- 
cago, Cairo, Memphis, Nashville, Charleston, 
and other points. Its officers were Rev. Joseph 
P. Thompson, D. D., President ; Rev. Lyman 
Abbott, Corresponding Secretary ; H. G. Odi- 
orne, Esq., of Cincinnati, "Western Secretary ; 
H. if. Pierce, LL.D., Recording Secretary; 
A. v. Stout, Esq. (President of Shoe and Leath- 
er Bank), Treasurer ; and an Executive Com- 
mittee of six members. Its fundamental article, 
approved, as was the whole work and purpose 
of the Commission, by the Government, stated 
that it "is constituted for the purpose of aiding 
and cooperating with the people of those por- 
tions of the United States which have been 
desolated and impoverished by the war, in the 
restoration of their civil and social condition 
upon the basis of industry, education, freedom, 
and Christian morality. 

About the 1st of October, 1864, the Commis- 
sion was fully organized for its work, and found 
at first abundant occupation in relieving the 
immediate necessities of homeless refugees, who 
were brought from the South in Government 
transports and landed upon the wharves in the 
most destitute condition. Nearly 100,000 were 



thus thrown upon the charity of the benevolent 
during seven or eight months of 1864-'65. The 
Commission gathered them into barracks or 
" homes" at St. Louis, Cairo, Louisnlle, Cincin- 
nati, Indianapolis, New York, and other points 
in the North, fed, clothed, and provided them 
with medical care, and where it was possible 
procured for them places, where, by their own 
industry, they could obtain a livelihood. Ex- 
perience in other organizations proved that the 
retention of large numbers in camps and bar- 
racks in a state of idleness, was injurious alilie 
to their health, their morals, and their subse- 
quent efficiency, and hence the Commission 
sought as speedily as possible to place all who 
were able to work in situations where they 
might obtain their bread by their labor. The 
extraordinary campaigns of General Sherman, 
and the sudden collapse of the rebellion, ren- 
dered a different system necessary in the Sea- 
board States. It was neither practicable nor 
desirable to bring the thousands who flocked 
into Savannah, Charleston, "Wilmington, New- 
bern, Goldsborough, Petersburg, and Richmond, 
to the North. They must be aided in their 
dire necessity at home, and as soon as practica- 
ble assisted to sustain themselves. Provisions 
were accordingly shipped to Savannah, Charles- 
ton, Newbern, Richmond, and other points, 
and careful and trustworthy agents despatched 
with them to see to their honest and faithful 
distribution. Pauperism, or the dependence 
upon charity without effort at self-help, was 
sternly discouraged ; the cities were districted, 
and the applicants visited at their homes. 

The Commission disbursed in money and 
clothing from its New York office in six months, 
$70,000, and the various auxiliary boards prob- 
ably fuUy as much more. (The Boston Branch 
expended $32,000.) Schools were opened in 
Richmond and other cities of the South. Seeds 
and agricultural implements were also furnished 
to the impoverished people of the Southern 
States, that they might be able to resume their 
long interrupted industry. 



CHAPTEE XLY. 



Position of Gen. Sherman at Atlanta— Position of Gen. Hood : his Movements— Operations of Gen. Forrest— The failure 
to interrupt the Federal Communications — Plans of Gen. Sherman — His Orders — Distribution of his Army- Advance 
of the Left Wing— Excitement in Georgia— Advance of the Kight Wing— Reaches the Ogeechee— Demonstration tow- 
ard Augusta — Advance bet^veen the Ogeechee and Savannah Rivers — Scouts reach the Coast — Eeduction of Fort Mc- 
Allister — Investment of Savannah — Its Evacuation — Further Proceedings. 



DuEiNG the month of September, the Federal 
army in and about Atlanta were allowed to 
rest from the fatigues of active military duty, 
and many were sent home on furlough. The 
railroad was employed to its utmost capacity 
to bring forward supplies and recruits, and 
much was done in the construction of bar- 



racks, and in strengthening the defences of 
Atlanta. All this seemed to indicate Gen. 
Sherman's intention to make the city a base 
for further operations southward, and to hold 
it with a powerful garrison. From his recent 
experience of the facility with which a cavalry 
force could temporarily interrupt his long line 



MILITAEY AN'D NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



609 



of railroad commuaication, he was disposed to 
hasten this work, and the end of the month 
found Atlanta transformed into a considerable 
depot of supplies, and so protected by works 
that a moderate force could hold it against an 
enemy numerically much superior. The de- 
parture of tbe great body of the inhabitants, 
by lessening the number of persons to be sub- 
sisted, added to the capacity of the garrison to 
withstand a protracted siege. 

Gen. Hood, meanwhile, kept his forces in 
the neighborhood of Jonesboro, receiving his 
supplies by the Macon road. His army num- 
bered about 40,000 men, exclusive of the 
Georgia militia ; and, as if to show that no im- 
mediate offensive movement was contemplated, 
the latter were withdrawn from him by Gov. 
Brown soon after the evacuation of Atlanta, 
through the following communication : 

ExEotmTB Depaktmekt, 1 
MiLLEDGEViLLE, Sept. 10th, 1864. j 
Gen. J. B. Hood, Commanding Army of Tennessee : 

General : As the militia of the State were called 
out for the defence of Atlanta during the campaign 
against it, which has terminated by the fall of the 
city into the hands of the enemy, and as many of 
them left their homes without preparation, expecting 
to be gone but a few weeks, who hare remained in 
service over three months (most of the time in the 
trenches), justice requires that they be permitted, 
while the enemy are preparing for the winter cam- 
paign, to return to their homes, and look, for a time, 
after important interests, and prepare themselves for 
such service as may be required when another cam- 
paign commences against other important points in 
the State. I, therefore, hereby withdraw said organ- 
ization from your command, in the hope that I shall 
be able to return it with greater numbers and equal 
efficiency, when the interests of the public service 
require it. In this connection, I beg leave to tender 
to you, general, my sincere tljanks for your impar- 
tiality to the State troops, and for your uniform 
courtesy and kindness to me individually. With as- 
surances of my high consideration and esteem, I am, 
very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JOSEPH E. BROWN. 

To allow their principal Southern army to 
rust in inactivity, was not, however, the inten- 
tion of the rebel authorities, who, whatever 
public statements they might make as to the 
insignificance of Gen. Sherman's conquest, 
knew that it was a vital blow aimed at the 
heart of the Confederacy, and that this was 
the belief of the Southern people. Something 
must be done, and that speedily, to arrest the 
progress of the Federal army, or Georgia, and 
perhaps the Gulf States, would be irretrievably 
lost. In this emergency Jefferson Davis start- 
ed on a tour of inspection through the South, 
and at Macon, on Sept. 23d, delivered a public 
address on the crisis, so marked by indiscreet 
admissions that many of the Confederate pa- 
pers at first refused to believe that it was 
genuine. He alluded with undisguised vexation 
to the depletion in Gen. Hood's ranks caused 
by absenteeism, and promised, if the deserters 
would return to duty, that Gen. Sherman 
should meet "the fate that befell the army of 
the French Empire in its retreat from Moscow. 
Our cavalry," he said, "and our people, will 
39 



harass and destroy his army as did the Cos- 
sacks that of Napoleon ; and the Yankee gen- 
eral, like him, will escape with only a body- 
guard." These remarks foreshadowed a new 
policy, borrowed from that which Gen. Sher- 
man himself had so successfully emj^loyed in 
the capture of Atlanta, and which, considering 
the long catalogue of rebel reverses in Georgia, 
had the merit of boldness, if not of farsighted- 
ness. The whole army of Gen. Hood, it was 
decided, should rapidly move in a compact 
body to the rear of Atlanta, and, after break- 
ing up the railroad between the Chattahoochee 
and Chattanooga, push on to Bridgeport and 
destroy the great railroad bridge spanning the 
Tennessee River at that place. Should this be 
accomplished, Atlanta would be isolated from 
Chattanooga, and the latter in turn isolated 
from Nashville, and Gen. Sherman, cut ofi" from 
his primary and secondary bases, would find 
Atlanta but a barren conquest, to be relin- 
quished almost as soon as gained, and would be 
oWig^d to return to Tennessee. Atlanta would 
then fall from lack of provisions, or in conse- 
quence of the successfid attacks of the Georgia 
militia. 

In connection with this movement. Gen. 
Forrest, confessedly their ablest cavalry officer, 
was already operating in Southern Tennessee, 
where the Federal force was barely adequate to 
prevent him from interrupting communications 
between Nashville and Chattanooga. Not the 
least favorable result anticipated from this 
movement was the restoration of the morale 
of their army, which, dispirited by constant 
retreats and reverses, its leaders naturally sup- 
posed would be encouraged to greater efforts by 
an aggressive campaign. On the other hand, 
the effect of abandoning their conquests, to 
meet a defeated army operating in their rear, 
would be hkely to perplex and disconcert the 
Federals. Such was the ingenious plan devised 
by the authorities, and, to a less able general 
than Sherman, its vigorous execution might 
have been productive of enormous disaster, in- 
cluding, of course, the abandonment of the 
conquests gained during a long and arduous 
campaign. The sequel will show that he was 
fully master of the situation, and that the 
boasts of the rebel papers, that "the great 
flanker was outflanked," were destined to 
prove illusive. 

A week suflBced to complete Gen. Hood's 
arrangements, and by the 2d of October his 
army was across the Chattahoochee and on 
the march to Dallas, where the different corps 
were directed to concentrate. At this point 
he was enabled to threaten Rome and King- 
ston, as well as the fortified places on the rail- 
road to Chattanooga •, and there remained open, 
in case of defeat, a line of retreat south- 
west into Alabama. From Dallas he advanced 
east toward the railroad, and, on the 4th, cap- 
tured the insignificant stations of Big Shanty 
and Ackworth, effecting a thorough destruc- 
tion of the road between the two places. He 



610 



MTLlTARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



also sent a division under Gen. French to cap- 
ture the Federal post at Allatoona Pass, where 
he had ascertained that a miUion and a half of 
rations for the Federal army Avere stored, on 
which he probably depended to replenish his 
commissariat. The natural strength of the po- 
sition was such that ten thousand men could 
easily hold it against ten times their number, 
as long as their supplies held out, besides cut- 
ting off railroad communications between Chat- 
tanooga and Atlanta. This of itself might 
have compelled the evacuation of the latter 
city, and was a sufficient inducement to make 
the attack. 

Gen. Sherman, however, aware that his seat 
in Atlanta was insecure while this long line of 
communications lay so exposed to interruption, 
had anticipated and partially provided against 
such a movement as this; and immediately 
upon hearing that Gen. Hood had crossed the 
Chattahoochee, he despatched Gen. Corse with 
reenforcements to Rome, which he supposed 
the enemy were aiming at. During the pre- 
vious week he had sent Gen. Thomas with 
troops to Nashville to look after Forrest. His 
bridges having meanwhile been carried away 
by a freshet which filled the Chattahoochee, he 
was unable to move his main body until the 
4th, when three pontoons were laid down, over 
which the armies of the Cumberland, the Ten- 
nessee, and the Ohio crossed, and took up their 
march in the direction of Marietta, with fifteen 
days' rations. The 20th corps, Gen. Slocum, 
was left to garrison Atlanta. Learning that the 
enemy had captui*ed Big Shanty and Ackworth, 
and were threatening Allatoona, and alive to the 
imperative necessity of holding the latter place, 
Gen. Sherman at once communicated by signals 
instruction to Gen. Corse at Rome to reenforce 
the small garrison and hold the defences until 
the main body of the Federal army could come 
to his assistance. Upon receiving the message 
Gen. Corse placed nine hundred men on the 
cars, and reached Allatoona before the attack 
of French. With this addition the garrison 
numbered 1,700 men, with six guns. 

Early on the morning of the 5th, Gen. French, 
with 7,000 troops, approached Allatoona, and 
summoned the Federal commander, "in order 
to save the unnecessary effusion of blood," to 
make an immediate surrender; to which the 
latter replied ; "1 shall not surrender, and you 
can commence the unnecessary effusion of 
blood whenever you please." The battle opened 
at 8 A. M., and was waged hotly until 2 o'clock 
in the afternoon. Driven from fort to fort, 
until they reached their last defence, the gar- 
rison fought with an obstinacy and desperation 
worthy of the great stake for which they con- 
tended. Their general was wounded early in 
the action, but relaxed in no degree his efforts 
to repel the enemy. On one occasion the op- 
posing forces mingled in a bayonet charge. 
During the heat of the contest Gen. Sherman 
reached the summit of Kenesaw Mountain, 
whence he repeatedly signalled, to Gen. Corse 



to hold out to the last. The announcement of 
approaching succor animated the garrison to 
renewed exertions, and they threw back the as- 
saulting columns of the enemy again and again, 
finally compelling them to retire, beaten and 
disheartened, in the direction of Dallas. Their 
retreat was hastened by the rapid approach of 
Stanley's (4th) corps from the direction of Pine 
Mountain. The enemy left 700 to 800 killed, 
wounded, and prisoners in the hands of the 
Federals, and their total loss must have exceed- 
ed 1,000. The garrison lost 600 men. The 
town of Allatoona was reduced to a mere wreck 
by the severe fire of the enemy, and all the 
Federal artillery and cavalry horses were killed; 
but the valuable stores were saved, and the foii 
and pass held. The only important injury done / 
by the rebels, was the destruction of six or seven 
miles of railroad between Big Shanty and Alla- 
toona, which Gen. Sherman immediately com- 
menced to repair. 

For several days subsequent to the fight at 
Allatoona, Gen. Sherman remained in the latter 
place, watching the movements of Hood, who, 
he suspected, would march for Rome, and 
thence toward Bridgeport, or else to Kingston. 

The 23d corps, commanded by Gen. Cox 
(Gen. Schofield, its commander, having pre- 
viously been ordered to look after the defences 
of Chattanooga), was at once sent toward the 
former place, and, by the 10th, the whole army 
was on the march thither. Gen. Hood, how- 
ever, crossing the Etowah and avoiding Rome, 
moved directly north, and on the 12th Stuart's 
corps of his army appeared in front of Resaca, 
the defences of which were held by Col. Weaver 
with 600 men and three pieces of artillery. The 
garrison immediately took to the rifle-pits sur- 
rounding the works, and kept the enemy's 
skirmishers at bay, and in the midst of a brisk 
contest a flag of truce approached, with the 
following message : 

Headquarters Army Tennessee, I 
In the Field, Oct. 12th, 1864. ) 
To the Officer Commanding the United States forces 
at Resaca, Ga. : 
Sir : I demand the immediate and unconditional 
surrender of the post and garrison under your com- 
mand ; and should this be acceded to, all white officers 
and soldiers will be paroled in a few days. If the 
place is taken by assault, no prisoners will be taken. 
Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. B. HOOD, General. 

To which Col. Weaver replied : 

Headquarters Second Brigade, | 
Third Division, FirxEENtn Army Corps, f 
To Gen. J. B. Hood : 

Your communication of this date just received. 
In reply, I have to state that I am somewhat sur- 
prised at the concluding paragraph, to the effect that 
"if the place is carried by assault, no prisoners will 
be taken." In my opinion, I can hold this post. If 
you want it, come and 'take it. 

I am, General, very respectfully, your most obedient 
servant, CLARK R. WEAVER, Comd'g Officer. 

W. W. McCammon, a. a. a. G. 

During the wliole day continuous masses of 
rebel troops were passing the forts, but no 
serious attack was made upon the garrison, the 



r 

MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



611 



enemy being more intent upon destroying the 
railroad toward Dalton than wasting their time 
or strength upon the reduction of a post, the 
possession of which they wisely considered 
would be of no particular advantage to them. 
During the night they captured, after a gallant 
resistance, a block house at TUton, garrisoned 
by part of the I7th Iowa regiment. Through- 
out the 12th and the 13th the work of destruc- 
tion continued, the enemy gradually passing to 
the north, out of sight of Resaca, and on the 
evening of the latter day the advance of Gen. 
Sherman's army arrived from Rome, followed 
on the 14th by the main body, which encamped 
around Resaca for the night. 

Meanwhile the rebel army, pursuing its de- 
vastating march north, reached Dalton on the 
14th, and, in consequence of the negligence of 
the Federal scouts, surrounded the fort, garri- 
soned by the 44th colored regiment, Col. John- 
ston, before adequate preparations for defence 
could be made. A demand for surrender simi- 
lar to that sent to Col. Weaver was at once 
made, which was refused. But Col. Johnston, 
discovering that the beleaguering force com- 
prised the whole of Hood's army, and that Buz- 
zard Roost and other important points com- 
manding his work had been occupied, subse- 
quently surrendered his whole command. The 
14th and 15th were employed by the enemy in 
continuing the destruction of the railroad as 
far as Tunnel Hill, which, whether through 
want of time or scarcity of gunpowder, they 
neglected to mine, •4iiey found no rolling 
\stock of consequence on the road, and beyond 
the destruction of a few box-cars did little 
damage to this species of property. The ap- 
proach of the Federal columns now warned 
Gen. Hood to move oflf to the west, and the 
16th found him in full retreat for Lafayette, 
followed by Gen. Sherman, who, instead of 
marching along the railroad to Dalton, pushed 
for Snake Creek Gap, through which, in spite 
of obstructions accumulated there by Hood, he 
rapidly passed. At Ship's Gap he captured 
part of the 24th North Carolina regiment, 
stationed to delay his march. From Lafayette 
the enemy retreated in a southwesterly direc- 
tion into Alabama through a broken and moun- 
tainous country, but scantily supplied with food 
for man or beast ; and passing through Sum- 
merville, Gaylesville, and Blue Pond, halted at 
Gadsdens, on the Coosa River, 75 miles from 
Lafayette. Here he paused for several days, 
receiving a few reenforcements brought up by 
Gen. Beauregard, who had on the 17tla assumed 
command of the Confederate military division 
of the West in the following address : 

Headquaktebs Military DrvrsioN op the "West, } 
Octoher 17th, 1864 j" 
In assuming command at this criticul juncture of 
the Military Division of the West, I appeal to my 
countrymen of all classes and sections for their gen- 
erous support and confidence. In assigning me to 
this responsible position, the President of the Con- 
federate States has extended to me the assurance of 
his earnest support. The Executives of your States 



meet me with similar expressions of their devotion 
to our cause. The noble army in the field, composed 
of brave men and gallant ofiicers, are strangers to 
me, and I know that they will do all that patriots can 
achieve. The history of the past, written in the 
blood of their comrades, but foreshadows the glori- 
ous future which lies before them. Inspired by these 
bright promises of success, I make this appeal to the 
men and women of my country to lend me the aid of 
their earnest and cordial cooperation. Unable to 
join in the bloody conflicts of the field, they can do 
much to strengthen our cause, fill up our ranks, en- 
courage our soldiers, inspire confidence, dispel gloom, 
and thus hasten on the day of our final success and 
deliverance. 

The army of Sherman still defiantly holds Atlanta. 
He can and must be driven from it. It is only for 
the good people of Georgia and the surrounding 
States to speak the word, and the work is done. We 
have abundant provisions. There are men enough 
in the country liable to and able for service to accom- 
plish this result. To all such I earnestly appeal to 
report promptly to their respective commands.; and 
let those who cannot go see to it that none remain 
who are able to strike a blow in this critical and de- 
cisive hour. To those soldiers, if any, who are ab- 
sent from their commands without leave, I appeal in 
the name of their brave comrades, with whom they 
have in the past so often shared the privations of the 
camp and the dangers of the battle-field, to return at 
once to their duty. To all such as shall report to 
their respective commands, in response to this appeal, 
within the next thirty days, an amnesty is hereby 
granted. My appeal is to every one, of all classes 
and conditions, to come forward freely, cheerfully, 
and with good heart to the work that lies before us. 

My countrymen, respond to this Call as you 
have done in days that have passed, and, with 
the blessing of a kind- and overruling Providen'ce, 
the enemy shall be driven from your soil. The 
security of your wives and daughters from the 
insults and outrages of a brutal foe shall be 
established soon, and be followed by a permanent 
and honorable peace. The claims of home and 
country, wife and children, uniting with the demand.": 
of honor and patriotism, summon us to the field. 
We cannot, dare not, will not fail to respond. Full 
of hope and confidence, I come to join in your strug- 
gles, sharing your privations, and with your brave 
and true men to strike the blow that shall bring suc- 
cess to our arms, triumph to our cause, and peace to 
our country. G. T. BEAUREGAED, General. 

Gen. Hood still retained his special com- 
mand, subject to the supervision or direction 
of Gen, Beauregard, and his army, after re- 
maining a few days in Gadsden, moved, about 
the 1st of November, for Warrington, on the 
Tennessee River, 30 miles distant. Gen. Sher- 
man meanwhile remained at Gaylesville, which 
place his main body reached about the 21st, 
watching the enemy's movements. During the 
retreat of Gen. Hood into Northern Alabama, 
he had frequent opportunities to join battle 
with his pursuers, which he uniformly declined. 

The injuries to the railroad were confined to 
two sections, and covered about 28 miles of 
track : viz., 7 miles bet\teen Big Shanty and 
Allatoona, and 21 miles between Resaca and 
Tunnel Hill, So rapidly were the repairs 
effected, that, by the 20th, the road was in 
running order from Resaca to Atlanta ; and on 
the 28th, while Gen. Hood was stiU lying at 
Gadsden, trains again left Chattanooga for At- 
lanta. Whatever, therefore, might be the final 
result of Hood's flanking movement, it had 



612 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



3iitirely failed to interrupt tlio Federal cora- 
manications to a degree that would compel 
the evacuation of Atlanta. Without perma- 
nently disabling the railroad, he had been 
driven with loss across the mountains south of 
Chattanooga into Alabama; had cut himself 
entirely adrift from that admirable railroad 
system which had so long kept his army sup- 
plied, and had left Georgia and the whole 
Southeast open to the invaders. He perhaps 
felt himself compensated for these disasters by 
the opportunity, now temptingly presented to 
him, to carry the war into Middle Tennessee 
and Kentucky, and plunder the richly-stored 
cities and farms of those States, forgetting that 
a general who had shown such fertile resources 
during a long and trying campaign, was still 
opposed to him, with more than double his own 
force. 

It was undoubtedly a part of Gen. Sherman's 
plan to remain at Atlanta no longer than would 
sufBce to accumulate stores and thoroughly 
strengthen the defences ; after which he would 
continue his march southward. This, with a 
determined and unbroken enemy in his front, 
was likely, to judge from previous experience, 
to prove a tedious and dangerous operation. 
To reheve himself of the presence of that 
enemy was the problem to be solved. "When, 
therefore, Gen. Hood crossed the Chattahoo- 
chee on his flanking march upon the Federal 
communications, it was with mingled feelings 
of hope and apprehension that he was watched 
by his vigilant adversary ; hope, that he would 
finally place himself in the position where he 
was actually found on the 1st of November ; 
and apprehension, lest he should again retire to 
his camp near Jonesboro. It will be remem- 
bered how apparently slow was the pursuit of 
the rebel army by Gen. Sherman after the for- 
mer had crossed the Chattahoochee, and how 
readily it seemed to escape into Alabama, and 
thence march toward the Tennessee. To those 
who had witnessed the brilliant campaign to 
Atlanta, the Federal general's lack of energy 
and tardiness of movement seemed unaccount- 
able. In the light of subsequent events it 
would now appear that Gen. Sherman, making 
only a show of following his adversary, delib- 
erately lured him into Northern Alabama, for 
the purpose of pursuing an uninterrupted 
march with his own army through the heart 
of Georgia. The ill-advised plan of Gen. Hood 
had given him the very opportunity which he 
desired, and he prepared at once to avail him- 
self of it. 

Anticipating that his army was unnecessarily 
large for his purpose, he detached from it the 
4th and 23d corps, which were ordered to Ten- 
nessee, via Chattanooga and Bridgeport, to re- 
enforce Gen. Thomas. This left him four corps — 
the 14th, 15th, 16th and I7th — which had ac- 
companied him from Atlanta, and the 20th left 
to garrison that place. Two armies were thus 
formed, of which the former, in conjunction 
with such forces as Gen. Thomas had in Ten- 



nessee, was fully able to cope with Gen. Hood ; 
while the latter, as events proved, was more 
than sufficient for the Georgia expedition. For 
several days Gen. Sherman retained his main 
force at Gaylesville, throwing out strong re- 
connoissances in the direction of the enemy, as 
if bent upon watching and thwarting his move- 
ment toward the Tennessee. But no sooner 
had he ascertained that Gen. Hood had started, 
than he moved his whole army eastward to 
Rome, with the exception of the two corps sent 
to Gen. Thomas, and commenced in earnest the 
preparations for his new campaign. Being no 
longer under the necessity of coping with an 
active enemy in his front, he had no further 
occasion to keep up a long line of railroad com- 
munication with a fortified base in his rear. 
The original plan, therefore, of provisioning At- 
lanta and using it as a secondary base, which 
would have required large details of troops, 
was willingly abandoned, and, in consequence, 
the place itself, and the greater part of the rail- 
road connecting it with Chattanooga, became 
practically useless. To garrison and guard 
either, would be a simple waste of resources ; 
and as it would be an act of needless generosity 
to leave them for the enemy to use, their de- 
struction became a necessity. The army, once 
fairly started from Atlanta on its march 
through Georgia, was to cut loose from all 
bases and mainly subsist upon the country. 
This plan, so daring in its conception as to re- 
call the achievements of the greatest generals 
of antiquity, appears to"}iave been matured and 
carefully elaborated by Gen. Sherman long preV 
vious to its execution, and, upon being laid be- 
fore the authorities at Washington, received 
their cordial approval. 

During the first ten days of November every 
locomotive and car on the Chattanooga and 
Atlanta Railroad was employed in conveying 
North the inmates of the hospitals, and such 
supplies of all kinds as there was time to re- 
move. The vast supplies of provisions, forage, 
stores, and machinery which had accumulated 
at Atlanta, Rome, and other points, the surplus 
artillery, baggage, and other useless wagons — 
every thing, in fact, likely to impede the move- 
ments of the army, was gathered up and sent 
safely to Chattanooga. In return, the trains 
brought down to Gen. Sherman recruits, con- 
valescents, furloughed men, and ordnance sup- 
phes. On the night of November 11th, the 
last train left Atlanta for the North, and the 
army, supplied with every man and horse and 
gun which it needed, and having 30 days' ra- 
tions in his wagons, was prepared to move 
toward the coast. 

The five corps mentioned above as consti- 
tuting the army which Gen. Sherman resei'ved 
for his expedition, were concentrated into four, 
by assigning one of the two divisions of the 
16th corps (the remaining divisions were in 
Tennessee) to the 15th corps, and the other to 
the 17th. The expeditionary army then com- 
prised the 14th corps. Gen. Jeff. C. Davi's ; the 



MILITAKY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



613 



15th, Gen. Osterhatis commanding in the ab- 
sence of Gen. Logan; the 17th, Gen. Blair; 
and the 20th, Gen. Slocum; beside four bri- 
gades of artillery, one for each corps, two horse 
batteries, and two divisions of cavalry. Gen. 
Barry, chief of artillery, in fitting out this im- 
portant arm, withdrew every doubtful or sus- 
picious horse, and supplied enough serviceable 
animals to give each artillery carriage eight 
horses, and each battery a reserve of twelve 
horses. The cavalry were equipped with equal 
care. The total force numbered between 
50,000 and 60,000 picked men, constituting 
one of the most effective armies ever organ- 
ized. The following order of Gen. Sherman 
gives the plan of march and other details of 
the campaign : 

Headquarters Mn, Drv. op the Mississippi, I 
IN THE Field, Kingston, Ga. jWednesday, Nov. Qth. j 

Special Field Order Ko. 120. 

1. For the purpose of military operations, this 
army is divided into two wings, viz. : The right wing, 
Maj.-Gen. 0. 0. Howard commanding, the 15th and 
17th corps. The left wing, Maj.-Gen. H. W. Slo- 
cum commanding, the 14th and 20th corps. 

2. The habitiial order of march will be, whenever 
practicable, by four roads, as nearly parallel as pos- 
sible, and converging at points hereafter to be indi- 
cated in orders. The cavalry, Brig.-Gen. Kilpatrick 
commanding, will receive special orders from the 
Commander-in-Chief. 

3. There will be no general trains of supplies, but 
each corps will have its ammunition and provision 
train, distributed habitually as follows : Behind each 
regiment should follow one wagon and one ambu- 
lance ; behind each brigade should follow a due pro- 
portion of ammunition wagons, provision wagons, 
and ambulances. In case of danger, each army corps 
should change this order of march by having his ad- 
vance and rear brigade unincumbered by wheels. 
The separate columns will start habitually at 7 a. m., 
and make about fifteen miles per day, unless other- 
wise fixed in orders. 

4. The army will forage liberally on the country 
during the march. To this end, each brigade com- 
mander will organize a good and sufficient foraging 
party, under the command of one or more discreet 
officers, who will gather, near the route travelled, 
corn or forage of any kind, meat of any kind, vege- 
tables, corn meal, or whatever is needed by the com- 
mand ; aiming at all times to keep in the wagon 
trains at least ten days' provisions for the command 
and three days' forage. Soldiers must not enter the 
dwellings of the inhabitants or commit any trespass; 
during the halt, or a camp, they may be permitted to 
gather turnips, potatoes, and other vegetables, and 
drive in stock in front of their camps. To regular 
foraging parties must be entrusted the gathering of 
provisions and forage at any distance from the road 
travelled. 

5. To army corps commanders is entrusted the 
power to destroy mills, houses, cotton gins, etc., and 
for them this general principle is laid down : In dis- 
tricts and neighborhoods where the army is un- 
molested, no destruction of such property should be 
permitted ; but should guerrillas or bushwackers mo- 
lest our march, or should the inhabitants burn 
bridges, obstruct roads, or otherwise manifest local 
hostility, then army corps commanders should order 
and enforce a devastation more or less relentless ac- 
cording to the measure of such hostility. 

C. As for horses, mules, wagons, etc., belonging to 
the inhabitants, the cavalry and artillery may ap- 

Cropriate freely and without limit ; discriminating, 
owever, between the rich, who are usually hostile, 
and the poor or industrious, usually neutral or 



friendly. Foraging parties may also take mules or 
horses, to replace the jaded animals of their trains, 
or to serve as pack-mules for the regiments or bri- 
gades. In all foraging, of whatever kind, the parties 
engaged will refrain from abusive or threatening 
language, and may, when the officer in command 
thinks proper, give written certificates of the facts, 
but no receipts ; and they will endeavor to leave 
with each family a reasonable portion for their 
maintenance. 

7. Negroes who are able-bodied and can be of 
service to the several columns, may be taken along ; 
but each army commander wiU bear in mind that the 
question of supplies is a very important one, and 
that his first duty is to see to those who bear arms. 

8. The organization at once of a good pioneer bat- 
talion for each corps, composed, if possible, of ne- 
groes, should be attended to. This battalion should 
Follow the advance guard, should repair roads and 
double them if possible, so that the columns will not 
be delayed after reaching bad places. Also, army 
commanders should study the habit of giving the 
artillery and wagons the road, and marching their 
troops on one side ; and also instruct their troops 
to assist wagons at steep hills or bad crossings of 
streams. 

9. Capt. 0. M. Poe, Chief Engineer, will assign to 
each wing of the army a pontoon train, fully equipped 
and organized, and the commanders thereof will see 
to its beine properly protected at all times. 

By order of Maj.-Gen. W. T. SHERMA^f. 
L. M. Dayton, Aide-de-Camp. 

The following order issued by Gen. Slocum 
to the troops under his immediate command 
gives additional directions for the conduct of 
the march : 

Headqvaeteks Twentieth Coeps, I 
Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 7th, 1864. ( 

[Circular.'] "When the troops leave camp on tho 
march about to commence, they will carry in haver- 
sack two days' rations salt meat, two days' hard 
bread, ten days' cofiee and salt, and five days' sugar. 
Each infantry soldier will carry sixty rounds of am- 
munition on his person. Every effort should be made 
by officers and men to save rations and ammunition ; 
not a round of ammunition should be lost or unneces- 
sarily expended. It is expected that the command 
will be supplied with subsistence and forage mainly 
from the country. All foraging will be done by 
parties detailed for the purpose by brigade com- 
manders, under such rules as may be prescribed by 
brigade and division commanders. Pillaging, ma- 
raudina:, and every act of cruelty or abuse of citi- 
zens will be severely punished. Each brigade com- 
mander will have a strong rear guard on every 
march, and will order the arrest of all str.agglers. 
The danger of straggling on this march should be 
impressed upon the mind of every officer and man 
of the command. Not only the reputation of the 
corps, but the personal safety of every man, will bo 
dependent, in a great measure, upon the rigid en- 
forcement of discipline and the care taken of the 
rations and ammunition. 

By command of Maj.-Gen. SLOCUM. 

H. W. Perkins, Asst. Adj. -Gen. 

A glance at the map will show that two 
parallel lines of railway, having a general 
southeasterly direction, connect Atlanta with 
the Atlantic seaboard, one terminating at 
Charleston, 308 miles distant, and the other at 
Savannah, 293 miles distant. The former line 
is composed of the Georgia Railroad, 171 miles 
in length, connecting Atlanta with Augusta, 
and of the South Carolina Railroad, extending 
from Augusta to Charleston, 137 miles; and 
the latter, of the Western and Macon road, 



614 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



103 miles in length, connecting Atlanta witli 
Macon; and of the Central Georgia road, 190 
miles long, connecting Macon with Savannah. 
From Augusta there also runs a cross-road, 
due south, to MiUen, on the Georgia Central 
road, 53 miles in length, which affords a second 
route from Atlanta to Savannah, ten miles 
longer than that through Macon. The average 
width of the helt of country embraced be- 
tween the two main lines as far eastward as 
Augusta and MiUen is about 40 miles ; east- 
ward of those points the country gradually 
expands to a width of nearly 100 miles. 



The Georgia road, from Augusta to Atlanta, 
since the capture of the latter place, had lost 
much of its importance ; bat all the others, in- 
cluding that between Augusta and MiUen, were 
essential links in the great chain of communica- 
tions between the northern and southern por- 
tions of the Confederacy ; and their destruction, 
which was one of the objects of the expedition, 
would sever the Gulf States as completely from 
Virginia and the Oarolinas, as the trans-Mis- 
sissippi States were cut off from the rest of the 
Confederacy after the fall of Vicksburg and 
Port Hudson. The country included in this 




railroad system was probably the richest and 
most populous of Georgia, containing the 
capital, MilledgeviUe, and many other im- 
portant towns ; and all accounts concurred in 
describing it as abundantly supplied with horses, 
cattle, and subsistence for an invading army. 
Here also had been conveyed for greater safety 
large numbers of slaves from the exposed parts 
of the rebel States. Not less important than 
these facts was the additional one, that, with 
the exception of a few brigades of cavalry imder 
Gen. Wheeler, and such troops as could be 
gathered from Wilmington, Charleston, or 
Savannah, there was nothing but the Georgia 
militia to oppose the progress of Gen. Sherman. 
Under every circumstance, therefore, the two 
lines above described seemed likely to offer the 
most feasible route to the coast. The ultimate 
objective point of the expedition, whether 
Charleston or Savannah, it was left to circum- 
stances to determine. 

On the 11th of November the army was dis- 
tributed as follows : the 14th corps, with which 
was Gen. Sherinan, at Kingston ; the 15th and 
17th corps on the Powder Spring road, a little 
west of the Chattahoochee ; and the 20th corps 



at Atlanta. The latter, after the appointment 
of Gen, Slocum as commander of the left wing 
of the army, was commanded by Gen. Williams. 
On the morning of the 12th the 14th corps 
moved out of Kingston, leaving a brigade to 
cover the last shipment north of supplies and 
rolling stock. This was completed in the after- 
noon; a parting message, "All is well," was 
sent to Chattanooga by the telegraph wires, 
which were then cut, and by nightfall not a 
soldier of the expeditionary army remained 
north of Kingston. Following the line of the 
railroad, the 14th corps thoroughly destroyed 
every mile of track between Kingston and the 
Chattahoochee, and every building that could 
be of any possible use to the enemy. Some 
instances of wanton destruction by negroes and 
stragglers occurred, including churches and un- 
occupied buildings in Kingston, Ackworth, 
Marietta, and elsewhere ; but, in general, pri- 
vate property was respected wherever the main 
body of the corps marched. On the evening 
of the 10th, Gen. Corse's division of the 15th 
corps had burned the public buildings and 
machine shops of Rome. On the 14th the 
corps reached the Chattahoochee, and on the 



MILITAEY AND KAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION. 



615 



afternoon of the 15tli marched into Atlanta. 
On the latter day, the 15th and 17th corps 
■went into camp two miles south of the city, and 
the 20th corps marched out to a position some- 
what further east. On the Yth, while the latter 
corps alone garrisoned Atlanta, a brigade of 
rebel cavaliy which had been watching their 
opportunity, made a dash at the defences, but 
were easily driven off. They nevertheless con- 
tinued their demonstration — which they called 
the "Siege of Atlanta" — for several days, until 
constrained by the approach of the main Federal 
army to retire. The several corps having been 
newly supplied with clothing and isuch equip- 
ments as were necessary from the depots in 
Atlanta, and every thing valuable to the Govern- 
ment removed, the torch was, on the evening of 
the 15th, applied to the store houses, machine 
shops and depot buildings, the most substantial 
of which had previously been mined. For many 
hours the heavens were lighted up by the 
flames of this vast conflagration, which was 
rendered more awful by the roar of exploding 
shells and magazines, and, by dawn of the 16th, 
all that was valuable of the city which, next 
to Eichmond, had furnished more material for 
prosecuting the rebellion than any other in the 
South, lay in ashes. As far as was possible, 
private property was spared, and the city ren- 
dered of no immediate use to the enemy.- 

The army being now concentrated and ready 
to march, Gen. Sherman caused the following 
order to be promulgated : 

Headquarters MrLixART DmsiON of the Mis- } 
8I88IPPI, IN THE Field, Kingston, Qa., Nov. Sth, 1864. J 

Special Field Orders No. 119. 

The General Commanding deems it proper at this 
time to inform the officers and men of the 14th, 15th, 
17th, and 20th corps, that he has organized them into 
an army for a special purpose, well knovvn to the 
War Department and to Gen. Grant. It is sufficient 
for you to know that it inrolres a departure from our 
present base, and a long and difficult march to a new 
one. All the chances of war have been considered 
and provided for, as far as human sagacity can. All 
he asks of you is, to maintain that discipline, patience, 
and courage which have characterized you in the 
past, and hopes through you to strike a blow at our 
enemy that will have a material eflfect in producing 
what we all so much desire — his complete overthrow. 
Of all things, the most important is that the men, 
during marches and in camp, keep their places, and 
not scatter abroad as stragglers and foragers, to be 
picked up by a hostile people in detail. It is also of 
the utmost importance that our wagons should not 
be loaded with any thing but provisions and ammu- 
nition. All surplus servants, non-combatants, and 
refugees, should now go to the rear, and none should 
be encouraged to encumber us on the march. At 
some future time we will be enabled to provide for 
the poor whites and blacks who seek to escape the 
bondage they are now sutfering under. 

With these few simple cautions in your minds, he 
hopes to lead you to achievements equal in impor- 
tance to those of the past. 

By order of Gen. W. T. SHERMAN. 

L. M. Dayton, Aide-de-Camp. 

On Nov. 16th the whole army marched east- 
ward in four columns, the two under Slocum, 
with which was Gen. Sherman, following the 
railroad toward Augusta, while the right wing, 



under Howard, moved along the Macon and 
Augusta road. Each wing had cavalry moving 
on its flanks. "Whether the immediate objective 
was to be Augusta or Macon, or both, it was 
no part of the Federal general's plan to divulge. 
To perplex the enemy and divide his forces by 
pretended demonstrations on places widely sep- 
arated, he judged would be most likely to en- 
sure him a speedy and uninterrupted march to 
the coast. 

Gen. Howard's command, of which the 15th 
corps formed the right w^ng, followed the 
the railroad as far south as Jonesboro, where 
the mounted troops of Iverson essayed to 
mate a stand, but were quickly dispersed by 
Kilpatrick. Thence the column moved east 
through McDonough and Jackson to the Oc- 
mulgee, which it crossed at Planter's Factory, 
and passing south, through Monticello and 
Hillsboro, and between Milledgeville and Clin- 
ton, on the 22d struck the Georgia Central 
Eailroad, with its left wing at Gordon, twenty 
miles east of Macon ; the right wing being ex- 
tended westward toward Griswoldville. In 
conjunction with the operations of this column 
the greater part of the Federal cavalry, under 
the immediate command of Gen. Kilpatrick, 
made a detour on the extreme right, through 
Griffin and Forsyth, toward Macon, within 
five miles of which place he was ordered to 
demonstrate. The rebels at first believed this 
to be another raid on a large scale ; but learn- 
ing of the approach of Gen. Howard's column 
they made haste to concentrate at Macon all 
their available troops, consisting of some cav- 
alry under Wheeler, a small body of regulars, 
and several brigades of militia. They still re- 
mained in ignorance of Gen. Slocum's movement 
in the direction of Augusta, but believed Ma- 
con to be the main objective point of Gen. Sher- 
man. On the 20th about eight hundred Fede- 
ral cavalry, with four cannon, made a feigned 
attack on East Macon, two miles east of the 
city, which though resulting in little loss on 
either side, very effectually accomphshed its 
purpose of deceiving the enemy. At one 
period of the fight a rebel battery was cap- 
tured in a daring charge by the Federal troops, 
who, however, having no means of carrying 
off the guns, were obliged to relinquish them 
to the enemy. The Federal cavalry finally 
retired in the direction of Griswoldville after 
destroying several miles of railroad east of 
Walnut Creek. 

Upon striking the Georgia Central Eailroad, 
on the 22d, the 15th and 17th corps immedi- 
ately began to destroy the track and the road 
bed between Gordon and Griswoldville in that 
thorough manner in which previous experience 
had rendei'ed the troops adepts. It was while 
this work was going on that the most serious 
battle of the campaign up to this date took 
place. A brigade of infantry, with a section 
of artillery and some cavalry, under Gen. "Wal- 
cot, forming the extreme right wing of the 
15th corps, had been thrown forward to 



616 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 




The above Maps represent a belt of country about 80 miles in width and 260 in length, 
which may be said to have been covered by the operations of the expeditionary army. 
The lines of march pursued by the foiu: main columns did not, perhaps, extend to the ex- 
treme limits of this region ; but there is little of it east of the Atlanta and Macon Eail- 
road and west of the Savannah River whicli was not visited by the cavalry or foraging 
parties. By reference to the text the movements of the several columns, down to the invest 
ment of Savannah, can be readily traced. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



617 



Griswoldville, to continue the demonstration 
against Macon so successfully commenced by 
Gen. Kilpatrick two days previous. After 
burning the principal buildings in the town, 
the troops took position in a wood, protected 
in front by an open morass, and threw up a 
rail barricade. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon 
a rebel force about five thousand strong was per- 
ceived approaching from the direction of Macon. 
The Federal cavalry fell slowly back on either 
flank of the infantry, protecting them from 
attack in flank and rear, and leaving the enemy 
no alternative but to make a direct front at- 
tack. The latter, comprising several brigades 
of militia under Gen. Phillips, with a part of 
Hardee's old command brought up from Sa- 
vannah, advanced with considerable confidence ; 
and with that ignorance of danger common to 
I'aw troops, attemj^ted to carry by stoi*m the 
Federal position. Sis desperate assaults were 
made, which Gen. Walcott's troops from behind 
their breastworks repelled Avith ease and with 
trifling loss, while the enemy, exposed to a 
withering fire and part of the time floundering 
in the morass, paid dearly for their temerity 
and inexperience. They finally retired toward 
Macon, leaving three hundred dead upon the 
field, and having met with a total loss esti- 
mated at two thousand five hundred, including 
Gen. Anderson severely wounded. Their own 
estimate placed their loss at six hundred and 
fourteen, which, from all the facts attainable, is 
manifestly an under estimate. Macon could 
easily have been taken by Gen. Howard after this 
encounter, but the Federal commander-in-chief, 
from prudential motives, did not deem it ad- 
visable to make the attempt. His base being, 
in technical language, "in the air," the capture 
of a place of so little intrinsic importance, now 
that its railroad connections were severed, was 
not essential to the plan of the campaign. 

Meanwhile the left wing of the expedition- 
ary army pursued its march along the Augusta 
and Macon Railroad in two parallel columns, 
of which the left or outer one was the 20th 
corps. The 14th corps was accompanied by 
Gen. Sherman in person. The latter, having 
destroyed the railroad efi'ectually as far as 
Covington, turned thence, on the 19th, south- 
east toward Milledgeville, while the 20th corps, 
which had previously marched somewhat north 
of the railroad, continued the work of de- 
traction as far as Madison, sixty-nine miles 
east of Atlanta and one hundred and two west 
of Augusta. This was intended to be a dem- 
onstration against the latter city, and the 
more completely to deceive the enemy the 
Federal cavalry moving on this wing was sent 
as far east as Union Point, seventy-five miles 
from Augusta. From Madison the 20th corps 
marched nearly due south through Eatonton to 
Milledgeville, where its advance arrived on the 
21st, followed on the next day by the 14th 
corps, which passed through Shady Dale and 
Eatonton. Neither corps encountered any op- 
position worth mentioning duruig the march. 



At the time the expedition started from At- 
lanta the Georgia Legislature was in session at 
Milledgeville. The announcement of the ap- 
proach of Kilpatrick's cavalry gave them at 
first no alarm, Macon being supposed to be 
the place aimed at, and the movement itself a 
raid. But when on the 18th it was ascertained 
that Gen. Howard's wing was moving through 
McDonough in a southeasterly direction, and 
that Gen. Slocum was evidently approaching 
from the north, an almost ludicrous panic and 
consternation seized upon the whole body of 
legislators, who, with Gov. Brown, fled in un- 
seemly haste to Augusta with such valuables 
as could be packed within a few hours. On 
the morning of the 20th, two days after the 
departure of the legislature, a small party of 
Federal scouts dashed into the town, which 
was at once surrendered to them by the Mayor. 
For several days previous to the evacuation 
of Atlanta, rumors of the probability of such 
an event were prevalent both in the loyal and 
disloyal States. By the latter the movement 
was supposed to have been forced upon Gen. 
Sherman by the aggressive campaign of Hood in 
Tennessee, and to promise substantial advan- 
tages to the rebel cause, no doubt being enter- 
tained that the Federal general, unable to 
maintain his communications with Chatta- 
nooga, had resolved to abandon his recent 
conquest and march back to Tennessee. The 
evacuation of Atlanta was in fact claimed as a 
rebel triumph. The cavalry advance toward 
Macon became in that light merely a demon- 
stration to cover the retreat of the main body. 
When, however, the real purpose of Gen. 
Sherman became apparent, the imprepared 
condition of Georgia to oppose such a move- 
ment seems for the first time to have occurred 
to the State and Confederate authorities. Ut- 
tering almost in a single breath predictions of 
the speedy overthrow of Sherman and appeals 
to the people to rally against the invader, they 
exhibited in reality a degree of alarm which 
had any tliing''t)ut an encouraging eff"ect upon 
the public mind. On the 18th the following 
characteristic appeal was issued by Gen. Beau- 
regard from his headquarters at Corinth, Ala. : 

To the People of Georgia : 

Arise for the defence of your native soil ! Eally 
around your patriotic Governor and gallant soldiers. 
Obstruct and destroy all the roads in Sherman's 
front, flank, and rear, and his army will soon starve 
in your midst. Be confident. Be resolute. Trust 
in an overruling Providence, and success will soon 
crown your efforts. I hasten to join you in the de- 
fence of your homes and firesides. 

G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

Simultaneous with this came the following 
appeal from one of the Georgia Senators in 
the Confederate Congress : 

EiOHMOND, Nov. 18. 
To the People of Georgia : 

You have now the best opportunity ever yet pre- 
sented to destroy the enemy. Put every thing at 
the disposal of our Generals, remove all provisions 
from the path of the invader, and put all obstruc- 
tions in his path. 



618 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE KEBELUOK 



Every citizen with his gun and every ne^ro with 
his spade and axe can do the work of a soldier. You 
can destroy the enemy by retarding his march. 
Georgians be firm, act promptly, and fear not. 

(Signed) B. H. HILL. 

I most cordially approve the above. 

JAMES A. SEDDON, Sec'y of War. 

And this also from the Georgia delegation in 
the lower house of Congress : 

KiOHMOND, Nov. 19, 1864 
To the People of Georgia : 

We have had a special conference with President 
Davis and the Secretary of War, and are able to as- 
sure you that they have done, and are still doing, all 
that can be done to meet the emergency that presses 
upon you. Let every man fly to arms. Kemove 
your negroes, horses, cattle, and provisions from 
Sherman's army, and burn what you cannot carry. 
Burn all bridges, and block up the roads in his route. 
Assail the invader in front, flank, and rear, by night 
and by dav. Let him have no rest. 

JULIAN HARTRIDGE, MARK BLAUFORD, 
J. H. REYNOLDS, Gen. N. LESTER, 

JNO. T. SHEWMAKER, JOS. M. SMITH. 

One of the last acts of Gov. Brown, before 
his hurried flight from Milledgeville, was to 
issue a proclamation ordering a levy en masse 
of the whole free white population of the 
State between the ages of sixteen and foi"ty-five 
years, except the legislature and judiciary, or- 
dained ministers of the gospel, railroad em- 
ployes and telegraph operators, and all persons 
physically unable to bear arms. They were 
required to undergo military service for forty 
days, and failure to report at the designated 
places was to be considered equivalent to de- 
sertion. Should the directors or superintend- 
ents of railroad companies refuse to afford 
proper cooperation with the military authori- 
ties they were to be sent immediately to the 
front. Pursuant to a resolution of the Legis- 
lature the Governor also offered pardon to the 
prisoners in the penitentiary at Milledgeville if 
they would volunteer and prove themselves 
good soldiers. About a hundred accepted the 
offer. These preparations came manifestly too 
late to offer any other than a feeble resistance 
to the advance of Gen. Sheftnan's well-ap- 
pointed army ; and whatever opposition the 
latter did encounter during the remainder of 
the campaign was due to the efforts of such 
fragmentary bodies of Confederate troops or 
organized State militia as could be hastily con- 
centrated. 

But few of the troops that reached the 
neighborhood of Milledgeville entered the town, 
two or three regiments only being detailed to 
do provost guard duty and destroy public 
property. The magazines, penitentiary, arsen- 
als, depot buildings, factories, and storehouses, 
with seventeen hundred bales of cotton, were 
burned ; but the Capitol and the private resi- 
dences received no injury, and, as far as pos- 
sible, pillage was prevented. The principal 
of the State Asylum, and other persons, 
expressed their gratitude to Gen. Sherman 
that order was so fully maintained. Some 
stores and about twenty-five hundred small 
arms fell into the possession of the Federal 



troops, and in the penitentiary were found 
some Federal prisoners of war. A number of 
sick rebels were also captured in the hospital. 

While the left wing was enjoying a temporary 
rest at Milledgeville, the right advanced steadily 
along the Georgia Central Eailroad to the 
Oconee, destroying every mile of track in its 
march. The rebels became aware at last that 
Macon was not to be seriously attacked, and 
by extraordinary exertions succeeded in getting 
Gen. Wheeler across the Oconee, in the neigh- 
borhood of the railroad bridge, where, aided 
by a body of militia under Gen. Wayne, he was 
prepared to dispute the passage. Upon reach- 
ing the bridge on the 23d, Gen. Howard found 
it too well guarded to effect a crossing except 
with considerable loss. A day or two was oc- 
cupied with skirmishing across the river banks 
to occupy the enemy's attention, while the 15th 
corps was pushed down to a ford eight miles 
below the railroad, where a pontoon was laid 
without much difBculty. The rebel forces then 
made a precipitate retreat, and by the 26th the 
whole right wing was across the river and mov- 
ing eastward along the railroad, which was 
destroyed as the column advanced. The left 
wing crossed the Oconee near Milledgeville 
without opposition on the 24th, and moved in 
a southeasterly direction toward Sandersville, 
a town lying a little north of the Georgia 
Central Railroad, and about 1^ miles east of 
the river. This movement hastened the re- 
treat of Gen. Wayne. The 14th corps now 
took post on the left flank of this column, 
which position it held during the remainder of 
the campaign. On the 26th, the 14th and 20th 
corps, marching on parallel roads, entered 
Sandersville simultaneously, driving out a body 
of rebel cavalry which essayed to impede their 
advance ; and on the 27th and 28th both wings 
were temporarily encamped between Sanders- 
ville and Irwin's Cross Roads, a few miles 
south of the railroad. About this time Gen. 
Sherman transferred his quarters from the left 
wing to the 17th corps, then at Tennille, a 
railroad station near Sandersville. 

After the demonstration toward Macon, end- 
ing with the action at Griswoldville, Gen. 
Kilpatrick shifted his cavalry force to the left 
wing. Remaining a day or two at Milledge- 
ville to recruit, he started thence on the 25th 
in the direction of Waynesboro, a station on 
the Augusta and Millen Railroad, 75 miles due 
east, for the purpose partly of covering the 
passage of the main body of the army across 
the Ogeechee, the next great river on the route 
east of the Oconee, and partly of conducting a 
feint toward Augusta. On the 27th, a few 
hundred of his cavalry, under Captains Hays 
and Estes, dashed into Waynesboro, burned the 
railroad bridge over Briar Creek in the neigh- 
borhood, and after inflicting other damage, fell 
back on the succeeding day to the main cavalry 
body which lay east of the Ogeechee, in the 
neighborhood of Louisville. One of the prime 
objects of the advance was to surprise Millen 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



619 



and release the Federal prisoners confined there ; 
but nothing more than a demonstration in that 
direction was attempted, information reaching 
Gen. Kilpatrick that the enemy had for weeks 
previous been gradually removing the prisoners 
to some less exposed point in Southern Georgia. 

On the 28th the 14th corps struck the Ogee- 
chee River at Fenn's Bridge, 15 miles north- 
east of Sandersville, crossed on pontoons after 
some hours' delay, and marching down the left 
bank of the river reached Louisville on the 
29th. The 20th corps at the same time moved 
along the railroad, which from Davisboro 
station immediately south of Fenn's bridge, 
follows for about 20 miles a course parallel 
with the Ogeechee. The 17th and 15 th corps 
moved south of the railroad, the 15th, with 
which was Gen. Howard, covering the right 
flank of the army. The cavalry under Gen. 
Wheeler .fell back steadily in the path of the 
advancing columns, seeking to delay their 
movements, and during the 28th and 29th had 
much sharp skirmishing with the Federal 
cavalry in the neigboi-hood of Louisville. Up 
to this time the objective point of Gen. Sher- 
man was as much an uncertainty to the rebel 
leaders as at the commencement of the cam- 
paign; but in the appearance of Gen. Kil- 
patrick on the left flank of the Federal army, 
and especially in the occupation of Louisville 
by the 14th corps. Gen. Wheeler fancied he 
detected an intention to move in force upon 
Waynesboro, and thence to Augusta, 30 miles 
further north. That he should be thus de- 
ceived was part of the plan of Gen. Sherman, 
who gladly witnessed the rebel cavalry moving 
to the north to obstruct the supposed advance 
upon Augusta, and thus leaving him at liberty 
to cross the Ogeechee with his main body. On 
the 30th, the 20th and lYth corps, which had 
been actively engaged for several days in 
destroying the railroad between Tennille sta- 
tion and the river, succeeded in crossing with 
little difficulty, the former at the railroad 
"bridge, and the latter near Barton station, a 
few miles further east. The 15th corps pur- 
sued its march in a parallel line with the other 
columns on the right bank of the river. The 
Ogeechee was naturally a line of great strength 
to the enemy, who might have made its passage 
a costly efibrt to the Federal army. That three 
of its four corps should have, under these cir- 
cumstances, crossed without loss was esteemed 
one of the most brilliant pieces of strategy wit- 
nessed during the campaign. 

On the morning of Nov. 30th Gens. Baird's 
and Morgan's divisions of the 14th corps moved 
forward a short distance on the road toward 
Waynesboro, which was the signal for Gen. 
Kilpatrick to renew, in cooperation with these 
troops, his demonstration against Augusta. 
For the purpose also of expediting Gen. 
Wheeler's movement to the north, the remain- 
ing division of the 14th corps demonstrated on 
the same day against his left flank. This had 
the desired efl:ect, and during Dec. 1st that 



general rapidly fell back before the Federal ad- 
vance. During the 1st 2d and 3d constant 
skirmishing took place between the Federal 
and rebel cavalry, the latter being gradually 
pushed beyond Waynesboro. On the 3d they 
were found strongly posted on the railroad, 
two miles northeast of the town, with heavy 
rail barricades in fibnt, and a swamp and rail- 
road embankment on either flank. Two or 
three vigorous charges by the Federal cavalry 
sufficed to drive them from their defences with 
considerable loss. Up to this point Baird's 
division of the 14th corps formed the infantry 
support to the cavalry. The remaining divisions 
of this corps upon reaching Buckhead Creek 
had turned east to Lumpkin's statio'h on the 
Augusta and Millen Railroad, 10 miles south 
of Waynesboro, where on the 3d and 4th they 
destroyed a considerable portion of the track. 
They then marched in a southeasterly direc- 
tion for Jacksonboro, 20 miles east of Millen, 
where, on the 5th, they united with Gens. 
Kilpatrick and Baird, who having finished their 
demonstration against Augusta, moved rapidly 
south from Waynesboro on the 4th. 

Meanwhile the 20th and 17th corps advanced 
steadily along the railroad, and on Dec. 2d the 
latter reached Millen. The 20th corps passed 
somewhat north of Millen, through Birds\dlle, 
and thence marched southeast, while the 15th 
corps moved in two columns to the west of 
the Ogeechee River, a day's march in advance 
of the main body. The whole army, pivoting, 
it may be said, upon Millen, now swung slowly 
around from its eastern course, and moved in 
parallel columns directly southward, all, with 
the exception of the 15th corps, marching down 
the peninsula formed by the Ogeechee and 
Savannah Rivers. The ITth corps followed the 
railroad, destroying it from Millen downward. 
The success of the feint toward Augusta was 
now demonstrated in the fact that Gen. Sher- 
man was pursuing an iminterrupted march to 
the coast, with his army well in hand, while a 
large rebel force was concentrated in Augusta, 
too far in the rear of the Federal army to check 
its progress for a day, and utterly useless for 
offensive purposes. Even when it was ascer- 
tained that Gen. Sherman was moving south 
from Millen, the enemy appear to have been 
uncertain whether Savannah, Daiien, Bruns- 
wick, or even Port Royal harbor was to be his 
%objective point. After the deflection of the 
Federal march southward from Millen, how- 
ever, they admitted that Gen. Sherman might 
possibly escape. 

As the Federal army continued its advance 
down the peninsula between the Savannah 
and Ogeechee Rivers, it became apparent to 
Gen. Hardee, who held Savannah with fifteen 
thousand men, a great part of whom were mU- 
itia, that that city was to be the objective of 
Gen. Sherman. A line of works, stretching 
from river to river, had been erected to delay 
the Federal advance ; and for the purpose of 
preventing an attack upon the Savannah and 



620 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Gulf Railroad, -which was being employed to 
its utmost capacity to bring supplies and re- 
enforcements to the city, a force was sent 
across the Ogeechee, which it was supposed 
would offer effectual resistance to the progress 
of the 15th corps. The greater part of the 
latter, however, had crossed to the east bank 
of the Ogeechee, on the Wh, near Eden,_ and 
on the succeeding day Gen. Corse's^ division 
was pushed forward between the Little and 
Great Ogeechee, thirteen miles in advance of 
the main column, to the canal connecting the 
Ogeechee with the Savannah. The canal was 
quickly bridged, and the division intrenched in 
a strong position on the south side, the enemy, 
after a Brief resistance, abandoning their ad- 
vanced lines, and taking refuge within the for- 
tifications proper of Savannah. Other portions 
of the 15th corps were immediately brought 
up to support Gen. Corse, and on the 9th a 
detachment moved forward to the Savannah 
and Gulf Railroad, destroyed the track for sev- 
eral miles around Miller's station, and captured 
a train of eighteen cars, with many prisoners, 
thus cutting off communication between Sa- 
vannah and the South. 

While the extreme right was thus closing in 
upon the rear of Savannah, the main body 
moved south by rapid marches between the 
Ogeechee and Savannah Rivers. The weather, 
which had been for the most part favorable 
during the first half of the campaign, became 
rainy after the columns passed Millen, and the 
swampy regions of the coast, which the army 
had now entered upon, offered serious obstacles 
to rapid marching. 13 ut, inspii-ed by contin- 
ued successes and the prospect of soon opening 
communications with the fleet On the coast, the 
troops pushed forward with no more delays 
than were caused by bridging streams 6v cor- 
duroying swamps, and on the evening of the 
10th the advance of the several columns had 
reached positions varying from three to eight 
miles distant from Savannah. On the march 
the left wing struck the Savannah and Charles- 
ton Railroad where it crosses the Savannah 
River, from which point southward the track 
was thoroughly destroyed. The enemy showed 
considerable resistance as the Federal army 
approached the city, and the 14th and 17th 
corps sustained some loss in skirmishing. A 
number of men having been wounded by the 
explosion of shells and torpedoes, buried and 
concealed in the road, the rebel prisoners were 
placed in front of the columns, and compelled 
to remove them. Kilpatrick covered the rear, 
and kept at bay such scattered bodies of cav- 
alry as attempted to harass the march. The 
11th and 12tli were occupied in putting the 
troops in position, establishing batteries, erect- 
ing breastworks, and in other operations con- 
nected with a regular investment, and on the 
latter day the army was concentrated so as to 
form a semicircle, extending from the Savan- 
nah River to the Savannah and Gulf Railroad. 
The line was about ten miles long, the extreme 



left, held by the 20th corps, being about three 
miles from the city, while the extreme right 
of the 15th corps, resting on the railroad, was 
eleven miles distant. Next to the 20th corps 
came the 14th, and next to that on the right 
the 17th. Everywhere the troops encountered 
a strong line of earthworks, having heavy 
guns in position, and held apparently by a 
large force. These were the exterior fortifica- 
tions of Savannah, and although of consider- 
able extent, were so flanked by a series of im- 
passable swamps stretching across the penin- 
sula, as to be capable of easj- defence. All the 
openings to these morasses, as well as the 
roads leading through them, had been fortified 
with extreme care, and could hardly be carried 
without sevei-e loss. 

Meanwhile, as early as the 9th, Capt. Dun- 
can and two scouts had been sent from the 15th 
corps on the hazardous enterprise of penetrat- 
ing the enemy's lines and reaching the coast, 
for the purpose of communicating with the 
fleet, which it was known was on the alert for 
intelligence from Gen. Sherman's army. Em- 
barking in a small skiff on the Ogeechee, at 
nightfall, they paddled down the river until 
warned by the approach of day to conceal 
themselves in the rice swamps. On the night 
of the 10th they resumed their voyage, and 
creeping past Fort McAUister and the picket 
boats during a rain storm, emerged into Ossa- 
baw Sound, where, on the morning of the 
11th, they were picked up by the Federal gun- 
boat Flag, which immediately conveyed them 
to Hilton Head. Gen. Foster, commanding 
the department, was at once summoned from 
Pocotaligo, where he was demonstrating against 
the Charleston and Savannah Railroad in aid 
of Gen. Sherman's movement, and received 
from the scouts Gen. Howard's despatch of the 
9th : " We have had perfect success, and the 
army is in fine spirits." This was the first 
direct intelligence from the expeditionary army 
since its departure from Atlanta, and its recep- 
tion in the North a few days later caused uni- 
versal rejoicing. The greater part of the avail- 
able naval force on the station being already 
in the Savannah River for the purpose of co- 
operatihg with the army, nothing remained to 
be done but to send a few vessels around to 
Ossabaw and Wassaw Sounds to endeavor to 
open communications. Wassaw Sound, into 
. which empties the Wilmington River, being 
nearer the city, was carefully explored by Gen. 
Foster and Admiral Dahlgren, and both there 
and in Ossabaw Sound the gunboats were 
directed to make frequent signals with the 
shore. 

Gen. Sherman having determined that Ossa- 
baw Sound, which forms the mouth of the 
Ogeechee, affqrded the most practicable means 
of communicating with the fleet, immediately 
took measures to reduce Fort McAllister, which 
commands the water approaches in that di- 
rection. This work, situated on the right bank 
of the Great Ogeechee, about six miles from 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



621 



the Sound, was one of tho strongest of its class 
in the South, and had successfidly resisted at- 
tacks by the Monitor fleet in January and 
March, 1863. It comprised three half bastions 
and two curtains, and mounted twenty-ono 
guns, several of which were 8-inch and 10-inch 
pieces. Every line of approach, botli by land 
and water, was swept by howitzers and field- 
pieces placed on the bastions, and along its 
front extended a ditch forty feet wide and of 
great depth, into whose bottom were driven 
heavy palisades. Outside of the ditch was a 
fbrmidable line of abatis, and beyond this the 
land approaches were thickly planted with tor- 
pedoes. The fort had received additions in 
armament and garrison since the naval attacks, 
and was now hel<l by two hundred and fifty 
men, commanded by Major Anderson and Cap- 
tains Clinch and White. 

On the evening of the 12th Gen. Hazen's 
division of the 15th corps, to which was as- 
signed the duty of assaulting the fort, marched 
from its position on the Savannah and Gulf Rail- 
road toward Kiugsbridge over the Great Ogee- 
chee, distant about six miles. This structure 
having been destroyed by the enemy, a new 
one, eighteen hundred feet in length, was erected 
during the night, and at daybreak of the 18th 
the column pushed on for Fort McAllister, At 
half-past four in the afternoon the work was 
completely invested, and the troops advanced 
to the assault in a single line, over an open 
space of six hundred yards, the greater part 
of which consisted of a rice swamp. The ob- 
stacles were formidable enough to have de- 
terred veterans of more experience than those 
who formed the attacking column, and might 
have justified the erection of intrenchments 
and a system of gradual approaches, which 
would have involved a loss of valuable time 
and delayed the opening of communications 
with the fleet. "Carry the place by assault 
to-night if possible," was Gen, Sherman's order 
to Hazen, and the troops, fighting under the 
immediate eye of their commauder, who was 
watching the action from a house-top some 
miles distant, and aroused to a high pitch of 
enthusiasm, pressed eagerly forward, regard- 
less of bursting torpedoes or the fire from the 
fort. In an almost incredible short space of 
time the open ground was crossed, the abatis 
surmounted, and the ditch reached, A few 
minutes sufficed to remove the palisades, and 
the men, with loud cheers, swarmed over the 
parapet, shooting and bayoneting the gunners 
who refused to surrender, and planted the na- 
tional colors upon the rampart. The assault 
occupied lijirely twenty minutes, and from first 
to last the storming column never wavered in 
its advance. The Federal loss was but twenty- 
three killed and eighty-two wounded, owing to 
the celerity of the movement, and that of the 
enemy amounted to fourteen killed and twenty- 
one wounded. Two hundred and eleven rebel 
otficers and men were taken prisoners. On 
the succeeding day the latter were employed 



in removing the torpedoes buried around the 
fort. 

Just previous to the assault Gen. Sherman 
detected a gunboat reconnoitring in the river 
below the fort, and at once opened communi- 
cations with her by signals. No sooner was 
the fort taken than he embarked in a rowboat 
©n the Ogeechee, and a few hours later was 
taken on board of the steamtug Dandelion in 
the cabin of which he wrote his first despatch 
to the Secretary of War as follows : 

On Boaed Dandelion, Ossabaw SorND, | 
11:50 p. M., Dec. 13. ( 

To-day, at 5 p, m., Gen. Hazen's division of the 15th 
corps carried Fort McAllister by assault, capturing 
its entire garrison and stores. This opened to us 
the Ossabaw Sound, and I pushed down to this gun- 
boat to communicate with the fleet. Before opening 
communication we had completely destroyed all tho 
raili'oads leading into Savannah and invested the 
city. The left is on the Savannah River, three miles 
above the city, and the right on the Ogeechee, at 
Kingsbridge. The army is in splendid order, and 
equal to any thing. The weather has been fine, and 
supplies were abundant. Our march was most agree- 
able, and we were not at all arrested by guerrillas. 

We reached Savannah three days ago, but owing 
to Fort McAllister could not communicate; but now 
we have McAllister we can go ahead. 

We have already captured two boats on the Sa- 
vannah River, and prevented their gunboats from 
coming down, 

I estimate the population of Savannah at twenty- 
five thousand and the garrison at fifteen thousand. 
Gen. Hardee commands. 

We have not lost a wagon on the trip, but have 
gathered in a large supply of negroes, mules, horses, 
etc., and our teams are in far better condition than 
when we started. 

My first duty will to clear the army of surplus 
negroes, mules, and horses. We have utterly de- 
stroyed over two hundred miles of rails, and con- 
sumed stores and provisions that were essential to 
Lee's and Hood's armies. The quick work made 
with McAllister and the opening of communication 
with our fleet, and the consequent independence for 
supplies, dissipates all their boasted threats to head 
me off and starve the army, 

I regard Savannah as already gained. 
Yours, truly, 

W, T." SHERMAN, Major-General, 

On the succeeding day he met Gen. Foster 
and Admii-al Dahlgren in Wassaw Sound, where 
measures were concerted for opening perma- 
nent communication between the army and 
the fleet, and for efficient cooperation by the 
latter in the reduction of Savannah, The new 
base was established on the Ogeechee at Kings- 
bridge, and the obstructions in the river hav- 
ing been removed, a number of transports 
passed up on the 16th and 17th. On the 16th 
several tons of mail «aatter were distributed 
among the soldiers. 

Meanwhile the lines of investment were 
steadily pressed around Savannah, prisoners 
being employed to remove the torpedoes 
buried by the enemy along the chief avenues 
of approach. On every side of the city but 
that fronting the river the investment was 
complete. By means of rows of piles, sunken 
vessels, and the girns of Forts Jackson, Lee, 
and Lawton, the enemy commanded the river 
to within a few miles of Fort Pulaski. Be- 



622 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



tween the city and the South Carolina shore 
intervenes Hutchinson's Island, several miles in 
length, the upper end of which had been seized 
by Gen. Slocum as the Federal left wing ap- 
proached the city. But the lower end, divided 
from the upper by a canal, was fortified and 
still held by the enemy ; and somewhat below 
the island, on the South Carolina side, con>- 
mences Union Causeway, traversing the ex- 
tensive swamps intervening between Savannah 
and Charleston, and offering a practicable line 
of retreat to Gen. Hardee. To approach the 
city from the north, along the Carolina shore, 
through the wide stretch of swamps and rice- 
fields, ai-titicially and skilfully flooded, seemed 
almost an impossibility, and the enemy re- 
lied confidently upon a pi-otracted and per- 
haps successful resistance. On the 16th Gen. 
Sherman sent a formal demand for the sur- 
render of Savannah, closing his despatch with 
Hood's words to the colored troops at Dalton. 
To this General Hardee replied that as his 
communications were still open and his men 
supplied with subsistence, he was able to with- 
stand a long siege, and was determined to hold 
the city until his forces were overpowered. 

Gen. Sherman now rapidly pushed forward 
his work, and by means of a substantial cordu- 
roy road traversing the swamps and rice-fields 
between Kingsbridge and the city, brought 
up heavy siege guns which by the 20th were 
put in position. Perceiving this, and also that 
preparations were making to close up the Fede- 
ral lines on the left. Gen. Hardee seems to 
have become suddenly aware of the danger 
that menaced the city, and alive to the ne- 
cessity of securing his own retreat while 
Union Causeway afforded an avenue of escape. 
On the afternoon of the 20th his troops were 
hurriedly set to work to destroy the navy 
yard and Government property, while the for- 
midable iron-clads, Georgia and Savannah, 
moved up the river and commenced a furious 
fire on the Federal left, supported by several 
batteries. Under cover of this fire the garri- 
son was transported during the night of the 
20th, by steamboats, rowboats, and rafts to 
Union Causeway, and on the morning of the 
21st the troops were well on their way to 
Charleston. Before leaving, they blew up the 
iron-clads and the fortifications below the city. 

At dawn of the 21st the evacuation became 
known to the Federal pickets, and several regi- 
ments were sent forward to occupy the deserted 
intrenchments. A few hom-s later Gen. Sher- 
man entered the city at the head of his body- 
guard, and received its formal surrender from 
the municipal authorities. The following de- 
spatch to the President announced this crown- 
ing success of the campaign: 

Savannah, Ga., December 22. 
HU Excellency PresicLent Lincoln : 

I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of 
Savannah, with one hundred and fifty heavy guns 
and plenty of ammunition, and also about twenty- 
five thousand bales of cotton. 

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. 



The following from Gen. Foster gives ad- 
ditional details of the capture : 

Steajiee Golden State, Savannah Eiveb, ) 
December 22 — 7 p. m. ) 
To Lieut Gen.- Grant and IfaJ.-Gen. H. W. HaZlech : 

I have the honor to report that I have just returned 
from Gen. Sherman's headquarters in Savannah. 

I send Major Gray, of my staff, as bearer of de- 
spatches from Gen. Sherman to you, and also a mes- 
sage to the President. 

The city of Savannah was occupied on the morn- 
ing of the 21st. Gen. Hardee, anticipating the con- 
templated assault, escaped with the main body of his 
infantry and light artillery on the morning of the 
20th, by crossing the river to Union Causeway, op- 
posite the city. The rebel iron-clads were blown up, 
and the navy yard was burned. All the rest of the 
Qpty is intact, and contains twenty thousand citizens, 
quiet and well disposed. 

The captures include eight hundred prisoners, one 
hundred and fifty guns, thirteen locomotives in good 
order, one hundred and ninety cars, a large supply 
of ammunition and materials of war, three steamers, 
and thirty-three thousand bales of cotton, safely 
stored in warehouses. All these valuable fruits of 
an almost bloodless victory have been, like Atlanta, 
fairly won. 

I opened communication with the city with my 
steamers to-day, taking up what torpedoes we could 
see, and passing safely over others. Arrangements 
are made to clear the channel of all obstructions. 
• J. G. FOSTER, Major-General. 

"With the capture of Savannah ended the 
great winter campaign through Georgia, just 
five weeks after the Federal army left Atlanta. 
Within that period Gen. Sherman traversed at 
his leisure, and with a total loss of less than 
fifteen hundred men, a tract of country varying 
from sixty to twenty miles in width, and com- 
pletely destroyed the great railroad quadri- 
lateral of which Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, and 
Savannah formed the four corners. When it 
is recollected that from Atlanta to Madison 
on the Georgia road, and from the neigh- 
borhood of Macon to Savannah, the track 
was systematically torn up, beside considerable 
portions of the Milledgeville branch and the 
Augusta and MiUen road, Gen. Sherman's 
estimate of 200 miles destroyed wiU seem under 
the mark. The work of destruction was car- 
ried on with a completeness and deliberation 
unknown to previous expeditions. Every rail 
was heated and twisted; every tie, bridge, 
tank, wood-shed, and depot building was bm-ned, 
and every culvert blown up. For miles on the 
Georgia, Georgia Central, and Augusta and 
Millen roads, the track is carried over marshy 
territory by extensive trestle-work. This was 
all burned or otherwise injured beyond the pos- 
sibility of immediate replacement. Almost from 
the moment of departure the army literally 
fed on the fat of the land, and fared probably 
better on the march than in camp. Live stock, 
poultry, Indian meal, sweet potatoes, sorghum 
syrup, and other luxuries were found in an 
abundance far exceeding the demands of the 
men, and many thousand head of cattle, horses, 
and mules were gathered up on the march and 
brought safely to the coast. The army is said 
to have encamped around Savannah with fifty 
days' rations of beef on the hoof. As a rule the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



623 



regulations respecting pillaging were observed 
by the troops, but of necessity many instances 
occurred where private property, not necessary 
to sustain life or assist military operations, was 
appropriated by stragglers. Such occurrences 
are imavoidable in the unopposed progress of a 
large army through a well-stocked country. 
As was expected, large numbers of slaves, of 
both sexes and of all ages, seized the oppor- 
tunity to gain their freedom, and followed in 
the wake of the several columns. The able- 
bodied men did good service as pioneers, team- 
sters, or laborers, and in many cases the places 
where horses, cattle, provisions, cotton, or 
valuables were concealed, were revealed by the 
colored fugitives. On several occasions this 
class of followers became so numerous as to 
impede the movements of the ai'my and the 
trains. Many dropped off from time to time 
exhausted by the march ; but from eight to ten 
thousand succeeded in reaching Savannah. 
Cotton was of course invariably burned where- 
ever discovered, and the loss is estimated at 
15,000 bales. The most remarkable feature of 
the campaign was the trifling opposition which 
the enemy opposed to the expeditionary army, 
and the ease with which every attack was re- 
pelled. In every engagement, down to the 
smallest skirmish, the Federal troops, having 
an absolute faith in their leader which- made 
them equal' to any task he might impose, 
showed their superiority. The cavalry ad- 
vance, supported occasionally by a division or 
two of infantry, and frequently engaging supe- 
rior numbers, was found adequate for any 
thing which the enemy could oppose to them. 
Full half the loss sustained by Gen. Sherman 
was of stragglers and plunderers, surprised and 
captured by the enemy while out of the direct 
line of march. 

Upon the surrender of Savannah, Gen. Geary 
was appointed military commander. The city 
was found uninjured, the Federal cannon hav- 
ing never opened upon it, and was crowded 
with refugees from the interior, many of whom 
were without the means of procuring food. 
Measures were adopted for supplying the wants 
of these persons, and stringent orders issued by 
Gen. Geary for the protection of jjeaceful 
citizens and their property against outrages by 
soldiers. The cotton Avas, however, appro- 
priated by the United States Government, with 
the design of shipping it to the North for sale. 
The following order was issued by Gen. Sher- 
man for the government of the city : 

Headqtjaeters Military Division op the Mis- ) 
SissiPPi. IN THE Field, Savannah, Ga., Dec. 26th, 1864. ( 
Special Field 0>-ders No. 143. 

The city of Savannah and surrounding country 
will be held as a military post and adapted to future 
military uses ; but as it contains a population of some 
20,000 people, who must be provided for, and as 
other citizens may come, it is proper to lay down 
certain general principles, that all within its military 
jurisdiction may understand their relative duties and 
obligations. 

I. During war, the military is superior to civil 
authority, and where interests clash the civil must 



give way ; yet where there is no conflict, every en- 
couragement should be given to well-disposed and 
peaceable inhabitants to resume their usual pursuits. 
Families should be disturbed as little as possible in 
their residences, and tradesmen allowed the free use 
of their shops, tools, <tc. Churches, schools, all 
places of amusement aijd recreation, should be en- 
couraged, and streets and roads made perfectly safe 
to persons in their usual pursuits. Passes should 
not be exacted within the line of outer pickets, but 
if any person shall abuse these privileges by com- 
municating with the enemy, or doing any act of 
hostility to the Government of the United States, he 
or she will be punished with the utmost rigor of the 
law. Commerce wi'th the outer world will be resumed 
to an extent commensurate with the wants of the 
citizens, governed by the restrictions and rules of 
the Treasury Department. 

II. The Chief Quartermaster and Commissary of 
the army may give suitable employment to the 
people, white and black, or transport them to such 
points as they choose, where employment may be 
had, and may extend temporary relief, in the way of 
provisions and vacant houses, to the worthy and 
needy, until such time as they can help themselves. 
They will select, first, the buildings for the necessary 
uses of the army; next, a sufficient number of stores 
to be turned over to the Treasury Agent for trade 
stores. All vacant storehouses or dwellings, and all 
buildings belonging to absent rebels, will be con- 
strued and used as belonging to the United States, 
until such times as their titles can be settled by the 
courts of the United States. 

III. The Mayor and CHy Council of Savannah will 
continue and exercise their functions as such, and 
will, in concert with the commanding officer of the 
post and Chief Quartermaster, see that the fire com- 
panies are kept in organization, the streets cleaned 
and lighted, and keep up a good understanding be- 
tween the citizens and soldiers. They will ascertain 
and report to the Chief C. S., as soon as possible, 
the names and number of worthy families that need 
assistance and support. 

The Mayor will forthwith give public notice that 
the time has come wlnen all must choose their course, 
viz. : to remain within our lines and conduct them- 
selves as good citizens, or depart in peace. He will 
ascertain the names of all who choose to leave Savan- 
nah, and report their names and residence to the 
Chief Quartermaster, that measures may be taken to 
transport them beyond the lines. 

IV. Not more than two newspapers will be pub- 
lished in Savannah, and their editors and proprietors 
will be held to the strictest accountability, and wiU 
be punished severely in person and property for any 
libelous publication, mischievous matter, premature 
news, exaggerated statements, or any comments 
whatever upon the acts of the constituted authorities ; 
they will be held accountable even for such articles 
though copied from other papers. 

By order of Maj.-Gen. W. T. SHERilAN, 
L. M. Dattok, Aide-de-Camp. 

In marked contrast with the inhabitants of 
other Confederate cities captured during the 
war, the population of Savannah showed a de- 
sire to conform their conduct to circumstances, 
and refrained from open insults or efforts to vex 
or harass their captors. It does not appear 
that a bale of cotton, or indeed any thing of 
positive value, was destroyed by the citizens to 
prevent its falling into the hands of the Federal 
troops. A latent Union feeling was even de- 
veloped, and at a meeting of influential citizens 
convened on the 28th, in pursuance of a call 
from Mayor Arnold, to take into consideration 
"matters relating to the present and futuro 



624 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



welfare of tlie city," the following resolutions 
were unanimously adopted : 

WTiereas, By the fortune of war and the surrender 
of the city by the civil authorities, Savannah passes 
once more under the authority of the United States; 
and whereas we believe that the interests of the city 
will be best subserved and promoted by a full and 
free expression of our views in relation to our present 
condition, we, therefore, the people of Savannah, in 
full meeting assembled, do hereby resolve, 

1st. That we accept the position, and in the lan- 
guage of the President of the United States, seek to 
have "peace by laying down our arms and submit- 
ting to the national authoi-ity uud«r the Constitution, 
leaving all questions which remain to be adjusted by the 
peaceful means of legislation, conference, and votes." 

Resolved, yd. That laying aside all differences and 
burying bygones in the graves of the past, we will 
use our best endeavors once more to bring back the 
prosperity and commerce we once enjoyed. 

Besolved, 3d, That we do not put ourselves in the 
position of a conquered city asking terms of a con- 
queror, but we claim the immunities and privileges 
contained in the proclamation and message of the 
President of the United States, and in all the legisla- 
tion of Congress in reference to a people situated as 
we are; and while we owe on our part a strict obe- 
dience to the laws of the United States, we ask the 
protection over our persons, lives, and property re- 
cognized by those laws. 



Besolved, 4th. That we respectfully request his 
Excellency the Governor to call a convention of the 
people of Georgia, by any constitutional means in 
his power, to give them an opportunity of voting 
upon the question whether they wish the war between 
the two sections of the country to continue. 

Resolved, bih. That Major-General Sherman having 
placed as military commander of this post Brigadier- 
General Geary, who has, by his urbanity as a gentle- 
man and his uniform kindness to our citizens, done 
all in his power to protect them and their property 
from insult and injury, it is the unanimous desire of 
all present that he be allowed to remain in his present 
position, and that for the reasons above stated the 
thanks of the citizens are hereby tendered to him 
and the officers under his command. 

Finding the people so tractable and resigned 
to their condition, Gen. Geary exerted himself 
to protect them from oppression, and to main- 
tain order; and several instances occurred of 
soldiers being severely punished for drunken- 
ness, pillaging, or other improper acts. Meas- 
ures were at once taken to prepare the Cus- 
tom House and Post OflBce for the former 
uses, and by several of the insurance com- 
panies the propriety of establishing a National 
Bank, under the Act of Congress, was seriously 
considered. 



CHAPTEE XLYI. 



General Sheridan takes command on the Upper Potomac — Attack on Rsher's Hill — March of Sheridan up the Shenandoah 
— Sudden Attack of the Enemy — Their Eepulse and Pursuit— Guerrillas — Movements of Gen. Price in Missouri — In- 
vestment of Nashville by Gen. Hood— Battles— Eetreat of Hood and pursuit by Gen. Thomas— Expedition against the 
Mississippi Central Railroad from Baton Eouge— Movements of Gen. Warren against the Weldon Koad. 



Geiteeal Sheridan, after taking command 
of the army on the upper Potomac, held a strong 
position near the railroad from Harper's Ferry 
toward Winchester. On Sept. 14th a reconnois- 
sance was made by Gen. Wilson within two 
miles of Winchester, which resulted in the cap- 
ture of the 8th South Carolina infantry, num- 
bering 13G men and 16 officers. On the 18th 
Gen. Gardner made an attack on Gen. Averill, 
at Martinsburg, but was repulsed. At this time 
the main body of Gen. Early's army was in the 
vicinity of Bunker HiU, northwest of the posi- 
tion held by Gen. Sheridan. By a rapid ad- 
vance along the Winchester road Gen. Sheridan 
could gain the rear of the enemy, and he quickly 
embraced the opportunity. The 6th and 19th 
corps began to move at 3 a. m. on the morning 
of the 19th. Gen. Crook followed three hours 
later and joined the main column at the cross- 
ing of the Opequiin. This advance was stub- 
bornly resisted, and the first and second lines 
were temporarily thrown into confusion. But 
the artillery being brought into position, the 
ranks were reformed, and a severe contest en- 
sued. At some points the opposing lines were 
not more than two hundred yards apart. By 
a successful cavalry charge the enemy were 
thrown into confusion and driven from the field. 
The enemy retreated toward Fisher's Hill, a 



short distance south of Strasburg, closely follow- 
ed by Gen. Sheridan. That evening he sent the 
following despatch to Gen. Grant: 

WiNCHESTEB, Va., Sept. 19, 7.30 p. m. 
Lieut.-Gen. U.S. Grant: 

I have the honor to report that I attacked the 
forces of Gen. Early over the Berryville pike, at the 
crossing of Opequan Creek, and after a most stub- 
born and sanguinary engagement, which lasted from 
early in the morning until 5 o'clock in the evening, 
completely defeated him, driving him through Win- 
chester, capturing twenty-five hundred prisoners, 
five pieces of artillery, nine army flags, and most of 
their wounded. The rebel Generals Khodes and 
Gordon were killed, and three other general officers 
wounded. Most of the enemy's wounded and all of 
their dead fell into our hands. 

Our losses are severe; among them Gen. D. A. 
Kussell, commanding a division in the Sixth Corps, 
who was killed by a cannon ball. Generals Upton, 
Mcintosh, and Chapman were wounded. 

I cannot yet tell our losses: The conduct of the 
officers and men was most superb. They charged 
and carried every position taken up by the rebels 
from Opequan Cfreek to Winchester. The rebels 
were strong in numbers and very obstinate in their 
fighting. 

I desire to mention to the Lieut.-General command 
ing the army the gallant conduct of Generals Wright, 
Crook, Emory, Torbert, and the officers and men 
under their command. To them the country is in- 
debted for this handsome victory. 

P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-Gen. Commanding. 

The force of Gen. Sheridan was composed as 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



625 




wATtRs-soiv n:y._ 



626 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



follows: 6th corps, about 12,000; 19th corps 
(two divisions), 9,000 ; Crook's corps, 12,000 ; 
cavalry (three divisions), 10,000; artillery, about 
2,000 ; total, 45,000, and 20 or 22 batteries, 6 
guns each. 

That of the enemy was known to consist of 
Gens. Early and Breckinridge's coi-ps, amounting 
to about 20,000 men, exclusive of cavalry and 
artillery, which was estimated at 10,000 more. 
The artillery consisted of 14 batteries of 6 guns 
each. 

On Sept. 22d Gen. Sheridan attacked the ene- 
my's position at Fisher's Hill, and by forcing 
back the left of his line and throwing a force in 
his rear, compelled him to abandon it. He thus 
described and reported his success : 

Headq'ks Middle Military Division, 1 

Six Miles feom Woodstock, v 

11.30 p. M. September 22d. j 

Lieut.- General Grant : 
_ I have the honor to report that I achieved a most 
signal victory over the army of General Early at 
Fisher's Hill to-day. I found the rebel army posted 
with its right resting on the north fork of the Shenan- 
doah, and extending across the Strasburg valley 
westward to North Mountain, occupying a position 
which appeared almost impregnable. 

After a great deal of manoeuvring during the day, 
General Crook's command was transferred to the 
extreme right of the line on North Mountain, and he 
furiously attacked the left of the enemy's line, car- 
rying every thing before him. While General Crook 
was driving the enemy in the greatest confusion, and 
sweeping down behind ^heir breastworks, the Sixth 
and Nineteenth army corps attacked the works in 
front, and the whole rebel army appeared to be 
broken up. They fled in the utmost confusion. Six- 
teen pieces of artillery were captured, also a great 
many caissons, artillery horses, &c., &c. 

I am to-night pushing down the Valley. I cannot 
say how many prisoners I have captured, nor do I 
know either my own or the enemy's casualties. Only 
darkness has "saved the whole of Early's army from 
total destruction. My attack could not be made 
until 4 o'clock in the evening, which left but little 
daylight to operate in. 

The 1st and 3d cavalry divisions went down the 
Luray Valley to-day, and if they push on vigorously 
to the main valley, the result of this day's engage- 
ment will be still more signal. The victory was very 
complete. 

(Signed,) P. H. SHERIDAN, Maj.-Gen. Com. 

The number of prisoners taken was eleven 
hundred. The pursuit was made and continued 
to Staunton, which Gen. Sheridan occupied 
with his cavalry and inflicted much damage 
upon the enemy. He then leisurely and de- 
structively fell back toward Strasburg. The 
losses of the enemy in these battles in killed, 
wounded, and missing was estimated at nearly 
ten thousand men. The losses of Gen. Sheridan 
were also severe. 

On the night of the 27th Gen. Averill met 
with a repulse near Brown's Gap, and on the 
following day feU back six miles. He lost some 
twelve men. "While Gen. Sheridan was at 
Staunton all public property was destroyed, in- 
cluding the railroad and factories. His cavalry 
then proceeded to Waynesboro for the purpose 
of destroying the iron railroad bridge and all 
the barns and mills in that section of country. 
The force of Gen. Early, in the mean time, had 



retreated through Brown's Gap with their 
wagon ti-ains, but on learning of the operations 
of the Federal cavalry, Kershaw's division of 
infantry and Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry were or- 
dered to march in tlieu' rear and cut off the 
command of Gen. Torbert at Waynesboro. 
The latter, however, marched aU night by way 
%f Staunton and escaped. 

Gen. Sheridan thus reported his march back 
to Woodstock : 

Woodstock, Va., Oct 7, p. m. 

To Gen. U. S. Grant : 

I have the honor to report my command at this 
point to night. I commenced moving back from 
rort Republic, Mount Crawford, Bridgewatej, and 
Harrisonburg yesterday morning. The grain and 
forage in advance of these points had previously 
been destroyed in coming back to this point. 

The whole country, from the Blue Ridge to the 
North Mountain, has been made untenable for a rebel 
army. I have destroyed over 2,000 barns filled with 
wheat, hay, and farming implements, over 70 mills 
filled with wheat and flour ; four herds of cattle have 
been driven before the army, and not less than 3,000 
sheep have been killed and issued to the troops. 

This destruction embraces the Luray and Little 
Fork Valleys as well as the main valley. A large 
number of horses have been obtained, a proper esti- 
mate of which I cannot now make. 

Lieut. John R. Meigs, my engineer cflScer, was 
murdered beyond Harrisonburg near Dayton. For 
this atrocious act all houses within an area of five 
miles were burned. Since I came into this valley 
from Harper's Ferry, up to Harrisonburg, every train, 
small party, and every straggler has been bush- 
whacked by people, many of whom have protection 
papers from commanders who have been hitherto in 
that valley. 

The people here are getting sick of the war ; here- 
tofore they have had no reason to complain, because 
they have been living in great abundance. 

Ihave not been followed by the enemy up to this 
point, with the exception of a small force of rebel 
cavalry that showed themselves some distance be- 
hind my rear guard. To-day a party of 100 of the 
8th Va. cavalry, which I had stationed at the bridge 
over the North Shenandoah near Mount Jackson, 
was attacked by McNeil with seventeen men while 
they were asleep, and the whole party dispersed or 
captured. I think they will all turn up. I learn 
that 56 of them had reached Winchester. McNeil 
was mortally wounded and fell into our hands. This 
was most fortunate, as he was the most daring and 
dangerous of all bushwhackers in this section of 
the country. 

(Signed) P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-Gen, 

A correspondent, who was present with the 
army, thus describes the scenes of this march : 

The atmosphere, from horizon to horizon, has 
been black with the smoke of a hundred conflagra- 
tions, and at night a gleam, brighter and more lurid 
than sunset, has shot from every verge. The orders 
have been to destroy all forage in stacks and barns, 
and to drive the stock before for the subsistence of 
the army. The execution of these orders has been 
thorough, and in some instances, where barns, near 
dwelling houses, have been fired, has resulted in the 
destruction of the latter. In no instance, except in 
that of the burning of dwellings within five miles, in 
retaliation for the murder of Lieut. Meigs, have 
orders been issued for the burning of houses, or have 
such orders been sanctioned by Gen. Sheridan. 
Such wholesale incendiarism could not have been 
pursued, however, without undue license being taken 
by the worst class of soldiers, and there have been 
frequent instances of rascality and pillage. Indis- 
crimiuating (for with such swift work discrimina- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



627 



tion is impracticable), relentless, merciless, the torch 
has done its terrible business in the centre and on 
either side of the valley. Few barns and stables 
have escaped. The gardens and cornfields have been 
desolated. The cattle, hogs, sheep, cows, oxen, 
nearly five thousand in all, have been driven from 
every farm. The poor, alike with the rich, have suf- 
ferea. Some have lost their all. 

" The wailing of women and children mingling 
with the crackling of flames, has sounded from scores 
of dwellings. I have seen mothers weeping over 
tfte loss of that which was necessary to their chil- 
dren's lives, setting aside their own, their last cow, 
their last bit of flour pilfered by stragglers, the last 
morsel that they had in the world to eat or drink. 
Young girls with flushed cheeks, and pale with tear- 
ful or tearless eye, have pleaded with and cursed the 
men whom the necessities of war have forced to burn 
the buildings reared by their fathers, and turn them 
into paupers in a day. The completeness of the deso- 
lation is awful. Hundreds of nearly starving people 
are going north. Our trains are crowded with them. 
They line the wayside. Hundreds more are coming 
— not half the inhabitants of the valley can subsist 
on it in its present condition. Absolute want is in 
mansions used in other days to extravagant luxury. 

A committee, consisting of thirty-six citizens 
and the same number of magistrates, appointed 
by the county court of Rockingham for the 
purpose of making an estimate of the losses of 
that county by the execution of Gen. Sheridan's 
orders, made an investigation and reported as 
follows : 

Dwelling houses burned, 30; barns burned, 450; 
mills burned, 31 ; fencing destroyed (miles), 100 ; 
bushels of wheat destroyed, 100,000; bushels of corn 
destroyed, 50,000; tons of bay destroyed, 6,233; 
cattle carried ofi", 1,750 ; horses carried ofi; 1,750 ; 
sheep carried off, 4,200; hogs carried off", 3,350; 
factories burned, 3 ; furnace burned, 1. In addition 
to which there was an immense amount of farming 
utensils of every description destroyed, many of 
them of great value, such as McCorrnick's reapers, 
and threshing machines ; also household and kitchen 
furniture, money, bonds, plate, &c., &c., the whole 
loss being estimated at the enormous sum of 
$25,000,000. 

As Gen. Sheridan moved down the valley tow- 
ard the Potomac River, he was followed close 
by the enemy's cavalry in considerable force, 
under Gen. Rosser, the infaiftry being further 
in the rear. On Oct. 9th the head of the col- 
umn of infantry having entered Strasburg by 
the eastern road, while the rear was some four 
mUes further south, and the enemy following 
the cavalry on the western road had advanced 
so far as to bring the infantry upon their right 
rear, the cavalry under Gens. Ouster and Mer- 
ritt turned and made an attack. At the same 
time a report spread among the enemy's cav- 
alry that the Federal infantry were flanking 
them. They immediately gave way, and a 
stampede ensued. The pursuit continued to 
Columbia Furnace, seven miles south of Fisher's 
Hill. The loss of the enemy was eleven pieces 
of artillery and about three hundred men. 
Gen. Sheridan then continued to fall back as 
far as Cedar Run. While at this position, on 
Oct. 19th, his force was suddenly attacked by 
the enemy before daylight, and his lines thrown 
into confusion with every prospect of a serious 
disaster. The left flank of the 8th corps was 



turned and the army driven back four miles 
with the loss of twenty-four pieces of artillery. 
At this moment Gen. Sheridan arriVed on the 
field, and re-forming his lines, awaited the at- 
tack of the enemy. This was made at 1 p. m. 
and repulsed. At 3 p. m. Sheridan attacked the 
enemy and completely routed him, capturing 
fifty-four pieces of artillery, including his own 
pieces. His despatch from the battle-field to 
Gen. Grant was as follows : 

Cedar Creek, Va., Oct 19, 10 p. m. 

Lieut.-Gen. Grant, City Point : 

I have the honor to report that my army at Cedar 
Creek was attacked at Alacken this mornmg before 
daylight, and my left was turned and driven in in 
confusion. In fact, most of the line was driven in 
confusion, with the loss of 20 pieces of artillery. I 
hastened from Winchester, where I was on my return 
from Washington, and found my army between Mid- 
dletown and Newton, having been driven back about 
four miles. I here took the aflfair in hand and quick- 
ly marched the corps forward, formed a compact line 
of battle to repulse an attack of the enemy, which 
was done handsomely at about 1 o'clock, p. m. At 3 
p. M., after some changes of the cavalry from the 
left to the right flank, I attacked with great vigor, 
driving and routing the enemy, capturing, according 
to the last report, 43 pieces of artillery and very 
many prisoners. * * * * 

I have to regret the loss of Gen. Bidwell, killed, 
and Gens. Wright, Grover, and Ricketts, wounded. 
Wright is slightly wounded. Affairs at times looked 
badly, but by the gallantry of our brave ofiicers and 
men disaster has been converted into a splendid vic- 
tory. Darkness again intervened to shut off greater 
results. I now occupy Strasburg. As soon as prac-> 
ticable I will send you further particulars. 

(Signed) P. H. SHERIDAN, Maj.-General. 

On the next day he foi-ther reported as fol- 
lows: 

Cedae Creek, Va., Oct 20, 11.30 a. m. 

To Lieut.-Gen. Grant, City Point: 

We have again been favored by a great victory, 
won from disaster, by the gallantry of our ofiicers 
and men. The attack on the enemy was made at 3 
P.M., by a left half- wheel of the whole line, with a 
division of cavalry turning each flank of the enemy. 
The whole line advanced. 

The enemy, after a stubborn resistance, broke and 
fled, and were pushed with vigor. The artilleiy cap- 
tured will, probably, be over fifty pieces. This, of 
course, includes what were captured from our troops 
early in the morning. At least 1,600 prisoners have 
been brought in ; also wagons and ambulances in 
large numbers. This morning the cavalry made a 
dash at Fisher's Hill and carried it; the enemy 
having fled during the night, leaving only a small 
rear guard. 

I have to regret the loss of many valuable officers 
killed and wounded. Among them is Col. James 
Thorburn, commanding a division of Crook's com- 
mand, killed; Col. Sherwood, commanding a brigade, 
but would not leave the field. I cannot yet give a 
full account, as many of our men who were captured 
in the morning have since made their escape and are 
coming in. Ramseur, commanding a division ia 
Early's armv, died this morning. 

(Signed) T. H. SHERIDAN. 

The enemy were pursued nearly to Mt. Jack- 
son. The loss of Gen. Sheridan's army in the 
morning was between 800 and 1,000 taken 
prisoners. He took afterwards from 1,500 to 
2,000 of the enemy prisoners, and 300 wagons 
and ambulances. The losses in killed and 
wounded on either side have not been reported. 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION. 



They are known to have been severe. "With 
the exception of a few atFairs of small conse- 
quence, this closed the military operations in 
the Shenandoah valley for the remainder of 
the year; Gen. Early's force took a position 
further up the valley, while Gen. Sheridan's 
army was scattered in detachments widely 
separated. On Nov. 14th the President issued 
the following order : 

War Department, Washtnoton, Nov. 14th, 1864. 

Ordered by the President : — 1. That the resignation 
of George B. McClellan as major-general in the 
United States Army, dated November 8th, and re- 
ceived by the Adjutant-General on the 10th inst., be 
accepted as of the 8th of November. 

2. That for personal gallantry, military skill, and 
just confidence in the courage and patriotism of his 
troops displayed by Phihp H. Sheridan on the 19th 
of October, at Cedar Run, whereby, under the bless- 
ing of Providence, his routed army was reorganized, 
a great national disaster averted, and a brilliant vic- 
tory achieved over the rebels for the third time in 
pitched battle within thirty days, Philip H. Sheridan 
IS appointed Major-General in the United States 
Army, to rank as such from the 8th day of Novem- 
ber, 1864. 

By order of the President of the United States. 
E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

All that district of country west of "Wash- 
ington and immediately south of the Potomac 
River was infested with guerrillas throughout 
the year. Col. Mosby was their leader. Many 
of their expeditions were conducted with great 
boldness. Sometimes tliey came within a few 
miles of "Washington. On one occasion during 
the year they captured a passenger train on the 
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, between Harper's 
Ferry and Martmsburg. A rail was removed, 
and the train thus running oft' the track was 
brought to a stop. Their proceedings have 
been thus graphically described : 

In an instant we heard the guerrillas entering the 
cars from both ends. Surmising their errand, I 
jerked my watch from my pocket, handed it to a lady 
companion, telling her to secrete it, which she did. 
Just then one of the fellows stood before me with a 
pistol close to my head and demanded my pocket 
book. I obeyed with commendable diligence. He 
passed on to relieve my neighbor of hat, coat, watch 
and pocket book. Another of the band approached, 
pistol in hand, "Here, j'ou d — d Yank, hand over 
your watch." "You're too late," I answered 
promptly, "it is gone." The fellow seemed satis- 
fied with this and went on. 

A very demonstrative fat lady, seated near the end 
of our car, just then jumped up, caught one of the 
rebels in her arms. " Oh my love, my dear man, 
you will not kill me," she screamed, and at the same 
time clinging to him until in ungallant anger he 
roared, " Confound you, let me go ; I will lose my 
part of the plunder with your stupidity." We were 
then ordered out, as the train was to be set on fire. 
On leaving the cars we had to climb a steep sand 
bank about twenty feet high, there to await further 
orders. The passengers in the sleeping-cars fared 
worse, as all, with one exception, lost their hats, 
coats, boots, watches, and money. When they were 
ejected from their quarters, and ascended the hill, 
they presented a sorry appearance — ^just conscious 
of their loss, trembling with cold, and fearing they 
might be invited to visit Eichmond. In one car 
there were sixty German emigrants bound for Ohio, 
who, when the thieves demanded their money, 



showed fight. To intimidate the rest, two men were 
instantly shot by the butchers and a woman wound- 
ed. The remainder were then ordered to leave the 
cars, but did not understand the command. Mosby 
ordered his men to fire the cars and burn the "damn 
Dutch." The conductor begged of him to hold on 
until he could find a man who could speak German. 
The poor creatures were at last made to understand. 
They left the car ; it was set on fire, and the two men 
and one wounded woman left in the flames. 

There were about thirty Union soldiers on board, 
unarmed, returning to their commands. Those were 
taken prisoners, and also forty or fifty of the passen- 
gers were ordered to fall in line to be taken ofi". 
About this time I felt a little nervous, not having any 
strong desire to visit Libby ; but fortunately as 1 had 
a screaming babe in my arms I was not one of the 
chosen. Tne whole party were soon ordered to 
march. Then followed hurried, agonizing farewells, 
and the victims moved forward. We afl supposed 
they were on their way to Ilichmond, but only the 
soldiers met with this late. The citizens were taken 
a short distance to a piece of woods and thoroughly 
searched and robbed of whatever money they had 
left and the best of their clothes. Then arose a cry 
that the Yanks were in the woods ; the gueBrillas 
mounted and started oif in a hurry, but in five 
minutes they were back and exclaimed, " a false 
alarm !" and they fell to plundering still further. 
By this time the mail, express, and baggage had been 
robbed, and what they generally did not want was in 
flames, and the gentlemen were left no extra clothing, 
and certainly no surplus cash. 

One of the ladies of our party lost all her baggage. 
In vain she begged a plethoric-looking guerilla to 
spare her clothing and that of her child. "There 
are no valuables in the trunk ; you certainly can do 
nothing with its contents," she pleaded. "Pooh," 
sneered the " chivalry," as he swaggered past her, 
"they will do to help on the flame, and help the 
flames they accordingly did. 

It was then announced by one of the ofiicers that 
every rider had a place for a woman in front of him 
on his horse, but this beastly threat was not carried 
out. They then made a final search, and saw the 
work was complete ; the train had been burned, a 
paymaster with $63,000 robbed, the passengers 
plundered of their hats, coats, boots, watches and 
money, and, locking and burning the mail, express, 
and baggage, they made us a boisterous farewell. 

Missouri became the scene of a hostile inva- 
sion under Gen. Price, in the autumn. Vari- 
ous rumors and threats had been in circula- 
tion among the enemy for some months pre- 
vious. About the 21st of September these 
rumors ripened into a certainty by a move- 
ment of Gen. Sterling Price across the Arkansas 
with two divisions of cavalry and three bat- 
teries of artillery. He joined Gen. Shelby near 
Batesville, sixty miles south of the boundary 
line of the Missouri, and was prepared to ad- 
vance with 15,000 to 20,000 mounted veterans. 
The Federal force then in the Department 
under Gen. Rosecrans consisted of G,500 mount- 
ed men for field duty scattered over a country 
four hundred miles long, and three hundred 
broad, with partially organized new infantry 
regiments and dismounted men. These latter 
were employed to cover the great depots at St. 
Louis, Jefterson City, St. Joseph, Macon, 
Springfield, RoUa, and Pilot Knob, to guard 
railroad bridges and protect as far as possible 
the lives and property of citizens from the 
guerillas who swarmed over the whole country 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



629 



bordering on the Missouri River. At this timo 
Gen. A. J. Smith being at Cairo with 4,500 
troops was ordered to Missouri. Preparations 
were made to concentrate the forces as soon as it 
should become manifest what course Gen. Price 
would pursue, and the enrolled mUitia of the 
State made ready to take the field. 

"When it became evident that Springfield was 
safe from the blow, Gen. Sanborn moved with 
all his available cavalry to reenforce Rolla, 
where Gen. McNeil was preparing to secure the 
depots and supply trains, while Gen. Ewing, 
with the 47th Missouri volunteer infantry, 
detachments of the 1st, 2d, and 3d State militia, 
and the 14th Iowa, defended Pilot Knob on 
Sept. 27th, and proved the presence of the 
enemy's entire force in southeast Missouri. 
The defence of Gen. Ewing was a severe blow 
to the enemy, and allowed time for the enrolled 
militia and citizens of St. Louis to prepare for 
its defence. At this time it was covered only 
by Gen. Smith's infantry and three regiments 
of cavalry thrown as far as practicable toward 
the enemy. 

In the midst of the preparations at St. Louis, 
the 132d, 134th, 136th, 139th, 140th, and 142d 
regiments of Illinois hundred days' volunteers 
arrived, which secured the safety of that city. 
Meantime the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 
and 80th regiments of enr|>lled militia, and the 
National Guard of St. Louis, organized under 
Gens. Pike, Wolff and MiUer, to support Gen. 
Smith's infantry, and turn the tide of invasion 
westward. 

The troops of the central district of the State 
were concentrated by Gen. Brown at Jefferson 
City, and being reenforced by Gen. Fisk with 
all the available troops north of the Missouri 
River, they were prepared for the defence of 
the State capital. In these efforts the citizens 
cooperated with enthusiasm. 

Meanwhile, Gen. Price with his army, after 
awaiting a day or two at Richwood's, and 
threatening St. Louis, started for the State 
capital. At the same time Gens. McNeil and 
Sanborn, with all their available cavalry, moved 
by forced marches and reached the point of 
danger a few miles in advance of Price, and, 
uniting with Gens. Fisk and Brown, saved the 
State capital, and struck another blow to the 
hopes of tlie invaders. 

On Oct. 8th, Gen. Pleasanton assumed com- 
mand at Jefferson City, and sent Sanborn with 
all his mounted force, four thousand one him- 
di'ed strong, to follow the enemy and harass 
them until the remaining cavalry and infantry 
supports could come up. The rear-guard of 
the enemy was thus driven upon their main 
force near Burnville, and Gen. Price was kept 
between the Federal force and the Missouri 
River untU the latter were joined on the 19th 
by the command of "Winslow, consisting of 
fifteen hundred men who had followed the 
enemy from Arkansas. This formed a pro- 
visional cavalry division of sixty-five hundred 
men imder Gen. Pleasanton exclusive of escort 



guards. On the 22d, this force fell upon Gen. 
Fagan at Independence and routed him, cap- 
turing two guns. On the 23d, the Big Blue 
was passed, and a contest with the main force 
of the ensmy took place, by which they were 
driven by dark beyond the Little Santa F6. 
On the 24th, after a march of sixty miles, the 
enemy were overtaken at midnight at Marais 
des Cygnes. Skirmishing began at 4 a. m. on 
the 25th with artillery, when the enemy were 
driven ft'ora the field with loss of mules, horses, 
etc. They fell back skirmishing to the Little 
Osage Crossing, where a charge was made upon 
two divisions of them by two advanced brigades 
under Cols. Benteen and Phillips, and eight pieces 
of artillery and nearly one thousand prison- 
ers, including Gens. Marmaduke and Cabell, 
were captured. The pm-suit was kept up by 
Gen. Sanborn's brigade with repeated and suc- 
cessful charges to the Marmiton, whence the 
enemy fled under cover of night toward Ar- 
kansas. Kansas troops and Gen. Benteen's bri- 
gade followed rapidly, and on the 28th Sanborn 
reached Newtonia, where the enemy made his 
last stand, in time to turn the tide of battle, 
which was going against Gen. Blunt, and rout- 
ing the enemy, thus giving the final blow to 
the invasion. 

The loss of the enemy was ten pieces of ar- 
tillery, a large number of small arms, nearly all 
his trains and plunder, and, besides his killed, 
wounded and deserters, 1,958 prisoners. Gen. 
Price claimed to have added to his force 6,000 
Missourians. All his schemes were defeated, 
and the injury done was confined to the narrow 
belt of country over which his army marched. 
The Federal loss was 346 ofiicers and men. 
After crossing into Arkansas the force of the 
enemy became greatly reduced. 

Some military operations took place in East 
Tennessee near the close of the year, the most 
important of which was the defeat of Gen. A. 
C. GiUem by the enemy under Gen. Breckin- 
ridge. On Nov. 12 th Gen. Breckinridge at- 
tacked the Federal forces and drove them from 
their intrenchments. On the 13th he again 
attacked them near RussellviUe. Gen. Gillem 
gradually fell back in the direction of Knox- 
ville, and was pursued by the enemy as far as 
Strawberry Plains. Gen. Gillem lost heavily 
in killed and wounded, besides several hundred 
prisoners. Later in the year an expedition from 
East Tennessee was made by Gen. Stoneman, in 
conjunction with Gen. Burbridge, with better 
success. On Dec. 12th Gen. Stoneman, with a 
mounted force of four thousand men, and the 
brigade of Gen. Gillem, moved against the ene- 
my, who were drawn up at Kingsport, on the 
Holsten River, to dispute its passage. This force 
was flanked by Gen. Gillem, with a loss of a 
hundred men and a wagon train, and pursued 
to Bristol, where Gillem captured two hundred 
and fifty more, two trains of cars, five engines, 
and a large amount of stores. On Dec. 14th 
Gen. Burbridge advanced to attack Gen. Vaughn 
at ZolUcoffer, but the latter withdrew to Abing- 



630 



MTLITAEY AKD XAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



don, wMeh was captured by Burbridge, vrith. 
mucb stores. A portion of the salt-works at 
this point was also destroyed. The pursuit of 
Vaughn was continued by Gen. Gillem, with 
the support of Brown's brigade, and some loss 
inflicted on him. A force was also sent to the 
Virginia raih-oad near Glade Springs, which 
destroyed a large number of bridges and depots, 
a large amount of roUing stock, and the exten- 
sive iron works near Marion. Upon the ad- 
vance of the Confederate Gen. Breckinridge 
it withdrew to Kentucky. 

The operations in Middle Tennessee became 
very important near the close of the year. On 
Nov. 4th, Johnsonville, a depot for supplies on 
the Tennessee River, was attacked and destroyed 
by Col. Forrest. The value of property burned 
was estimated at more than six million dollars. 
This result was achieved by planting batteries 
on the opposite bank of the river and destroy- 
ing the small gunboats which lay near the 
place for its protection. 

The movement of Gen. Sherman's force tow- 
ard Savannah, with the necessary reduction 
of the Federal forces in Tennessee, tempted 
G^n. Hood to advance into that State with the 
hope that by the cooper.ation of Gen. Breckin- 
ridge in East Tennessee, the entire State 
might be recovered and restored to the Con- 
federacy. On Xov. 21st Gen. Hood began to 
move north from the Tennessee River for the 
capture of Nashville, and on the 23d his army 
took possession of Pulaski, which had been just 
evacuated by the small Federal force under 
Gen. Hatch. Pushing forward with some 
skirmishing, Columbia was occupied on the 
26th. Meanwhile the force left under Gen. 
Thomas by Gen. Sherman, continued to fall 
back toward Xashville. The enemy appeared 
before Franklin on the 30th, and Gen. Scho- 
field prepared to make a stand. The force of 
Gen. Hood, however, was divided into two 
columns, one to attack Franklin in fi-ont, and 
the other to move down Harpeth River, cross 
over it some distance east of Franklin, and en- 
deavor to get into the Federal rear. At 4 p. ir. 
on "Wednesday, the 30th, Gen. Hood's main 
column made a heavy and persistent attack on 
Franklin in front, but Gen. Schofield, who was 
in command with 15,000 men, managed to hold 
his own until dusk, and then ordered a retreat. 
This was accelerated by the news of the flank- 
ing column having crossed Harpeth River 
several miles east of Franklin. The retreat 
was continued all night, and on Thursday at 
daylight reached a point seven miles south of 
Nashville, where Gen. A. J. Smith's corps was 
posted. The Confederate flanking column, 
after crossing Harpeth River attacked a Federal 
cavalry brigade, and compelled it to retreat. 
The force reached Gen. Smith's position about 
the same time as Gen. Schofield. The enemy 
followed both, and Gen. Smith being hard 
pressed abandoned his position and fell back to 
the outer line of the Nashville intrencbments, 
three miles fi'om the town. 



Great consternation prevailed in Nashville. 
Business was suspended. The citizens and the 
vast army of Government laborers were put 
under arms. The army of Gen. Thomas was 
put in line of battle three miles south of Nash- 
ville, and the enemy advanced to a point five 
miles distant. The intervening space became a 
scene of constant skirmishing. Meantime Gen. 
Hood proposed to blockade the Cumberland 
River, cut the Louisville and Nashville road, 
and thus compel Gen. Thomas to evacuate the 
city. To execute this purpose more efiectively, 
he fell back from his works before the city to in- 
trench himself in the Overton range of hills, and 
thus cut off Thomas from Rousseau at Murfrees- 
boro, and with his cavalry and Breckinridge's 
forces cut ofi" Bridgeport and Chattanooga. 

Reenforcements were now sent to Gen. 
Thomas with the greatest despatch, and he 
deteiToined to dislodge Gen. Hood from his 
position, which he had already begun to 
strengthen. Accordingly, early on Dec. loth, 
a feint was made on Hood's right and a real 
attack upon his left, which resulted in driving 
it from the river below the city as far as Frank- 
lin's pike, a distance of eight miles. The train 
and headquarters of Gen. Chalmers were cap- 
tured; another train of twenty wagons, to- 
gether with a thousand prisoners and sixteen 
pieces of artillery. »Durrng the ensuing night 
Gen. Hood contracted his hues back to the 
Brentwood range of hills, massing on the Frank- 
hn pike to keep it open, in case of retreat, and 
to cover his large wagon train, which was mov- 
ing by by-roads into the pike. On the next 
morning the battle was renewed. The Federal 
position remained unchanged from the previous 
day. Steedman on the extreme left, Wood con- 
necting with him on the left of the Franklin 
pike. Garrard's division of A. J. Smith's corps 
connecting with the right of "Wood's ; next 
came McAi-thur, then Col. Moore, connecting 
with Gen. Schofield's left.. Gen. Cox formed 
Schofield's right and Gen. Couch his left. "Wil- 
son's cavalry came up on Schofield's right, along 
the Hillsboro pike, with orders to operate south 
of the hills, and, if possible, turn the enemy's 
flank and cut off his retreat. Movements com- 
menced at 10 A.M., and in the afternoon the 
action became close and obstinate. Near dusk 
the enemy began to give way, and a rout soon 
followed. They were pursued until dark through 
the gap of the hills and along the Franklin pike. 
Some four thousand prisoners were captured. 

The following is Gen. Thomas's report of this 
day's conflict : 

HEABQCAETEKS Dep'T of the CrMBEELAKD, EIGHT I 
MILE3 FEOM XaSHTILLE, DeC. 16 — 6 P. ST. j 

To the President of the United States, Hon. E. M. 

Stanton, and Lieut.- General Grant : 

This army thanks you for your approbation of its 
conduct yesterday, and assure you that it is not mis- 
placed. I have the honor to report that the enemy 
has been pressed at all points to-day on his line of re- 
treat to the Brentwood Hill. Brig.-Gen. Hatch, of 
Wilson's corps of cavalry, on the'right, turned the 
enemy's left, and captured a large number of prison- 
ers. "The number is not reported. 



MILITARY AXD XAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



631 



Maj.-Gen. Schofield's corps, next on the left wing 
of the cavahy, carried several hills, capturing many 
prisoners and six pieces of artillery. 

Maj.-Gen. Smith, next on the left of Maj.-Gen. 
Schofield, carried the salient point of the enemy's 
line, with Mcilillan's brigade of McArthur's dirision, 
capturing sixteen pieces of artillery, two brigadier 
generals, and about 2,000 prisoners. 

Brig.-Gen. Garrard' s division, of Smith's command, 
next on the left of McArthur's division, carried the 
enemy's intrenchments, capturing all the artillery 
and troops of the enemy on the line. 

Brig.-Gen. Wood's troops on the Franklin Pike 
took up the assault, capturing the enemy's intrench- 
ments, and in his retreat also capturing eight pieces 
of artillery, something over 600 prisoners, and drove 
the enemy within one mile of the Brentwood Hill Pass. 

Maj.-Gen. Stedman, commanding detachments of 
the different armies of the MiUtary Division of the 
Mississippi, most nobly supported Gen. Wood's left, 
and took a most honorable part in the operations of 
the day. I have ordered the pursuit to be continued 
in the morning at daylight. Although the troops are 
very much fatigued, the utmost enthusiasm prevails. 

I must not forget to report the operations of Brig.- 
Gen. Johnson, in successfully driving the enemy, 
with the cooperation of the gunboats under Lieut. 
Commander Fitch, from their established batteries 
on the Cumberland, below the city of Nashville, and 
of the success of Brig.-Gen. Croxton's brigade, in 
cov.ering and protecting our right and rear in the 
operations of to-day and yesterday. Although I 
have no report of the number of prisoners captured 
by Johnson's and Croxton's command, I know 
they have made a large number. 

I'am also glad to be able to state that the number 
of prisoners captured yesterday greatly exceeds the 
number reported by telegraph. The woods, fields, 
and intrenchments are filled with the enemv's small 
arms, abandoned in the retreat. In conclusion, I 
am happy to state that all this has been effected with 
very small loss to us. Our loss probably does not 
exceed 300, and very few killed. 

(Signed) G. H. THO^^US, Major-General. 

Early on the next morning the Federal purfenit 
was renewed. A large niunber of wounded 
were captured on the road to Franklin, and also 
stragglers. The cavalry harassed the flanks 
and rear of the enemy and scattered any force 
that oiiered resistance. The foUowing is Gen. 
Thomas's report of the 17th : 

HeAPQ'S DePAKTSTEKT of the CtTMBEBLAlTD, ) 

Near Feasklis, Texx., Dec. ITtlu S p. ii. j 
We have pressed the enemy to-day beyond Frank- 
lin, capturing his hospitals, containing over 1,500 
wounded, and about 150 of our wounded, in addition 
to the above. Gen. Knipe, commanding a division 
of cavalry, drove the enemy's rear-guard through 
Franklin to-day, capturing about 250 prisoners and 
five battle-flags with very little loss on our side. 
Citizens of Franklin represent Hood's army as com- 
pletely demoralized. In addition to the captures of 
yesterday, reported in my despatches of last night, I 
have the honor to report the capture of Gen. Rucker, 
and about 250 of the enemy's cavalry, in a fight that 
occurred about 8 o'clock last night between Gen. 
Rucker and Gen. Hatch of our cavalry. 

The enemy has been pressed to-day both in front 
and on both flanks. Brig.-Gen. Johnson succeeded 
in striking him on the flank just beyond Franklin, 
capturing quite a number of prisoners — number not 
yet reported. My cavalry is pressing him closely 
through, and I am very much in hopes of getting 
many more prisoners to-morrow. 

GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General. 

The entire loss of the enemy was 13,189 in 
prisoners, including several general and nearly 



one thousand other officers of lower grades, 
and seventy-two pieces of artillery. During 
the same period over two thousand deserters 
were received. The Federal loss was about 
10,000 in killed, wounded, and missing. Gen. 
Hood retired with his remaining force iato the 
northern part of Alabama. 

Some military expeditions were made near 
the close of the year. A force left Vicksburg 
under Gen. Dana, in the latter part of Novem- 
ber, for the purpose of cooperating with Gen. 
Sherman by occupying the enemy in Mississippi 
It reached the Mississippi Central Railroad on 
Nov. 25th, and after an obstinate engagement 
succeeded in destroying the Big Black River 
bridge. Several miles of the track of the rail- 
road, including culverts, stations, 2,600 bales of 
cotton, two locomotives, four cars, twenty 
barrels of salt, and $160,000 worth of stores 
at Vaughan station were also destroyed. 

About the same time an expedition organized 
under the direction of Gen. Canby, consisting 
of a cavalry force under Gen. Davidson, left 
Baton Rouge. Thence it marched to Tanghi- 
piho and destroyed the railroad to Jackson, 
burning bridges and raUroad buildings. Thence 
it moved to Franklinville, capturing a maU and 
prisoners. Thence it moved to West Pascagoula. 
These movements caused a great panic in Missis- 
sippi, and created alarm for the safety of Mobile, 
thus effectively cooperating with Gen. Sherman. 

In December a force, consisting of five divi- 
sions under the command of Maj.-Gen. Warren, 
made a raid upon the TTeldon Railroad. The 
Nottoway was reached about midday Dec. 8th, 
and destroyed ; thence the raUroad track was 
destroyed nearly to BeUfield station, twenty 
mUes south. On the 10th the expedition start- 
ed on its return, followed by crowds of negroes, 
and arrived after an absence of four days. Its 
loss was about a half dozen men. 

At the close of the year the area of territory 
held by the Federal armies was about the same 
as at the end of the previous year. The war 
during the year had been the cause of immense 
destruction to the South, both in men and prop- 
erty. In the latter probably there is no parallel 
in modern history. Its effect was apparent in 
the exhausted condition of the country. 

The Indians on the frontier maintained a hos- 
tile attitude during a portion of the year. The 
plan of operations of Maj.-Gen. Pope, who was 
in command, embraced three objects : first, the 
chastisement and subjection of the bands of 
savages on both sides of the Missouri River, 
who continued refractory and hostile ; secondly, 
the protection of the overland route to Idaho, by 
the establishment of strong military posts with- 
in the Indian country ; thirdly, the secm-ity of 
the Minnesota and Iowa frontier against raids. 

Some conflicts took place between the Indians 
and Gens. Sibley and SuUy in the northwest, 
and Curtis in Kansas, by which their numbers 
were greatly reduced, and their provisions and 
property destroyed. The ferocious hostile atti- 
tude of these border tribes continued unchanged. 



632 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Several events tending to disturb the friendly 
relations of the United States with other coun- 
tries occurred during 1864. Raiding parties 
were organized in Canada by persons claiming 
to be in the service of the Confederate States, 
for the purpose of liberating the prisoners of 
war confined on Johnson's Island, and depre- 
dating on the property of citizens of the United 
States. One of these parties, organized by one 
Bennet G. Burley, consisting of some twenty 
men, seized the steamer Philo Parsons, running 
between the city of Detroit and Sandusky, after 
she had left Kelly's Island in the State of Ohio. 
They then captured the Island Queen at Middle 
Bass Island, Ohio, where they put ashore aU the 
passengers. While here they forced Walter O. 
Ashley, the clerk of the Pliilo Parsons, at the 
peril of his life, to deliver over his money. 
Burley was ari-ested, charged with robbery, and 
claimed mider the Extradition Treaty ; and sur- 
rendered after a hearing before the Recorder of 
the city of Toronto. 

On the 19th of October a party of men from 
Canada, twenty to thirty in number, well arm- 
ed, entered the village of St. Albans, in Ver- 
mont, robbed the bank in the place of fifty 
thousand dollars, stole horses enough to mount 
all the party, fired on a crowd of unarmed 
citizens, wounding three men, one mortally, 
and setting fire to one of the hotels. The 
whole transaction occupied only three-quarters 
of an hour, and the band immediately started 
for Canada, where thirteen of the marauders 
were arrested and confined at St. John's. As 
soon as the outrage was reported to the 
Canadian authorities they did every thing in 
their power to arrest the perpetrators ; and 
Mr. Seward, on the 21st of October, expressed 
to Mr. Burnlew, of the British Legation at 
Washington, his "sincere satisfaction" with 
their proceedings. Mr. Seward regarded the 
outrage as a deliberate attempt to embroil the 
governments of England and the United States, 
and involve them in a border war. But he 
rejoiced that the officers and agents on both 
sides of the frontier had acted together in good 
faith, and with due respect on each side for the 
lawful rights and authority of the other. This, 
he adds, " is in entire conformity with the wishes 
of the United States." It should be added, that 
a great proportion of the stolen money was 
found on the persons of the raiders captured, and 
was taken possession of by the Canadian police. 
Lord Lyons, when the transaction occurred, 
was at New York, but immediately returned to 
Washington. The legal proceedings in the case 
of the prisoners were not very rapidly despatch- 
ed, and early in November Mr. Seward speaks 
rather angrily of the requisitions for the offend- 
ers whose crimes were committed on Lake Erie, 
and for the burglars and murderers who invaded 
Vermont, remaining unanswered. In fact, the 
latter were discharged by Judge Coursol on a 
supposed technical defect in the instrument un- 
der which they were tried, released from cus- 
tody, and the money restored to them. They 



were thus discharged on December 14th, and 
again apprehended, and finally released. 

It is proper here briefly to mention the revo- 
lution extensively produced in the science of 
offensive and defensive warfare, and particular- 
ly in the department of fortifications. The 
newly-developed powers of modern artillery, 
both as respects the greatly-enlarged calibres of 
siege and naval guns, and the application of the 
principle of rifiing to guns of the largest calibres, 
have proved destructive to masonry forts, even 
when so constructed as to be regarded as im- 
pregnable. Fort Sumter, one of the strongest 
forts of its class ever erected on this continent, 
and Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, also a work 
of great strength, were both completely reduced 
by artillery fire, the one from land batteries at 
a distance of from two to three miles, and the 
other by the concentrated fire of the naval 
squadron of Admiral Farragut. In the case of 
Fort Sun:iter this result was the more remark- 
able as after its capture in 1861 it was strength- 
ened by all the resources known to engineering 
art, and its gorge wall, which previously was 
more than ten feet in tliickness, was protected 
by an inner brick wall of twelve feet, and for a 
considerable portion of its height by a covering 
of sandbags on its outside. All its casemates 
were also strengthened, the traverses on its 
terre-plain enlarged, and every precaution pos- 
sible made use of to make it impregnable. Yet 
seven days' bombardment at the long distances 
named, were sufficient to reduce it to a ruin in- 
capable of bearing any important part in the 
defence of the city or harbor. On the other 
hand, the sandwork Fort McAllister effectually 
resisted the assault of the three iron-clads in 
March, 1868, and the sandwork Fort Wagner, 
though badly located, and not judiciously de- 
fended, yet resisted two vigorous and well-con- 
ducted assaults, a severe and almost continuous 
bombardment from Admiral Dahlgren's squad- 
ron, and a constant cannonade from heavy bat- 
teries on Morris Island, and was only abandoned 
when approached and mined by a regular siege, 
and was found to be but little injured. Fort 
Fisher, a more recent example of an earthwork 
of great strength, though situated too near the 
channel so as to be exposed to the fire of the 
monster guns of the monitors at short range, 
yet withstood with but slight injury the first 
assault of the squadron, which concentrated 
upon it afire of 539 guns; and though it might 
have been silenced by the fire of the fleet at the 
second bombardment, would hardly have been 
captured but for the feint of a seaward attack, 
which called off the attention of the garrison 
from the actual assault by Terry's force. 

From these and other trials of the compara- 
tive powers of resistance of masonry and earth- 
work fortifications, the ablest engineers of the 
country have come to the conclusion that the 
best material for fortifications in general is a 
ljure quartz sand with natural slopes ; and that 
where the batteries of fortifications are much 
exposed or can be approached within short 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLIOK 



633 



range, tliey sliould be protected, by heavy iron 
plating. 

Major-General Gillmore, who ranks as one of 
the highest authorities on this subject, regards 
the erection of revolving iron turrets in the 
centre of the channels of approach to large 
cities as a very desirable addition to their means 
of harbor defence, as combining the advantages 
of long range and wide field of fire. 

While there has been so marked a revolution 
in the minds of military men in regard to the 
subject of permanent fortifications, a change 
almost as marked has taken place in regard to 
the method of giving or receiving battle. Here- 
tofore, when two armies have been opposed to 
each other in the field, and neither of them dis- 
posed to take advantage of the defences of a 
fortified toAvn, they have met each other on the 
open plain or slope of hillside or valley without 
fortification, and the fortunes of the day have ' 
often been decided by a dashing charge of cav- 
alry or the sudden assault of infantry with the 
bayonet. Such was the case in the earlier bat- 
tles of the present war ; but the troops on both 
sides have learned that a barricade even of the 
rudest character will stop many of the balls, 
shot, aud shell which are sent on an errand of 
destruction toward them, and at every halt for 
the night or for a few hours the men, before 
attending to any other duty, run up barricades 
of rails which they cover with earth, and thus 
protect themselves in part from a sweeping 
assault like those at Shiloh and at Stone River, 
which would destroy or capture thousands. 
The primary barricade is thrown iip with won- 
derful rapidity, and is tolerably complete within 
five or ten minutes. If not immediately as- 
saulted, the men proceed to perfect it by digging 



a trench inside and throwing the earth outside, 
thus making the protection greater ; by felling 
the trees and undergrowth in front and arrang- 
ing it as an abatis ; by palisades and whe en- 
tanglements, and by placing heavy logs on the 
top of the barricades for protection to the sharp- 
shooters. During General Sherman's cam- 
paigns from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and from 
that city to Savannah, as well as in General 
Grant's campaigns in Virginia, these temporary 
fortifications were constantly erected; and in 
General Sherman's report of the Atlanta cam- 
paign he says of this practice: "The skill and 
rapidity with which our men construct them is 
wonderful, and is something new in the art of 
war." 

Though but remotely connected with the sub- 
ject of fortifications, yet as pertaining to the 
matter of coast defences, the introduction of 
stationary torpedoes as a subaqueous protection 
merits attention. In no previous war have they 
been used to the same extent as in this. Various 
forms have been devised, and the contrivances 
for exploding them at the right moment for de- 
stroying the vessels Avhich approached them, 
have displayed a rare ingenuity. Though con- 
siderable injury has been done by them, five or 
six vessels having been destroyed, yet they can- 
not, on the whole, be regarded as successful, as 
not one in five hundred, and perhaps hardly one 
in one thousand, have accomplished the purpose 
for which they were designed. Their use as a 
means of harbor defence seems to be conceded 
as justifiable by all military authorities ; and if 
they can be made more certainly effective, they 
will form a very formidable addition to the 
means of protection to the approaches to large 
cities. 



CHAPTEE XLYII. 

Naval Operations — The Stonewall — Other Cruisers — Capture of tlie Eoanoke — Increase of the Federal Navy — Operations 
of the North Atlantic Squadron — Blockade — Action with the Albemarle — Her Destruction — Operations in James 
Eiver — Attack on Fort Fisher — Eepulse — Correspondence — Attack Renewed — Capture of the Fort — West Gulf Squad- 
ron — Capture of the Forts at Mobile Bay — Action between the Kearsarge and Alabama — Capture of the Florida. 



The naval operations in 1864 remain to be 
described. The rams built in England for sea 
service, and which excited much anxiety near 
the close of the previous year, under a convic- 
tion that they were intended for the Confed- 
erates, were detained and bought by the Eng- 
lish Government. Fone of this class of vessels 
were therefore built in English ports and suf- 
fered to enter the service of the Richmond 
Government. 

During the hostilities in which Denmark was 
involved, a ram was built in a port of France 
for that Government. On the return of peace 
this ram was transferred to agents of the Gov- 
ernment at Richmond, and placed under the 



command of Capt. T. J. Page, formerly of the 
U.* S. IsTavy, and called the Stonewall. She 
made for the port of Ferrol, in Spain, and was 
there blockaded by the U. S. frigates Niagara 
and Sacramento. She subsequently escaped 
and reached Havana, and was there delivered 
to the Spanish government. During the year 
1865, she was given up by the latter to the 
United States. 

The cruisers were more numerous and ex- 
ceedingly destructive. Previous to January 30, 
1864, the number of merchant vessels of the 
United States destroyed by them was 193 ; ton- 
nage, 89,704 ; value of vessels at $50 per ton, 
$4,485,200; value of cargo at $100 per ton, 



634 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



$8,970,400. Total, $13,455,600. The number 
captured by the different vessels and by the 
enemy up to the above date, was as follows : 

5y steamer Sumter 27 By privateer Calhoun .. . 8 

" " Alabama... 66 " " Savannah.. 1 

" " Florida 16 " " Lapwing... 1 

" privateer Tacony 16 " " St. Nicholas 3 

" Bteamer Georgia — 10 " " Echo 3 

" privateer Jeff. Davis. 7 " " Conrad 1 

" " Eetribution. 2 " " Coquette.. 1 

" " Sallie 1 — 

" steamer Winslow. .. 5 164 
» " Nashville.. 2 

The other merchant vessels (twenty-nine) 
were captured in Southern harbors and rivers. 
Of the vessels captured by the cruisers, seven- 
teen were bonded, and all the others burned. 

During 1864 a few captures were made by 
the Alabama before she was sunk by the Kear- 
sarge. The Florida, Captain Morris, appeared 
off the coast of Virginia in July and captured 
six vessels, and destroyed afterwards a number, 
and was finally captured in the harbor of Eahia 
by a U. S. steamer. 

Three more cruisers also made their appear- 
ance during 1864, viz. : the Tallahassee, Olus- 
tee, and Ohickamauga. The steamer Tallahas- 
see in August visited the entire length of the 
coast of the Northern States, and destroyed 
thirty-three vessels in ten days, one of which 
was a New York pilot-boat. The steamer 
Olustee was an iron vessel of 1,100 tons bur- 
then, schooner rigged, with two screws and 
very fast. Several vessels were captured by 
her off the coast and bound to New York in 
the month of November. The steamer Ohicka- 
mauga also captured several vessels, which 
were valued at $500,000. 

The most important rams for harbor service 
were the Tennessee and Albemarle. For the 
details respecting these and also the Confeder- 
ate gunboats, see other pages. 

On September 29th the steamer Roanoke, a 
passenger and fi*eight vessel running between 
New York and Havana, was captured by Lieu- 
tenant Braine and some companions, who had 
come on board as passengers as the vessel was 
leaving Havana in the afternoon. The officei-s 
and crew were overpowered, made prisoners, 
and the vessel headed for Bermuda, where a 
pilot was called on board. Braine went ashore 
and brought on board a party, and the vessel 
put to sea, soon asverhaulmg a brig with coal 
and provisions. 

These were taken aboard, and on the nest 
day a vessel was sent to take off the passengers. 
The transfer was made together with a quan- 
tity of cotton, and the steamer set on fire. The 
passengers and crew were taken into Five 
Fathom Hole, and the purser and first mate 
went ashore to have the Confederates as pirates 
arrested, which was done, but after a trial by 
the British authorities they were discharged. 
The Roanoke had on board $17,000 in green- 
backs, and $4,000 in gold. 

A correspondence relative to this affair en- 
sued between the Governor of Bermuda and 
the Home Government, and with Mr. Adams, 



the American Minister at London. The rea- 
sons on which Lieutenant Braine was discharged 
are stated in the following letter of Earl Russell 
to Mr. Adams : 

Foreign Office, January 21. 

Sir: I have had the honor to receive your letter 
of the 21st ult. protesting against the proceedings 
of her Majesty's colonial authorities at Bermuda in 
the case of the steamer Koanoke, and enclosing 
copies of various documents relating thereto. 

These papers refer to two different complaints. 
The one complaint is, that persons were enlisted at 
Bermuda with a view to make war on a State in 
amity with her Majesty. The other complaint is, 
that certain passengers proceeding from Havana in 
the United States vessel Roanoke, when five hours 
from Havana on their voyage, rose on the captain, 
made themselves masters of the vessel, destroyed 
her, and were afterwards permitted to land on the 
island of Bermuda. The answer to the first com- 
plaint is, that suflBcient evidence to convict the per- 
sons accused was not produced, and consequently 
they could not be convicted. The answer to the 
second complaint is, that the person arrested for a 
supposed piratical act produced a commission au- 
thorizing that act as an operation of war, from the 
Government of the so-called Confederate States, 
which are acknowledged by her Majesty's Govern- 
ment to possess all belligerent rights. 

(Signed,) I am, Ac, RUSSELL. 

Of all the systems adopted by the Federal 
Navy Department to accomplish the various 
and arduous objects rendered necessary by the 
outbreak of the war, not the least interesting is 
the manner in which an effective blockade of 
the Southern coast was secured. The length 
of coast to be blockaded was three thousand 
five hundred and forty-nine (3,549) miles. 
This is a greater extent than the whole coast 
of Europe from Cape Trafalgar to Cape North. 
The most serious attempts heretofore made by 
the great maritime powers of Europe consisted 
in endeavors to interdict trade at a few of the 
principal ports of a belligerent. The first steps 
of the department consisted in making every 
naval vessel available, recalling the foreign 
squadrons, increasing the force by building 
new vessels, and procuring for naval purposes 
from the merchant service every steamer 
which could be made a fighting vessel, and in 
enlarging the capacity of the navy yards, 
putting in requisition the foundi-ies and work- 
shops of the country for supplies of ordnance 
and steam machinery, augmenting the number 
of seamen, and supplying the deficiency of 
officers by selecting experienced and able ship- 
masters and others from the commercial 
marine. The next efforts of the department 
were directed toward securing several harbors, 
at comparatively equidistant points, as bases of 
operations for the several squadrons, where 
our naval vessels could receive then- supplies," 
and maintain themselves at their stations and 
on their cruising ground without returning to 
northern ports for repairs and to refit. For 
this purpose various naval expeditions were 
organized. The first sailed from Hampton 
Roads in August, 1861, and captured the forts 
at Hatteras Inlet. This was followed, a few 
weeks later, by the capture of Port Royal, 



MILITAEY AND FAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



635 



■whicli secured a commodious harbor for the 
ships of the South Atlantic squadron. Early 
in the spring of 1862 JSTew Orleans was cap- 
tured. Other harbors and places were from time 
to time seized and occupied. From the outset, 
the blockade has been so effective as to be re- 
spected by the nations of Europe, and to cause 
a constant complaint by the enemy of its ex- 
hausting severity. Wilmington was the last 
port captured, and here blockade-running was 
more successful than at any other. 

At Wilmington alone, sixty-five steamers, 
the aggregate value of which, with their car- 
goes, scarcely falls short of thirteen millions of 
dollars, were captured or destroyed in endeav- 
oring to enter or escape. 

On the interior rivers of the country the 
department also early commenced to put afloat 
a large fleet. It comprised more than one 
hundred vessels. They were to a great extent 
boats that had been employed in the carrying 



trade, but which were purchased, strengthened, 
and fitted for war purposes. They were neces- 
sarily inferior to naval built vessels in strength, 
lightly armed, and more liable to disaster. 
To insure a systematic and vigorous execution 
of the duties devolving upon this squadron, the 
waters traversed by it were divided into ten 
naval districts, each under the command of an 
experienced naval officer. The vessels in each 
district had their appropriate field of duty, but 
at the same time they were held ready to sup- 
port each other when occasion required, and 
could be readily concentrated upon any emer- 
gency. The principal rivers thus traversed 
were the Mississippi, lower Ohio, Cumberland, 
and Tennessee. The effect of their operations 
on the Mississippi was to break up the com- 
binations of the enemy, and sever their or- 
ganizations. On the other rivers, peaceful 
citizens were protected and partisan bands dis- 
spersed. 



COMPAEATIVE STATEMENT OF THE NAVY, DECEMBER, 1863 AND 1864. 



671 



26 
109 



DESCEIPTIOK. 



No. of 
guns. 



Total navy, December, 1864 

Total navy, December, 1863 

Actual Increase for the year 

Total losses by shipwreck, in battle, capture, &c., during the year 

Actual addition to the navy from December, 1868, to December, 1864 



4,610 
4,443 



167 
146 



312 



510,896 
467,967 



42.429 
13,084 



55,513 



VESSELS CONSTEUCTED FOE THE NAVY SINCE MAECH 4th, 1861. 



"f^l 



23 
9 
2 
13 
26 
7 
1 

141 



203 



DESCEIPTION. 



Screw sloops, Ammonoosuc class, 17 to 19 guns, 3,213 to 3,718 tons each 

Screw sloop Idaho, 8 guns, and 2,638 tons 

Screw sloops, spar deck, Java class, 25 guns, and 8,177 tons each , 

Screw sloops, spar deck, Hassalo class, 55 guns, and 3,365 tons each 

Screw sloops, clippers, single deck, Contoocook class, 18 guns, and 2,348 tons each 

Screw sloops, Kearsarge class, 8 to 12 guns, and averaging 1,023 tons each 

Screw sloops, Shenandoah class, 8 to 16 guns, and 1,867 to 1,533 tons each 

Screw sloops, Ossipee class, 10 to 18 guns, ftnd 1,240 guns each 

Screw sloops, Serapis class, 12 guns, and 1,880 tons each 

Screw sloops, Eesaca class, 8 guns, and 831 to 900 tons each 

Screw sloops, Nipsic class, 7 to 12 guns, and 593 tons each 

Screw gunboats, Unadilla class, 4 to 7 guns, and 507 tons each , 

Screw tugs, Pinta class, 2 guns, and 850 tons each 

Screw tugs, Pilgrim class, 2 guns, and 170 tons each , 

Paddle-wheel steamers, double-enders, Octorara class, 7 to 11 guns, and 780 to 955 tons each 

Paddle-wheel steamers, double-enders, Sassacus class, 10 to 14 guns, and 974 tons each 

Paddle-wheel steamers, of iron, double-enders, Mohongo class, 10 guns, and 1,030 tons each. 
Paddle-wheel steamer, of iron, double-ender, Wateree, 1^ guns, and 974 tons 

ntON-CLAD VESSELS. 

Sea-going casemated vessels, Dunderberg and New Ironsides 

Sea-going turret vessels, Puritan, Dictator, and Eoanoke 

Double turret vessels, Kalamazoo class, 4 guns, and 3,200 tons each 

Double turret vessels, Monadnock class, 4 guns, and 1,564 tons each 

Double turret vessel, Onondaga, 4 guns, and 1,250 tons 

Double turret vessels, Winnebago class, 4 guns, and 970 tons each 

Single turret vessels, Canonicus class, 2 guns, and 1,084 tons each 

Single turret vessels, Passaic class, 2 to 4 guns, and 844 tons each 

Single turret vessels, Yazoo class, 1 to 2 guns, and 614 tons each 

Single tvirret vessels, Sandusky and Marietta, 2 guns each 

Single turret vessels, Ozark, Neosho, and Osage, 2 to 7 guns each 

Casemated vessels, Tuscumbia and ChilUcothe, 5 and 3 guns respectively 

Total 



1,681 



Tonnage. 



121 


23,637 


8 


2,638 


200 


25,416 


50 


6,780 


130 


23,480 


40 


4,092 


74 


8,584 


28 


2,480 


96 


11,040 


82 


8,462 


71 


4,744 


123 


11,661 


18 


8,150 


4 


840 


98 


11,024 


272 


25,324 


70 


7,210 


12 


974 


1,442 


175,986 




28 


8,576 


12 


9,733 


16 


12,800 


16 


6,256 


4 


1,250 


16 


8,8S0 


16 


8,272 


21 


7,596 


85 


12,280 


4 


953 


13 


1,624 


8 


763 


189 


73,988 



249,974 



636 



MILITARY AND l^AYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



The foregoing tabular statement exhibits the 
number and description of vessels that were 
constructed, or put in the course of construction, 
for the navy to the close of 1864. Some of 
them were buUt by contract; others by the 
Government, in the several navy yards. If 
there is added to the number those constructed 
under similar circumstances, and within the 
same period, that have been lost by shipwreck, 
in battle, &c., viz. : the sloops Housatonic and 
Adirondack, and the iron-clads Monitor, Wee- 
hawken, Keokuk, Indianola, and Tecumseh, 
the aggregate would be 210 vessels, 1,675 guns, 
and 256,755 tons. Picket-boats, and small craft 
built for especial purposes, are not embraced 
in this statement. 

Various classes of vessels were constructed 
to meet the peculiar exigencies of the service. 
A class of small heavily-ai-med propellers was 
needed at the outset, and twenty-tlii-ee were 
constructed as gunboats, after the type of the 
Fnadilla, Pinola, and "Wissahickon. They main- 
tained a good reputation to the close of the 
war. They were well adapted for guarding 
the coast. A larger description was needed fg* 
ocean service, and four vessels of the class Or 
the Ossipee, mounting each two guns of eleven 
inch, were built. There were also four vessels 
of slightly less tonnage constructed, carrying 
the same armament of which the Kearsarge is a 
type. The Shenandoa.h is a type of sis vessels 
mounting each three eleven-inch guns, aU of 
which sustain a high repiitation. The heavy 
guns mentioned constitute the principal arma- 
ment of the several classes named, but they 
each have in addition from two to six gims of 
less calibre. All of these vessels were screw 
steamers, suitable for sea cruising; but the 
shallow sounds and bays, the rivers and bayous, 
often narrow and tortuous, required a different 
class, drawing less water. To turn in these 
frequently restricted channels is difficult, and 
sometimes impossible; the necessities of the 
case, therefore, suggested the principle of a 
fighting vessel with a double bow and a rudder 
at each end. Twelve paddle-wheel steamers 
of this class, of which the Port Royal Jlnd 
Sonoma are types, were constructed. Others 
of the same class were the Sassacus, distin- 
guished in the attack on the ram in Albemarle 
Sound, and the Metacomet, conspicuous in Mo- 
bile Bay. One of this class was sent round 
Cape Horn to San Francisco, where she is on 
duty. 

Of the monitor class of vessels only two, 
the Dictator and Puritan, were proposed for sea- 
service. Four turreted vessels have been built 
of wood and cased with iron, thus differing 
from the original monitors, which are exclu- 
sively of iron. One of them, the Monadnock, 
performed her trips from Boston to Hampton 
Roads with entire satisfaction. Her draught 
of water was twelve feet, and with two inde- 
pendent screws she had a speed of ten knots. 
Four other similar vessels of a still more for- 
midable and invulnerable character were com- 



menced. The only other sea-going iron-clad 
ships besides the two turreted vessels above 
mentioned, were the News Ironsides and the 
Dunderberg, a casemate vessel. 

In its iron-clads the department experimented 
by the construction of different classes and sizes, 
both in wood and iron, propelled by one screw 
and by two screws working independently of 
each other. In its most recent constructions 
of the Miantonomah class, a wooden vessel with 
Ericsson turrets, a high rate of speed, perfect 
ventilation, impregnability, and the enormous 
battery of four 15-inch guns, were combined in 
a vessel of 1,564 tons, and drawing only twelve 
feet of water. These vessels were free from 
the disadvantage of fouling, which so greatly 
reduced the speed of iron ones. 

In the steam vessels nearly every variety 
and type of engine, of valve gear, of rate of ex- 
pansion, of surface condenser, of screw propel- 
ler, and of boilers, have been thoroughly tested. 

As in previous years of the war the seacoast 
and inland waters of the United States were, in 
1864, in charge of six different squadrons, viz. : 
1. The North Atlantic Squadron, Acting Rear 
Admiral S. P. Lee, relieved October 12th by 
Rear Admiral D. D. Porter ; 2. The South At- 
lantic Squadron, Rear Admiral J. A. Dahlgren, 
temporarily relieved between February and 
May by Commodore S. C. Rowan; 3. The East 
Gulf Squadron, Acting Rear Admiral T. Bailey, 
relieved in October by Acting Rear Admiral 0, 
K. Stribling; 4. The West Gulf Squadron, Rear 
Admiral Farragut, relieved toward the close of 
the year by Acting Rear Admiral H. K. Thatch- 
er; 5. The Mississippi Flotilla, Rear Admiral 
D. D. Porter, relieved November 1st by Acting 
Rear Admiral S. P. Lee ; and 6. The Potomac 
Flotilla, Commander Foxhall A. Parker. The 
usual squadron in the Pacific was also main- 
tained during the year, under the command suc- 
cessively of Acting Rear Admirals 0. H. Bell 
and G. F. Pearson ; while that in the West In- 
dia waters was, as an organization, discontinued. 
A number of vessels ^V^ve actively employed 
from time to time in cruising after rebel priva- 
teers and in special service ; and small squadrons 
were also maintained in the Mediterranean and 
the East Indies. 

The operations of the North Atlantic Squad- 
ron, which in the previous year were almost 
wholly confined to blockade duties, were suflB- 
ciently various and important in 1864 to call 
forth all the resources at the command of the 
Naval Department. Besides the blockade of 
Wilmington, which alone required a fleet dou- 
ble in size and effectiveness to the entire naval 
force in commission previous to the war, the 
inland waters of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds 
had to be guarded against the formidable iron- 
clads which the rebels had for a long time 
been constructing in the Neuse and Roanoke 
Rivers ; 4)perations on an extensive scale, 
in concert with the army, were conducted in 
the James River ; and in the latter part of the 
yeai* occurred the terrific bombardment of Fort 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



637 



Fisher by the most powerful naval armament 
•which ever attacked a fortification. In fact, so 
multiform were the duties required of this 
squadron, that in order to ensure their proper 
fulfihneut, it was in the spring divided into 
fom* separate squadrons, one of which was 
stationed in the James River, one in the Sounds 
of North Carolina, and two off Cape Fear River 
and the adjacent inlets. Each of these squad- 
rons was placed under an efficient officer, and 
the general headquarters were established at 
Beaufort, North Carolina. The almost total 
closing of Charleston harbor, and the vigilant 
watch kept over MobUe, caused Wilmington to 
be the only port east of the Mississippi River 
accessible to blockade-runners ; and so daring, 
and in many cases so successful, were the latter 
in evading the Federal cruisers, that complaints 
■were freely uttered against the naval depart- 
ment for permitting the rebels to enter and de- 
part from this port at their pleasure. " Many 
who have failed to make themselves acquainted, " 
observed Secretary Welles in Lis annual report, 
" with the facts connected with tlie WUmington 
blockade, have been free and severe in their 
censures of the manner in which it has been 
conducted. The intelhgent officers of the naval 
and merchant service who have labored with 
untiring zeal and assiduity, and watched with 
sleepless vigilance through weary months of 
winter and summer, and in all weathers, stimu- 
lated by the hope of benefiting their country 
and receiving its tlianks, as well as by every in- 
ducement of fame and pecuniary rewai'd, if suc- 
cessful, do not concur in the opinion that the 
port of Wilmington can be entirely closed by 
blockade." 

To one familiar, however, with the con- 
figuration of the land at the mouth, or rather 
mouths of the Cape Fear River, through which 
a vessel must pass in order to reach Wil- 
mington, the injustice of condemning the navy 
for not more effectually blockading the place 
will be sufficiently apparent. For about thirty- 
five miles before reaching the ocean the Cape 
Fear River flows in a direction nearly due south, 
and directly in front of its mouth lies Smith's 
Island, on either side of which are the two prin- 
cipal entrances to the river. The southwest, or 
main channel, is about two and a half miles in 
width, has a depth of from ten to fourteen feet 
over the bar, and is protected by Fort Caswell, 
a casemated stone work on Oak Island, adjoin- 
ing the mainland, and by the Light House bat- 
tery on Smith's Island. The northeast en- 
trance, known as New Inlet, is less than two 
miles wide, and shalloAver than the other, and is 
protected by Fort Fisher, a first-class casemated 
earthwork near Federal Point on the mainland, 
and by a series of batteries extending thence 
about six miles in a northerly direction along 
the seacoast. Owing to an extensive shoal, 
called the Frying Pan, extending around the 
southern and western sides of Smith's Island, 
the distance by sea between the two entrances 
is forty miles, while inside the island it is not 



above eight. To the natural advantages of the 
locality, greatly enhanced by the artificial de- 
fences, on which the best engineering skill of the 
Confederacy had been expended since the com- 
mencement of the war, must be added the shal- 
lowness of the water, which decreases in depth 
gradually and regularly to the shore line, so that 
none of the blockade-runners of light draught 
were under the necessity of making direct- 
ly for either entrance, but could, by the lead, 
run close under the land, and protected by the 
batteries, pass in at their leisure. In escap- 
ing from the river such vessels found still less 
difficulty in eluding the Federal cruisers, as 
they could pass for some distance up or down 
the coast before making an offing, or proceed 
straight out to sea, trusting to darkness, fog, or 
a full head of steam to make their escape. For 
running the blockade of this port a peculiar class 
of steamers, of great speed and light draught, 
was constructed in England, and the enormous 
profits arising from a successful voyage, a single 
trip often paying many times the cost of the 
vessel, tempted the merchants of that country 
to embark largely in this illicit commerce. 
Nassau, Bermuda, and Halifax became their 
chief places of rendezvous, and from one or the 
other of these ports there was almost a daUy 
departure for Wilmington. 

On the other hand, the Federal cruisers were 
for the most part of too deep a draught to run 
near the shore, or enter the several lesser chan- 
nels through which the blockade-runners could 
pass ; still less to approach the numerous shal- 
low inlets extending up and down the coast, 
into which the latter could take refuge. Such, 
also, was the nature of the coast, and the 
liability at some seasons of constant stormy 
weather, that it was almost impossible to station 
light-di'aught blockaders there on permanent 
duty. These facts will explain why, with fifty 
cruisers stationed at the two main entrances of 
the Cape Fear River, some of them the fast- 
est in the service, and officered by men who 
had not their superiors in any service in 
intrepidity, energy, and professional skill, 
blockade-runners were nevertheless enabled 
to pass in and out with seeming impuni- 
ty. When it is considered, also, that the 
latter have always a full head of steam on at 
the critical moment, and that their adversaries 
cannot be equally prepared, the chances in favor 
of the blockade-runners are greatly increased. 
Thus it happened that the blockade of Wil- 
mington was repeatedly broken, and that the 
port itself became the central depot of the Con- 
federacy for the reception of supplies from 
abroad. This result, however, was not accom- 
plished without considerable sacrifice, and the 
steamers captured or destroyed off the mouth 
of the Cape Fear River averaged one a week 
subsequent to the closing of Charleston harbor 
by the monitor fleet under Admiral Dahlgren. 

From an official statement of the results of 
blockade-running at Wilmington from Jan- 
uary, 18C3, to December, 186-i, published in 



638 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the "Manchester Guardian," it appears that 
the total ventures made by English capitalists 
and speculators, counting the values of ships 
and cargoes, amounted to more than sixty-six 
millions of dollars (£13,241,000). The quan- 
tity of cotton exported in twenty-two months 
(January 1st, 1863, to October 31st, 1864) was 
137,937 hales, or 62,860,463 pounds, of which 
the larger part was Sea Island. The value of 
the export and import trade in one year (July 
1st, 1863, to June 30th, 1864) was $65,185,000; 
the rebel government rating exchange at five 
for one. The total number of vessels which ran 
the blockade in fifteen months (October 1st, 
1863, to December 31st, 1864) was 397. The 
average amount of capital invested by English- 
men in trading ventures with Wilmington dur- 
ing a pei'iod of fifteen mouths (October 1st, 
1863, to December 31st, 1864), is stated in de- 
tail as follows : 





Entrances. 
203. 


Clearanceo. 
194. 


Total 

ventiireB, 

397. 


Ships at £15,000 each 

Cargoes— In w'd (£12,000) 
Outward (£25,000)....; 


£3,045,000 
2,436,000 


£2,910,000 
4,850,000 


£5,955,000 
7,286,000 


Total 


£5,481,000 


£7,760,000 


£18,241,000 







The operations in the Sounds of North Caro- 
lina, with the exception of some unimportant re- 
connoissances and boat expeditions, commenced 
in April with the engagement between the 
gunboats Miami and Southfield and the rebel 
ram Albemarle, at Plymouth, near the mouth 
of the Roanoke River, of which an account is 
given in connection with Army Operations. 
The advantages gained by the Albemarle on 
this occasion, taken in connection with the re- 
verses sustained at Plymouth by the land forces 
in garrison there, called for vigorous measures 
to prevent further disaster, including possibly 
the overthrow of the Federal naval supremacy 
in Albemarle Sound. Captain Melancton Smith 
was accordingly sent to assume command in the 
Sounds with several vessels of the double-ender 
class, and was directed to attack the ram at all 
hazards, and use every means to disable or de- 
stroy her. On the afternoon of the 5th of May, 
the Federal fleet being collected near the mouth 
of the Roanoke River, the Albemarle came 
out, followed by the Bombshell, a small armed 
tender, and at 4 : 40 proceeded to engage the 
gunboats. In accordance with instructions, 
the larger gunboats manoeuvred to get along- 
side of their antagonist, and fire upon her ports 
or roof, which were her most vulnerable parts ; 
but, owing to the neglect of the smaller vessels 
to obey the signals from the flag-ship, and to 
their rapid and indiscriminate fire, it became im- 
possible for the larger ones to take a desirable 
position without risk of being riddled by their 
own friends. The contest was, consequently, 
for the first half hour of a somewhat desultory 
character. The gunboats eluded the eSbrts of 
the Albemarle to ram them, but their guns 
seemed to make no perceptible impression upon 



her. Soon after 5 o'clock the Sassacus, watch- 
ing her opportunity, struck the enemy fairly 
abaft her starboard beam, causing her to careen 
until the water washed over her deck and case- 
mate. In this position the two vessels remain- 
ed for about ten minutes, the crew of the Sas- 
sacus throwing hand-grenades down the deck- 
hatch of the Albemarle, and trying in vain 
to get powder into her smoke-stack. Could 
another of the gunboats at this juncture have 
got up on the other side of the ram, she might 
have been seriously disabled, and perhaps com- 
pelled to surrender ; but before this could be 
effected she swung clear of the Sassacus, and 
in parting sent a 100-pounder rifle shot clean 
through the starboard boiler of her antagonist, 
who, enveloped in blinding clouds of steam, 
was compelled to withdraw for a short time 
from action. About this time the colors of 
the Albemarle came down, whether by acci- 
dent or design is not known ; but she never- 
theless maintained a general engagement with 
the gunboats until 7 : 30 p. m., when she retired 
up the Roanoke River. With the exception of 
the Sassacus, the gunboats sustained compara- 
tively little injury, although several of them 
were struck by the rifle shots of the Albemarle. 
The latter had her boats knocked to pieces, her 
smoke-stock riddled, and one of her guns par- 
tially disabled, but in other respects seemed in 
as good condition as upon going into action. 
Her motive power was entirely uninjured, and 
the rifled projectiles of the gunboats, even when 
discharged at short range, rebounded harmless- 
ly from her armored sides. Her tender, the 
Bombshell, was captured early in the flght. 

The action, though without any definite re- 
sults, reflected no little credit on the bravery 
and skill of the small Federal squadron, and 
showed- that, with a proper effort, even by the 
class of vessels engaged, the Albemarle might 
be compelled to remain within the waters of 
the Roanoke. She showed herself again on 
May 24th at the mouth of the river, but retired 
rapidly up the stream toward Plymouth upon 
being approached by the gunboats. From re- 
ports of refugees and deserters, it also appeared 
that she suffered considerably in the action of 
the 5th, both in her outer plating and from the 
concussion caused by the fire of the gunboats. 
On the 25th a daring but unsuccessful attempt 
was made by five volunteers from the gunboat 
Wyalusing to destroy her by a torpedo, while 
lying at the wharf at Plymouth. 

But though manifesting no disposition to re- 
assume the offensive, the Albemarle was of suf- 
ficient importance to induce the naval depart- 
ment to take measures during the summer for 
her destruction. Lieut. W. B. Gushing, who 
had on previous occasions shown equal coolness? 
and daring in conducting hazardous reconnois- 
sances, was selected for the undertaking, and a 
small steam launch was equipped as a torpedo 
vessel and put under his charge. On the night 
of Oct. 27th he started up the Roanoke with a 
crew of thirteen officers and men who chiefly 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



639 



volunteered for the service, aud passing several 
miles of the enemy's pickets unobserved, arrived 
■withiQ twenty yards of the Albemarle before 
being haUed by her lookouts. The torpedo 
boat was then steered under a full head of steam 
direct for the ram, which lay at her wharf at 
Plymouth, protected by a raft of logs extending 
outwards about thirty feet. Upon the alarm 
being given by the lookout, a confused fire of 
musketry was opened by the rebels, which had 
little effect. "Passing her closely," says Lieut. 
Gushing, " we made a complete circle, so as to 
strike her fairly, and went into her bows on. 
By this time the enemy's tire was very severe, 
but a dose of canister at short range served to 
moderate their zeal and disturb their aim. In 
a moment we had struck the logs, just abreast 
of the quarter-port, breasting them in some feet, 
and our bows resting on them. The torpedo 
boom was then lowered, and by a vigorous pull 
I succeeded in driving the torpedo under the 
overhang, and exploded it at the same time the 
Albemarle's gun was fired. A shot seemed to 
go crashing through my boat, and a dense mass 
of water rushed in from the torpedo, filling the 
launch and completely disabling her. The en- 
emy tben continued to fire at fifteen feet range 
and demanded our surrender, which I twice 
refused, ordering the men to save themselves, 
and removing my own coat and shoes. Spring- 
ing into the river, I swam with others into the 
middle of the stream, the rebels failing to hit 
■ us." Lieut. Gushing succeeded in reaching the 
opposite shore, and during the next day made 
his way by stealth through the surrounding 
swamps to a creek some distance below Ply- 
mouth, where he found a skiff belonging to a 
rebel picket, in which he effected his escape to 
the fleet. Only one other of his party succeed- 
ed in escaping, the rest being either captured, 
killed, or drowned. The Albemarle was com- 
pletely submerged by the explosion of the tor- 
pedo, and so remained long subsequent to the 
evacuation of Plymouth by the rebels. This 
daring feat excited the admiration of the rebel 
no less than of the Federal authorities, and 
obtained for Lieut. Gushing the thanks of Con- 
gress, and promotion to the next highest grade 
in the service. The main rebel defence of Ply- 
mouth being thus removed, Gommander Ma- 
comb, the senior naval oflBcer in the Sounds, 
availed himself of Lieut. Gushtng's success to 
reestablish the Federal supremacy of the lower 
Eoanoke. "With the vessels under his command 
he immediately pushed up the river to Plymouth, 
drove the rebels from their rifle-pits and batter- 
ies, and on Oct. 31st retook the town, capturing 
a few prisoners, beside cannon, small arms, and 
ammunition. Thenceforth during the year the 
Foderal forces held undisturbed possession of 
the Sounds. 

For some time previous to May, 1864, the 
James Eiver had been left almost exclusively to 
the enemy, who availed themselves of this cir- 
cumstance to place torpedoes in the channel 
and otherwise obstruct its navigation. "With 



the movement of Gen. Butler's forces up the 
river on May 5th, for the purpose of cooperating 
in the grand campaign of Gen. Grant against 
Richmond, commenced a long series of naval 
operations, which, though of considerable im- 
portance, are so intimately connected with the 
military campaign in that quarter, as to form a 
subordinate part of the operations of the army. 
Hence a very brief outline of what was accom- 
plished by this di\'ision of the North Atlantic 
squadron is all that it is necessary to give here. 
The land forces were safely convoyed up the 
river to their landing places at Gity Point and 
Bermuda Hundred, with no disaster to the fleet 
beyond the destruction by torpedoes of two 
small paddle-wheel gunboats, the Gommodore 
Jones and the Shawsheen. Military operations 
having commenced near Petersburg, five iron- 
clads, including the captured vessel Atlanta, 
were stationed some distance above Gity Point 
to watch the rebel iron-ckids and rams in the 
upper James, and if possible engage them in 
action, while the smaller vessels of the fleet 
were busily occupied in dragging the river for 
torpedoes, in assailing moving batteries or 
bodies of the enemy along the shore, or in • 
minor expeditions. During the attack upon 
the colored garrison at "Wilson"'s wharf, a por- 
tion of the fleet rendered good service in repel- 
ling the enemy. In June, much to the disap- 
pointment of Admiral Lee, who earnestly de- 
sired a brush with the enemy, obstructions were 
sunk in the channel at Trent's Reach, for the 
purpose of protecting, from any sudden attack 
by the rebel fleet, the numerous transports 
collected at Gity Point, the security of which 
was deemed of too great importance to the 
army to permit their defence to be intrusted to 
the navy alone. During most of the summer 
and autumn, the iron-clads had frequent com- 
bats with the enemy's vessels and the powerful 
batteries at Hewlett's, the advantages fi'om 
which, owing to the difficult navigation of the 
river, could never be pushed to any definite 
result. 

The complex yet comprehensive plan which 
the Government adopted in the spring of 1864, 
for the overthrow of the rebel power, provided 
for the capture of the remaining seaports, 
through which munitions of war and pecuniary 
aid were received by the Gonfederacy. "Wil- 
mington, from the facility which it afforded for 
blockade-running, and its easy communication 
with Richmond, became early in the sum- 
mer a prominent object of attack ; and to guard 
against any doubtful issue in such an undertak- 
ing, preparations commenced early in the sum- 
mer to equip a squadron, which, while amply 
able to overcome all resistance, should" also 
represent the commanding position assumed 
within three years by the United States among 
the great naval powers of the world. The 
naval department had on several previous oc- 
casions offered to close the port of '\Vilmington, 
with the aid of a cooperating land force ; but, 
in view of the failure at Gharleston in 1863, 



640 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



declined, without such cooperation, to assume 
the responsibility of reducing the strong forts 
at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. In pre- 
vious years the exigencies of the service had 
prevented the employment of land forces for 
this specific purpose ; now it was determined to 
furnish troops enough to crown the expedition 
with success. The stubborn fighting between 
the Rapidan and the James entailed, however, 
such serious losses upon Gen. Grant, that all 
the surplus troops at the disposal of the Govern- 
ment were needed during the summer, to re- 
plenish the wasted ranks of the Armies of the 
Potomac and the James, and for months the 
contemplated expedition remained unorganized. 
The naval part of it alone, in consequence of 
the constantly-increasing number of vessels at 
the disposal of the naval department, seemed 
to make progress. As early as August, iron- 
clads and wooden steamers began to rendez- 
vous at Hampton Roads, until in October a 
formidable fleet, numbering over fifty wai* ves- 
sels, and including the iron-clad New Ironsides 
and four monitors, was collected, of which Ad- 
miral Porter assumed command. 
* Long before December the squadron was at 
its rendezvous in readiness to sail ; but it was 
not until the winter had fairly commenced that 
the necessary quota of troops could be fur- 
nished. The signal successes of Thomas and 
Sherman having disarmed all apprehensions 
with respect to the result of military operations 
in the South and Southwest, and the Armies 
of the Potomac and the James having been re- 
cently largely recruited, the Government early 
in December issued orders for tlie troops des- 
ignated for the service to repair to Hampton 
Roads. These consisted of Gen. Ames's divis- 
ion of the 24th corps, and of Gen. Paine's 
colored division of the 25th corps, numbering 
together 0,500 effective men, both of which 
belonged to the Army of the James. Gen. 
Weitzel was designated as commander-in-chief 
of the military part of the expedition, but Gen. 
Butler subsequently accompanied it in that 
capacity, and on the 9th notified Admiral Por- 
ter that he was in readiness to move. Owing 
to stormy weather none of the vessels sailed 
until the 12th, when tlae transports and smaller 
war vessels, about 75 in number, took their 
departure, followed on the succeeding day by 
the New Ironsides and the heavy steam frigates. 
After careful consideration it was determined 
that of the two entrances to the Cape Fear 
River, New Inlet could be the more success- 
fully attacked. The narrow strip of land 
forming part of the east bank of the Cape Fear 
River, and terminating in Federal Point, 
offered, on the whole, better facilities for land- 
ing troops than any other part of the coast; 
and the capture of the Avorks which protected 
it would not only give to the fleet the com- 
mand of the river, and thus virtually close the 
port of Wilmington, but by cutting off Fort 
Caswell, which commands the other mouth of 
the river, would render the possession of that 




ZiahtKcuscS aiter!)f 



Shetp'sMeai 
Jiocks 



■-'%^0OA P E FEAR 



ATl'ANTIC O C E A IV 



strong work of no farther importance to the 
rebels. For the immediate defence of the inlet 
the rebels relied chiefly upon Fort Fisher, and 
a series of batteries, connected by rifle-pits, 
running thence in a southwest direction along 
the coast, at an average distance of two hun- 
dred yards from the beach, to what was 
called the "Mound Battery," situated near 
the extreme end of Federal Point. The fort 
and its connecting batteries, forming practically 
a single work, consisted of two fronts : the first, 
or land front, being four hundred and eighty 
yards in length and extending nearly across 
the narrow peninsula, while the sea front has 
a length of about thirteen hundred yards. The 
former was intended to resist any attack from 
troops approaching the fort from the north, 
and tlie sea front to prevent vessels from run- 
ning through New Inlet or landing troops on 
Federal Point. The following more particular 
description of both fronts is given by Colonel 
Comstock, chief engineer of the military part 
of the expedition : " The land front consists of 
a half bastion on the left or Cape Fear River 
side, connected by a curtain with a bastion on 
the ocean side. The parapet is 25 feet thick, 
averages 20 feet in height, with traverses rising 
10 feet above it and running hack on their tops, 
which are from 8 to 12 feet in thickness, to a 
distance of from 30 to 40 feet from the interior 
crest. The traverses on the left half bastion 
are about 25 feet in length on top. The earth 
for this heavy parapet and the enormous 
traverse3_^at their inner ends, more than 30 feet 
in height, was obtained partly from a shallow 
exterior ditcli, but mainly from the interior of 
the work. Between each pan* of traverses 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



641 



there was one or two guns. The traverses on 
the right of this front were only partially com- 
pleted. A palisade, which is loopholed and 
has a banquette, runs in front of this face, at a 
distance of 50 feet in front of the exterior slope, 
from the Caj)e Fear River to the ocean, with a 
position for a gun between the left of the front 
and the river, and another between the right 
of the front and the ocean. Through the mid- 
dle traverse on the curtain is a bomb-proof 
postern whose exterior opening is covered by 
a smaU redan for two field-pieces, to give flank 
fire along the curtain. The traverses are gen- 
erally bomb-proofed for men or magazines. 
The slopes of the work appear to have been 
revetted with marsh sod or covered with grass, 
and have an inclination of 45 degrees or a little 
less. * * * There were originally on this front 
21 guns and 3 mortars. * * * The sea front 
consists of a series of batteries, mounting in aU 
24 guns, the diiferent batteries being connected 
by a strong infantry pai-apet so as to form a 
continuous line. The same system of heavy 
traverses for the protection of the guns is used 
as on. the land front, and these traverses are 
also generally bomb-proofed." There was also 
a rebel battery, commanding the channel, on 
Zeeke's Island, two miles southeast of Fort 
Fisher, and several miles north of the latter 
were the Flag Pond Hill and Half Moon bat- 
teries, serving as outworks to it. 

On December 15th the transports arrived off 
New Inlet, where, on the 18th and 19th, they 
were joined by the iron-clads, which, being 
obliged to put into Beaufort, N. 0., for coal and 
ammunition, could not reach the rendezvous 
sooner. The heavy-armed frigates, on account 
of their slow sailing, arrived also a day or two 
after the transports. Scarcely was the whole 
fleet assembled than the weather, which had 
previously been fair, became threatening, and 
on the 19th the sea was too rough to admit of 
landing troops. On the 20th a gale set in from 
the northeast, and the transports, being now 
deficient in coal and water, and liable to dis- 
aster if they should attempt to remain at their 
anchorage, were directed to make for Beaufort. 
The war vessels rode out the gale, which lasted 
three days, in safety, the monitors acting unex- 
pectedly well ; and on the 23d, the wind having 
veered roimd to the west. Admiral Porter de- 
termined to improve what he considered a 
favorable opportunity, by commencing opera- 
tions on his own account without waiting for 
the return of the transports. An important 
agent in the destruction or reduction of Fort 
Fisher was a vessel filled with powder, which 
it was designed to run ashore as near as possi- 
ble to the fort and explode. The idea origi- 
nated with General Butler, and was suggested 
by the accidental explosion at Erith, on the 
Thames, in England, on October 1st, of two 
barges and two adjoining magazines loaded 
with barrels of powder, by which eight or nine 
lives were lost, and much surrounding property 
was destroyed. It was supposed that a similar 
41 



explosion of a vast mass of powder near the 
fort, the fleet meanwhile keeping at a respect- 
ful distance, would cause its walls to fall down, 
or some other serious disaster to occur, of which 
the attacking party might take advantage. The 
vessel selected for the purpose was the small 
gunboat Louisiana, pm-chased for operations on 
the North Carolina Sounds, and which, with a 
view of deceiving the rebels as to her true 
character, was disguise^ for the occasion as a 
blockade runner. She was then stored with 
two himdred and fifteen tons of powder, ar- 
ranged as follows: Upon the berth deck was 
stowed a tier of barrels of powder with their 
heads taken out ; over this sixty-pound bags 
of powder were piled in layers xip to the top 
of the deck, and a house was constructed on 
the after deck, fiUed in the same manner. AU 
were connected together by Gomez fuses, pene- 
trating the mass, and uniting it at many points, 
every precaution being taken to insure, if pos- 
sible, the instantaneous ignition of the whole 
mass. A simple method of firing these ftises 
by clock-work, timed as desired, was provided, 
three being provided in case one should fail. As a 
further precaution, in case the clock fuses should 
miscarry, the ends of the fuses were united at 
another point, and brought beneath a perforated 
framework of wood, in which were set lighted 
tapers, the lower end of the wicks penetrating 
the quick of the fuses. Five of these tapers 
were provided to insure success if other means 
failed; and, as a last precaution, it was ar- 
ranged to fire the ship at a point remote from 
the powder at the moment of leaving it. 

The vessel thus equipped was put in charge 
of Commander A. C. Rhind, who had associated 
with him Lieutenant G. W. Preston, Second As- 
sistant Engineer Mullfen, Acting Master's Mate 
Boyden, and seven men. The weather seem- 
ing auspicious for the enterprise on the 23d, 
Commander Rhind was directed, under cover 
of the darkness, to run his vessel aground di- 
rectly opposite the fort, and proceed to explode 
her. Mr. Bradford, of the coast survey, had, the 
night previous, ascertained that a vessel of seven 
feet draught could be placed on the edge of the 
beach. The result of the undertaking is thus 
described by Admfral Porter : 

At half-past ten p. m. the powder vessel started in 
toward the bar, and was towed by the Wilderness 
until the embrasures of Fort Fisher were plainly in 
sight. The Wilderness then cast off, and the Louisi- 
ana proceeded under steam until within two hundred 
yards of the beach, and about four hundred from the 
tort. Commander Khind anchored her securely 
there, and coolly went to work to make all his ar- 
rangements to blow her up. This he was enabled to 
do, owing to a blockade-runner going in right ahead 
of him, the forts making the blockade-runner signals, 
which they also did to the Louisiana. The gallant 
party, after coolly making all tbeir arrangements for 
the explosion, left the vessel, the last thing they did 
being to set her on fire under the cabin. Then taking 
to their boats, they made their escape off to the 
Wilderness, lying close by. The Wilderness then 
put off shore with good speed, to avoid any ill effects 
that might happen from the explosion. At forty-fire 
minutes past one ou the morning of the 24th the ex- 



642 



MLITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



plosion took place, and the shocji was nothing like so 
severe as was expected. It shook the vessel some, 
and broke one or two glasses, but nothing more. 

To those watching the explosion from the 
fleet at several miles distance from the shore, it 
seemed scarcely louder than the discharge of a 
battery of light artillery; but at Newbern it 
was distinctly heard, and was supposed to be 
an earthquake. Not the slightest damage, so 
far as could be ascertained, was inflicted upon 
the fort, whose immensely thick walls of sand 
could probably have withstood the explosion of 
a dozen or more powder-ships. 

Altlaough the explosion had proved a failure 
and the transports were not yet in sight. Admi- 
ral Porter determined to proceed at once with 
the attack, hoping to damage the fort to such a 
degree tliat the troops, upon their arrival, would 
find comparatively little difficulty in carrying it 
by storm. Accordingly, at daylight of the 24th, 
the fleet stood in, in line of battle, towai»d the 
shore, and shortly before noon took up the po- 
sitions previously assigned to them by the Ad- 
miral. The first line comprised the iron-clads. 
Ironsides, Monadnock, Canonicus, and Maho- 
pac, which were anchored in line, about a length 
apart, at a distance of three-quarters of a mile 
from the fort, each having in its rear, within 
easy supporting distance, a gunboat to serve as 
a tender. A quarter of a mile behind the iron- 
clads was a line of heavy frigates, comprising 
the Minnesota, Colorado, Wabash, and vessels of 
similar calibre ; and behind these another line, 
each vessel of which was anchored intermediate 
between those of the first line. Another divi- 
sion, consisting chiefly of gunboats, took posi- 
tion to the south and southeast of the forts, and 
to the left of the frigates, and still another was 
posted to tlie northward and eastward of the 
iron-clads, for the purpose of enfilading the 
works. The attacking squadron numbered 
thirty-three vessels of all kinds, mounting up- 
ward of four hundred guns, and was supported 
by a reserve of seventeen small gunboats with 
about one hundred guns. 

Shortly before one o'clock the Ironsides 
opened upon the fort, followed by the monitors, 
and within half an hour afterwards the Minne- 
sota, holding the left of the second line, suc- 
ceeded in obtaining the range. The rebels kept 
up an active fire while the squadron was get- 
ting into position, but the terrific broadsides of 
the Ironsides almost immediately silenced all 
their guns on the northeast face of the fort ; 
and by the time the last of the large vessels an- 
chored and got its batteries into play, but one 
or two guns were discharged from any part of 
the fort, the incessant and tremendous fire of 
the fleet, surpassing any thing previously known 
in naval warfare, having driven the gunners 
within the shelter of their bomb-proofs. "In 
one hour and fifteen minutes after the first shot 
was fired," says Admiral Porter, "not a shot 
came from the fort. Two magazines had been 
blown up by our shells, and the fort set on fire 
in several places, and such a torrent of missiles 



were falling into and bursting over it, that it 
was impossible for any human being to stand it. 
Finding that the batteries were silenced com- 
pletely, I directed the ships to keep up a mod- 
erate fire, in hopes of attracting the attention 
of the transports and bringing them in." In the 
latter part of the afternoon Gen. Butler arrived 
with a portion of his transports, and the fleet 
was signaUed to retire for the night for safe 
anchorage. During the four or five hours that 
the engagement lasted, only one vessel, the gun- 
boat Yautic, left the line to report damages, 
although several others were struck once or 
twice. The most serious disasters to the fleet 
were caused by the bursting of some of its own 
guns. Accidents of this kind occurred on the 
Ticonderoga, Yantic, Juniata, Mackinaw, Qua- 
ker City, and Susquehanna, resulting in the kill- 
ing and wounding of between forty and fifty 
oQicers and men. The pieces which exploded 
were 100-pounder Parrott guns, and the eflfect 
was to cause a great distrust in this species of 
ordnance, as unfit for service, and, to use the 
language of Admiral Porter, "calculated to 
kill more of our own men than those of the 
enemy." 

On the 25th the remaining transports arrived, 
and, in accordance with plans matured between 
the naval and military commanders on the pre- 
vious evening, another attack upon the fort by 
the fleet was determined on, in cooperation 
with an assault by the troops upon the land 
face. Under cover of a detachment of gunboats, 
the disembarkation of the troops commenced, 
shortly after noon, on the beach about three 
miles above the fort. A portion of Curtis's 
brigade of Ames's division landed first, and 
pushed forward to reconnoitre the immediate 
approaches to the fort, the fleet meanwhile 
keeping up a slow and deliberate fire of just 
suflScient force to occupy the enemy's attention 
and prevent them from opening upon the 
troops. The reconnoitring column, accompa- 
nied by Gen. Weitzel in person, approached so 
near to Fort Fisher that several men in the 
skirmish line were wounded by fragments of 
shells from the fleet. From a point eight hun- 
dred yards distant Gen. "Weitzel made a survey 
of the work, and the results of his personal ob- 
servation, together with information pre-vaous- 
ly received from trustworthy sources, induced 
him to report to Gen. Butler, upon his return 
to the transport fleet, that, under the circum- 
stances, it would be "butchery to order an as- 
sault." This opinion coincided with that al- 
ready formed by Gen. Butler, and orders were 
at once given to reembark the troops, all of 
whom, however, were not taken oflT until the 
next evening. During the advance of the re- 
connoitring column toward the fort, the garri- 
sons of the Flag "Pond and Half Moon batteries, 
numbering nearly three hundred officers and 
men, were captured. 

The following correspondence subsequently 
passed between Gen. Butler and Admiral 
Porter ; 



MILITARY ANT) NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



643 



HeADQ'ES Dep'T VlKGINlA AKD NOETH CaEOUNA, I 

December 25, 1S64. j 

Admiral : Upon landing the troops and making a 
thorough reconuoissance of Fort Fisher, both Gen- 
Weitzel and myself are fully of the opinion that the 
place could not be carried by assault, as it was left 
substantially uninjured as a defensive work by the 
navy fire. We found seventeen guns protected by 
traverses, two only of which were dismounted, bear- 
ing up the beach and covering a strip of land, the 
only practicable route, not more than wide enough 
for a thousand men in line of battle. 

Having captured Flag Pond Hill battery, the garri- 
son of which, sixty-five men and two commissioned 
officers, were taken oflf by the navy, we also cap- 
tured Half Moon battery and seven officers and two 
hundred and eighteen men of the 3d North Carolina 
Junior Reserves, including its commander, from 
whom I learned that a portion of Hoke's division, 
consisting of Kirkland's and Haywood's brigades, 
had been sent from the lines before Richmond on 
Tuesday last, arriving at Wilmington Friday night. 

Gen. Weitzel advanced his skirmish line within 
fifty yards of the fort, while the garrison was kept in 
their bomb-proofs by the fire of the navy, and so 
closely that three or four men of the picket line ven- 
tured upon the parapet, and through the sally-port 
of the work, capturing a horse, which they brought 
off, killing the orderly, who was the bearer of a de- 
spatch from the chief of artillery of Gen. Whiting to 
bring a light battery within the fort, and also brought 
away from the parapet the flag of the fort. This was 
done while the shells of the navy were falling about 
the heads of the daring men who entered the work, 
and it was evident, as soon as the fire of the navy 
ceased because of the darkness, that the fort was fully 
manned again, and opened with grape and canister 
upon our picket line. 

Finding that nothing but the operations of a regu- 
lar siege, which did not come within my instructions, 
would reduce the fort, and in view of the threatening 
aspect of the weather, wind arising from the south- 
east, rendering it impossible to make further landing 
through the surf, I caused the troops, with their pris- 
oners, to reembark, and see nothing further that can 
be done by the land forces. I shall therefore sail for 
Hampton Roads as soon as the transport fleet can be 
got in order. 

The engineers and officers report Fort Fisher to me 
as substantially uninjured as a defensive work. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your 
obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER. 

Maj.-Gen. Comni'g. 

To Rear Adm. Porter, Commanding N. A. Block- 
ading Squadron. 

North Atlantic SQirAD''N, IT. S. Fi-AGsnrp Malveen, ) 
Off New Inlet, December 26, 1864. j 

General : I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt 
of your letter of this date, the substance of which 
was communicated to me by Gen. Weitzel last night. 

I have ordered the largest vessels to proceed oft' 
Beaufort, and fill up with ammunition, to be ready 
for another attack in case it is decided to proceed 
with this matter by making other arrangements. We 
have not commenced firing rapidly yet, and could 
keep any rebels inside from showing their heads un- 
til an assaulting column was within twenty yards of 
the works. 

I wish some more of your gallant fellows had fol- 
lowed the officer who took the flag from the parapet 
and the brave fellow who brought the horse from the 
fort. I think they would have found it an easier con- 
quest than is supposed. I do not desire, however, 
to place my opinion in opposition to Gen. Weitzel, 
whom I know to be an accomplished soldier and en- 
gineer, and whose opinion has great weight with me» 

I will look out that the troops are all oflF in safety. 
We will have a west wind presently, and a smooth 
"beach about three o'clock, when sufficient boats will 
be sent for them. 



The prisoners now on board the Santiago de Cuba 
will be delivered to the Provost Marshal at Fortress 
Monroe, unless you wish to take them on board one 
of the transports, which would be inconvenient just 
now. 

I remain, General, respectfully, your obedient ser- 
vant, DAVID D PORTlER, Rear Admiral. 

To Maj.-Gen. B. F. Butler, Commanding, &c., Sec, 

For various reasons Admiral Porter was 
strongly opposed to abandoning the attack, and 
so expressed himself in his subsequent report 
to the Naval Department. "I don't pretend," 
he said, " to put my opinion in opposition to 
that of Gen. Weitzel, who is a thorough soldier 
and an able engineer, and whose business it is 
to know more of assaulting than I do, but I 
can't help thinking that it was worth while to 
make the attempt after coming so far." This 
was the view generally entertained by the pub- 
lic, who, accustomed of late to uninterrupted 
successes, chafed under this temporary check ; 
and to the general dissatisfaction caused by the 
abandonment of the enterprise and the return 
of the troops to Fortress Monroe is doitbtless 
partly to be attributed the order issued early in 
1865, relieving Gen. Butler from the command 
of the Army of the James. The enemy, with 
some degree of reason, claimed that the result 
of the expedition was a triumph for their arms, 
notwithstanding that during two whole days 
Fort Fisher had been silenced by the guns of 
the fleet; and a congratulatory order was 
issued by Gen. Bragg, in which a high compli- 
ment was paid to Gen. Whiting, Col. Lamb, 
and the officers and men of the garrison. Ac- 
cording to the rebel accounts the fort fired 
662 shots on the first day of the attack and 600 
on the second, and had 2 guns burst and 4 dis- 
abled. The garrison lost 3 killed and 55 
wounded. 

Admiral Porter remained oflf New Inlet a 
day or two after the departure of the trans- 
ports, but finding it hopeless to attempt the re- 
duction of the fort without the assistance of a 
land force, he withdrew his fleet to Beaufort, in 
the confident expectation that the troops 
would soon be ordered back again fi-om For- 
tress Monroe. In this he was not deceived, 
for scarcely had the news of the abandonment 
of the expedition been received at headquar- 
ters, than orders were issued for a renewal of 
the attempt. On January 2d, Gen. Terry, 
commanding the 1st division of the 24th corps, 
Army of the James, was ordered to take com- 
mand of the two divisions which had partici- 
pated in the first expedition, to which was 
added a brigade under Col, Abbott from his 
own division, and two batteries, the whole 
numbering somewhat more than 8,000 men. 
With these he proceeded on the 5th to For- 
tress Monroe, and thence to Beaufort, where 
on the 8th he arranged with Admiral Porter a 
plan of operations against Fort Fisher, Owing 
to unfavorable weather the transports were 
unable to arrive o^ New Inlet until late on the 
night of the 12th, Next morning commenced 
the disembarkation of the troops at a point 



644 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



about five miles above the fort, the fleet, with 
the esceptiou of the iron-clads, divided into 
three columns, covering the operation. One 
column moved a little to the northward of the 
landing place, to guard against any attack from 
the direction of Masonboro Inlet, and shelled 
the woods, which approach within about 300 
yards of the shore, without, however, provoking 
any reply. With the aid of 200 boats from the 
fleet, besides steam tugs, nearly the whole of the 
troops were landed between 8 a. m. and 3 p. m., 
each man carrying three days' rations, and forty 
rounds of ammunition. A sufiicient quantity 
of intrenching tools was also carried. The iron- 
clads, increased to five by the arrival of the moni- 
tor Saugus, meanwhile, from their old positions 
in front of Fort Fisher, had maintained a steady 
fire upon the work, in which, after the disem- 
barkation of the troops was concluded, they 
received the cooperation of columns 1 and 2 of 
the fleet, comprising all the large vessels, which 
were posted very nearly as at the first attack. 
Column 3 remained to cover the landmg and 
help get the field artillery, munitions, and com- 
missary stores on shore. 

The bombardment of the iron-clads was very 
eflective, and that of the combined iron-clads 
and wooden ships, lasting from 4.30 p. m. to 6 
p. M., the most tremendous, perhaps, in the an- 
nals of this or of any war, considering the 
weight of metal thrown, and the force with 
which it struck the fort. The iron-clads alone, 
with thirty guns, fired in the course of the day 
tipward of 2,000 shells, or about four per 
minute ; and during the grand bombardment it 
was reckoned that four shots were fired from 
the fieet each second, or about 20,000 in all. 
The rebels were pretty efifectually kept within 
the shelter of their bomb-proofs while this fexi 
(V infer continued, and could inflict but a trifling 
amount of damage upon the fleet. " Indeed," 
says Admiral Porter, "I do not see how they 
could fire at all after lines one and two got 
fairly anchored in position." At dark the 
wooden vessels drew oif for the night, but the 
ii-on-clads remained at their anchorage, firing 
an occasional shell. 

As soon as the troops were landed pickets 
were thrown out, who encountered the enemy's 
outposts ; and from a few prisoners taken short- 
ly afterward, it was ascertained that Hoke's 
division, stationed at Fort Fisher on the for- 
mer attack, and which it was supposed had been 
sent south, was still in the neighborhood. 
Gen. Terry's first object after landing was to 
throw a defensive line across the peninsula 
from Cape Fear River to the sea, to protect his 
rear from an attack from the direction of Wil- 
mington while he was operating against Fort 
Fisher. After two impracticable surveys, occu- 
pying many hours, a line was finally selected 
at 2 A. M. on the 14th, having an average dis- 
tance of about two miles from the fort. En- 
trenchments were at once commenced, and by 
8 o'clock on the morning of the 14th, a good 
breastwork, reaching from the river to the sea 



and partially covered by abatis, had been con- 
structed. During the day this work was con- 
siderably strengthened, and the artUlery, as fast 
as it was landed, was placed in position on the 
line. A careful reconnoissance satisfied Gen. 
Terry that, in view of the difiiculty of conduct- 
ing a regiilar siege on the nai'row and exposed 
peninsula in such an inclement season of the 
year, the better policy would be to attempt an 
immediate assault. This decision coincided 
with Admiral Porter's views, and both com- 
manders went heartily to work to arrange a 
plan of attack, the main feature of which, on 
the part of the navy, was to be a severe bom- 
bardment of the fort by the fleet, to cover the 
assaulting column, and to be continued against 
other parts of the work, after the assault had 
been commenced. It was also decided that the 
attack should be made at 3 p. m. of the 15th, and 
that the army should assault the western half 
of the land face, while a cooperating body of 
sailors and marines attacked the northeast 
bastion. A slow and deliberate fire was main- 
tained against the fort during the day, with the 
object mainly of dismounting or disabling the 
guns on that part of the work where the assault 
was to be made, and also of demolishing the pali- 
sade sufliciently to admit the passage of troops. 
At 11 A. M. of the 15th all the vessels of the 
fleet were in position and commenced a fire, 
"magnificent alike for its power and accuracy," 
which, as on previous occasions, silenced nearly 
every gun in the fort. Under its cover 1,600 
sailors, armed with cutlasses, revolvers, and car- 
bines, and 400 marines, and the whole command- 
ed by Fleet Captain K. R. Breese, were landed 
on the beach, and by digging rifle-pits worked 
their way up within 200 yards of the fort. The 
troops selected for the assault were Ames's 
division, comprising the brigades of Curtis, 
Pennybacker, and Bell, while Paine's division 
of ftolored troops and Abbott's brigade held 
the inti-enchments facing Wilmington, against 
which Hoke's troops, estimated at 5,000 strong, 
had begun to demonstrate. At 3.30 p. m. sig- 
nal was made from the shore to the fleet to 
change the direction of the fire, in order that 
the troops might assaiflt ; and soon afterwards 
the sailors rushed with reckless energy toward 
the parapet of the fort, which at once swarmed 
with rebel soldiers, who poured in upon them 
a murderous fire of musketry. The marines, 
who were to have covered the assaulting party, 
for some unexplained reason failed to fire upon 
the rebels on the parapet, all of whom, in the 
opinion of Admiral Porter, an eye-witness of 
the fight, might have been killed. " I saw," he 
said, " how recklessly the rebels exposed them- 
selves, and what an advantage they gave our 
sharpshooters, whose guns were scarcely fired, 
or fired with no precision. Notwithstanding 
the hot fire, oflicers and sailors in the lead 
rushed on, and some even reached the parapet, 
a large number having reached the ditch. The 
advance was swept from the parapet like chaff, 
and, notwithstanding all the efforts made by 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



645 



tlie commanders of companies to stay them, the 
men in the rear, seeing the slaughter in front, 
and that they were not covered by the marines, 
commenced to retreat ; and, as there is no stop- 
ping a sailor if he fails on such an occasion on 
the first rush, I saw the whole thing had to be 
given up," The attack on this part of the fort, 
though a failure, diverted a part of the enemy's 
attention, and rendered the work laid out for the 
main storming column of troops much easier. 

At the word of command, the division of 
Gen. Ames, which had been gradually drawn 
forward under the shelter of hastily-formed 
breastworks, rushed toward the fort, the brigade 
of Curtis taking the lead. The palisades had 
been so much injured by the fire of the fleet 
that a few vigorous strokes from the axemen 
sufficed to clear gaps for the passage of the 
troops, and in the face of a severe enfilading 
fire a lodgment was soon ettected on the west 
end of the land front. Pennybacker's and Bell's 
brigades followed in rapid succession, the latter 
moving between the work and the river. " On 
this side," says Gen. Terry, " there was no reg- 
ular parapet, but there was an abundance of 
cover afforded to the enemy by cavities from 
which sand had been taken for the parapet, the 
ruins of barracks and storehouses, the large ma- 
gazine, and by traverses behind which they 
stubbornly resisted our advance. Hand to hand 
fighting of the most desperate character ensued, 
the traverses of the land face being used suc- 
cessively by the enemy as breastworks, over 
the tops of which the contending parties fired 
in each other's faces. Nine of these were car- 
ried, one after the other, by our men." At five 
o'clock, when about half of the land front of 
the fort had been thus captured, it became ap- 
parent that more troops were needed to support 
the assaulting column, and Abbott's brigade 
was ordered up, its place in the defensive line 
facing Wilmington being supplied by the sailors 
and marines. The attack then Avent on with 
redoubled fury, the fire of "the navy meanwhile 
continuing upon that j)art of the work not 
occupied by the Federal troops, and upon the 
beach on Cape Fear River, under the apprehen- 
sion that reinforcements might be thrown over 
there by the rebels from the right bank of the 
river. All this time signals between the land 
and naval forces were exchanged with great 
exactness, and the cooperation between the two 
services was in the highest degree harmonious 
and useful. By 9 p. m. two more traverses 
were carried, and an hour later Abbott's brigade 
drove tlie enemy from their remaming strong- 
hold, and the occupation of the work was com- 
plete. The enemy fell gradually back' to Federal 
Point, where, being cut off from further retreat, 
they sm-rendered unconditionally about mid- 
night. About 4 p. M. Hoke had advanced against 
Paine's division, as if intending a general assault, 
but retired after a slight skirmish with the out- 
posts. The garrison originally numbered over 
2,300 men, of whom 1,971, with 112 officers, 
were captured. The rest were killed and 



wounded. Their commanders. Gen. Whiting 
and Col. Lamb, were captured, badlywounded. 
Of the three brigade commanders of Ames's 
division, Curtis and Pennybacker were severely, 
and Bell was mortally wounded, and the total 
Federal loss, according to official accounts, 
footed up as follows : 



Curtis's brigade 

Pennybacker's brigade. 

Bell's brigade 

Abbott's brigade 



Total 

Aggregate , 



Killed. 

Officers, 1 Men. 



11 



Wounded. Miss. 

Officers. I Men. Men. 



166 
183 
105 

18 



11 



92 
C91 



The fleet snflfered a loss of between two and 
three hundred in kiUed and wounded, princi- 
pally in the assaulting column of sailors and 
marines, and two 15-inch guns were exploded 
on board the monitors. In other respects the 
ships experienced little damage. 

The greater part of the guns of the fort were 
dismounted, or otherwise injured by the fire 
of the fleet, but the work itself received no 
damage which was not susceptible of immediate 
repair, its strength being about the same as 
before the bombardment. According to Admi- 
ral Porter, who had visited the Malakoff" during 
the siege of Sebastopol, it was a much more 
formidable work than that celebrated strong- 
hold, and its capture caused an almost unprece- 
dented rejoicing throughout the United States. 
The capture of the fort having sealed the fate 
of the rebel supremacy in Cape Fear River, 
their remaining woi'ks covering the mouth of 
the river, including Fort Caswell and the forts at 
Smith's Island, Smithville, and Reeves's Point, 
together with the gunboats Ohickamauga and 
Tallahassee, were destroyed or evacuated, 
whereby 169 guns and large amounts of ammu- 
nition and commissary stores fell into the hands 
of the Federals. Among the guns were some 
English ones of Sir William Armstrong's make. 
Admiral Porter immediately sent some of his 
light draught gunboats into the river, and hj a 
skilful ruse decoyed several blockade-runners 
under the shelter of Fort Caswell, where they 
were of course speedily captured. 

The operations of the South Atlantic Squad- 
ron were much curtailed by a variety of circum- 
stances, the chief of which was the withdra^'al 
of the greater part of the troops of the De- 
partment of the South, under Gen. Gfllmore, to 
reenforce the Army of the James. Deprived 
of this necessary cooperative branch. Admiral 
Dahlgren found it impossible to make any 
serious demonstration against Charleston, and 
the fleet in that quarter was principally em- 
ployed in blockade duties. A detachment of 
vessels cooperated in the St. John's River with 
the army movements in Florida in the spring, 
and subsequently in demonstrations against 
James's Island, Bull's Bay, and other places. 
On Feb. 17th the gunboat Housatonic was de- 
stroyed by a toriDcdo off' Charleston, and two 



646 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



small armed steamers, tlie Columbine and 
Water Witch, fell into the enemy's hands in 
the com'se of the year. 

The chief events in the history of the West 
Gulf squadron were those connected with the 
capture of the fortifications guarding the en- 
trance to the hay of Mobile, and the consequent 
closing of that port against the blockade-run- 
ners. Although in many respects it was de- 
sirable to obtain possession of these works, the 
exigencies of the service in other quarters had 
not previously permitted the cooperation of so 
large a body of troops as was needed for the 
undertaking. The rebels availed themselves of 
this circumstance to construct several iron- 
clads and armed vessels, and threatened to 
raise the blockade of Mobile. Early in the 
year Admiral Farragut reconnoitred the ap- 
proaches to the city, and offered, with the as- 
sistance of an iron-clad or two and a few thou- 
sand troops, to gain full possession of the bay ; 
but as neither of these could at once be obtain- 
ed, he was forced to confine himself to threat- 
ening demonstrations, although, as he privately 
informed the Naval Department, should the 
rebel iron-clads come out to attack his wooden 
fleet, the issue would necessarily be a doubtful 
one. He, however, expi-essed himself in readi- 
ness to measure his strength with Admiral Bu- 
chanan, whenever ibhe latter should venture to 
ofl:er battle, and kept his fleet in constant readi- 
ness for such a contingency. 

At length, in the latter part of July, Admiral 
Farragut received an addition of four monitors 
to his squadron, the Tecumseh, Winnebago, 
Manhattan, and Chickasaw, and a cooperative 
land force under Gen. Granger was promised 
by Gen. Canby, commanding the military di- 
vision of the southwest. The entrance to Mo- 
bile Bay is divided by Dauphin Island into two 
passages, the easterly of which is about four 
miles wide and twenty feet deep, and the other 
a shallow strait of not above five feet depth. 
On either side of the main channel stand Forts 
Gaines and Morgan, the former occupying the 
east end of Dauphin Island, and the latter the 
end of a long sandy point which makes out into 
the bay directly opposite. The channel runs 
close under the guns of Fort Morgan, and a 
large part of it had been obstructed with piles 
and torpedoes. Fort Morgan was a powerful 
stone, casemated work, mounting forty-eight 
guns, including some of very heavy calibre, and 
the armament of Fort Gaines consisted of twen- 
ty-one guns. About a mile distant from Fort 
Gaines, on Dauphin Island, was Fort Powell, a 
lesser work, adjoining which were a water bat- 
tery and some earthworks. On the evening of 
Aug. 4th the monitors and wooden vessels were 
all assembled off the bar of Mobile Bay, and at 
5.40 A. M. of the 5th the whole fleet moved up 
the bay in the following order, two abreast and 
lashed together : the Brooklyn with the Octo- 
rara on the port side, the Ilartford and Meta- 
comet, the Richmond and Port Royal, the 
Lackawanna and Seminole, the Monougahela 



and Kennebec, the Ossipee and Itasca, and the 
Oneida and Galena. Between the four first 
couples and Fort Morgan, at a distance of about 
two hundred yards from the latter, moved the 
monitors, headed by the Tecumseh, for the 
double purpose of keeping down the fire of the 
water-battery and parapet guns of the fort, and 
attacking the rebel iron-clads when the fort 
was passed. The object of coupling the wooden 
ships, an expedient as novel as it was ingenious, 
was to insure mutual protection by enabling 
each to tow along its consort, in case the latter 
should be crippled. The Admiral was on 
board his flag-ship the Hartford, and in order 
to get an unobstructed view of operations, and 
to give his orders with clearness, caused him- 
self to be lashed to the main-top. 

At about seven o'clock, as the head of the 
column came abreast of the fort, the latter 
opened fire, and the action soon became general. 
The enemy confidently expected, from the close 
quarters at which the fighting was to take 
place, to be able to sink or disable several of 
the attacking vessels. But here, as at the pas- 
sage of the forts in Mississippi in 1862, Farragut 
converted what might well have seemed a dis- 
advantage into a positive advantage to himself, 
by pouring such continuous broadsides into the 
fort as to drive the gunners from their guns, 
and enable the ships to pass with comparatively 
slight damage. At Y.40, while the firing was 
at its height, and the fleet making rapid pro- 
gress in spite of the obstructions in its path, 
the monitor Tecumseh struck a torpedo, which 
blew a large hole through her bottom, just un- 
der the tun-et, and almost imediately she filled 
with water and sank. At this moment the 
Brooklyn, by backing her engines to avoid tor- 
pedoes, temporarily arrested the progress of the 
fleet, and the Admiral, regardless of torpedoes, 
at once dashed to the head of the column, first 
despatching a boat from the Metacomet to pick 
up the survivors of the Tecumseh. Of these 
only four ofiicers and seventeen men were 
found ; four swam ashore and were made pris- 
oners, and the rest, with her commander, 
T. A. M. Craven, were drowned. 

Soon after eight o'clock the whole column 
had passed the forts, with no serious disaster 
beyond the loss of the Tecumseh. The Oneida, 
which brought up the rear, and was conse- 
quently more exposed to the fire of the fort 
than the rest of the fleet, had her boiler pene- 
trated by a T-inch rifle-shell, and was deprived 
of motive power ; but she \vas towed safely 
along by her consort, the Galena, and made 
good use of her guns until the fort was passed. 
Meanwhile the rebel fleet, consisting of the 
iron-clad ram Tennessee and the gunboats Sel- 
ma, Gaines, and Morgan, had held a position 
inside the bay a little north of Fort Morgan, 
whence they poured a galling fire upon the fleet. 
Tiie Tennessee, under the immediate command 
of Admiral Buchanan, made a dash "at the 
Hartford and several other ships, during the 
passage of the fort, but subsequently sought 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



647 



shelter under its guns ; and under the suppo- 
sition that she had retired from the fight, Ad- 
miral Farragut ordered the fleet to cast off 
their couplings and come to anchor, with the 
exception of the light-draught gunboats, which 
were directed to pursue and destroy the Selma, 
Morgan, and Gaines. The Metaconiet captured 
the Selma after a brisk engagement, but the 
Morgan and Gaines succeeded in getting under 
the protection of Fort Morgan. The former 
subsequently crept along the shore during the 
night into Mobile, but the latter was so serious- 
ly injured that she had to be destroyed. Sev- 
eral of the large ships were already at anchor, 
when, shortly before nine o'clock, the Tennes- 
see was seen standing toward the Hartford, 
with the desperate intention apparently of 
fighting single-handed the whole fleet. Of the 
singular combat that followed, the following 
description is given by Admiral Farragut : 

I was not long in comprehending his intentions to 
be the destruction of the flag-ship. The monitors, 
and such of the wooden vessels as I thought best 
adapted for the purpose, were immediately ordered 
to attack the ram, not only with their guns, but 
bows on at full speed, and then began one of the 
fiercest naval combats on record. The Monongahela, 
Commander Strong, was the first vessel that struck 
her, and in doing so carried away his own iron prow, 
together with the cutwater, without apparently do- 
ing her adversary much injury. The Lackawanna, 
Capt. Marchand, was the next vessel to strike her, 
which she did at full speed ; but though her stem 
was cut and crushed to the plank ends for the dis- 
tance of three feet above the water's edge to five feet 
below, the only perceptible effect on the ram was to 
give her a heavy list. The Hartford was the third 
vessel which struck her, but, as the Tennessee quick- 
ly shifted her helm, the blow was a glancing one, 
and as she rasped along our side, we poured our 
whole port broadside of 9-inch solid shot within ten 
feet of her casement. The monitors worked slowly, 
but delivered their fire as opportunity offered. The 
Chickasaw succeeded in getting under her stern, and 
a 15-inch shot from the Manhattan broke through 
her iron plating and heavy wooden backing, though 
the missile itself did not enter the vessel. Immedi- 
ately after the collision with the flag-ship I directed 
Capt. Drayton to bear down for the ram again. He 
was doing so at full speed, when, unfortunately, the 
Lackawanna run into the Hartford just forward of the 
mizzen-mast, cutting her down to within two feet of 
the water's edge. We soon got clear again, how- 
ever, and were fast approaching our adversary, when 
she struck her colors and run up the white flag. 

She was at this time sore beset; the Chickasaw 
was pounding away at her stern, the Ossipee was 
approaching her at full speed, and the Monongahela, 
Lackawanna, and this ship were bearing down upon 
her, determined upon her destruction. Her smoke- 
stack had been shot away, her steering chains were 
gone, compelling a resort to her relieving tackles, 
and several of her port shutters were jammed. In- 
deed, from the time the Hartford struck her until 
her surrender, she never fired a gun. As the Ossi- 
pee, Commander Le Roy, was about to strike her, 
she hoisted the white flag, and that vessel immedi- 
ately stopped her engine, though not in time to avoid 
a glancing blow. During this contest with the rebel 
gunboats and the ram Tennessee, and which termi- 
nated by her surrender at 10 o'clock, we lost many 
more men than from the fire of the batteries of Fort 
Morgan. 

The Tennessee, as was effectually shown by 
the determined resistance which she made, was 



perhaps the strongest vessel ever constructed 
by the enemy. She was 209 feet in length, 
with a breadth of beam of 48 feet, had in the 
centre an external casement, with sloping sides, 
about 80 feet in length by 30 feet in breadth, and 
drew about 14 feet of water. Her deck was 
plated with 2 inches of wrought-iron, her sides 
with 4 inches, and her casemate with from 5 to 
6 inches. Her armament consisted of 4 6-inch 
broadside rifles, and 2 T-inch pivot rifles, all of 
the Brooks pattern. But one shot, a 15-inch 
one from the Manhattan, penetrated her armor, 
and, in view of the hard ponnding which she 
received, her injuries were on the whole incon- 
siderable. Admiral Buchanan lost a leg in the 
action, and ten or twelve of the crew were 
killed and wounded. The prisoners surrendered 
numbered 20 officers and about 170 men; and 
those on the Selma, 90 officers and men. The 
casualties in the fleet, exclusive of those on 
board the Tecumseh, were 52 killed and 170 
wounded. 

Meanwhile, on the 4th, a cooperative body 
of troops under Gen. Granger had landed on 
Dauphin Island, in accordance with an arrange- 
ment between Admiral Farragut and Gen. 
Canby,and commenced the siege of Fort Gaines. 
The rebel commander. Colonel Anderson, seeing 
that the Federal fleet held uninterrupted pos- 
session of Mobile Bay, concluded that further 
resistance was hopeless, and on the 7th sur- 
rendered "his garrison of 818 men uncondition- 
ally. Fort Powell had been blown up by the 
rebels on the evening of the 5th. These ob- 
structions being removed and Grant's Pass se- 
cured, the fleet was relieved from any appre- 
hensions with regard to obtaining supplies ; but 
it was nevertheless determined to complete the 
work originally undertaken by the capture of 
Fort Morgan, which still held out. The troops 
were accordingly transferred to the rear of the 
fort, and lines of investment drawn across the 
sandy spit on which it is situated. On the 22d, 
fire was opened from the shore batteries and 
the fleet, and on the next day Gen. Page, the 
rebel commander, surrendered unconditionally. 
When possession was taken of the work it was 
found that, with what Admiral Farragut called 
" childish spitefulness," he had destroyed many 
of the guns and other property which had been 
surrendered. Thenceforth during the year 
Mobile was effectually cut off' from external 
commerce. 

In the course of the year, says the Secretary 
of the Navy, " the three English-built piratical 
cruisers which, under the rebel flag, have, dur- 
ing the last two years, roamed the seas, robbing 
and destroying our merchantmen, shunning all 
armed antagonists, and have found refuge and 
protection, and too often supplies aud other 
assistance, in neutral ports, have terminated 
their predatory career." These were the Ala- 
bama, the Florida, and the Georgia — the first 
sunk off Cherbourg by the Kearsarge, the second 
captured in Bahia harbor by the Wachusett, 
and the third captured at sea, off the coast of 



648 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



Portugal, by the Niagara. Early in June the 
Alabama, after a prosijerous career among the 
American merchantmen in the Southern At- 
lantic and Indian Oceans, retm-ned to northern 
waters and put into Cherbourg. Tlie Kear- 
sarge, Captain John A. Wiuslow, then lying at 
Flushing, immediately sailed for Cherbourg to 
watch the movements of the Alabama ; and on 
June 15th her commander received a note from 
Caj)tain Semmes of the privateer, announcing 
his intention to fight the Kearsarge, and beg- 
ging Captain Winslow not to depart until the 
two vessels could have an opportunity to meas- 
ure their strength. As this was precisely what 
the Federal commander desired, he willingly 
awaited the movements of his adversary. The 
relative proportions and armaments of the two 
antagonists were as follows : 

Alabama. Kearsarge. 

Length over all 220 feet 2U\ feet. 

Length on water line 210 " 198.} '• 

Beam 82 " S3 " 

Depth 17 " 16 " 

Horse-power, two engines of. 800 each. 400 h. power. 
Tonnage 1,150 1,030 

Armaine7it of the Alabama.^Orxe T-inch Blakely rifle ; 
one 8-inch smooth-bore 6S-povmder ; six 82-pounders. 

Armament of the Kearsage. — Two 11-inch smooth-bore 
guns ; one 80-pbuncler rifle ; four 82-pounder8. 

The Kearsarge had twenty-two officers and 
one hundred and forty men, and the Alabama, 
so far as can be ascertained, about one hundred 
and forty ofiicers and men, the greater part of 
the ship's company consisting of British sub- 
jects. Her gunners were trained artillerists 
from the British practice-ship Excellent. Avail- 
ing himself of an ingenious expedient for the 
protection of his machinery, first adopted by 
Admiral Farragut in running past the rebel 
forts on the Mississippi in 1862, Capt» "Winslow 
had hung all his spare anchor-cable over the 
midship section of the Kearsarge on either side ; 
and in order to make the addition less unsight- 
ly, the cliains were boxed over with inch deal 
boards, forming a sort of case, which stood out 
at right angles to the side of the vessel. 

At twenty minutes past ten on Sunday morn- 
ing, June 19th, the Alabama was seen standing 
out from Cherbourg harbor, accompanied by 
the French iron-clad Couronne, and followed 
by the steam yacht Deer-hound, whose owner, 
an Englishmen named Lancaster, was on board 
with his family, ostensibly to witness the en- 
gagement, but really, as it subsequently ap- 
peared, to act as a tender to the Alabama. 
Upon seeing the Alabama approach, Capt. Win- 
slow kept out to sea a few miles, in order "that 
the positions of the ships should be so far off 
shore that no questions could be advanced about 
the line of jurisdiction." Upon reaching a point 
about seven miles from the land the Kearsai'ge 
put about, and steered directly for the Alabama, 
which first opened tire at a range of about a 
mile. The following account of the fight that 
ensued is given by Capt. Winslow : 

Immediately I ordered more speed; but in two 
minutes the Alabama bad again loaded, and fired an- 
other broadside, and following it with a third, with- 
out damaging us except in rigging. We bad now ar- 



rived within nine hundred yards of her, and I was 
apprehensive that another broadside, nearly raking 
as it was, would prove disastrous. I accordingly 
ordered the Kearsarge sheered, and opened on the 
Alabama. 

The positions of the vessels were now broadside 
to broadside, but it was soon apparent that Captain 
Semmes did not seek close action. I became then 
fearful lest, after some fighting, that he would again 
make for the shore. To defeat this I determined to 
keep full speed on, and with a port helm to run under 
the stern of the Alabama, and rake, if he did not 
prevent it by sheering and keeping his broadside to 
us. He adopted this mode as a preventive, and, as 
a consequence, the Alabama was forced, with a full 
head of steam, into a circular track during the en- 
gagement. 

The effect of this manoeuvre was such that, at the 
last of the action, when the Alabama would have 
made ofi', she was near five miles from the shore ; and 
had the action continued from the first in parallel 
lines, with her bead in shore, the line of jurisdiction 
would no doubt have been reached. 

The firing of the Alabama from the first was rapid 
and wild ; toward the close of the action her firing 
became better. Our men, who bad been cautioned 
against rapid firing without du'ect aim, were much 
more deliberate ; and the instructions given to point 
the heavy guns below rather than above the water 
line, and clear the deck with the lighter ones, were 
fully observed. I had endeavored with a port helm 
to close in with the Alabama, but it was not until 
just before the close of the action that we were in a 
position to use grape ; this was avoided, however, by 
her surrender. The eifect of the training of our men 
was evident ; nearly every shot from our guns was 
telling fearfully on the Alabama, and on the seventh 
rotation on the circular track she winded, setting 
fore trysail and two jibs, with head in shore. 

Her speed was now retarded, and by winding her 
port broadside was presented to us with only two 
guns bearing, not having been able, as I learned af- 
terward, to shift over but one. I saw now that she 
was at our mercy, and a few more guns well directed 
brought down her flag. I was unable to ascertain 
whether they had been hauled down or shot away, 
but a white flag having been displayed over the stern, 
followed by two guns fired to leeward, our fire was 
reserved. Two minutes had not more than elapsed 
before she again opened on us with the two guns on 
the port side. This drew our fire again, and the 
Kearsarge was immediately steamed ahead and lay 
across her bows for raking. 

The white flag was still flying, and our fire was 
again reserved. Shortly after this her boats were 
seen to be lowering, and an ofiicer in one of them 
came alongside and informed us the ship had surren- 
dered and was fast sinking. In twenty minutes from 
this time the Alabama went down, her mainmast, 
which had received a shot, breaking near the head 
as she sunk, and her bow rising high out of the water 
as her stern rapidly settled. The fire of the Alabama, 
although it is stated she discharged three hundred 
and seventy or more shell and shot, was r.ot of seri- 
ous damage to the Kearsarge. Some thirteen or four- 
een of these had taken eft'ect in and about the hull, and 
sixteen or seventeen about the waste and rigging. 

The boats of the Kearsarge were at once sent 
to receive the officers and crew of the Alabama, 
but so rapidly did she go down that it was im- 
possible to save them all without assistance. 
Capt. Winslow accordingly requested the Deer- 
hound, whicli had meanwhile come alongside, 
to assist in the rescue of liis prisoners. The 
crew of the privateer were by this time strug- 
gling for their lives in the water, and many of 
the wounded men went down. In the confusion 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



649 



of the moment the Deerhound, after picking up 
forty-one persons, including Semmes, Avho was 
wounded, steamed off toward the EngUsh coast, 
and when observed had got too much the start 
to be overhauled. The total number brought 
on board the Kearsarge was sixty-nine, of whom 
seventeen were wounded; and twelve were 
picked, up and carried into Cherbourg by two 
French pilot boats. Several of the wounded 
died soon after, and the total number of officers 
and men belonging to the Alabama who were 
landed in France or England, amounted to one 
hundred and fifteen. The casualties of the 
Kearsarge amounted to only three wounded. 
This most remarkable sea tight between single 
ships that has occurred within the century was 
witnessed by thousands of spectators on the 
French shore, and the result produced a pro- 
found impression in Europe and America. The 
conduct of Semmes in throwing his sword into 
the sea after sm-rendering, and also in allowing 
himself to be carried into a neutral port by the 
Deerhound, formed the subject of severe stric- 
tures in the United States. 

The Florida, while lying in the neutral port of 
Bahia, Brazil, was captured by Oapt. N. Collins 



of the "Wachusett, as appears by the following 
brief report : 

St. Thomas, "W. I. Islands, Oct. 31. 
Hon. Gideon Welles. Sir : I have the honor to 
report the arrival here of this ship, with the rebel 
steamer Florida in company. The Florida, with 58 
men and 12 oflBcers, was captured about 3 o'clock on 
the morning of the 7th of October, in the bay of San 
Salvador, Brazil, by the officers and crew of this ves- 
sel, without loss of life. We also captured five of the 
officers, including her commander. The remainder 
of her crew were on shore. 

The Florida had her mizzon-mast and raain-yard 
carried away and her bulwarks cut down. This ves- 
sel sustained no injury, A detailed report will be 
handed to you by Paymaster W. W. WiUiams. 
Verv respectfully your obd'nt serv't, 
N. COLLINS, Com. U. S. Steam-sloop Wachusett. 

In November the Florida was brought into 
Hampton Roads, and while lying there to await 
the decision of the delicate international ques- 
tions which her capture evolved, was accident- 
ally run into by a steam transport and sunk. 

The Georgia was captured by the Niagara on 
August 15th. Although having no armament 
on board at the time, she was seized as a law- 
ful prize, and sent to the United States for ad- 
judication. 



CHAPTER XLYIII. 



BTmnber of Southern Troops — Meastu-es to arm the Slaves — Objections — Eecniiting the Union Armies — Military Depart- 
ments — Condition of the Southern States — Debt — Paper Currency — Peace Movements — Gilmore and Jacques — Un- 
ofScJal Conference at Clifton — Proceedings at S^rtress Monroe — Report of President Lincoln — Report of Messrs. Ste- 
phens, Hunter, and Campbell — Action of Congress relative to Slaves — Finances of the Federal Government — Exchange 
of Prisoners. 



It is proper to notice the measures which 
had been adopted to maintain the large armies 
whicTi fought the battles in 1864. The acts of 
the Congress at Richmond, by which their 
armies were formed, were revised at the be- 
ginning of 1864. On December 28, 1863, it 
was enacted that no person liable to military 
service should be permitted, or allowed to fur- 
nish a substitute for such service ; on January 5, 
1864, it was enacted that no person liaWe to 
military service should be exempted by reason 
of his having furnished a substitute. In Feb- 
ruary, a general military act was passed. 

Under the provisions of this biU, almost the 
whole male population could be employed either 
in the army or in raising supplies. On the 
5th of October, an order was issued revoking 
all details, furloughs, and temporary exemp- 
tions of men, between the ages of eighteen and 
forty-five. At the session in December, 1864, 
a new bill was introduced which omitted the 
exemption of fifteen field hands. 

These acts were never executed strictly. In 
November the States of North Carolina and 
Georgia had respectively fourteen thousand 
and fifteen thousand exempts acting as State 
officers. More than thirty thousand were esti- 
mated to be exempted as State officers by the 



Conscription Bureau, and a hundred thousand 
from physical disability. The number of phy- 
sicians exempted was estimated between three 
and four thousand ; and farmers, one hundred 
and fourteen thousand. 

No facts can at present be obtained by which 
to determine the strength of the armies in the 
field, or the real military power of the Con- 
federacy. The following estimate was jiub- 
lished at Richmond, Dec, 1864 : 

Kumher between 17 and 50 in 1860 1,299,700 

Arrived at IT since IStiO 831,650 

Total 1,631,850 

Deduct for ordinary mortality 200,000 

For population within enemy's lines 340,515 

For losses in battle, and by imusual dis- 
eases 225,000 

765,515 

Remainder 865,835 

Deduct 10 per cent, for exemptions for 

disability and other causes 86,534 

Prisoners in the enemy's hands 50,000 

136,584 

Subject to military duty 729,251 

Left the country 36,462 

Total 692,789 

It was also, stated at that time that if one- 
third of this number (230,932) were added to 
the army in the field, it would consist of 



650 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOET OF THE EEBELLIOF. 



461,844 men. From this it might be infeiTecI 
that the force then in the field was 230,912. 
This is about the number of veteran troops 
estimated to be in the service at the beginning 
of the year, to Avhich 120,000 conscripts were 
added. The number of youths passing annually 
from sixteen to seventeen years of age, was 
estimated at 62,000. 

The Secretary of War, in his report at the 
session of Congress in JSTovember, alludes to the 
enlistment of negroes as at that time unneces- 
sary. He says : 

"While it is encouraging to know this resource for 
further and future efforts at our command, my own 
judgment does not yet either perceive the necessity 
or approve the policy of employing slaves in the 
higher duties of soldiers; they are confessedly infe- 
rior in all respects to our white citizens in the quali- 
fications of the soldier, and I have thought we have 
withiu the military age as large a proportion of our 
whole population as will be required or can be ad- 
vantageously employed in active military operations. 
If, then, the negro be employed in the war, the infe- 
rior is preferred to the superior agent for the work. 
In such a war as this, waged against foes bent with 
malignant persistence on our destruction, and for all 
that man holds priceless — the most vital work is that 
of the soldier, and for it wisdom and duty require the 
most fitting workmen. The superior instrumentali- 
ties should be preferred. It will not do, in my opin- 
ion, to risk our liberties and safety on the negro 
while the white man may be called to the sacred duty 
of defence. For the present it seems best to leave 
the subordinate labors of society to the negro, and to 
impose its highest, as now existing, on the superior 
class. 

The use of the slaves as soldiers with the re- 
ward of freedom to those who survived, was 
strongly advocated during the year. From the 
beginning of hostilities they were the laborers 
on the fortifications in all parts of the Confed- 
eracy. At the same early period both the fi-ee 
and slave oifered their services, and the former 
in considerable numbers enrolled themselves. 
In June, 1861, the Legislature of Tennessee 
passed an act to authorize the Governor to re- 
ceive into the military service free persons of 
color between the ages of fifteen and fifty. 
Pay and rations were assigned to them. In 
September one regiment, numbering fourteen 
hundred, appeared on the field at the review 
of troops in New Orleans. In February, 1862, 
the subject of enrolling the free negroes was 
discussed in the Legislature of Virginia, and 
an act passed to provide for their enlistment. 
The next step was the threat to draft slaves 
to work on the fortifications when refused to 
hire them. This was made by Gov. Brown, 
of Georgia, in November, 1862. During the 
next year they were extensively employed as 
pioneers, sappers, cooks, nurses, and teamsters, 
and their employment as a military arm in 
defence of the country was advocated in Con- 
gress. In February, 1864, Congress passed an 
act making all "male free negroes (with cer- 
tain exceptions) between the ages of eighteen 
and fifty," liable to perform such duties in the 
army, or in connection witli the military de- 
fences of the country, in the way of work upon 



fortifications, or in Government works, etc., as 
the Secretary of War might from time to time 
prescribe, and providing them rations, clothing, 
and compensation. The Secretary of War waa 
also authorized to employ for similar duty 
twenty thousand male negro slaves, and their 
owners were guaranteed against escape or 
death. He was authorized to impress the 
slaves when he could not hire th em ; and gen- 
eral orders No. 32, March 11, 1864, directed 
the enrolment of the free negroes, and their 
assignment to the performance of the duties 
mentioned in the act. Also the employment 
and impressment of slaves was ordered by the 
same general orders. 

A bill to arm the slaves passed the House of 
Congress in the spring of 1865, but was lost in 
the Senate by one vote. The Legislature of 
Virginia insti-ucted her Senators to vote for it. 
Whereupon it was reconsidered in the Senate 
in the following form : 

A Bill to Increase tlie Military Forces of the Confeder- 
ate States. 

The Congress of the Confederate State,? of America 
do enact, That in order to provide additional forces 
to repel invasion, maintain the rightful possession of 
the Confederate States, secure their independence, 
and preserve their institutions, the President be, 
and he is hereby, authorized to ask for and accept 
from the owners of slaves the services of such number 
of able-bodied negro men as he may deem expedient, 
for and during the war, to perform military service 
in whatever capacity he may direct. 

Section 2. That the General-in-Chief be authorized 
to organize the said slaves into companies, battalions, 
regiments, and brigades, under such rules and regu- 
lations as the Secretary of War may prescribe, and 
to be commanded by such officers as the President 
may appoint. 

Sec. 3. That while employed in the service the 
said troops shall receive the same rations, clothing, 
and compensation as are allowed to other troops in 
the same branch of the service. 

Sec. 4. That if, under the previous section ^ this 
act, the President shall not be able to raise a sutfi- 
cient number of troops to prosecute the war success- 
fully and maintain the sovereignty of the States and 
the independence of the Confederate States, then he 
is hereby authorized to call on each State, whenever 
he thinks it expedient, for her quota of three hun- 
dred thousand troops, in addition to those subject to 
military service under existing laws, or so many 
thereof as the President may deem necessary, to be 
raised from such classes of the population, irrespect- 
ive of color, in each State, as the proper authorities 
thereof may determine. 

Sec. 5. That nothing in this act shall be construed 
to authorize a change in the relation of the said slave. 

The Senate amended it as follows : 

Provided, That not more than twenty-five per cent, 
of the male slaves between the ages of eighteen and 
forty-five in any State shall be called for under the 
provisions of this act. 

It was then passed and sent to the House, 
where the amendment was approved by the 
following vote : 

Yeas. — Messrs. Anderson, Barksdale, Batson, Bav 
lor, Blaudford, Bradley, H. W. Bruce, Carroll, Clark 
Clopton, Conrad, Darden, De Jarnette, Dickinson 
Dupre, Elliott, Evving, Fnnstein, Gaither, Goode 
Gray, Ilanlcy, Johnston, Keeble, Lyon, Machen 
Marshall, McMullen, Menees, Miller, Moore, Murray, 



MILITAKY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



651 



Perkins, Read, Eussell, Simpson, Snead, Staples, 
Triplett, and Villere— 40. 

Nats. — Messrs. Atkins, Baldwin, Chambers, Col- 
yar, Cruikshank, Fuller, Gholson, Gilmer, Hart- 
ridge, Hatcher, Herbert, Holliday, J. M. Leach, J. 
T. Leach, Logan, McCallum, Ramsay, Rogers, Sex- 
ton, J. M. Smith, Smith of North Carolina, Turner, 
Wickham, Wilkes, Witherspoon, Mr. Speaker — 26. 

"When the bill was on its passage in the 
Senate, after the instructions of the Vu-ginia 
Legislature, Mr. Hunter, of Virginia, said: 
When we left the old Government we had 
thought we had got rid forever of the sla- 
very agitation ; that we were entering into a 
new Confederacy of homogeneous States where 
the agitation of the slavery question, which had 
become intolerable under the old Union, was 
to have no place. But to his surprise he finds 
that this Government assumes the power to 
arm the slaves, which involves also the power 
of emancipation. To the agitation of this ques- 
tion, the assumption of this power, he dated 
the origin of the gloom which now overspreads 
our people. They knew that if our liberties 
were to be achieved it was to be done by the 
hearts and the hands of free men. It also in- 
jured us abroad. It was regarded as a confes- 
sion of despair and an abandonment of the 
ground upon which we had seceded from the 
old Union. We had insisted that Congress had 
no right to interfere with slavery, and upon 
the coming into power of the party who, it was 
known, would assume and exercise that power, 
we seceded. We had also then contended that 
whenever the two races were thrown together, 
one must be master and the other slave, and 
we vindicated ourselves against the accusations 
of Abolitionists by asserting that slavery was 
the best and happiest condition of the negro. 
Now what does this proposition admit? The 
right of the central Government to put the 
slaves into the militia, and to emancipate at 
least so many as shall be placed in the military 
service. It is a clear claim of the central Gov- 
ernment to emancipate the slaves. 

If we are right in passing this measure we 
were wrong in denying to the old Government 
the right to interfere with the _ institution of 
slavery and to emancipate slaves. Besides, if 
we offer slaves their freedom as a boon, we con- 
fess that we were insincere, were hypocritical, 
in asserting that slavery was the best state for 
the negroes themselves. He had been sincere 
in declaring that the central Government had 
no power over the institution of slavery, and 
that freedom would be no boon to the negro. 

He now believed, as he had formerly said in 
discussion on the same subject, that arming 
and emancipatmg the slaves was an abandon- 
ment of this contest — an abandonment of the 
grounds upon which it had been undertaken. 
If this is so, who is to answer for the hundreds 
of thousands of men who had been slain in the 
war ? Who was to answer for them before the 
bar of Heaven ? Not those who had entered 
into the contest upon principle and adhered to 
the principle, but those who had abandoned 



the principle. Not for all the gold in Cali- 
fornia would he have put his name to such a 
measure as this, unless obliged to do it by in- 
structions. As long as he was free to vote 
from his own convictions nothing could have 
extorted it from him. 

Mr. Hunter then argued the necessity of 
freeing the negroes if they were made soldiers. 
There was something in the human heart and 
head that tells us it must be so ; when they 
come out scarred from this conflict they must be 
free. If we could make them soldiers, the con- 
dition of the soldier being socially equal to any 
other in society, we could make them oflScers, 
perhaps, to command white men. Some future 
ambitious President might use the slaves to 
seize the liberties of the country, and put the 
white men under his feet. The Government 
had no power under the Constitution to arm 
and emancipate the slaves, and the Constitution 
granted no such great powers by implication. 

Mr. Hunter then showed from statistics that 
no considerable body of negro troops could be 
raised in the States over which the Govern- 
ment had control without stripping the country 
of the labor absolutely necessary to produce 
food. He thought there was a much better 
chance of getting the large number of deserters 
back to the army than of getting the slaves into 
it. The negro abhorred the profession of a 
soldier. The commandant of conscripts, with 
authority to impress twenty thousand slaves, 
had, between last September and the present 
time, been able to get but four thousand ; and 
of these, thirty -five hundred had been obtained 
in Virginia and North Carolina, and five hun- 
dred from Alabama. If he, armed with all the 
powers of impressment, could not get them as 
laborers, how will we be able to get them as 
soldiers? Unless they volunteer they will go 
to the Yankees; if we depend upon their 
volunteering we can't get them, and those we 
do get will desert to the enemy, who can offer 
them a better price than we can. The enemy 
can offer them liberty, clothing, and even farms 
at our expense. Negroes now were deterred 
from going to the enemy only by the fear of 
being put into the army. If we put them in 
they would all go over. 

In conclusion, he considered that the meas- 
ure, when reviewed as to its expediency, was 
worse than as a question of principle. 

A benevolent association, known as the 
Eichmond Ambulance Corps, was early formed 
to look after the wounded in battle. Their 
agency was simUar to the Sanitary Commission 
of the north. They have followed the Vir- 
ginian army and been present in every battle. 
They have every appurtenance necessary in their 
humane vocation, such as hospital supplies, 
sugar, tea, coffee, etc., with utensUs for pre- 
paring every thing on a large scale. 

The stringency of the blockade compelled 
the inhabitants to manufacture the materials 
for war. The Ordnance Department organized 
twelve arsenals, eight armories, seven lai'ge 



652 



MILITAEY AND FAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



harness sliops, four powder mills, a laboratory 
for smelting lead, and many other small estab- 
lishments. They supplied the army with two 
hundred field batteries, upwards of five hundred 
thousand small arms, several hundred thousand 
sets of infantry accoutrements, and miUions of 
cartridges. A shoe establishment in Richmond, 
employed by the Government, made six hun- 
dred pairs daily. The material brought through 
the blockade in 1863, was estimated to be 
suflicient to put four hundred thousand men in 
the field. 

So successful had been the manufacture of 
arms, that all the troops were provided with 
the best rifles, and the smooth bore nearly dis- 
appeared. The field artillery of the armies 
comprised more than a thousand pieces. The 
gun chiefly used was the 12-pounder Napoleon, 
to which had been added the 10-pounder Par- 
rott. The number of cannon foundries built 
up since the commencement of the war was 
sis; two of which had capacity to cast guns 
of the largest dimensions. Five powder mills 
were erected in different places, one of which 
alone was represented to be capable of pro- 
ducing all the powder required. Four hundred 
thousand percussion caps were manufactured 
in a day, and there was suflBcient machinery to 
produce a million. The manufacture of the 
materials of war seemed to have reached such 
perfection, that it was asserted to be sufficient 
to supply all wants, without asking any thing 
from other countries. 

During 1864 the number of men called for 
by the President of the United States to re- 
enforce the army amounted in the aggregate to 
1,500,000, although by an explanatory state- 
ment of the Provost Marshal General this 
number was in fact reduced to 1,200,000. 
Notwithstanding the impulse which the high 
bounties and premiums offered in 1863 gave to 
enlistments under the October call of that year 
for 300,000 men, the number of men realized 
seems to have been insuflicient for the needs 
of the service, and on Feb. 1st, 1864, an order 
was issued by the President to draft 500,000 
three years' men on March 10th, less the num- 
ber enlisted or drafted into the service prior to 
March 1st, and not previously credited. This 
practically amounted to a call for 200,000, as 
appears by the following circular : 

Wae Dbpaktment, PEOvoi5T Maeshal Geneeal'8 ) 
Office, Feb. 1, 1804. j 
The President's order of this date, for a draft on 
tenth (10th) March for five hundred thousand (500,- 
000) men, after deducting all who may be raised 
prior to March first (1) and not heretofore credited, 
IS equivalent to a call for two hundred thousand 
(200,000) men in addition to the three hundred 
thousand (300,000) called for October seventeenth 
(17th). JAS. B. FRY, Prov. Mar. Gen. 

. By an order dated Jan. 14th, 1864, the 
Provost Marshal General also directed that the 
time for paying the bounty of $300 and $400, 
and the $15 and $25 premium, be extended to 
March 1st. 
In anticipation of the momentous campaign 



which was impending, and the losses likely to 
be incurred by the troops in the field, the 
President on March 14th followed up his pre- 
vious call by a supplementary one for 200,000 
men, " to supply the force required to be drafted 
for the navy, and to provide an adequate re- 
serve force for all contingencies." 

The severe losses sustained by Gens. Grant 
and Sherman, the disasters connected with the 
Red River campaign, and other untoward cir- 
cumstances, far more than neutralized the results 
obtained from the calls of February and March, 
and induced the President to make still another 
call on July 18th for 500,000 men, with the 
draft to take place on September 5th. Con- 
gress had meantime made important changes in 
the law of enrolment, as will be seen by the 
following extract from the proclamation : 

Whereas, By the act approved July 4, 1864, en- 
titled, "An act further to regulate and provide for 
the enrolling and calling out the national forces and 
for other purposes," it is provided that the President 
of the United States may, "at his discretion, at any 
time hereaftei', call for any number of men, as volun- 
teers, for the respective terms of one, two, and three 
years, for military service," and "that in case the 
quota, or any part thereof, of any town, township, or 
ward of a city, precinct, or election district, or of a 
county not so subdivided', shall not be filled within 
the space of fifty days after such call, then the Pres- 
ident shall instantly order a draft for one year to fill 
such quota, or any part thereof, which may be un- 
filled;" 

The allowance of credits having diminished 
the number of men to be obtained under this 
call to somewhat above 200,000 (although, ac- 
cording to the President's statement, 250,000 
men were actually put into the army and navy 
under the call), a further call for 300,000 volun- 
teers to serve for one, two, or three years, was 
issued on Dec. 20th. Quotas of States, districts, 
and sub-districts were directed to be assigned 
by the Provost Marshal General, and in case 
these should not be fiUed by Feb. 15th, 1865, a 
draft to supply the deficiency was ordered to 
commence forthwith. 

The number of men called for during the 
year may be thus recapitulated : 

Call of Feb. 1st 500,000 

Call of March 14th 200,000 

Call of July 18th 500,000 

Call of Dec. 20th. 300,000 

1,500,000 

Deducting from this aggi'egate 300,000 men 
under the February call, who were really in- 
cluded in the October call of 1863, and 300,000 
cancelled by credits on the July call, wlaich 
made it equivalent to a call for 200,000, we 
have 900,000 as the number required to recruit 
the army and navy in 1864. If we also con- 
sider the December call as practicaUy intended 
for 1865, the number is stiU further reduced to 
600,000. 

The fact that four calls for troops were made 
in the course of the year indicated either that 
the casualties of the service were greater than 
in any previous year of the war, or that tlie 
men called for were not in reality obtained, 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



653 



whatever the returns might show. The latter 
is in all probability the true cause of the fre- 
quency of the calls ; and from their apparent 
inefficiency to recruit the army to an extent 
commensurate with the magnitude of its oper- 
ations, it may be presumed that the military 
strength on January 1st, 1865, was not greater, 
if so great, as a year previous. The neglect of 
duty in the examining surgeons in passing men 
physically incapacitated for service, the frauds 
of bounty and substitute brokers, and the 
wholesale desertions of "bounty jumpers" (as 
those recruits or substitutes were called who 
systematically deserted after receiving their 
bounties, and often with the connivance of 
Government employes), reduced the number 
of enlistments to a comparatively small per- 
centage ; and hence the repeated calls of the 
President for additional men, instead of enor- 
mously increasing the strength of the army, 
barely enabled it to maintain its standard. On 
one point only an explicit official statement of 
the results of recruiting has been made public. 
The Provost Marshal General, in reference to 
the reenlistment of veteran volunteers during 
the fall of 1863, -says : " Over one hundred and 
thirty-six thousand tried soldiers, who would 
otherwise, ere this, have been discharged, were 
secured for three years longer. Organizations 
which would have been lost to the service were 
preserved and recruited, and capable and experi- 
enced officers were retained in command. The 
force thus organized and retained has performed 
an essential part in the great campaign of 1864, 
and its importance to the country cannot be 
over-estimated." 

A temporary addition was made to the army 
in the spring and summer of 1864 of a class of 
troops known as "Hundred-days men," num- 
bering about 100,000, and voluntarily furnished 
by the governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Iowa, and "Wisconsin. They were organized as 
regiments, and to serve one hundred days from 
the date of their muster into the service, unless 
sooner discharged. It was further stipulated 
that they should receive no bounty, nor be 
credited on any draft. Their services having 
been accepted, Congress appropriated $25,000,- 
000 for equipping them, and during May and 
June the hundred days' men went forward in 
large numbers to perform garrison duty and 
otherwise relieve old and disciplined troops, 
Avho were sent to the front. 

Immediately after the call of July 18th for 
400,000 men, the Provost Marshal General 
issued a series of instructions for the guidance 
of enlisting officers. The bounties provided by 
law were announced to be, for recruits — in- 
cluding representative recruits — (white or col- 
ored) for one year, flOO ; for two years, $200 ; 
for three years, $300. A first installment of 
bounty, amounting to one-third of the whole 
sum, was to be paid to the recruit when mus- 
tered in. The premiums previously paid for 
procuring recruits were discontinued, and nei- 
ther drafted men nor substitutes, furnished 



either before or after the draft, were to be en- 
titled to bounty from the United States. The 
"representative recruits," alluded to above, 
were those offered by persons not fit for mili- 
tary duty, and not liable to draft, fi-om age or 
other causes, who desired to be personally rep- 
resented in the army. The Provost Marshal 
General issued a circular to further this laud- 
able project, and ordered the names of persons 
thus represented by recruits to be officially re- 
corded. Many others, also, in anticipation of 
the draft, furnished substitutes for one, two, or 
three years, for whom they received no bounty 
from the General Government, although gener- 
ally assisted by the town, county, or State in 
which they resided. The amount of these 
local bounties differed in different parts of the 
country. In the agricultural districts, where 
every able-bodied man could find abundant 
occupation during the harvesting season, it was 
no uncommon thing to offer from $1,200 to 
$1,500 for three years' recruits ; and even 
among the large floating population of unnatu- 
ralized foreigners in the seaboard cities, from 
which substitutes were mainly drawn, the 
prices demanded were unprecedented in the 
history of the war. 

The act of Congress of July 4th, 1864, having 
provided that the State Executive might " send 
recruiting agents into any of the States de- 
clared to be in rebellion, except the States of 
Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana, to recruit 
volunteers, who should be duly credited to the 
States procuring them," a series of instructions 
on the subject were, on July 9th, promulgated 
by the War Department. The recruiting 
agents were to report through the commanding 
officers of certain designated rendezvous for 
the reception of this class of recruits, to the 
commander of the military district, depart- 
ment, or army in which such rendezvous might 
be situated, and were to be subject to all the 
rules and articles of war. Commanding officers 
were further directed to afford agents all rea- 
sonable facilities for the performance of their 
duties, to dismiss or arrest those guilty of im- 
proper conduct, and to prevent recruiting by 
unauthorized parties. Many of the States 
hastened to avail themselves of the opportunity 
thus offered to fill their quotas without draw- 
ing upon their population. Gov. Andrew, of 
Massachusetts, was one of the first to ajjpoint 
recruiting agents, and the Executives of Ohio, 
Connecticut, Michigan, Maine, and other States, 
soon followed his example. Gov. Seymour, of 
New York, was among those who declined to 
act in the matter. In the opinion of many 
military men the new plan of recruitment 
within the lines of military operations, was ob- 
jectionable ; and commanding generals held it 
in particular disfavor on account of the oppor- 
tunities it would afford for reckless and inju- 
rious competition among State agents, and for 
the infraction of sound military rules. 

The result of the recruitment in the insur- 
rectionary States was reported by the Provost 



654 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Marshal General as on the whole unfavorable, 
and the system was practically abolished. 

The necessity of procuring substitutes from a 
class of the population not liable to draft, led 
to the enlistment of a large body of recruits of 
foreign birth, who had never been naturalized. 
Under these circumstances any considerable 
increase in the emigration from Europe to 
America was looked upon with suspicion by 
foreign governments or statesmen unfriendly 
to tlie United States, as having been caused by 
improper inducements, in violation of raunici- 
ple law. It was even charged, by persons high 
in influence in England, that agents from the 
United States had visited Ireland and the Brit- 
ish North American provinces, for the purpose 
of enlisting men in the army, and had de- 
spatched many recruits to America, ostensibly 
as mechanics or farm laborers. By a resolution 
adopted by the United States Senate, on May 
24:th, the President was requested to state if 
such was the fact. 

The Secretary of State replied, that no au- 
thority to recruit abroad had been given by 
the United States Government, and that appli- 
cations for such authority had been invariably 
rejected. The Government had no knowledge, 
he added, that any such recruits had been ob- 
tained in the provinces named, or in any foreign 
country. 

Until 1864 the inferior standing of colored 
troops in the army with respect to bounty, pay, 
and pensions remained unchanged, notwith- 
standing the protest of the Secretary of "War 
and other officials against the injustice thus 
done to men who shared all the dangers and 
privations of the war, and who were also liable 
to draft. The Army Appropriation Bill, passed 
in June, 1864, disposed of this vexed question 
by putting the colored soldiery on a footing 
with the white troops. 

xVn order was soon after issued from the 
War Department to pay colored soldiers sis 
months' full wages for the period embraced be- 
tween January 1st and July 1st, 1864 ; and in 
August the Attorney-General, in accordance 
with the provisions of section 4, decided that 
colored men volunteering prior to 1864, were 
entitled to the same pay, bounty, and clothing, 
as other volunteers. By section 14 of the act 
of July 4, 1864, the widows and children of 
colored soldiers dying in battle, or of wounds 
or disease contracted in the military service, 
were declared entitled to pensions, provided 
such widows and children were free persons. 

During the year colored troops continued to 
bo enlisted into the army, principally in the 
Southern States, although several regiments, 
whose organization had commenced in the 
North in 1863, departed previous to July for 
the seat of war. If the statement of the Soli- 
citor of the War Department be relied upon, 
upwards of 100,000 of this class of troops were 
enlisted in 1864. Opmions diftered quite as 
much as in 1863, upon the propriety, politically 
considered, of employing negroes as soldiers, 



and upon their value in a military aspect ; but 
toward the close of the year, in view of their 
soldierly conduct on various trying occasions, 
it seemed to become the settled conviction that 
they would form a useful branch of the service. 
The Corps d'xVfrique organized by Gen. Banks 
in 1863, and intended to comprise about 15,000 
men, was described in May, 1864, by an army 
.correspondent in Louisiana, as greatly depleted 
in numbers by disease, by discharges for physi- 
cal incapacity, and by desertions, and in con- 
sequence thoroughly demoralized. The rate 
of mortality among the men was said to have 
been unprecedented in the history of the war, 
and their idle, wasteful, and slovenly habits, it 
was alleged, made them unfitted for soldiers. 
On the other hand Adjutant-Genei'al Thomas, 
who had devoted several months of the pre- 
vious year to organizing negro regiments in 
the South, and who had conceived a high opin- 
ion of their capacity, was amply confirmed in 
his views by his experience of 1864, and urged 
the necessity of enlisting more of this class of 
troops, as also of raising their pay. 

The colored regiments continued to be offi- 
cered by white men, who were subjected to an 
unusually strict examination by a board ap- 
pointed for that purpose. Up to August, the 
total number of officers examined amounted to 
2,471, of whom 1,486 were accepted. 

Although desertions from the service during 
the year were not so numerous as in the early 
years of the war, when discipline was less 
strict, and the offence was considered in a less 
odious light, the number had still been suffi- 
ciently large to cause the Government con- 
siderable embarrassment. This resulted in a 
great measure from the inferior class of men 
enlisted into the army through the medium of 
boimty and substitute brokers, and from the 
unwise leniency shown by the Government to 
offenders. For a long time the death penalty 
seemed to have been practically abolished, and 
the activity of the Provost Marshals had in 
consequence little or no effect in lessening the 
number of absentees without leave. Unprinci- 
pled men, having no fear of execution before 
their eyes, risked the chance of recapture and 
the comparatively slight punishment which 
would follow, and escaped with their bounty 
money, a few weeks, or even days, after being 
mustered into the service. As an illustration 
of the extent to which the practice was carried, 
it is stated that out of a detachment of 625 
recruits sent to reenforce a New Hampshire 
regiment in the Army of the Potomac, 137 de- 
serted on the passage, 82 to the enemy's picket 
line, and 86 to the rear, leaving but 370 men, 
or less than 60 per cent., available for duty. 

The desertions in the Army of the Potomac 
were greatly increased by a proclamation from 
Gen. Lee (intended as an offset to one issued 
by Gen. Grant), offering to send Federal de- 
serters North. Thousands probably availed 
themselves of this opportunity, and found their 
way back to the loyal States, there perhaps to 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



655 



reenlist and again desert ; and a small percentage 
entered the rebel service. The evil finally in- 
creased to such a degree that the death penalty- 
was restored and unsparingly used. During 
the latter part of the year executions of desert- 
ers were almost of daily occurrence in the 
Army of the Potomac, and almost immediately 
a diminution in the number of cases was ob- 
servable, which continued to the close of the 
war. 

The total number of deserters of all kinds 
was estimated by Senator AVilson, in March, at 
40,000. The Provost Marslial General reported 
39,392 deserters and stragglers arrested by his 
officers between Oct. 1st, 1863, and Oct. 1st, 
1864, and the total number arrested, from the 
establishment of the special bureau having 
charge of the matter to Oct. 1st, 1864, at 
60,760. 

On June 30th, 1864, 190 hospitals, with a 
capacity of 120,521 beds, were in active oper- 
ation; and during the year the health of the 
entire army was reported better than is usual 
with troops engaged in ai'duous campaigns. 
At the close of the year the number of sick and 
wounded, both with their commands and in 
general hospitals, was less than 16 per cent, of 
the strength of the army. The number sick 
with their respective commands was 4 per 
cent., and in general hospitals 5 and -p^ per cent, 
of the strength. Of the 6 and -,*,'V per cent, 
wounded, nearly 1 per cent, were with their 
respective commands; the rest in general 
hospitals. 

The supplies of ordnance produced during 
the year included 1,750 pieces of ordnance, 
2,361 artillery carriages and caissons, 802,525 
small arms, 794,055 sets of accoutrements and 
harness, 1,674,244 projectiles for cannon, 12,- 
740,146 pounds of bullets and lead, 8,409,400 
pounds of gunpowder, 169,490,029 cartridges 
for small-arms, in addition to large quantities 
partially made up at the arsenals. The sup- 
plies furnished to the military service during 
the same period included 1,141 pieces of ord- 
nance, 1,896 artillery carriages and caissons, 
455,910 small-arms, 502,044 sets of accoutre- 
ments and harness, 1,913,753 projectiles for 
cannon, 7,624,685 pounds of bullets and lead, 
464,549 rounds of artillery ammunition, 152,067 
sets of horse equipments, 112,087,553 cartridges 
for small-arms, and 7,544,044 pounds of gun- 
powder. The national armory at Springfield, 
Mass., was reported in a condition to turn out 
300,000 of the best quality of rifle muskets an- 
nually. The stock on hand, at the close of the 
year, amounted to a million and a quarter, ex- 
clusive of the arms in the hands of the troops. 

At the close of 1864 the military geograph- 
ical departments were in charge of the follow- 
ing generals : 

Department of the Tennessee — Maj.-Gen. 0. O. Howard. 
" of the Cumberland— Mai. -Gen. George H. Thomas. 
" of the Ohio— Maj.-Gen. John M. Schofield. 
" of the East— Maj.-Gen. John A. Dix. 
" of the Gulf — Maj.-Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut. 
" of North Carolina and Virginia — Maj.-Gen. B. F. Butler. 



Department of the Northwest — Maj.-Gen. John Pope. 

" of Wasliington — Maj.-Gen. Christopher C. Augur. 

" of Pennsylvania — Maj.-Gen. George Cadwallader. 

" of Western Virginia — Maj.-Gen. George Crook. 

" of New Me.vico — Brig.-Gen. James H. Carlton. 

" of the Pacitic — Maj.-Gen. Irwin McDowell. 

" of Kansas — Maj.-Gen. Samuel K. Curtis. 

" of the Middle Department — Maj.-Gen. Lewis Wallace. 

" of the South — Maj.-Gen. John G. Foster. 

" of Missouri — Maj.-Gen. Grcnville M. Dodge. 

" of Arkansas — Maj-Gcn. Joseph J. Peynolds. 

" of the North — Maj.-Gen. Joseph Hooker. 

" of the Mississippi— Maj.-Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana. 

The departments of the Tennessee, the Cum- 
berland, and the Ohio, formed the military 
division of the Mississippi, of which Maj.-Gen. 
William T. Sherman assumed command in the 
early part of the year ; and in May the depart- 
ments lying west of the Mississippi were formed 
into the military division of West Mississippi, 
under the command of Maj.-Gen. E. R. S. 
Canby. 

The several army corps, were, on Jan. 1st, 
1865, commanded as follows : 

♦1st. Maj.-Gen. W. 8. Hancock. 

2d. Maj.-Gen. A. A. Humphreys. 

8d. Discontinued. 

4th Maj.-Gen. D. S. Stanley. 

5th Maj.-Gen. G. K. Warren. 

6th Maj.-Gen. H. G. Wright. 

7th Maj.-Gen. J. J. Keynolds. 

8th Maj.-Gen. Lewis Wallace. 

9th Maj.-Gen. John G. Parke. 
10th Discontinued. 
11th do 

12th do 

13th Maj.-Gen. Gordon Granger. 
14th Brig-Gen. Jetferson C. Davis. 
15th Maj.-Gen. John A. Logan. 
16th Maj.-Gen. Andrew .7. Smith. 
17th Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair. 
18th Discontinued. 
19th Brig-Gen. W. H. Emory, 
20th Brig-Gen. A. S. Williams. 
21st Discontinued. 
22d do 

2.3d Maj.-Gen. John M. Schofield. 
24th Maj.-Gen. E. O. C. Ord. 
25th Maj.-Gen. Godfrey Weitzel. 

The history of the insurrectionary States 
during 1864 presents them as absorbed in one 
great effort to maintain a successful war, the 
effects of which had reached every man and 
every family. The ardor of the early campaigns 
had passed away, and with it went the sanguine 
hopes of a speedy and certain triumph. Doubt, 
uncertainty of the result, and apprehension of 
the future, heretofore strangers, now found a 
place in every mind; yet, with the heroic reso- 
lution of once American citizens no words of 
fear or faintuess were allovved to appear in their 
public or ofiicial proceedings. The tone of these 
documents was, however, more subdued, their 
extreme demands less often appeared, and the 
disappearance of passion softened all the inter- 
course with their opponents. These changes 
increased with the progress of the year, until 
at its close it might safely be said, that the Con- 
federate States were no longer fighting for in- 
dependence and a separate nationality, but for 
favorable terms of settlement. 

Many of the elements which entered into such 
a struggle were abundant. The crops of 1864 
were larger than those of 1863. At no time 

* Reorganizing and not in active service. 



656 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



during the year -was there any lack of quantity. 
The difficulty was in the distribution. Manufac- 
turers of necessary articles became prosperous. 
Paper-mills, in Georgia and other States, turned 
out large quantities. Cloth mills at Lynchburg, 
Mobile, Raleigh, Charleston, in Georgia, Ala- 
bama, and Mississippi, were in successful opera- 
tion; their most important machinery having 
been imported from Europe. Establishments 
for the manufacture of cannon, small-arms, 
powder, shot, shell, percussion-caps, harnesses, 
wagons, ambulances, and all the materials of 
war, more than supplied the great demand. 

The commerce of these States was carried on 
entirely by swift vessels running the blockade. 
Although limited, it was of great advantage to 
the Government and people. The latter, how- 
ever, must have reached extreme destitution of 
some articles, but for the aid derived from the 
trade within the Federal lines. 

The foreign relations of the States continued 
without change through the year. It appeared 
to be a stretch of presumption to expect France 
and England to recognize their independence. 
Recognition was of no practical value unless 
followed by armed assistance, and these coun- 
tries were not in a condition to go to war with 
a friendly power to relieve one unknown, and 
of no strength on the ocean. The recognition 
of the Confederate States as a belligerent, while 
it deceived the people by exciting large expec- 
tations, was a great measure in favor of Euro- 
pean powers, as it practically annihilated any 
opposition from the United States to their 
schemes and plans. 

A change took place in the Treasury Depart- 
ment by the resignation of Mr. Memminger, and 
the appointment of Mr. G. A. Trenholm. 

The operations of the Treasury for the six 
months, ending Oct. 1, 1864, present the fol- 
lowing details; receipts, $415,191,550. 

From four per cent, registered bonds, act 17th 

February, 1S64 $13,863,500 

From six per cent, bonds, $500,000,000 loan act, 

February it, ISftl 14,481,050 

From four per cent, call certificates, act ITth 

February 1SC4 20,978,100 

From tax on old issue of certificates, redeemed. 14,440,564 

From repayments by disbursing officers 20,115,830 

From treasury notes, under act 17th February, 

1864 277,576,950 

From war tax 42,294,314 

From sequestration 1,388,732 

From customs 50,004 

From export duty 4,320 

From coin seized by authority of the Secretary 

of War 1,658,200 

From premium on loans 4,822,249 

From soldiers' tax 908,622 

Expenditures. 

The expenditures during the same period are 
as follows: 

War Department $246,367,443 

Navy Department 15,554,803 

Customs 28,585 

Civil, miscellaneous, and foreign intercourse .... 10,427,674 

Total $272,878,503 

Public debt— for payment of interest 10,772,883 

Public debt— for payment of principal 834,787,444 

Total $614,938,830 



The balance in the treasury on 1st of April, 1864, 

was 808,282,722 

The amount received since is 415,191,550 

Total $723,474,272 

Deduct amount of expenditures 614,938,830 

The balance in the treasury is $108,535,443 

The balance is made np as follows : 

Treasury notes (new issue) and specie $23,153,203 

Treasury notes (old issue) to be cancelled 86,882,289 

Total $108,585,442 

The Ptiblie Belt. 
The public debt on the first of October, 1864, 
was as follows : 

FUNDED DEBT. 

Total issue of bonds and stocks $363,416,150 

Total issue of call certificates 197,578,370 

Total issue of certificates of indebtedness 19,010,000 

Total issue of produce certificates, act April 21, 
1862 $2,500,000 

Amount of 7-80 interest notes, which have as- 
sumed the character of permanent bonds 99,954,900 

Total $682,459,420 

Eeduced by amount redeemed, to wit; 

Act May 16, 1861, principal $2,976,000 

Act Aug. 19, 1861, principal 1,267,700 

Call certificates, act Dec. 24, 1861, six 

per cent 70,729,030 

Call certificates, act March 23,1863, five 

per cent 70,000,000 

Call certificates, act March 23, 1863, 

four percent 1,825,000 

$141,119,380 

Total $541,840,090 

rNFUNDED DEBT. 

Amount 3-68 interest notes outstanding $516,050 

Total issue of treasury notes — old 

issue ". $973,281,803 

Eeduced by amount called in for 

cancellation 640,947,945 

$324,209,818 

Total issue treasury notes, new issue 288,880,150 

Total funded and unfunded debt. $1,149,896,103 

The Secretary says the foreign debt, consist- 
ing of a single item, is omitted; the whole 
amount, being £2,200,000, is adequately pro- 
vided for by the cotton owned by the Govern- 
ment even at sixpence per pound, the quantity 
being about 250,000 bales. 

In April, the note department of the Treas- 
ury was removed to Columbia, South Carolina. 
To increase the resources of the Government, 
heavy taxes were imposed. 

The prices of articles in the markets did not 
decline during the year. 

The position of the currency, on March 31st, 
was as follows : 

Statement of the i^sue of non-intereat-hearing Treamry 
Notes since the organization of the Confed. Government: 

Fiftycents $911,258 50 

Ones 4,882,000 00 

Twos 6.086,820 00 

Fives 79,090,815 00 

Tens 157,982,750 00 

Twenties 217.425,120 00 

■Fifties 188,088,000 00 

Total ; $973,277,363 50 

StatemeMt showing the amount of non-inierest-bearing 
Notes outstanding on March 31, 1364 : 

Act May 16, 1861— Ten-year notes $7,201,875 00 

Act Aug. 19, 1861— General currency 154,856,6.34 00 

Act April 19, 1862— Ones and twos 4,516,509 00 

Act Oct 18, 1862— General currency 118,997,321 00 

Act Mar. 23, 1863— General currency 511,182,586 50 

Total $796,254,425 50 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



657 



The difference between the issues and the 
amount outstanding is the amount that had 
been redeemed. 

Of all the difficulties encountered by the 
administrative bureau of the Government, the 
greatest was caused by the deficiency of trans- 
portation. With the coasting trade cut off and 
all the great rivers under command of the Fed- 
eral fleet, the only reliance for internal trade 
and communication was necessarily on the rail- 
roads. These were never designed or provided 
with the means for the task now imposed upon 
them. They had, besides, suffered much from 
inability to command the supplies of iron, im- 
plements, and machinery, and from many sacri- 
fices and losses in war. The deficiency in skilled 
labor was also a great embarrassment in requi- 
site repairs. Some of the shorter and less im- 
portant lines -were thus sacrificed, and the iron 
and machinery taken for the maintenance of the 
leading roads, and for the construction of some 
essential and less exposed interior links of con- 
nection. 

The military operations demanded aU the en- 
ergies of the people, and required the sacrifice 
of every private interest to secure their success. 
If these failed, then' cause was lost. But armies 
could be raised and sustained only while hope 
invigorated the spirits of the people. In this 
respect the year 1864 brought the severest test 
which had yet been felt. The waning propor- 
tions of the military territory and of the armies 
.to resist their foes, depressed the hopes of the 
rulers and people, and foreboded what the result 
would be. Hence imusual efforts were made 
to rouse their energies. 

The question of Peace was present to every 
mind. But one View, however, controlled the 
Government and the majority of the people: 
when the North is prepared to acknowledge 
the independence of the Confederate States, 
the war will close and peace prevail. As there 
was not the slightest indication of such an act 
on the part of the North, all these parties 
urged forward the war. In North Carolina, 
during 1863, there were those who not only 
desired peace but demanded some immediate 
steps to be taken to open negotiations. In 
their minds the success of the Confederacy 
was considered impossible, as they sanguinely 
anticipated some favorable arrangements be- 
tween the contestants. 

The end of nearly four years of war present- 
ed the people of the Southern States under a 
Government in the exercise of every power of 
a national, central, military despotism. Con- 
scription was carried to its last limit. Every 
man between seventeen and fifty was subject to 
military authority. None were exempt except 
on considerations of public interest. Direct 
taxes were laid in defiance of the theory of 
their constitution. Such vast amounts of paper 
money had been issued as to unsettle all values. 
The holders of this paper money were com- 
pelled to fimd it or lose one-third. All the 
railroads were seized by the Government, and 
42 



some were destroyed and others built. A 
universal system of impressment of property 
was established at Government prices in Gov- 
ernment money. Of the exportations of the 
great staples the Government held the monop- 
oly. Those citizens who were permitted to re- 
main at home were required to execute a bond 
to furnish their products to the Government at 
its prices. The habeas corfius was suspended 
and a passport system was established. Not- 
withstanding all these sacrifices, the military 
operations had resulted in loss in every State, 
and the theatre of activity was reduced to three 
Atlantic States. 

On the other hand, in the Union States a 
weariness of the war, or a laudable desire to put 
an end to the appalling horrors of the confiict, 
awakened in the mass of the people a strong 
wish for peace. So prevalent was this wish, 
that even unofficial individuals were tempted to 
undertake the preparation of the preliminaries. 
President Lincoln appears kindly to have in- 
dulged these inclinations, although they resulted 
in showing that neither side were willing to 
make any concession merely for the sake of 
peace. 

The first of these movements, in point of 
time, consisted in a visit of Rev. Col. Jacques 
and Mr. J. R. Gilmore to Richmond, in which 
two interviews were had with Mr, Davis. The 
visit resulted in nothing, and the President ap- 
pears to have taken no part in the matter fur- 
ther than to approve of their passage through 
the Federal lines, although the terms suggested 
in the conversations are the same as the Presi- 
dent has advanced on every subsequent occa- 
sion. The following letter explains the manner 
in which a passage into the enemy's lines was 
obtained : 

Headquarteks Armies op the tTNiTED States, I 
City Point, Va., July 8, 1864. f 
Gen. R. E. Lee, Commanding Confederate Forces near 
Petersburg, Va. 

General : I would request that Col. James P. 
Jacques, 78th Illinois volunteer infantry, and J. R. 
Gilmore, Esq., be allowed to meet Col. Robert Ould, 
commissioner for the exchange of prisoners, at such 
place between the lines of the two armies as you may 
designate. The object of the meeting is legitimate 
with the duties of Col. Ould as commissioner. If not 
consistent for you to grant the request here asked, I 
would beg that this be referred to President Davis for 
his action. 

Requesting as early an answer to this communica- 
tion as you may find it convenient to make, I sub- 
scribe myself, very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
vant, U. S. GRANT, tieut.-Gen. U. S. A. 

The following note opened the way for an 
interview with Mr, Davis: 

Spottiswood Hotel, Kichmond, Va., July 17, 1864. 
Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of State, G, S. A. 

Dear Sir : The undersigned, James P. Jacques, of 
Illinois, and James R. Gilmore, of Massachusetts, 
most respectfully solicit an interview with President 
Davis. They visit Richmond as private citizens, and 
have no official character or authority; but they are 
fully possessed of the views of the United States 
Government relative to an adjustment of the diflFer- 
ences now existing between the North and the South, 
and have little doubt that a free interchange of views 
between President Davis and themselves would open 



658 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLTON. 



the way to such official negotiations as would ulti- 
mate in restoring peace to the two sections of our 
distracted country. 

They therefore ask an interview with the President, 
and awaiting your reply, are, most truly and respect- 
fullr, your ooedient servants, JAS. F. JACQUES, 
JAS. R. GILMORE. 

Mr. Gilmore states the conversation between 
himself and Mr. Davis thus : 

G-ilmore. — "Well, sir, be that as it may, if I under- 
stand you, the dispute between your Government and 
ours is narrowed down to this. Union or disunion ? 

Davis. — Yes, or to put it in other words, independ- 
ence or subj notation. 

Gilmore. — Then the two Governments are irrecon- 
cilably apart. They have no alternative but to fight 
it out. But it is not so with the people. They are 
tired of fighting, and want peace ; and as they bear 
all the burden and suffering of the war, is it not right 
they should have peace, and have it on such terms as 
they like? 

l)avis. — I don't understand you ; be a little more 
explicit. 

Gilmore. — Well, suppose the two Governments 
should agree to something like this: To go to the 
people with two propositions : say, peace with dis- 
union and Southern independence, as your proposi- 
tion — and peace with union, emancipation, no con- 
fiscation, and universal amnesty, as ours. Let the 
citizens of all the United States (as they existed be- 
fore the war) vote "yes" or "no" on these two 
propositions, at a special election within sixty days. 
If a majority votes disunion, our Government to be 
bound by it, and to let you go in peace. If a major- 
ity votes Union, yours to be bound by it and to stay 
in peace. The two Governments can contract in this 
way, and the people, though constitutionally unable 
to decide on peace or war, can elect which of the two 
propositions shall govern their rulers. Let Lee and 
Grant, meanwhile, agree to an armistice. This would 
sheathe the sword ; and, if once sheathed, it would 
never again be drawn by this generation. 

Davis. — The plan is-altogether impracticable. If 
the South were only one State, it might work ; but 
as it is, if one Southern State objected to emancipa- 
tion it would nullify the whole thing ; for you are 
aware the people of Virginia cannot vote slavery out 
of South Carolina, nor the people of South Carolina 
vote it out of Virginia. 

■Gilmore. — But thrSe-fourths of the States can 
amend the Constitution. Let it be done in that way ; 
in any way so that it be done by the people. I am 
not a statesman nor a politician, and I do not know 
just how such a plan could be carried out; but you 
get the idea — -that the people shall decide the ques- 
tion. 

Davis. — That the majority shall decide it, you mean. 
We seceded to rid ourselves of the rule of the major- 
ity, and this would subject us to it again. 

Gilmore. — But the majority must rule finally, either 
with bullets or ballots. 

Davis. — I am not so sure of that. Neither current 
events nor history shows that the majority rules, or 
ever did rule. The contrary, I think, is true. Why, 
sir, the man who should go before the Southern peo- 
ple with such a proposition, with any proposition 
which implied that the North was to have a voice in 
determining the domestic relations of the South, 
could not live here a day. He would be hanged to 
the first tree, without judge or jury. 

Mr. Benjamin, Secretary of State, in an offi- 
cial letter to James M. Mason, commissioner in 
Europe, says: 

Mr. Gilmore then addressed the President, and in 
a few minutes had conveyed the information that 
these two gentlemen had come to Richmond impress- 
ed with the idea that this Government would accept 



a peace on a basis of a reconstruction of the Union, 
the abolition of slavery, and the grant of an amnesty 
to the people of the States as repentant criminals. 
In order to accomplish the abolition of slavery, it 
was proposed that there should be a general vote of 
all the people of both federations, in mass, and the 
majority of the vote thus taken was to determine that 
as well as all other disputed questions. These were 
stated to be Mr. Lincoln's views. 

The President answered, that as these proposals 
had been prefaced by the remark that the people of 
the North were a majority, and that a majority ought 
to govern, the offer was, in eflfect, a proposal that the 
Confederate States should surrender at discretion, 
admit that they had been wrong from the beginning 
of the contest, submit to the mercy of their enemies, 
and avow themselves to be in need of pardon for 
their crimes ; that extermination was preferable to 
dishonor. He stated that if they were themselves so 
unacquainted with the form of their own Government 
as to make such propositions, Mr. Lincoln ought to 
have known, when giving them his views, that it was 
out of the power of the Confederate Government to 
act on the subject of the domestic institutions of the 
several States, each State having exclusive jurisdic- 
tion on that point, still less to commit the decision of 
such a question to the vote of a foreign people. 

The next attempt to prepare the way for ne- 
gotiations was of a semi-official character, and 
resulted in a clear statement by the President 
of his terms of settlement so indefinitely brought 
out in the jsreceding conversation. Mr. Horace 
Greeley, who was the active participant on the 
Union side, thus relates the origin of the cor- 
respondence which took place : 

Some time since it was announced by telegraph 
from Halifax that Messrs. C. C. Clay, of Alabama, 
Jacob Thompson, of Mississippi (ex-United States 
Senators), Professor J. P. Holcombe, of the Univer- 
sity of Virginia, and George N. Sanders, of Ken- 
tucky, had reached that city from Dixie via Bermu- 
da, on important business, and all of these but Mr. 
Thompson (who was in Toronto) were soon quartered 
at the Clifton, on the Canada side of Niagara Falls. 
I heard soon after of confidential interviews between 
some or all of those gentlemen and leading Democrats 
from our own and neighboring States, and there were 
telegraphic whispers of overtures for reconstruction, 
and conditions were set forth as those on which the 
Confederates would consent to reunion. (I cannot 
say that any of these reports were authentic.) At 
length, after several less direct intimations, I receiv- 
ed a private letter from Mr. Sanders, stating that 
Messrs. Clay, Holcombe, himself, and another, de- 
sired to visit Washington, upon complete and un- 
qualified protection being given by the President or 
the Secretarj' of War. 

As I saw no reason why the opposition should be 
the sole recipients of these gentlemen's overtures, if 
such there were (and it is stated that Mr. Clay afore- 
said is preparing or to prepare an important letter to 
the Chicago Convention), I wrote the President, urg- 
ing him to invite the rebel gentlemen aforesaid to 
Washington, there to open their budget. I stated 
expressly that I knew not what they would propose 
if so invited ; but I could imagine no ofi'er that might 
be made by them which would not conduce, in one 
way or another, to a restoration of the integrity and 
just authority of the Union. 

The President ultimately acquiesced in this view 
so far as to consent that the rebel agents should visit 
Washington, but directed that I should proceed to 
Niagara, and accompany them thence to the capital. 
This service I most reluctantly undertook, feeling 
deeply and observing that almost any one else might 
better have been sent on this errand. But time 
seemed precious, and I immediately started. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



659 



The correspondence was as follows : 
Mr. Jewett to Mr. Greeley. 

NiAGAEA Falls, July 5, 1864. 

Mr DEAR Mr. Greeley : In reply to your note, I 
have to advise having just left Hon. George N. 
Sanders of Kentucky on the Canada side. I am 
authorized to state to you, for our use only, not the 
public, that two ambassadors of Davis & Co. are now 
in Canada, with full and complete powers for a peace, 
and Mr. Sanders requests that you come on immedi- 
ately to me, at Cataract House, to have a private in- 
terview; or if you will send the President's protec- 
tion for him and two friends, they will come on and 
meet you. He says the whole matter can be con- 
summated by me, you, them, and President Lincoln. 
Telegraph me in such form that I may know if you 
come here, or they to come on with me. 

Yours, W. C. JEWETT. 

Mr. Greeley to President Lincoln. 

New Toek, July 7, 18<>4. 
Mt dear Sir : I venture to enclose you a letter and 
telegraphic despatch that I received yesterday from 
our irrepressible friend Colorado Jewett, at Niagara 
Falls. I think they deserve attention. Of course I 
do not indorse Jewett' s positive averment that his 
friends at the Falls have "full power" from J. D., 
though I do not doubt that he thinks they have. I 
let that statement stand as simply evidencing the 
anxiety of the Confederates everywhere for peace. 
So much is beyond doubt. I therefore venture to 
remind you that our bleeding, bankrupt, almost dy- 
ing country, also longs for peace — shudders at the 
prospect of fresh conscriptions, of further wholesale 
devastations, and of new rivers of human blood; and 
a wide-spread conviction that the Government and 
its prominent supporters are riot anxious for peace, 
and do riot improve profl'ered opportunities to achieve 
it, is doing great harm now, and is morally certain, 
unless removed, to do far greater in the approaching 
elections. It is not enough that we anxiously desire 
a true and lasting peace ; we ought to demonstrate 
and estabhsh the truth beyond cavil. The fact that 
A. H. Stephens was not permitted a year ago to visit 
and confer with tjie authorities at Washington has 
done harm, which the tone of the late national con- 
vention at Baltimore is not calculated to counteract. 
I entreat you, in your own time and manner, to sub- 
mit overtures for pacification to the Southern insur- 
gents, which the impartial must pronounce frank and 
generovis. If only with a view to the momentous 
election soon to occur in North Carolina, and of the 
draft to be enforced in the free States, this should be 
done at once. I would give the safe conduct required 
by the rebel envoys at Niagara, upon their parole to 
avoid observation and to refrain from all communica- 
tion with their sympathizers in the loyal States ; but 
you may see reasons for declining it. But whether 
through them or otherwise, do not, I entreat you, fail 
to make the Southern people comprehend that you, 
and all of us, are anxious for peace, and prepared to 
grant liberal terms. I venture to suggest the follow- 
ing plan of adjustment : 

1. The Union is restored and declared perpetual. 

2. Slavery is utterly and forever abolished through- 
out the same. 

3. A complete amnesty of all political offences, 
with a restoration of all the inhabitants of each State 
to all the privileges of citizens of the United States. 

4. The Union to pay four hundred million dollars 
($400,000,000) in five per cent. United States stock 
to the late slave States, loyal and secession alike, to 
be apportioned pro rata, according to their slave 
population respectively, by the census of 1860, in 
compensation for the losses of their loyal citizens by 
the abolition of slavery. Each State to be entitled 
to its quota upon the ratification by its legislature of 
this adjustment. The bonds to be at the absolute 
disposal of the legislature aforesaid. 

5. The said slave States to be entitled henceforth 



to representation in the House on the basis of their 
total, instead of their Federal population, the whole 
now being free. 

6. A national convention, to be assembled as soon 
as may be, to ratify this adjustment, and make such 
changes in the Constitution as may be deemed ad- 
visable. 

Mr. President, I fear you do not realize how in- 
tently the people desire any peace consistent with 
the national integrity and honor, and how joyously 
they would hail its achievement and bless its authors. 
With United States stocks worth but forty cents in 
gold per dollar, and drafting about to commence on 
the third million of Union soldiers, can this be won- 
dered at? I do not say that a just peace is now at- 
tainable, though I believe it to be so ; but I do say 
that a frank ofter by you to the insurgents of terms 
which the impartial say ought to be accepted, will, at 
the worst, prove an immense and sorely needed ad- 
vantage to the national cause. It may save us from 
a northern insurrection. 

Yours, truly, HORACE GREELEY. 

P. S. — Even though it should be deemed unadvisa- 
ble to make an ofier of terms to the rebels, I insist 
that, in any possible case, it is desirable that any 
offer they may be disposed to make should be receiv- 
ed, and either accepted or rejected. I beg you to in- 
vite those now at Niagara to exhibit their credentials 
and submit their ultimatum. H. G. 

President Lincoln to Mr. Greeley. 

Washington. D. C, July 9, 1864. 

Hon. Horace Greeley : Dear Sir — Your letter of 
the 7th, with inclosures, received. If you can find 
any person anywhere professing to have any propo- 
sition of Jefferson Davis in writing, for peace, em- 
bracing the restoration of the Union and the aban- 
donment of slavery, whatever else it embraces, say 
to him he may come to me with you ; and that if he 
really brings such proposition, he shall, at the least, 
have safe conduct with the paper (and without pub- 
licity if he chooses) to the point where you shall havo 
met him. The same if there be two or more persona. 
Yours, truly, A. LINCOLN. 

Mr. Greeley to the P-esidLent. 
Office of the Tkibune, New Toek, July 10,1864 

My dear Sir : I have yours of yesterday. Whether 
there be persons at Niagara (or elsewhere) who are 
empowered to commit the rebels by negotiation, is a 
question ; but if there be such, there is no question 
at all that they would decline to exhibit their creden- 
tials to me, much more to open their budget and give 
me their best terms. Green as I may be, I am not 
quite so verdant as to imagine any thing of the sort. 
I have neither purpose nor desire to be made a con- 
fidant, far less an agent, in such negotiations. But I 
do deeply realize that the rebel chiefs achieved a most 
decided advantage in proposing, or pretending to 
propose, to have A. H. Stephens visit Washington as 
a peacemaker, and being rudely repulsed; and I am 
anxious that the ground lost to the national cause by 
that mistake shall somehow be regained in season for 
eff'ect on the approaching North Carolina election. 
I will see if I can get a look into the hand of whom- 
soever may be at Niagara: though that is a project 
so manifestly hopeless that I have little heart for it, 
still I shall try. 

Meantime I wish you would consider the propriety 
of somehow apprising the people of the South, espe- 
cially those of North Carolina, that no overture or 
advance looking to peace and reunion has ever been 
repelled by you, but that such a one would at any 
time have been cordially received and favorably re- 
garded, and would still be. 

Yours, HORACE GREELEY. 

Hon. A. Lincoln. 

Mr. Sanders to Mr. Greeley. 

[Private and confidential.] 

Clifton House, Niagaea Falls, C.W., July 12,1861. 
Sir: I am authorized to say that Hon. Clement C. 



660 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



Clay, of Alabama, Professor James P. Holcombe, of 
Virginia, and George N. Sanders, of Dixie, are ready 
and willing to go at once to Washington, upon com- 
plete and unqualified protection being given, either 
by the President or Secretary of War. Let the per- 
inission include the three names and one other. 

Very respectfully, GEORGE N. SANDERS. 
To Hon. Horace Greklet. 

Mr. Greeley to the President. 
Office of the Tkibuke, New York, July 12, 18C4. 

Mr DEAR Sir: I have now information on which 
I can rely, that two persons duly commissioned and 
empowered to negotiate for peace are at this moment 
not far from Niagara Palls, in Canada, and are desir- 
ous of confen-iug with yourself, or with such persons 
as you may appoint and empower to treat with them. 
Their names (onlj"- given in confidence) are Hon. 
Clement C. Clay, of Alabama, and Hon. Jacob Thomp- 
son of Mississippi. If you should prefer to meet 
them in person, they require «afe conduct for them- 
selves and for George N. Sanders, who will accom- 
pany them. Should you choose to empower one or 
more persons to treat with them in Canada, they will 
of course need no safe-conduct; but they cannot be 
expected to exhibit credentials, save to commission- 
ers empowered as they are. In negotiating directly 
with yourself, all grounds of cavil would be avoided, 
and j-ou would be enabled at all times to act upon 
the freshest advices of the military situation. You 
will of course understand that I know nothing and 
have proposed nothing as to terms, and that nothing 
is conceded or taken for granted by the meeting of 
persons empowered to negotiate for peace. All that 
IS assumed is a mutual desire to terminate this whole- 
sale slaughter, if a basis of adjustment can be mutu- 
ally agreed on ; and it seems to me high time that an 
eflort to this end should be made. I am, of course, 
quite other than sanguine that a peace can now be 
made, but I am quite sure that a frank, earnest, 
anxious effort to terminate the war on honorable 
terms would immensely strengthen the Govern- 
ment in case of its failure, and would help us in the 
eyes of the civilized world, M'hich now accuses us of 
obstinacy, and indisposition even to seek a peaceful 
solution of our sanguinary, devastating conflict. 

Hoping to hear that you have resolved to act in the 
premises, and to act so promptly that a good influ- 
ence may even yet be exerted on the North Carolina 
election nest month, 

I remain yours, HORACE GREELEY. 

Hon. A. Lincoln, Washington. 

President Lincoln to Mr. Greeley. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, July 15, 1864. 
Hon. Horace Greelet, New York. 

I suppose you received my letter of the 9th. I 
have just received yours of the 13th, and am disap- 

f)ointed by it. I was not expecting you to send me a 
etter, but to bring me a man or men. Mr. Hay goes 
to you with my answer to yours of the 13th, 

A. LINCOLN. 

President Lincoln to Mr. Greeley. 
Execittive Mansion, Washington, July 15, 1861. 
Hon. Horace Greelet: My Dear Sii' — Yours of 
the 13th is just received, and I am not disappoint- 
ed that you have not already reached here with 
those Commissioners. If they would consent to 
come on being shown my letter to you of the 9th 
inst., show that and this to them ; and if they will 
come on the terms stated in the former, bring them. 
I not only intend a sincere eflort for peace, but I in- 
tend that you shall be a personal witness that it is 
made. Yours, truly, A. LINCOLN. 

Major Hay to the President. 

United States Military Teleqbaph, War Dep't, ) 
New York, 9 a. m., July 16, 1864. ) 

His Excellency A. Lincoln, President of the United 
States. 
Arrived this morning at 6 a. m., and delivered your 



letter a few minutes after. Although bethinks some 
one less known would create less excitement and be 
less embarrassed by public curiosity, still he will 
start immediately, if he can have an absolute safe 
conduct for four persons to be named by him. Your 
letter he does not think will guard them from arrest, 
and with only those letters he would have to explain 
the whole matter to any oflicer who might choose to 
hinder them. If this meets with your approbation, 
I can write the order in your name as A. A. G., or 
you can send it by mail. Please answer me at Astor 
House. JOHN HAY, A. A. G. 

President Lincoln to Major Hay. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, July 16, 1864 
John Hat, Astor House, New York. 

Yours received. Write the safe conduct as you 
propose, without waiting for one by mail from me. 
If there is or is not any thing in the afi'air, I wish to 
know it without unnecessary delay. 

A. LINCOLN. 

ExEOUTrvB Mansion, Washington, D. C. 
The President of the United States directs that the 
four persons whose names follow, to wit : Hon. Clem- 
ent C. Clay, Hon. Jacob Thompson, Prof. James P. 
Holcombe, George N. Sanders, shall have safe con- 
duct to the city of Washington, in company with the 
Hon. Horace Greeley, and shall be exempt from 
arrest or annoyance of any kind from any officer of 
the United States during their journey to the city of 
Washington. By order of the President, 

JOHN HAY, Major and A. A. G. 

Mr. Greeley's Beply. 
Niagara Falls, N. Y., July 17, 1864. 
Gentlemen: lam informed that you are duly ac- 
credited from Richmond as the bearers of propo- 
sitions looking to the establishment of peace ; that 
you desire to visit Washington in the fulfilment of 
your mission, and that you further desire that Mr. 
George N. Sanders shall accompany you. If my in- 
formation be thus far substantially correct, I am 
authorized by the President of the United States to 
tender you his safe conduct on the journey proposed, 
and to accompany you at the earliest time that will 
be agreeable to you. 

I have the honor to be, gentlemen, yours, 

HORACE dlREELEY. 
To Messrs. Clement C. Clay, Jacob Thompson, 
James P. Holcombe, Clifton House, C. W. 

Messrs. Holcombe and Clay to Mr. Greeley. 

Clifton IIousb, Niagara Falls, Julj^ 18, 1864. 

Sir : We have the honor to acknowledge your favor 
of the 17th inst., which would have been answered 
on yesterday but for the absence of Mr. Clay. The 
safe conduct of the President of the United States has 
been tendered us, we regret to state, under some 
misapprehension of facts. We have not been accred- 
ited to him from Richmond as the bearers of propo- 
sitions looking to the establishment of peace. We 
are, however, in the confidential employment of our 
Government, and are entirely familiar with its wishes 
and opinions on that subject; and we feel authorized 
to declare that, if the circumstances disclosed in this 
correspondence were communicated to Richmond, 
we would be at once invested with the authority to 
which your letter refers ; or other gentlemen, clothed 
with full powers, would be immediately sent to Wash- 
ington with the view of hastening a consummation 
so much to be desired, and terminating at the earliest 
possible moment the calamities of the war. We re- 
spectfully solicit, through your intervention, a safe 
conduct to Washington, and thence by any route 
which may be designated, through your lines to 
Richmond. We would be gratified if Mr. George N. 
Sanders was embraced in this privilege. 

Permit us, in conclusion, to acknowledge our obli- 
gations to you for the interest you have manifested 
in the furtherance of our wishes, and to express the 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTORY OE THE REBELLION". 



G61 



hope that in any event you will afibrd us the oppor- 
tunity of tendering them in person before you leave 
the Falls. We remain, very respectfully, &c., 
C. C. CLAY, Jr. 
J. P. HOLCOMBE. 

P. S. — It is proper to add, that Mr. Thompson is 
not here, and has not been staying with us since our 
sojourn in Canada. 

Mr. Greeley's Rejjihj. 

International Hotel, Niagara, N. T., July IS, 1S64. 

Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the 
receipt of yours of this date by the hand of Mr. W. C. 
Jewett. I'he state of facts therein presented being 
materially different from that which was understood 
to exist by the President when he entrusted me with 
the safe conduct required, it seems to me on every 
account advisable that I should communicate with 
him by telegraph, and solicit fresh instructions, which 
I shall at once proceed to do. I hope to be able to 
transmit the result this afternoon ; and at all events 
I shall do so at the earliest moment. Yours, trulv, 
HORACE GREELEY. 

To Messrs. Clement C. Clay and James P. Hol- 
COMBE, Clifton House, C. W. 

Mr. G-reeley to the President. 



Independent Telegeaph Line, | 
Niagara Falls, July IS, 1864 f 
Hon. Abraham Lincoln, President : 

I have communicated with the gentlemen in ques- 
tion, and do not find them so empowered as I was pre- 
viously assured. They say that "we are, however, in 
the confidential employment of our Government, and 
entirely familiar with its wishes and opinions on that 
subject; and we feel authorized to declare that, if the 
circumstances disclosed in this correspondence were 
communicated to Richmond, we would at once be 
invested with the authority to which your letter 
refers, or other gentlemen, clothed with full powers, 
would immediately be sent to Washington with the 
view of hastening a consummation so much to be 
desired, and terminating at the earliest possible mo- 
ment the calamities of war. We respectfully solicit, 
through your intervention, a safe conduct to Wash- 
ington, and thence bv any route which may be desig- 
nated to Richmond." Such is the more material 
portion of the gentlemen's letter. I will transmit 
the entire correspondence, if desired. Awaiting your 
further instructions, I remain yours, 

HORACE GREELEY. 

Messrs. Clay and Holcombe to Mr. Greeley. 

Clifton House, Niagara Falls, July 18, 1864. 
To Hon. H. Greeley, Niagara Falls, N. Y. : 

Sir : We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your note of this date by the hands of Col. Jewett, 
and will await the further answer which you purpose 
to send to us. We are, very respectfullv, &c., 
C. C. CLAY, 'Jr. 
JAMES P. HOLCOMBE. 

Mr. Greeley to Messrs. Clay and Holcombe. 

International Hotel, I 
Niagara Falls, N. Y., July 19, 1864 j 

Gentlemen : At a late hour last evening (too late 
for communication with you) I received a despatch 
informing me that further instructions left Washing- 
ton last evening, which must reach me, if there be no 
interruption, at noon to-morrow. Should you decide 
to await their arrival, I feel confident that they will 
enable me to answer definitely your note of yesterday 
morning. Regretting a delay which I am sure you 
will regard as unavoidable on mv part, I remain, 
yours trulv, HORACE GREELEY. 

To Hon': Messrs. C. C. Clay, Jr., and H. P. Hol- 
combe, Clifton House, Niagara, C. W. 

Messrs. Holcombe and Clay to Mr, Crreeley. 
Clifton HorsE, Niagara Falls, July 19, 1864. 
Sir: Col. Jewett has just handed us your note of 
this date, in which you state that further instructions 



from Washington will reach you by noon to-morrow 
if there be no interruption. One or possibly both of 
us may be obUged to leave the Falls to-day, but will 
return in time to receive the communication which 
you promise to-morrow. We remain truly yours, &c., 

JAMES P. HOLCOMBE. 

C. C. CLAY, Jr. 
To Hon. H. Greeley, now at International Hotel. 

Tho despatch wMeli Mr. Greeley received 
from "Washington, he thus explains : " Not feel- 
ing at liberty to concede this, I telegraphed to 
Washington for further instructions, and was 
duly informed that Major Hay, the President's 
private secretary, would soon be on his way to 
me. He reached the Falls on the 20th, and we 
crossed over to the Clifton, where Major Hay, 
after mutual introductions, handed Professor 
Holcombe the following paper in the hand- 
writing of the President : 

ExECUTivi; Mansion, Washington, July IS, 1864. 
To wliom it may concern : 

Any proposition which embraces the restoration 
of peace, the integrity of the whole Union, and the 
abandonment of slavery, and which comes by and 
with an authority that can control the armies now at 
war against the United States, will be received and 
considered by the Executive Government of the 
United States, and will be met by liberal terms on 
other substantial and collateral points, and the 
bearer thereof shall have safe conduct both ways. 
ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

" I left the Falls by the nest train, leaving 
Major Hay to receive any response to the Pres- 
ident's proffer, should any be made, but there 
was none." 

Note from Major Hay to Mr. Holcomhe. 

International Hotel, Wednesday July 20tli. 

Major Hay would respectfully inquire whether Pro- 
fessor Holcombe and the gentlemen associated with 
him desire to send to Washington by Major Hay any 
messages in reference to the communication delivered 
to him on yesterday, and in that case when he may 
expect to be favored with such messages. 

Note from Mr. Holcomhe to Major Hay. 
Clifton House, Niagara Falls, Thursday, July 21, 1864. 
Mr. Holcombe presents his compliments to Major 
Hay, and greatly regrets if his return to Washington 
has been delayed by any expectation of an answer to 
the communication which Mr. Holcombe received 
from him on yesterday, to be delivered to the Presi- 
dent of the United States. That communication was 
accepted as the response to a letter of Messrs. Clay 
and Holcombe to the Hon. H. Greeley, and to that 
gentleman an answer has been transmitted. 

Messrs. Holcombe and Clay to Mr Greeley. 
Clifton House, Niagara Falls, July 21, 1864. 
To Hon. Horace Greeley : 

Sir: The paper handed to Mr. Holcombe on yes- 
terday in your presence by Major Hay, Assistant 
Adjutant-General, as an answer to the application in 
our note of the 18th inst., is couched in the following 
terms : 

Executive Mansion, WiSHiNGTOx, D. C, July 18th, 1864. 

To xoUom it may concern : 

Any proposition wbick embraces the restoration of peace, 
the integrity of the whole Union, and the abandonment of 
slavery, and" which comes by and with an authority that can 
control the armies now at w.w against the United States, will 
be received and considered by the Executive Government of 
the United States, and will be met by liberal terms on other 
substantial and collateral points, and the bearer or bearers 
thereof shall have safe conduct both ways. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

The appHcation to which we refer was elicited by 
your letter of the 17th instant, in which you inform 
Mr. Jacob Thompson and ourselves that you were 



662 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



authorized by the President of the United States to 
tender us his safe conduct, on the hypothesis that we 
were " duly accredited from Richmond as bearers of 
propositions looking to the establishment of peace," 
and desired a visit to Washington in the fulfilment 
of this mission. This assertion, to which we then 
gave, and still do, entire credence, was accepted by 
us as the evidence of an unexpected but most grati- 
fying change in the policy of the President — a change 
which we felt authorized to hope mi^ht terminate in 
the conclusion of a peace mutually just, honorable, 
and advantageous to the North and to the South, 
exacting no condition but that we should be "duly 
accredited from Richmond as bearers of propositions 
looking to the establishment of peace." 

Thus profiering a basis for a conference as compre- 
hensive as we could desire, it seemed to us that the 
President opened a door which had previously been 
closed against the Confederate States for a full inter- 
change of sentiments, free discussion of conflicting 
opinions, and untrammelled effort to remove all causes 
ot controversy by liberal negotiations. We, indeed, 
could not claim the benefit of a safe conduct which 
had been extended to us in a character we had no 
right to assume and had never affected to possess ; 
but the uniform declarations of our Executive and 
Congress, and their thrice repeated and as often re- 
pulsed attempts to open negotiations, furnish a suffi- 
cient pledge that this conciliatory manifestation on 
the part of the President of the United States would 
be met by them in a temper of equal magnanimity. 
We had, therefore, no hesitation in declaring that if 
this correspondence was communicated to the Presi- 
dent of the Confederate States he would promptly 
embrace the opportunity presented for seeking a 
peaceful solution of this unhappy strife. 

We feel confident that you must share our pro- 
found regret that the spirit which dictated the first 
step toward peace had not continued to animate the 
counsels of your President. Had the representatives 
of the two Governments met to consider this ques- 
tion — the most momentous ever submitted to human 
statesmanship — in a temper of becoming moderation 
and equity, followed as their deliberations would 
have been by the prayers and benedictions of every 
patriot and Christian on the habitable globe, who is 
there so bold as to say that the frightful waste of in- 
dividual happiness and public prosperity which is 
daily saddening the universal heart might not have 
been terminated, or if the desolation and carnage of 
war must still be endured through weary years of 
blood and suffering, that there might not at least have 
been infused into its conduct something more of the 
spirit which softens and partially redeems its bru- 
talities ? 

Instead of the safe conduct which we solicited, and 
which your first letter gave us every reason to sup- 
pose would be extended for the purpose of initiating 
a negotiation in which neither Government would 
compromise its rights or its dignity, a document has 
been presented which provokes as much indignation 
as surprise. It bears uo feature of resemblance to 
that which was originally offered, and is unlike any 
paper which ever before emanated from the consti- 
tutional executive of a free people. Addressed " To 
whom it may concern," it precludes negotiation, and 
prescribes in advance the terms and conditions of 
peace. It returns to the original policy of "no bar- 
gaining, no negotiations, no truces with rebels, except 
to bury their dead, until every man shall have laid 
down "his arms, submitted to the Government, and 
sued for mercy." 

What may be the explanation of this sudden and 
entire change in the views of the President, of this 
rude withdrawal of a courteous overture for negoti- 
ation at the moment it was likely to be accepted, of 
this emphatic recall of words of peace just uttered, 
and fresh blasts of war to the bitter end, we leave for 
the speculation of those who have the means or in- 
clination to penetrate the mysteries of his Cabinet, or 



fathom the caprice of his imperial will. It is enough 
for us to say that we have no use whatever for the 
paper which has been placed in our hands. We could 
not transmit it to the President of the Confederate 
States without offering him an indignity, dishonoring 
ourselves, and incurring the well-merited scorn of our 
countrymen. 

Whilst an ardent desire for peace pervades the 
people of the Confederate States, we rejoice to believe 
that there are few, if any, among them who would 
purchase it at the expense of liberty, honor, arid self- 
respect. If it can be secured only by their submission 
to terms of conquest, the generation is yet unborn 
which will witness its restitution. If there be any 
military autocrat in the North who is entitled to proffer 
the conditions of this manifesto, there is none in the 
South authorized to entertain them. Those who con- 
trol our armies are the servants of the people, not 
their masters; and they have no more inclination 
than they have right to subvert to social institutions 
of the sovereign States, to overthrow their established 
constitutions, and to barter away their priceless heri- 
tage of self-government. ' 

This correspondence will not, however, we trust, 
prove wholly barren of good results. 

If there is any citizen of the Confederate States who 
has clung to a hope that peace was possible with this 
administration of the Federal Government, it will strip 
from his eyes the last film of such delusion ; or if 
there be any whose hearts have grown faint under 
the suffering and agony of this bloody struggle, it will 
inspire them with fresh energy to endure and brave 
whatever may yet be requisite to preserve to them- 
selves and their children all that gives dignity and 
value to life or hope, and consolation to death. And 
if there be any patriots or Christians in your land who 
shrink appalled from the illimitable virtue of private 
misery and public calamity which stretches before 
them, we pray that in their bosoms a resolution may 
be quickened to recall the abused authority and vin- 
dicate the outraged civilization of their country. 

For the solicitude you have manifested to inaugu- 
rate a movement which contemplates results the most 
noble and humane, we return our sincere thanks, and 
are, most respectfully and truly, your obedient ser- 
vants, C. C. CLAY, Jr. 

JAMES P. HOLCOMBE. 
Messrs. Clay and Holcovibe to Wm. C. Jewett. 
Clifton House, Niagara Falls, July 20, 1864. 
Col. W. C. Jewett, Cataract House, Niagara Falls : 

Sie: We are in receipt of your note admonishing 
us of the departure of Hon. Horace Greeley from the 
Falls, that he regrets the sad termination of the ini- 
tiatory steps taken for peace in consequence of the 
change made by the President in his instructions to 
convey commissioners to Washington for negotia- 
tions unconditionally, and that Mr. Greeley will be 
pleased to receive any answer we may have to make 
thi'ough you. We avail ourselves of this oflfer to en- 
close a letter to !Mr. Greeley, which you will oblige us 
by delivering. We cannot take leave of you without 
expressing our thanks for your courtesy and kind 
offices as the intermediary through whom our cor- 
respondence with Mr. Greeley has been conducted, 
and assuring you that we are, very respectfully, your 
obedient servants, C. C. CLAY, Jr. 

JAMES P. HOLCOMBE. 
Mr. Greeley to Mr. Jewdt. 
International Hotel, Niagara Falls, July 20, 1SG4. 

In leaving the Fall's I feel bound to state that I 
have had no intercourse with the Confederate gentle- 
men at the Clifton House, but such as I was fully 
authorized to hold by the President of the United 
States, and that I have done nothing in the premises 
but in fulfilment of his injunctions. The notes, there- 
fore, which you have interchanged between those 
gentlemen and mji-self, can in no case subject you to 
the imputation of unauthorized dealing with public 
enemies. HORACE GREELEY. 

To W. C. Jewett, Esq. 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



663 



No further attempts to open negotiations 
were made until December 28th, when the 
President and Secretary Seward met Commis- 
sioners from Richmond at Fortress Monroe. 
The particulars are thus stated by the Pres- 
ident : 

To tTie Hon. the House of Representatives ; 

In response to your resolution of the 8th lust., re- 
questing information in relation to a conference held 
in Hampton Roads, I have the honor to state that on 
the date I gave Francis P. Blair, senior, a card writ- 
ten as follows, to wit : 

" December 28, 18&1. 

Allow the bearer, P. P. Blair, Sr., to pass our lines 
to go South and return. 

(Signed) A. LINCOLN." 

That at the time I was informed that Mr. Blair 
sought the card as a means of getting to Richmond, 
Va., but he was given no authority to speak or act for 
the Government. Nor was I informed of any thing 
he would say or do on his own account or otherwise. 

Mr. Blair told me that he had been to Richmond 
and had seen Mr. Jefferson Davis, and he (Mr. Blair) 
at the same time left with me a manuscript letter, as 
follows, to wit : 

" EiCHMOND, Va., Jan. 12, 1865. 
F. P. Blair, Esq. 

Sir : I have deemed it proper and probably desira- 
ble to you to give you in this form the substance of 
the remarks made by me to be repeated by you to 
President Lincoln, &c. I have no disposition to find 
obstacles in forms, and am willing now, as hereto- 
fore, to enter into negotiations for the restoration of 
peace. I am ready to send a commission whenever 
I have reason to suppose it will be received, or to re- 
ceive a commission if the United States Government 
shall choose to send one. Notwithstanding the re- 
jection of our former offers, I would, if you could 
promise that a commission, minister, or other agent 
would be received, appoint one immediately, and re- 
new the effort to enter into a conference with a view 
to secure peace to the two countries. 

Yours, &c., JEFFERSON DAVIS." 

Afterwards, with a view that it should be shown to 
Mr. Davis, I wrote and delivered to Mr. Blair a letter, 
as follows, to wit : 

" "Washington, Jan. 18, 1865. 
F. P. Blair, Esq. 

Sie: You having shown me Mr. Davis's letter to 
you of the 12th inst., j'ou may say to him that I have 
constantly been, am now, and shall continue ready 
to receive any agent whom he, or any other influen- 
tial person now resisting the national authority, may 
informally send me, with a view of securing peace to 
the people of our common country. 

Yours, &c., ' A. LINCOLN. 

Afterwards Mr. Blair dictated for and authorized me 
to make an entry on the back of my retained copy of 
the letter just above recited, whicli is as follows : 

" January 28, 1865. 

To-day Mr. Blair tells me that on the 21st inst. he 
delivered to Mr. Davis the original, of which the 
within is a copy, and left it with him; that at the 
time of delivering Mr. Davis read it over twice in 
Mr. Blair's presence, at the close of which he (Mr. B.) 
remarked that the part about our common country 
related to the part of Mr. Davis's letter about the 
two countries, to which Mr. D. replied that he un- 
derstood it. A. LINCOLN." 

Afterwards the Secretary of "War placed in my 
hands the following telegram, indorsed by him, as 
appears : 

" Office U. S. Militaky Telegeapii, I 
"VVar Department. f 

[Cipher.] The following telegram was received at 
Washington, Jan. 29, 1865 : 



' Feom Headqttartees Army of the Jameb, ) 
6.30 p»M., Jan. 29, 1865. J 
To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 

Ths following despatch is just received from Major- 
Gen. Parke, who refers it to me for my action. I re- 
fer it to you in Gen. Grant's absence. 

(Signed) E. 0. C. ORD, Maj.-Gen. Comdg. 

' Headquaetees Aemy or the Jameb. 
The following despatch is forwarded to you for 
your action, since I have no knowledge of (Gieneral 
Grant's having had any understanding of this kind. 
I refer this matter to you as the ranking officer pres- 
ent in the two armies. (Signed) 

JOHN G. PARKE, Maj.-Gen. Comdg.' 

"From Hbadquaetees Ninth Aemy Coeps, ) 
January 29, 1865. f 

Major- General John G. Parke, Headquarters Army of 
the Potomac. 
Alexander H. Stephens, R. M. T. Hunter, and J. A. 
Campbell desire to cross my lines, in accordance with 
an understanding claimed to exist with Lieut, -Gen. 
Grant, on their way to Washington as Peace Com- 
missioners. Shall they be admitted? They desire 
an early answer, so as to come through immediately. 
They would like to reach City Point to-night if they 
can. If they cannot do this they would IIkc to come 
through to-morrow morning. 

0. B. WILSON, Maj. Comdg. Ninth Corps. 
Respectfully referred to the President for such in- 
structions as he may be pleased to give. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War." 
Januakt 29, 1865—8.30 p. m. 
It appears that about the time of placing the fore- 
going telegram in my hands, the Secretary of War 
despatched to General Ord as follows, to wit : 

" "Wae Department, "Washington City, I 
Jan. 29, 1865—10 p. m. f 

Major-General Ord. 

This Department has no knowledge of any under- 
standing by Gen. Grant to allow any person to come 
within his lines as commissioners of any sort. You 
will therefore allow no one to come into your lines 
uuder such character or profession until you receive 
the President's instructions, to whom your telegrams 
•will be submitted for his directions. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War." 
[Sent in cipher at 2 a. m.] 

Afterwards, by my directions, the Secretary of War 
telegraphed Gen. Ord as follows, to wit : 

" "Wae Depaetment, Washington City, D. C, ) 
Jan. 30, 186^-10 a. m. j 

Major-General E. 0. C. Ord, Headquarters Army of 
the James. 

By the direction of the President you are instruct- 
ed to inform the three gentlemen, Messrs. Stephens, 
Hunter, and Campbell, that a message will be de- 
spatched to them at or near where they now are with- 
out unnecessary delay. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War." 

Afterwards I prepared and put into the hands of 
Major Thomas T. Eckert the following instructions : 

"Executive Mansion, Washington, Jan. 30, 1865. 
Major T. T. Echert. 

Sir: You will proceed with the documents placed 
in your hands, and on reaching Gen. Ord will de- 
liver him the letter addressed him by the Secretary 
of War. Then, by Gen. Ord's assistance, procure an 
interview with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Camp- 
bell, or any of them, and deliver to him or them the 
paper on which your own letter is written. Note on 
the copy which you retain the time of delivery and to 
Vi^hom delivered. Receive their answer in writing, 
waiting a reasonable time for it, and which, if it 
contain their decision to come through without fur- 
ther conditions, will be your warrant to ask Gen. 
Ord to pass them through as directed in the letter of 
the Secretary of War. If by their answer they de- 
cline to come, or propose other terms, do not have 



664 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



them passed through. And this being your whole 
duty return and report to me. 

Yours truly, A. LINCOLN." 

"City Point, Feb. 1, 1S65. 
Messrs. Alexander IT. Stephem, J. A. Campbell, and 

B. M. T. Hunter : 

Gentlemen : I am instructed by the President of 
the United States to place this paper in your hands, 
with the information that if you pass through the 
United States military lines, it will be understood 
that you do so for the purpose of an informal confer- 
ence on the basis of that letter, a copy of which is 
on the reverse side of this sheet ; and that you choose 
to pass on such understanding, and so notify me in 
writing. I will procure the Commanding General to 
pass you through the lines and to Fortress Monroe 
under such military precautions as he may deem pru- 
dent, and at which place you will be met in due time 
by some person or persons for the purpose of such 
informal conference ; and, further, that you shall 
have protection, safe conduct, and safe return in all 
events. THOMAS T. ECKERT, 

Major and Aide-de-Camp." 

Afterward, but before Major Eckert had departed, 
the following despatch was received from General 
Grant : 

"Office TJ. 8. Military Telegraph, I 
[Cipher.] War Department, j 

The following telegram was received at Washing- 
ton, Jan. 31, 1865, from City Point, Va., 10:30 a. m., 
Jan. 31, 1865 : 

* Bts Excellency AbraJiam Lincoln, President of tTie 

United States : 

The following communication was received here 
last evening : 

" Petersburg, Va., Jan. SO, 1865. 
Lieut.- Gen. U.S. Grant, Commanding Armies of the 

United States : 

Sir : We desire to pass your lines under safe con- 
duct, and to proceed to Washington to hold a con- 
ference with President Lincoln upon the subject of 
the existing war, and with a view of ascertaining 
upon what terms it may be terminated, in pursuance 
of the course indicated by him in his letter to Mr. 
Blair of Jan. 18, 1865, of which we presume you have 
a copy, and if not, we wish to see you in person, if 
convenient, and to confer with you on the subject. 
Very respectfully, yours, 

ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS, 
J. A. CAMPBELL. 
R. M. T. HUNTER," 

I have sent directions to receive these gentlemen, 
and expect to have them at my quarters this evening 
awaiting your instructions. 

U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-General, 
Commanding Armies of the United States.' " 

This, it will be perceived, transferred Gen. Ord's 
agency in the matter to Gen. Grant. I resolved, 
however, to send Major Eckert forward with his mes- 
sage, and accotdingly telegraphed Gen. Grant as fol- 
lows, to wit : 

" Executive Mansion, "Washington, I 
Jan. 81, 1865. f 
Lieut.-Gen. Grant, City Point, Va. : 

A messenger is coming to you on the business con- 
tained in your despatch. Detain the gentlemen in 
comfortable quarters until he arrives, and then act 
upon the message he brings as far as applicable, it 
having been made up to pass through Gen. Ord's 
hands, and when the gentlemen were supposed to be 
beyond our lines. A. LINCOLN." 

[Sent in cipher at 1:30 p. m.] 

When Major Eckert departed he bore with him a 
letter of the Secretary of War to Gen. Grant as fol- 
lows, to wit : 

_ " War Department, Washington, D. C, Jan. 80, 1865. 
Lieut.-General Grant, Commanding, <&c. 

General : The President desires that you procure 
for the bearer, Major Thomas T. Eckert, an interview 



with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, and 
if, on his return to you he requests it, pass them 
through our lines to Fortress Monroe by such route 
and under such military precautions as you may 
deem prudent, giving them protection and comfort- 
able quarters while there, and that you let none of 
this have any effect upon any of your movements or 
plans. By order of the President, 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War." 

Supposing the proper point to be then reached, I 
despatched the Secretary of State with the following 
instructions, Major Eckert, however, going ahead of 
him: 

" ExECUTrvB Mansion, Jan. 31, 1865. 
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State : 

You will proceed to Fortress Monroe, Va., there to 
meet and informally confer with Messrs. Stephens, 
Hunter, and Campbell on the basis of my letter to F. 
P. Blair, Esq., of Jan. 18, 1865, a copy of which you 
have. You will make known to them that three 
things are indispensable, to wit: 1st, the restoration 
of the national authority throughout all the States ; 
2d, no receding by the Executive of the United States 
on the slavery question from the position assumed 
thereon in the late annual message to Congress, and 
in the preceding documents ; 3d, no cessation of hos- 
tilities short of an end of the war and the disband- 
ing of all the forces hostile to the Government. You 
will inform them that all propositions of theirs not 
inconsistent with the above will be considered and 
passed upon in a spirit of sincere liberality. You will 
hear all they may choose to say and report it to me. 
You will not assume to definitely consummate any 
thing. Yours, &c., ABRAHAM LINCOLN." 

On the day of its date the following telegram was 
sent to Gen. Grant : 

" War Department, Washington, Feb. 1, 1865. 
Limit.-General Grant, City Point, Va. : 

Let nothing which is transpiring change, hinder, 
or delay j'our military movements or plans. 

A. LINCOLN," 
[Sent in Cipher at 9:30 a. m.] 

Afterward the following despatch was received from 
Gen. Grant : 

" Office TJ. S. Telegraph, War Department. 
[In Cipher.] 

The following telegram was received at Washington 
at 2:30 p. M., Feb. 1, 1865, from City Point, Va., Feb. 
1, 12:30 p. M., 1865: 
' His Excellency A. Lincoln, President of the United 

States : 

Your despatch is received. There will be no ar- 
mistice in consequence of the presence of Mr. Ste- 
phens and others within our lines. The troops are 
kept in readiness to move at the shortest notice if 
occasion should justify it. 

tr. S. GRANT, Lieut.-Gen.' " 

To notify Major Eckert that the Secretary of State 
would be at Fortress Monroe and to put them in 
communication, the following despatch was sent : 

" War Depaktaient, Washington, Feb. 1. 1865. 
T. T. Eclcert, care Gen. Grant, City Point, Va. : 

Call at Fortress Monroe and put yourself under 
the direction of Mr. S., whom you will find there. 

A. LINCOLN." 

On the morning of the 2d inst. the following tele- 

frams were received by me from the Secretary of 
tate and Major Eckert : 

" Fortress Monroe, Va. — 11:30 p. m., Feb. 1, 1865. 
The President of the United States : 

Arrived here this evening. Richmond party not 
here. I remain here. W. H. SEWARD." 

" City Point, Va., 10 p. m., Feb. 1, 1865. 
His Excellency A. Lincoln, President of the United 
States : 

I have the honor to report the delivery of your 
communication and my letter at 4:15 this afternoon, 
to which I received a reply at 6 p. m., but not satis- 
factory. At 8 r. M. the following note, addressed to 
Gen. Grant, was received : 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



665 



' City Point, Va,, Feb. 1, 1S65. 
To Lieut.- Gen. Grant : 

Sir : We desire to go to Washington City to con- 
fer informally with the President personally, in 
reference to the matters mentioned in his letter to 
Mr. Blair of the 18th of January, ult., without any 
personal compromise on any question in the letter. 
We have the permission to do so from the authorities 
in Richmond. Very respectfully vours, 

ALEX. H. 'STEPHENS, 
R. M. T. HUNTER, 
J. A. CAMPBELL.' 

At 9:30 p. M. I notified them that they could not 
proceed further unless they complied with the terms 
expressed in my letter. The point of meeting desig- 
nated in the above would not in my opinion be in- 
sisted upon. I think Fortress Monroe would be ac- 
ceptable. Having complied with my instructions, 
will return to Washington to-morrow unless other- 
wise ordered. THOMAS T. ECKERT, Major, &c." 

On reading this despatch of Major Eckert's, I was 
about to recall him and the Secretary of State, when 
the following telegram of Gen. Grant to the Secre- 
tary of War was shown me : 

" Office TJ. S. Militaey Telegraph, Wab Depart.m't. 
[In Cipher.] 

The following telegram, received at Washington at 
4:35 a. m., Feb. 2, 1865, from City Point, Va., Feb 1, 
1865: • 

' Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War ; 

Now that the interview between Major Eckert, 
under his written instructions, and Mr. Stephens 
and party has ended, I will state confidentially, but 
not officially, to become a matter of record, that I am 
convinced, upon conversation with Messrs. Stephens 
and Hunter, that their intentions are good and their 
desire sincere to restore peace and Union. I have 
not felt myself at liberty to express even views of 
my own, or to account for my reticence. This has 

E laced me in an awkward position, which I could 
ave avoided by not seeing them in the first instance. 
I fear now their going back without any expression 
to any one in authority will have a bad influence. 
At the same time I recognize the difficulties in the 
way of receiving their informal commissioners at 
this time, and I do not know what to recommend. I 
am sorry, ho'wever, that Mr. Lincoln cannot have an 
interview with the two named in this despatch, if not 
all three now within our lines. Their letter to me 
was all that the President's instructions contem- 
plated to secure their safe conduct if they had used 
the same language to Capt Eckert. 

tr. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General.' " 

This despatch of Gen. Grant changed my purpose, 
and accordingh' I telegraphed him and the Secretary 
of War as follows : 

"War Bepaktmbnt, 'WAsniNOTOif, Feb. 2, 1SG5. 
To LUut.-Gen. Grant, City Point, Va. : 

Say to the gentlemen that I will meet them person- 
ally at Fortress Monroe as soon as I can get there. 

A. LINCOLN." 
[Sent in Cipher at 9 a. m.] 

" War Department, "Washington, D. C, Feb. 2, 1S65. 
To Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Fort?'ess Monroe, Va. : 

Induced by a despatch from Gen. Grant, I join you 
at Fortress Monroe as soon as I can come. 

A. LINCOLN." 
[Sent in Cipher at 9 a. m.] 

Before starting the following despatch was shown 
me. I proceeded nevertheless : 

" Office U. S. Military Telegraph, War Department. 
[In Cipher.] 

The following telegram was received at Washing- 
ton, Feb. 2, 1865, from City Point, Va., 9 a. m., Feb. 
2, 1865: 
'To Hon. W. H. Setcard, See^ y of State, Fortress Monroe: 

[Copy to Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.] 

The gentlemen here have accepted the proposed 
terms and will leave for Fortress Monroe at 9:30 a. m. 
U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-Gen.' " 



On the night of the 2d, I reached Hampton RoadS; 
and found the Secretary of State and Major Eckert 
in a steamer anchored off the shore, and learned of 
them that the Richmond gentlemen were in another 
steamer, also anchored ofi shore in the Roads, and 
that the Secretary of State had not yet seen or 
communicated with them. I ascertained that Major 
Eckert had literally complied with his instructions, 
and I saw for the first time the answer of the Rich- 
mond gentlemen to him, which in his despatch to me 
of the 1st, he characterized as not satisfactory. That 
answer is as follows, to wit : 

" City Point, Va., Feb. 1, 1S65. 
To Thos T Eckert, Major and Aide-de-camp. 

Major: Your note delivered by yourself this day 
has been considered. In reply, we have to say that 
we were furnished with a copy of the letter of Presi- 
dent Lincoln to F. P. Blair, of the 18th of January ult. 
Another cofy of which is appended to your note. 
Our intentions are contained in the letter, of which 
the following is a copy : 

' Eichmond, Jan. 28, 1865. 
In conformity with the letter of Mr. Lincoln, of 
which the foregoing is a copy, you are to proceed to 
Washington City for an informal conference with him 
upon the issues involved iu the existing war and for 
the purpose of securing peace to the two countries. 
With great respect, your obedient servant, 

JEFFERSON DAVIS.' 
The substantial object to be attained by the in- 
formal conference is to ascertain upon what terms 
the existing war can be terminated honorably. Our 
instructions contemplate a personal interview be- 
tween President Lincoln and ourselves at Washing- 
ton ; but with this explanation, we are ready to meet 
any person or persons that President Lincoln may 
appoint, at such place as he may designate. Our 
earnest desire is that a just and honorable peace 
may be agreed upon, and we are prepared to receive 
or to submit propositions which may possibly lead to 
the attainment of that end. 

Very respectfully vours, 

ALEXA'NDER H. STEPHENS, 
R. M. T. HUNTER, 
JOHN A. CAMPBELL." 
A note of these gentlemen, subsequently addressed 
to Gen. Grant, has already been given in Major 
Eckert's despatch of the 1st inst. I also saw here 
for the first time the following note addressed by the 
Richmond gentlemen to Major Eckert : 

" City Point, Va., Feb. 2, 1865. 
TJiomas T. Eckert, Major and A. D. C. 

Major: In reply to your verbal statement that 
your instructions did not allow you to alter the con- 
ditions upon which a passport would be given to us, 
we say that we are willing to proceed to Fortress 
Monroe, and there to have an informal conference with 
any person or persons that President Lincoln may 
appoint, on the basis of his letter to Francis P. Blair 
of the 18th of January ultimo, or upon any other 
terms or conditions that he may hereafter propose 
not inconsistent with the essential principles of self- 
government and popular rights, upon which our in- 
stitutions are founded. It is our earnest wish to 
ascertain, after a free interchange of ideas and infor- 
mation, upon what principles and terms, if any, a 
just and honorable peace can be established without 
the further efi'usion of blood, and to contribute our 
utmost efibrts to accomplish such a result. We think 
it better to add, that in accepting your passport we 
are not to be understood as committing ourselves to 
any thing, but to carry on this informal conference 
with the views and feelings above expressed. 
Very respectfully vours, &c., 

ALEX. H. STEPHENS, 
J. A. CAMPBELL, 
R. M. T. HUNTER." 
[Note. The above communication was delivered 



\ 



666 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



to me at Fortress Monroe at 4.40 p. m., February 2, by 
Lieut.-Col. Babcock, of Gen. Grant's staflf. 

THOS. T. ECKERT,. Major and A. D. C] 
''Executive Mansion, Feb. 10, 1S65. 

On the morning of the 3d, the gentlemen, Messrs. 
Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, came aboard of our 
steamer and had an interview with the Secretary of 
State and myself of several hours' duration. No 
question of preliminaries to the meeting was then and 
there made or mentioned. No other person was 
present. No papers were exchanged or produced, 
and it was in advance agreed that the conversation 
was to be informal and verbal merely. On my part 
the whole substance of the instructions to the Secre- 
tary of State, hereinbefore recited, was stated and 
insisted upon, and nothing was said inconsistent 
therewith, while by the other party it was not said 
that in any event or on any condition they ever would 
consent to reunion ; and yet they equallgr omitted to 
declare that they would' never so consent. They 
seemed to desire a postponement of that question 
and the adoption of some other course first, which, 
as some of them seemed to argue, might or might not 
lead to reunion, but which course we thought would 
amount to an indefinite postponement. 

The conference ended without result. 

The foregoing, containing, as is believed, all the 
information sought, is respectfully submitted. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN." 

EEPOET OP MESSRS. STEPHENS, HUNTER, AND CAMPBELL. 

Executive Office, Richmond, February 6, 1865. 
To the Seriate and House of Bepresentatives of the 
Confederate States of America : 

Having recently received a written notification 
which satisfied me that the President of the United 
States was disposed to confer informally with unoffi- 
cial agents which might be sent by me, with a view 
to the restoration of peace, I requested the Hon. 
Alexander H. Stephens, the Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, 
and the Hon John A. Campbell to proceed through 
our lines and to hold conference with Mr. Lincoln, 
or any one he might depute to represent him. 

I herewith transmit, for the information of Con- 
gress, the report of the eminent citizens above nam- 
ed, showing that the enemy refused to enter into 
negotiations with the Confederate States, or any one 
of them separately, or to give to our people any 
other terms or guarantees than those which the con- 
queror may grant, or to permit us to have peace on 
any other basis than our unconditional submission 
to their rule, coupled with the acceptance of their 
recent legislation on the subject of the relations 
between the white and black population of each 
State. Such is, as I understand, the effect of the 
amendment to the Constitution which has been 
adopted by the Congress of the United States. 

JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

EiCH-MOND, Va., February 5, 18G5. 
To the President of the Confederate States : 

Sir : Under your letter of appointment of the 28th 
ult., we proceeded to seek an "informal conference" 
with Abraham Lincoln, President of the United 
States, upon the subject mentioned in the letter. 
The conference was granted, and took place on the 
30th inst., on board of a steamer in Hampton Roads, 
where we met President Lincoln and the Hon. Mr. 
Seward, Secretary of State of the United States. It 
continued for several hours, and was both full and 
explicit. 

We learned i'rom them that the message of Presi- 
dent Lincoln to the Congress of the United States in 
December last explains clearly and distinctly his 
sentiments as to the terms, conditions, and method 
of proceeding by which peace can be secured to the 
people, and we were not informed that they would 
be modified or altered to obtain that end. We un- 
derstand from him that no terms or proposals of any 
treaty or agreement looking to an ultimate settlement 
would be entertained or made by him with the Con- 



federate States, because that would be a recognition 
of their existence as a separate power, which, under 
no circumstances, would be done ; and for like rea- 
sons that no such terms would be entertained by him 
from the States separately ; that no extended truce 
or armistice (as at present advised) would be granted, 
without a satisfactory assurance in advance of a com- 
plete restoration of the authority of the United States 
over all places within the States of the Confederacy. 

That whatever consequence may follow from the 
reestablishment of that authority must be accepted ; 
but that individuals, subject to pains and penalties 
under the laws of the United States, might rely upon 
a very liberal use of the power confided to him to re- 
mit those pains and penalties if peace be restored. 

During the conference the proposed amendment to 
the Constitution of the United States, adopted by 
Congress on the 31st ult., was brought to our notice. 
This amendment declares that neither slavery nor 
involuntary servitude, except for crimes, should ex- 
ist within the United States, or any place within their 
jurisdiction, and that Congress sliould have power to 
enforce this amendment by appropriate legislation. 
Of all the correspondence that preceded the confer- 
ence herein mentioned, and leading to the same, you 
have heretofore been informed. 

Very respectfullj'^, your obedient servants, 

ALEX. H. STEPHENS, 
# R. M. T. HUNTER, 

JOHN A. CAMPBELL. 

The commerce of 1864 with Europe was 
limited in consequence of the increased duties 
on imports and the favorable harvests abroad, 
which diminished the demand for breadstuffs. 
The official statement of the Treasury Depart- 
ment gives the following results of the trade 
of the country for the fiscal years 1863 and 
1864. The fiscal year ends on June 30th. The 
specie export for 1863 .should be increased to 
$18,207,879, to embrace a large unusual ship- 
ment made from California to England for safe- 
ty of transit. 

Imports. 1863. 1864. 

Goods $252,7-31,939 $323,514,559 

Specie 9,565,648 18,155,706 

Total $362,237,587 $341,670,265 

Exporta. 

Domestic produce $249,856,649 $820,292,171 

Foreign " 17,796,200 20,373,449 

Specie 64,156,010 105,125,750 

Total $331,809,459 $445,791,370 

The import valuations are in specie, being 
the invoice value. The export values are in 
legal tender prices. The advance in gold, as 
compared with legal tender notes and the in- 
crease of taxes, seriously affected the prices of 
articles sold for consumption. 

Some modification allowing more freedom of 
trade was made in the conditions of commer- 
cial intercourse with places within the limits 
of the insurrectionary States during the year. 

The financial affairs of the Government were 
successfully administered during the year. 

The receipts from all sources, upon the basis 
of warrants signed by the Secretary of the 
Treasury, including loans and the balance in 
the Treasury, on the 1st day of July, 1863, were 
$1,894,796,007.62; and the aggregate disburse- 
ments, upon the same basis, wei-e $1,298,056,- 
101.89, leaving a balance in the Treasury, as 
shown by warrants, of $96,746,905.73. 



MILITAEY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



667 



Deduct from these amounts the amount of 
the principal of the public debt redeemed, and 
the amount of issues in substitution therefor, 
and the actual cash operations of the Treasury 
were: receipts, i^;S84,076,646'.57; disbursements, 
$865,234,087.86; which leaves a cash balance 
in the Treasury of $18,842,558.71. 

Of the receipts, there were derived from cus- 
toms $102,316,152.99 ; from lands, $588,333.29 ; 
from direct taxes, $475,648.96 ; from internal 
revenue, $109,741,134.10; from miscellaneous 
sources. $47,511,448.10; and from loans applied 
to actual expenditures, including former balance, 
$623,443,929.13. 

There were disbursed, for the civil service, 
$27,505,599.46 ; for pensions and Indians, $7,- 
517,930.97; for the War Department, $690,791,- 
842.97; for the Favy Department, $85,733,- 
292.77; for interest of the public debt, $53,- 
685,421.69— making an aggregate of $865,234,- 
087.86, and leaving a balance in the Treasury 
of $18,842,558.71, as before stated. 

The public debt on the 1st day of July, 1864, 
as appears by the books of the Treasury, 
amounted to $1,740,690,489.49. 

The action of Congress relative to slaves and 
free colored persons since the commencement 
of the war may be thus summarily stated. 
Slaves used for military purposes by the enemy 
were declared to be free ; an additional article 
of war dismissed from service all ofBcers who 
should surrender escaped fugitives coming with- 
in the lines of the armies ; three thousand 
slaves in the District of Columbia were eman- 
cipated, and slaveholdiug forbidden : it was 
enacted that colored persons in the Dis- 
trict should be tried for the same offences, in 
the same manner, and be subject to the same 
punishment as white persons, and that such 
persons should not be excluded as witnesses on 
account of color; and that colored schools 
should be provided, and the same rate of ap- 
propriation made to them as to schools for 
white children; and that there should be no 
exclusion from any railway car in the District 
on account of color ; slavery was forever pro- 
hibited in all territory of the United States ; a 
joint resolution was passed pledging the faith 
of the nation to aid non-seceding States to 
emancipate their slaves; all slaves of persons 
aiding the enemy, who should take refuge with- 
in the lines of the army, were declared free ; it 
was enacted that no slave should be surrender- 
ed to any claimant until such person had made 
oath that he had not given aid and comfort to 
the rebellion ; the President was authorized to 
receive into the military service persons of Afri- 
can descent, and such person, his mother, wife, 
and children, owing service to any person giving 
aid to the rebellion, were declared free ; the 
mutual right of search was arranged within 
certain limits with Great Britain, in order to 
suppress the slave trade ; the independence of 
Hayti and Liberia were recognized, and diplo- 
matic relations with them authorized ; colored 
persons, free or slave, to be enrolled and draft- 



ed the same as whites, the former to have the 
same pay as the latter, and the slave to be free ; 
all fugitive slave acts were repealed ; the coast- 
wise slave trade was declared illegal ; colored 
persons enabled to testify in all the courts of the 
United States ; colored persons were authorized 
to carry the mails of the United States. Other 
measures were introduced but failed to pass. 

The question of the proper disposition to be 
made of the vast number of persons of African 
descent who by the operation of the Emancipa- 
tion proclamation, by the progress of the Union 
ai-mies in various parts of the South, or the acts 
of Emancipation passed by the Constitutional 
Conventions of several of the States, became 
free, continued to excite the anxious atten- 
tion of the Government and of the citizens of 
the United States. While some progress was 
made toward the solution of the difficulties, it 
cannot be said that any entirely .satisfactory 
policy was adopted. Different sections requir- 
ed differences in detail in the management of 
freedmen. The number who had thus far ob- 
tained their freedom is not easily ascertained. 
In September, 1864, the Philadelphia " North 
American " published a carefuUy-prepai'ed esti- 
mate for each State, making the aggregate 
amount 1,368,600. Mr. J. E. Gilmore (Edmund 
Kirke) had previously estimated the number at 
1,555,225, while Jefferson Davis in the summer 
stated the number at 3,000,000, about three- 
fourths of the "whole number in the country. 
Since that time, Sherman's march through 
Georgia, South and North Carolina, resulted in 
setting at liberty hardly less than 200,000, and 
victories in other quarters materially added to 
the number elsewhere. Whatever may have 
been the case in 1863, it hardly admits of 
a doubt that, including those set free by the 
Emancipation acts in Maryland, Western Vir- 
ginia, and Missouri, the whole number of 
freedmen in 1864 did not fall much, if 
at all, short of 3,000,000. Of these nearly 
250,000 were in the army, either as soldiers or 
teamsters, and probably more than twice as 
many more women, children, or old men were 
employed as servants, cooks, washerwomen, 
etc., etc., in the various camps, military posts, 
hospitals, etc., throughout the country. Of 
the remainder a large number picked up a 
living, more or less precarious, in the larger 
cities and towns of the West and South. Very 
few of them came North, the severe climate 
being disliked by the negro. Not far from a 
million and perhaj^s more than that number 
were employed upon plantations leased or per- 
mitted by the General Government, or worked 
for wages for farmers and planters in Missouri, 
Maryland, or Western Virginia, or did them- 
selves become lessees of plantations, or were 
gathered inFreedmen's Home Colonies if feeble, 
aged, or infirm, and there supported from the 
proceeds of the labor of those who were able- 
bodied. 

The Freedmen's Aid Societies, Commissions, 
and Associations, of which there were eighteen 



668 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



or twenty in the United States, were active and 
efficient in furnisliing supplies, teachers, and 
religious instruction to the freedmen. They 
expended for these purposes during the three 
years ending January, 1865, nearly one million 
of dollars. Through their eiforts a bill was in- 
troduced into Congress providing for the Estab- 
lishment of a Freedman's Bureau in connection 
with the War Department which finally passed. 

The statements of the number of prisoners 
exchanged to the close of 1864 by each party 
in the war are quite conflicting, and in the ab- 
sence of the official documents of either, which 
were withheld from publication, and which, 
perhaps, would not agree in details, it is diffi- 
cult to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. The 
report of the Commissary General of prisoners, 
which accompanied Secretary Stanton's report 
at the close of 1863, stated that 121,337 of the 
enemy as prisoners had been exchanged against 
110,806 Union prisoners; and that 29,229 still 
remained in Federal prisons. On the other 
hand the statistics kept by the clerk of Libby 
prison, at Richmond, showed that from the 1st 
of January, 1864, to December 19th, 31,630 
Federal prisoners had passed the doors of that 
prison. This number is independent of twenty 
thousand captured at Spottsylvania and else- 
where in Virginia, and sent directly South. 
The statistics of the same prison made the num- 
ber of those who passed its doors and departed 
as prisoners of war since the commencement of 
hostilities at 225,000. 

Of the points in dispute between the authori- 
ties on each side and which caused temporary 
suspensions of the exchange, the most serious 
related to the negro prisoners. 

This dispute was thus founded on principles 
which each party held to be fundamental, and 
yet were directly opposite. If the Federal 
Government yielded its assent to this doctrine, 
it would be an abandonment of the procla- 
mation of emancipation, a breach of faith tow- 
ard those men it had made free and accepted 
as soldiers in its service, and a direct recog- 
nilion of the principle of property in man. On 
the other hand, if the Richmond authorities 
recognized the right of those fugitives from 
bondage to freedom, it would be an abandon- 
ment of the position for which they had been 
so long contending, and knock the corner-stone 
from under the whole fabric of slavery. The 
excess of prisoners finally became so large in 
the Federal hands, that the question upon 
which it was impossible to agree was tempora- 
rily waived. Another difficulty which existed 
early in the year, and at the close of the pre- 
vious one, was a charge that the Federal Gov- 
ernment departed from the original agreement. 

From the date of the cartel until July, 1863, 
the enemy had an excess of prisoners. The 
Federal authorities after that date declared the 
cartel had been violated by the release fi-om 
parole of the Vicksburg prisoners, and refused 
to proceed. They then proposed to exchange 
officer for officer and man for man. This was 



refused by the other side, on the ground that it 
was a departure from the cartel, and the ex- 
change was suspended for some time on this 
ground. At length on August 10th, 1864, the 
Confederate Commissioner accepted these 
terms, "in view of the very large number of 
prisoners now held by each party and the 
suffering consequent xipon their consequent 
confinement." The exchange, however, was 
not at the time resumed, as the question of 
slave soldiers was still under discussion. 

This general suspension of an exchange and 
the rapid accumulation of prisoners became an 
additional cause of irritation to both parties. 
In the Federal hands there were between 60,000 
and 70,000, and nearly as many in Confederate 
prisons. To the enemy there was an additional 
grievance arising from this detention. Their 
supply of men was limited ; they needed every 
one for service in the field. In addition a large 
force was necessarily withdrawn from the field 
to guard the prisoners. Statements of great 
cruelty to Federal prisoners were now pub- 
lished and verified. Among them was the fol- 
lowing appeal to the President, made by officers 
in confinement at Charleston : 

Confederate States Peison, ) 
Charleston, S. C, August — , 1864. J 

To the President of the United States : 

The condition of the enlisted men belonging to the 
Union armies, now prisoners to the Confederate rebel 
forces, is such that it becomes our duty, and the duty 
of every commisioncd officer, to make known the 
facts in the case to the Government of the United 
States, and to use every honorable eiFort to secure a 
general exchange of prisoners, thereby reUeving 
thousands of our comrades from the horrors now 
surrounding them. 

For some time past there has been a concentration 
of prisoners from all parts of the rebel territory to 
the State of Georgia — the commissioned officers be- 
ing confined at Macon, and the enlisted men at Au- 
dersonville. Recent movements of the Union armies 
under General Sherman have compelled the removal 
of prisoners to other points, aud it is now understood 
that they will be removed to Savannah, Georgia, 
Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina. But no 
change of this kind holds out any prospect of relief 
to our poor men. Indeed, as the localities selected 
are far more uuhealtliy, there must be an increase 
rather than a diminution of suffering. Colonel Hill, 
Provost Marshal General, Confederate States Army, 
at Atlanta, stated to one of the undersigned that there 
were thirty-five thousand prisoners at Andersonville, 
and by all accounts from the United States soldiers 
who have been confined there, the number is not 
overstated by him. These thirty-five thousand are 
confined in a field of some thirty acres, enclosed by 
a board fence, heavily guarded. About one-third 
have various kinds of indifi'erent shelter; but up- 
ward of thirty thousand are wholly without shelter, 
or even shade of any kind, and aie exposed to the 
storms and rains, which are of almost daily occur- 
rence ; the cold dews of the night, and the more ter- 
rible effects of the sun striking with almost tropical 
fierceness upon their unprotected heads. This mass 
of men jostle and crowd each other up and down the 
limits of their enclosure, in storm or sun, and others 
lie down upon the pitiless earth at night, with no 
other covering than the clothing upon their backs, 
few of them having even a blanket. 

Upon entering the prison every man is deliberately 
stripped of money and other propei'ty, and as no 
clothing or blankets are ever supplied to their prison- 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



669 



ers hj the rebel authorities the condition of the ap- 
parel of the soldiers, just from an active campaign, 
can be easily imagined. Thousands are without 
pants or coats, and hundreds without even a pair of 
drawers to cover their nakedness. 

To these men, as indeed to all prisoners, there is 
issued three-quarters of a pound of broad or meal, 
and one-eighth of a pound of meat per day. This is 
the entire ration, and upon it the prisoner must live 
or die. The meal is often unsifted and sour, and the 
meat such as in the North is consigned to the soap- 
maker. Such are the rations upon which Union sol- 
diers are fed by the rebel authorities, and by which 
they are barely holding on to life. But to starvation 
and exposure, to sun and storm, add the sickness 
which prevails to a most alarming and terrible ex- 
tent. On an average one hundred die daily. It is 
impossible that any Union soldier should know all 
the facts pertaining to this terrible mortality, as they 
are not paraded by the rebel authorities. Such state- 
ments as the following, made by , speaks 

eloquent testimony. Said he : — " Of twelve of us who 
were captured, six died ; four are in the hospital, and 
I never expect to see them again. There are but two 
of us left." In 18G2, at Montgomery, Alabama, under 
far more favorable circumstances, the prisoners be- 
ing protected by sheds, from one hundred and fifty 
to two hundred were sick from diarrhoea and chills, 
out of seven hundred. The same percentage would 
give seven thousand sick at Andersonville. It needs 
no comment, no efforts at word painting, to make 
such a picture stand out boldly in most horrible 
colors. 

Nor is this all. Among the ill-fated of the many 
who have suffered amputation in consequence of in- 
juries received before capture, sent from rebel hos- 
pitals before their wounds were healed, there are 
eloquent witnesses of the barbarities of which they 
are victims. If to these facts are added this, that 
nothing more demoralizes soldiers and develops the 
evil passions of man than starvation, the terrible con- 
dition of Union prisoners at Andersonville can be 
readily imagined. They are fast losing hope, and 
becoming utterly reckless of life. Numbers, crazed 
by their sufferings, wander about in a state of idiocy; 
others deliberately cross the "dead line," and are 
remorselessly shot down. 

In behalf of these men we most earnestly appeal 
to the President of the United States. Few of them 
have been captured except in the front of battle, in 
the deadly encounter, and only when overpowered 
by numbers. They constitute as gallant a portion 
of our armies as carry our banners anywhere. If re- 
leased, they would soon return to again do vigorous 
battle for our cause. We are told that the only ob- 
stacle in the way of exchange is the status of enlisted 
negroes captured from our armies, the United States 
claiming that the cartel covers all who serve under 
its flag, and the Confederate States refusing to con- 
sider the colored soldiers heretofore slaves as prison- 
ers of war. 

We beg leave to suggest some facts bearing upon 
the question of exchange, which we would urge upon 
your consideration. Is it not consistent with the 
national honor, without waiving the claim that the 
negro soldiers shall be treated as prisoners of war, 



to effect an exchange of the white soldiers? The 
two classes are treated differently by the enemy. 
The whites are confined in such prisons as Libby 
and Andersonville, starved and treated with a barba- 
rism unknown to civilized nations. The blacks, on 
the contrary, are seldom imprisoned. They are dis- 
tributed among the citizens, or employed on govern- 
ment works. Under those circumstances they re- 
ceive enough to eat, and are worked no harder than 
they have been accustomed to bo. They are neither 
starved nor killed ofl' by the pestilence in the dun- 
geons of Richmond and Charleston. It is true they 
are again made slaves, but their slavery is freedom 
and happiness compared with the cruel existence im- 
posed upon our gallant men. They are not bereft of 
hope, as are the white soldiers, dying by piecemeal. 
Their chances of escape are tenfold greater than 
those of the white soldiers, and their condition, in 
all its lights, is tolerable in comparison with that of 
the prisoners of war now languishing in the dens and 
pens of secession. 

While, therefore, believing the claims of our Gov- 
ernment, in matters of exchange, to be just, we are 
profoundly impressed with the conviction that the 
circumstances of the two classes of soldiers are so 
widely different that the Government can honorably 
consent to an exchange, waiving for a time the es- 
tablished principle justly claimed to be applicable in 
the case. Let thirty-five thousand suffering, starv- 
ing, and dying enlisted men aid this appeal. By 
prompt and decided action in their behalf thirty-five 
thousand heroes will be made happy. For the eigh- 
teen hundred commissioned officers now prisoners 
we urge nothing. Although desirous of returning to 
our duty, we can bear imprisonment with more tor- 
titude if the enlisted men, whose sufferings we know 
to be intolerable, were restored to liberty and life. 

The exposure to artillery fire of officers who 
■were prisoners was resorted to on two or three 
occasions as acts of retaliation, but it quickly 
led to explanations, and no injuries were the 
result. Arrangements were made by each party, 
on the approach of winter, to furnish their 
soldiers with blankets and other absolute ne- 
cessities. Articles for Federal prisoners were 
sent to City Point from the North, and dis- 
tributed as directed by agents of the rebels to 
prisoners in their hands. At the same time a 
thousand bales of cotton were shipped from 
Mobile to New York and sold. With the 
money thus obtained, blankets and other ne- 
cessaries were provided for the rebel prisoners 
in Federal prisons. A contribution was also 
made up in England, and sent over for Con- 
federate prisoners ; but permission to deliver It 
was refused. 

In November an exchange was resumed be- 
ginning first with the invalids and the sick, 
and carried forward very rapidly, on the basia 
of man for man, and officer for oflficer. 



670 



MILITARY AND NAYAL IIISTOEY OF THE REBELLION". 



CHAPTEE XLIX. 



Prcress of Military Operations — General Thomas' position in Tennessee — General Hood's position in Tennessee— Move- 
ment of the Enemy on the James Kiver — Another Battle at Hatcher's Eun — March of Gen. Sherman from Savan- 
nah Capture of Columbia, S. C. — Evacuation of Charleston — Advance to Fayetteville — Transfer of Gen. Schofleld to 

North Carolina — Capture of Wilmington — Advance of Gen. Sherman to Cheraw — Battle at Averyshoro — Battle at Ben- 
tonville— Arrival at Goldshoro— Results of Sherman's March. 



The severe weatliei- of the winter months 
caused no cessation in army operations. Maj.s- 
Gen. Thomas, after pursuing the retreating 
forces of G-en. Hood from Tennessee, collected 
his troops at Eastport. Thence a considerable 
body of his men, consisting of the 23d corps 
under Gen. Schofield, were moved by railroad 
to the Atlantic coast and landed on the North 
Carolina shore. Another small portion was 
sent to Gen. Sherman at Savannah. To Gen. 
Thomas was now assigned the defence of that 
extended portion of the country from Atlanta 
north and westward, which belonged to the 
department under Gen. Sherman, when he com- 
menced his march upon Savannah. The large 
garrisons which had been required at Memphis 
and other places on the Mississippi River, also 
in Tennessee and Kentucky, had been set free by 
his new position, and were able to join his forces. 
At the same time, the army of Gen. Hood had 
been fatally reduced. The situation of East- 
port, on the Tennessee River, near the junction 
of the lines of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Ala- 
bama, placed the northern portion of the two 
latter States at the mercy of Gen. Thomas. 

On Jan. 16th, 1865, Gen. Croxton, with a 
division of the 16th corps and the 1st division 
of cavalry, reconnoitred from Eastport toward 
Corinth, passing through luka and Brownsville. 
It appeared that a small force of Gen. Hood's 
army held Corinth, while the main body was 
at Tupelo. Thirty-five of the enemy were cap- 
tured at the depot, and a hotel at Corinth 
burned. Deserters, averaging from thirty to 
fifty daily, were coming within Gen. Thomas's 
lines, from Hood's army. Subsequently a 
part of Gen. Hood's forces were marched by 
land eastward across the State of Georgia, to 
assist in opposing Gen. Sherman. Tiiis move- 
ment left Gen. Thomas free in the latter part of 
February to cooperate with Gen. Oanby against 
Mobile, and Southern Alabama, and Mississippi. 

Thus far the quiet of the Army of the Potomac, 
since its operations last described, had been 
undisturbed, except by those incidents usual to 
hostile armies when near each other. No im- 
portant movement had been attempted. Under 
the call for troops in December, 1864, large 
numbers were going forward to fill its ranks. 
The withdrawal of a portion of the fleet and 
of the forces of the Army of the James for the 
second attack on Wilmington, tempted the ene- 
my at Richmond to make a demonstration for 
the purpose of breaking the pontoon bridges 
over the James, and cutting the communication 



between the Federal forces on the two banks. 
If successful, it was undoubtedly the purpose 
to follow it up by an attack on the forces on 
the north bank. A fleet, consisting of the Vir- 
ginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond, iron- 
clads carrying four guns each, and the wooden 
vessels Drewry, Nansemond, and Hampton, 
with two guns each, the Buford, one gun, the 
steamer Torpedo, and three torpedo boats, left 
Richmond on Jan. 23d. About midnight, the 
fleet passed Fort Brady, and began to pass the 
obstructions. A fire was now open-ed by the 
fort, to which the enemy replied, dismounting 
a hundred pounder in the fort, and escaping 
beyond its range. The chain in front of the 
obstructions beyond the lower end of the Dutch 
Gap Canal was 'cut, and the Fredericksburg 
passed through. But the Richmond, Virginia, 
and Drewry, in attempting to follow, grounded. 
The Drewry could not be got ofi", and was aban- 
doned as daylight appeared, and was blown up 
subsequently by a shell from the battery on 
shore. The report of the afi'au* by the enemy 
is as follows : 

The flagship of the expedition was the Virginia, 
commanded by Lieutenant Dunnington. TheKich- 
mond was commanded by Lieutenant Bell, who was 
First Lieutenant on the Alabama at the time of her 
fight with the Kearsarge. The Fredericksburg was 
commanded by Lieutenant Sheppard. The latter 
vessel, being of light draught, passed clean through 
the obstruction, but the others found a lower 
tier of obstructions deeply submerged, and which 
had not been moved by the freshet; the depth of 
water over them being impassable by vessels of their 
draught. The Virginia received a shot in the centre 
by a three hundred pounder Parrott shell, tired from a 
Yankee Monitor, being struck when trying to get off 
sunken obstructions in the river. The shot displaced 
a few of her bolts, and killed five of her crew. No 
other damage was done, but it was found that her 
engines were fouled, not in consequence of the shot, 
and that she was not in fighting order ; in the mean 
time the fire of our vessels had completely silenced 
the Yankee shore batteries, and a number of shots 
were exchanged with the monitor, with what effect 
is not known. In consequence of the condition of 
the Virginia's engine, it was decided, on a consulta- 
tion of the officers of the flotilla, to withdraw all ves- 
sels, which was done without further casualty. It 
had been impossible to survey the channel to any 
great extent on account of the enemy's picket fire, 
and the submerged obstructions of the river were 
found to be more effectual than they were supposed 
to be. 

This was followed by shelling between the 
hostile batteries on the river throughout the 
day, and during the night the fleet returned to 
Richmond. 

On the night of Jan. 31st, marching orders 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



671 



•were issued to the entire army at Petersburg, 
consisting of the 2d, 5th, 6th, and 9th corps. 
This was preparatory to another movement 
by the left, the plan of which was to throw 
a strong flanking column far beyond the 
right of the enemy's works, along Hatcher's 
Run, so that it might pass behind them and 
take them in reverse,, and then, if possible, tarn 
north and march upon the Southside Railroad. 
Meanwhile the rest of the army would form a 
connection between this corps on the left flank 
and press the enemy gradually back as far 
as possible toward the railroad. During the 
day and night following the issue of the orders, 
the usual preparations for a forward movement 
went on; troops and baggage were moved to 
the proper places, hospitals were cleared, the 
sick sent to City Point, and four days' rations 
distributed to the troops. Meanwhile a heavy 
fire was opened upon the enemy's lines at difter- 
ent points, to conceal the preparations on foot. 
This was kept up during portions of some nights 
in which the cars were kept incessantly running 
to mass troops and supplies on the right. The 
preparations for the movement were not com- 
pleted until Sunday morning, the 5th. Gregg's 
division of cavalry had been ordered to move 
at 3 o'clock in the morning*. The 5th corps, 
under General Warren, was to march at five, 
and the 2d corps under Gen. Humphreys, 
at six o'clock. The flanking column consisted 
of the 5th corps with Gregg's cavalry. The 
cavalry column moved down the Jerusalem 
plank road, and reached Reams' station soon 
after daybreak. The 5th corps moved along 
the Halifax road at 5 o'clock, with Gen. Ayres's 
division in advance, Gen. Griffin's next, and 
Gen. Crawford's in tlie rear. On the Vaughan 
road were the 2d and 3d divisions of the 
2d corps, under Gen. Humphreys, who were 
expected to move directly npon the works at 
Hatcher's Run, while the 5th corps advanced 
around the light. 



M9Q1LVERY 
FTSTEJMAN 




From Reams' station the cavalry advanced 
in the direction of Dinwiddle Court House, and 
encountered at Rowanty Creek, a tributary of 
the Nottoway, a portion of Hampton's cavalry, 
dismounted and sheltered by breastworks on 
the opposite bank, but commanding the bridge. 
After a short skirmish the bridge and the works 
were carried with a loss of about twenty men, 
and the ca^Dture of twenty -two prisoners. In a 
few hours two bridges were built for the troops 
and trains to cross. Meanwhile a portion of 
the cavalry advanced to Dinwiddle Court House, 
and captured some empty wagons, a mail, &c. 
Scouting parties also advanced up the Boyd- 
ton road, and captured a few wagons. At 
night the force returned to Rowanty Creek, 
where Gen. Gregg bivouacked. 

Meanwhile Gen. Humphreys, with the 2d and 
3d divisions of the 2d corps continued his ad- 
vance up the Vaughan road, encountering and 
driving in the enemy's pickets, and reaching 
the Run. The intrenchments of the enemy 
on the opposite bank were not very strongly 
manned, but the obstructions in the stream 
were such that the cavalry were driven back in 
an attempt to cross. The brigade of Gen. De 
Trobriand was then drawn up in line of battle, 
and the 99th Pennsylvania sent across in skir- 
mish order, who carried the works at once with 
a small loss, and secured the fording of the 
stream. The enemy's small force were now 
driven back rapidly to the woods, and the bri- 
gade took a position on a hill beyond the ford, 
and throwing up intrenchments rendered itself 
secure. Previously, hov/ever, the 2d division, 
under Gen. Smyth, when within half a mile of 
the Run, turned ofi" to the right on a path 
leading northeasterly toward Armstrong's mill 
and pond. After advancing three-fourths of a 
mile, the enemy were found in a strong position. 
Their pickets were driven in after a sharp en- 
counter, and a line was formed connecting the 
left of the division with the right of the 3d, 
which Gen. Mott commanded. 
Temporary earthworks were 
throAvn up and preparations 
made to resist an attack. Some 
skirmishing ensued between the 
pickets until 2 o'clock p. ja., 
when a heavy artillery fire com- 
menced, and an attack from the 
enemy was apparent. Under 
cover of the artillery fire the 
enemy pressed through the dif- 
ficult swamp, and rushed upon 
the rifle-pits, which now part- 
ly covered the right of Gen. 
Smyth's division. He was re- 
ceived with such a sharp fire 
as forced him to fall back to 
the woods. A second and third 
attempt was made to carry tho 
works, and turn the flank of 
Gen. Smyth, but each was re- 
pulsed. At dusk the fighting 
was over, and the lines re- 



672 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



mained secure. The loss of Geu. Smytli was 
about three hundred, and that of the enemy 
who made the attack somewhat larger. 

During the night the 5th corps was brought 
into connection, on the left of the 2d corps, with 
the left of the 5th, covered by the cavalry of 
Geu. Gregg. The Cth and 9th corps were also 
so disposed as to render assistance to the 5th 
and 2d. In the morning the position of the 
troops was strengthened by constant work un- 
til noon. At this time Gen. Crawford's division 
of the 5th corps was sent toward Dabney's 
mills, in order to reach the Boydton plank road. 
The country through which the route lay was 
covered with woods, swamps, and ravines, cut- 
ting it up in all directions. At the same time the 
enemy, believing the Federal force had recross- 
ed Hatcher's Eun and abandoned the advance, 
had sent out Gen. Pegram with his division. 
About two miles above the Vaughan road his 
Bkirmishers met fhose of Geu. Crawford, and 
after a sharp contest were forced back toward 
his original position. The division of Gen. 
Evans came to the assistance of Pegram, and 
the advance of Gen. Crawford was checked. 
The division of Gen. Ayres was now sent to 
support Gen. Crawford, and a brigade of Grif- 
fin's to support Gen. Gregg, who was on the 
left, and had been engaged for some time with 
Lee's cavalry, which pressed his rear heavily. 
During a lull which happened, his force threw 
up breastworks. But toward evening they 
were attacked with great force by the enemy, 
and his pickets driven with his force into the 
works. The battle increased, and many of his 
officers were wounded. While this was taking 
place on the left of the Vaughan road, the in- 
fantry had again become furiously engaged on 
the right of the road by repeated attacks of the 
enemy along the line. Finally Gen. Gregg was 
driven out of his breastworks, and his line 
forced back to Hatcher's Run, where he soon 
found that a similar misfortune had hajipened 
to the infantry. It was not imtil the intrenched 
lines on the Vaughan road and Hatcher's Run, 
thrown up on the previous day, were reached, 
that the routed troops could be rallied. The 
enemy dashed forward with great elation, but 
were met by such a sharp fire from the intrench- 
ments as caused them to fall back rapidly to 
the woods. Night put an end to the conflict. 
The following is a report by Gen. Lee of the 
operations of the day : 

Headqitakteks Army Nobthekn Vikginia, Feb. 6, 1865. 
General S. Cooler ; 

The enemy moved in strong force yesterday to 
Hatcher's Run. Part of his infantry, with Gregg's 
cavalry, crossed and proceeded on the Vaughan road, 
the infantry to Cattail Creek, the cavalry to Dinwid- 
dle Court llouse, where the advance encountered a 
portion of our cavalry and retired. 

In the afternoon parts of Hill's and Gordon's 
troops demonstrated against the enemy on the left 
of Hatcher's Run, near Armstrong's Mill. Finding 
him intrenched, they withdrew after dark. During 
the night the force that had advanced beyond the 
creek returned to it, and were reported to be re- 
orossing. 



This morning Pegram' s division moved down to 
the right bank of the creek to reconnoitre, when it 
was vigorously attacked. The battle was obstinately 
contested several hours, but Gen. Pegram being 
killed while bravely encouraging his men, and Col. 
Hoffman wounded, some coumsion occurred, and the 
division was pressed back to its original position. 
Evans's division, ordered by Gen. Gordon to support 
Pegram' s, charged the enemy and forced him back, 
but was in turn compelled to retire. Malone's divi- 
sion arriving, the enemy was driven rapidly to hig 
defences on Hatcher's Run. 

The Union loss during the day was estimated 
at 1,500 to 2,000 men. The loss of the enemy 
was estimated as exceeding 1,000 men, includ- 
ing Gen. J. Pegram and Col. Hofi"man, as killed. 

During the night the works were strength- 
ened, and early in the morning of the 7th the 
enemy made a demonstration on the skirmish 
lines of the cavalry and infantry on the right 
and left of the Vaughan road, but were repulsed. 
At noon the division of Gen. Crawford was 
sent out to make a reconnoissance, supported 
on the left by the division of Gen. Wheaton. 
The pickets of the enemy were encountered 
after an advance of about half a mile, and driven 
back to their works higher up the run between 
Armstrong's and Burgess's raiUs, and about two 
miles beyond the latter. A sharp fire of mus- 
ketry ensued ; but as Gen. Crawford was not 
prepared to force the lines, ho drew his men 
back again to Hatcher's Run. The fighting by 
this column was kept up until night. During 
the day, the cannonading between the lines had 
been constant. The next day, the 8th, was de- 
voted to throwing up intrenchments, and strong 
defensive works soon indicated the points at 
which the permanent lines were tf be located. 
The enemy made no attempts to force the new 
positions, but appeared satisfied to give up the 
lower part of the run if no attempt was made 
by the Union forces on the Boydton plank road. 
The result of the entire movement had been to 
gain an advanced position on the enemy's right, 
which was held firmly, by completing the lines 
to Hatcher's Run, and extending the City Point 
railroad thither. Affairs now continued quiet 
for some time. ArtOlery duels were frequent 
along the lines before Petersburg, but no im- 
portant movement was made. Large numbers 
of deserters from the enemy were constantly 
coming into the lines of Gen. Grant, often ex- 
ceeding seventy a day for many days succes- 
sively, and increasing to two hundred. 

In the Shenandoah valley, small expeditions 
by one or the other party served to prevent 
a quiet state of affairs. Further west, the 
enemy captured Beverly on Jan. 11th. This 
was done by Gen. Rosser, who crossed the 
mountains, and early on the morning of Jan. ' 
11th entered the place, making prisoners of four 
hundred of the garrison, consisting of seven 
hundred men, and dispersing the rest. They 
were asleep in their winter quarters, with no 
pickets out further than three hundred yards 
from their camp. A large amount of commis- 
sary and quartermasters' stores, with a great 
number of horses, were also taken. Again, on 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



673 



the 21st of February, a body of the enemy's 
cavalry, under Lieut. McNeil, dashed into Cum- 
berland before daylight, surprised and captured 
the pickets, and carried off Maj.-Gens. Kelly 
and Crook. They were quietly seized in then* 
beds with their staff oflBcers, and taken to Rich- 
mond, and subsequently exchanged. 

The success which attended the march of 
Gen. Sherman through Georgia, both in dis- 
heartening the Southern people and in destroy- 
ing the communications between different parts 
of the Confederacy, determined the nature of 
the approaching campaign. The field of de- 
cisive operations was now reduced to three 
States, and if South and North Carolina were 
overrun it would not only cut off the resources 
of Gen. Lee's army at Richmond, but also result 
in concentrating an overwhelming force against 
him. Both combatants therefore prepared to 
put forth their final efforts. At Richmond, Gen. 
Lee was appointed as General-in-Chief; Gen. 
Johnston was ordered to the command in 
South Carolina ; Gen. Hood was supplanted by 
Gen, Taylor in Alabama and Mississippi ; Gen. 
Breckinridge was brought into the Cabinet as 
Secretary of War, which had already undergone 
a change by the displacement of Mr. Memmin- 
ger as Secretary of the Treasury, and the ap- 
pointment of Mr. Trenholm of South Carolina. 
On the Federal side Gen. Schofield, with a 
strong force, was placed in command in North 
Carolina, to prepare the way for the approach 
of Gen. Sherman, and Gen. Gillmore relieved 
Gen. Foster in the Department of South Caro- 
lina. 

Immediately after taking possession of Sa- 
vannah, Gen. Sherman began his preparations 
for a march through the Carolinas to Richmond ; 
meanwhile Gen. Hardee with his command 
occupied Charleston. The first movement of 
Gen. Sherman was to send a part of Gen. 
Logan's 15th corps and Gen. Blair's 17th corps, 
both belonging to Gen. Howard's wing of his 
army, by transports to Beaufort, near Hilton 
Head. The important bridge where the rail- 
road from Savannah to Charleston crossed the 
Pocotaligo, was the object of this movement. 
This bridge, 49 miles from Savannah and 55 
miles from Charleston, being with the trestle 
work in the swamp a mile in length, was so 
necessary to the communication between the 
two cities, that frequent attempts had been 
made by the Union commanders of the depart- 
ment to destroy it. The force of the enemy 
had always proved strong enough to defeat 
these efforts. On Jan. 13th the advance from 
Beaufort began. The division of Gen, Hatch 
had taken a position near the bridge, with their 
guns turned on the railroad, when the 17th 
corps crossing the ferry at Port Royal on a 
pontoon bridge moved rapidly but cautiously 
to the railroad. The pickets of the enemy were 
driven away without difficulty. On the 15th 
an advance was made, the 17th corps being 
on the left, and Gen. Hatch on the riglit, and 
the raUroad gained a little south of the bridge. 
43 



The skirmishers pushed forward, encountering 
those of the enemy, who were supported by 
light artillery, and quickly drove them off, 
thus gaining the bridge. A brigade of the 
17th followed, and carried it and the earth 
works at the further end. The enemy seeing 
they would lose possession of the bridge, at- 
tempted to burn it, but were defeated in their 
efforts by the rapid movements of the troops. 
The Federal loss was about fifty. The force 
of the enemy consisted of a detachment from 
Gen. Hardee's command, under Gen. McLaws. 
They were driven out, and the 17th corps 
occupied the railroad from Coosawatchie to the 
the Tallahatchie. A depot of supplies was 
established near the mouth of the creek, with 
easy water communication back to Hilton 
Head. 

At the same time the left wing, under Maj.- 
Gen. Slocum, and the cavalry, under Maj.-Gen. 
Ivilpatrick, were ordered to rendezvous near 
Robertsville and Coosawatchie, with a depot 
of supplies at Pureysburg on Sister's ferry on 
the Savannah River. Gen. Slocum caused a 
good pontoon bridge to be constructed opposite 
Savannah, and the "Union causeway" leading 
through the low rice fields opposite the city 
was repaired and "corduroyed." But before 
the time appointed for him to march, the heavy 
rains of January had swelled the river, broken 
the pontoon bridge, and overflowed the whole 
bottom, so that the causeway was four feet 
under water, and Gen, Slocum was compelled 
to look higher up for a passage over the river. 
He moved up to Sister's ferry, but even there 
the river with its overflowed bottoms was 
nearly three mUes wide. He did not succeed 
in getting his whole wing across until during 
the first week in February. 

Meanwhile the division of Gen. Grover of 
the 19th corps had been sent by Gen. Grant to 
garrison Savannah, and on Jan. 18th Gen. 
Sherman transferred the forts and city of Sa- 
vannah to Gen. Foster, still commanding the 
Department of the South, and instructed him 
to follow on the coast the movements of the 
army under Sherman inland, by occupying 
Charleston and such other points as would 
be of any military value. The plan of Gen. 
Sherman was to strike direct for Goldsboro' 
in North Carolina, and open communication 
with the sea by the Newbern Railroad. For 
this purpose he ordered Col. "W. "W. Wright, 
Superintendent of Mihtary Railroads, to pro- 
ceed in advance to Newbern and to be prepared 
to extend the railroad out from that city to 
Goldsboro by March 15th. At the same time 
Gen. Sherman ordered his chief quartermaster 
and commissary. Gens. Easton and Beckwith, 
to complete the supplies at Sister's ferry and 
Pocotaligo, and follow the movement coastwise, 
and be prepared to open communication with 
him from Morehead City about the same 
time. Having completed his preparations, Gen. 
Sherman issued the order to march on Jan- 
uary 19th, He left Savannah on the 22d 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



675 



and proceeded to Beaufort, and on the 24tli 
readied Pocotaligo, where the 17th corps 
under Gen. Blair was encamped. The 15th 
corps at this time was somewhat scattered : 
the divisions of Gens. "Wood and Hazen were 
at Beaufort; that of Gen. J. E. Smith was 
marching from Savannah by the coast-road, 
and that of Gen. Corse was still at Savannah, 
cut off by the storms and freshet in the river. 
The enemy supposed the object of Gen. Sher- 
man was to reach Charleston, and had adopted 
the Salkehatchie River as his line of defence. 
On the 25th a demonstration was made against 
the Combahee ferry and railroad bridge across 
the Salkehatchie, for the purpose of occupying 
the enemy. The heavy rains had swollen the 
river so that water stood in the swamps for a 
breadth of more than a mile at a depth of from 
one to twenty feet. By making apparent 
preparations to cross the river, he was able, 
with a comparatively small force, to keep a con- 
siderably body of the enemy in front disposed 
to contest the advance on Charleston, although 
not having the remotest intention to move on 
that city. On the 27th Gen. Hatch's division 
evacuated its position on the TuUafuiney and 
Ooosahatchie Rivers, and moved to Pocotaligo 
to keep up the feints already begun, and until 
the right wing should move higher up and cross 
the Salkehatchie about River's or Broxton's 
bridge. 

By the 29th the roads back of Savannah had 
become sufficiently free of the flood to permit 
Gen. Slocum to put his wing in motion ; and as 
he approached Sister's ferry the gunboat Pon- 
tiac was sent up by Admiral Dahlgren to cover 
the crossing. Meanwhile the division of the 
15th corps had reached Pocotaligo, and the 
right wmg had loaded its wagons and was 
ready to start. Gen. Howard was thereupon 
ordered to move the 17th corps aloDg the 
the Salkehatchie as high up as River's bridge, 
and the loth corps by Hickory Hill, Loper's 
cross-roads, Anglesey post office, and Beau- 
fort bridge, leaving Gen. Hatch's division at 
Pacotaligo feigning to cross at the Salkhatchie 
bridge and ferry until the movement turned 
the enemy's position and forced him to fall 
back on the Edisto. 

The march began on the 1st of February. 
All the roads northward had been held by the 
Confederate cavalry imder General Wheeler, 
who had, with details of negro laborers, felled 
trees, burned bridges, and made obstructions to 
impede this march. The pioneer battalions, 
however, were so well organized that these ob- 
structions were quickly removed. The felled 
trees were cleared away and bridges rebuilt by 
the heads of columns before the rear could close 
up. On February 2d the 15th corps reached 
Loper's cross-roads, and the 17th was at 
River's bridge. At this time Gen. Slocum 
was struggling with the floods of the Savannah 
at Sister's ferry. Two divisions of the 20th 
corps, under Gen. Williams, were on the east 
bank, and the cavahy of Gen, Kilpatrick had 



been able to cross over on the pontoon bridge. 
Gen. Sherman ordered Gen. Williams to march 
to Lawtonsville and Allandale, Gen. Kilpatrick 
to Blackville, by way of Barnwell, and Gen. 
Slocum to hurry the crossing at Sister's ferry 
as much as possible, and overtake the right 
wing on the South Carolina Railroad. At the 
same time Gen. Howard, with the right wing, 
was ordered to cross the Salkehatchie and push 
rapidly for the same railroad at or near Mid- 
way. The line of the Salkehatchie was held 
by the enemy in force, having intrenchments 
for infantry and artillery at River's and Beau- 
fort bridges. The former position was carried 
on February 3d by Gens. Mower's and Smith's 
divisions of the 17th corps. The troops crossed 
the swamp, which was nearly three miles wide, 
and in which the water was from the knee to 
the shoulder in depth. The weather was severe- 
ly cold, and the generals oik foot led their com- 
mands and made a lodgment below the bridge, 
and turned on the brigade of the enemy which 
guarded it, and drove them in confusion toward 
BranchviUe. In this affair one officer and seven- 
teen men were killed, and seventy wounded, 
who were sent to Pocotaligo. The 15th corps 
had been ordered to carry the Beaufort bridge, 
but this was evacuated by the enemy as soon 
as the crossing was effected at River's bridge. 
The position was strong both in its natural 
works and the line of works which defended 
the passage of the river. Gen. Sherman had 
now gained the peninsula formed by the Salke- 
hatchie and Edisto Rivers, and threatened alike 
Augusta, BranchviUe, and Charleston. At 
Augusta Gen. D. H. Hill was in command with a 
considerable force, and BranchviUe was reen- 
forced and works thrown up to render it more 
secure. The country in which the army was 
now moving was rich in forage and supplies. 
Turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, nicely-cured 
hams, potatoes, honey, and an abundance of 
other luxuries, were obtained by the soldiers, 
and plenty of corn and fodder for the animals. 
The houses generally were deserted, although 
here and there women and children were found. 
Wide-spreading columns of smoke rose where- 
ever the army went. The following correspond- 
ence relative to the destruction of dwellings 
took place on the dates therein named : 

Gbahams, S. C, February 7, 1865. 

General : I have the honor to propose that if the 
troops of your army be required to discontinue burn- 
ing the houses of our citizens I will discontinue burn- 
ing cotton. 

As an earnest of the good faith in which my propo- 
sition is tendered, I leave at this place about three 
hundred bales of cotton unharmed, worth in New 
York over a quarter million, and in our currency one 
and a half millions. I trust my having commenced 
will cause you to use your influence to insure the ac- 
ceptance of the proposition by your whole army. 

I trust that you will not deem it improper for me 
to ask that you will require the troops under your 
command to discontinue the wanton destruction of 
property not necessary for their sustenance. 
Kespectfully, General, your obedient servant, 
J. WHEElER, Maj.-Gen. C. S. A. 
Maj.-Gen. 0. 0. Howard, U. S. Army, Com' ding, &c. 



676 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



answered by general sherman. 
Headqu'ks Militakt Division of the JMississippi, 1 
In the Field, Fobruary 8, ISCo. j 
General : Yours, addressed to General Howard, is 
received by me. I hope .you will burn all cotton, and 
save us the trouble. We don't want it; and it has 
proven a curse to our country. All you don't burn 
I will. 

As to private houses occupied by peaceful families 
my orders are not to molest or disturb them, and I 
think my orders are obeyed. Vacant houses, being 
of no use to anybody, I care little about, as the own- 
ers have thought them of no use to themselves. I 
don't want them destroyed, but do not take much 
care to preserve them. 

I am, with respect, yours truly, 
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 
IM.-Gen. J. Wueeleu, Commanding Cavalry Corps 
Confederate Army. 

Upon the breaking of the line of the Salke- 
hatchie the enemy retreated at once behind the 
Edisto at Branchville, and the whole army 
pushed at once to the South Carolina Railroad 
at Midway, Bamberg, and Graham's station. 
The troops immediately set to work to destroy 
the road, which had been of great importance 
to the enemy, both as a means of communica- 
tion and for forwarding supplies from Augusta 
and northern Georgia to Richmond. From the 
Tth to the 10th of February the work was 
thoroughly done by the 17th corps, from the 
Edisto up to Bamberg, and from Bamberg up 
to Blackville by the 15th corps. As the 17th 
corps threatened Branchville, the eneiny burn- 
ed the railroad bridge and Walker's bridge be- 
low across the Edisto.. Meanwhile Gen. Kil- 
patrick had brought his cavalry rapidly by 
Barnwell to Blackville, and turned toward 
Aiken, for the purpose of threatening Augusta 
without being drawn into any serious battle. 
Blackville is eighteen miles west of Midway, 
and forty-seven miles east of Augusta ; Aiken is 
seventeen miles east of Augusta. In his pro- 
gress he had serious skirmishes with Wheeler's 
cavalry, first at BlackviUe and afterwards at 
WilHston and Aiken. On February 8th Gen. 
Williams, Avith two divisions of the 20th corps, 
reached the railroad at Graham's station, and 
Gen. Slocum reached Blackville on the 10th. 
This wing continued the destruction of the rail- 
road from Blackville up to Windsor. By Feb- 
ruary 11th Gen. Sherman's force was along the 
railroad from Midway to Johnson's station. 
The effect was to divide the enemy's forces, 
which still remained at Branchville and Charles- 
ton on the one hand, and Aiken and Augusta 
on the other. 

The movement on Orangeburg now com- 
menced. The railroad froua Augusta running 
nearly east to Branchville, there intersects with 
the railroad from Columbia to Branchville, run- 
ning nearly south, and thence southeast to 
Charleston. Gen. Sherman at this time was 
operating west of Branchville on the railroad 
from that place to Augusta. He now strikes 
north to Orangeburg, the first important station 
on the road from Branchville to Columbia, and 
distant from Branchville seventeen miles. The 
nest important station north is KingvUle, where 



the road from Wilmington to Charleston inter- 
sects the Columbia and Charleston road, the 
latter portion of which is common to both. 
Oraugebm-g had a population of about three 
tliousand, and was prettily situated on the 
north bank of the Edisto. From its position 
upon the ridge of high lands on which the rail- 
road runs, it was really of more importance 
than Branchville, which the enemy had care- 
fully fortified. 

The 17th corps crossed the south fork of tho 
Edisto at Binnaker's bridge, and moved directly 
for Orangeburg, while the 15th corps crossed at 
Holmon's bridge, and moved to Poplar Springs 
to act as a support. The left wing, which was 
still at work on the railroad, was ordered to 
cross the South Edisto at New and Guignard's 
bridges, and move to the Orangeburg and Edge- 
field road, and there await the result of the 
attack on Orangeburg. On the42th the corps 
was before the north fork of the Edisto, and at 
an early hour engaged in skirmishing with the 
enemy at diflerent points. A force was found 
intrenched in front of the Orangeburg bridge, 
but was swept away at a dash, and driven across 
the bridge, which was partially burned. Behind 
the bridge was a battery in position, covered by 
a cotton and earth parapet with extensive wings. 
While the division of Gen. Giles A. Smith was 
held close up to tlie Edisto, the other two were 
moved by Gen. Blair to a point about two 
miles below, where Gen. Force's division cross- 
ed by a pontoon bridge, and Gen. Mowers was 
held to act as a support. As soon as Force's 
■ division made their appearance coming up from 
the swamp, the enemy began to give ground, 
and Gen. Smith's division succeeded in gaining 
the bridge, and crossed over and occupied the 
enemy's position. The bridge was soon repair- 
ed, and by the middle of the afternoon the 
whole corps was in Orangeburg, and had be- 
gun to destroy the railroad. This work was 
done effectually by the corps to Lewisville, a 
distance of twelve miles. Gen. Blair was then 
ordered to push the enemy across the Cougaree, 
and force him to burn the bridge. This was 
accomplished on the 14th. The Congaree River 
is formed by the Broad and Saluda Rivers, 
which unite at Columbia. After a southeast 
course of about fifty miles, it unites with the 
Wateree to form the Santee. Steamboats as- 
cend to Columbia. 

Gen. Sherman now directed his march 
straight for Columbia, distant fifty-one miles 
from Orangeburg. The advance of the 17th 
corps was along the State road, while the 15th 
corps crossed the north branch of the Edisto 
from Poplar Springs at Schilling's bridge, and 
took a country road which came into the State 
road at Zeigler's. The 20th corps moved 
north on a line west of the 15th, diverging 
toward Columbia ; the 14th corps advanced in 
a line further west, and the cavalry on their 
left flank. On the 15th, the 16th corps discov- 
ered the enemy in a strong position at Little 
Congaree bridge, across Congaree Creek, with 



MILITAKY AND FAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOF. 



677 



a work on the south side to cover then* retreat 
across the bridge, and a •well-constructed fort 
on the north side commanding the bridge with 
artillery. The ground in front was level and 

■'clear, but rendered very unfavorable by a fresh 
deposit of mud from a recent overflow. Gen. 
"Woods, in command of the leading division, suc- 
ceeded in turning the flank of the work south 
of the bridge by sending Stone's brigade through 
a cypress swamp on the left ; and by following 
up the enemy, who immediately began to re- 
treat, he was able to get possession of the 
bridge and the fort on the north side. The 
bridge had been somewhat injured by fire, and 
had to be repaired before the passage of the 
artillery. It was night, therefore, before the 
head of the column reached the bridge across 
Oongaree River in front of Columbia. During 
the night the enemy shelled the camps from 
a battery on the east side of the Congaree 
above Granby. Early on the next morning, 
Feb. 16th, the head of the column reached the 
bank of the Oongaree opposite Columbia, but 
too late to save the bridge over the river at that 
point, which had been set on fire by the enemy. 
Meanwhile the inhabitants of Columbia could 
be seen moving in great excitement about the 
streets, and occasionally small bodies of cavalry 
but no masses of troops. A single gun was 
tired a few times by the order of Gen. Sherman, 
at the railroad depot, to scatter the people who 
were seen carrying away sacks of corn and flour 
which his army needed. No manifestation of 
surrender was exhibited from the city. 

Within an hour after the arrival of the head 
of Gen. Howard's column at the river opposite 
Columbia, the head of the column of the left 
wing under Gen. Slocum also appeared. Gen. 
Howard, instead of crossing in front of Colum- 
bia, moved three miles up to Saluda Factory, 
and crossed on the 16th, skirmishing with cav- 
alry, and on the night of the same day made a 
bridge across Broad River, three miles above 
Columbia, by which he crossed over Stone's 
brigade of Wood's division of the 15th corps. 
Under cover of this brigade a pontoon bridge 

. was laid on tlie morning of the 17th. Mean- 
while Gen. Slocum moved up to cross the Sa- 
luda at Zion's Church, and thence to take the 
roads leading direct to Winnsboro. His object 
was also to break up the railroads and bridges 
about Alston. 

Gen. Sherman thus describes the entrance to 
Columbia : " I was in person at the pontoon 
bridge (on the 17th), and at 11 a. m. learned 
that the Mayor of Columbia had come out in a 
carriage, and made a formal surrender of the 
city to Col. Stone, 25th Iowa infontvy, com- 
manding 3d brigade, 1st division, 15th corps. 
About the same time a small party of the •17th 
corps had crossed the Oongaree in a skiff", and 
entered Columbia from a point immediately 
west. In anticipation of the occupation of the 
city, I had made written orders to Gen. How- 
ard touching the conduct of the troops. These 
were to destroy absolutely all arsenals and pub- 



lic property not needed for our own use, as 
well as all railroads, depots, and machinery 
useful in war to an enemy, but to spare aU 
dwellings, colleges, schools, asylums, and hann- 
less private property. I was the first to cross 
the pontoon bridge, and in company with Gen. 
Howard rode into the city. The day was clear, 
but a perfect tempest of wind was raging. The 
brigade of Col. Stone was already in the city, 
and was properly posted. Citizens and soldiers 
were on the streets, and general good order 
prevailed. Gen. Wade Hampton, who com- 
manded the Confederate rear guard of cavalry, 
had, in anticipation of our capture of Colum- 
bia, ordered that all cotton, public and private, 
should be moved into the streets and fired, to 
prevent our making use of it. Bales were 
piled everywhere, the rope and bagging cut, 
and tufts of cotton were blown about in the 
wind, lodged in the trees and against the 
houses, so as to resemble a snow-storm. Some 
of these piles of cotton were biirning, especially 
one in the very heart of the city, near the 
Court House, but the fire was partially subdued 
by the labors of our soldiers. During the day 
the 15th corps passed through Columbia and 
out on the Camden road. The 17th did not 
enter the town at all ; and, as I have before 
stated, the left wing and the cavalry did not 
come within two miles of the town. 

" Before one single public building had been 
fired by order, the smouldering fires set by 
Hampton's order were rekindled by the wind, 
and communicated to the buildings around. 
About dark they began to spread, and got be- 
yond the control of the brigade on duty within 
the city. The whole of Wood's division was 
brought in, but it was found impossible to check 
the flames, which, by midnight, had become 
unmanageable, and raged until about 4 a. m., 
when, the wind subsiding, they were got under 
control. I was up nearly all night, and saw 
Generals Howard, Logan, Woods, and others, 
laboring to save houses, and protect families 
thus suddenly deprived of shelter and of bed- 
ding and wearing apparel. I disclaim on the 
part of my army any agency in this fire, but, 
on the contrary, claim that we saved what of 
Columbia remains unconsumed. And, without 
hesitation, I charge Gen. Wade Hampton with 
having burned his own city of Columbia, not 
with a malicious intent, or as the manifestation 
of a silly 'Roman stoicism,' but from folly and 
want of sense in filling it with lint cotton and 
tinder. Our officers and men on duty worked 
well to extinguisli* the flames ; but others not 
on duty, including the officers who had long 
been imprisoned there, "rescued by us, may have 
assisted in spreading the fire after it had once 
begun, and may have indulged in concealed joy 
to see the ruin of the capital of South Carolina. 
During the 18th and 19th the arsenal, railroad 
depots, machine shops, foundries, and other 
buildings were propei-ly destroyed by detailed 
working parties, and the railroad track torn up 
and destroyed to KingsviUe and the Waterea 



678 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Division, | 
Corps, >- 

b. 17, 1865. I 



bridge, and up in the dii-ection of "Winus- 
boro." 

The following will show what troops first 
entered Columbia : 

Headquarters FotrRTn Division, 
Seventeenth Army Cf 

Near Oolu.mbia, S. C, Feb. 
Brig. -Gen. Wm. W. Belknap, C'o7nmanding ZdBrigade.: 
SiH, — Allow me to congratulate you, aud through 
you, Lieut.-Col. J. C. Kennedy, 13th Iowa Veteran 
volunteers, and the men under his command, for 
first entering the city of Columbia, on the morning 
of Friday, February 17th, and being the first to plant 
his colors on the capitol of South Carolina. While 
the army was laying pontoon bridges across the Saluda 
and Broad Rivers, throe miles above the city, Lieut.- 
Col. Kennedy, under your direction, fitted up an. old 
worn-out flat boat, capable of carrjing about twenty 
men, and accompanied by Lieuts. H. C. McArthur 
and Wm. H. Goodell, of your staff, crossed the river 
in front of the city, aud boldlj^ advanced through its 
streets, sending back the boat with another procured 
on the opposite shore, for more troops, and on their 
arrival, with seventy-five men in all, drove a portion 
of Wheeler's cavalry from the town, and at eleven 
and a half o'clock a. m. planted his two stands of 
colors, one upon the old and the other upon the new 
capitol. 

The swift current of the Congaree River and its 
rocky channel rendered his crossing both difiQcult 
and dangerous, and the presence of the enemy, but 
in what force unknown, rendered the undertaking 
still more hazardous. Lieut.-Col. Kennedy and his 
regiment are entitled to great credit for its successful 
accomplishment. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
(Signed) GILES A. SMITH, 

Brevet Major-General Commanding. 

The consequences of the movements of Gen. 
Sherman thus far were a division of the forces 
of the enemy and the evacuation of Charleston. 
Gen. Hardee was in Charleston with about 
14,000 men, expecting the approach of Gen. 
Sherman on his appearance in the neighborhood 
of Branchville. At Augusta, which was equally 
threatened, was Gens. D. H. Hill and G. W. 
Smith, who were so certain of the approach of 
Gen. Sherman that the public property was 
almost entirely removed from the city. A 
considerable cavalry force was at different points 
in South Carolina under Hampton, Wheeler, 
McLaws, and others. Gen. Beauregard, who 
had been in command at Chai'leston, was near 
the North Carolina line collecting forces and 
ready to take the command of troops from 
Hood's army with those under Hill. Gen. Lee, 
it is supposed, also sent some men into North 
Carolina. Gen. Sherman marched at once to 
Columbia, knowing that when once there Au- 
gusta could be easily taken. But if Augusta 
had been first captured, a concentration of the 
enemy might have been made at Columbia, 
which would have rendered its capture more 
diflficult. Augusta was also of less importance 
after its railroad communication had been cut 
off. In the neighborhood of Charleston some 
skirmishing had taken place at intervals with- 
out any important results. 

After Gen. Sherman destroyed the railroad 
in the neighborhood of Branchville, only one 
line remained open from Charleston. This was 



the road running north to Florence and Che- 
raw. It was the only line of retreat for Gen. 
Hardee, and as Gen. Sherman moved north it 
was necessary for the latter to secure it at 
once, as it was threatened. On Feb. 10th, Gen. 
Schimmelfinnig, with a body of troops of Gen. 
Gillmore's command, laid a bridge across the 
creek separating Folly and Cole Islands from 
James Island, and eftected a lodgment on the 
latter, about three miles southwest of Charles- 
ton. Skirmishers advanced and met the enemy 
about a mile distant on the Stono River. A 
gunboat and mortar schooner, and the iron- 
clads Augusta and Savannah, were now moved 
up the Stono, and, covering the flank of Gen. 
Schimmelfinnig's troops, shelled the enemy. 
About 4^ p. M., Gen. Hartwell moved his whole 
brigade forward and carried the rifle-pits for 
the first time. The enemy retreated rapidly to 
his main works, leaving his dead and wound- 
ed, and losing about twenty prisoners. The 
Union loss was between seventy and eighty. 
Cooperating movements were made at the 
same time by the column under Gen. Hatch, 
which crossed the Combahee with slight loss 
and marched toward the South Edisto. No 
serious resistance was made to the advance in 
that region, which was accessible to the gun- 
boats and defended only by small batteries on 
the river banks. The movement of Gen. 
Schimmelfinnig being only a feint, his troops 
were withdrawn to Cole Island. A column 
under Gen. Potter, however, moved to Bull's 
Bay, as if designed to cut the northern railroad. 
On the night of the ITth the last of Gen. Har- 
dee's troops left Charleston. The subsequent 
occupation of the city is thus described by 
oflicial documents : 

Charleston, S. C, February 18, ) 

ma New York, Feb. 21, 1865. j 
Major- General Hallcck, Chief of Staff ; 

General : — The city of (Charleston and all its de- 
fences came into our possession this morning, with 
about two hundred pieces of good artillery and a 
supply of fine ammunition. The enemy commenced 
evacuating all the works last night, and Mayor Mac- 
beth surrendered the city to the troops of Gen. 
Schimmelfinnig at 9 o'clock this morning, at which 
time it was occupied by our forces. Our advance on 
the Edisto from Bull's Bay hastened the retreat. 

The cotton warehouses, arsenals, quartermaster's 
stores, railroad bridges, and two iron-clads were 
burned by the enemy. Some vessels in the ship-yard 
were also burned. Nearly all the inhabitants re- 
maining behind belong to the poorer class. 
Very respectfully, 
Q. A. GILLMORE, General Commanding. 

Headquarters Department op the South, ) 
Charleston, S. C, Feb. 26, 1S65. j 

Lieut.-Gen. JJ. 8. Grant, and Maj.-Gen. W. H. Eal- 
lech. Chief of Staff, Washington : 
An inspection of the Rebel defences of Charleston 
show that we have taken over four hundred and 
fifty pieces of ordnance, being more than double 
M'hat I first reported. The lot includes 8 and 10-inch 
columbiads, a great many 32 and 42-pounder rifles, 
some 7-inch Brooks rifles, and many pieces of foreign 
make. We also captured eight locomotives and a 
great number of passenger and platform cars, all in 
good condition. Deserters report that the last of 
Hardee's army was to have crossed the Santee River 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



679 



yesterday, boxind for Charlotte, N. C, and that it 
was feared that Sherman had already intercepted 
their march. It is reported, ou similar authority, 
that the last of Hood's army, 12,000 strong, passed 
through Augusta last Sunday, the 19th, on the way 
to Beauregard. Georgetown has been evacuated by 
the enemy, and is now in our possession. Deserters 
are coming in constantly. We have over 400 already. 
Q. A. GILLMORE, 
Major-General Commanding. 

The following is the report of Ool. Bennett, 

who was the first to enter the city : 

Headquaeters United States Foeoes, ) 
Charleston, S. C, February 24, 1865. J 
Captain J. W. Dickinson, Acting Asst. Adjt.-Genei^al. 

Captain : I have the honor to submit the following 
report of the evacuation and occupation of Charles- 
ton. On the morning of February the 18th I received 
information that led me to believe the defences and 
lines guarding the city of Charleston had been de- 
serted by the enemy. I immediately proceeded to 
Cummings Point, from whence I sent a small boat 
in the direction of Fort Moultrie, which boat, when 
forty yards east from Fort Sumter, was met by a boat 
from Sullivan's Island, containing a full corps of band 
musicians abandoned by the enemy. These confirmed 
my belief of an evacuation. I had no troops that 
could be available under two hours, as, except in a 
few pontoon boats, there were no means whatever 
of landing troops near the enemy's works or into the 
city. I directed Major Heunessy to proceed to Fort 
Sumter and there replace our flag. The flag was re- 
placed over the southeast angle of Fort Sumter at 
nine (9) o'clock a. m. I now pushed for the city, 
stopping at Fort Ripley and Castle Pinckney, from 
which works Rebel flags were hauled down and the 
American flag substituted. The guns in these works 
were in good order. There was mounted in Fort 
Ripley one Quaker gun bearing southeast. I landed 
at Mill's wharf, Charleston, at ten (10) o'clock a. m., 
where I learned that a part of the enemy's troops yet 
remained in the city, while mounted patrols were out 
in every direction applying the torch and driving the 
inhabitants before them. 

I at once addressed to the Mayor of the city the 
following communication : 

Headquarters United States Forces, | 
Charleston, February 18, 1865. J 
Mayor Charles Macbeth, Charleston : 

Mayor: In the name of the United States Government I 
demand a surrender of the city of which you are the executive 
officer. Until further orders all citizens will remain within 
their houses. 

I have the honor to be, Mayor, very respectfully, your obe- 
dient servant, 

(Signed) A. G. BENNETT, 

Lieut. -Col. commanding U. S. Forces, Charleston. 

My whole force consisted of five (5) officers and the 
armed crews of two (2) small boats, comprising in all 
twenty-two (22) men. Both officers and men volun- 
teered to advance from the wharf into the city ; but 
no reSnforcements being in sight, I did not deem it 
expedient to move on. 

Public buildings, stores, warehouses, private dwell- 
ings, shipping, etc., were burning and being fired by 
armed Rebels, but with the force at my disposal it 
was impossible to save the cotton and other property. 
While awaiting the arrival of my troops at Mill's 
wharf, anumber of explosions took place. The Rebel 
commissary depot was blown up, and with it is esti- 
mated that not less than two hundred (200) human 
beings — most of whom were women and children — 
were blown to atoms. These people were engaged 
in procuring food for themselves and their families 
by permission from the Rebel military authorities. 
The Rebel ram Charleston was blown up while lying 
at her anchorage opposite Mt. Pleasant Ferry wharf, 
in the Cooper River. Observing a small boat sailing 
toward the bay under a flag of truce, I put ofi' to it, 
and received from a member of the common council 



a letter addressed to the General commanding United 
States forces at Morris Island or to the officer in com- 
mand of the fleet. The following is a copy of the 
letter : 

Charleston, 8. C, February 18, 1865. 
To the General Commanding the Army of the United 
States at Morris Island : 
Sir: The military authorities of the Confederate States 
have evacuated the city. I have remained to enforce law and 
preserve order until you take such steps as you may think 
best. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

CHAKLES MACBETH, Mayor. 

The deputation sent to convey the above letter rep- 
resented to me that the city was in the hands of either 
the Rebel soldiery or the mob. They entreated of me 
in the name of humanity to interpose my military au- 
thority and save the city from utter destruction. To 
this letter I replied in the following terms : 

Headquarters United States Forces, Charleston ) 
Harbor, near Atlantic Whaef, Feb. 18, 1865. J 
Mayor Charles Macbeth : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- 
munication of this date. I have in reply thereto to state that 
the troops under my command will render every possible 
assistance to your well-disposed citizens in extinguishing the 
fires now burning. 

I have the honor to be. Mayor, very respectfully, your 
obedient servant, A. G. BENNETT, 

Lieut.-Col. commanding U. S. Forces, Charleston. 

Two (2) companies of the 52d Pennsylvania regiment 
and about thirty (30) men of the 3d Ilhode Island vol- 
unteer heavy artillery having landed, I proceeded with 
them to the citadel. I here established my headquar- 
ters, and sent small parties in all directions with in- 
structions to impress negroes wherever found, and 
to make them work the fire apparatus, until all fires 
were extinguished. I also sent a strong guard to the 
United States Arsenal, which was saved. As the 
troops arrived they were sent out to points in the 
city where were located railroad depots or any large 
buildings containing property, such as cotton, rice, 
tobacco, etc. It being apparent to me that I could 
not eflectually save all that remained, I concentrated 
my guards wherever was stored the largest quantities. 

I cannot at this time submit any account of, or es- 
timate any value to, the property that has fallen into 
our possession. The most valuable items consist in 
cotton and rice. The cotton has not yet been secured. 
The rice is being given to the poor of the city to sup- 
ply their immediate necessities. 

Every officer and soldier exerted himself to a most 
willing performance of every allotted duty, yet I do 
not deem it invidious for me to make special mention 
of Lieutenant John Hackett, Co. M, 3d Rhode Island 
artillery, who volunteered to go alone to Fort Moul- 
trie and there raise the flag. As also to speak of 
Major John A. Hennessy, Captain Samuel Cuska- 
den, and Lieutenant P. M. Burr, all of the 52d regi- 
ment Pennsylvania volunteers ; and Lieutenant James 
F. Haviland, Acting Assistant Inspector-General of 
my stafi", who accompanied me to the city ; all of 
whose services were most highly valuable to me. 
Captain H. H. Jenks, 52d Pennsylvania volunteers, 
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, also rendered im- 
portant services. Although he remained at MoiTis 
Island, he was very efficient in facilitating the em- 
barkation of my troops from there. 

The flags from Fort Moultrie, Castle Pinckney, and 
Fort Ripley, and seventeen (17) signal pennantsfound 
in the city, were secured by the troops uuder my 
command. 
' I have the honor to be. Captain, 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
_ (Signed) A. G. BENNETT, 

Lieutenant-Colonel 21st regiment U. S. C. T. 

A copy of the report of the evacuation and occupa- 
tion of Charleston. JAMES F. HAVILAND, 

First Lieutenant 127th Reg't N. Y. V., A. A. I. G. 

Gen. Hardee, with about 12,000 men, mover' 



680 



MILITARY AND FAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



north, aiming to reach Charlotte in North Car- 
olina. At the same time Georgetown, a sea- 
port north of Charleston, was evacuated, and 
occupied by a naval force sent by Admiral Dahl- 
gren. The force of Gen. Hood's army which 
had been sent eastward, having passed Augusta, 
was moving toward Charlotte, where Gen. Beau- 
regard was in command. As the danger became 
more critical, the enemy sent Gen. Johnston to 
take the command, and he was again in a posi- 
tion to confront Gen. Sherman. 

Meanwhile Gen. Sherman continued his 
march. The left wing and cavalry crossed the 
Saluda and Broad Rivers, and broke up the rail- 
road about Alston and as high as the bridge 
across Broad River on the road to Spartans- 
bm'g. Meanwhile the main body moved directly 
to Winnsboro, which Gen. Slocura reached on 
the 21st. Here the railroad was destroyed up to 
Blackstake's station, a distance of fifteen miles. 
The railroad runs from Columbia to Charlotte, 
N. C, one hundred and nine miles, thence to 
Greensboro, and branches to Lynchburg, Va., 
and Raleigh, N. C. The distance from Columbia 
to Winnsboro is thirty-nine miles. Gen. Slocum 
next turned to Rocky Mount, on the Catawba 
River, in a northeast direction. The 20th corps 
reached Rocky Mount on the 22d, and laid a 
pontoon bridge over the Catawba, and crossed 
on the 23d. The cavalry under Gen. Kilpatrick 
followed during the night ensuing, and moved 
up to Lancaster with instructions to keep up 
the feint of a general march on Charlotte, N. C, 
to which place Gen. Beauregard and the cav- 
alry of the enemy had retreated from Columbia. 
The real ahn of Gen. Sherman was to reach 
Cheraw and Goldsboro, N, C, where he could 
communicate with the naval forces. As has 
been already stated, a portion of Hood's array, 
consisting of Clieatham's corps, was aiming to 
make a junction with Gen. Beauregard at Char- 
lotte, having been cut oft" by the rapid move- 
ment of Sherman on Columbia and Winnsboro. 
For three days, from the 23d to the 26th, the 
rains were heavy and the rivers became quite 
swollen, and the roads almost impassable. The 
20th corps reached Hanging Rock on the 26th, 
and waited there for the 14th corps to get across 
the Catawba. The river had so swollen that 
the pontoon bridge broke, and was with diffi- 
culty restored by Gen. Davis. 

Meanwhile the right wing had broken up the 
railroad to Winnsboro, and turned from thence 
to Peay's Ferry, where it crossed the Catawba 
before the heavy rain commenced. The lYth 
corps moved straight on Cheraw by the way of 
Young's bridge ; and the 15th corps by Tiller's 
and Kelly's bridges. From the latter corps de- 
tachments were sent to Camden, to burn the 
bridge over the Wateree and the railroad depot, 
stores, &c. This was successfully done. 

Several of the foragers, wlio, as a body, gen- 
erally kept in advance of the troops, having 
been very cruelly treated by the enemy. Gen. 
Sherman wrote the following letter to Gen. W. 
Hampton : 



HeADQTJAETEES MiLITAEY Dit'N op the liltSSISSIPPI, ) 

In the Field, Feb. 24, 1S65. ( 
Lieut. -Gen Wade Eampton, Commanding Cavalry 
Forces, C. S. A. 

General : It is officially reported to me that our 
foraging parties are murdered after capture, and la- 
belled "Death to all foragers." One instance of a 
lieutenant and seveu men, near Chesterfield, and an- 
other of twenty, " near a ravine eighty rods from the 
main road," about three miles from JPeasterville. I 
have ordered a similar number of prisoners in our 
hands to be disposed of in like manner. 

I hold about one thousand prisoners captured in 
various ways, and can stand it as long as you ; but I 
hardly think these murders are committed with your 
knowledge, and would suggest that you give notice 
to the people at large, that every life taken by them 
simply results in the death of one of your confed- 
erates. 

Of course you cannot question my right to forage 
on the country ; it is a war right as old as history. 
The manner of exercising it varies with circum- 
stances, and if the civil authorities will supply my 
requisitions, I will forbid all foraging. But I find no 
civil authorities who can respond to calls for forage 
or provisions, and therefore must collect directly of 
the people. I have no doubt this is the occasion of 
much misbehavior on the part of our men ; but I can- 
not permit an enemy to judge or punish with whole- 
sale murder. 

Personally! regret the bitter feelings engendered 
by this war; but they were to be expected, and I 
simply allege that those who struck the. first blow 
and made war inevitable, ought not, in fairness, to re- 
proach us for the natural consequences. I merely 
assert our war right to forage, and my resolve to 
protect my foragers to the extent of life for life. 

I am, with respect, your obedient servant, 

W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen. U. S. A. 

To which Gen, Hampton replied as follows : 

Headqtjakteks im the Field, Feb. 27, 1865. 
Major-Gen. W. T. Slterman, U.S. Army. 

General : Your communication of the 24th instant 
reached me to-day. In it you state that it has been 
otficially reported that 3'our foraging parties were 
" murdered after capture, and you go on to say that 
you had "ordered a similar number of prisoners in 
your hands to be disposed of in like manner." That 
is to say, you have ordered a number of Confederate 
soldiers to be " murdered." 

You characterize your order in proper terms, for 
the public voice, even in your own country, where it 
seldom dares to expressitself in vindication of truth, 
honor, or justice, will surely agree with you in pro- 
nouncing you guilty of murder, if your order is car- 
ried out. 

Before dismissing this portion of your letter, I beg 
to assui'e you for every soldier of mine " murdered 
by you I shall have executed at once two of yours, 
giving, in all cases, preference to any officers who 
may be in my hands. 

lu reference to the statement you make regarding 
the death of your foragers, I have only to say that I 
know nothing of it ; that no orders given by me 
authorized the killing of prisoners after capture, and 
that I do not believe that my men killed any of yours, 
except under circumstances in which it was perfectly 
legitimate and proper they should kill them. 

It is a part of the system of the thieves whom you 
designate as your foragers, to fire the dwellings of 
those citizens whom they have robbed. 

To check this inhuman .system, which is justly ex- 
ecrated by every civilized nation, I have directed my 
men to shoot down all of your men who are caught 
burning houses. This order shall remain in force as 
long as you disgrace the profession of arms by allow- 
ing your men to destroy private dwellings. 

You say that I cannot, of course, question your 
right to forage on the country. " It is a right as old 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



681 



as history." I do not, sir, question this right. But 
there is a right older even than this, and one more 
inalienable — the right that every man has to defend 
his home and to protect those who are dependent 
upon him ; and from my heart I wish that every old 
man and boy in my country who can fire a gun, 
would shoot down, as he would a wild beast, the men 
who are desolating their land, burning their houses, 
and insulting their women. 

You are particular in defining and claiming "war 
rights." May I ask if you enumerate among them 
the right to fire upon a'defenceless city without no- 
tice; to burn that city to the ground after it had 
Deen surrendered by the authorities, who claimed, 
though in vain, that protection which is always ac- 
corded in civilized warfare to non-combatants ;_ to 
fire the dwelling houses of citizens, after robbing 
them, and to perpetrate even darker crimes than 
these — crimes too black to be mentioned? 

You have permitted, if you have not ordered, the 
commission of these offences against humanity and 
the rules of war. You fired into the city of Columbia 
without a word of warning. After its. surrender by 
the Mayor, who demanded protection to private 
property, you laid the whole city in ashes, leaving 
amid its ruins thousands of old men and helpless 
women and children, who are likely to perish of 
starvation and exposure. Your line of march can be 
traced by the lurid light of burning houses, and in 
more than one household there is an agony far more 
bitter than that of death. 

The Indian scalped his victim regardless of sex or 
age, but with all his barbarity he always respected 
the persons of his female captives. Your soldiers, 
more savage than the Indian, insult those whose 
natural protectors are absent. 

In conclusion, I have only to request, that when- 
ever you have any of my men " disposed of," or 
"murdered," for the terms appear to be synony- 
mous with you, you will let me hear of it, in- order 
that I may know what action to take in the matter. 
In the mean time I shall hold fifty-six of your men as 
hostages for those whom you have oi'dered to be ex- 
ecuted. I am, yours, &c., 

WADE HAMPTON, Lieut.-Gen. 

A small force of mounted men, under Oapt. 
Duncan, was sent by Gen. Sherman to break 
Qp the railroad between Charleston and Flor- 
ence, but were met by a division of cavalry un- 
der Gen. Butler, and after a sharp skirmish on 
Mount Elon, they were compelled to return 
without success. 

Oheraw, to which Gen. Sherman was aiming, 
is a town on the right bank of the Great Pedee 
River, at the head of steam navigation. It had 
been a place of importance as a depot for cot- 
ton, and had about one thousand inhabitants. 
It is the termination of the northern railroad 
from Charleston through Florence, being dis- 
tant from the latter forty miles, and from the 
former one hundred and forty-two miles. 

On March 2d the advanced division of the 
20th corps entered Chesterfield, a little north- 
west of Cheraw, encountering on the way the 
cavalry of the enemy under Gen. Butler, with 
whom skirmishing was kept up. On the next 
day, about noon, the 17th corps entered Che- 
raw. The force of the enemy in the place re- 
treated across the Pedee, and burned the bridge. 
A considerable quantity of ammunition was 
captured in the town, and a number of guns 
which had been brought from Charleston on 
the evacuation of that city. These were de- 



stroyed, and also the trestles and bridges of the 
railroad as far down as Darlington, ten miles. 
An expedition of mounted infantry was sent to 
Florence, but it encountered both cavalry and 
infantry, and returned after doing no other 
damage than breaking up in part the road be- ' 
tween tlie two places. 

After a brief delay the march was resumed 
for Fayetteville, in North Carolina. The right 
wing crossed the Pedee at Cheraw, and the 
left wing at Sneedsboro, Fayetteville is the 
capital of Cumberland County, and was a 
flourishing town before the war, hffving a pop- 
ulation exceeding seven thousand. It is on the 
left bank of Cape Fear River, at the head of 
navigation, and sixty mUes south of Raleigh, 
the capital of the State, and one hundred miles 
northwest of AVilmington. It contained an 
arsenal, distilleries of tui'pentine, and cotton 
and flour mills. The 14th corps moved by 
Love's bridge, for the purpose of entering 
Fayetteville in advance, but the weather and 
road continuing bad it reached that place on 
March 11th, together with the 17th corps. 
They approached skirmishing with Gen. "Wade 
Hampton's cavalry, which covered the rear of 
Gen. Hardee's army, as it retreated. It crossed 
the Cape Fear River and burned the bridge. 
The cavalry during the march had kept well 
on the left and exposed flank ; but on the night 
of March 9th his three brigades were divided 
to picket the railroad. This was discovered by 
Gen. Hampton, who, early in the morning, 
dashed in and gained possession of the camp of 
Col. Spencer's brigade, and the house in which 
Gen. Kilpatrick and Col. Spencer had their 
quarters. The surprise was complete, but Gen. 
Kilpatrick quickly succeeded in rallying his 
men, on foot, in a swamp near at hand, and 
by a prompt attack, well followed up, he re- 
gained his artillery, horses, camp, and every 
thing except some prisoners. The enemy re- 
tired, leaving their dead behind. 

The army remained at Fayetteville during 
three days, until March 15th. The United 
States arsenal, and a vast amount of machine- 
ry, which had formerly belonged to the arsenal 
at Harper's Ferry, were destroyed. Every build- 
ing was knocked down and burned, and every 
piece of machinery broken up by the 1st Michi- 
gan engineers. The position of Gen. Sherman 
at this time is thus described by himself: " Up 
to this period I had perfectly succeeded in in- 
terposing ray superior army between the scat- 
tered parts of my enemy. But I was then 
aware that the fragments that had left Colum- 
bia imder Beauregard had been reenforced by 
Cheatham's corps from the West, and the gar- 
rison of Augusta, and that ample time had been 
given to move them to my front and flank 
about Raleigh. Hardee had also succeeded in 
getting across Cape Fear River ahead of me, 
and could therefore complete the junction with 
the other armies of Johnston and Hoke in 
North Carolina ; and the whole, under the 
command of the skilful and experienced Jo€ 



682 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Johnston, made up an army superior to me in 
cavalry, and formidable enough in artillery and 
infantry to justify me in extreme caution in 
making the last step necessary to complete the 
march I had undertaken. Previous to reaching 
Fayetteville I had despatched to Wilmington 
from Laurel HiU Church two of our best scouts 
with intelligence of our position and ray gen- 
eral plans. Both of these messengers reached 
"Wilmington, and on the morning of the 12th 
of March, the army tug Davidson, Capt. Ains- 
worth, reached Fayetteville from Wilmington, 
bringing me full intelligence of events from the 
outer world. On the same day, this tug carried 
back to Gen. Terry, at Wilmington, and Gen. 
Schofield at Newbern, my despatches to the ef- 
fect that on Wednesday, the 15th, Ave would 
move for Goldsboro, feigning on Raleigh, and 
ordering them to march straight for Goldsboro, 
which I expected to reach about the 20th. The 
same day, the gunboat Eolus, Oapt. Young, 
United States navy, also reached Fayetteville, 
and through her I continued to have communi- 
cation with Wilmington until the day of our 
actual departure. While the work of destruc- 
tion was going on at Fayetteville, two pontoon 
bridges were laid across Cape Fear River, one 
opposite the town, the other three miles below." 

While Gen. Sherman had been advancing to 
Fayetteville, some movements had taken place 
at Wilmington, N. C, intended to prepare the 
way for cooperation with him. It was on Jan. 
15th that Gen. Schofield, with the 23d corps, left 
Gen. Thomas, as has been stated, for the Atlan- 
tic coast. The troops moved with their artil- 
lery and horses, biit without wagons, by steam 
transports, to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence by 
railroad to Washington, D. C, and Alexandria, 
Va. Although it was midw inter and the weather 
unusually severe, the movement was effected 
without delay, accident, or suffering on the part 
of the troops. In February an order was issued 
by the Secretary of War creating the depart- 
ment of North Carolina, ■ and assigning Gen. 
Schofield to the command. The ultimate object 
of his operations was to occupy Goldsboro, 
N. C, and to open railroad communication be- 
tween that point and the sea-coast, and further 
to accumulate supplies for Gen. Sherman's army 
and to join it, in its approach, at or near Golds- 
boro. Wilmington was made the first point to 
capture, as it would afford a valuable auxiliary 
base to Morehead City in the event of the junc- 
tion being made at Goldsboro ; and also as it 
would be of great value to Gen. Sherman in 
case the movement of the main army of the 
enemy or other circumstances should render 
advisable a concentration of Sherman's army at 
some point further south than Goldsboro. 

With the 3d division of the 23d corps, under 
Major-Gen. J. D. Cox, Gen. Schofield reached 
the mouth of Cape Fear River on Feb. 9th, and 
landed near Fort Fisher. The other troops 
were to follow, Major-Gen. Terry, with about 
eight thousand men, then held a line across the 
peninsula, about two miles above the fort, and 



occupied Smithville and Fort Casw^ell on the 
south side of the river, -while the naval squad- 
ron under Rear- Admiral Porter, occupied po- 
sitions in Cape Fear River, and off the coast 
covering the flanks of Gen. Terry's line. On 
the west bank. Fort Anderson was occupied by 
the enemy with a collateral line running to a 
large swamp about three-fourths of a mile dis- 
tant, and a line opposite Fort Anderson, run- 
ning across the peninsula from Cape Fear River 
to Masouboro' Sound. This position was im- 
pregnable against a direct attack, and could be 
turned only by crossing the sound above his 
left, or passing ai'ound the swamp which cov- 
vered his right. The first movement of Gen. 
Schofield consisted in pushing forward Gen. 
Terry's line on Feb. 11th, supported by Gen. 
Cox's division, which drove in the enemy's 
pickets, and intrenched in a new position close 
enough to the enemy's line to compel him to 
hold it in force. Efforts were then made to 
turn his left by the aid of a fleet of boats to 
cross the sound, btit the weather prevented. 
Finally Gen. Schofield determined to attempt 
to turn the enemy's right. Gen. Cox's and 
Gen. Ames' divisions were crossed over to 
Smithville and joined by Col. Moore's brigade 
of Gen. Couch's division, which had just de- 
barked. They advanced along the main Wil- 
mington road until they encountered the ene- 
my's position at Fort Anderson and the ad- 
jacent wDrks. Here two brigades were in- 
trenched to occupy the enemy, while Gen. 
Cox with the other two brigades and Gen. 
Ames' division moved around the swamp cover- 
ing the enemy's right, in order to strike the 
Wilmington road in the rear of Fort Anderson. 
The distance to be travelled was about fifteen 
miles. The enemy, by means of their cavalry, 
discovering the movement of Gen. Cox, hastily 
abandoned their works on both sides of the 
river dui'ing the night of Feb. 19th, fell back 
behind Town Creek on the west, and to a 
similar position covered with swamps on the 
east. Thus the main defences of the Cape 
Fear River and of Wilmington were captured, 
with ten pieces of heavy ordnance and a large 
amount of ammunition. 

On the next day Gen. Cox pursued the 
enemy to Town Creek, behind which he was 
found intrenched. The only bridge over had 
been destroyed. Gen. Terry, on the east bank, 
also encountered the enemy in superior force, 
and Gen. Ames' division was recrossed and 
joined him during the night. On the 20th 
Gen. Cox crossed Town Creek, and gaining the 
flank and rear of the enemy attacked and rout- 
ed them, capturing two guns and three hundred 
and seventy-five prisoners, besides the killed 
and wounded. During the night he rebuilt the 
bridge, crossed his artillery, and advanced tow- 
ard Wilmington without opposition. Mean- 
while, Gen. Terry being unable to advance, so 
occupied the attention of the entire force of 
Gen. Hoke that he was unable to reinforce those 
defeated by Gen. Cox. On Feb. 21st Gen. Cox 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



683 



secured a portion of the enemy's bridge across 
Brunswick River, and passed a portion of Lis 
troops to Eagle Island, and threatened to cross 
the Cape Fear River above Wilmington. The 
enemy immediately set fire to his steamers, 
cotton, and military and naval stores, and 
abandoned the city. Early the next morning, 
Feb. 22d, Gen. Cox entered without opposition. 
The force in front of Gen. Terry fell back, and 
were pursued by him across Northeast River. 

The Federal losses in these operations were 
about two hundred officers and men killed and 
wounded. That of the enemy was estimated 
at one thouaiand killed, wounded, and taken 
prisoners. Fifteen heavy and fifteen light guns 
were captured, with a large amount of ammu- 
nition. 

As Gen. Schofield had no rolling stock at 
"Wilmington, and was nearly destitute of wag- 
ons, he v?'as compelled to operate from New- 
beru for the capture of Goldsboro. He had 
already sent to that place about 5,000 men, and 
ordered Gen. J. N. Palmer to move with as 
little delay as possible upon Kinston, in order 
to cover the workmen repairing the railroad. 
Gen. Ruger's division of the 23d corps was 
sent to reenforce Gen. Palmer, by way of More- 
head City. As Gen. Palmer had not moved on 
the 25th, Gen. Cox was ordered to take the com- 
mand and push forward at once. At the same 
time the division of Gen.' Couch, which had 
just arrived at WUmiugton, was prepared as 
rapidly as possible, together with the division 
of Gen. Cox, then under Brig.-Gen. Reilly, to 
join the column moving from Newbern by a 
land march from Wilmington. On March 6th 
the two divisions were ready to move for Kins- 
ton, and proceeded by way of Onslow and 
Richlands. On the 8th Gen. Cox had advanced 
to Wise's Forks, about one and a half miles be- 
low Southwest Creek, behind which the force 
of the enemy, consisting of Gen. Hoke's divis- 
ion and a small body of reserves, had retired. 
Meanwhile Gen. Cox sent two regiments, under 
Col. Upham of the loth Connecticut, to secure 
the crossing of the creek on the Dover road. 
But the enemy having been reenforced by a 
portion of the old Army of Tennessee, recrossed 
the creek above the Dover road, and came 
down in the rear of Col. Upham's position, and 
surprised and captured nearly his entire com- 
mand, about seven hundred men. They then 
advanced and endeavored to penetrate between 
Gen. Cai'ter's and Gen. Palmer's divisions, 
occupying the Dover road and the railroad re- 
spectively, but were checked by Gen. Ruger's 
division, which was just arriving on the iield. 
Only light skirmishing took place, from which 
the loss was small. As the enemy was equally 
as strong as Gen. Cox, and receiving reeuforce- 
ments all the time, Gen. Cos intrenched his 
force to await the arrival of Gen. Couch. On 
the 9th the enemy pressed his hues strongly 
without making an assault ; and on the 10th, 
having received further reiinforcements, and 
perhaps heard of the approach of Gen. Couch's 



column, they made a heavy attack upon the 
left and centre of Gen. Cox, but were decisively 
repulsed with a heavy loss. They retired in 
confusion, lea^^ng their dead and wounded and 
a large number of arms and intrenching tools. 
During the night they fell back across the 
Neuse and burned the bridge. The loss of 
Gen. Cox was about 300 in killed and wound- 
ed ; that of the enemy was estimated at 1,500 
in killed, wounded, and prisoners. During the 
night the colunm of Gen. Couch arrived. Gen. 
Schofield was delayed in crossing the Neuse 
until the 14th, for want of pontoons, when it 
was effected without opposition. Meanwhile 
the enemy had abandoned Kinston and moved 
rapidly toward Smithfield, to join the force 
under Gen. Johnston, to resist the advance of 
Gen. Sherman from Fayetteville. After occu- 
pying Kinston and repairing the bridge over 
the iSTeuse and the railroad track. Gen. Scho- 
field moved on the 20th toward Goldsboro,. 
which he entered on the evening of the 21st 
with slight opposition from the enemy. 

Meanwhile Gen. Terry, with a portion of the 
command which had remained at Wilmington, 
moved from that point on March 15th, reaching 
Faison's depot on the 20th, and advanced to 
Cox's bridge, securing the crossing of the Neuse 
on the 22d. 

The columns of Gen. Sherman commenced 
their march from Fayetteville on Wednesday, 
March 15th. His plan Avas, that Gen. Kil- 
patrick should move \vp the plank road to and 
beyond Averysboro, a village on the Cape Fear 
River, about forty miles south of Raleigh. 
Four divisions of the left wing, with as few 
wagons as possible, were to follow him; the 
rest of the train, under the escort of the two 
remaining divisions of the wing, were to take 
a shorter and more direct road to Goldsboro. 
In like manner Gen. Howard was to send his 
trains well to the right, under a good escort, 
toward Faison's depot and Goldsboro, and to 
hold four divisions light and ready to go to the 
aid of the left wing if it should be attacked 
while in motion. The weather continued bad, 
and the roads were almost impassable, requir- 
ing repairs at almost every foot to admit the 
passage of the wagons and artillery. 

Gen. Kilpatrick advanced, followed by Gen. 
Slocum, who moved up the river or plank road 
on the 15th to Kyle's landing. About three 
miles beyond, at Taylor's Hole Creek, Gen. 
Kilpatrick encountered the rear-guard of the 
enemy, with which he skirmished heavily. At 
his request Gen. Slocum sent forward a brigade 
of infantry to hold a line of barricades. On 
the next morning the column advanced in the 
same order, and found the enemy in an in- 
trenched position, with artillery, infantry, and 
cavalry. They were in front of the point 
where the road branched ofi:' toward Goldsboro 
through Bentonville. It appeared that Gen. 
Hardee, in retreating from Fayette\alle, had 
halted in the narrow and swampy neck be- 
tween the Cape Fear and South Rivers, in 



684 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



order to check the progress of Gen. Sherman, 
that time might be gained for the concentration 
of Gen. Johnston's forces in the rear at Ealeigh, 
Smithfield, or Goldsboro. The force of Gen. 
Hardee was estimated at 20,000 men. Gen. 
Sherman found it to he necessary to dislodge 
him, both to gain possession of the road to Golds- 
boro and to keep up as long as possible the 
feint of an advance on Ealeigh. The position 
of the enemy was a difficult one to carry, by 
reason of the nature of the ground, which was 
so soft that horses would sink everywhere, and 
even men could hardly make their way over 
the common pine barren. 

Gen. Williams, with the 20th corps, was 
ahead, and Gen. Ward's division in the advance. 
This was deployed, and the skirmish line de- 
veloped the position of a brigade of heavy 
artillery armed as infantry, posted across the 
road behind a light parapet, with a battery 
enfilading a clear field over which lay the way 
of approach. A brigade under Gen. Corse was 
sent by Gen. Williams to the left to turn this 
line. By a qviick charge it broke the enemy's 
brigade, which retreated rapidly back to a sec- 
ond line better made and more strongly held. 
On the retreat the enemy were made to suffer 
by Winniger's battery of artillery, which had 
been put in position by Major Eeynolds, chief 
of artillery. On the advance of Gen. Ward's 
division over the ground, three guns and 217 
prisoners were captm-ed. Of the latter 68 
were wounded. Of the enemy's dead, 108 
were buried by the troops. As the second line 
was developed, the division of Gen. Jackson 
was deployed forward on the right of Gen. 
Ward, and two divisions of Gen. Jefferson C. 
Davis' 14th corps on the left, well toward the 
Cape Fear Eiver. At the same time Gen. 
Kilpatrick, who was acting in concert, was 
ordered to mass his cavalry -on the extreme 
right, and in concert with the right of Gen. 
Jackson, to feel forward for the Goldsboro 
road. He succeeded in getting a brigade on 
the road, but it was attacked so furiously by a 
division of the enemy under Gen. McLaws, that 
it fell back to the flank of the infantry. Late 
in the afternoon the entire line advanced and 
drove the enemy within his intrenchments, and 
pressed him so hard that during the night, 
which was stormy, he retreated. In the morn- 
ing he was followed by the division of Gen. 
Ward through and beyond Averysboro, when 
it became apparent that Gen. Hardee had re- 
treated toward Smithfield instead of Ealeigh. 
The Union loss was 12 officers and 65 men 
killed and 477 wounded. The loss of the 
enemy is unknown. 

The division of Gen. Ward remained to keep 
np a show of pursuit, and the rest of Gen. Slo- 
cum's column turned to the right and built the 
bridge across the South Eiver and took the 
road to Goldsboro. At the same time Gen. 
Kilpatrick crossed the river to the north in the 
direction of Elevation, and moved eastward, 
watching the left flank. The right wing of 



Gen. Howard was stiU working its way over 
the heavy roads toward Bentonville and Golds- 
boro. The cavalry of the enemy crossed in 
front of Gen. Sherman, to join their infantry at 
Smithfield, burning the bridges across Mill 
Creek. Smithfield is 22 miles northwest of 
Goldsboro, on the railroad leading from the 
latter place to Ealeigh, and on the left bank of 
the Cape Fear Eiver, 27 miles from Ealeigh. 
Goldsboro is at the junction of the railroad 
from Ealeigh to IsTewbern and that from Eich- 
mond to Wilmington, 

On the night of the 18th Gen. Slocum's col- 
umn encamped on the Goldsboro road, about 
five miles from Bentonville and twenty-seven 
miles from Goldsboro. The column of Gen. 
Howard was two miles south, and both col- 
umns had pickets three miles forward, at the 
junction of the roads leading to Goldsboro. 
The next movement is thus described by Gen. 
Sherman : — " All the signs induced me to be- 
lieve that the enemy would make no further 
opposition to our progress, and would not 
attempt to strike us in flank while in motion, 
I therefore directed Gen. Howard to move his 
right wing by the new Goldsboro road, which 
goes by way of Falling Creek Church. I also 
left Slocum and joined Howard's column, with 
a view to open communication with Gen. Scho- 
field, coming up from Newbern, and Gen. Terry 
from Wilmington. I found Gen. Howard's 
column well strung out, owing to the very bad 
roads, and did not overtake him in person until 
he had reached Falling Creek Church, with one 
regiment forward to the cross-roads near Cox's 
bridge across the Neuse. I had gone from Gen. 
Slocum about six miles when I heard artillery 
in his direction, but was soon made easy by 
one of his staff officers overtaking me, explain- 
ing that his leading division (Carlin's) had en- 
countered a division of rebel cavalry (Dib- 
brell's), which he was driving easily. But soon 
other staff officers came up reporting that he 
had develojied near Bentonville the whole of 
the rebel army under Gen. Johnston himself. 
I sent him orders to call up the two divisions 
guarding his wagon trains, and Hazen's division 
of the 15th corps, still back near Lee's store, to 
fight defensively until I could draw up Blair's 
corps, then near Mount Olive station, and with 
the three remaining divisions of the 15th corps 
come up on Gen. Johnston's left rear from the 
direction of Cox's bridge. In the mean time, 
while on the road, I received couriers from 
both Gens. Schofield and Terry. The former 
reported himself in possession of Kinston, de- 
layed somewhat by want of provisions, but 
able to march so as to make Goldsboro on the 
21st, and Gen. Terry was at or near Faison's 
depot. Orders were at once despatched to Gen. 
Schofield to push for Goldsboro, and to make 
dispositions to cross Little Eiver in the direc- 
tion of Smithfield as far as Millard ; to Gen. 
Terry to move to Cox's bridge, lay a pontoon 
bridge, and estabhsh a crossing ; and to Gen. 
Blair to make a night march to Falling Creek 



MILITAEY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



685 



Church ; and at daylight, the right "wing, Gen. 
Howard, less the necessary wagon guards, was 
put in rapid motion on BentonviUe." 

It appears that on the advance of the head 
of Gen. Slocum's column from his camp on the 
night of the 18th, it first encountered Dibhrell's 
cavalry, but soon found its progress hindered 
by infantry and cavalry. The enemy attacked 
his advance and gained a temporary advantage, 
capturing three guns of Gen. Carlin's division, 
and driving the two advanced brigades back on 
the main body. Gen. Slocum at once deployed 
the two divisions of the 14th corps of Gen. 
Davis, and brought up on their left the two 
divisions of the 20th corps of Gen. Williams. 
These were placed on the defensive, and a line 
of barricades prepared. Gen. Kilpatrick also 
massed his cavalry on the left. In this position 
six assaults were made on the left wing by Gen. 
Johnston, with the combined forces of Gens. 
Hoke, Hardee, and Cheatham. During the 
night ensuing. Gen. Slocum got up his wagon 
train with its guard of two divisions, and Gen. 
Hazen's division of the 15th corps, which en- 
abled him to make his position impregnable. 
Gen. Johnston had moved by night from Smith- 
field, with as little incumbrance as possible, 
for the purpose of overwhelming the left wing 
before it could be relieved. The right wing, in 
its advance to the aid of Gen. Slocum, found 
the cavalry of the enemy watching its appi-oach 
without being able to ofier any serious resist- 
ance until the head of the column encountered 
a considerable body beliind a barricade, at the 
forks of the road near BentonviUe, about three 
miles east of the battle field of the previous 
day. The cavalry were quickly dislodged, and 
the intersection of the roads secured. As the 
loth corps advanced, Gen. Logan found that 
the enemy had thrown back their left flank, 
and constructed a line of parapet connecting 
with that toward Gen. Slocum, in the form of 
a bastion, with its salient on the main road to 
Goldsboro ; thus interposing between Gen. Slo- 
cum with the left wing on the west, and Gen, 
Howard with the right wing on the east, while 
the flanks rested on Mill Creek and covered the 
road to Smithfield. Gen. Howard proceeding 
cautiously soon made strong connection with 
Gen. Slocum on the left, and at 4 p. m. of the 
20th, a complete and strong line of battle con- 
fronted the enemy in his intrenched position, 
which put Gen. Johnston on the defensive, 
with Mill Creek and a single bridge in his rear. 
Gen. Sherman having nothing to gain by a 
battle, now pressed the enemy steadily with 
skirmishers alone, using artillery on the wood- 
ed space held by him, and feeling the flanks of 
nis position, which were covered by swamps. 



On the next day, the 21st, a steady rain pre 
vailed, during which Gen. Mower with his di 
vision, on the extreme right, had worked weU 
to the right around the enemy's flank, and 
nearly reached the bridge across Mill Creek, 
which was the only line of retreat open to Gen. 
Johnston. Fearing the enemy might turn upon 
Gen. Mower with all his reserves, to over- 
whelm him, and perhaps yield his parapets for 
the purpose. Gen. Sherman ordered a general 
attack by his skirmish line, from left to right. 
Meanwhile Gen. Mower was able to regain his 
connection by moving to his left rear. During 
the night ensuing the enemy retreated toward 
Smithfield, leaving his pickets to fall into Gen. 
Sherman's hands, with many dead unburied 
and wounded in his field hospitals. At day- 
break pursuit was made two miles beyond MiU 
Creek. The loss of the left wing about Benton- 
viUe was reported at 9 officers and 145 men 
killed, 51 officers and 816 men wounded, and 
3 ofiicers and 223 men missing; total, 1,247. 
Of the enemy, 1G7 dead were buried, and 338 
made prisoners by the left wing. The loss of 
the right wing was 2 officers and 35 men killed, 
12 officers and 289 men wounded, and 1 officer 
and 60 men missing ; total, 399. Of the ene- 
my, 100 dead were buried and 1,287 made 
prisoners by the right wing. The aggregate 
loss of Gen. Sherman, exclusive of the cavalry, 
was 1,646. 

The result of this affair gave to Gen. Sher- 
man full possession of Goldsboro, with the two 
railroads to Wilmingto^ and Beaufort on the 
coast. The 22d was passed in burying the 
dead and removing the wounded at Benton- 
viUe, and on the next day all the troops moved 
to the camps about Goldsboro, already occu- 
pied by Gen. Schofield, there to rest and re- 
ceive supplies of food and clothing. 

During this march Gen. Sherman's army 
passed over an average breadth of forty miles 
of country, from Savannah to Goldsboro, and 
consumed all the forage, cattle, hogs, sheep, 
poultry, cured meats, corn meal, &c. It was 
stripped so bare as to make it necessary for the 
enemy to send provisions from other quarters 
to feed the inhabitants. It caused the abandon- 
ment by the enemy of the whole sea-coast from 
Savannah to Newbern, with the forts, dock- 
yards, gunboats, &c. The real object of the 
march, says Gen. Sherman, " was to place this 
army in a position easy of supply, whence it 
could take an appropriate part in the spring 
and summer campaign of 1865." The troops 
remained in their camps during the remainder 
of the month' of March. Meantime Gen. Sher- 
man visited City Point and conferred with the 
President, Gen. Grant, and others. 



686 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



CHAPTER L. 



March of Gen. Slierldan from "Winchester to the James Eiver— Attack on the Army before Petersburg— Movement of 
Troops by the left of Gen. Grant— Battle near Five Forks— Cannonade of Petersburg— Assault on the City— Gen. Lee 
orders the evacuation of Eichmond and Petersburg — Occupation of the latter by Union Troops — Occupation of Eich- 
mond by Gen. Weitzel — Eetreat of Gen. Lee's Army — Pursuit by Gen. Sheridan — Surrender of Gen. Lee — Terms 
of Capitulation. 



While Gen. Sherman had been marching 
throngh the Carohnas, Gen. Grant was com- 
pleting his preparations for the final conflict 
with Gen. Lee. Gen. Sheridan, in command in 
the Shenandoah valley, was ordered to join 
Gen. Grant, and for that pui'pose left his camp 
at Winchester on February 27th. His force con- 
sisted of the 1st division of cavalry under Gen. 
Merritt, the 3d under Gen. Custer, and one 
brigade of the 2d with four guns. The severe 
rains had swollen the rivers and made the roads 
bad. This stormy weather continued after the 
first few days during the march. The column 
passed through Kernstown, Middletown, Stras- 
burg, and Woodstock, crossing the streams on 
the way without opposition. On the next day, 
the 28th, the march was made without opposi- 
tion from Woodstock, through Edenburgh, to 
Hawkinsburgh. The north fork of the Shenan- 
doah was crossed on a pontoon bridge, between 
Mount Jackson and New Market. In the cross- 
ing nine men of Gen. Custer's division were 
drowned. On the next day Gen. Sheridan passed 
through Harrisonburgh, Mount Crawford, Mount 
Sidney, and crossed Middle River, nine miles 
from Staunton, and camped four miles from 
that place, having advanced eighty-three miles 
in three days. The only skirmishing thus far 
took place at a point near the North River and 
Mount Crawford, between the brigade under 
Caphart and some cavalry of Gen. Rosser's 
division, who were trying to burn the bridge. 
The bridge was saved and sevei'al wagons of the 
enemy captured, with a loss of only six men. 

Gen. Early, who had occupied Staunton, and 
was aware of the approach of Gen. Sheridan, 
instructed the inhabitants to remove their prop- 
erty, as he would be unable to retain possession 
of the town. Much property was therefore re- 
moved. During the night of March 1st, while 
the troops were encamped outside of Staunton, 
Gen. Devens' brigade of Merritt's division, 
moved to Staunton, drove the enemy's pickets 
through the town, and occupied it without op- 
position. Gen. Devens then turned to the left, 
marching easterly on the road toward Rockfish 
Gap, and destroyed the trestle bridge of the 
Virginia Central Railroad at Christina's Creek, 
On the 2d it rained heavily, but the column 
moved through Staunton toward Waynesboro, 
thirteen miles distant. At Fishersville, eight 
miles from Staunton, Gen. Custer's division be- 
ing in advance, met the enemy's videttes and 
drove them back five miles to Waynesboro. 
Here he made a reconnoissance and discovered 



the enemy in position on some ridges along 
South River, with five guns. Placing the bri- 
gade of Gen. Pennington on the right, and 
Wells' on the left, with that of Caphart acting 
as a reserve, he advanced with the two forward 
regiments deployed as skirmishers and firing 
briskly. Immediately after firing a volley the 
entire line of the enemy broke, when the troops 
rushed upon them and captured 87 officers, 
1,165 men, 13 flags, 5 cannon, over 100 horses 
and mules, and nearly 100 wagons and ambu- 
lances. Gen. Early lost his baggage but escaped 
to Charlottesville. Pursuit was made and 
Oaphart's brigade crossing South River moved 
to Greenwood station, where it destroyed the 
depot, a train containing six pieces of artillery, 
and some commissary and ordnance supplies. 
Gen. Ouster now waited for Gen. Merritt to 
come up, and both forces pushed on through 
Rockfish Gap to Charlottesville, eighteen miles. 
The i^risoners were sent back to Winchester 
under a guard, which encountered some guer- 
rillas on the way. At Charlottesville Gen. 
Sheridan remained two days. He says : " This 
time was consumed in bringing over from 
Waynesboro our ammunition and pontoon 
trains. The weather was horrible beyond de- 
scription, and the rain incessant. The two 
divisions were during this time occupied in 
destroying the two large iron bridges, one over 
the Rivanna River, the other over Morse's 
Creek, near Charlottesville, and the railroad 
for a distance of eight miles in the direction of 
Lynchburg." 

On March 6th Gen. Devens advanced with his 
division to Scottsville, whence light parties were 
sent through the country destroying all mer- 
chandise, mills, factories, bridges, &c. The di- 
vision then proceeded along the James River 
Canal to Duguids-\'ille, fifteen miles from Lynch- 
burg, destroying every lock, and in many places 
the bank of the canal. The bridges at Duguids- 
ville and Hardwicke had been burned by the 
enemy, and the pontoons were useless on ac- 
count of the high water. At the same time the 
3d division started from Charlottesville and ' 
proceeded down the Lynchburg Railroad to 
Amherst Court House, destroying every bridge, 
and in many places miles of the road. The 
bridges were numerous, and some of them five 
hundred feet in length. Abundant supphes 
were found in all places. The canal had been, 
says Gen. Sheridan, '• the great feeder of Rich- 
mond." At Rockfish River the bank of the 
canal was cut, and at New Canton, where a 



milTAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



687 



dam is across the James, the guard lock was 
destroyed and the James River let into the 
canal, carrying away its banks and washing out 
its bottom. The dam was also partially de- 
stroyed. Among the captures were twelve 
canal boats laden with supplies, ammunition, ra- 
tions, medical stores, &c. Gen. Custer was next 
sent to Ashland, and Gen. Devens to destroy 
the bridges over the South Anna. At noon on 
March 10th, the advance of Gen. Sheridan ai*- 
rived on the banks of the Pamunkey, a few miles 
from Whitehouse, and soon crossed the river. 
On the 26th he reached City Point, and took a 
position in Gen. Gregg's old cavahy camp on 
the left and rear of the army. 

The line occupied by Gen. Grant's army at 
this time extended a distance of about thirty 
miles. The extreme right was at Fort Harri- 
son at Chafin's farm, north of the James River, 
where were also the outposts of the cavalry 
under Gen. Kautz. Thence it crossed the 
James in front of Bermuda Hundred and the 
Appomattox, and extended around Petersburg 
as far southwest as the bank of Hatcher's Run. 
This line was strongly intrenched everywhere, 
although the greater part of the army were on 
the left. The Army of the James, under Gen. 
Ord, was iiorth of the James, forming the right 
wing, and the Army of the Potomac was south 
of the Appomattox, and formed really the left 
wing. From tlie Appomattox to Hatcher's Run 
there was a strong series of connected intrench- 
ments. The iirst regular work on the line was 
Fort McGilvery ; the next Fort Steadmah ; the 
next three-eighths of a mile further on, was Fort 
Haskell ; the next Fort Morton, &c. Between 
the forts were mortar batteries, as follows : No. 
8 near Fort McGilvery, No. 9 between that and 
Fort Steadman, No. 10 on the right of the lat- 
ter fort and near it, and Nos. 11 and 12 on its 
left. Fort Steadman and the adjoining batteries 
were on an eminence known as Hare's Hill. 

For some days previous to the arrival of Gen. 
Sheridan with his command, there had been 
indications of a change on the part of the ene- 
my, such as might result in a dash on some part 
Gen. Grant's lines. About daylight, on March 
25th, Gen. Gordon's old division and Bushrod 
Johnson's di\dsion of Lee's array were massed 
for a charge upon Fort Steadman, which covered 
about an acre of ground and had nine guns. 
At the same time the rest of Gen. Lee's army was 
arranged for an attack further down toward the 
left. At dawn Gordon's troops rushed forward 
to the attack. The space between the lines was 
about one hundred and fifty yards wide. They 
at once cleared their own abatis, charged across 
the interval, and up the ascent to Fort Stead- 
man, and working through the abatis, carried 
the fort almost in an instant. The surprise was 
complete. In the fort was the 14th New York 
heavy artillery, and the line was guarded by 
Gen. McLaughlin's brigade of the 1st division 
of the 9th corps. The enemy immediately tarned 
the guns of the fort against the rest of the line, 
and caused the abandonment of batteries 10 and 



1 1 on the left, and battery 9 on the right. Upon 
these they dashed at once, and opened fire upon 
the troops as they escaped. Fort Haskell, 
however, soon gave them a check. The 3d di- 
vision of the corps under Gen. Hartranft was 
quickly on the ground, and the batteries from aU 
sides were speedily massed upon Fort Steadman. 
A terrible fire burst from the artillery, to which 
the enemy replied with the captured guns. 
Under this fire the division of Gen. Hartranft 
pressed up to retake the captured fort. The 
enemy at first resisted obstinately, and checked 
his progress with a loss of nearly two hundred 
killed and wounded. But' the constant fire of 
the artillery and the pressure of Hartranft soon 
caused the enemy to fall back into the fort and 
then beyond it, down the hill, leaving all the 
captm-ed guns in the endeavor to regain their 
OAvn lines. A portion, however, were unable 
to escape, and about 1,758 were made prisoners, 
causing a total loss to the enemy of more than 
2,000 men. The Union loss was nearly 1,000, 
in killed, wounded, and missing. No more 
firing took place at this point during the day. 
It was resumed at night when an attempt was 
made to repair the abatis. The afiair was over 
before other Union troops arrived to give assist- 
ance. Later in the day a general forward dem- 
onstration was made along the line on the 
left, and a part of the enemy's skirmish lines 
captured with about 2,000 prisoners. Of this 
movement Gen. Grant reported thus: 

" Our captures by the 2d corps were 365 ; by 
the 6th corps, 469, and by the 9th corps 1,049, 
The 2d and 6th corps pushed forward and cap- 
tured the enemy's strong intrenchments, and 
turned them against him and still hold them. 
In trying to retake these the battle was con- 
tinued until eight o'clock at night, the enemy 
losing very heavily. Humphreys estimates the 
loss of the enemy in his front at three times his 
own, and Gen. Wright, in his fi-ont, as double 
that of ours." 

The following is Gen. Meade's congratulatory 
order to the army : 

Headqtjaetees Akmt of the Potomac, March 26, 1S65. 
General Orders No. 13. 

The Major-General Commanding announces to the 
Army the success of the operations of yesterday. 

The enemy, with a temerity for which he has paid 
dearly, massed his forces, and succeeded, through 
the reprehensible want of vigilance of the 3d brigade 
1st division, 9th corps, in breaking through our lines, 
capturing Fort Steadman, and batteries 9, 10, and 11. 

The prompt measures taken by Maj. -General Parke, 
the firm bearing of the troops of "the 9th corps in 
adjacent portions of the line held by the enemy, and 
the conspicuous gallantry of the 3d division of 
this corps, for the first time under lire, together with 
the energy and skill displayed by Brigadier-General 
Hartranft, its leader, quickly repaired this disaster; 
and the enemy were driven from Fort Steadman and 
our lines, with heavy losses iu killed and wounded, 
leaving iu our hands eight battle-flags and over 1,900 
prisoners. 

The enemy being driven from the front of the 9th 
corps, the offensive was assumed b}- the Cth and 2d 
corps ; the enemy by night was driven from his in- 
trenched picket line, and all his efforts to recover the 
the same, which were particularly determined and 



688 



MILITARY AI^D NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



persistent on the 2d corps front, were resisted and 
repulsed with heavy losses, leaving with the 6th corps 
over 400 prisoners, and with the 2d corps two battle- 
flags and over 300 prisoners. 

The troops of the 6th corps, reported by Major- 
General Wright as engaged in these operations, were 
Getty's division, Keifer's brigade of Seymour's divi- 
sion, and Hamblin's and Edward's brigade of Whea- 
ton's division. 

Of the 2d corps, Major-General Humphreys men- 
tions Miles' and Mott's divisions, and Smythe's bri- 
gade of Hays' division, supported by Griffin's division, 
5th corps. 

The result of the day was the thorough defeat of 
the enemy's plans, the capture of his strongly in- 
trenched picket-line under the artillery fire of his 
main works, and the capture of ten battle-flags and 
about 2,800 prisoners — a result on which the Major- 
General Commanding heartily congratulates the 
army. 

Two lessons can be learned from these operations : 
One, that no fortified line, however strong, will pro- 
tect an army from an intrepid and audacious enemy, 
unless vigilantly guarded ; the other, that no disaster 
or misfortune is irreparable, where energy and brav- 
ery are displayed in the determination to recover 
what is lost, and to promptly assume the offensive. 

The Major-General Commanding trusts these les- 
sons will not be lost on this army. 

In conclusion, the Major-General Commanding de- 
sires to return his thanks to those commands of the 
army not specially mentioned in this order, for the 
promptness displayed by all, in their movements to 
different parts of the lines, under the exigencies of 
the hour. In connection with this subject, the prompt- 
itude of Major-General Warren and of Brevet Major- 
General Hunt, Chief of Artillery, in the early part of 
the operations, during the accidental absence of the 
Majoi'-General Commanding, deserve commendation 
and thanks. GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Major-General Commanding. 

Indications were now move and more appar- 
ent of the weakness of Gen. Lee's forces, and 
tlie fall of Petersburg and Richmond. Gen. 
Grant immediately prepared for new movements 
of the highest importance, and considered that 
this attack of Lee was made to cover his de- 
signed retreat from Richmond. 

On the 26th some sharp skirmishing broke 
out between the pickets of the 1st division of 
the 9th corps and their opponents, and the bat- 
teries joined in. It soon quieted down. On 
the 27th an attack was made by the enemy on 
Gen. Getty's division of the 6th corps by a small 
force of the enemy, which was repulsed after a 
sharp skirmish. On the same day orders were 
sent to the various field hospitals to remove the 
sick and wounded to City Point, and. to keep 
the hospitals in readiness for any emergency 
that might arise. At 12 o'clock at night the 
whole army was put under marching orders, 
and the next day, the 28th, was passed in prep- 
arations for the movement. The plan was that 
the cavalry, under Sheridan, should adv^ance 
to the left, as had been done so often before, 
followed by the 5th corps under Gen. Warren, 
and the 2d corps under Gen. Humphreys, while 
the other corps held the lines around Peters- 
burg. For this purpose, on the 27th troops 
were selected from the 24th under Gen. Gibbon, 
and 25th under Gen. Birney, corps which be- 
longed to the Army of the James, under Gen. 
Ord, and during the night marched across the 



river, leaving the remainder of the corps to 
garrison the position north of the James. At 
noon on the 28th, this force reached the head- 
quarters of Gen. Meade, and early on the morn- 
ing of the 29th marched into the lines as they 
were evacuated by the 2d corps. 

About 6 A. M. of Wednesday the 29th, the 
cavalry began to move down the Jerusalem 
plank-road to Reams' station on the Weldon 
Railroad, in two columns, of which Gen. Crook 
commanded the right and Gen. Merritt the left. 
The bridge over Rowanty Creek was gone, and 
the creek not fordable. After a delay of four 
hours a bridge was built, and the advance under 
Crook crossed, and moved direct to Dinwiddle. 
The bad roads caused much delay. The town 
was occupied, and communication opened with 
Gen, Warren's corps on the right. It rained a 
little during the night, and very hard all of 
Thursday, the 30th. The roads became so 
bad as to block up the trains, and a part of 
the cavalry force was employed in guarding 
them. The rest moved up to the Boydton 
road. 

Previous to the advance of the infantry, the 
left of the 6th corps extended to Hatcher's 
Run. The 2d corps extended down the run 
from the left of the 6th, at nearly a right 
angle, until reaching the crossing of the 
Vaughan road. The 5th corps was practically 
in reserve, and extended back at a right angle 
from the left of the 2d, in rear of the 6th. 
Early on the morning of the 29th the 2d corps 
moved along the Vaughan road, and was soon 
thrown into position along that road from 
Hatcher's Run to Gravelly Run, which unite at 
Monk's Neck to form Rowanty Creek. Works 
were thrown up to cover the corps from attaclc, 
but the enemy made no opposition. The 5th 
corps moved at the same time, and crossed 
Hatcher's Run. The route was along the road 
to Dinwiddle, until reaching the Quaker road, 
when the column turned abruptly to the right. 
About nine o'clock a connection was formed 
between the right of the 5th corps and the 
left of the 2d. The line of the former extend- 
ed across the Quaker road, and within two or 
three miles of Dinwiddle. Some opposition 
had been made to the crossing of the 5th corps 
at Gravelly Run by a cavalry vidette, which 
was driven off after a short skirmish. Expect- 
ing an attack from the enemy, preparations 
were soon made by the troops, and about 3-^ 
p. M, a division, under Gen. B. Johnson, at- 
tacked and drove in the skirmishers, and as- 
sailed with great force Gen. Griffin's division. 
Some batteries being in position opened upon 
the enemy, who had no artillery, and a sharp 
but short conflict ensued. Finding the force 
against him becoming too strong Johnson with- 
drew to his original position. The loss to the 
5th corps was about five hundred, and that of 
the enemy was estimated at not far from the 
same number. 

During the night, between 9 and 12 o'clock, 
a cannonade took place on the right of the 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION. 



689 




690 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



line, in front of Petersburg. The loss was 
small on each side. 

On the next day, Thursday, the 30th, Tur- 
ner's division of the 24th corps was moved 
down the Vaughau road and across Hatcher's 
Run. It then turned to the right and advanced 
to make connection with the right of tlie. 2d 
corps. A brigade of Gen. Foster's division 
then moved out and connected with the right 
of Turner, thus making the line complete. 
Field works were thrown up, and some skir- 
mishing with the enemy took place. The two 
divisions of the 25th corps held a place be- 
tween the right of the 24th and the left of the 
6th. The 9th corps remained on the right of 
the 6th. 

Early on the same day Gen. Sheridan con- 
nected his right with the left of Gen. Warren 
near the Boydton plank-road. The enemy had 
a strong line of intrenchments already erected 
to cover a position known as Five Forks. The 
force of Gen. Merritt was sent in that direction 
for the purpose of turning the right of the 
enemy, and the advance brigade, under Gen. 
Devens, soon encountered their cavalry, and 
drove them back to their works. Their in- 
fantry in turn drove back the advance. Their 
line of intrenchments covered the White Oak 
road, which runs from the Boydton road to 
the Southside Railroad. From the White Oak 
road toward Hatcher's Run the enemy were 
in strong force. All attempts to turn his right 
by cavalry were baffled. 

Meanwhile some changes were made in the 
position of the different corps. The 5th at 
night occuj^ied a position about a mile north of 
the .junction of the Quaker and Boydton roads. 
During the day it had advanced westward 
about three-fourths of a mile, and lay fronting 
northward, with the pickets of Gens. Ayres's 
division within five hundred yards of the White 
Oak road, but at a spot between two and 
three miles west of its intersection with the 
Boydton road. The divisions of Gens. Craw- 
ford and Griffin were on the right successively. 
On the right of the 5th corps was the 2d, 
which now had its right near Hatcher's Run. 
Gen. Sheridan remained at Dinwiddle and 
covered the left. The movements of the day 
had been accomplished with skirmishing and 
some artillery firing, making the losses of the 
Union troops about two hundred. 

The object now was to get possession of the 
enemy's position, known as Five Forks, by 
carrying which their right flank would be 
turned. At this point five roads meet in Lhe 
woods, three of which run back to the South- 
side Railroad. The White Oak road wa^ here 
strongly fortified with logs and earth, with its 
approaches blocked by fallen trees. Sharp- 
shooters were also stationed to resist any ad- 
vance. 

Early on Friday morning, the 31st, Gen. 
Warren massed the division of Griffin in the 
rear of those of Gens. Ayres and Crawford, 
for an advance upon the White Oak road, 



which commences at the Boydton road and 
runs westward, crossing the Quaker road and 
the Claiborne, which latter extends northwest- 
ly to the Southside Railroad. About 8 o'clock 
the advance commenced toward the Dabney 
House, Ayres's division leading and supported 
by the other two. After moving about a half 
mile beyond the plank-road the enemy's skii*- 
mishers opened fire, at the same time falling 
back upon their main works, a mile and a half 
below the White Oak road. A severe fire was 
now opened upon the advance under Gen. 
Ayres, which broke and fell to the rear, fql- 
lowed by a vigorous charge upon them by the 
enemy. The attack of the enemy was so impet- 
uous, and they were so weU handled, that they 
swept the field, notwithstanding the obstinate 
resistance. Each division met the same fate 
until the whole 5th corps was driven back to 
the Boydton road, when MOes' division of the 
2d corps came to their aid and checked the 
enemy. They now attempted to cut off 
Sheridan's cavalry, which were greatly ex- 
posed by the failure of the 5th corps to ad- 
vance. The 2d division was on Stony Creek, 
southwest of Dinwiddle, consisting of three 
brigades — Smith's, Davies', and Gregg's — and 
holding the left of Sheridan's line. The bri- 
gade of Gen. Fitzhugh was next, and facing 
southeast, and next was Stagg's brigade, on 
Gravelly Run, six miles from Dinwiddle. 
About two miles from the latter place was 
Gibbs' brigade. Early in the afternoon the 
enemy attacked the left in force, but it held 
its ground. Davies' brigade, on the right of 
the extreme left, was next attacked, and, being 
flanked, was driven back with severe loss. 
The enemy next attacked the left centre, and 
forced it back, when the commands were faced 
into new positions, and reenforcements hurried 
up. At 5 p. M. the greater part of both divi- 
sions had been repulsed and driven back sev- 
eral miles to the Boydton road, and Gibbs' bri- 
gade had fallen back about a mile from Din- 
widdle. The troops of Gen. Merritt were now 
reformed, and held a firm position on the right. 
The enemy, reenforced by the infantry which 
had driven the 5th corps, renewed the attack, 
but the artillery being in position, and a large 
force of cavalry having been rallied by Gen. 
Sheridan, the desperate charges of the enemy 
were successfully resisted, and they drew otf 
to the woods. Meantime the 5th corps had 
been rallied, and advanced and regained the 
whole ground which had been lost. The di\d- 
sion of Gen. Griffin captured the earthwork 
from which the enemy had issued, and ad- 
vanced and took a position on the White Oak 
road, east of Five Forks. At the same time the 
1st and 3d divisions of the 2d corps, next on 
the right, advanced, and a hot engagement with 
the enemy ensued. The latter resisted stub- 
bornly, but at length withdrew, and the whole 
corps advanced three-fourths of a mile, captur- 
ing about one hundred and fifty prisoners. 
The two divisions of the 24th corps were on 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



691 



the right of the 2d, and were thrown forward 
so as to cooperate with the general advance. 
The enemy had thus foiled the plans of the 
day; but owing to the strong force and the 
skilful handling of the numerous batteries in 
the field works he had been checked in turn, 
and forced to retire. At night the Federal 
riglit had advanced a few hundred yards fi-om 
its position in the morning, and the left reached 
to tlie White Oak road, three-fourths of a mile 
from Five Forks, which was to the westward, 
and three miles from the intersection of the 
White Oak road with the Boydton road. The 
White Oak road from the extreme spot occu- 
pied, was held about one mile eastward. From 
that point the line ran in an irregular and 
semi-circular form to the 2d corps. The Union 
loss of the day was between 2,500 and 3,000 ; 
that of the enemy Avas less. Many prisoners 
were taken on both sides. 

On the next day, Saturday, April 1st, the 
contest for the possession of Richmond was 
virtually decided. During the night Gen. 
Grant had placed the 5th corps. Gen. Warren, 
under the command of Gen. Sheridan. All 
night the troops had been busy throwing up 
works, corduroying roads, and bringing up 
trains. At 4 a. m. the enemy made an attack 
on Foster's division of the 24:th corps. It had 
been expected, but they came so suddenly tliat 
the troops broke to the rear, and left them to 
raise their flag on the parapet. The troops 
were soon aroused and drove back the enemy. 
About fifty prisoners were captured on each 
side. This was followed by the roar of mus- 
ketry and a cannonade all along the centre 
and right of the line. This soon quieted down. 
The command of Gen. Sheridan was now 
about 80,000 men, consisting of nearly four 
divisions of cavalry and three of infantry, and 
double the force which the enemy were able to 
concentrate against him. At the same time the 
army threatened the whole length of the ex- 
tended line from Dinwiddle to Petersburg. 
The plan of operations by Gen. Sheridan ap- 
pears to have been to break through the ene- 
my's line in such a manner as to enclose Five 
Forks and its garrison, and to capture them. 
At daybreak the cavalry advanced under Gens. 
Custar and Devens, slowly driving the enemy 
toward the left of his works on the White 
Oak road. These divisions were dismounted, 
and fought with carbines, while the brigades 
of Gens. Gregg and Mackenzie remained in the 
saddle, so as to flank the enemy quickly. Thus 
the troops worked steadily up on all sides tc 
the intrenchments of the enemy, who fell 
slowly back to their main position, delivering 
a most destructive tire. Thus Gen. Sheridan 
got a force well on the enemy's flank and rear, 
while the rest of the troops pressed slowly 
upon the front of his works. An attack was 
now to be made by the whole force, and about 
3 p. M. the 5th corps was ordered forward to 
support the cavalry. It marched from its posi- 
tion, and was halted obliquely to the White 



Oak road. It was then swmig round on its 
left Aving as a pivot by advancing the centre 
and right. This brought it on one flank of the 
enemy, while the cavalry pressed the other. 
The enemy were pressed back slowly, and be- 
coming aware of their dangerous position, a 
most deadly contest ensued for two hours. 
Being strongly intrenched, and having a bat- 
tery in position, they raked the troops of Sheri- 
dan with a terrific fire. Several times his men, 
appalled by the slaughter, staggered back from 
the intrenchments ; but by turns he urged, 
cheered, and drove them until the enemy were 
nearly surrounded on all sides and exhausted. 
With his ranks reduced and wearied, and see- 
ing it to be useless to try longer to check the 
desperate onsets, the enemy rushed to the rear 
through the only outlet left for him. Sheridan, 
Avith overwhelming forces, pressed upon him, 
and a further bloody contest ensued. At Y-j- 
p. M. the battle was over. The cavalry divi- 
sions of Gens. Custar and Mackenzie pursued 
and ]ncked up many stragglers and fugitives^ 
About four tliousand prisoners were captured, 
several cannon, an ambulance and baggage 
train, several thousand muskets, and inany 
flags. Sheridan's loss Avas estimated at not far 
from three thousand, Avhile that of the enemy 
was as large, besides the prisoners. During 
the day the 2d corps had been making a gen- 
eral advance, engaged constantly Avith the 
enemy, and extending so as to connect wfth the 
5th, and be ready to support them near the 
White Oak road. The 6th and 9th corps had 
not been engaged ; but in order to cooperate 
in a manner with Sheridan, a general cannon- 
ade was opened along the front at 10 p. m. 
Enlivened by the news of Sheridan's success, 
the troops made it one of the hottest during 
the siege of Petersburg. During the day Gen. 
Wan-en was removed from the command of 
the 5th corps, and Gen. Griffin took his place. 

At 4 A. M. on the next day, Sunday, April 
2d, an assault all along the line by the 2d, 6th, 
9th, 24th, and 25t]i corps commenced. The 
divisions of Gens. Turner and Foster, of the 
24th corps, were brought up on both sides of 
Hatcher's Run in support of the 6th corps, and 
charged with it. The enemy opened a destruc- 
tive fire while the troops were massing, and 
continued with such severity as often to check 
the advance. The 6th corps carried the two 
forts in its front, and the 3d division, under 
Gen. Seymour, after a severe fight, broke 
through to the Southside Railroad, and com- 
menced to tear it up. The 24th corps, between 
the 6th and 2d, had been equally successful. 
The right division of the 2d corps and the tAvo 
divisions of the 24th, captured one thousand 
prisoners and many guns, and carried the 
works up to the railroad. The 9th corps ad- 
vanced simultaneously Avith the 6th, and after 
the severest fighting on the field, captured 
Fort Mahone, which covered the Jerusalem 
plank road. But the position was too import- 
ant to be lost, and the enemy charged in tm-n 



692 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



to retake it, and were nearly successful, wlien, 
by the approach of the 6th corps on the left, 
he was once more driven back. The following 
telegraphic despatches relate the progress of 
the day : 

City Point, Ta., April 2 — 2 p. m. 
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of \Ya7- : 

At 10:45 A. M. Gen. Grant telegraphs as follows: 
"Everything has been carried from the left of the 
9th corps. The 6th corps alone captured more than 
three thousand prisoners. The 2d and 24th corps 
captured forts, guns, and prisoners from the enemy, 
but I cannot tell the numbers. 

"We are now closing around the works of the line 
immediately enveloping Petersburg. All looks re- 
markably well. I have not yet heard from Sheridan. 
His headquarters have been moved up to Banks' 
House, near the Boydton road, about three miles 
southwest of Petersburg." A. LINCOLN. 

SECOND DESPATCH. 

City Point, Va., April 2—8:30 p. m. 
Jlon. Edwin If. Stanton, Secretary of War ; 

At 4:30 p. M. to-day Gen. Grant telegraphed as fol- 
lows : 

" We are now up, and have a continuous line of 
troops, and in a few hours will be intrenched from 
the Appomattox, below Petersburg, to the river 
above. The whole captures since the army started 
out will not amount to less than twelve thousand 
men, and probably fifty pieces of artillery. I do 
not know the number of men and guns accurately, 
however. 

"A portion of Foster's division, 24th corps, made 
a most gallant charge this afternoon, and captured a 
very important fort from the enemy, with its entire 
garrison. 

" All, seems well with us, and every thing is quiet 
just now." A. LINCOLN. 

During the afternoon of the same day Gen. 
Lee, tinding his army no longer able to main- 
tain its position, gave orders for the evacuation 
of Richmond and Petersburg. This was ac- 
complished during the night. This evacuation 
was early discovered by the troops before those 
cities. As they advanced to take possession of 
Petersburg, the Mayor of the city appeared 
with the following communication : 

To Lieut.-Gen. Grant, commanding the aj-mies of the 
United States, or tlie Major- General commanding 
United States forces in front of Petersburg. 
General : The city of Petersburg having been evac- 
uated by the Confederate troops, we, a committee 
authorized by the Common Council, do hereby sur- 
render the city to the United States forces, with a 
request for the protection of the persons and property 
of its inhabitants. 
We are, respectfully, vour obedient servants, 
W. W. TOWNES, Mayor. 
D'AECY PAUL, 
CHARLES F. COLLIERS. 

Seldom was a city occupied by a besieging 
army with less disorder or damage to private 
property. A writer who was present says: 
" The citizens did not show themselves during 
the fore part of the day, but after discovering 
that our soldiers were orderly and well-behaved, 
with no disposition to disturb any one, they be- 
gan to make their appearance at the doors and 
windows of their residences, and later in the 
day oven entering familiarly into conversation, 
many of them exjaressing their joy quietly tliat 
the Confeds liad gone, and hoping that the Avar 
would soon be over. For more than a month 



past rebel troops have been receiving less ra- 
tions than ever before, only just enough being 
brought in to last from day to day. The citi- 
zens say they have suffered much, but it is well 
to take such stories with a good deal of allow- 
ance. The rebels managed to get away all 
their artillery, excepting one ortwooldOolum- 
biads and a few heavy mortars, which they 
could not transport readily. The city presents 
a very cleanly and respectable appearance, and 
there are many residences here that would do 
no discredit to Fifth avenue, New York. Many 
of the houses in the lower part of the city have 
been badly injured by the shot and shell 
thrown from our batteries last summer, and 
since tliat time most of the houses located there 
have been vacant." 

The occupation of Richmond is thus de- 
scribed : 

"War Depap-tment, Washington, 1 
Wednesday, April 5—10:20 p. m. J 
To Major-General Dix ; 

The following details respecting the capture of 
Richmond and its occupation by the Union forces, 
have been telegraphed to this department from that 
city. EDWIN M. STANTON, 

Secretary of War. 

General Weitzel learned, at 3 o'clock on the morn- 
ing of Monday, that Richmond was being evacuated, 
and at daylight moved forward, first taking care to 
give his men breakfast, iu the expectation that they 
might have to fight. He met no opposition, and on en- 
tering the city was greeted with hearty welcome from 
the mass of the people. The Mayor went out to meet 
him and to surrender the city, but missed him on the 
road. Gen. Weitzel found much suffering and pov- 
erty among the population. The rich as well as the 
poor are destitute of food. He is about to issue sup- 
plies to all who take the oath. The inhabitants now 
number about twenty thousand, half of them of Afri- 
can descent. 

It is not true that Jeff. Davis sold his furniture be- 
fore leaving. It is all iu his house, where I am now 
writing. He left at 7 p. m. by the Danville Railroad. 
All the members of Congress escaped. Hunter has 
gone home. Gov. Smith went with the army. Judge 
Campbell remains here. 

Gen. Weitzel took here one thousand prisoners, 
besides the wounded. These number five thousand, 
in nine hospitals. He captured cannon to the num- 
ber of at least five hundred pieces. Five thousand 
muskets have been found in one lot. Thirty loco- 
motives and three hundred cars are found here. The 
Petersburg railroad bridge is totally destroyed ; that 
of the Danville road partially, so that connection with 
Petersburg is not easily made. All the rebel vessels 
are destroyed except an unfinished ram, which has 
her machinery in her perfect. The Tredegar Works 
are unharmed, and the machinery was taken to-day 
under Gen. Weitzel' s orders. Libby Prison and Cas- 
tle Thunder have also escaped the fire, and are filled 
with rebel prisoners of war. Most of the editors 
have fled, especially John Mitchell. The WJiig ap- 
peared yesterday as a Union paper, with the name 
of the former proprietor at the head. The theatre 
opens here to-night. Gen. Weitzel describes the re- 
ception of the President yesterday as enthusiastic in 
the extreme. 

The fire in the city commenced in the Shoc- 
koe warehouse, filled with tobacco, as well as 
the large granary establishment on Carey Street 
near Tweuty-tliird Street. It was very destruc- 
tive, consuming quite one-third of the city; and 
in addition to destroying the War Department, 



MILITARY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



693 



tte General Post-office, the Treasury building, 
several cliurches, and many stores, likewise de- 
stroyed the offices of the Richmond Enquirer, 
Dispatch, and Examiner ; the Virginia Bank, 
the Farmers' Bank, and the Bank of Richmond. 
On arriving in the city Gen. "Weitzel, through 
his Adjutant-General, Major D. D. Wheeler, is- 
sued the following order : 

Headquaetees Department Armt of tub James, ) 
Richmond, Va., April 3, 1805. j 

Major-Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, commanding detach- 
ment of the Army of the James, announces the oc- 
cupation of the city of Eichmond by the armies of 
the United States, under command of Lieut. -Gen. 
Grant. The people of Richmond are assured that 
we come to restore to them the blessings of peace, 
prosperity, and freedom, under the flag of the Union. 

The citizens of Richmond are i-equested to remain 
for the present quietly within their houses, and to 
avoid all public assemblages or meetings in the jjublic 
streets. An efficient provost-guard will immediately 
reestablish order and tranquillity within the city. 

Martial law is, for the present, proclaimed. 

Brig.-Gen. George P. Shiple}', U. S. volunteers, is 
hereby appointed Military Governor of Richmond. 

Lieut.-Col. Frederick H. Manning, Provost Marshal 
General, Army of the James, will act as Provost Mar- 
shal of Richmond. Commanders of detachments do- 
ing guard duty in the city will report to him for in- 
structions. By command of Major-Gen. Weitzel, 
D. D. WHEELER, Ass't Adj. -Gen. 

Brig.-Gen. G. F. Shepley having been an- 
nounced as Military Governor of Richmond, 
issued the following order : 

HeABQUABTEES JflLITAET GOVEENOE OP RICHMOND, | 

KiciiMOND, Va., April 3, 1S65. ) 

1. The armies of the rebellion having abandoned 
their effort to enslave the people of Virginia, have 
endeavored to destroy by fire the capital, which they 
could not longer occupy by their arms. Lieut— Col. 
Manning, Provost Marshal General of the Army of 
the James and Provost Marshal of Richmond, will 
immediately send a sufficient detachment of the pro- 
vost guard to arrest, if possible, the progress of the 
flames. The fire department of the city of Richmond, 
and all the citizens interested in the preservation of 
their beautiful city, will immediately report to him 
for duty, and render every possible assistance in 
staying the progress of the conflagration. The first 
duty of the armies of the Union will be to save the 
city doomed to destruction by the armies of the re- 
bellion. 

2. No person will leave the city of Richmond with- 
out a pass from the office of the Provost Marshal. 

3. Any citizen, soldier, or any person whatever, 
who shall hereafter plunder, destroy, or remove any 
public or private property, of any description what- 
ever, will be arrested and summarily punished. 

4. The soldiers of the command will abstain from 
any offensive or insulting words or gestures toward 
th^ citizens. 

5. No treasonable or ofiensive expressions insult- 
ing to the flag, the cause, or the armies of the Union, 
will hereafter be allowed. 

6. For an exposition of their rights, duties, and 
privileges, the citizens of Richmond are respectfully 
referred to the proclamations of the President of the 
United States in relation to the existing rebellion. 

7. All persons having in their possession or under 
their control any property whatever of the so-called 
Confederate States, or of any officer thereof, or the 
records or archives of any public officer whatever, 
will immediately report the same to Col. Manning, 
Provost Marshal. 

In conclusion, the citizens of Richmond are assured 
that, with the restoration of the flag of the Union, 
they may expect the restoration of that peace, pros- 



perity, and happiness which they enjoyed under the 
Union of which that flag is the glorious symbol. 

G. F. SHEPLEY, Brig.-Gen. U. S. Volunteers, 
and Military Governor of Richmond. 

General Order No. 2. 
Head(iuabtebb Military Goveenoe of Richmond, I 
Richmond, Va., April 3, 186.5. ) 
No officer or soldier will enter or search any pri- 
vate dwelling, or remove any property therefrom, 
without a written order from the headquarters of the 
Commanding General, the Military Governor, or the 
Provost Marshal General. 

Any officer or soldier, with or without such order, 
entering any private dwelling, will give his name, 
rank, and regiment. 

Any officer or soldier entering a private dwelling 
without such authority, or failing to give his name, 
rank, or regiment, or reporting the same incorrectly, 
will be liable to immediate and summary punish- 
ment. GEO. F. SHEPLEY, 

Brig.-Gen. U. S. Volunteers, and Military 
Governor of Richmond. 

The following details were written by a cor- 
respondent at the time of the occupation : " The 
works in front of Richmond, which were wholly 
evacuated previous to our occupancy of the city 
to-day under Gen. "Weitzel, consist of three 
strong lines, wholly enveloping it. The outer 
ones are continuous lines, the inner one consist- 
ing of a series of strong redoubts and bastion 
forts. All these works mount upwards of three 
hundred heavy guns, all of which we have 
taken, and would, when properly garrisoned, 
form an almost impregnable series of defences. 
As I rode along these lines they seemed, with 
the exception of the outer one, to have been 
most indifferently garrisoned ; and but for the 
facility with which they could be reenforced at 
any time by bringing troops up the Petersburg 
road and crossing them on pontoons, the lines 
could have been carried by assault. 

" The route which I pursued on entering the 
capital was that by the Osborn and Richmond 
pike, which leads in a nearly north and south 
direction, and quite parallel to the James River. 
After passing our picket line, the first work en- 
countered was Fort Field, forming a part of the 
exterior line of defence. This work, which is a 
very strong one in itself, is surrounded by three 
lines of abatis and one of torpedoes. The torpe- 
does were carefully removed by the advanced 
guard of "Weitzel. These lines of torpedoes were 
marked out by small flags for safety to the 
rebels, which flags they neglected to remove in 
their hasty flight. The camps were left entire 
— tents standing and furniture within. After 
passing this line we came upon the second line, 
which was equally as strong as the first, except- 
ing as to abatis and torpedoes. The third line 
is just outside the edge of the town, is situated 
on high ground, and is well adapted to satisfy 
the conditions of defence. Each of the detached 
works forming this line sweep a portion of the 
line in front of it by its fire, and rendering that 
front line untenable when reached. These 
works, like the others, mount heavy guns, many 
of which were navy guns, probably captured at 
Norfolk in the early part of the war. Commu- 
nication between these works and those on the 



694 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



other side of the river was maintained by four 
bridges, some of which were pontoon and some 
pile, in_ addition to the three railroad bridges 
at and in Richmond. 

"The evacuation of the works and city was 
not generally understood by the troops and 
people till Sunday afternoon. The necessity 
of the movement was rendered imperative by 
Gen. Grant's successes on the left. At half-past 
three o'clock yesterday afternoon, Jeff. Davis, 
while in church, received a despatch from Gen. 
Lee, that immediate preparations must be made 
to evacuate Richmond and its defences at once, 
as he was wholly unable to make further head- 
way against Grant's onset on the left. He 
added that his (Lee's) design was to endeavor to 
make Danville, and there fortify for a last grand 
stand. 

" Davis left this city last night at eight o'clock 
by rail for Danville, his family having been sent 
out five days ago. On the train he had horses 
and can-iages embarked, in case the road was 
interrupted, in order to easily make his way by 
these means. Governor Smith did not evacuate 
the Gubernatorial mansion until one o'clock 
this morning, when he fled, leaving Mi's. Smith 
behind, and all the furniture in his house, which 
he had heretofore threatened to burn. The 
residence of the Governor is now the head- 
quarters of General Charles Devens, command- 
ing a division in the 24th corps, now here. 
Mrs. General R. E. Lee, wife of the General-in- 
Chief, is also in the city." 

The operations of Gen. Sheridan on the 2d, 
consisted in eftbrts to push the advantages thus 
far gained by him. On the 3d his object was 
to intercept the retreat of the enemy. The ad- 
vance of the cavalry consisted of Custar's divi- 
sion. At Namozine Creek the rear guard of the 
enemy was found strongly intrenclied behind 
earthworks covering the crossing. The bridge 
had been destroyed and trees felled across the 
road leading down to it. A section of arlilleiy 
was opened in front, while the cavalry forded 
the stream aiKl flanked the enemy's position. 
After a short skirmish the enemy retreated, 
leaving their path strewn with wagons, ambu- 
lances, dead and wounded horses and mules, 
caissons, boxes of ammunition, mess utensils, 
arms, accoutrements, blankets, &c. The enemy 
were overtaken beyond Namozine Church, and 
prisoners, horses, and arms were captured in 
abundance. A harassing pursuit. was now kept 
up for twenty miles, during which about 350 
prisoners, four cannon, two flags, and several 
ammunition wagons were captured. Night put 
a stop to its progress. Early on the next morn- 
ing, Tuesday, April 4th, the pursuit was resumed, 
with Mackenzie's division in front and Custar's 
in the rear. The enemy were ovei-taken in the 
afternoon, and found posted with infantry and 
artillery in works about two miles from Beth- 
any. Skirmishing began at once, and continued 
until dark, when the troops encamped, waiting 
for the rest of the column. Soon after 11 p. m, 
the cavalry were aroused and marched all night, 



reaching Jettersville about 6 o'clock in the 
morning, and there found the 5th corps, well 
intrenched across the railroad from Richmond 
to Danville. The 5th corps had started in pur- 
suit, soon after the cavalry, on the 3d, under 
Sheridan's command. They arrived in sight 
of the Appomattox about 2 p. m, Tlience it 
turned to the left without crossing the river, and 
moved along the Namozine road behind the cav- 
ah-y, marcliiug through Amelia County and cross- 
ing both Deep and Namozine Creeks. The dis- 
tance made was sixteen miles, which ended in 
blocking the trains in the miry roads. Few peo- 
ple were to be seen, except those who had been 
slaves, many of whom followed the column. 
The march on the next day, Tuesday the 4th, was 
twenty miles, and brouglit the corps to Jetters- 
ville, where it was massed across the railroad 
in an open field. In the rear of the 6th corps 
followed the 2d, and in the rear of the 2d was 
tlie 6th. These two corps were under Gen. 
Meade on the river or Namozine road, but did 
not start until the 4th. After a long march the 
2d reached Jettersville at 2 p. m. on the next 
day after the 5th. 

When the cavalry reached Jettersville on the 
morning of the 6th, it was understood that 
Gen. Lee in his retreat from Richmond had got 
as far as Amelia Court House, while the Union 
troops were beginning to assemble at Jetters- 
ville. This place is on the railroad, about half- 
way between Burkes^ille and Amelia Court- 
House, and fifty-four miles southwest of Rich- 
mond. Amelia Court-House is on the same 
railroad, about forty-seven miles fi'om Rich- 
mond. The cavalry division of Gen. Custar 
was immediately posted on the left of the 5th 
corps, and the 1st and Mackenzie's division still 
further to the left. 

At the same time Gen, Davies' brigade of 
Gen, Crooks' division was sent toward Burkes- 
ville, to seize that station and ascertain the 
state of affairs in that direction. At Burkes- 
ville is the junction of the Richmond and Dan- 
ville Railroad with the Southside Railroad from 
Petersburg, and fifty-two miles west of the 
latter place. Gen. Davies came upon the cav- 
ah-y of the enemy at Fame's cross-roads, and 
attacking them, captured a large number of 
j)risoners, 6 new Armstrong guns and caissons, 
and about 200 wagons, mostly empty, and 7 
or 8 battle-flags. An infantry force then came 
to the support of the cavalry, and Gen. Davies 
was forced to retire with his prisoners, after 
burning the wagons. At 3 p, m. Gen. Sheridan 
learning this news, and finding the condition 
of the enemy, sent the following despatch to 
Gen. Grant : 

Jettkksvklle, April 5 — 3 p. m. 
To Lieut.- Gen. TJ. S. Grant ; 

General : — I send you the enclosed letter, which 
will give you an ideaof the condition of the enemy 
and their whereabouts. I sent Gen. Davies' brigade 
this morning around on my left flank. He captuied 
at Fame's cross-roads five pieces of artillery, about 
two hundred wagons, and eight or nine battle flags, 
and a number of prisoners. The 2d army corps is 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOET OF THE REBELLION. 



695 



now coming up. I wish you were here yourself. I 
feel confident of capturing the Army of Northern 
Virginia if we exert ourselves. I see no escape for 
Gen. Lee. I will send all my cavalry out on our left 
flank, except McKenzie, who is now on the right. 
(Signed) P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-General. 

LETTER. 

Amelia Coubt HotrsE, April 5, 1865. 
Dear Bkammia : — Our army is ruined, I fear. We 
are all safe as yet. Theodore left us sick. John 
Taylor is well ; saw him yesterday. We are in line 
of battle this evening. Gen. Robert Lee is in the 
field near us. My trust is still in the justice of our 
cause. Gen. Hill is killed. I saw Murray a few 
moments since. Bernary Perry, he said, was taken 
prisoner, but may get out. I send this by a negro I 
see passing up the railroad to Michlenburg. Love 
to all. Your devoted son, 

W. B. TAYLOR, Colonel. 

Sheridan now proceeded to put bis cavalry 
out on the left flank, and the slight skirmishing 
which took place indicated ■ the contest of the 
next day. 

Meanwhile the other corps of the army were 
approaching. On April 4th, Gen. Ord's col- 
umn of the Array of the James, comprising two 
divisions of the 24th corps and one of the 25th 
corps, marched down the Oox's road from 
Sutherland's station, 10 miles west of Peters- 
burg, on the Southside Railroad. Having sepa- 
rated ft-om the main column, it moved, on the 
direct road to Burkesville. Gen. Grant was with 
this force. After advancing along the railroad 
15 miles, it encamped at night near Wilson's 
station. On the nest day, the 5th, it advanced 
along the railroad to Black and White's, which 
it reached at 2 p. m. Thence it pressed for- 
ward, over good roads, to Nottaway Court 
House, 9 miles from Burkesville. Here the 
despatch of Gen. Sheridan was received by 
Gen. Grant, about 6|- p. m., and the two divis- 
ions of the 24th corps Avere immediately pushed 
forward to Bm^-kesville, which they reached at 
11 p. M. The division of the 25th corps re- 
mained at Black and White's. Gen, Grant him- 
self went to Jettersville. 

Of the 9th corps, two divisions on the 4th 
marched from Petersburg to Ford's station on 
the Southside Railroad, about 20 miles. On 
the 5th they advanced along the railroad to 
Wellsville, 41 miles from Petersburg, having in 
charge most of the army trains. On the next 
day, the 6 th, they pressed forward, and arrived 
within 10 miles of Burkesville. 

On the night of the 5th, after the skirmishing 
of the cavalry with the enemy, the army lay in 
line of battle, facing substantially to the north. 
The cavalry division of Gen. Mackenzie was on 
the left, next the 2d corps of infantry, with the 
5th and 6th still further to the right, and the 
cavalry division of Gen, Custar on the right 
flank. At daylight in the morning Gen. Meade 
moved the three corps along the railroad in the 
direction of Amelia Court House, but learning 
that tlie enemy were retreating toward Farm- 
ville, the nearest station west on the railroad 
to Lynchburg, he changed the direction of the 
2d and 5th corps from a northerly to a north- 
westerly one, with the 2d corps in advance, 



moving on Deatonsville, and the 5th on its 
right. At the same time the Cth corps faced 
about and moved by the left flank, taking posi- 
tion on the left of the 2d. The cavalry were 
on the extreme left. The 6th corps in its 
movement struck the road running from Dea- 
tonsville to Burke's station, a little south of the 
former place. It found the 2d corps engaged 
with the enemy at the front and right, and the 
cavalry on the left. Moving down the road 
toward Burke's station about a mile, it turned 
sharp to the right and proceeded across toward 
a nearly parallel road, on which the enemy was 
moving, and along which they had a line of 
intrenchments thrown up. Gen. Seymour's 
division of the corps carried the road held by 
the enemy about 4 p. m., and then turned to 
the right and advanced down the road against 
strong resistance. Gen. Wheaton's division 
was brought in on the left of Gen. Seymour's, 
and both swept down the road two miles. The 
enemy were there found reformed on the oppo- 
site bank of a deep and diflicult creek, from 
which they were driven half a mUe. At all 
points the enemy were driven during the day, 
and Lieut.-Gen. Ewell, Gen. Custis Lee, and 
three others, were captured, with a large number 
of men. The 5th army corps made a long march, 
but its position on the right prevented it from 
striking the enemy's column before it had passed. 
The Union loss was above 1,000. Five guns and 
many flags, caissons, and wagons were taken, be- 
sides prisoners. On the next day, the 7th, the 
2d corps, with the 2d division of cavalry, found 
the enemy at Farmville, 16 miles west of 
Burkesville. A sharp contest ensued, causing 
a loss of several hundred men, among whom 
was Gen. Smyth. Other troops were brought 
up, but before the enemy could be reengaged 
he was on the retreat again. 

At High Bridge over the Appomattox, Gen. 
Lee crossed to the north side of the river, and 
two regiments sent by Gen. Grant to hold the 
bridge were captured by the cavalry of the 
enemy, and the bridge buri^pd. The re- 
treat of the enemy was now directly tow- 
ard Lynchburg, The pursuit was made 
with great vigor, and stragglers were picked 
up at every step, and property dropped 
or partially destroyed by the enemy. During 
the day Gen, Grant addressed a letter to Gen. 
Lee, demanding a surrender of his army. On 
the 8th the enemy made most strenuous eftorts, 
by hard marching, to extricate themselves ; but 
at night they encountered Gen. Sheridan at 
Appomattox Court House, between themselves 
and Lynchburg. A sharp contest ensued, in 
which many of them were taken prisoners and 
their retreat checked. The 24th and 5th 
corps were in support of the cavalry, and dur- 
ing the night a strong position was taken across 
the main road, south of the enemy, the Appo- 
mattox River being on the north, and cutting 
him off from retreat in that direction. Early 
on the next morning Gen. Sheridan commenced 
a vigorous attack, and a warm engagement en- 



696 



MLITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



sued until 9 a. m., when a flag of truce appeared 
in front of his hue, with the information that 
hostihties had been suspended, in order to 
arrange terms of surrender. At this time Gen. 
Hancock was advancing, having left Winches- 
ter on April 4th, with a strong column, and 
moved up the Shenandoah valley for Lynch- 
burg. Gen. Stoneman had already reached 
Boone, in North Carolina, in his march from 
East Tennessee, and would have aided in the 
capture of Gen. Lee's army if it had not sur- 
rendered. Gen. Sherman was also rapidly 
moving on Gen. Johnston in North Carolina, 
and cut off all possibility of his ultimately 
rendering any assistance to Gen. Lee. 

The letter of Gen. Grant, addressed to Gen. 
Lee on the Yth, as above mentioned, was as 
follows : 

April 7. 
General R. E. Lee, Commander Confederate States 
Armies : 
General : — The result of the last week must con- 
vince you of the hopelessness of further resistance 
on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this 
struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my 
duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any 
further efiusion of blood, by asking of you the sur- 
render of that portion of the C. S. army known as 
the Army of Northern Virginia. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
tJ. S. GRANT, 
Lieut.-Gen. Commanding Armies of the TJ. States. 

To this note Gen. Lee replied as follows : 

April 7. 
To Lieut.-Gen. U.S. Grant, Commanding Armies of 
the United States : 
General : — I have received your note of this date. 
Though not entirely of the opinion you express of 
the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of 
the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your 
desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and there- 
fore, before considering your proposition, ask the 
terms you will offer, on condition of its surrender. 
R. E. LEE, General. 

The following correspondence then ensued : 

April 8. 
To Gen. R. E. Lee, Commanding Confederate States 
Army : 

General : — Your note of last evening, in reply to 
mine of same data, asking the conditions on which I 
will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern 
Virginia, is just received. In reply, I would say, 
that peace being my first desire, there is but one 
condition that I insist upon, viz. : 

That the men surrendered shall be disqualified for 
taking up arms against the Government of the United 
States until properly exchanged. 

I will meet you, or designate oSicers to meet any 
ofiicers you may name for the same purpose, at any 
point agreeable to j^ou, for the purpose of arranging 
definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the 
Army of' Northern Virginia will be received. 

Very respectfum^, your obedient servant, 
U. S. GRANT, 

Lieut.-Gen. Commanding Armies of the U. States. 

April 8. 
To Lieut.-Gen, Grant, Commanding Armies of the 
United States ; 
General : — I received at a late hour your note of to- 
day, in answer to mine of yesterday. I did not intend 
to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Vir- 

finia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To 
e frank, I do not think the emergency has arisen to 
call for the surrender. But as the restoration of 



peace should be the sole object of all, I desire to 
know whether your proposals would tend to that end. 
I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to sur- 
render the Army of Northern Virginia, but so far as 
your proposition may affect the Confederate States 
forces under my command, and lead to the resto- 
ration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at 
10 A. M. to-morrow, on the old stage-road to Rich- 
mond, between the picket lines of the two armies. 
Very respetfully, your obedient servant, 
R. E. LEE, General Confederate States Armies. 

GEN. GRANT TO GEN. LEE. 

April 9. 
Gen. R. E. Lee, Commd^g Confederate States Armies ; 
General : — Your note of yesterday is received. 
As I have no authority to treat on the subject of 
peace, the meeting proposed for 10 a. m. to-day, 
could lead to no good. I will state, however, Gen- 
eral, that I am equally anxious for peace with your- 
self; and the whole North entertain the same feeling. 
The terms upon which peace can be had are well un- 
derstood. By the South laying down their arms 
they will hasten that most desirable event, save 
thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions 
of property not yet destroyed. 

Sincerely hoping that all our diflSculties may be 
settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe 
myself, Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, ' 
U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-Gen. U. S. A. 

GEN. LEE TO GEN. GRANT. 

April 9, 1865. 
General : — I received your note of this morning 
on the picket line, whither I had come to meet you 
and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced 
in your proposition of yesterday with reference to 
the surrender of this army. 

I now request an interview in accordance with the 
offer contained in your letter of yesterday for that 
purpose. Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE, General. 
To Lieut.-Gen. Grant, Commanding U. S. Armies. 

gen. GRANT TO GEN. LEE. 

April 9. 
Gen. R. E. Lee, Commd'g Confederate States Ai-mies : 
Your note of this date is but this moment (11:50 
A. M.) received. In consequence of my having 
passed from the Richmond and Lynchburg road to 
the Farmville and Lynchburg road, I am at this 
writing about four miles west of Walter's Church, 
and will push forward to the front for the purpose 
of meeting you. 

Notice sent to me on this road where you wish the 
interview to take place will meet me. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-Gen. 

THE TERMS 

Appomattox Court Hottse, April 9. 
Gen. R. E. Lee, Commd'g Confederate States At'mies ; 

In accordance with the substance of my letter to you 
of the 8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender 
of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following 
terms, to wit: 

Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in 
duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer desig- 
nated by me, the other to be retained by such ofn- 
cers as you may designate. 

The officers to give their individual paroles not to 
take arms against the United States until properly 
exchanged, and each company or regimental com- 
mander sign a like parole for the men of their com- 
mands. 

The arms, artillery, and public property to be 
packed and stacked, and turned over to the officers 
appointed by me to receive them. This will not em- 
brace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private 
horses or baggage. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



697 



This done, each ofBccr and man will be allowed to 
return to their homes, not to be disturbed by United 
States authority so long as they observe their parole 
and the laws in force wnere they may reside. 
Very respectfully, 

U. S. GRANT, Lieut.-Gen. 

the surrender. 

Headqitaktees Army of Nosthekn Virginia, ) 

April 9, 1865. j" 

Lieut.-Gen. JJ. S. Grant, Commd g U. S. Armies: 

General: — I have received your letter of this date, 
containing the terms of surrender of the Army of 
Northern Virginia, as proposed by you; as they are 
substantially the same as those expressed in your 
letter of the 8th instant, they are accepted. I will 
proceed to designate the proper ofiBcers to carry the 
stipulations into effect. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
R. E. LEE, General. 

At 3f p. M. the terms of capitulation were 
sigued, and the utmost gratification prevailed 
through the army. The following is the form 
of the personal parole given by all the officers 
of Gen. Lee's army : 

"We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, belonging 
to the army of Northern Virginia, having been this 
day surrendered by Gen. R. E. Lee, commanding 
said army, to Lieut.-Gen. Grant, commanding the 
Armies of the United States, do hereby give our 
solemn parole of honor that we will not hereafter 
serve in the armies of the Confederate States, or in 
any military capacity whatever against the United 
States of America, or render aid to the enemies of 
the latter until properly exchanged in such manner 
as shall be mutually approved by the respective au- 
thorities. 

Done at Appomattox Court House, Va., this ninth 
day of April, 18G5. 

This parole was countersigned as follows : 

The above oflScers (or ofBcer) will not be disturbed 
by the United States authorities as long as they ob- 
serve their parole, and the laws in force where they 
may reside. GEORGE H. SHARP, 

General Assistant Provost Marshal. 

The obligation of ofiicers for the subdivisions 
under their command was as follows : 



I, the undersigned, commanding ofScer of 



do, for the within named prisoners of war, belonging 
to the Army of Northern Virginia, who have been 
this day surrendered by Gen. Robert E. Lee, Con- 
federate States Army, commanding said army, to 
Lieut.-Gen. Grant, commanding Armies of the 
United States, hereby give my solemn parole of 
honor that the within named shall not hereafter 
serve in the armies of the Confederate States, or in 
military or any capacity whatever, against the 
United States of America, or render aid to the ene- 
mies of the latter, until properly exchanged in such 
manner as shall be mutually approved by the re- 
spective authorities. 

Done at Appomattox Court House, Va,, this ninth 
day of April, 1865. 

The within named will not be disturbed by the 
United States authorities so long as they observe 
their pai-ole and the laws in force where they may 
reside. 

The surrender of Gen. Lee's army was fol- 



lowed by the voluntary surrender of all the 
troops in Northeastern Virginia, including 
those in the Shenandoah valley. 

On the next day, the lOth, Gen. Lee issued 
the following farewell address to his army : 

General Order No. 9. 
Headqttaeteks Army Northern Virginia, ( 
April 10, 18C5. f 

After four years of arduous service, marked by 
unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of 
Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to 
overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not 
tell the survivors of so many hard-fought battles, 
who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have 
consented to this result from no distrust of them, 
but holding that valor and devotion could accom- 
plish nothing that could compensate for the loss that 
would attend the continuation of the contest, I have 
determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those 
whose past vigor has endeared them to their coun- 
trymen. 

By the terms of agreement officers and men can 
return to their homes and remain there until ex- 
changed. You will take with you the satisfaction 
that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faith- 
fully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful 
God will extend you His blessing and protection. 
With an increasing admiration of your constancy 
and devotion to your country, and a grateful remem- 
brance of your kind and generous consideration of 
myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell. 

(Signed) R. E. LEE, GeneraL 

No official statement has been made of the 
■number of officers and men surrendered. It is 
estimated that the army of Gen. Lee on evacu- 
ating Richmond consisted of not far from fifty 
thousand men. Large numbers abandoned the 
army and returned home, besides the killed, 
wounded, and prisoners taken during the pur- 
suit. At the time of the surrender his total 
force was not far from twenty thousand men, this 
included all branches of the service, and leaving 
an efliective force less than fifteen thousand 
men. The number of muskets surrendered 
scarcely exceeded ten thousand, and about 
thirty pieces of artillery. The total captures 
of artillery during the battles and pursuit 
amounted to one hundred and seventy guns. 
There were about three hundi-ed and fifty 
wagons surrendered. 

The War Department at Washington issued 
the following order on receiving the news of 
the surrender : 

War Department, Washington, D. C, \_ 
April 9 — 10 o'clock p. m. ) 
Ordered : That a salute of two hundred guns be 
fired at the headquarters of every army and depart- 
ment, and at every post and arsenal in the United 
States, and at the Military Academy at West Point, 
on the daj' of the receipt of this order, in commem- 
oration of the surrender of Gen. R. E. Lee and the 
Army of Northern Virginia to Lieut.-Gen. Grant and 
the army under his command ; report of the receipt 
and execution of this order to be make to the Adju- 
tant-General, Washington. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 



698 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



CHAPTER LI. 



March of Gen. Stoneman from East Tennessee to Salisbury — Advance of Gen. Sherman upon Ealeigh — Gen. Johnston pro- 
poses a Conference — The Conference and Terms agreed upon — Eejected at "Washington — Surrender of Gen. Johnston's 
Army— ;Marcb of Gen. Wilson in North Alabama— Capture of Mobile— Surrender of Gen. Taylor's Army- Surrender 
of Gen. E. Kirby Smith— Disbandment of the Armies— Farewell of Gen. Sherman— Farewell of Gen. Grant— Capture 
of Mr. Davis— Amnesty Proclamation— MeasureB to establish Civil Governments in the States— List of Army Officers. 



The cavalry column of Gen. Stoneman, al- 
ready mentioned, as at Boone Court House, in 
North Carolina, at the time of the surrender of ' 
Gen. Lee, had left Knoxville, in East Tennessee, 
on March 10th. It struck the Central Rail- 
road from Virginia to Tennessee at Wytheville 
and Christiansburg, in Virginia. Between these 
places thirty-three bridges were burned and 
twenty-five miles of the railroad destroyed. 
Thence it marclied for Greensboro, in North 
Carolina, and on the 12th arrived at Grant's 
Creek, three miles from Salisbvu-y. The enemy's 
line of defence for the town was on this creek, 
and defended by artUlery and infantry. It was 
soon forced, with the capture of 14 guns and 
1,104 prisoners. The town was occupied at 
10 A.M., where the column remained for two 
days. During that time it destroyed four large 
cotton factories and 7,000 bales of cotton; four 
large magazines, containing 10,000 stand of 
sraall arms and accoutrements ; 1,000,000 rounds 
of small arm ammunition, 1,600 rounds of fixed 
artillery ammunition, and 7,000 pounds of pow- 
der; 35,000 bushels of corn, 50,000 bushels of 
wheat, 160,000 pounds of cured bacon; 100,000 
suits of gray uniforms and clothing, 250,000 
army blankets, 20,000 pounds of harness-leather, 
10,000 pounds of saltpetre, also a very large 
amount of sugar, salt, rice, and other stores, 
and medical supplies valued by the rebel med- 
ical directors at $100,000 in gold. In addi- 
tion to the arsenals at Salisbury, establish- 
ments were fitted up, and filled with machinery 
sent fi'om Raleigh and Richmond, all of which 
was destroyed. 

Fifteen miles of railroad track and the bridges 
toward Charlotte were also destroyed. Thence 
Gen. Stoneman moved for the south side of the 
Catawba River and destroyed the railroad to 
the bridge, which was fatal to the armies of 
Lee and Johnston, who depended on that 
road for supplies aud as their ultimate line of 
retreat. 

Meanwhile the army of Gen. Sherman had 
been rested and recruited at Goldsboro, North 
Carolina. The men were all reclad, the wagons 
reloaded, and a fair amount of forage accumu- 
lated preparatory for a march to destroy or 
capture the army of Gen. Johnston. On April 
6th Gen. Johnston's array was in and about 
Smithfield, and was estimated at 35,000, in- 
fantry and artillery, and from 6,000 to 10,000 
cavalry. At daybreak on the 10th, Gen. Sher- 
man's army was in motion. Gen. Slocum took 
the two du-ect roads for Smithfield; Gen. How- 



ard made a circuit to the right, feigning to 
move up the "Weldon road in order to discon- 
cert the enemy's cavalry, while Gens. Terry and 
Kilpatrick moved on the west side of the Neuse 
River to reach the rear of the enemy between 
Smithfield and Raleigh. Gen. Schofield followed 
Gen. Slocum in support. The enemy's cavalry 
were met within six miles of Goldsboro by all 
the columns protected by the usual rail barri- 
cades. At 10 A. M. on the 11th, the 14th corps en- 
tered Smithfield, and the 20th was close at hand. 
Gen. Johnston had retreated rapidly across the 
Neuse River, and having the aid of the railroad 
to lighten his trains, could retreat faster than 
the pursuit could be made. The bridge over 
the Neuse had been burned and the roads had 
become heavy by rain. At this time the news 
of Gen. Lee's surrender was received, and Gen. 
Sherman immediately dropped his trains and 
marched rapidly in pursuit, reaching Raleigh at 
7|- A. M. on the 13th, in a heavy rain. On the 
next day the cavalry pushed on to Durham 
station, the 15th corps followed as far as Mor- 
risville station, and the 17th to John's station. 
By the 15th, although the rains were incessant 
and the roads almost impracticable. Gen. Slocum 
had the 14th corps near Martha's Vineyard, 
with a pontoon bridge laid across Cape Fear 
River at Avon's Ferry, the 20th corps, Gen. 
Mower commanding, being in support; Gen. 
Howard had the 15th and 17th corps stretched 
out on the roads toward Pittsboro, while Gen. 
Kilpatrick held Durham station and Capital 
HOI University. Gen. Johnston had retreated 
rapidly on the roads from HiUsboro to Greens- 
boro, at which latter place he was. In this 
state of afiairs Gen. Sherman received the fol- 
lowing letter from Gen. Johnston : 

Headqtjarters in the Field, April 14, 1865. 
Major-General W. T. Sherman, Commanding United 
States Forces. 

General : The results of the recent campaigns in 
Virginia have changed the relative military condition 
of the belligerents. I am therefore induced to ad- 
dress you in this form the inquiry whether, in order 
to stop the further effusion of blood and devastation 
of property, you are willing to make a temporary 
suspension of active operations, and to communicate 
to Lieut.-Gen. Grant, commanding the Armies of the 
United States, the request that he will take like ac- 
tion in regard to other armies, the object being to 
permit the civil authorities to enter into the needful 
ai'rangements to terminate the existing war. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your 
obedient servant, 

J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 

To this Gen. Sherman replied as follows : 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



699 



HeADQ'rS MiLITiET DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, ) 

In the Field, Raleigh, N. C, April 14, 1S65. ) 
Gen. J. E. Johnston, Commanding Confederate Army ; 
General : I hare this moment received j^oiir com- 
munication of this date. I am fully empowered to 
arrange with you any terms for the suspension of fur- 
ther hostilities as between the armies commanded by 
you and those commanded by myself, and will be 
willing to confer with you to that end. I will limit 
the advance of my main column to-morrow to Mor- 
risville, and the cavalry to the University, and ex- 
pect that you will also maintain the present position 
of your forces until each has notice of a failure to 
agree. 

"That a basis of action may be had, I undertake to 
abide by the same terms and conditions as were made 
by Gens. Grant and Lee at Appomattox Court House, 
of the 9th instant, relative to our two armies, and, 
furthermore, to obtain from Gen. Grant an order to 
suspend the movements of any troops from the direc- 
tion of Virginia. Gen. Stoneman is under my com- 
mand, and my order will suspend any devastation or 
destruction contemplated by him. I will add that I 
really desire to save the people of North Carolina the 
damages they would sustain by the march of this 
army through the central or western parts of the 
State. 

I am, with respect, your obedient servant, 

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. 

At the same time Gen. Shermau addressed 
to the Secretary of War and Gen. Grant the 
following letter : 

Headq'rs Militaky Division of the Mississippi, ) 
In the Field, Raleigh, N. C, April 15, 1S65. j 
Gen. U. S. Grant and Secretary of War ; 

I send copies of correspondence with Gen. John- 
ston to you, which I think will be followed by terms 
of capitulation. I will grant the same terms Gen. 
Grant gave Gen. Lee, and be careful not to compli- 
cate any points of civil policy. If any cavalry has 
retreated toward me, caution them to be prepared to 
find our work done. It is now raining in torrents, 
and I shall await Gen. Johnston's reply here, and 
will prepare to meet him in person at Chapel Hill. 

I have invited Gov. Vance to return to Raleigh, 
with the civil officers of his State. I have met ex- 
Governor Graham, Messrs. Badger, Moore, Halden, 
and others, all of whom agree that the war is over, 
and that the States of the South must resume their 
allegiance, subject to the Constitution and Laws of 
Congress, and must submit to the National arms. 
The great fact was admitted and the details are of 
easy arrangement. 

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. 

On the 16th the following despatch was sent 
to Gen. Kilpatrick, at Durham station, and de- 
livered by him to Gen. Sherman : 

Major-General J. Kilpatrick, XT. S. A. 

General : The General Commanding directs me to 
arrange for a meeting between himself and Maj.-Gen. 
Sherman. In accordance with these instructions, I 
beg to inquire when and where this meeting can most 
conveniently be had. I suggest ten (10) o'clock, a. m., 
to-morrow as the hour, and a point on the Hillsboro 
road, equidistant from the picket of your command 
and my own, as the place for the proposed meeting. 
I am, respectfullv, yours, 
NED WADE HAMPTON,'Lieutenant-General. 

The interview which followed with Gen. 
Johnston, five miles from Durham station, is 
thus reported by Gen. Sherman : "I agreed to 
meet Gen. Johnston in person at a point inter- 
mediate between our pickets on the 17th at 
noon, provided the position of the troops re- 
mained statu quo. I was both willing and 
anxious to consume a few days, as it would 



enable Col. Wright to finish our railroad to 
Raleigh. Two bridges had to be built and 
twelve miles of new roads made. We had no 
iron except by taking up the branch from 
Goldsboro to Weldon. Instead of losing by 
time I gained in every way, for every hour of 
delay possible was 'required to reconstruct the 
railroad to our rear and improve the condition 
of our wagon road to the front, so desirable in 
case the negotiations failed, and we be forced 
to make the race of near two hundred miles to 
head off" or catch Johnston, then retreating to- 
ward Charlotte. At noon of the day appointed 
I met Gen. Johnston for the first time in my 
life, although .we had been exchanging shots 
continually since May, 18G3. Our interview 
was frank and soldier-like, and he gave me to 
understand that further war on the part of the 
Confederate troops was folly; that the 'cause' 
was lost, and that every life sacrificed after the 
surrender of Lee's army was the highest possi- 
ble crime. He admitted the terms conceded to 
Gen. Lee were magnanimous and all he could 
ask ; but he did want some general concessions 
that would enable him to allay the natural fears 
and anxieties of his followers, and enable him 
to maintain his control over them until they 
could be got back to the neighborhood of their 
homes, thereby saving the State of North Caro- 
lina the devastation inevitably to result from 
turning his men loose and unprovided on the 
spot, and our pursuit across the State. He also 
wanted to embrace in the same general propo- 
sition the fate of all the Confederate armies that 
remained in existence. I never made any con- 
cessions as to his own army or assumed to deal 
finally and authoritatively in regard to any 
other, but it did seem to me that there was pre- 
sented a chance for peace that might be deem- 
ed valuable to the Government of the United 
States, and was at least worthy the few days 
that would be consumed in conference, and to 
push an enemy whose commander had so frank- 
ly and honestly confessed his inability to cope 
with me, were cowardly and unworthy the 
brave men I led. Inasmuch as Gen. Johnston 
did not feel authorized to exercise power over 
the armies in Texas, we adjourned to the next 
day at noon. 

" I returned to Raleigh, and conferred fi-eely 
with all my general officers, every one of whom 
urged me to conclude terms that might accom- 
plish so complete and desirable an end. All 
dreaded the necessary laborious march after a 
fugitive and dissolving ai-my back toward 
Georgia, over the very country where we had 
toiled so long. There was but one opinion ex- 
pressed, and, if contrary ones were entertained, 
they were withheld, or indulged in only by that 
class who shun the tight and the march, but are 
loudest, bravest, and fiercest when danger is 
past. 

"I again met Gen. Johnston on the 18th, 
and we resumed the conversation. He satisfied 
me then of his power to disband the rebel armies 
in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, 



700 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



as well as those in his immediate command, viz. : 
North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The 
points on which he expressed especial solicitude 
were lest their States were to be dismembered 
and denied representations in Congress, or any 
separate political existence whatever ; and the 
absolute disarming his men would leave the 
South powerless and exposed to depredations 
by wicked bands of assassins and robbers. The 
President's (LincoLo) Message of 1864; his Am- 
nesty Proclamation ; General Grant's terms to 
General Lee, substantially extending the bene- 
fit of that Proclamation to all officers above the 
rank of colonel ; the invitation to the Virginia 
Legislature to reassemble in Richmond, by Gen, 
Weitzel, with the supposed approval of Mr. 
Lincoln and Gen. Grant, then on the spot ; a 
firm belief that I had been fighting to reestab- 
lish the Constitution of the United States ; and 
last, but not least, the general and universal de- 
sire to close a war any longer without organized 
resistance, were the leading facts that induced 
me to pen the 'memorandum' of April 18, 
signed by myself and Gen. Johnston. It was 
designed to be, and so expressed on its face, as 
a mere ' basis ' for reference to the President of 
the United States and constitutional Command- 
er-in-Chief, to enable him, if he chose, at one 
blow to dissipate the power of the Confederacy 
which had threatened the national safety for 
years. It admitted of modification, alteration, 
and change. It had no appearance of an ulti- 
matum, and by no false reasoning can it be 
construed into an usurj^ation of power on my 
part." 

Some complaint had appeared in the public 
press that the terms offered to Gen. Lee were 
too lenient. At. the same time the assassination 
of President Lincoln took place, and public in- 
dignation was greatly aroused. In the midst 
of the excitement the memorandum of terms 
between Gen. Sherman and Gen. Johnston was 
received by the Government. It was as fol- 
lows : 

Memorandwn or 'basis of agreement made this IStlt day 
of April, A. D. 1865, near Dur/utm''s Station, and in 
the State of North OaroJina, hy and between Gen. Jo- 
seph K Johnston, commanding the Confederate Army, 
and Maj.-Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding the Army 
of the United States in North Carolina, both present : 
1. — The contending armies now in the field to main- 
tain their status quo until notice is given by the com- 
manding-general of either one to its opponent, and 
reasonable time, say forty-eight hours, allowed. 

2. — The Confederate Armies now in existence to 
be disbanded and conducted to the several State cap- 
pitals, there to deposit their arms and public property 
in the State arsenal, and each officer and man to ex- 
ecute and file an agreement to cease from acts of war 
and abide the action of both State and Federal au- 
thorities. The number of arms and munitions of war 
to be reported to the Chief of Ordnance at Washing- 
ton City, subject to future action of the Congress of 
the United States, and in the mean time to be used 
solely to maintain peace and order within the borders 
of the States respectively. 

3. — The recognition by the executive of the United 
States of the several State Governments on their offi- 
cers and Legislatures taking the oath prescribed by 
the Constitution of the United States, and where con- 
flicting State Governments have resulted from the 



war, the legitimacy of all shall be submitted to the 
Supreme Court of the United States, 

4. — The reestablishmeut of all Federal Courts in 
the several States, with powers as defined by the 
Constitution and laws of Congress. 

5. — The people and inhabitants of all States to be 
guaranteed, so far as the Executive can, their political 
rights and franchise, as well as their rights of person 
and property, as defined by the Constitution of the 
United States and of States respectively. 

6. — The executive authority of the Government of 
the United States not to disturb any of the people 
by reason of the late war so long as they live in peace 
and quiet, abstain from acts of armed hostility, and 
obey laws in existence at any place of their residence. 

7. — In general terms, war to cease, a general am- 
nesty, so far the executive power of the United States 
can command, or on condition of disbandment of the 
Confederate Armies, and the distribution of arms and 
resumption of peaceful pursuits by officers and men, 
as hitherto composing the said armies, not being fully 
empowered by our respective principals to fulfil these 
terms, we individually and officially pledge ourselves 
to promptly obtain necessary authority and to carry 
out the above programme, 

W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, 
Commanding the Army of the United States in North 
Carolina. 

J. E. JOHNSTON, General, 
Commanding Confederate States Army in North 
Carolina. 

This was at once made public, accompanied 
with the following statement from the Secre- 
tary of War, Mr. Stanton : 

This proceeding of General Sherman was unap- 
proved for the following among other reasons : 

1. — It was an exercise of authority not vested in 
General Sherman, and on its face shows that both he 
and Johnston knew that he (Sherman) had no au- 
thority to enter into such arrangement. 

2. — It was a practical acknowledgment of the Rebel 
government. 

3. — It undertook to reestablish the Rebel State gov- 
ernments that had been overthrown at the sacrifice 
of many thousand loyal lives and an immense treas- 
ure, and placed arms and munitions of war in the 
hands of the Rebels at their respective capitals, which 
might be used as soon as the armies of the United 
States were disbanded, and used to conquer and sub- 
due the loyal States. 

4. — By "the restoration of the Rebel authority in 
their respective States, they would be enabled to re- 
establish slavery. 

5. — It might furnish a ground of responsibility by 
the Federal Government to pay the Rebel debt, and 
certainly subjects loyal citizens of the Rebel States 
to the debt consummated by the Rebels in the name 
of the State. 

6. — It puts in dispute the existence of loyal State 
governments, and the new State of Western Virginia, 
which had been recognized by every department of 
the United States Government. 

7. — It practically abolished the confiscation laws, 
and relieved Rebels of every degree who had slaugh- 
tered our people, from all pains and penalties for their 
crimes. 

8. — It gave terms that had been deliberately, re- 
peatedly, and solemnly rejected by President Lincoln, 
and better terms than the Rebels had ever asked in 
their most prosperous condition. 

9. — It formed no basis of true and lasting peace, 
but relieved Rebels from the pressure of our victories, 
and left them in condition to renew their eflfort to 
overthrow the United States Government, and subdue 
the loyal States, whenever their strength was recruited 
and an opportunity should ofier. 

At the same time the Secretary of "War issued 
the following instructions to Gen. Grant : 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



701 



War DErARTJiENT, Washington, April 21, 1865. 

General : The memorandum or basis agreed upon 
between Gen. Sherman and Gen. Johnston, having 
been submitted to the President, they are disapproved. 
You will give notice of the disapproval to General 
Sherman, and direct him to resume hostilities at the 
earliest moment. 

The instructions given to you by the late President, 
Abraham Lincoln, on the 3d of March, by my tele- 
graph of that date addressed to you, express substan- 
tially the views of President Andrew Johnson, and 
will be observed by Gen. Sherman, A copy is here- 
with appended. 

The President desires that you proceed immediate- 
ly to the headquarters of Gen. Sherman and direct 
operations against the enemy. 

Yours truly, 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 

To Lieut.-Gen. Grant. 

COPT OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S INSTRUCTIONS. 

War Department, Washington, March 3, 1865. 

To Lieut.- Gen. Grant: 

The President directs mo to say to you that he 
wishes you to have no conference with Gen. Lee, 
unless it be for the capitulation of Gen. Lee's army, 
or on some minor and purely military matter. He 
wishes me to say that you are not to decide, discuss, 
or confer upon any political question. Such ques- 
tions the President holds in his own hands, and will 
submit them to no military conferences or conven- 
tions. Meantime you are to press to your utmost 
your military advantages. 

EDWIN M. StANTON, Secretary of War. 

Perhaps it may not be out of place to insert 
here the reasons briefly given by Gen. Sherman 
in his report, for his proceedings, Tliey are as 
follows : 

Immediately on my return to Raleigh I despatched 
one of my staff. Major Hitchcock, to Washington, 
enjoining him to be most prudent and careful to 
avoid the spies and informers that would be sure to 
infest him by the way, and to say nothing to anybody 
until the President could make known to me his feel- 
ings and wishes in the matter. 

The news of President Lincoln's assassination, on 
the 14th of April (wrongly reported to me by tele- 
graph as having occurred on the 11th), reached me 
on the 17th, and was announced to my command on 
the same day, in Field Orders No. 5G. I was duly in- 
formed of its horrible atrocity and probable effects 
on the country. But when the property and interests 
of millions still living were involved, I saw no good 
reason why to change my course, but thought rather 
to manifest real respect for his memory by following 
after his death that policy, which, if living, I felt cer- 
tain he would have approved, or at least not rejecte.d 
with disdain. 

Up to that hour I had never received one word of 
instruction, advice, or counsel as to the plan or pol- 
icy of the Government, looking to a restoration of 
peace on the part of the Rebel States of the South. 
Whenever asKed for an opinion on the points involved, 
I had alwavs avoided the subject. My letter to the 
Mayor of Atlanta has been published to the world, 
and I was not rebuked by the War Department for 

it. My letter to Mr. of Savannah, was shown 

by me to Mr. Stanton, before its publication, and all 
that my memory retains of his answer is that he said, 
like my letters generally, it was sufficiently emphatic, 
and would not be misunderstood. Both these letters 
asserted my belief that according to Mr. Lincoln's 
Proclamation and Message, when the people of the 
South had laid down their arms and submitted to the 
lawful powers of the United States, ipso facto, the 
war was over as to them ; and furthermore, that if 
any State in rebellion would conform to the Consti- 
tution of the United States, cease war, elect Senators 
and Representatives to Congress, ifadmitted (of which 



each House of Congress alone is the judge), that State 
becomes instanter as much in the Union as New York 
or Ohio. Nor was I rebuked for these expressions, 
though it was universally known and commented on 
at the time. And again Mr. Stanton in person at 
Savannah, speaking of the terrific expense of the war 
and difficulty of realizing the money for the daily 
wants of Government, impressed me most forcibly 
with the necessity of bringing the war to a close as 
soon as possible iov financial reasons. 

On -the morning of April 24th Gen. Grant 
arrived at Gen. Slierman's headquarters, and 
the latter was informed that the memorandum 
was disapproved, without reasons assigned, and 
he was ordered to give the forty-eight hours 
notice, and resume hostilities at the close of that 
time. Gen. Sherman immediately despatched 
the following note to Gen. Johnston : 

Headq'rs Military Division of tue Mississippi, I 
In the Field, Kaleigii, April 24, 1865. f 
Gen. Johnston, Commanding Confederate Armies : 

I have replies from Washington to my communica- 
tions of April 18. I am instructed to limit my opera- 
tions to your immediate command, and not to at- 
tempt civil negotiations. I therefore demand the 
surrender of your army, on the same terms as were 
given to Gen. Lee, at Appomattox, of April 9, purely 
and simply. W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen. 

Gen. Grant, although properly in command, 
left all the further measures to be executed by 
Gen. Sherman, and the presence of the former 
was even unknown to Gen. Johnston, who re- 
plied as follows : 

[Telegram.l 
Headquarters Army of the Tennessee, ) 
In the Field, April 25, 1865. f 
Major- Gen. Sherman, U. S. A. 

Your despatch of yesterday received. I propose 
a modification of the terms you offered ; such terms 
for the army as you wrote" on the 18th; they also 
modified according to change of circumstances, and 
a further armistice to arrange details and meeting for 
that purpose. JOS. E. JOHNSTON, GenerM. 

Headq'rs Miijtary Division of tiie Mississippi, \^ 
In the Field, Ealeigh, April 25, 1S65. j 
Gen Johnston ; I will meet you at the same place 
as before, to-morrow, at 12 o'clock noon. 

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. 
[^Telegram.'] 
Major-Gen. W. T. Sherman, Commd'g V. S. Forces: 
General : I have had the honor to receive your 
despatch of yesterday, summoning this army to sur- 
render on the terms accepted by Gen. Lee at Appa- 
mattox Court House. I propose, instead of such 
surrender, terms based on those di-awn up by you on 
the 18th for disbanding this army, and a further 
armistice and a conference to arrange these terms. 

The disbanding of Gen. Lee's army has afflicted 
this country with numerous bands having no means 
of subsistence but robbery — a knowledge of which 
would, I am sure, induce you to agree to other con- 
ditions. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 
J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 
[ Telegram.'] 
Greensboro' April 26, 1865 — 2 a. ii. 
Major-Gen. Sherman through Gen. Butler : 

I will meet you at the time and place you desig- 
nate. Is armistice with status quo renewed ? 

J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 

Terms of a Military Convention entered into iJiis twenty- 
sixth (26th) day of April, 1865, at Bennetts House, 
near Durham Station, North Carolina, beticeeii Gen' 
eral Joxeph E. Johnston, commanding the Confed- 
erate Army, and Major-General W. T. Sherman, com- 
mandi/ig the United States Army in Horth Carolina. 

All acts of war on the part of the troops under Gen. 



702 



MILITARY AXD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Johnston's command to cease from this date. All 
arras and public property to be deposited at Greens- 
boro, and delivered to an ordnance officer of the 
United States Army. Rolls of all the officers and men 
to be made in duplicate, one copy to be retained by 
the commander of the troops, and the other to be 
given to an officer to be designated by Gen. Sher- 
man. Each officer and man to give his individual 
obligation in writing not to take up arms against the 
Government of the United States until properly re- 
leased from this obligation. The side-arms of officers 
and their private horses and baggage to be retained 
by them. 

This being done, all the officers and men will be 
permitted to return to their homes, not to be dis- 
turbed by the United States authorities so long as 
they observe their obligation and the laws iu force 
where they may reside. 

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, 

Commanding U. S. Forces in North Carolina. 
J. E. JOHNSTON, General, 

Commandino; C. S. Forces in North Carolina. 
Approved: — U. S. Grant, Lieut. -General. 
Kaxeigk, N. C, April 26, ISGo. 

On the next day Gen. Slierman issued tlie 
following order : 

Special Field Orders JSFo. 65. 
Headq'ks jSIilitaky Division of the Mississippi, I 
In the Field, Ealeigu, N. C, April 27, 1S65. j 

The General Commanding announces a further 
suspension of hostilities and a final agreement with 
Gen. Johnston, which terminates the war as to the 
armies under his command and the country east of 
the Chattahooche. 

Copies of the terms of the convention will be fur- 
nished Major-Gens. Schofield, Gillmore, and Wilson, 
who are specially charged with its execution in the 
Department of North Carolina^ Department of the 
South, and at Macon and Western Georgia. 

Capt. Myers, Ordnance Department U. S. army, 
is hereby designated to receive the arms, etc., at 
Greensboro. Any commanding officer of a post may 
receive the arms of any detachment, and see that they 
are properly stored and accounted for. 

Gen. Schofield will procure at once the necessary 
blanks, and supply the other Army Commanders, 
that uniformity may prevail, and great care must be 
taken that all the terms and stipulations on our part 
be fulfilled with the most scrupulous fidelity, while 
those imposed on our hitherto enemies be received 
in a spirit becoming a brave and generous army. 

Army commanders may at once loan to the inhab- 
itants such of the captured mules, horses, wagons, 
and vehicles as can be spared from immediate use, 
and the Commanding Generals of Armies may issue 
provisions, animals, or any public supplies that can 
be spared to relieve present wants, and to encourage 
the inhabitants to renew their peaceful pursuits, and 
to restore the relations of friendship among our fel- 
low-citizens and countrymen. 

Foraging will forthwith cease, and when necessity 
or long marches compel the taking of forage, pro- 
visions, or any kind of private property, compensa- 
tion will be made on the spot; or, when the disburs- 
ing officers are not provided with funds, vouchers 
will be given in proper form, payable at the nearest 
military depot. 

By order of Major-Gen. W. T. SHERMAN. 

L. M. Datton, Ass't Adjutant-General. 

Special Field Orders No. G6. 
Headq'rs Militaey DmsioN or the Mississippi, \ 
In the Field, Raleigh, N. C, April 27, lsC5. ) 
Hostilities having ceased, the following changes 
and dispositions of troops in the field will be made 
with as little delay as practicable : 

1. The 10th and 23d corps will remain in the De- 
partment of North Carolina, and Major-Gen. J. M. 
Schofield will transfer back to Major-Gen. Gillmore, 



commanding the Department of the South, the two 
brigades formerly belonging to the division of Brevet 
Major-Gen. Grover, at Savannah. The 3d division 
cavalry corps. Brevet Major-Gen. J. Kilpatrick com- 
manding, is hereby transferred to the Department of 
North Carolina, and Gen. Kilpatrick will report in 
person to Major-Gen. Schofield for orders. 

2. The cavalry command of JIaj.-Gen. George 
Stoneman will return to East Tennessee, and that of 
Brevet Major-Gen. J. H. Wilson will be conducted 
back to the Tennessee River, in the neighborhood of 
Decatur, Alabama. 

S. Major-Gen. Howard will conduct the Army of 
the Tennessee to Richmond, Virginia, following roads 
substantially by Lewisburg, Warrenton, Lawreiice- 
ville, and Petersburg, or to the right of that line. 
Major-Gen. Slocum will conduct the Army of Georgia 
to Richmond by roads to the left of the one indicated 
for Gen. Howard, viz., bv Oxford, Boydtown, and 
Nottoway Court House. 'These armies will turn in 
at this point the contents of their ordnance trains 
and use the wagons for extra forage and provisions. 
These columns will be conducted slowly and in the 
best of order, and will aim to be at Richmond ready 
to resume the march by the middle of May. 

4. The Chief Quartermaster and Commissary of the 
Military Division, Gens. Easton and Beckwith, after 
making the proper dispositions of their departments 
here, will proceed to Richmond and make suitable 
preparations to receive those columns and to provide 
them for the further journey. 

By order of Major-Gen. W. T. SHERMAN. 

L. M. Datton, Ass't Adjutant-General. 

On the same day Gen. Johnston issued the 
following notice of surrender to his troops : 

General Orders No. 18. 
Headquakteks Army of the Tennessee, ) 
April 27, 1865. f 

By the terms of a military convention made on the 
2Gth instant, by Major-Gen. W. T. Sherman, United 
States Army, and Gen. J. E. Johnston, Confederate 
States Army, the officers and men of this army are to 
bind themselves not to take up arms against the 
United States until properly relieved from the obli- 
gation, and shall receive guarantees from the United 
States officers against molestation by the United 
States authorities, so long as they observe that obli- 
gation and the laws in force where they reside. For 
these objects duplicate muster-rolls will be made, 
and after the distribution of the necessary papers 
the troops will march under their officers to their 
respective States, and there be disbanded — all re- 
taining personal property. The object of this con- 
vention is pacification to'the extent of the authority 
of the commanders who made it. Events in Virginia, 
which broke every hope of success by war, imposed 
on its general the duty of sparing the blood of this 
gallant army, and saving our country from further 
devastation, and our people from ruin. 

J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 

On the 2d of May he issued the following 
farewell to his army : 

General Orders No 22. 

Headqitaiitees Army of the Tennessee, ) 

Near Greensboro, May 2, 18C5. ) 

Comrades : In terminating our official relations, I 

expect j^ou to observe the terms of the pacification 

agreed upon, and to discharge the obligations of good 

and peaceful citizens to the powers as well as you 

have performed the duties of soldiers iu the field. 

By such a course you will secure comfort and restore 

tranquillity to your country. You will return to your 

homes with the adiniration of our people, won by the 

courage and noble devotion you have displayed in 

this lonw war. I shall always remember with pride 

the loyal support you have given me. I part from 

you with regret, and bid you farewell with feelings 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



703 



of cordial friendship, and with earnest wishes that 
you may prosper. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. 

J. E. "Kennard, Colonel, etc. 

The number of men surrendered and paroled 
was not far from 25,000 ; 108 pieces of artillery 
were parked, with limbers, caissons, etc., com- 
plete. About 15,000 small arms were surren- 
dered, and but little ammunition. A large 
number of men strayed away with guns, horses, 
mules, and wagons. A body of the cavah-y, 
under Gen. Hampton, went south in the direc- 
tion in which it was supposed Mr. Davis was 
moving. They subsequently disappeared, and 
their oflScers were classed among those pa- 
roled. 

The column of Gen. "Wilson, which has been 
already mentioned, was organized at Gen. 
Thomas's headquarters, in Nashville, for a cav- 
alry expedition into Alabama. It was finely 
equipped in every respect, with plenty of good 
men, mostly veterans, horses, ammunition, sup-- 
plies, pontoons, and wagons. The final rendez- 
vous was Gravelly Springs, above Eastport, on 
the Tennessee River, and Selma, Montgomery, 
and Mobile. It numl^ered more than 15,000 
men, consisting of the 1st division under Gen. 
McCook, the 2d under Gen. Long, the 4th under 
Gen. Upton, and the 5th under Gen. Hatch. 
The latter, however, was retained in resei-ve at 
Eastport. The movement commenced from 
Chickasaw on the 22d of March. Some of the 
enemy, consisting of Gen. Roddy's cavahy, 
were soon met, and driven back with constant 
skirmishing thirty miles to Plantersville. Here 
they made a stand on April 1st, until their 
flank was threatened, when they retired. The 
loss of each side in killed and wounded, thus 
far, was estimated at less than a hundred ; three 
guns and two hundred prisoners were captured 
by Gen. "Wilson. Pursuit was now made by 
the divisions of Gens. Upton and Long to Sel- 
ma. There the enemy was- found on Api-il 
2d, in line of battle outside of their works. 
Gen. Long having arrived first, formed and dis- 
mounted his men in the night, while the 4th 
di^asion came up on the left. In the morning 
the skirmish line was advanced, and a brisk 
charge made. In a short time the enemy were 
di'iven from the field, and the intrenchments 
captured. Selma was immediately occupied. 
Tbe killed and wounded of the Union forces 
was about two hundred, and that of the enemy 
supposed to be less. One hundred guns, one 
hundred and fifty officers, two thousand men, 
with many horses, mules, and supplies, were 
captured. The arsenal, with large stores of 
powder, percussion caps, shells, all the Confed- 
erate magazines, works, and buildings, four large 
furnaces, including the Red Mountain and Cen- 
tral iron works and machine shop, some dwell- 
ings, and vast stores of cotton were destroyed. 
On the 4th, Cahawba, a little southwest of 
Selma, was surrendered, and' about seventy 
Federal prisoners were recovered. From Selma 
Gen. "Wilson moved eastward, capturing Mont- 
gomery, West Point, Griffin, Lagrange, Colum- 



bus, and Macon, The following despatches from 
Macon relate his further proceedings : 

Headqttaeters Army op Tennessee, ) 
April 21, 1SG5— 9:30 a. m. ( 

To Major-Gen. W. T. Sherman, through headquarters 
of Gen. Beauregard, : 
My advance received the surrender of this city with 
its garrison this evening. Gen. Cobb had previously 
sent me, under flag of truce, a copy of the telegram 
from Gen. Beauregard, declaring the existence of 
an armistice between all the troops under your com- 
mand and those of Gen. Johnston. Without ques- 
tioning the authority of this despatch, or its applica- 
tion to my command, I could not communicate orders 
in time to prevent the capture. I shall therefore 
hold the garrison, including Major-Gens. Cobb and 
G. W. Smith, and Brig.-Gen. McCall, prisoners of. 
war. 

Please send me orders. I shall remain here a rea- 
sonable length of time to hear from your. 

J. H. WILSON, Brevet Maj.-Gen. U. S, A. 

HEADQrARTEKS CaVALUT CORPS, MILITARY DIVISION ) 

Mississippi, Macon, Ga., April 21, 1865. j 
Major-Gen. W. T. Sherman, tJirozig/i Gen. Johnston: 
"your despatch of yesterday is just received. I shall 
at once proceed to carry out your instructions. If 
proper arrangements can be made to have sugar, 
coffee, and clothing sent from Savannah to Augusta, 
they can be brought hither by the way of Atlanta by 
railroad, or they can be sent by boat "directly to this 

Elace from Darien. I shall be able to get forage, 
read, and meat from Southeastern Georgia. The 
railroad from Atlanta to Dalton or Cleveland cannot 
be repaired in three months. I have arranged to 
send an officer at once, via Eufaula, to Gen. Canby, 
with a copy of your despatch. Gen. Cobb will also 
notify Gen. Taylor of the armistice. I have about 
three thousand prisoners of war, including Gens. 
Cobb, Smith, McCall, Mercer, and Robertson. Can 
you arrange with Gen. Johnston for their immediate 
release ? Please answer at once. I shall start a staff 
ofiicer to you to-morrow. 

J. H. WILSON, Brevet Major-Gen. Comm'g. 

Gen. Sherman, after the surrender of Gen. 
Johnston, went to Hilton Head, and caused 
supplies to be forwarded at once to Gen. Wilson. 
On May 1st Gen. Upton's division was sent to 
Augusta, and Gen. McOook's to Tallahassee, to 
receive the surrender of the garrisons and take 
charge of the public property, and execute the 
paroles required by the terms of surrender. 

At the same time that Gen. Wilson was ad- 
vancing against Selma and Montgomery, a 
movement was in progress for the capture of 
Mobile. This city was occupied \>j about fifteen 
thousand troops under Gen. Richard Taylor. 
The defences of the city had been most carefully 
constructed, and were under the command of 
Gen. Maury. In the harbor the enemy had 
several vessels, some of which were iron-clads ; 
in addition to which its defences were regarded 
as almost impregnable. The Federal forces 
consisted of the 13th army corps under Gen. 
Granger, and the 16th under Gen. A. J. Smith, 
Gen. Canby being in chief command. Attached 
to these Avas a division of cavalry and a division 
of colored troops. With this force a strong fleet 
was in cooperation. 

Mobile is situated on the west bank of the 
Mobile River, immediately above its entrance 
into the bay, and thirty miles north of the Gulf 
of Mexico. The site of the town is a level 



704 



MLITAEY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION". 



sandy plain, sufficiently elevated for drainage. 
The enemy had supposed that the attack would 
be made on the west, and on this side the city 
was most strongly fortified, but to no purpose 
in the final attack. The 16th corps. Gen. A. 
J. Smith, Avas landed on Dauphin Island, oppo- 
site Mobile Point, and reached Fort Gaines on 
March 12th. All the cavalry under Gen. Grier- 
son, crossing Pontchartrain, reached Mobile 
Point, and on the 18th, every thing being in 
readiness, the march commenced. A brigade 
of the 3d division of the 16th corps, about two 
thousand strong, left Dauphin's Island to effect 
a landing on Cedar Point, above Fort Powell, 
and to clear the way for the rest of the corps. 
On the previous day a brigade of the 2d division 
of the 13th corps Avas landed on Mobile Point, 
to proceed as the advance of the corps on the 
mainland on the east side of the bay. At the 
same time Gen. Steele, in command of adi-\asion 
of colored troops at Pensacola and Barrancas, 
commenced a march across to Blakely on the 
Tensaw Eiver, about twelve miles north of east 
of Mobile. On the 18th, the whole 13th corps 
under Gen. Granger followed the advance bri- 
gade, marching by land along the shore of Bon 
Secour Bay, which forms the southeasterly cor- 
ner of Mobile Bay, near its mouth, and just 
north of Mobile Point, on which is Fort Mor- 
gan. Fish River, running south on the east 
side of Mobile Bay, empties into Bon Secour 
Bay, and the rendezvous of the army was fixed 
about eight miles from its mouth. On the 19th 
the 16th corps, under Gen. Smith, were taken 
in transports and moved across Mobile Bay, and 
disembarked at the rendezvous XTp the river by 
the night of the 21st. On the 22d and 28d the 
13th corps, under Gen. Granger, which had 
been delayed in its march by the bad roads, be- 
gan to arrive. Slight skirmishing occurred 
with the enemy along the route. The advance 
toward Spanish Fort at the head of Mobile Bay, 
on the east side, was made on the 25th. The 
13th corps was on the left, direct for the fort, 
and the 16th corps on the right moving tow- 
ard Blakeley. Constant skirmishing was kept 
up by the enemy, and tlie road was found to be 
thickly planted with torpedoes. On the 27tli 
both cori)s marched into position, to invest 
Spanish Fort, and the enemy fell back toward 
Blakeley. At the same time the fleet got under 
way, and proceeded up the bay to Howard's 
Landing, below the fort. The Metacomet, 
Stockdale, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Albatross, 
Winnebago, Genesee, and Osage, were ordered 
in toward the shore, and opened a cannonade, 
which the enemy did not return. The commu- 
nication between the city and the fort was cut 
off" by the fleet, with the loss of the Milwaukee 
and Osage blown up by torpedoes. The land 
forces brought up the artillery, and the appear- 
ance of a regular siege was presented. The 
fleet of the enemy at a distance also occasionally 
opened fire on the troops. On April 3d the in- 
vestment was complete, and a fire was opened 
upon it both by land and water, which resulted 



in silencing the guns of the enemy by midnight. 
An hour afterwards the fort was surrendered 
with its dependencies. The number of men 
made prisoners was five hundred and thirty- 
eight and twenty-five oflicers. Gen. Canby 
reported that the major part of the garrison 
escaped by water. There was found in the fort 
five mortars and twenty-five guns. 

Meanwhile Gen. Steele left Pensacola March 
19th, and marched through Pollard toward Mo- 
bile. On the 25th he encountered the 6th 
Alabama cavalry at Mitchell's Creek, and a 
sharp contest ensued, in which the enemy were 
routed. Thence he continued his march tow- 
ard Blakeley, and came in on the right of Gen. 
Canby. 

After the surrender of Spanish Fort, the gun- 
boat Octarora opened fire on Forts Tracy and 
Huger, near the mouth of the Tensaw River, 
but both works were abandoned by the enemy 
after spiking eight heavy guns. Blakeley was 
now invested by the gunboats in front, which 
had advanced up the river after the surrender 
of the forts and the removal of torpedoes, and 
by the troops on the laud side. The works 
were carried by assault on April 9th, and two 
thousand four hundred prisoners and twenty 
guns taken. On the next day, the 10th, the 
enemy commenced evacuating Mobile, which 
was completed on the 11th by their retreat 
with their fleet up the Alabama River. On the 
next day it was surrendered to Gen, Canby and 
Rear-Admiral Thatcher, and occupied by the 
corps of Gen. Granger. Gen. Canby reported 
that he found in Mobile and its defences over 
one hundred and fifty guns, a very large 
amount of ammunition, and supplies of all- 
kinds, and about one thousand prisoners. The 
Federal loss had been two thousand five hun- 
dred men, and that of the fleet fifty men. 

On April 19th an officer of Gen. Taylor's 
staff arrived at Gen. Canby's headquarters with 
a flag of truce to make terms for the surrender 
of the troops east of the Mississippi. On May 
4th surrender was executed. The delegation 
upon the Union side consisted of Gens. Canby, 
Osterhaus, Andrews ; Col. Christenson ; Capts. 
Barrett and Perkins ; and, by invitation of Gen. 
Canby, Admiral Thatcher. At Citronelle, Ala- 
bama, where the conference was held, were 
found Gen. Taylor and staff, Commander Far- 
rand, and Lieut. Commander Myers, of the Con- 
federate navy, and a large concourse of other 
officers. After considerable discussion and con- 
sultation, ending at 7:30 p. m., the following 
conditions were agreed to and signed as the 
terms of surrender : 

Memorandum of the conditions of the surrender of 
the forces, munitions of war, etc., in the department 
of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, com- 
manded by Lieut. -Gen. Richard Taylor, Confederate 
States army, to Major-Gen. Edward R. S. Canby, 
United States army, entered into on the 4th diiy of 
May, 1865, at Citronelle, Alabama : 

1. The oflicers and men to be paroled until duly 
exchanged or otherwise released from the obligations 
of their parole by the authority of the Government of 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



705 



the United States. Duplicate rolls of all officers and 
men surrendered to be made, one copy of which will 
be delivered to an officer appointed by Major-General 
Canby, and the other appointed by Lieut. -Gen. Tay- 
lor, officers giving their individual paroles, and com- 
manders of regiments, battalions, companies, or de- 
tachments signing a like parole for the men of their 
respective commands. 

2. Artillery, small arms, ammunition, and other 
property of the Confederate Government, to be turned 
over to the officers appointed far that purpose on the 
part of the Government of the United States. Du- 
plicate inventories of the property surrendered to be 
prepared, one copy to be retained by the officer de- 
livering, and the other by the officer receiving it, for 
the infoj-mation of their respective commands. 

3. The officers and men paroled under this agree- 
ment will be allowed to return to their homes, with 
the assurance that they will not be disturbed by the 
authorities of the United States as long as they con- 
tinue to observe the conditions of their paroles and 
the laws in force where they reside, except that pei*- 
sons resident of Northern States will not be allowed 
to return without permission. 

4. The surrender of property will not include the 
side-arms, or private horses, or baggage of officers. 

5. All horses which are in good faith the private 
property of enlisted men will not be taken from 
them ; the men will be permitted to take such with 
them to their homes to be used for private purposes 
only. 

6. The time and place of surrender will be fixed 
by the respective commanders, and will be carried 
out by commissioners appointed by them. 

7. The terms and conditions of the surrender to 
apply to the officers and men belonging to the armies 
lately commanded by Gens. Lee and tlohnston, now 
in this department. 

8. Transportation and subsistence to be furnished 
at public cost for the officers and men after surrender 
to the nearest practicable point of their homes; 

R. TAYLOR, Lieut.-General. 
E. R. S. CANBY, Maj.-General. 

On the same day and at the same time and 
pLace, Commodore Farrand smTendered to Rear- 
Admiral Thatcher all the naval forces of the 
enemy then blockaded on the Tombigbee River, 
on the same terms as were granted by Gen. 
Canby to Gen. Taylor. The squadron was de- 
livered up at Nanna Hubba Bluff on May 9th. 
The following vessels av ere surrendered: Jeff. 
• Davis, Robei't Watson, Magnolia, Marengo, St. 
Charles, Commodore Farrand, General Beaure- 
gard, Duke, Sumter, St. Nicholas, Reindeer, 
Admiral. 

Among the oflBcers surrendered were Com- 
modore Ebenezer Farrand, of Florida; Commo- 
dore L. Rousseau, of Loiiisiana ; Capt. Patrick 
W. Murphy, of North Carolina ; Commander 
C. ap. R. Jones, of Virginia; Lieut. Julien My- 
ers, of Georgia ; Lieut. James D. Johnston, of 
Kentucky ; Lieut. Chas. W. Hays, of Alabama ; 
Lieut. Charles P. McGary, of North Carolina; 
Lieut. Robert T. Chapman, of Alabama ; Lieut. 
F. B. Renshaw, of Florida; Lieut. E. Lloyd 
Winder, of Maryland ; Lieut. John R, Eggle- 
ston, of Mississippi; Lieut. C. C. Simons, of 
Virginia; Lieut. John W. Bennett, of Mary- 
land; Lieut. Thomas L. Harrison, of Virginia; 
Lieut. Joseph Fry, of Florida ; Lieut. W. P. A. 
Campbell, of Tennessee ; Lieut. Julian M Spen- 
cer, of Maryland ; Lieut. James McBaker, Lieut. 
Edgar L. Lambert, and 110 others. 
45 



The detached forces of the enemy in various 
places east of the Mississippi were severally 
surrendered upon the same terms as embraced 
in those of the commanding oflScers, and by 
the middle of the montu of May hostilities had 
ceased everywhere except west of the Missis- 
sippi River. 

On learning the neWs of Gen. Lee's surren- 
der, Gen. Kirby Smith, in command of the en- 
emy's forces in Texas, issued the following 
order : 

Headquarters Trans-Mississippi Department, ) 
Shreveport, La., April 21, 1S65. j 

Soldiers of tlie Trans-Mississippi Army : 

The crisis of our revolution is at hand. Great dis- 
asters have overtaken us. The Army of Northern 
Virginia and our Commander-in-Chief are prisoners 
of war. With you rests the hopes of our nation, and 
upon your action depends the fate of our people. I 
appeal to you in the name of the cause you have so 
heroically rnaintained — in the name of your firesides 
and families, so dear to you — in the name of your 
bleeding country, whose future is in your hands. 
Show that you are worthy of your position in history. 
Prove to the Avorld that your hearts have not failed 
in the hour of disaster, and that at the last moment 
you will sustain the holy cause which has been so 
gloriously battled for by your brethren east of the 
Mississippi. 

You possess the means of long resisting invasion. 
You have hopes of succor from abroad. Protract 
the struggle, and you will surely receive the aid of 
nations who already deeply sj'mpathize with you. 

Stand by your colors — maintain your discipline. 
The great resources of this department, its vast ex- 
tent, the numbers, the discipline, and the efficiency 
of the army, will secure to our country terms that a 
proud people can with honor accept, and may, under 
the Providence of God, be the means of checking the 
triumph of our enemy and securing the final success 
of our cause. E. KIRBY SMITH, General. 

At the same time public meetings were held 
in Texas, and* resolutions to maintain the con- 
test were adopted. The Federal Government 
immediately despatched a large force to New 
Orleans, under the command of Gen. Sheridan, 
preparatory to a campaign in Texas. Mean- 
while, Col. Barret fought the last battle of the 
war. He had conducted a body of troops, on 
May 11th, from 300 to 500 strong, from Brazos 
to seize a camp of the enemy about fifteen miles 
above, on the Brownsville road, at Palmetto 
Ranch. His object was to secure horses and 
cattle. The camp of the enemy was captured 
and burned. But being delayed to secure horses, 
he was overtaken by a body of cavalry under 
Gen. Slaughter, with three pieces of artillery. 
A retreat was made with the enemy in pursuit, 
and a loss of about seventy-five men ensued, 
who were chiefly made prisoners. The follow- 
ing is Gen. Slaughter's report of the affair : 

Headquarters Western Sub-District, Texas, ) 
In the Field, May 13. 1865. j 

Captain L. G. Aldrich, Assistant Acljutant- General : 
We attacked the enemy — about eight hundred 
strong — this evening at 3 o'clock, and drove him in 
confusion eight miles, killing and wounding about 
thirty and capturing eighty prisoners, with many 
arms and accoutrements. Owing to the scattered 
condition of the men, a halt was ordered. Captain 
Carrington's command coming up, he was again at- 
tacked and driven within one mile of Brazos, when 



706 



Mn.lTARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



darkness put an end to the pursuit. Had not our 
artillery horses broken down, we would, doubtless, 
have captured the whole command. 

I cannot speak too highly of the sagacity of Colonel 
Ford and the gallantry of his command. Our loss 
was four or fire severely wounded. We did not have 
three hundred in the fight, large numbers not having 
arrived. 

J. E. SLAUGHTER, Brigadier-General Com, 
Official: L. G. Aldrich, Ass't Adjutant-General. 

But the surrenders of Gens. Johnston and 
Taylor decided the course of events in the Trans- 
Mississippi Department. On the 28d of May, 
Brig.-Gen. Brent and several staff officers 
reached Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to consult 
with Gen. Canhy on the terms of the surrender 
of Gen. Kirby Smith's army. The terms were 
arranged, and the surrender made on the 26th. 
They were as follows: 

Terms of a military convention, entered into this 
26th day of May, 18G5, at New Orleans, La., between 
Gen. E. Kirby Smith, Confederate States army, com- 
manding the Department of Trans-Mississippi, and 
Major-General E. E. S. Canby, United States army, 
commanding army and division of West Mississippi, 
for the surrender of the troops and public property 
of the military and naval authorities of the Trans- 
Mississippi Department; 

1. All acts of war and I'esistance against the United 
States, on the part of the troops under Gen. Smith, ,, 
shall cease from this date. 

2. The officers and men to be paroled until duly 
exchanged, or otherwise releo'sed from the obligation 
■of their parole by the authority of the Government 
of the United States. Duplicate rolls of all officers 
and men paroled to be retained by such officers as 
may be designated by the parties hereto — officers 
giving their individual paroles, and commanders of 
regiments, battalions, companies, and detachments 
signing a like parole for the m.en of their respective 
commands. 

3. Artillery, small arms, ammunition, and other 
property of the Confederate States, inchiding gun- 
boats and transports, to be turned over to the officers 
appointed to receive the same on the part of the Gov- 
ernment of the United State.s; duplicate inventories 
of the property to be sun-endered to be prepared, one 
copy to be returned by the officer delivering, and 
the other by the officer receiving it, for the informa- 
tion of their respective commanders. 

4. The officers and men paroled under this agree- 
ment will be allowed to return to their homes, with 
the assurance that they will not be disturbed by the 
authorities of the United States as long as they con- 
tinue to observe the conditions of their pai-ole and 
the laws in force where they reside ; except that per- 
sons resident in the Northern States, and not excepted 
in the amnesty proclamation of the President, may 
return to their homes on taking the oath of allegiance 
to the United States. 

5. The surrender of property will not include the 
side-arms, or private horses, or baggage of officers. 

G. All horses which are, in good faith, the private 
property of enlisted men, will not be taken from 
them ; the men will be permitted to take such with 
them to their homes, to be used for private pur- 
poses only. 

v. The time, mode, and place of paroling and sur- 
render of property will be fixed by the respective 
commanders, and it will be carried out by commis- 
sioners appointed by them. 

8. The terms and conditions of this convention to 
extend to all officers and men of the army and navy 
of the Confederate States, or any of them, being in 
or belonging to the Trans-Mississippi Department. 

9. Transportation and subsistence to be furnished 
at public cost for the officers and men (after being 



paroled) to the nearest practicable point to their 
homes. S. B. BUCKNER, 

Lieuteuant-General and Chief of Staff, 

for General E. KIRBY SMITH. 
P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, 
Major-General Volunteers and Chief-of-Staff, 
for MajoT-General E. R. S. CANBY, 
Commanding Military Division West. Mississippi. 
J. N. Gallehew, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Additional terms were made later in the day 
for the rendezvous of the paroled troops in the 
trans-Mississippi Department near their homes, 
and also for the surrender of the Confederate 
navy under Capt, Carter. 

The surrender of these armies left the military 
occupation of the rebellious States by the Fed- 
eral forces unresisted and complete. The plan 
now adopted by the Government was, to retain 
in each State a sufficient military force to pre- 
serve peace, and to put down any opposition 
which might arise, and to disband the remainder 
of its armies, and to restore to civil rights all 
citizens who should take the oath prescribed in 
the amnesty proclamation of President Lincoln, 
which may be found on a preceding page. The 
efi'ect of this was to oblige the person taking it 
to sustain the Federal Government and all its 
past acts reHitive to the emancipation of slaves. 

The Army of the Potomac and the army under 
Gen. Sherman, with the exception of a com- 
paratively small force retained in Virginia and 
North Carolina, were marched to the neighbor- 
hood of Washington, for a grand review and 
final dispersion. The review took place on the 
22d and 23d of May. The mustering out of ser- 
vice was then commenced, and by July 1st 
nearly 800,000 men had been discharged. Gen. 
Sherman took leave of his troops by issuing the 
following order : 

Special Orders No. 67. 
nEADQ'ns Middle Division of thk Mississippi, ( 
In the Field, Washington, D. C, May 30, 1865. j 

The General Commanding announces to the Armies 
of the Tennessee and Georgia that the time has come 
for us to part. Our work is done, and armed enemies 
no longer defy us. Some of you will be retained in 
service until further orders. And now that we are 
about to separate, to mingle with the civil world, it 
becomes a pleasing duty to recall to mind the situa- 
tion of national aflairs when, but a little more than a 
year ago, we were gathered about the twining cliflFs 
of Lookout Mountain, and all the future was wrapped 
in doubt and uncertainty. Three armies had come 
together from distant fields, with separate histories, 
yet bound by one common cause — the union of our 
country and the perpetuation of the Government of 
our inheritance. There is no need to recall to your 
memories Tunnel Hill, with its Rocky Face Mountain, 
and Buzzard Roost Gap, with the ugly forts of Dalton 
behind. We were in earnest, and paused not for 
danger and difficulty, but dashed through Snake 
Creek Gap, and fell on Resaca, then on to the Etowah, 
to Dallas, Kcnesaw ; and the heats of summer found 
us on the banks of the Chattahoochee, far from home 
and dependent on a single road for supplies. Again 
we were not to be held back by any obstacle, and 
crossed over and fought four heavy battles for the 
possession of the citadel of Atlanta. That was the 
crisis of our history. A doubt still clouded our future ; 
but we solved the problem, and destroyed Atlanta, 
struck boldly across the State of Georgia, secured all 
the main arteries of life to our enemy, and Christmas 
found us at Savannah. Waiting there only long 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



707 



enough to fill our wagons, we again began a march, 
which for peril, labor, and results, will compare with 
any ever made by an organized army. The floods of 
the Savannah, the swamps of the Combahee and 
Edisto, the high hills and rocks of the Santee, the 
flat quagmires of the Pedee and Cape Fear Rivers, 
were all passed in midwinter, with its floods and rains, 
in the face of an accumulating enemy ; and after the 
battles of Averysboro and Bentonville we once more 
came out of the wilderness to meet our friends at 
Goldsboro. Even then we paused only long enough 
to get new clothing, to reload our wagons, and again 
pushed on to Raleigh, and beyond, until we met'our 
enemy, sueing for peace instead of war, and offering 
to submit to the injured laws of his and our country. 
As long as that enemy was defiant, nor mountains, 
nor rivers, nor swamps, nor hunger, nor cold, had 
checked us ; but when he who had fought us hard 
and persistently offered submission, your General 
thought it wrong to pursue him further, and negoti- 
ations followed which resulted, as you all know, in 
his surrender. How far the operations of the army 
have contributed to the overthrow of the Confederacy, 
of the peace which now dawns on us, must be judged 
by others, not by us. But that you have done all 
that men could do has been admitted by those in au- 
thority ; and we have a right to join in the universal 
joy that fills our land because the war is over, and 
our Government stands vindicated before the world 
by the joint action of the volunteer armies of the 
United States. 

To such as remain in the military service your 
General need only remind you that successes in the 
past are due to hard work and discipline, and that 
the same work and discipline are equally important 
in the future. To such as go home, he will only say, 
that our favored country is so grand, so extensive, 
so diversified in climate, soil, and productions, that 
every man may surely find a home and occupation 
suited to his tastes ; and none should yield to the 
natural impotence sure to result from our past life of 
excitement and adventure. You will be invited to 
seek new adventure abroad ; but do not yield to the 
temptation, for it will lead only to death and disap- 
pointment. 

Your General now bids you all farewell, with 
the full belief that, as in war you have been good 
soldiers, so in peace you will make good citizens; 
and if, unfortunately, new war should arise in our 
country, Sherman's Army will be the first to buckle 
on the old armor and come forth to defend and main- 
tain the Government of our inheritance and choice. 

By order of Major-General W. T. SHERMAN. 

L. M. Dayton, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

At a later date Lieut.-Gen. Grant issued the 
following address to all tlie armies : 

General Orders No. 108. 
War Depaktjient, Adjutant-General's Office, ) 
Washington, D. C, June 2, 18C5. j 
Soldiers of the Armies of the United States ; 

By your patriotic devotion to your country in the 
hour of danger and alarm, your magnificent fighting, 
bravery, and endurance, you have maintained the 
supremacy of the Union and the Constitution, over- 
thrown all armed opposition to the enforcement of 
the laws and of the proclamations forever abolishing 
slavery — the cause and pretext of the rebellion — and 
opened the way to the rightful authorities to restore 
order and inaugurate peace on a permanent and en- 
during basis on every foot of American soil. Your 
marches, sieges, and battles, in distance, duration, 
resolution, and brilliancy of results, dim the lustre 
of the world's past military achievements, and will 
be the patriot's precedent in defence of liberty and 
right in all time to come. In obedience to your 
country's call you left your homes and families and 
volunteered in its defeuce. Victory has crowned 
your valor, and secured the purpose of yourpatinotic 
hearts; and with the gratitude of your countrymen 



and the highest honors a great and free nation can 
accord, you will soon be permitted to return to your 
homes and families, conscious of having discharged 
the highest duty of American citizens. To achieve 
these glorious triumphs and secure to j'ourselves, 
your fellow-countrymen, and posterity the blessings 
of free institutions, tens of thousands of your gallant 
comrades have fallen and sealed the priceless legacy 
with their lives. The graves of these a grateful na- 
tion bedews with tears, honors their memories, and 
will ever cherish and support their stricken families. 
U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. 

On May 5tli an order was issued by Gen. 
Halleck, in command of the James River, de- 
claring that all persons found in arms after 
May 20, against the authority of the United 
States in Virginia or North Carolina, would be 
treated as robbers and outlaws. A similar order 
was subsequently issued by the War Depart- 
ment, to be enforced in all States east of the 
Mississippi River. This caused the disband- 
ment of all guerrilla organizations : 

On April 29th the President issued the fol- 
lowing proclamation : 

ExKCUTivE CnAMBER, WASHINGTON, April 29, 1865. 
Being desirous to relieve all loyal citizens and well- 
disposed persons residing in the insurrectionary 
States from unnecessary' commercial restrictions, 
and to encourage them to return to peaceful pursuits, 
it is hereby ordered : 

1. That all restrictions upon internal, domestic, 
and coastwise commercial intercourse be discon- 
tinued in such part of the States of Tennessee, Vir- 
ginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, 
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and so much of Louisi- 
ana as lies east of the Mississippi Rivei", as shall be 
embraced within the lines of the national military 
occupation, excepting only such restrictions as are 
imposed by the acts of Congress, and regulations in 
pursuance thereof prescribed by the Secretary of the 
Treasury, and approved by the President, and ex- 
cepting also from the eSect of this order the fol- 
lowing articles, contraband of war, to wit: Arms, 
ammunition, and all articles from which ammunition 
is manufactured ; gray uniforms and cloth, locomo- 
tives, cars, railroad iron and machinery for operating 
railroads, telegraph wires, insulators, and instru- 
ments for operating telegraph lines. 

2. All existing military and naval orders in any 
manner restricting internal, domestic, and coastwise 
commercial intercourse and trade with or in the lo- 
calities above named, be and the same are hereby re- 
voked, and that no military or naval officer in any 
manner interrupt or interfere with the same, or with 
any boats or other vessels engaged therein under 
proper authority pursuant to the regulations of the 
Secretary of the Treasury. ANDREW JOHNSON. 

In relation to prisoners of war those who had 
been delivered on parole to Federal officers 
were declared exchanged, and those confined in 
the Southern States were released. The fol- 
lowing orders were issued by the War Depart- 
ment respecting Confederate prisoners : 

War Department, Washikgton, May 7, 1865. 

Ordered — That all prisoners of war, except officers 
above the rank of colonel, who, before the capture 
of Richmond, signified their desire to take the oath 
of allegiance to "the United States and their unwill- 
ingness to be exchanged, be forewith released on 
their taking said oath, and transportation furnished 
them to their respective homes. 

In respect to all other prisoners of war, further 
orders will be issued. 

The Commissary-General of Prisoners will issue 
the necessary regulations for preserving the requisite 



708 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



record of prisoners of war to be released under this 
order, the record to set forth the name of the prison- 
er, his place of residence, the organization to which 
he belonged, the time and place of capture, &c. 
The oaths of allegiance will be administered by com- 
manding officers of the prisons, camps, and forts, 
who will send by telegraph daily reports of prison- 
ers released to the Commissary-General of Prisoners. 
These reports will be consolidated for each day, and 
transmitted to the Secretary of War. 

By order of the SECRETARY OF WAR. 

James A. Hardie, Brevet Brig.-Gen., Inspector-Gen. 

U. S. Army. 

Wak Department, Adjtttant-General's Office, | 
Washington, June 6, 1865. ( 
The prisoners of war at the several depots in the 
North will be discharged, under the following regu- 
lations and restrictions : 

1. All enlisted men of the rebel army, and petty 
officers and seamen of the rebel navy, will be dis- 
charged upon taking the oath of allegiance. 

2. Officers of the rebel army not above the grade 
of captain, and of the rebel navy not above the grade 
of lieutenant, except such as have graduated at the 
United States Military or Naval Academy, and such 
as held a commission in either the United States 
army or navy at the beginning of the rebellion, may 
be discharged upon taking the oath of allegiance. 

3. When the discharges hereby ordered are com- 
pleted, regulations will be issued in respect to the 
discharge of officers having higher rank than captains 
in the army or lieutenants in the navy. 

4. The several commanders of prison stations will 
discharge each day as much of the prisoners hereby 
authorized to be discharged as proper rolls can be 
prepared for, beginning with those who have been 
longest in prison and from the most remote points of 
the country, and certified rolls will be forwarded 
daily to the Commissary-General of Prisoners of 
those discharged. The oath of allegiance only will 
be administered. But notice will be given that all 
who desire will be permitted to take the oath of am- 
nesty after their release, in accordance with the regu- 
lations of the Department of State respecting the 
amnesty. 

5. The Quartermaster's Department will furnish 
transportation to all released prisoners to the near- 
est accessible point to their homes, by rail or by 
steamboat. 

By order of the President of the United States. 
E. D. TOWNSEND. Ass't Adjutant-General, 

Subsequently a commission was organized at 
Washington to investigate the treatment of 
Federal prisoners at Andersonville, which was 
charged to have been of a most cruel and bar- 
barous nature. 

The charitable organizations which had been 
called into existence by the war, now foimd the 
necessity for their services removed. In the 
brief but bloody campaigns of March and 
April, 1865, the Sanitary Commission con- 
tinued its humane and noble work. The sick 
and wounded were cared for, their friends in- 
formed of their situation, their pensions, 
bounties, and back pay collected, and when 
the armies were disbanded the Soldiers' Homes 
were thrown open all along their various routes 
to welcome them, and agents of the Commission 
met them at railroad stations and steamboat 
landhigs to invite them to the homes and 
lodges, and protect them as far as possible from 
fraud. The Commission also greatly increased 
its claim agencies, which, without fee or re- 
ward, collected the arrearages and pay due to 
the soldiers, and established at its central office 



in Washington, with branches in aU the princi' 
pal cities, a bureau of information and employ- 
ment, to secure to all soldiers desiring employ- 
ment such situations as they were capable 
of filling. The receipts of the Commission 
were large during the spring months, but its 
disbursements were still larger. On the 1st of 
June, 1865, a second Sanitary Fair was opened 
at Chicago, 111., for the purpose of raising funds 
for the maintenance of the claim agencies and 
other organizations of the Commission, which 
it was deemed desirable to continue in ojiera- 
tion. About $325,000 above all expenses was 
received from this fair. On the 1st of July, 
1865, the Aid Societies, auxiliary to the Com- 
mission, ceased their cooperative work, though 
many of them became auxiliary to the Com- 
mission as claim agencies. It was officially 
announced on the 26th of April, 1865, that the 
contributions to the Commission from Califor- 
nia to that date amounted to $1,199,675.51; 
those of Nevada to $99,512.46 ; Oregon, $75,- 
597.56; and. Washington Territory, $20,753.92 
— making a total from the Pacific slope of 
$1,395,539.45. The Metropolitan Fair in New 
York yielded $1,184,146,72, and the Central 
Fair in Philadelphia, $1,035,398.96. The final 
campaign of the war demanded new eiforts 
from the Christian Commission, and its agents 
labored with new zeal and energy. No official 
statement of its receipts during these months 
was made, but they are understood to have ap- 
proached half a million of dollars, which was 
expended for the promotion of the physical, in- 
tellectual, and religious welfare of the soldiers 
and sailors. As the war closed the Commis- 
sion disbanded and discontinued its work. 

The Union Commission found, as it expected, 
a sphere of wider usefulness in the closing 
scenes of the war, and in the suffering which fol- 
lowed among the poorer classes of whites in 
the Southern States, and was actively engaged 
in endeavoring to improve theu* condition. It 
subsequently cooperated with the Freedmen's 
Bureau, the Western Sanitary Commission, and 
other similar institutions, in their useful labors. 

A reduction of the naval force was made at 
the same time when the armies were disbanded. 
Volunteer officers resigned, men were dis- 
charged, and all vessels not needed for future 
service were sold. The steamer Webb, which 
had been used as a ram by the enemy on the 
Red River throughout the war, ran the block- 
ade on that river, and passed down the Missis- 
sippi about April 24th, making an attempt to 
escape to the West Indies. Being pursued after 
passing New Orleans, and discovering the 
steamer Richmond coming up the river, her 
commander, Edward G. Reed, run her ashore, 
and setting her on fire, escaped, with nearly all 
the crew, to the swamps. The vessel was con- 
sumed. All the other vessels in the Confederate 
service were surrendered, as has been stated, 
except the Shenandoah, which was in Aus- 
tralia at the close of the war. She continued 
her operations, and caused great deatructiou 



MILITARY AND IJAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



709 



among the whale-sLips on the northwest coast 

of America. 

Mr. Davis, who had acted as President of the 
insurrectionary States, on the evacuation of 
Richmond, hurried to Danville, Va., and imme- 
diately issued the following proclamation : 

Danville, Va., April 5, 1865. 

The General-in-Chief found it necessary to make 
such movements of his troops as to uncover the capi- 
tal. It would be unwise to conceal the moral and 
material injury to our cause resulting from the occu- 
pation of our capital by the enemy. It is equally 
unwise and unworthy of us to allow our energies to 
falter and our efforts to become relaxed under ad- 
verses, however calamitous they may be. 

For many months the largest and finest army of 
the Confederacy, under command of a leader whose 
presence inspires equal confidence in the troops and 
the people, has been greatly trammelled by the neces- 
sity of keeping constant watch over the approaches 
to the capital, and has thus been forced to forego 
more than one opportunity for promising enterprise. 
It is for us, my countrymen, to show by our bearing 
under reverses, how wretched has been the self-de- 
ception of those who have believed us less able to 
endure misfortune with fortitude than to encounter 
dangers with courage. 

We have now entered upon a ne\Y phase of the 
struggle. Relieved froifl the necessity of guarding 
particular points, our army will be free to move from 

Eoint to point to strike the enemy in detail far from 
is base. Let us but will it and we are free. 
Animated by that confidence in spirit and fortitude 
which never yet failed me, I announce to you, fel- 
low-countrymen, that it is my purpose to maintain 
your cause with my whole heart and soul ; that I 
will never consent to abandon to the enemy one foot 
of the soil of any one of the States of the Confed- 
eracy. That Virginia — noble State — whose ancient 
renown has been eclipsed by her still more glorious 
recent history ; whose bosom has been bared to re- 
ceive the main shock of this war; whose sons and 
daughters have exhibited heroism so sublime as to 
render her illustrious in all time to come — that Vir- 
ginia, with the help of the people and by the blessing 
of Providence, shall be held and defended, and no 

Eeace ever be made with the infamous invaders of 
er territory. 

If by the stress of numbers we should ever be 
compelled to a temporary withdrawal from her limits, 
or those of any other border State, again and again 
will we return, until the baffled and exhausted ene- 
my shall abandon in despair his endless and impossi- 
ble task of making slaves of a people resolved to be 
free. 

Let us, then, not despond, my countrymen ; but, 
relying on God, meet the foe' with fresh defiance and 
with unconquered and unconquerable hearts. 

JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

Subsequently on understanding the true state 
of affairs, he proceeded further south with his 
family, designing to escape from the country 
by some port on the seacoast, but was cap- 
tured at Irwinsville, Wilkinson County, Ga., on 
May 10th, with his family, his Postmaster, Gen. 
Reagan, his Private Secretary, Harrison, and 
others, with a train of five wagons and three 
ambulances. The captors were Lieut.-Ool. 
Pritchard, of the 4th Michigan c'avalry, and a 
body of his men. They belonged to the corps 
of Gen. Wilson. Davis was removed to Fort- 
ress Monroe, and retained as a prisoner in close 
confinement. 

The plan adopted by the President for the 
restoration of the Southern people to their 



civil rights is explained in the following proc- 
lamation : 

Whereas, The President of the United States, on 
the 8th day of December, A. D. eighteen hundred 
and sixty-three, and on the 26th day of March, A. D. 
eighteen hundred and sixty-four, did, with the ob- 
ject to suppress the existing rebellion, to induce all 
persons to return to their loyalty and to restore the 
authority of the United States, issue proclamations 
offering amnesty and pardon to certain persons who 
had directly or by implication participated in the 
said rebellion ; and 

Wliereas, Many persons who had so engaged in 
said rebellion have, since the issuance of said proc- 
lamations, failed or neglected to take the benefits 
offered .thereby ; and 

Whereas, Many persons who have been justly de- 
prived of all claim to amnesty and pardon there- 
under, by reason of their participation directly or 
by implication in said rebellion, and continued in 
hostility to the Government of the United States 
since the date of said proclamation, now desire to 
apply for and obtain amnesty and pardon. , 

To the end, therefore, that the authority of the 
Government of the United States may be restored, 
and that peace, order, and feeedom may be reestab- 
lished, I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United 
States, do proclaim and declare that I hereby grant 
to all persons who have directly or indirectly par- 
ticipated in the existing rebellion, except as herein- 
after excepted, amnesty and pardon, with restora- 
tion of all rights of property, except as to slaves, 
and except in cases where legal proceedings under 
the laws of the United States providing for the con- 
fiscation of property of persons engaged in rebellion 
have l;)eon instituted; but on the condition, never- 
theless, that every such person shall take and sub- 
scribe the following oath or affirmation, and thence- 
forward keep and maintain said oath inviolate, and 
which oath shall be registered for permanent preser- 
vation, and shall be of the tenor and effect following, 
to wit : 

"I, , do solemnly swear, or affirm, 

in presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth 
faithfully support and defend the Constitution of the 
United States and the Union of the States there- 
under, and that I will, in like manner, abide by and 
faithfully support all laws and proclamations which 
have been made during the existing rebellion with ref- 
erence to the emancipation of slaves, so help me God." 

The following classes of persons are excepted from 
the benefits of this proclamation: 

1. All who are or shall have been pretended civil or 
diplomatic officers, or otherwise domestic or foreign 
agents, of the pretended Confederate government. 

2. All who left judicial stations under the United 
States to aid the Rebellion. 

3. All who shall have been military or naval officers 
of said pretended Confederate government above the 
rank of colonel in the army or lieutenant in the navy. 

4. All who left seats in the Congress of the United 
States to aid the Rebellion. 

5. All who resigned or tendered resignations of 
their commissions in the army or navy of the United 
States to evade duty in resisting the Rebellion. 

6. All who have engaged in any way in treating 
otherwise than lawfully as prisoners of war persons 
found in the United States service as officers, soldiers, 
seamen, or in other capacities. 

7. All persons who have been or are absentees 
from the United States for the purpose of aiding the 
Rebellion. 

8. All military and naval officers in the Rebel ser- 
vice who were educated by the Government in the 
Military Academy at West Point or the United States 
Naval Academy. 

9. All persons who held the pretended offices of 
Governors of States in insurrection against the United 
States. 



710 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



10. All persons who left their homes within the 
jurisdiction and protection of the United States, and 
passed beyond the Federal military lines into the so- 
called Confederate States, for the purpose of aiding 
the Rebellion. 

11. All persons who have been engaged in the de- 
struction of the commerce of the United States upon 
the high seas, and all persons who have made raids 
into the United States from Canada, or been engaged 
in destroying the commerce of the United States upon 
the lakes and rivers that separate the British Prov- 
inces from the United States. 

12. All persons who, at the time when they seek to 
obtain the benefits hereof by taking the oath herein 
prescribed, are in military, naval, or civil confinement 
or custody, or under bonds of the ci\'il, military, or 
naval authorities or agents of the United States as 
prisoners of war, or persons detained for offences of 
any kind either before or after conviction, 

13. All persons who have voluntarily participated 
in said Rebellion, and the estimated value of whose 
taxable property is over twenty thousand dollars. 

14. All persons who have taken the oath of amnesty 
as prescribed in the President's Proclamation of De- 
cember 8, A. D. 1863, or an oath of allegiance to the 
Government of the United States since the date 
of said Proclamation, and who have not thence- 
forward kept and maintained the same inviolate — 
provided, that special application may be made to 
the President for pardon by any person belonging to 
the excepted classes, and such clemency will be liber- 
ally extended as may be consistent with the factsof the 
case and the peace and dignity of the United States. 

The Secretary of State will establish rules and reg- 
ulations for administering and recording the said 
amnesty oath, so as to insure its benefit to the people, 
and guard the Government against fraud. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand 
and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. 

Done at the city of Washington, the twenty-ninth 
day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and sixty-five,, and of the independence 
of the United States the eightv-niuth. 

ANDREW JOHNSON. 

The proceedings af the President to restore 
a civil govei'nment to the Southern States, is 
explained in the following proclamation, issued 
in the case of North Carolina. A similar proc- 
lamation was issued, and a Provisional Gov- 
ernor appointed in each of the other States : 

W7ie?'eas, The fourth section of the fourth article 
of the Constitution of the United States declares that 
the United States shall guarantee to every State in 
the Union a republican form of government, and shall 
protect each of them against invasion fuid domestic 
violence ; and 

Whereas, The President of the United States is, by 
the Constitution, made Commander-in-Chief of the 
Army and Navy, as well as Chief Executive Officer 
of the United States, and is bound by solemn oath 
faithfully to execute the office of President of the 
United States, and to take care that the laws be faith- 
fully executed; and 

W7iereas, The Rebellion, which has been waged by 
a portion of the people of the United States against 
the properly constituted authorities of the Govern- 
ment thereof in the most violent and revolting form, 
but whose organized and armed forces have now been 
almost entirely overcome, has in its revolutionary 
progress deprived the people of the State of North 
Carolina of all civil government; and 

Whereas, It becomes necessary and proper to carry 
out and enforce the obligations of the United States 
to the people of North Carolina, in securing them in 
the enjoyments of a I'epublican form of government; 

Now, therefore, in obedience to the high and solemn 
duties imposed upon me by the Constitution of the 
United States, and for the purpose of enabling the 



loyal people of said State to organize a State Gov 
ernment whereby justice may be established, do- 
mestic tranquillity insured, and loyal citizens pro- 
tected in all their rights of life, liberty, and property; 
I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, 
and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of 
the United States, do hereby appoint William W, 
Holden Provisional Governor of the State of North 
Carolina, whose duty it shall be, at the earliest prac- 
ticable period, to prescribe such rules and regulations 
as may be necessary and proper for convening a con- 
vention composed of delegates to be chosen by that 
portion of the people of said State who are loyal to 
the United States, and no others, for the purpose of 
altering or amending the Constitution thereof, and 
with authority to exercise within the limits of said 
State all the powers necessary and proper to enable 
such loyal people of the State of North Carolina to 
restore said State to its constitutional relations to the 
Federal Government, and to present such a republi- 
can form of State Government as will entitle the 
State to the guarantee of the United States therefor, 
and its people to protection by the United States 
against invasion, insurrection, and domestic violence ; 
provided that in any election that may be hereafter 
held for choosing delegates to any State convention 
as aforesaid, no person shall be quaUfied as an elec- 
tor, or shall be eligible as a member of such conven- 
tion, unless he shall previously have taken and sub- 
scribed the oath of amnesty^s set forth in the Presi- 
dent's proclamation, May 29th, 1864, and is a voter 
qualified as prescribed by the Constitution and laws 
of the State of North Carolina in force immediately 
before the 20th of May, A. D. 1861, the date of the 
so-called ordinance of secession ; and the said con- 
vention when convened, or the Legislature that may 
be thereafter assembled, will prescribe the qualifica- 
tion of electors and the eligibility of persons to hold 
oflice under the Constitution and laws of the State — 
a power the people of the several States composing . 
the Federal Union have rightfully exercised from the 
origin of the Government to the present time. And 
I do hereby direct : 

1. That the military commander of the department, 
and all officers and persons in the military and naval 
service, aid and assist the said Provisional Governor 
in carrying into ef!ect this proclamation ; and they 
are enjoined to abstain from in any way hindering, 
impeding, or discouraging the loyal' people from 
the "Organization of a State government as hei'eia 
authorized. 

2. That the Secretary of State proceed to put in 
force all laws of the United States, the administration 
whereof belongs to the State Department, applicable 
to the geographical limits aforesaid. 

3d. I'hat the Secretary of the Treasury proceed to 
nominate for appointment assessoi's of taxes and col- 
lectors of customs and internal revenue, and such 
other officers of the Treasury Department as are au- 
thorized by law, and put in execution the revenue 
laws of the United States within the geographical 
limits aforesaid. In making the appointments, the 
preference shall be given to qualified loyal persons 
residing within the districts where their respective 
duties are to be performed. But if suitable residents 
of the districts shall not be found, then persons re- 
siding in other States or districts shall be appointed. 

4. That the Postmaster General proceed to estab- 
lish post routes and put into execution the postal 
laws of the United States within the said State, giv- 
ing to loyal residents the preference of appointment. 
But if suitable residents are not found, then appoint 
agents from otner States. 

5. That the district judge for the judicial district 
in which North Carolina is included, proceed to hold 
courts within said State, in accordance with the pro- 
visions of the act of Congress. The Attorney-General 
will instruct the proper officers to libel and bring to 
judgment, confiscation, and sale, and enforee the 
administration of justice within said State in all mat- 




Of THoUNlTED STATE'S 



MILITARY A¥D NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



711 



ters within the cognizance and jurisdiction of the 
Federal courts. 

6. That the Secretary of the Navy take possession 
of all public property belonging to the Navy Depart- 
ment within said geographical limits, and put in oper- 
ation all acts of Congress in relation to naval affairs 
having application to said State. 

T. "That the Secretary of the Interior put in force 
the laws relating to the Interior Department, appli- 
cable to the geographical limits aforesaid. 

r q -1 Iq testimony whereof I have hereunto set 

•- J my hand, and caused the seal of the United 
States to be aflBxed. 

Done at the City of Washington this twenty-ninth 
day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
ei^ht hundred and sixty-five, and of the Independence 
01 the United States the eighty-ninth. 

ANDREW" JOHNSON. 

Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State. 



The Provisional Govern ws and date of ap- 
pointment were as follows: 

North Carolina, Wm. W. Holden, May 29. 

Mississippi^ Wm. L. Sharkey, June 13. 

Georgia, James Johnson, June 17. 

Texas, Andrew J. Hamilton, June 17. 

Alabama, Lewis E. Parsons, June 21. 

South Carolina, Benj. F.. Perry, June 30. 

Florida, William Marvin, July 13. 

The following is a list of the officers of the War 
Department at the close of 1864; of the General 
Officers of the Regular Army iu service subse- 
quent to July, 1861 ; and of the Major and Briga- 
dier-Generals of the volunteer army in service on 
Jan. 1, 1865, showing also where and how such 
general officers were employed at that date. 



DEPARTMENT OFFICERS. 
Officers not thus * designated are graduates of the Military Acadeni'y. 



EDWIN M. STANTON, of Pennsylvania, Secretary of War. 

Peter II. Watson, 1st Assistant Secretary of War. Joun Potts, Chief Clerk. 

Charles A. Dana, Id Assistant Secretary of War. 

Henet W. Halleck, Chief of Staff. 



OFFICE. 


name. 


RANK. 


Date of Commis- Entry into 
sion. service. 


Bom in. 


Appointed from. 


Adjutant General 


Lorenzo Thomas 

Joseph Holt* 


Brig.-Gen'l . 
Colonel 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Mai.-Gen'l.. 

Brig.-Gen'l . 

do. 

Colonel 

Brig.-Gen'l . 
do. 


3 Aug., 1861. 

8 Sept., 1862. 

9 Aug., 1861. 
1 Oct., 1S61. 

12 Nov., 1861. 

13 Mar., 1862. 
3 Mar., 1863. 

15 May, 1861. 
29 June, 1864. 


IJuly, 1823. 

3 Sept., 1862. 

IJuly, 1832. 

1 July, 1845. 

IJuIy, 1831. 

1 July, 1833. 
18 Sept., 1854. 

1 July, 1836. 

1 July, 1826. 
15 June, 1840. 
22 May, 1822. 
24 July, 1818. 

IJuly, 1837. 


Delaware 


Delaware 


Inspector General 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Signal Officer Army 

Quartermaster General . . 
Comm. General of Sub. . . 


Randolph B. Marcy... 

Delos B. Sacket..." 

Henry Van Rensselaer. 

Edmund Scbrivcr 

Albert J. Myer* 

Montgomery 0. Meigs. 

Amos B. E;iton . . . . 

Joseph K. Barnes 

Timothy P. Andrews*. 

Richard Delafleld 

Alexander B. Dyer. . . . 


Massaehus'ts... 

New York 

New York 

Pennsylvania.. 

New York 

Georgia 

New York 

Pennsylvania.. 

Ireland 

New York 

Virginia 


Massaehus'ts... 

New York 

New York 

New York . . . 

New York 

Pennsylvania. 

New York 

Pennsylvania.. 
Dist. Columbia 
New York. ... 
Missouri 


Paymaster General 

Cbief Corps of Engineers. 
Chief Ordnance Dep't... 


6 Sep., 1862.. 



GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE REGULAR ARMY IN SERVICE SINCE JULY, 1861. 



name and rank. 



Date of Commia- 
Bion. 



Entry into 



Bom in. Appointed from. 



Lieutenant- Generals. 

Winfleld Scott 

Ulysses S. Grant.... ... 



25 June, 1841... 
2 Mar., 1864.. 



3 May, 1803.. 



Virginia. 
Ohio 



Virginia. 
Illinois. . 



Major- Generals. 
George B. McClellan . . . . 

John C. Fremont* 

Henry W. Halleck 

John E. Wool* 

Ulysses 8. Grant 

Montgomery C. Meigs. . . 

Joseph G. Totten 

William T. Sherman.... 

Philip H. Sheridan 

George G. Meade 

George H. Thomas 

Brigadier- Generals. 

John E. Wool 

William 8. Harney* 

Edwin V. Sumner* 

Joseph K. F. Mansfield. . 

Irwin McDowell 

Robert Anderson 

William S. Rosecrans. . . . 

Philip St. G. Cooke 

John Pope 

Joseph Hooker. 

James B. McPhcrson . . . . 

George G. Meade 

William T. Sherman 

George H. Thomas 

Winfleld S. Hancock 

Andrew H. Reeder.. 

James W. Ripley 

Joseph G. Totten 

John M. Schofleld 

Oliver O. Howard 



14 May, 
14 May, 
19 Aug., 
16 May, 
4 July, 



1861. 
1861. 
1S61. 
1862. 
1863. 



IJuly, 1846. 
7 July, 1*33. 
IJuly, 1839. 
14 April, 1812. 



21 April, 

12 Aug., 

8 Nov., 

10 Aug., 



1864 
1861. 
1864. 
1864. 



IJuly, 1836. 
IJuly, 1805. 



Pennsylvania.. . . 
South Carolina.. 

New York 

New York 

Ohio 

Georgia 

Connecticut 

Ohio 

MassachoStetts . . iOhio. 



Ohio 

California 

California 

New York 

Illinois 

Pennsylvania .. 
Connecticut. >. . 
Ohio 



June, 
June, 
Mar., 
May, 
May, 
May, 
May, 
Nov., 
July, 
Sept., 
Aug., 
July, 
July, 
Oct., 
Aug., 



1841. 
1858. 
1861. 
1861. 
1861. 
1861. 
1861. 
1861. 
1862. 
1862. 
1863. 
1863. 
1863. 
1863. 
1864. 



14 April, 1812. 

13 Feb., 1818. 

3 Mar., 1819. 

IJuly, 1827. 

1 July, 1838. 

IJuly, 1825. 

IJuly, 1842. 

1 July, 1827. 

, 1 July, 1842. 

IJuly, 18:37 



New York 'New York. . . 

Louisiana iLouisiana . . . 

Massachusetts . . ,New York . . . 

Connecticut Connecticut . 

Ohio •. ..!Ohio 

Kentucky jKentucky . . . 



Ohio 

Virginia 

Kentucky 

Massachusetts . . 

Ohio 

Spain 

Ohio 

Virginia 

Pennsylvania.. . . 



3 Aug., 1864.. 



Nov., 
Dec, 



1864. 
1864. 



1 June, 1814. 
IJuly, 1805. 



Connecticut 
Connecticut 



Ohio. 

Virginia , 

Illinois 

California 

Ohio 

Dist. Columbia., 

Ohio 

Virginia , 

Pennsylvania. ., 
Pennsylvania.., 

Connecticut 

Connecticut 



Rethed Nov. 1, 1861. 



Resigned Nov. 8, 1864. 
Resigned June 4, 1864. 

Retired. 
Promoted. 
By brevet. 

By brevet. Died in Wash- 
[ington April 22, 1864. 



Promoted. 

Retired August 1. 1863. 
Died March 21, 1S63. 
Died September IS, 1862, of 
[wounds received at 
ired. 



Retired 



[Antietam. 



Killed near Atlanta, July 
[22, 1861 
Promoted. 



Declined. 

Retired. 

Promoted. 



712 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



LIST OP MAJOR AND BRIGADIER-GENERALS OF VOLUNTEERS, SHOWING WHERE AND HOW SAID 
GENERAL OFFICERS WERE EMPLOYED JANUARY 1, 1S65. 



NAME AND RANK. 



STATION. 



HOW EMPLOYED. 



Major-Generals. 

John A. Di.x 

Nathaniel P. Banks 

Benjamin F. Butler 

David Hunter. . .^ 

Ethan A. Hitchcock 

Irwin McDowell 

Ambrose E. Burnside 

William S. Rosecrans 

John Pope 

Samuel 11. Curtis 

Franz Sicrel 

Lewis Wallace 

George Cadwalader 

Edward O. C. Ord 

Samuel P. Heintzelman . . . 

Joseph Hooker 

Silas Casey 

William B. lYanklin 

Darius N. Couch 

H^nry W. Slocum 

John J. Peck 

Alexander McD. McCook. . 

John G. Foster 

John G. Parke 

Christopher C. Augur 

Stephen A. Hurlbut 

Gordon Granger. 

Lovell H. Rousseau 

George Stoneman 

Oliver O. Howard 

Daniel E. Sickles 

Robert H. Milroy 

Daniel Butterlield 

Winfield S. Hancock 

George Sykes 

David S. "Stanley 

James S. Negley 

John M. Palmer 

Frederick Steele 

Abner Doubleday 

Napoleon J. T. Dana 

John A. Logan 

James G. Blunt 

George L. Hartsuff 

Cad. C. Washburne 

Francis J. Herron 

Frank P. Blair. 

Joseph J. Reynolds 

John M. Schofleld 

Julius H. Stahel 

Carl Schurz 

Gouverneur K. Warren... 

Alfred Pleasanton 

Andrew A. Humphreys. . . 

Quincv A. Gilhnore 

William F. Smith 

James B. ^teedman 

Edward R. S. Canby 

Horatio G. Wright 

Andrew J. Smith 

Grenville M. Dodge 

John Gibbon 

Peter J. Osterhaus 

Joseph A. Mower 

George Crook 

Godfrey Weitzel 



Brigadier- Generals. 



Thomas W. Sherman.. 

John D. Cox 

Benjamin F. Kelley... 

A. S. Williams 

James B. Ricketts 

Orlando B. Wilcox — 
Henry H. Lockwood . . 

Samuel D. Sturgis 

Henry W. Benham... 

William F. Barry 

Lawrence P. Graham. 

Eleazer A . Paine 

W. T. Ward 

John G. Barnard 

Innis A. Palmer 

Beth Williams 

John Newton 



New York city 

Washington, D. C 

Bermuda Hundred, Va 

Washington, D. C 

Washington, D. C 

San Francisco, Cal 

Providence, R. I 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

Milwaukee, Wis 

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

Bethlehem, Penn 

Baltimore, Md 

Philadelphia, Penn 

In the field, Va 

Wheeling, W. Va 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

Washington, D. C 

Wilmington, Del 

In the field, Tenn 

In the field, Tenn 

New York city 

Baltimore, Md 

Hilt<m Head, S. C , 

Army of Potomac 

Washington, D. C 

New Orleans, La 

Mobile Bay,' Ala 

In the field, Tenn 

Louisville, Ky 

In the field, Ga 

New York city 

Tullahoma, Tenn 

New York city 

Washington, D. C 

F<jrt Leavenworth, Kansas 

In the field, Ga 

Pittsburg, Penn 

Carlinsville, 111 

New Orleans, La 

Washington, D. C 

Memphis, Tenn 

In the field, Ga 

Paola, Kansas 

New York city 

Vicksburg, Miss 

Pittsburg, Penn 

In the field, Ga 

Little Rock, Ark 

In the field, Tenn 

Baltimore, Md 

Bethlehem, Penn 

Army of Potomac 

St. Louis, Mo 

Army of Potomac 



In the field, Tenn... 

New Orleans, La 

Army of Potomac. . . 
In\he field, Tenn... 

St. Louis, Mo 

Army of Potomac. . . 
In the field, Ga... . 

In the field, Ga 

Cumberland, Md... . 
In the field, Va 



New Orleans, La 

In the field, Tenn.. 
In the field, W. Va. 

Savannah, Ga 

Washington. D. C. 
Army of Potomac. . 

Baltimore, Md 

Covington, Ky 

City Point, Va 

Savannah, Ga 

Annapolis, Md 

Monmouth, 111 

In the field, Ga.... 

City Point, Va 

Newbern, N. C . . . . 
Army of Potomac. . 
Key West, Fla. 



Commanding department of the East. 

Before Committee on Conduct of War. 

Commanding department of Virginia and North Carolina. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commissioner of exchange of prisoners. 

Commanding department of the Pacific. 

Awaiting orders. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding department of the Northwest. 

Commanding department of Kansas. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding middle department. 

Commanding department of Pennsylvania. 

Commanding 24th army corps. 

Member of general court-martial. 

Commanding Northern Department. 

Commanding provisional brigades and member of board. 

President of retiring board. 

Commanding 2d division, 23d army corps. 

Commanding left wing army of Georgia. 

Second In command department of the East. 

Member of military commission. 

Commanding department of the South. 

Commanding 9th army corps. 

Commanding department of Washington. 

Commanding department of the Gult". 

Commanding district of West Florida and South Alabama. 

Commanding district of Tennessee. 

Second in command department of the Ohio. 

Commanding right wing array of Georgia, 

Oflf duty on account of wounds. 

Commanding defences of Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. 

Jlember of general court-martial. 

Organizing 1st army corps. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding 4th army corps. (On temporary leave of absence.) 

Awaiting orders. 

Awaiting orders. 

I'nder orders of Major-Gcneral Canby. 

President of military commission. 

Commanding department of the Mississippi. 

Commanding 15th army corps. (On temporary leave of absence.) 

Commanding district of South Kansas. 

President of general court-martial. 

Commanding district of Vicksburg. 

On temporary leave of absence. 

Commanding 17th army corps. 

Commanding department of Arkansas. 

Commanding army of the Ohio. 

Member of general court-martial. 

Awaitinff orders. 

Commanding 5th army corps. (On temporaiy leave of absence.) 

Second in command department of the Missouri. 

Commanding 2d army corps. 

On tour of inspection of defensive works of the Mississippi. 

In mil. div. of W. Mississippi under special order of War Dept 

Servins in department of the Cumberland. 

Commanding militai-y division of West MlssissippL 

Commanding 6th army corps. 

Commanding detachment of the army of the Tennessee. 

Commanding department of the Missouri. 

Commanding 2d division, 2d army corps. 

Commanding 1st division, 15th army corps. 

Commanding 1st division, 17th army corps. 

Commanding department of West Virginia. 

Commanding 25th army corps. 



Commanding defences of New Orleans. 

Commanding 3d division, 23d army corps. 

Commanding 2d infantry division department West Virginia. 

Commanding 20th army corps. 

Severely wounded. 

Commanding 1st division 9th army corps. 

Commanding 3d sep. brigade 8th army corps. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding volunteer engineer brigade. 

Chief of artiUery, military division of Mississippi. 

Member of board for examination of invalid officers. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding 3d division 20th army corps. 

Chief engineer of armies operating against Richmond. 

Commanding district of North Carolina. 

Assistant adjutant-general army of Potomac. 

Commanding district of Key West and Tortugas. 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



713 



LIST OF MAJOR AJTD BKIGADIEE-GENEEALS OF VOLUNTEEES, &,c.— (^Continued.) 



NAME AND RANK. 



George "Wright 

John M. Brannan 

John P. Hatch 

Albin Schoepf 

Thoraas J. Wood 

Richard W. Johnson 

Adolph von Steinwehr.. 

George W. Cullum 

Thomas J. McKean 

Zealous B. Tower 

Jefferson C. Davis 

William S. Ketchum 

John W. Davidson 

Thomas F. Meagher 

Andrew Johnson 

Eugene A. Carr 

Thomas A. Davis 

William H. Emory 

Marsena R. Patrick 

Orris S. Ferry 

Henry M. Judah 

John Cook, 

John McArthur 

Jacob G. Lauman 

Horatio P. Van Clevc . . . 

Speed S. Fry 

Alexander Asboth 

Robert B. Mitchell 

Cnvier Grover 

Rufus Saxton 

Benjamin Alvord 

Napoleon B. Buford 

Nathan Kimball 

Charles Devens 

Samuel W. Crawford 

Henry W. AVessells 

John W. Geary 

Alfred H. Terry 

James H. Carleton 

Absalom Baird 

John C. Robinson 

Truman Seymour. , 

Henry Prince , 

Max Weber , 

Jeremiah C. Sullivan 

Albiu P. Hovey 

James C. Veatch , 

William P. Benton 

John C. Caldwell 

George S. Greene 

Samuel P. Carter. 

Erastus B.Tyler 

Charles Griffin 

George H. Gordon 

Stephen G. Burbridge. . . 
Washington L. Elliott. . 

Albion P. Howe 

Benjamin S. Roberts. 

Fitz Henry Warren 

Morgan L. Smith 

Charles Cruft 

Frederick Solomon 

Henry S. Briggs , 

James D. Morgan , 

August Willich , 

Henry D. Terry , 

George F. Shepley 

John R. Kenly 

John P. Slough , 

Gersham Moft 

Henry J. Hunt 

Francis C. Barlow 

Mason Brayman 

N. J. Jackson , 

George W. Getty , 

Alfred Sully 

William W. Averell , 

Francis B. Spinola , 

Solomon Meredith , 

Eliakim P. Scammon 

Robert S. Granger . . , 

Joseph R. West 

George L. Andrews 

Clinton B. Fisk 

Henry B. Carrington 

William Hays 

John H. King 



STATION. 



Sacramento, Cal 

Chattanooga, Tenn 

Morris Island, S. C. 

Fort Delawai e, Del 

In the field, Tenn 

Edgefield, Tenn 

Wallingford, Conn 

West Point, N. y 

Barrancas. Fla 

In the field, Ga 

In the field, Ga 

War Department 

New Orleans, La 

In the field, Tenn 

Nashville, Tenn 

Little Rock, Arkansas 

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 

In the field, Va 

In the field, Va 

Philadelphia, Penn 

Louisville, Ky 

Springfield, 111 

In the field, Tenn 

Burlington, Iowa 

Murfrecsboro, Tenn 

Louisville, Ky 

New Orleans, La 

Omaha City, N. T 

In the field, Va 

Beaufort, S. 

Fort Vancouver, W. T 

Helena, Ark , 

In the field, Tenn , 

In the field, Va ' , 

Army of Potomac , 

Washington, D. C. , 

Savannah, Ga 

In the field, Va .' 

Santa Fe, N. M 

In the field, Ga 

Albany, N. T 

Army of Potomac 

Louisville, Ky 

Hagerstown, Md 

In the field, Va 

Indianapolis, Ind 

Memphis, Tenn 

New Orleans, La 

Washington, D. C 

New York city 

Knoxville, Tenn 

Relay House, Md 

Army of Potomac 

Fort Monroe, Va. 

Lexington, Ky 

Mount Rozel, Ala 

Washington, D. C 

New Orleans, La 

New York city 

Vicksburg, Miss 

In the field, Tenn 

Little Rock, Ark 

Washington, D. C 

Savannah, Ga 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

Washington, D. C 

Norfolk, Va 

Salisbury, Md 

Alexandria, Va 

Army of Potomac 

Army of Potomac 

On leave of absence 

Natchez, Miss 

Savannah, Ga 

Army of Potomac 

Dubuque, Iowa 

Bath, N. Y 

Brooklyn, N. T 

Paducah, Ky 

Jacksonville, Fla 

In the field, Ala 

Little Rock, Ark 

Baton Rouge, La 

Macon, Mo 

Indianapolis, Ind 

New York city 

In the field, Tenn 



HOW EMPLOYED. 



Commanding district of California. 

Chief of artillery, department of Cumberland. 

Commanding 1st sep. brigade, department of South. 

Commanding post and military prison. 

Temporarily commanding 4th army corps. 

Commanding 6th division cavalry corps military division of Miss. 

Awaiting orders. 

Superintendent of military academy. 

Commanding district of West Florida. 

Inspector general of fortifications military division of Mississippi. 

Commanding 14th army corps. 

On special duty. 

Chief of cavalry military division of West Mississippi 

On duty in department of the Cumberland. 

Military Governor of Tennessee. 

Commanding district of Little Rock. 

Commanding district of north Kansas. 

Commanding 19th army corps. 

Provost-marshal general armies operating against Richmond. 

Commanding district of Philadelphia. 

Member of general court-martial and militai-y commission. 

Commanding district of Illinois. 

Commanding 1st division det. of the army of Tennessee. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding post. 

Awaiting orders. ' 

Sick in hospital. 

Commanding district of Nebraska. 

Commanding 2d division 19th army corps. 

Commanding district of Beaufort. 

Commanding district of Oregon. 

Commanding district of eastern Arkansas. 

Commanding 1st division 4th army corps. 

Temporarily commanding 24th army corps, 

Commanding 3d division 5th army corps. 

Commissary General of prisoners east of Mississippi. 

Commanding 2d division 20th army corps. 

Commanding 1st division 24th army corps. 

Commanding department of New Mexico. 

Commanding 3d division 14th army corps. 

Commanding district of northern New York. 

Commanding 3d division 6th army corps. 

En route to Savannah, Georgia. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding 1st sep. brigade department West Virginia. 

Commanding district of Indiana. 

Commanding district of West Tennessee. 

Awaiting assignment. 

President of military commission. 

Member of G. C. M. (wounded). 

Provost-marshal General of East Tennessee. 

Commanding 1st sep. brigade Sth army corps 

Com'dg 1st div. 5th army corps. (On temporary leave of absence.) 

On duty in department of Virginia and North Carolina. 

Commanding district of Kentucky. 

Commanding 2d division 4th army corps. 

Inspector of artillery. 

Member of military commission. 

Member of military commission. 

Commanding post and defences. 

Commanding prov. division department of Cumberland. 

Commanding 1st division 7th army corps. 

Member of general court-martial. 

Commanding 2d division 14th army corps. 

Commanding post. 

Member of general court-martial. 

Commanding district of Eastern Virginia. 

Commanding district of eastern shore of Maryland. 

Military Govci-nor and commanding district of Alexandria. 

Commanding 8d division 2d army corps. 

Chief of artillery. 

(Wounded). 

Commanding post and defences. 

Commanding 1st division 20th army corps. 

Com'dg 2d div. 6th army corps. (On temporary leave of absence.) 

Commanding district of Iowa. 

Awaiting orders. 

Under trial by court-martial. 

Commanding" district of Western Kentucky. 

Commanding district of Florida. 

Commanding district of Northern Alabama. 

Chief of cavalry, department of Arkansas. 

Commanding district of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson. 

Commanding district of North Missouri. 

Commanding draft rendezvous. 

A. A. P. M. G., southern division of New York. 

Commanding 1st brigade 1st sep. division, dep'tof Cumberland. 



714 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



LIST OF MAJOR AND BKIGADIER-GENEEAL3 OF VOLUNTEERS, &o.—{Contimied.) 



NAME AND RANK. 



STATION. 



HOW EMPLOYED. 



Israel Vogdes , 

Adam J. Slemmer , 

Lewis C. Hunt , 

Thomas H. Nelll 

Thomas G. Pitcher 

Thomas W. Sweeney. . . 

Frank Wheaton 

William P. Oarlin 

John S. Mason 

Piomeyn B. Ayres 

Richard Arnold , 

David McM. Gregg 

William B. Hazen , 

Robert O. Tyler 

Alfred T. A.Torbert... . 

Gilman Marston 

Michael K. Lawler 

George D. Wasner 

William D wight 

Lysander Cntler 

J.ames W. McMillan. . . . 

Sullivan A. Meredith 

Joseph F. Knipe 

E. W. Hincks 

John D. Stevenson 

James Barnes 

N. C. McLean 

William Vandever 

Alex. Schemmelfennig. . 

Edward Harland 

Charles K. Graham 

Samuel Beatty 

John E. Smith 

Frank 8. Niokerson 

Edward H. Hobson 

Joseph D. Webster 

William Harrow 

Joseph T. Copeland 

William H. Morris 

Thomas H. Ruger 

Elias S. Dennis 

Thomas 0. H.Smith 

Charles A. Heckmau. . . . 
M irtimer D. Leggett.. . . 

Davis Tillson...". 

Edward E. Potter 

Albert L. Lee 

Egbert B. Brown 

John McNeil 

George F. McGinnis 

Hugh Ewing 

Daniel Ullman 

George J. Stannard 

Henry Baxter 

John M. Thayer 

Charles T. Campbell..., 

Halbert E. Paine 

Robert B. Potter 

Thomas Ewing, j r 

J. A. J. Lightburn 

Henry H. Sibley 

Joseph B. Carr 

J. J. Bartlett 

Patrick E. Connor 

John P. Hawkins 

Gabriel E.Paul 

Edward A. Wild 

Edward Ferrero 

Adelbert Ames 

William Birney 

Daniel H. Rucker 

Robert Allen 

Rufus Ingalls 

Gustavus A. De Russey 

Alexander Shaler , 

Benjamin H. Grierson., 

Robert S. Foster , 

Judson Kilpatrick 

Alexander S. Webb 

Alfred N. Duffie 

Walter C. Whitaker.... 

Wesley Merritt , 

George A. Custer 

William D. Whipple..., 
John 0. Starkweather.. 

Kenner Garrard 

Charles R. Woods 

John B. Sanborn , 



Portsmouth, Va 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

New York city 

Inthefield, Va 

Indianapolis, Ind 

Louisville,. Ky 

Army of Potomac 

Inthefield, Ga 

San Francisco, Cal 

Army of Potomac 

Wilmington, Del 

Army of Potomac 

Savannah, Ga 

Pliiladelphia, Pa 

In the field, Va 

Washington, D. C 

Memphis, Tenn 

Indianapolis, Ind 

In the field, Va 

Jackson, Mich 

In the field, Va 

St. Louis, Mo 

In the field, Tenn 

Hart's Island, N. T. harbor 
Harper's Ferry, W. Va. . . . 

Point Lookout, Md 

Lexington, Ky 

Louisville, Ky 

Bethl«hem, Pa 

Newbern, N. C 

In the field, Va 

Hunts ville, Ala 

Savannah, Ga 

Searsport, Me 

Lexington, Ky. 

In the field, Ga 

In the field, Ga 

Alton, 111 

New York city 

In the field, Tenn 

Memphis, Tenn 

Milwaukee, Wis 

Inthefield, Va 

In the field, Ga 

Knoxville, Tenn 

Hilton Head, S. C 

Washington, D. C 

Eolla, Mo 

St. Louis, Mo 

New Orleans, La 

Louisville, Ky 

Morganzia, La 

St. Albans, Vt 

Army of Potomac 

Fort Smith, Ark 

Milwaukee, Wis 

New York city 

Army of Potomac 

St. Louis, Mo 

Clarksburg, W. Va 

St. Paul, Minn 

Norfolk, Va 

Ai-my of Potomac 

Camp Douglas, Utah Ter. . 

Vlcksburg, Miss 

Newport, Ky . . . ^ 

In the field, Va.. 

Bermuda Hundred, Va 

In the field, Va 

Inthefield, Va 

Washington, D. C 

Louisville, Ky 

City Point, Va 

Near Fort Corcoran, Va. . . 

Duvairs Bluft; Ark 

Memphis, Tenn. 

In the field, Va 

Savannah, Ga. 

New York city 

Danville, Va 

In the field, Tenn 

Inthefield, Va 

In the field, Va 

Chattanooga, Tenn 

Milwaukee, Wis 

In the field, Ga 

Savannah, Ga 

Springfield, Mo 



Commanding defences of Norfolk and Portsmouth. 

President of board for examination of sick and wounded officers. 

Commanding defences of city and harbor. 

On duty in middle military division. 

A. A. P. M. G., State of Indiana. 

Under trial by court-martial. 

Commanding 1st division 6th army corps. 

Commanding 1st division 14th army corps. 

A. A. P. M. G., for California and Nevada. 

Commanding 2d division 5th army corps. 

Member of retiring board. 

Com'dg 2d cavalry division. (On temporary leave of absence.) 

Commanding 2d division 15th army corps. 

Wounded. 

Chief of cavalry, middle military division- 

On temporary leave of absence. 

Commanding 1st brig, reserve corps, mil. div. of W. MlssissippL 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding 1st division 19th army corps. 

Commanding draft rendezvous. 

Commanding 2d brigade 1st division 19th army corps. 

Member of general court-martial and military commission. 

Serving with the army of the Tennessee. 

Commanding draft rendezvous. 

Commanding 3d division department of West Virginia. 

Commanding St. Mary's district and prisoners' camp. 

Com,manding 1st division district of Kentucky. 

On general court-martial. 

Sick. 

Commanding district of Newbern. 

On special service in department of Virginia and North Carolina. 

Commanding 3d division 4th army corps. 

Commanding 3d division 15th army corps. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding 1st brigade 1st division district of Kentucky, 

Chief of Major-General Sherman's staff. 

Commanding 4th division 15th army corps. 

Awaiting orders. 

Member of general court-martial. (Wounded.) 

Commanding 1st division 23d army corps. 

Commanding 2d brig, reserve corps, mil. div. of West Mississippi. 

Commanding district of Wisconsin. 

Commanding 3d division 25th army corps. 

Commanding 3d division 17th army corps. 

Commanding 2d brigade 4th division 23d army corps. 

Commanding district of Hilton Head. 

Before Committee on Conduct of War. 

Commanding district of Rolla. 

Under trial by court-martial. 

On duty in department of Gulf. 

Commanding 2d division district of Kentucky. 

Commanding United States forces. 

Severely wounded. 

Commanding 2d brigade 8d division 5th army corps. 

Commanding district of the frontier. 

Member of general court-martial. [rebels. 

Commissioner for sending supplies to federal prisoners in hands of 

Com'dg 2d div. 9th army corps. (On temporary leave of absence. 

Com'dg district of St. Louis. (On temporary leave of absence.) . 

Commanding post. 

Commanding district of Minnesota. 

Commanding sep. brig, dep't of Virginia and North Carolina. 

Commanding 3d brigade 1st division 5th army corps. 

Commanding district of Utah. 

Commanding 1st division U. S. colored troops. 

Severely wounded. 

On duty in 25th army corps. 

Commanding defences of Bermuda Hundred, 

Commanding 2d division 24th army corps. 

Commanding 2d division 25th army corps. 

Chief depot quartermaster. 

Chief Q. M. departments of the West. 

Chief Q. M. armies operating against Richmond. 

Commanding division 22d .ai-my corps. 

Commanding 2d division 7th army corps. 

Commanding cavalry division department of Mississippi. 

Com'dg 1st div. 24th army corps. (On temporary leave of absence.) 

Commanding 3d cavalry "military division of Mississippi. 

Member gen'l court-martial. (Under orders to army of Potomac.) 

Prisoner of war. 

Commanding 2d brigade 1st division 4th army corps. 

Com'dg 1st cav. div. mid. mil. div. (On temporary leave of absence.) 

Commanding 3d cavalry division middle military division. 

Chief of Major-General Thomas's staff. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding 2d cavalry division military division of Mississippi. 

Commanding 1st brigade 1st division 15th army corps. 

Commanding district of Southwest Missouri. 



MILITARY AND iTAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION 



715 



LIST OF MAJOE AND BEIGADIEE-GEKEEALS OF VOLUKTEEES, &c.-{Continved.) 



NAME A>rD RANK. 



Giles A. Smith 

Jasper A. Maltby 

Thomas K. Smith 

"Walter Q. Gersham 

Manning F. Force 

Eobert A. Cameron 

John M. Corse 

John A. Kawlins 

Alvan C. Gillem 

John W. Turner 

Henry E. Davies 

Andrew J. Hamilton 

Hem-y W. Birge 

James H. Ledlie 

James H. Wilson 

Adin B. Underwood 

Augustus L. Chetlain 

William A. Pile 

John W. Fuller 

JohnF. Miller 

Philip Ecgis de Trohriand. 

Cyrus Bu^sey 

Christopher U. Andrews. . . 

Edward M. McCook 

Lewis A. Grant 

Edward Hatch 

August V. Kautz 

Francis Fessenden 

John F. Hartranft 

Samuel S. Carroll 

Simon G. Griffin 

Emory Upton 

John R. Brooke 

Nelson A. Miles 

Joseph Hayes 

BjTon E. Pierce 

Selden Connor 

Joshua L. Chamberlain. . .. 

Elliott W. Kice 

AVilliam F. Bartlett 

Edward S. Bragg 

Martin D. Hardin 

Charles J. Paine 

John B. Mcintosh 

George H. Chapman 

William Grose 

Joseph A. Cooper 

John T. Croxton 

John W. Sprague 

James W. Eeilly 

Luther P. Bradley 

Charles C. Walcutt 

William W. Belknap 

Powell Clayton 

Joseph A. Haskin 

James D. Fessenden 

Eli Long 

Thomas W. Eagan 

Joseph E. Hawley 

William H.Seward, jr 

Isaac H. Duval 

John Edwards 

Thomas A. Smyth 

Ferdinand Van Derveer. . . 

Thomas 0. Devin 

Alfred Gibbs 

E. S. McKenzie 

E.B.Hays 

James E. Slack 

Thomas J. Lucas 

E. J.Davis 

Joseph Bailey 

George L. Beal 

Henry G. Thomas 

Cyrus Hamlin 



STATION. 



Savannah, Ga 

Vicksburg, Miss 

In the field, Tenn 

New Albany, Ind 

In the field, Ga 

Thibodeaux, La. ... 

Savannah, Ga 

City Point, Va 

In the field, Tenn 

Bermuda Hundred, Ta 

Army of Potomac. 

New" Orleans, La. 

In the field, Va 

Palatine Bridge, N. T 

In the field, Tenn 

Newton ville. Mass 

Memphis, Tenn 

Port Hudson, La 

Savannah, Ga 

Nashville, Tenn 

Ai-my of Potomac 

Little Eock, Ark 

Steamer Niagara, Miss, river 

In the field, Ga 

Army of Potomac 

In the field, Tenn 

In the field, Va 

Washington, D. C 

Army of Potomac. 

New York city 

Army of Potomac 

In the field, Tenn 

Washington, D. C 

Army of Potomac 

Libby prison, Eichmond, Va 

Arm V of Potomac 

Washington, D. C, 

Army of Potomac 

Savannah, Ga ; 

Winthrop, Mass 

Army of Potomac 

Washington, D. C 

In the field, Va 

Philadelphia, Pa 

Winchester, Va 

In the field, Tenn 

In the field, Tenn. 

In the field, Tenn 

Savannah, Ga 

In the field, Tenn 

New Haven, Conn 

In the field, Ga 

In the field, Ga 

Pine Bluflf, Ark 

Washington, D. C 

In the field, Va 

Lexinston, Kv 

Washington, D. C 

In the field, Va 

Martinsburg, W. Va 

In the field, Va 

Fort Smith, Ark 

Army of Potomac 

Hamilton, Ohio 

In the field, Va 

In the field, Va 

Army of Potomac 

In the field, Va 

Memphis, Tenn 

Indianapolis, Ind 

Morganzia, La 

New Orleans, La 

In the field, Va 

In the field, Va 

New Orleans, La 



HOW EMPLO^TTD. 



Commanding 4th division 17th army corps. 

Commanding brigade district of Vicksburg. 

Serving with det. of the army of Tennessee. 

Wounded. 

Commanding 1st brigade 8d division 17th army corps. 

Commanding district of Lafomche. 

Commanding 4th division 15th army corps. 

Chief of General Grant's staflf. 

Commanding Governor's guard. 

Chief of staft^ department of Virginia and North Carolina. 

Commanding 1st brigade 2d cavalry division. 

Under orders of Major-General Canby. 

Commanding 1st brigade 2d division 19th army corps. 

Awaiting orders. 

Commanding cavalry corps, military division of Mississippi. 

Wounded. 

Commanding colored troops. State of Tennessee. 

Commanding United States forces. 

Commanding 1st division 17th army corps. 

Commanding post. 

Commanding 1st brigade 3d division 2d army corps. 

Commanding 2d brigade cavalry division, dep't of Arkansas. 

En route to Morganzia, La. (On duty in department of Gulf.) 

Commanding 1st cavalry division, military division of Mississippi. 

Commanding 2d brigade 2d division 6th a'rmy corps. 

Commanding 5th cavalry division, military division of Miss. 

Commanding cavalry division, dep't of Virginia and N. Carolina. 

Member of military commission. (Severely wounded.) 

Commanding 1st (livision 9th army corps. 

Member of general court-martial. (Severely wounded.) 

Commanding 2d brigade 2d division 9th army corps. 

Serving in dep't of the Cumberland. [army corps. (Wounded.) 

Member board for examination of applicants for commissions in 1st 

Commanding 1st division 2d army corps. 

Prisoner of war. 

Commanding 2d brigade Sd division 2d army corps. 

Severely wounded. 

Commanding 1st brigade 1st division 5th army corps. 

Commanding 1st brigade 4th division 15th army corps. 

Under medical treatment. [porary leave of absence.) 

Commanding 1st brigade 4th division 5th army corps. (On tem- 

Commanding division 22d army corps. 

Commanding 1st division 25th army corps. 

Severely wounded. 

Member of military commission. 

Commanding 3d brigade 1st division 4th army corps. 

Commanding 1st brfgade 2d division 23d army corps. 

Commanding 1st brigade 1st cavalry div. mil. div. of Mississippi. 

Commanding 2d brigade 1st divisioia 17th army corps. 

Commanding 1st brigade 3d division 23d army corps. 

Wounded. [leave of absence.) 

Commanding 2d brig. 4th div. 15th army corps. (On temporary 

Commanding 3d brigade 4th division 17th army corps. 

Commanding post. 

Chief of artillery, department of Washington. 

Commanding 3d. brigade 1st division 19th army corps. 

Wounded. 

Wounded. 

Commanding 2d brigade 1st division 24th army corps. 

Commanding post. 

Commanding 1st infantry division, department of W. Virginia, 

Commanding 1st brigade district of the frontier. 

Commanding 3d brigade 2d division 2d army corps. 

Under orders to department of Cumberland. 

Com'dg 2d brigade 1st cavalry division middle military division. 

On duty in 1st cavalry division middle military division. 

Commanding 2d brigade 1st division 6th ann}' corps. 

Com'dg 1st brigade 1st inf. div., department of West Virginia. 

Com'dg 2d brig. 2d div. reserve corps, mil. div. of W. Mississippi 

On recruiting service. 

Commanding cavalry brigade, department of Gulf. 

Commanding cavalry division, department of Gulf. 

Commanding 1st brigade 1st division 19th army corps. 

Commanding 3d brigade 1st division 25th army corps. 

Commanding 3d div. U. S. colored troops, department of Gulf. 



EEOAPITULATION. 








HOW EMPLOYED. 


Maj. Generals. 


Brig. Generals. 


Aggregate. 


On command 


45 

1 

8 
1 
7 
1 
2 
1 


200 
1 

12 
1 

20 

14 

12 

2 

3 

2 


245 
2 




20 




2 




2T 




15 




14 




3 




3 


Prisoners of War. 




2 


Total 


66 267 


333 



716 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



NAVY DEPARTMENT. 



DUTY. 



Place of birth. 



Where a dtUen. 



Date of original 
appointmeat. 



Gideon Wells Secretary 

Gnstavus V. Fox I Assistant Secretary. 

"William Faxon jCbiof Clork 

William Plume Moran Clork 

do. do. Disbursing Clerk. 



Bureau of Yards and Docks. 

Joseph Smith 

William P. S. Sanger 

John W. Bronaugh 

Bureau of l^a'vigation. 

Charles Henry Davis 

Benjamin F. Greene 

Bureau of Ordnance. 

Henry A. •Wise 

Richmond Aulick 

C. E. Graves 



Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting. 

Albert N. Smith 

8. Henriques 

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. 

William Whelan 

Phineas J. Horwitz 



Bureau of Provisions and Clothing. 

Horatio Bridge 

Thomas Fillebrown 



Bureau of Construction and Repair. 

John Lenthall. . . 

James W. Deeble 



Bureau, of Steam Engineering, 

Benjamin F. Isherwood 

AVilliam H. Allyn 



Chief of Bureau. 
Civil Engineer.. 
Chief Clerk 



Chief of Bureau. 
Chief Clerk 



Chief of Bureau. 

Assistant 

Chief Clerk 



Chief of Bureau. 
Chief Clerk 



Chief of Bureau 

AsBistant to Bureau. 



Chief of Bureau. 
Chief Clerk 



Chief of Bureau. 
Chief Clerk 



Chief of Bureau . 
Chief Clerk 



Connecticut 

Massachusetts . 

Connecticut 

Virginia 



Coimecticut 

Massachusetts.. 
Connecticut. . . . 
Virginia 



Massachusetts . . 
Massachusetts . . 
Virginia 



Massachusetts . . 
New Hampshire. 



New York.., 
Connecticut. 
Vermont. . . . , 



Maine . . 
Sweden 



Pennsylvania.. 
Maryland .... 



Maine . 
Maine . 



Dist. Columbia. 
Dist. Columbia. 



New York . . , 
Connecticut. 



Massachusetts . . 
Dist. Columbia.. 
Dist. Columbia.. 



Massachusetts.. 
New York 



New York . 
Virginia... 
Vermont . . 



Massachusetts.. 
New York 



Pennsylvania.. . . 
Pennsylvania.. . . 



Maine . 
Maine. 



Pennsylvania.. . . 
Dist. Columbia.. 



New York. 
Wisconsin.. 



7 Mar., 1861 
9 May, 1861 

19 Mar., 1861 

8 Dec, 1852 



25 May, 1846 
15 Sept., 1842 
4 June, 1849 



IT July, 1862 
19 Feb., 1868 



25 June, 1868 
28 June, 1863 
9 Aug., 1861 



30 May, 1863 
2 Sept., 1862 



lOct., 1858 
3 June, 1859 



lOct., 1854 
1 Sept., I&i2 



18 Nov., 1863 
6 April, 1861 



25 July, 1862 
9 Jan., 1863 



REAR ADMIRALS OF THE NAVY. 



NAME. 


State where bom. 


State of which a citizen. 


Original entry into the 
service. 


Date of present 


Active List. 
David G. Farragut,* 






17 Dec, 1810 

18 June, 1812 

19 Dec, 1815 

12 Aug., 1828 

IFeb., 1826 

2 Feb., 1829 

t9Mar., 1798 

20 June, 1806 

16 Jan., 1809 

16 Jan., 1809 

15 Nov., 1809 

17 Dec, 1810 

ISept., 1811 


16 .July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

7 Feb 1863 


Louis M. Goldsborough 


District Columbia 




Samuel F. Dupont 




Charles Henry Davis 


Massachusetts '. 


Massachusetts 


John A. Dahlgren 


7 Feb.,' 1868 


David D. Porter 






4 July, 1863 

16 July, 1862 
16 July, 1862 
16 July, 1862 
16 July, 1862 
16 July, 2862 
16 July, 1862 
16 July, 1862 


Retired List. 
Charles Stewart 






William B. Hhubrick 


South Carolina 

Massachusetts 


South Carolina 

Massachusetts 


Joseph Smith 


Francis H Gregory 


Silas H. Stringham 






Samuel L. Breese 






Hiram Paulding 













COMMODORES OF THE NAVY. 



Active List. 

Thomas T. Craven 

Henry K. Hoff. , 

Henry H. Bell , 

William Smith 

John W. Livingston , 

Henry K. Thatcher. 

John S. Missroon 

Robert B. Hitchcock 

Stephen C. Rowan 

Joseph Lanman 

Thomas Turner 

Charles H. Poor 

Timothy A. Hunt 

Sylvaniis W. Godon 

James S. Palmer I New ifersey 

William Uadford Virginia. 

John Kodgers I Maryland 



District Columbia. 

Pennsylvania 

North Carolina. . . . 

Kentucky 

New York 

Maine 

South Carolina.... 

Connecticut 

Ohio 

Connecticut 

Virginia 

Massachusetts 

Connecticut 

Pennsylvania 



New York , 

South Carolina 

New York 

Missouri 

New York....!.. 

Maine 

South Carolina. . . 

Connecticut 

Ohio 

Connecticut 

Pennsylvania.. . . . 
District Columbia 

Connecticut 

Pennsylvania 

New Jersey 

Missouri 

Maryland 



IMay, 1822.... 
28 Oct, 1823.... 

4 Aug., 1823.... 

4 Mar., 1823.... 

4 Mar., 1823.... 

4 Mar., 1828.... 
27 June, 1824.... 

IJan., 1825.... 

1 Feb., 1826.... 

IJan., 1825.... 
21 April, 1825. .. . 

IMar., 1S25.... 

IFeb., 1825.... 

IMar., 1819.... 

ItTan., 1825.... 

IMar., 1825.... 
18 April, 1828. ... 

t As lieutenant. 



16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 

16 July, 1862 
29 Aug., 1862 
13 Dec, 1868 

2 Jan., 1863 

2 Jan., 1863 

2 Jan., 1863 

7 Feb., 1863 

24 April, 1868 

17 June, 1863 



• App.5inted Vice-Admiral December 21, 1864. 



MHITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION. 



717 



COMMODORES OF THE :SAYY.—{OonUnued.) 



State where bom. 



State of which a citizen. 



Original entry into the 
aervice. 



Retired List. 

JohnD. Sloat 

William Mervine 

Thomas Crabbe 

John C. Long 

John B. Montgomery... 
Cornelius K. Stribling.. 

Joshua R. Sands 

Charles H. Bell 

Joseph R. Jarvis 

William C. Nicholson... 

Joseph B. Hull 

William H. Gardner. 

T. Aloysius Dornin 

Frederick Engle 

John Rudd 

William W. McKean 

Charles Lowndes 

John Marston 

Henry A. Adams 

George F. Pearson* 

John Pope 

Levin M. Powell 

Charles Wilkes t 

Henry Eagle 

William M. Glendy 

George S. Blake 

Andrew A. Harwood 

Theodorus Bailey 

Hugh T. Purviance 

Cadwalader Ringgold 

James L. Lardner. 



New York 

Pennsylvania 

Maryland 

New Hampshire. 

New Jersey 

South Carolina.. 

New York 

New York 

Massachusetts.. . 

Maryland 

New York 

Maryland 

Ireland 

Pennsylvania 

Rhode Island. .. 

Pennsylvania 

Maryland 

Massachusetts . . 
Pennsylvania. . . 
New Hampshire 
Massachusetts . . 

Virginia 

New York . . 

New York 

Virginia 

Massachusetts . . 
Pennsylvania . . . 

New York 

Maryland 

Maryland 

Pennsylvania 



New York 

New York 

Pennsylvania 

New Hampshire 

New Jersey 

South Carolina.. 

New York 

New York 

Maine 

Maryland 

Connecticut 

Pennsylvania.. . . 

Maryland 

Pennsylvania 

Virginia 

Pennsylvania.. . . 

Maryland 

Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania 

Massachusetts . . 

Maine 

Virginia 

New York 

New York 

Virginia 

Massachusetts . . 

Pennsylvania 

New York 

Maryland 

Maryland 

Pennsylvania . . . 



Feb., 1800 
Jan., 1809 
Nov., 1809, 
June, 1812 
June, 1312 
June, 1812 
June, 1812 
June, 1812 
June, 1812, 
June, 1812 
Nov., 1813 
Dec, 1814 
May, 1S15 
Dec., 1814 
Nov., 1814 
Nov., 1814 
Mar., 1815 
April, 1S13 
Mar., 1814 
Mar.. 1815 
May, 1816 
Mar., 1317 
Jan., 1818 
Jan., 1818 
Jan., 1818 
April, 1818 
Jan., 1818 
Jan., 181S 
Nov., 1818 
Mar., 1S19 
July, 1820 



July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 
July, 



1863 
1862 
1862 

1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1892 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1S62 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 
1862 



* Acting Rear Admiral. 

t Reprimanded and suspended for three years from May 3, 1S64. Two years of his sospeneion was remitted by the President, December 27, 18&1. 



BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



1861. 



May 24. — ^Ephkaim Elmer Ellsworth, a 
colonel of volunteers and the Introducer of the 
Zouave drill and organization into the United 
States, born at Mechanicsville, Saratogo Co., 
New York, April 23, 1837, killed at Alexandria, 
Virginia, May 24, 1861. The financial misfor- 
tunes which overtook his father during Elmer's 
early childhood, prevented him from obtaining 
the object of his boyish ambition, a cadetship 
at "West Point ; but, passionately fond of study, 
he acquired a good English education. After 
brief engagements in mercantile employment 
in Troy and New York, he went to Chicago, 
and though not yet of age, commenced busi- 
ness for himself as a patent solicitor, and soon 
attained success and a handsome income; but 
through the fraud of one whom he had trusted 
was despoiled of his hard earnings. Instead 
of giving way to despondency, he turned his 
attention to the study of law, supporting him- 
self meanwhile by copying law papers at night. 
But while thus rapidly familiarizing himself 
with the science of law, his predilection for 
the military profession was very strcfng; and 
having attained a thorough familiarity with the 
Frencli chasseur (TAfrique or Zouave drill and 
organization, he resolved to form a Zouave 
corps in Chicago, with such modifications as he 
deemed desirable to better adapt it to this coun- 
try and the genius of the people. The corps 
which he organized and of which he became 
the commander, was a remarkable one; the 
strictest abstinence from spirituous liquors and 
tobacco was enforced, and the drill was exceed- 
ingly severe in its gymnastic requirements. 
They had been organized less than a year when 
their extraordinary performances won them at 
the State Agricultural Fair a stand of colors, 
and in July, 1860, with their gallant commander 
at their head and bearing their prize colors, 
they visited the Eastern cities, and challenged 
competition in their military discipline and 
practice, and won golden opinions everywhere. 
On his return to Chicago he organized a Zouave 
regiment, which he offered to the governor for 



the defence of the State, as if in premonition 
of the coming struggle. During the autumn 
Ellsworth entered heartUy into the political 
campaign, advocating the election of Mr. Lin- 
coln, xifter the election he accompanied the 
President elect to Washington, where he re- 
ceived a lieutenant's commission preparatory 
to his entrance into the War Department, and 
had already matured in his own mind a reor- 
ganization of the militia of the country. The 
breaking out of the war changed his plans. At 
the proclamation of the President on the 15th 
of April, he hastened to New York, organized 
a Zouave regiment of 1,200 men from the 
Eire Department, and in three weeks marched 
at their head through Pennsylvania Avenue, 
Washington. He drilled his regiment assidu- 
ously, and, more than any other man could have 
done, tamed and controlled those restless and 
ungovernable spirits. On the 23d of May his 
regiment was ordered to Alexandria, which 
they reached early in the morning of the 24th. 
Seeing a secession flag flying over a hotel (the 
Marshall House), he entered and demanded of 
a man whom he met there, whose flag it was; 
the man, who was really the proprietor of the 
house, professed not to know, saying he was 
only a lodger ; and Ellsworth, with two com- 
panions, ascended to the roof and took it down, 
wrapping it around his body. As he descend- 
ed he said, "This is my trophy." "And you 
are mine," said Jackson, the pi'oprietor, pour- 
ing the contents of his shot gun full into the 
breast of the colonel, and instantly falling him- 
self from a musket ball through the head and a 
deadly bayonet thrust from one of Ellsworth's 
Zouaves, Francis E. Brownell. Jackson was 
captain of an artillery company in his own 
county. He was known by his neighbors as a 
man who united a dauntless courage with 
generous impulses. A week before his death 
a Union man from Washington had been seized 
in the streets of Alexandria, and a crowd 
threatened to shoot or hang him. He rescued 
him, and threatened to kiU any man who 



720 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



should molest him. The hody of Col. Ellsworth 
was borne sadly back to Washington, and the 
funeral services performed at the White House, 
with the President as chief mourner. From 
thence it was brought to his birthplace (Me- 
chanicsville). A noble regiment, made up of 
one man from a town, in his native State, was 
raised as his fittest, though not his only monu- 
ment. 

June 10. — John Teout Geeble, an officer 
of the United States army, born in Philadelphia, 
January 19, 1834, and killed in the battle of 
Great Bethel, Virginia, June 10, 1861. He ac- 
quired his early education at the Ringgold 
Grammar School and the Central High School 
of his native city, receiving his bachelor's de- 
gree at the latter in 1850, and immediately en- 
tered the United States Military Academy at 
West Point, where he graduated in 1854, with 
high rank in his class. On his graduation he was 
immediately commissioned as brevet second 
lieutenant in the 2d artillery, and stationed at 
Newport, R. I. In September of the same year 
he was made second lieutenant and sent to 
Tampa, Florida, where he served in the Indian 
troubles for two years, when he was compelled, 
in consequence of a severe fever, to return 
home on sick leave ; but in the beginning of 
1856 resumed his duties, acting a part of the 
time as quartermaster and commissary till De- 
cember, 1856, when he was appointed acting 
assistant professor of Ethics in the Military 
Academy, the duties of which professorship he 
performed with credit and success till October, 

1860, when, at his own request, he was detailed 
for active duty at Fortress Monroe. There he 
rendered efficient service in preventing the 
seizure of the fortress. On the 26th of May, 

1861, he was sent to Newport News as master 
of ordnance, superintended the fortification of 
that point, and trained the volunteers to artil- 
lery practice. When the disastrous expedition 
to Great Bethel was planned, he was unexpect- 
edly detailed to accompany it with two guns ; 
and though in his own judgment it was ill-ad- 
vised, and would probably prove fatal to him, 
he did not hesitate, but took an active part in 
its duties; and when the Federal troops were 
repulsed, by his admirable management of his 
guns protected them from pursuit and utter 
annihilation. Just at the close of the action, 
when he had given the order to withdraw from 
the field, he was struck by a cannon ball on the 
right temple and instantly killed. 

June 10. — Major Theodore Winthrop, an 
officer of volunteers in the United States army, 
and an American author, born in New Haven, 
Conn., September 22, 1828, killed in the battle 
of Great Bethel, June 10, 1861, He graduated 
with high honors at Yale College in 1848, and 
soon after, partly to recruit his health, impair- 
ed by too close application, sailed for Europe, 
where he made an extensive tour mostly on 
foot. In Italy he formed the acquaintance of 
W. H, Aspinwall, of New York, and upon his 
return became tutor to his son, with Avhom ho 



afterwards again visited Europe. Returning 
from this second tour, he entered the employ 
of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and 
went to Panama, where he resided about two 
years. He then joined the unfortunate expe- 
dition of Lieutenant Strain, the exposures of 
which injured his health to such a degree that 
he was compelled to return to New York. He 
next engaged in the study of law, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1855. He first practised in 
St. Louis, but finding the climate unfavorable, 
he returned again to New York, where his fond- 
ness for literary pursuits drew him aside from 
his profession. 

At the commencement of hostilities which 
resulted in the present war, he enrolled him- 
self in the artillery corps of the 7th regiment, 
and subsequently was made acting military 
secretary and aid by Gen. Butler. His descrip- 
tion of the forty-two days' campaign of the 7th 
regiment, in the June, July, and August numbers 
of the Atlantic Monthly, attracted much atten- 
tion by its gracefulness and brilliancy, and the 
interest thus excited was afterwards heightened 
by his untimely death. In the autumn of 1861 
Messrs. Ticknor and Fields, of Boston, pub- 
lished two works of fiction of considerable 
merit, "Cecil Dreeme" and "John Brent," 
which were found among his papers after his 
death. 

June 17. — Col. Hollow AT, an officer of the 
Missouri State Guard, killed at the battle of the 
Big Blue, in Jackson County, Missouri. Had 
been a captain in the U. S. regular ai-my, and 
was deeply deplored by Gen. Sterling Price's 
army. He had rendered great service in or- 
ganizing Missouri troops, and there were few 
in that army and at that time who could fill his 
place. 

June 27t7K — James Harman Ward, com- 
mander in the United States navy, son of Col. 
James Ward of Hartford, Conn. ; born in that 
city in 1806, killed in the attack on Matthias 
Point, June 27, 1861. He was educated at the 
Vermont Military Academy at Norwich, and 
from thence entered Trinity College, Hartford. 
On the 4th of March, 1823, he received an ap- 
pointment as midshipman on board of the 
Constitution, commanded by Commodore Mc- 
Donough ; rose to the rank of lieutenant on the 
3d of March, 1831, and was attached to the 
Mediterranean squadron. For several years he 
was on the coast of Africa, and while there 
compiled his "Manual of Naval Tactics," pub- 
lished in 1858. In 1842-'43 he dehvered in 
Philadelphia a popular course of lectures on 
Gunnery. He urged upon the Government the 
necessity of establishing a Naval School, and 
upon the opening of the school, was appointed 
one of the professors, and gave a series of lec- 
tures, subsequently published under the title of 
"Elementary Instructions on Naval Ordnance 
and Gunnery : " a work which has accomphshed 
much in its effects upon naval science. 

Soon after the introduction of steam into the 
navy, he gave the result of his observations in 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



721 



a work entitled " Steam for the Million," sub- 
sequently republished by Van Nostrand, New- 
York, In 1853 ho was made commander, and 
in 1857 was appointed to the command of the 
receiving ship North Carolina, lying at the 
Brooklyn Navy Yard. At the commencement 
of the war he was summoned to Washington to 
aid the Government by his counsels. Here he 
remained and organized the Potomac flotilla, to 
the command of which he was appointed on 
May 16, 1861. On the 31st, he, with the Free- 
born, Auacosta, and Resolute, cannonaded the 
Confederate batteries at Aquia Creek, silencing 
three of them, and only retiring when his am- 
munition was exhausted. The next day, aided 
by the Pawnee, he resumed the attack, and suc- 
ceeded in silencing the guns. On June 26th, 
on discovering that a battery was being erected 
at Matthias Point by the enemy, he sent to the 
Pawnee for aid to throw up breastworks ; when 
completed, as the men were returning to the 
boats for the guns, a destructive fire was opened 
upon them by the enemy in ambush. The crew 
hastened to the steamer, the Freeborn covering 
their retreat. Capt. "Ward gallantly stood at 
his post sighting one of the guns, when he was 
struck by a Minie ball and almost instantly kill- 
ed. He was bm-ied at Hartford, Conn. 

July 5. — Benj. J. Browi?, inspector-geneml, 
with the rank of colonel, on Gen. Slack's staff, 
who then commanded a division of the Mis- 
souri State Guard. He had held the position 
of president of the Senate of the State of Mis- 
souri, and was killed in the battle of Wilson 
Creek, in Missouri. He had participated in 
the battle of Carthage, and distinguished him- 
self for dashing courage and cool judgment. 

Juhj 5. — Richard 0. Coxe, colonel in Mis- 
souri State Guard, killed at the battle of Car- 
thage, in Missouri. At the opening of the War he 
lived in the town of Atchison, in Kansas, and 
took a prominent pai't in the Kansas troubles. 

July 15. — RoBT. Seldejt Gaenett, an officer 
of the Confederate army, born in Virginia 
about 1821, and killed in the battle of Carrick's 
Ford, July 15, 1861. He entered West Point in 
1837, and graduated 27th in his class ia 1841, 
was appointed brevet second lieutenant of artil- 
lery on his graduation, and from July, 1843, to 
Oct., 1844, was assistant-instructor of infantry 
tactics at the military academy ; was aide- 
de-camp to Gen. Wool in 1845, distinguished 
himself in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca 
de la Palma, was promoted to afii-st lieutenancy 
in 1846, was aide-de-camp to Gen. Taylor 
through the Mexican war and until 1849, was 
breveted captain and major for gallant and 
meritorious conduct at Monterey and Buena 
Vista ; transferred to the infantry in 1848, and 
promoted to a captaincy in 1851. From 1852 
to 1854 he was commandant of the corps of 
cadets, and instructor in infantry tactics at West 
Point; appointed captain of the 1st regiment 
cavalry in 1805, and major of 9th infantry in 
the same mouth ; was the commander in the 
operations against the Indians on Puget's Sound, 
46 



Washington Tei'ritory, in 1856, and commanded 
the Yakima expedition in 1858. At the break- 
ing out of the present war he took the side of 
the Confederates, was promoted to a brigadier- 
generalship, and assigned to the department 
of Western Virginia. Here, in July, Gen. Mc- 
Clellan attacked him, and after several days of 
alternate fighting and retreating, at the deci- 
sive action of Carrick's Ford, Gen. Garnett was 
killed and his forces routed. His body was 
carefully cared for by the Federal commander, 
and after being embalmed, was forwarded to 
his friends. 

July 21. — ^Major SuLLivAisr Balloit, of the 
2d Rhode Island regiment of volunteers, killed 
at the battle of Bull Run. He was born at 
Smithfield, R. I, March 28, 1829. In 1846 he 
entered Phillips' Academy at Andover, Mass., 
and subsequently Brown University. After re- 
maining two years at the latter, he proceeded 
to the National Law School at Ballston, N. Y. 
In 1853 he was admitted to the Rhode Island 
bar, and practised his profession with little in- 
terruption in Smithfield and Providence untU 
he left with his regiment for the seat of war. 
He was clerk of the House of Representatives 
of Rhode Island during the years 1854, 1^55, 
and 1856, and the following year was Speaker 
of the House. In 1861 he held the office of 
Judge Advocate of the Rhode Island militia. 
He joined the army from a patriotic sense of 
duty, and his military career, though short, won 
him distinguished honor. 

July 21. — Feanois S. Baetow, a colonel of 
the 8th Georgia regiment, in the Confederate 
army, killed at the battle of Bull Run, in Vir- 
ginia. At that battle he commanded a brigade, 
but at the head of the 8th Georgia regiment 
had charged a battery that was doing great 
havoc among Confederate troops, and had been 
repulsed. When Gen. Johnston, however, told 
him that the battery must be taken, he seized 
the standard of the 7th Georgia regiment and 
exclaimed, "I wiU do what mortal man can," 
and charged and took the battery, but was 
killed. " They have killed me," he cried, " but 
never give up the field." Col. Bartow was 
chairman of the military committee of the Rich- 
mond Congress, and upon his death that body 
paid a high tribute to his memory. His heroism 
in the battle of Bull Run, or Manassas Junc- 
tion as it is called in the South, was so con- 
spicuous as to attract the notice and eulogy of 
the entire Southern people. Some time be- 
fore the battle, upon being told that Congress 
needed his services, he answered that his 
country needed his services on that field, and 
he would not leave until after the battle ; 
and upon being told that he w^as too confident 
of success, and that the odds were very great 
in favor of the other side, he exclaimed with 
great fervor, "They can never whip us. We 
shaU not count the odds. We may be exter- 
minated, but never conquered. I shall go into 
this fight with the determination never to leave 
the field alive but in victory ; and I know that 



722 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the same spirit actuates my whole command. 
How, then, can they whip us?" On that san- 
guinary phiteau near the Henry House, also fell 
Bartow, pierced through the heart by a Minie 
ball. 

July 21. — Bernard E, Bee, a brigadier- 
general in the Confederate army, killed at the 
battle of Bull Run. Gen. Bee was a native of 
South Carolina, and entered West Point from 
that State. He graduated fourth in his class, 
with high honors, in July, 1845, and entered 
the 3d infantry regiment. He served with 
marked distinction in the Mexican war, and 
was brevetted first lieutenant for gallant and 
meritorious conduct at the battle of Cerro 
Gordo, April 18, 1847 (March, 1849), in which 
he was wounded. He was brevetted captain for 
gallant and meritorious conduct at the storm- 
ing of Chapultepec, Sept. 13, 1847 (March, 
1847). He was afterwards adjutant. In sub- 
sequent wars with the Indians he achieved 
great success and distinction, winning the ap- 
probation of his native State, which presented 
him with a superb sword. Gen. Bee contribut- 
ed in a large degree to the achievement of 
Confederate success at Bull Run. His stub- 
born resistance with his smaU force to the 
fierce charges and concentrated fire of artillery 
of the Federal troops, and his repeated and 
desperate charges subsequently upon being re- 
enforced, rendered the plateau near the Henry 
House the bloodiest spot on the battle-field, 
and materially influenced the fortunes of the 
day. He died grasping the sword South Caro- 
lina had taken so much pride in presenting 
to him. 

July 21. — Col. James Cameron, born at 
Maytown, Lancaster Co., Penn., March 1, 1801. 
In youth he engaged in various occupations, 
and at 19 years of age entered the printing 
office of his brother Simon, at Harrisburg. In 
1827 he removed to Lancaster and assumed the 
editorship of the " Political Sentinel," studying 
law in the mean time in the office of the late 
President, James Buchanan. During the Mexi- 
can war he accompanied the volunteers of his 
State as sutler, in January, 1847. When the 
present war broke out he was living in retire- 
ment upon his estate on the banks of the Sus- 
quehanna, but upon urgent entreaty accepted 
the appointment of colonel of the 79th High- 
land regiment of the New York State militia, 
and from his election devoted himself assidu- 
ously to the duties of his position. In the 
battle of Bull Run, when his regiment was 
driven back before the terrible fire of the 
enemy, he would lead them up again and again 
with the shout, " Scots, follow me ! " until he 
fell in the deadly charge. 

July 21. — Fisher, colonel in the 

Confederate army, commanded the 6th North 
Carolina regiment ; killed at BuU Run, in Vir- 
ginia. 

July 21. — Col. John S. Slooum, born in the 
town of Richmond, R. I., Nov. 1, 1824. At 
the commencement of the Mexican war he ob- 



tained a commission in the army, and at Con- 
treras received the brevet rank of captain for 
meritorious conduct. At the beginning of the 
present war Gov. Sprague appointed him colo- 
nel, and authorized him to raise a second regi- 
ment, which he speedily accomphshed and 
again marched to the seat of war. At the bat- 
tle of Bull Run his regiment led the advance of 
the division which crossed Cob Run and reach- 
ed BuU Run at Sudley'fe ford, on the extreme 
left of the enemy's line. Here he bravely led 
on his regiment through the woods, and opened 
that terrible engagement, but fell almost in the 
beginning of the action. 

July 21. — F. J. Thomas, a colonel in the 
Confederate army. He was acting chief of 
ordnance on Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's staff, 
and was killed at the battle of Bull Run. 

July 21. — Oapt. Otis H. Tillinghast, born 
at Homer, Cortlandt Co., N. Y., March 6, 1823. 
In 1847 he graduated with honor at the mili- 
tary academy at West Point, and was immedi- 
ately appointed brevet second lieutenant in the 
3d artillery, and joined Sherman's battery, 
under Gen. Taylor, at Saltillo, Mexico. In 
1848 he was associated with the Mexican Boun- 
dary Commission, and in 1856 was appointed 
regimental quartermaster, and stationed in 
Florida. Soon after he was ordered to Fort 
Moultrie, where he remained until about the 
tim6 of the insurrection. In July, 1861, Lieut. 
Tillinghast was appointed chief-quartermaster 
to Gen. McDowell's army, and attached him- 
self to the division commanded by Col. Porter. 
Though his duties did not require him to take 
part iu the battle, he entered with alacrity into 
the field, and fell early in the enagement, mor- 
tally wounded. 

July 21. — Capt. Levi Tower, killed at the 
battle of Bull Run. Born in the village of 
Blackstone, Mass., August 18, 1885. He took 
a thorough classical course in the University 
Grammar School in Providence, and in due 
time entered Brown University, which he was 
subsequently compelled to leave in consequence 
of ill health. He was a member of the Paw- 
tucket Light Guard, and with it joined the 
1st regiment of Rhode Island volunteers. 

July 22. — Col. William D. Kennedy, com- 
mander of the " Tammany " regiment of N. Y. 
volunteers. He was a prominent democrat 
of New York city, and a man of great energy 
and ability. He died at Washington of conges- 
tion of the brain. 

Aug. 10. Cawthorn, colonel in the 

Missouri State Guard in the Confederate ser- 
vice. He had shown considerable ability and 
courage at the battle of Carthage, July 5, 1861. 
He commanded a brigade of cavalry in Gen. 
Rains' division, and was very badly wounded in 
the foot at Wilson's Creek, and refusing to per- 
mit amputation, he died after a few days of 
suffering. 

August 10. — Nathaniel Lyon, a general 
of volunteers in the United States array, born 
at Ashford, Windham Co., Connecticut, July 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



723 



14, 1819, killed at the battle of Wilson's Creek, 
Missouri, August 10, 1861. His mother was a 
daughter of Lieut. Daniel Knowlton, who served 
through the old French war and the Revo- 
lution. Gen. Lyon graduated at the Military- 
Academy at West Point in 1841, and immedi- 
ately received the appointment of second lieu- 
tenant in the 2d regiment of infontry. His 
first field of service was Florida, during the lat- 
ter part of the Seminole war, where he distin- 
guished himself as an able and energetic officer. 
He was subsequently stationed for several years 
at different posts on the western frontier. In 
1847 he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, 
and upon the commencement of the war with 
Mexico was again ordered to active service. 
He joined Gen. Taylor at Monterey, and ac- 
companied his regiment when it was detached 
from the command of Gen. Taylor and placed 
under that of Gen. Scott. He served at the 
bombardment of Vera Cruz and the battles of 
Cerro Gordo, Oontreras, and Churubusco, and 
for "meritorious conduct" received the brevet 
rank of captain. At the close of the war with 
Mexico, Gen. Lyon was ordered to California, 
and detailed to service among the Indian tribes, 
who had become troublesome, and whUe en- 
gaged in this service was promoted to a full 
captaincy in 1851. Fi-om California Gen. Lyon 
was ordered to Kansas, during the height of 
the political troubles there, and used his influ- 
ence to maintain order and calm the strife of 
partisans. Some of his articles written for the 
press at this period, bear evidence of great 
vigor of intellect, and earnest devotion to his 
country's good. Early in 1861 Capt. Lyon was 
placed in command of the United States ar- 
senal at St. Louis ; after the faU of Fort Sumter 
the possession of Missouri seemed to depend 
upon his energy and coolness. The police 
commissioners of St. Louis assumed to them- 
selves the power of opposing the Government, 
and demanded that Capt. Lyon should confine 
his jurisdiction to the arsenal grounds; this 
he refused. Not long before the Governor of 
Missouri had authorized the formation of camps 
in various parts of the State. Taken in con- 
nection with the action of the commissioners, 
Capt. Lyon considered the concentration of 
these forces as an act of open hostility to the 
Government, and suddenly surrounded one of 
the camps, known as Camp Jackson, with a 
large force of the State " Home Guards " under 
Cols. Blair and Sigel, and, planting his guns 
on the heights, demanded of Gen. Frost, the 
commander of Camp Jackson, an immediate 
surrender ; satisfied that he was unable to re- 
sist so large a force. Gen. Frost yielded up his 
whole command as prisoners of war. A few 
days later Gen. Harney arrived at St. Louis 
and assumed the command, and Capt. Lyon 
was appointed general of the 1st brigade of 
Missouri volunteers. He broke up a Confeder- 
ate force at Potosi, and caused several import- 
ant seizures of war material destined for Camp 
Jackson. Upon the removal of Gen. Harney, 



Gen. Lyon was placed in command of the de- 
partment. Gov. Jackson and Gen. Price sought 
an interview with him, in which they insisted 
that no United States troops should march 
through or quarter in Missouii, although they 
had already allowed Confederate troops to do 
so. Lyon's reply was that the troops of the 
United States should march peaceably every- 
where through the United States, offering in- 
sult to none, but would oppose every attack 
and crush every effort to molest them. Upon 
this Gov. Jackson withdrew fi-om St. Louis and 
prepared for war. Gen. Lyon then took the 
field, but previously issued a proclamation to 
the citizens of Missouri, in which, after rehears- 
ing the various acts of Gov. Jackson, he con- 
cludes: "If, in suppressing these treasonable 
projects, carrying out the policy of the Govern- 
ment, and maintaining its dignity, hostilities 
should unfortunately occur, and unhappy con- 
sequences should follow, I would hope that all 
aggravation of those events may be avoided, and 
that they may be diverted from the innocent 
and may fall on the heads of those by whom 
they have been provoked. In the discharge 
of these plain but onerous duties I shall look 
for the countenence and active cooperation of 
all good citizens, and I shall expect them to 
discountenance all illegal combinations or or- 
ganizations, and support and uphold, by every 
lawful means, the Federal Government, upon 
the maintenance of which depends their liber- 
ties and the perfect enjoyment of all their 
rights." 

Learning that Gov. Jackson and Gen. Price 
had commenced hostilities. Gen. Lyon moved 
toward Jefferson City with a small force, and 
upon his approach Gov. Jackson abandoned his 
position and retreated to Booneville, where a 
battle was fought on the 17th of June, which 
resulted in a complete victory, aU the tents, 
ammunition, and* supplies falling into Gen. 
Lyon's hands. Upon entering Booneville, he 
issued a proclamation, in which, after a state- 
ment of the facts in relation to the battle, he 
said : " I hereby give notice to the people of 
tliis State that I shall scrupulously avoid aU in- 
terference with the business, rights, and prop- 
erty of every description recognized by the 
laws of the State, and belonging to law-abiding 
citizens. But it is equally my duty to maintain 
the paramount authority of the United States 
with such force as I halve at my command, 
which will be retained only so long as opposi- 
tion makes it necessary, and that it is my wish, 
and shall be my purpose, to visit any unavoid- 
able rigor arising in this issue upon those only 
who provoke it." 

He soon after moved forward to Springfield, 
an important town of Southwestern Missouri, 
driving the Confederates before him, and de- 
feating them at Dug Spring, about fifteen miles 
from that town. Subsequent to the battle of 
Dug Spring, the Confederates received heavy 
reenforcements, and Gen. Lyon, after making 
several appeals to the Government for more 



724 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



troops, and receiving no response, called a coun- 
cil of war to determine upon the question of 
evacuating Springfield. Fearing any retro- 
grade movement would be fatal to the cause, 
it was decided to attack Gens. McOulloch and 
Price in their camp at Wilson's Creek, though 
with scarcely any hope of success, as the Union 
force was but a little over five thousand, while 
the Confederate force was nearly twenty-five 
thousand. The battle was a desperate one, and 
Gen Lyon, after being twice wounded, was 
killed, while making a gallant charge at the 
head of the 1st Iowa regiment, which had lost 
its colonel. His body was subsequently con- 
veyed to Connecticut, the home of his parents, 
and upon its way was received everywhere with 
marked respect. Military honors were paid to 
it at Cmcinnati, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Jersey 
City, and New York. The funeral oration was 
delivered by Galusha A. Grow, Speaker of the 
United States House of Eepresentatives. In 
Congress, Senator Pomeroy delivered an elo- 
quent tribute to his memory, and the following 
resolutions passed both houses : 

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives of the United States of America in Congress 
assembled— i^iW?;, That Congress deems it just and 
proper to enter upon its records a recognition of the 
eminent and patriotic services of the late Brigadier- 
General Nathaniel Lyon. The country to whose ser- 
vices he devoted his life will guard and preserve his 
fame as a part of its own glory. Second, That the 
thanks of Congress are hereby given to the brave offi- 
cers and soldiers who, under the command of the late 
General Lyon, sustained the honor of the flag, and 
achieved victory against overwhelming numbers at 
the battle of Springfield, in Missouri, and that, in 
order to commemorate an event so honorable to the 
country and to themselves, it is ordered that each 
regiment engaged shall be authorized to bear upon 
its colors the word "Springfield," embroidered in 
letters of gold. And the President of the United 
States is hereby requested to cause these resolutions 
to be read at the head of every regiment in the army 
of the United States. 

Upon opening his will, it was ascertained 
that Gen. Lyon had bequeathed his entu-e prop- 
erty, '$30,000, with the exception of some slight 
bequests, to the Government, to aid in the 
preservation of the Union. 

Aug. 10. — Caey Gratz, toajor in the Federal 
army, killed at the battle of Wilson's Creek, 
in Missouri, aged about 28 years. He was a 
native of Kentucky, and had large and influen- 
tial connections in that State. For many years, 
however, he had been a highly esteemed com- 
mission merchant in St. Louis, where his un- 
timely death was sincerely mourned. 

Aug. 10. — Charles Eoggers, major in the 
Missouri State Guard in the Confederate ser- 
vice, killed at Wilson's Creek, in Missouri, 
aged about thirty years. Major Eoggers was 
an old resident of St. Louis, and a prominent 
politician. He early espoused the cause of the 
South, and was one of the association in St. 
Louis called minute men, before the war was 
actually commenced. 

Aug. 10. — EiOHAED Hansom Weightman, a 
colonel in the Missouri State Guard in the 



service of the Confederate States, killed at the 
battle of Wilson's Creek, or, as it is called in 
the South, "Oak Hills." He commanded a bri- 
gade of Missourians at that battle, and had or- 
ganized and drilled them himself. They com- 
posed the best brigade then in that army. It 
was the excellent fighting of this brigade, and 
the military sagacity of its commander, that 
worsted Sigel's lines on the left of the Mne of 
battle. Col. Weightman was then sent to the 
right (Confederate left), when the long and 
sanguinary contest raged for the possession of 
Bloody Hill, where Gen. Lyon fell and where 
Col. Weightman was killed. He had mani- 
fested marked military abilities in the battle of 
Carthage, July 5, 1861, and distinguished him- 
self by his reckless courage. He was a native 
of the District of Columbia, and the son of 
General Weightman. He entered West Point 
from the District of Columbia, and Avas a cadet 
from Aug., 1835, to April, 1837. He was expelled 
for cutting a brother cadet in the face with a 
knife, in a personal rencontre. With the same 
knife he killed the celebrated Santa Fe trader, 
F. X.Xaubrey, in a personal difiiculty. He served 
in the Mexican war as captain in Major M. L. 
Clark's volunteer light artillery battalion from 
Missouri, and distinguished himself under Col. 
Doniphan at the battle of Sacramento ; v/as 
additional paymaster until May, 1848, and mus- 
tered out of service August, 1849. Upon the 
organization of New Mexico, Col. Weightman 
was chosen provisionally United States senator 
from New Mexico, 1850. He afterwards repre- 
sented New Mexico in the U. S. Congress, from 
the year 1851 to 1853. His loss to Gen. Price's 
army was very seriously felt. He had done much 
by his military acquirements and energy toward 
perfecting the organization and the discipline 
of Price's raw troops, and in that day of mili- 
tary ignorance none could be found able to fiU 
his place. 

Aug. 14. — Col. Noah L. Faenham, born at 
Haddam, Conn., June 6, 1829. At 18 years of 
age he became a member of the New York 
" City Guard," and was on active duty at the 
time of the "Astor Place Eiot." In 1857 he 
was elected second sergeant in the " Seventh 
Eegiment," in which he v^as a recruit. When 
the " Seventh " left for Washington, Farnham 
was acting as first lieutenant, but upon Ells- 
worth's arrival at Washington with his regi- 
ment, he prevailed upon Farnham to accept the 
oflBce of lieutenant-colonel of the Zouaves, and 
upon the death of Ellsworth he became colonel. 
When his regiment received orders to move on 
to Manassas he was confined to a sick bed, but 
rose, and, placing himself at the head of his 
men, hastened to the scene of action. Col. F. 
fought gallantly, but early in the engagement 
received a wound in his head, which, in his ex- 
hausted state, soon terminated fatally. 

Sept. 10. — Col. John Williamson Lowe, of 
the Ohio volunteers, killed at Carnifex ferry. 
He was born in New Brunswick, N. J., Nov. 
15, 1809. When the Mexican war broke out, 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



725 



having some military knowledge, and feeling 
that his country needed his services, he accept- 
ed the command of the 4th Ohio regiment and 
"went to the seat of war, serving until it was 
disbanded in 1848. When the rebellion began, 
he once more offfered himself to his country. 
The 12th regiment was organized and he was 
unanimously chosen its colonel, and, united to 
the Cox brigade, they advanced up the Ka- 
nawha River. The only battle necessary to 
clear the Kanawha valley of the rebels was 
fought by the 12th, under Col. Lowe's com- 
mand. 

Sept. 15. — Jonx A. "Washington, colonel in 
the Confederate army, shot in a- skirmish. He 
was a collateral descendant of the Washington 
family, and had been the proprietor of Mount 
Vernon, but sold it for $200,000 to the Mount 
Vernon Association. 

Sept. 17. — Col. JoHNSTOX, an officer of 

the Confederate army, killed in battle in Mis- 
souri. 

Oct. 21. — Edwaed D. Baker, an American 
senator and soldier, born in England about the 
beginning of the present century, and killed at 
the head of his column, at the battle of Ball's 
Bluff, Va., Oct. 21, 1861. He came to this 
country when five years of age, and found a 
home in Philadelphia, to which place his father, 
who was a member of the Society of Friends, 
was attracted by the large number of Friends in 
that vicinity. Before he reached the age of 
early manhood his father died and left Edward 
and a younger brother with no near relatives 
in this country, and portionless. Stout-hearted 
and self-reliant, the boy found work by which 
he could support his brother and himself, as 
a weaver, in a small establishment in South 
Street, Philadelphia. His leisure moments were 
earnestly occupied with reading, and most of 
his reading was of an instructive character. 
The AVest was then a region of romance, and its 
broad prairies and fertile soil presented attrac- 
tions to those who looked forward to fortune 
in the future. Young Baker resolved to go 
thither, and taking his brother with him, the 
two youthful emigrants started westward with 
their packs upon their shoulders, with light 
hearts and purses as light. Crossing the then 
new States of Ohio and Indiana, they finally 
reached Springfield, Illinois, which Edward 
deemed the place for their future home. Here 
he soon commenced the study and the practice 
of law, and having a natural gift of oratory, to 
which his extensive reading had added a large 
vocabulary, he soon became one of the most 
popular advocates in the State. Uniting his 
fortunes with those of the Whig party, he soon 
won his way to political honors, and in 1846-'47 
was elected to Congress from his district, and 
was fast becoming recognized as one of the 
leaders of his party, when the commencement 
of the Mexican war attracted his ardent spirit, 
and returning to Illinois he raised a regiment, 
and took it to the Rio Grande. Availing him- 
self of a brief furlough, he resumed his place in 



Congress long enough to press his views and 
give his vote in behalf of the war, and hastened 
back to his regiment, which he overtook on the 
march from Vera Cruz. He distinguished him- 
self in every action on the route to Mexico, 
and when Cen. Shields was wounded at Cerro 
Gordo, he succeeded to the command of the 
brigade, and led it through all the subsequent 
conflicts of the wax*. Returning to Hlinois, he 
was again elected to Congress, and served his 
district there till 1850, when he visited Panama 
on business, and though attacked by the Chag- 
res fever and compelled to return, he had 
learned too much of the new Eldorado of the 
West, California, to be contented to remain 
east of the Rocky Mountains, and in 1851 he 
removed to San Francisco, where he soon took 
rank as the leader of the California bar, and 
the most eloquent speaker in the golden State. 

His impressive and touching oration over the 
body of his friend Broderick, will never be for- 
gotten by those who heard it. He soon after 
removed to Oregon, where in 1860 he was 
elected to the U. S. Senate. He there distin- 
guished himself as one of the firmest and lofti- 
est patriots of the Senate, and in debate proved 
himself the most effective orator of that body. 
The taking of Fort Sumter fired his soul anew 
with military ardor, and on the 20th of April, 
at the mass meeting in Union Park, New York 
city, he delivered an address which thrilled 
the souls of all who heard it. He there pledged 
his personal services to the country as a soldier, 
and closed his speech with these impressive 
and eloquent words, which were greeted with 
a thunder of applause : 

" And if, from the far Pacific, a voice feebler 
than the feeblest murmur upon its shore may 
be heard to give you courage and hope in the 
contest, that voice is yoiu-s to-day ; and if a 
man whose hair is gray, who is well-nigh worn 
out in the battla and toil of life, may pledge 
himself on such an occasion and in such an 
audience, let me say, as my last word, that 
when, amid sheeted fire and flame, I saw and 
led the hosts of New York as they charged in 
contest upon a foreign soil for the honor of your 
flag ; so again, if Providence shall will it, this 
feeble hand shall draw a sword, never yet dis- 
honored — not to fight for distant honor in a 
foreign land, but to fight for country, for home, 
for law, for government, for constitution, for 
right, for freedom, for humanity, and in the hope 
that the banner of my country may advance, 
and wheresoever that banner waves, there glory 
may pursue and freedom be established." 

The pledge thus made was speedily fulfilled. 
Though having a strong presentiment that he 
should fall in battle, he raised a fine regiment, 
called the California Regiment, which he led 
into the war, and had been nominated Brig- 
adier-General, when the disastrous battle of 
Ball's Bluff occurred. He commanded a brigade 
in that battle, and after exhibiting the most 
heroic bravery and daring, exposing himself for 
some hours in the hottest of the fight, he fell 



726 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



pierced with six wounds. His colleague in the 
Senate, and Senators Latham and McDougal 
of California, and Sumner of Mass., pronounced 
touching and eloquent eulogiums on his memory. 

Oct. 22. — William Lowell Putnam, a lieu- 
tenant of volunteers in the United States army, 
born in Boston, July 9, 1840, the grandson of 
Rev. Dr. Charles Lowell and Judge Samuel 
Putnam, educated partly in France, where he 
resided from 1851 to 1858, and subsequently 
trained in law and science in Harvard Univer- 
sity; entered the 20th regiment of Massachu- 
setts volunteers in 1861 ; was called to the field 
in September, and on the 21st of October, at 
the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluif, received a 
moi'tal wound while leading on his battalion to 
the rescue of a wounded officer. When borne 
to the hospital tent he declined the surgeon's 
assistance, bidding hhn go to those whom his 
services could benefit, as his life could not be 
saved. He died from his wound the next day. 
He was a young man of extraordinary genius, 
and of most lovely and blameless life, and the 
vast assembly who gathered in Boston to do 
lienor to his last remains, responded most feel- 
ingly to the eloquent and touching portrayal 
of his character by his pastor. Rev. Dr. Bartol, 
and Rev. James Freeman Clarke. 

Nov. 18. — Capt. Geoege W. Snydee, died at 
Washington, D. C, aged 28 years. He was 
born in 1836 in New York. In 1852 he was 
appointed from the State of New York a cadet 
in the military academy at West Point, where 
he graduated with high honor, holding the 
rank of first captain. On leaving the academy 
he was appointed a second lieutenant of engi- 



neers, the highest promotion accessible to a re- 
cent graduate. He was attached in 1859 to the 
board of engineers under the presidency of Col. 
Thayer, of Boston. In the following year he 
was acting assistant professor of military and 
civil engineering at West Point. When trouble 
was anticipated at Charleston he was sent to 
that station as first engineer, assistant to Capt. 
Foster, and through the hardships consequent 
upon the siege of Fort Sumter, contracted the 
disease which ultimately proved fatal. 

Dec. 26. — Gen. Philip St. Geoege Cooke, an 
oflacer in the Confederate army, died in Rich- 
mond, Va., aged 53 years. Holding the State 
rights views of some of the leading men of 
Virginia, at the commencement of the present 
war he volunteered his services in the Con- 
federate army of the Upper Potomac, and 
served as captain, colonel, and general. Upon 
the field of Bull Run he was commander of the 
5th Confederate brigade. After a campaign 
of eight months he returned to his home, shat- 
tered both in mmd and body, and in a parox- 
ysm of insanity put" an end to his life. 

Dec. — . — Geoege St. John Ceoghan, a 
colonel in the Confederate army, killed in a 
skirmish during Floyd's retreat from Cotton 
Hill, in Western Virginia. Col. Oroghan was 
the sou of the late Col. Croghan, of historical 
distinction in the North-Western campaign of 
the war of 1812. Col. George St. John Croghan 
was born in Kentucky. He invented a pack 
saddle for mules, which would convey three 
wounded men over the steep mountain passes 
of Western Virginia with almost the ease and 
comfort of an ambulance. 



1862. 



March 2. — Brig.-Gen. Feedeeiok William 
Landee, an oflBcer of volunteers in the United 
States service, born in Salem, Mass., December 
17, 1822, died at Pawpaw, Va., March 2, 1862. 
He was educated at the Dummer Academy, 
Byfield, and completed his studies as engineer 
at Partridge's Military Academy in Norwich, 
Vt. After practising his profession a few years 
in Massachusetts, he was employed by the Gov- 
ernment to conduct several important surveys, 
among which were two to determine the prac- 
ticability of a railroad route to the Pacific, from 
the second of which, organized at his own ex- 
pense, he was the only one who returned alive. 
In 1858 he had the command of an expedition 
to open a wagon road to California, across the 
plains. He made five explorations across the 
continent, as engineer, chief engineer, or super- 
intendent, and for his celerity and efficiency 
was highly complimented by the Secretary of 
the Interior, in his official report. While en- 
gaged in this work his party were at one time 
attacked by the Indians, over whom they gained 
a complete victory, thereby ensuring safe con- 



duct to the emigrant trains crossing the country. 
Of the appropriations made by Congress in two 
seasons alone for the construction of these roads, 
he brought back $100,000 of unexpended funds. 
At the commencement of the civil war, in 1861, 
he offered his services to Gen. Scott, " in any 
capacity, at any time, and for any duty," and 
was successfully employed on several important 
missions in the Southern States. After serving 
as a volunteer aid to Gen. McClellan in western 
Virginia, and participating in the capture of 
Philippi and the battle of Rich Mountain, he 
was, in July, 1861, commissioned brigadier- 
general, and assigned to an important command 
on the Upper Potomac. During the disaster 
at Ball's Bluff" he was at Washington arranging 
for the opening of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- 
road. Receiving the intelhgence of the action, 
he hastened to the spot, and in the skirmish 
which he had with the enemy opposite Edwards' 
Ferry, was wounded in the leg by a musket 
ball. Before the wound was healed he reported 
for duty, and was assigned the command of the 
forces at Romney, Va. A movement on the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



727 



part of Gen. Jackson, threatening to outflank 
his troops, rendered it expedient for him to evac- 
uate the position, which he did without loss, 
and soon after recovered it. Having discovered a 
Confederate camp at Bloomery Gap, he marched 
his four thousand men a distance of forty-tliree 
miles through deep snow, without rest and 
with little sustenance, and charging upon them 
completely routed the enemy, capturing seven- 
teen commissioned officers and fifty privates. In 
this brilliant dash the Confederate commander 
and his staff surrendered to Gen. Lander, who, 
with a single aid, had outridden the rest of the 
force, and coming upon them at full gallop de- 
manded their swords. In recognition of these 
services he received a special letter of thanks, 
written by the Secretary of War in behalf of 
the President. Soon after Gen. Lander was 
compelled, in consequence of his health, to ap- 
ply for a temporary respite fi'ora military duties, 
but before his request could be complied with, 
he leai'ned that the enemy were within his 
reach, and while preparing for a midnight attack, 
died suddenly with congestion of the bram. In 
personal presence Gen. Lander was commanding 
and attractive, and as a military leader com- 
bined a spirit of the most daring enterprise with 
clearness of judgment in the adaptation of means 
to results. 

March 7. — Bejt McCulloch, a general in 
the Confederate army, born in Rutherford Co., 
Tenn., in 1814, killed in the battle of Pea Ridge, 
March 7, 1862. He was a son of Alexander 
McCulloch, who fought under Gen. Jackson at 
the battles of Talladega, Tallahassee, and Horse- 
shoe, during the Creek war. He attended school 
in Tennessee until he was 14 years of age, and 
from that time until 21 was mostly engaged in 
hunting, in which occupation he became highly 
skilled. This life gave him a taste for adventure, 
and, upon learning of an expedition of trappers 
to the Rocky Mountains, he made arrangements 
to join them ; failing in this, however, he en- 
gaged to join the expedition of David Crockett 
to Texas, to take part in the revolution ; but, 
arriving at Nacogdoches, the place of rendez- 
vous, too late, he proceeded alone to tlie river 
Brazos, where he was taken sick, and did not 
recover until after the fall of the Alamo. In 
1836 he joined the Texan army under Gen. 
Sam. Houston, and was assigned to the artillery. 
He served gallantly at the battle of San Jacinto, 
and afterwards settled in Gonzales Co., Texas, 
and was employed on the frontier, surveying 
and locating lands. Upon the breaking out of 
the Mexican war he raised a company of Texan 
rangers, and arrived at the seat of war four days 
after the battles of Palo Alto and the Resaca. 
His company were accepted by Gen. Taylor, 
and won great honor at the battles of Monterey 
and Buena Vista. He afterwards joined Gen. 
Scott's army, and for his gallant services at the 
taking of the city of Mexico, was appointed 
United States Marshal of Texas by President 
Pierce. In 1857 he was appointed, in conjunc- 
tion with Ex-Governor Powell, commissioner 



to Utah. At the time of the inauguration of 
President Lincoln he was in Washington, it was 
believed, making arrangements, at the head of 
a body of secessionists, to take possession of the 
city; but, owing to the precautions of Gen. 
Scott, the idea was abandoned. He was subse- 
quently made brigadier-general in the Confed- 
erate array, and assigned the command of the 
Arkansas forces. In June, 1861, he issued a 
proclamation to the people of Arkansas to as- 
semble at Fayetteville to defend the State from 
invasion from Missouri. He commanded at the 
battle of Wilson's Creek, where Gen. Lyon was 
killed, and, it was said, having some misunder- 
standing with Gen. Price, surrendered the com- 
mand to him. At the battle of Pea Ridge he 
led a corps of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas 
troops, and fell on the second day of the en- 
gagement. 

Ilarch 7.— Gen. James MoIntosh, an officer 
in the Confederate army, killed at the battle of 
Pea Ridge (or Elk Horn, as it is sometimes 
called), on the 7th of March, the first day of the 
battle. Gen. Mcintosh succeeded to the com- 
mand of that wing of the army commanded by 
Gen. Ben. McCuUough, who had fallen early in 
the action. He had scarcely assumed command, 
when as he passed his old regiment, which was 
about to charge, he was enthusiastically cheered. 
His brave spirit could not withstand the temp- 
tation to place himself at their head, and lead 
the charge. He received the contents of a 
musket, loaded with buck-shot and ball, in the 
breast, and died instantly. It was said that the 
shot came from some of his own men ; but the 
assertion has not been substantiated. At the 
time of his death he was regarded as the most 
dashing and accomplished cavalry officer in the 
Trans-Mississippi army of the South. Gen. 
Mcintosh was born in Florida, and entered 
West Point military academy in 1845. Entered 
the army as brevet second lieutenant of the 1st 
infantry in 1849. In 1851 he was in the 8th 
infantry. 

March 7.— Geo. W. Y, Slack, an officer in 
the Confederate army, was mortally wounded 
on the first day of the battle of Pea Ridge (or 
Elk Horn). He resided before the war in Linn 
County, Missouri, and was a member of the 
State Senate. He entered into the service of 
the State upon the first call of Governor Jack- 
son, and was subsequently in all of Gen. Price's 
battles in Missouri, distinguished at all times 
for his coolness, courage, moderation, and good 
sense. He commanded a cavalry brigade at 
the battle of Wilson's Creek, and was severely 
wounded. Upon the transfer of the Mis- 
soui-i troops from the State to the Confederate 
service, in January, 1862, he resigned his posi- 
tion as general, and modestly entered the Con- 
federate service as a private. He was chosen 
by the men formerly under his command, and 
temporarily assumed the command, as briga- 
dier-general. Owing to the difficulty of com- 
munication with the government at Richmond, 
his appointment as general did not reach the 



728 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



army until after his death. In spite of all 
opposition, Gen. Slack had himself placed in 
an ambulance and attempted to follow the 
retreat of his troops, but was at length per- 
suaded to allow himself to be secreted in a 
country house, declaring he would rather die 
than be captured. Parties of the Federal cav- 
alry visited the house in search of him, but he 
feigned to be a private, and was not molested. 
His mortal wound was only half an inch above 
the one received at Wilson's Creek. 

March 8. — Oapt. Churchill Clakk, an oflBcer 
of artillery in the Confederate army, kUled at 
Pea Eidge (Elk Horn). Capt. Clark was born 
in St. Louis, Mo., on the 12th of Sept., 1842. 
He entered the military academy at "West Point, 
in 1859, appointed at large. He remained a 
cadet until June, 1861, when he resigned, and 
entered the Southern service as a cadet of the 
regular army. He was sent from Eichmond 
as bearer of desptches to the Trans-Mississippi 
Department, and reported to Maj.-Gen. Sterling 
Price at Lexington, Mo. He was placed in 
command of two pieces of field artillery, and 
distinguished himself in the siege of Lexing- 
ton. A guerdon was offered to him who should 
break the Federal flagstaff and bring down the 
flag, which was won by Capt. Clark, who 
sighted his own guns. His bravery and skill, 
and his youth, then only eighteen years old, 
won the respect and admiration of the army. 
He was highly complimented in general orders 
for his conduct in this engagement. When the 
army was reorganized at Springfield, Mo., Capt. 
Clark received a full battery of four guns from 
Gen. Price, and it was whilst in command of this 
battery, that on the second day of the battle of 
Elk Horn, his head was taken off by a cannon 
ball, just as he was limbering up his last gun, 
preparatory to a retreat. Capt. Clark had been 
ordered to retire, and had already withdrawn 
his other guns. 

March 8.— Col. Benjamut A. Eives, an offi- 
cer in the Confederate army, kUled at the 
battle of Pea Ridge (or Elk Horn). Col. Eives 
was born in Virginia, and married the daugh- 
ter of Col. Towns, of Spottsylvania County 
in that State. Early in life he removed to 
Eay County, Missouri, where he settled, and 
practised the profession of medicine. He raised 
and tendered to Governor Claiborne F. Jackson 
the first military company that was raised in 
the State of Missouri to fight in behalf of the 
cause of the South. He subsequently com- 
manded a regiment in Gen. Slack's brigade of 
cavalry, and at the battle of Wilson's Creek, as 
senior colonel, succeeded to the command of the 
brigade after the general was severely woundei 
In January, 1802, upon the transfer of the troops 
from the State to the Confederate service, he 
was elected colonel of the third Missouri regi- 
ment, and was killed at the head of his regiment, 
gallantly maintaining his high reputation as a 
brave and skilful officer. 

April 6.— Col. Bltthe, an officer in the 
Confederate army, killed at the battle of Shiloh, 



in Tennessee. Col. Blythe was from Missis- 
sippi, and was formerly consul to Havana. 

April 6. — Brig.-Gen. Gladden, an officer 
in the Southern army, killed at the battle of 
Shiloh. Gen. Gladden was born in South Car- 
olina, but at the commencement of the war was 
a citizen of the State of Louisiana. He had dis- 
tinguished hhuself in the war with Mexico, on 
the bloody fields of Contreras and Churubusco, 
and received honorable wounds in those engage- 
ments. He died in the belief that the Confed- 
erate arms had achieved a great victory, and 
exclaimed : " This is the best day of my 
life!" 

April 6. — Albert Sydney Johnston, a gen- 
eral in the Confederate service, born in Mason 
County, Kentucky, in 1803, was killBd at the 
battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. He graduated 
at West Point in 1826, as lieutenant in the 6th 
infantry, served in the Black Hawk war, and in 
1836 entered the Texan army as a private sol- 
dier. After several promotions, he succeeded 
Gen. Felix Houston in the chief command, and 
was involved in a duel with him in consequence. 
In 1838 he was appointed secretary of war, 
and the following year engaged in a success- 
ful expedition against the Cherokees. In 1840 
he retired to private life for a time, in Brazo- 
ria County, Texas ; but in 1846, at the sohci- 
tation of Gen. Taylor, he assumed the com- 
mand of a volunteer Texan regiment against 
the Mexicans. At the siege of Monterey he 
served as inspector-general, and won himself 
much distinction. In October, 1849, he re- 
ceived from President Taylor the appointment 
of paymaster of the army, with the rank of 
major. In 1857 he conducted the expedition 
against the Mormons, and commanded the dis- 
trict of Utah, with the brevet rank of briga- 
dier-general, until 1860, when he was removed 
to the command of the Pacific department, and 
stationed at San Francisco. His sympathies 
being upon the side of the Southern Confed- 
eracy, he was making arrangements to deliver 
the State of California to the Confederacy when 
he was unexpectedly superseded in his com- 
mand by General E. V. Sumner, before his 
plans were coTnpleted. Upon his return to the 
East he was placed in an important command, 
and at the battle of Shiloh was commander- 
in-chief of the Confederate army of the West, 
and, in the first day of that sanguinary fight, 
Avhen encouraging and urging forward his 
troops, was mortally wounded. 

April 6. — Lieut. Fitz James O'Brien died in 
Virginia, aged 33 years. He was born in Ire- 
laud, and came to this country about 1850. He 
was a brOliant writer, and also a poet of much 
merit. In April, 1861, upon the call for troops, 
he enlisted in the Yth regiment New York State 
militia, and in Jan., 1862, accepted an appoint- 
ment upon the Staff of Gen. Lauder, and in the 
short time of service prior to his death, distin- 
guished himself as an officer of courage and 
daring. He was wounded in a skirmish on 
Feb. 10, and died from tetanus, following a 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



729 



severe surgical operation, whidi lie bore with 
gi-eat fortitude. 

ApiHl 6. — Ool. Everett Peabodt, of the 
25th Missouri i*egiment, was killed in the battle 
of Shiloh. He was born in Springfield, Mass., 
June 13, 1830, graduated at Harvard College 
in 1849, and adopted civil engineering as a 
profession, in which he rapidly distinguished 
liimself. He was employed upon various rail- 
roads at the West, and in 1859 was chief engi- 
neer of the Platte County Railroad. When the 
war broke out he raised a battalion, was com- 
missioned major, and employed in repairing 
and defending the railway communications of 
northern Missouri. He commanded 1,200 men 
at the siege of Lexington, and received a wound, 
which lamed him for life, notwithstanding 
which he reorganized his regiment, and upon 
joining Gen. Grant's army was assigned the 
command of a brigade under Gen. Prentiss on 
the exposed loft wing, nearest the enemy, where 
in the unequal conflict he was kiUed. 

April 6. — Col. KiTT Williams, an officer 
in the Confederate army, killed at Shiloh. 

April 7. — Col. William Pegkam was killed 
at the battle of Shiloh, Tenn. He was born in 
Virginia, but had resided for many years in 
Kentucky. Though a brother of Robert Pe- 
gram, commander of the Confederate steamer 
Nashville, he was a stanch loyalist, and. raised 
a regiment of cavalry, which was in the engage- 
ment at Pittsburg Landing. At the time of his 
death he was acting brigadier-general. 

April 7. — George M. Johxstojt, Seces- 
sion Provisional Governor of Kentucky, killed 
at Shiloh on the second day of the battle. He 
was the son of the hero of the battle of the 
Thames, and during a long public and private 
career had been regarded as one of the noblest 
sons of Kentucky. He served in the stafi" de- 
partment the first day of the battle, but having 
had his horse killed under him, he entered a Ken- 
tucky infantry company that night, and was 
regularly " sworn in." On the second day he 
fell mortally wounded in the thickest of the 
fight. In making official mention of his death. 
Gen. Beauregard declared " that not Kentucky 
alone, but the whole Confederacy, had sustained 
a great loss in the death of this brave, upright, 
and able man." 

April 8. — Prof. Miles J. Fletcher, of the 
Indiana Asbury Universitv, Greencastle, Ind., 
and State Superintendent oi Public Instruction, 
was killed while on his way to aid the wound- 
ed, after the battle of Shiloh, He was a man 
of superior attainments, and of earnest loyalty 
and patriotism. During a part of the previous 
year he had added to his other duties that of 
assistant adjutant-general. In his message ot 
Jan. 1863, Gov. Morton paid a tribute to his 
many virtues and excellencies. 

April 10. — Gen. Wm, Harvey Lamb Wal- 
lace died at Savannah, Tenn., from a wound 
received in the battle of Shiloh. He was born 
in Urbana, Ohio, July 8, 1821, was educated 
for the law, served in the Mexican war, and in 



1853 was elected State attorney for the ninth 
judicial circuit of Illinois. He held command 
of the 11th regiment of Illinois volunteers, and 
joined the depot at Cairo during the early stages 
of the war. He held a command in the troops 
sent to attack Fort Henry, and distinguished 
himself in the siege of Fort Donelson, where 
he commanded a brigade in Gen. McClernand's 
division of Gen. Grant's army. For his gal- 
lantry upon that occasion he was made by 
Congress, on the 21st of March, a full brigadier- 
general, and with that rank went with the ex- 
pedition up the Tennessee River. 

April 25. — Charles Ferguson Smith, a ma- 
jor-general of volunteers in th.e United States 
service, born in Pennsylvania about 1806, died 
at Savannah, Tennessee, April 25, 1862. He was 
a son of the late Dr. Samuel B. Smith, TJ. S, A., 
graduated with honor at West Point in 1835, and 
was made second lieutenant of artillery on the 
1st of July in the same year. In 1829 he was 
appointed assistant instructor in infantry tactics 
at West Point ; in 1831 was promoted to the 
adjutancy, and in 1832 was made a first lieu- 
tenant. In 1838 he was appointed mstructor 
in infantry tactics and commandant of cadets, 
and the same year was promoted to a captaincy. 
He took an important part in most of the bat- 
tles during the Mexican war ; in 1847 was bre- 
vetted major for gallant conduct in the battles 
of Pala Alto and Resaca do la Palma, in Texas, 
and at the battles of Monterey, Contreras, and 
Churubusco, won the successive brevets of lieu- 
tenant-colonel and colonel. In the same year 
he was appointed acting inspector-general in 
Mexico. On the 25th of November, 1854, he 
was made major of the 1st artillery, and the 
following year lieutenant-colonel of the 10th 
infan'try. In Sept., 1851, he was promoted to 
the colonelcy of tli« 3d infantry, having the 
previous month been appointed brigadier-gen- 
eral of volunteers, and taken chai'ge of the troops 
at Paducah, Ky. At the attack on Fort Donel- 
son, the most brilliant charge was made by the 
troops under his command, and had much to do 
with the surrender. For his gallantry on that 
memorable occasion he was promoted to a 
major-generalship, and ordered to take posses- 
sion of Savannah, Tenn., where he died of 
chronic dysentery contracted during the Mexi- 
can war, and fatally aggravated by his expos- 
ures in the campaign of the West. 

May 18. — Gen. Wm. H. Keim died at Har- 
risburg, Pa., aged about 49 years. He was for 
several years a militia general, and in 1859 
was elected surveyor-general of the State. At 
the commencement of the present war he ac- 
cepted the position of major-general from Gov. 
Curtin, and was in Gen. Patterson's division on 
the Upper Potomac during the three months' 
service. In the fixll of 1861 he was appointed 
a brigadier-general by the President, and join- 
ed McClellan's division, Avhere a brigade, con- 
sisting chiefly of Pennsylvania regiments, was 
placed under his command. He died of a com- 
bined attack of typhoid fever and dysentery. 



730 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



June 1. — Col. Olivee H. Eiplet, of tlie 61st 
Pennsylvania regiment, killed in the battle be- 
fore Eichmond. He was born in Pittsburg in 
1826, studied law under Bushrod "Washington, 
Esq., served in the Mexican War, and upon his 
return resumed the practice of his profession, 
for which he possessed talents of the first order. 
As a soldier he possessed every necessary ele- 
ment — courage, endurance, and faith. 

June 5. — Col. Albert Waljoo Drake, died 
in South Windsor, Conn., aged 27 years. He 
entered the junior class in Yale after having 
been a member of Williams College, and grad- 
uated in 1857, studied law in Hartford and 
New Haven, and was admitted to the bar in 
1859, in which year hfe was a member of the 
Connecticut House of Eepresentatives. He 
afterwards commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession in Hartford. At the beginning of the 
present war he was commissioned as first lieu- 
tenant of the 1st Connecticut volunteers, and 
distinguished himself with honor in the battle 
of Bull Eun. He was subsequently appointed 
by the governor lieut.-colonel of the 10th Con- 
necticut volunteers, and as such was engaged in 
the battle of Eoanoke Island. He took part 
also in the capture of Newbern, and was then 
appointed colonel of his regiment. 

June 6. — General Tuknek Ashby, an ofiicer 
of cavalry in the Confederate army, killed in a 
skirmish near Harrisonburg, Virginia. He was 
the second son of the late Col. Turner Ashby, of 
" Eose Bank," Fauquier County, and Doi'othia 
F. Green, daughter of the late James Green, Sr., 
of EappahannocK: County, Virginia. The per- 
sonal appearance of Gen. Ashby was not strik- 
ing. He was of small stature, had a long black 
beard, and dark complexion. His eyes were 
dark and glittering. In battle his face was 
lighted up with the glow of excitement, and his 
eyes flashed like the blade of a ciraeter. It 
was not generally known that the man who 
performed such deeds of desperate valor and 
enterprise, and who was generally pictured to 
the mind as a fierce, stalwart, and relentless 
adventurer, was as remarkable for his piety and 
devoutness as for his military achievements. 
His manners were a combination of gentleness 
with the most enthusiastic courage. It is said 
of Mm that when he gave his most daring com- 
mands he would gently draw his sabre, wave 
it round his head, and in a clear ringing voice 
command, "Follow me!" In his manner he 
was grave and silent, but courteous and gentle. 
He was singularly domestic in his tastes, and 
shunned the dissipations so common to young 
men. He had an enthusiastic love, however, 
for the chase and all field sports. He was an 
excellent and graceful horseman, and loved the 
horse. Gen. Ashby covered Gen. Jackson's 
(Stonewall) retreat from Kearnstown after the 
battle at that place. In his report Gen. Jack- 
son says : " An ofiicial report is not an appro- 
priate place to give a passing notice of the dis- 
tinguished dead, but the close relations Gen. 
Aahby has borne to my command for the last 



twelve months justify me in saying that as a 
partisan officer I never knew his superior. 
His daring was proverbial ; his powers of en- 
durance almost incredible ; his tone of charac- 
ter heroic, and his sagacity almost intuitive in 
divining the purposes and movements of the 
enemy." The death of his brother, Capt. 
Eichard Ashby, saddened the life and changed 
the disposition of Gen. Ashby very materially. 
Capt. Eichard Ashby had been engaged in a 
hand-to-hand contest in a skirmish, and had 
wounded his opponent, but in his retreat his 
horse proved false and ' fell. Capt. Ashby was 
caught, wounded, and beaten, and left for dead. 
He lived for several days, however, and died 
among his friends. But from that day Gen. 
Ashby always wore a sad smile ; he was more 
silent and solemn and earnest than before. 
His behavior at his brother's grave was most 
touching. He stood over the open grave, 
took his brother's sword, broke it, and threw 
it in ; clasped his hands and looked up- 
wards, as if in resignation, and then pressing 
his lips, as if in the bitterness of his grief, 
while a tear rolled down his cheek, he turned 
without a word, mounted his horse and rode 
away. Thenceforth his name was a terror 
No dinner parties, no collations, no induce 
ments could draw him away from his camp or 
his duties. He slept among his men, treated 
them as equals, and they idolized him. No 
matter at what time of night he was aroused 
he was wakeful and ready for battle. His 
passion for dangers was_ extraordinary. At one 
time, to encourage some militia whom he com- 
manded, he advanced to the Potomac, and rode 
his white horse slowly up and down the bank. 
The Federal troops, with long ranged guns, 
were posted on the other side, and continually 
firing. When the balls were whistling by Mm 
thickest, Ashby would rein in his horse and 
stand perfectly stiU, the picture of daring and 
recklessness. At one time he was riding 
abreast of three hundred infantry, who were 
passing along the turnpike. All at once he 
wheeled his horse, and leaping the fence with 
drawn sword, cut his way right through them ; 
then wheeling he did the same thing a second 
time. A week after this occm-rence Ashby 
was dead. 

June 18.^0ol. elAMES H. Perry, D.D., died 
of apoplexy at Fort Pulaski, Georgia, aged 
about 51 years, fie was educated at West 
Point, served in the Texan War of Independ- 
ence and through the Mexican campaign. At 
the commencement of the present war he was 
pastor of the Pacific Street M. E. Church at 
Brooklyn, N. Y., but from love of his country, 
and a sense of duty, resigned the pastorate of 
the church, and raised a regiment called the 
Continental Guards, which was accepted as the 
48th N. Y. State volunteers. This regiment 
formed a part of Gen. Sherman's Port Eoyal 
expedition. At the time of Ms death he had 
command of Fort Pulaski. 

June 21. — Charles Ellet, Jr., an American 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



731 



engineer, born at Penn's Manor, Bucks Co., 
Pa., Jan. 1st, 1810, died at Cairo, 111., June 21, 
1862. He was a thorough master of his pro- 
fession, and his name is identified with several 
of the most important works in the country. 
He designed and built the wire suspension 
bridge across the Schuylkill at Fairmount, Phil- 
adelphia, the first in the United States, and 
subsequently the suspension bridge across the 
Niagara River below the falls, and one at 
Wheeling, Va. He constructed the temporary 
track of the Virginia Central Raih-oad across 
the Blue Ridge, and contributed largely to the 
improvement of the navigation of the Kanawha 
River. He aided also in laying out the Balti- 
more and Ohio Railroad, and there are indeed 
hardly any of the Western or Middle States 
which do not furnish some lasting evidence of 
his professional skill. In 1846-47 he was presi- 
dent of the Schuylkill Navigation Company. 
At the outbreak of the war, in 1861, he was 
residing at Washington, where he became 
deeply interested in the conduct of hiilitary 
matters, and devoted much attention to the use 
of rams in naval warfare. He projected a plan 
for cutting off the Confederate army at Manas- 
sas, which being rejected by Gen. McClellan, 
he wrote two pamphlets severely censuring his 
mode of conducting the campaign. The Navy 
Department having rejected his plan for the 
construction of rams for service on the Missis- 
sippi, he applied to the Secretary of War, and 
was successful. He was commissioned as colo- 
nel of engineers, and converted several power- 
ful steamers into rams, which did effective 
service in the naval battle off Memphis, in 
which engagement he received the wound 
whereby he lost his life. He was the author 
of an "Essay on the Laws of Trade, in refer- 
ence to the Works of Internal Improvement in 
the United States ; " a paper " On the Physical 
Geography of the Mississippi Valley, with sug- 
gestions as to the Improvement of the Navi- 
gation of the Ohio and other rivers," published 
in "Transactions of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion ; " a pamphlet on " Coast and Harbor De- 
fenses, or the Substitution of Steam Battering 
Rams for Ships of War," and several other 
imjiortant and valuable scientific papers. 

June 2Y. — Col. Isaac M. Tucker, of the 2d 
New Jersey regiment, was killed in the battle 
of Gaines' Mill. He was a resident of Newark, 
N. J., a member of the legal profession, and a 
man of much influence throughout the State. 
In 1856 he was a member of the State Repub- 
lican Executive Committee. He was a true 
patriot, and his services to his regiment were 
most valuable. He was shot by the enemy 
while being borne woimded from the field. 

June .30. — Col. Guilford D. Bailey, was 
killed at the battle of the Seven Pines, aged 28 
years. He was a native of New York, gradu- 
ated at West Point in 1856, and was appointed 
to artillery service. Soon after his graduation 
he was ordered to Florida, and after a short 
service there was assigned to Forts Mackinaw, 



Snelling, and Leavenworth successively. When 
secession began he was in Texas, where he 
refused peremptorily to be included in Twiggs' 
surrender in 1861. Coming north, he was 
sent with Major Hunt's battery to reiinforce 
Fort Pickens. Subsequently he raised a vol- 
unteer regiment in the northern part of New 
Jersey, and joined the Army of the Potomac, 
participating in all the battles until, as chief of 
artillery in Gen. Casey's division, he was mor- 
tally wounded. 

July 24. — William Henry Milnoe, M.D., 
surgeon in the army, died at Savage's Station, 
near Richmond, Va., aged about 60 years. He 
was a son of the late Rev. Dr. Milnor, and at 
the time of his death Past Grand Master of the 
Masonic Order in the State of New York. 

Aug. 5. — Brig.-Gen. Robert L. McOook, an 
oflicer in the Union service, shot by guerrillas 
near Salem, Alabama. He was a native of 
Jefferson County, Ohio, born in 1827. He 
was a man of fine attainments, and had early 
chosen the legal profession. He studied law in 
Columbus, and opened an office in that city 
when he was only 21 years of age. A few 
years later he removed to Cincinnati, where 
lie acquired a large practice. At the first 
call for troops he raised a regiment of Ger- 
mans for the war. During the two months 
that his regiment was in camp in Ohio, he had 
drilled them into a high state of perfection. 
In the campaign of Western Virginia in the 
summer and autumn of 1861 McCook and his 
" bully Dutchmen," as his regiment was called, 
were constantly on the alert, and at Rich 
Mountain, Cheat Mountain, in the various 
skirmishes on and near the line of the Balti- 
more and Ohio Railroad, and at Carnifex ferry, 
the skill, bravery, and daring of the command- 
er, and the invincibility of the troops, were 
fully tested. Early in the winter Col. McCook 
was ordered with his command to Kentucky, 
and at Mill Springs the impetuosity of his regi- 
ment in their charge upon the enemy carried 
the day. Col. McCook was wounded in the 
engagement, but only remained away from his 
regiment long enough to recover sufficient 
strength to ride on horseback. For his gallant 
conduct at Mill Springs he was promoted to a 
brigadier-generalship, the Senate unanimously 
confirming the nomination, but he was so 
strongly attached to his "bully Dutchman," 
and they were so unwilling to have any other 
commander, that he never accepted the com- 
mission. He joined Gen. Buell's command 
after the evacuation of Bowling Green, but was 
not in any of the subsequent battles. At the 
time of the attack on him he was very sick, 
and was carried in an ambulance, one regiment 
and part of another of his brigade being in ad- 
vance, and the remainder some distance in the 
rear. The guerrillas, who were partly residents 
of the vicinity, had been informed that he was 
to pass, and knowing his helpless condition, 
had lain in ambush for him while the regiments 
in advance passed. They came upon his escort 



732 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



in large force, overturned the ambulance, and 
shot him down in cold blood. His faithful 
driver and attendant bore him to the nearest 
house. He survived, though in terrible suffer- 
ing, about 24 hours. His regiment, learning 
of the death of their commander, visited the 
scene, and seizing some of the guerrillas, hung 
them at once, and destroyed their houses. The 
McOook family have contributed more men to 
the war, probably, than any other in the United 
States. Maj.-Gen. Alexander McDowell Mc- 
Cook was a brother of the murdered general, 
and sixteen members of the family have been 
either in the army or navy. 

J_ug, 5. — Col. George T. Roberts, an officer 
in the Union service, and commander of the 
7th regiment Vermont volunteers, killed at the 
battle "of Baton Rouge, La. He was a native 
of Rutland, Vt., and the regiment which he 
commanded was one raised to form part of 
Gen. Butler's command on the Ship Island ex- 
pedition. He was commissioned Feb. 12, 1862, 
and sailed for Ship Island on the 10th of the 
following month. Ool. Roberts participated in 
the capture of New Orleans, and his regiment 
suffered severely in the battle of Baton Rouge, 
in which he lost his life. 

Aii(f. 5. — Brig.-Gen. Thomas "Williams, an 
officer of the U. S. army, killed in the battle 
of Baton Rogue, La. He was a native of New 
York, born in 1818 ; was appointed a cadet 
at "West Point from Michigan in 1833, and 
graduated in 1837; received the appointment 
of brevet second lieutenant in the 4th artillery 
during the same year; in 1840-41 was acting 
assistant professor of mathematics at West 
Point; in 1844 was appointed an aide-de-camp 
on Gen. Scott's staff, and in the Mexican war 
won the brevets of captain and major for gal- 
lantry and meritorious conduct. He was pro- 
moted to a captaincy in 1850, and commissioned 
major in the 5th artillery in May, 1861, and in 
September of the same year appointed briga- 
dier-general of volunteers. During the autumn 
of 1861 he commanded the forts at Hatteras 
Inlet, and when the Ship Island expedition 
was sent out was assigned to the command of 
one of the brigades. He commanded the forces 
in the first unsuccessful attack upon Vicksburg, 
projected and superintended the cutting of the 
canal intended to turn the course of the Missis- 
sippi away from Vicksburg ; on the failure of 
this enterprise he was placed in command at 
Baton Rouge. He repelled with vigor and 
success the attack of the Confederate General 
Breckinridge on that place, but just at the close 
of the engagement, wliile bringing up a Michi- 
gan regiment to charge upon the enemy, he was 
slain. He was an able and skilful officer, and 
a very rigid discipliaarian. 

Aug. G. — Col. F. MoCuLLOTiGii, a guerrilla 
belonging to Porter's command, captured near 
Edina, Missouri. He was carried to Kirksville, 
where a court-martial was convened, before 
which he was tried and condemned to be shot 
to death with musketry the same afternoon. 



He received the announcement of his sentence 
with perfect composure, but protested against 
it. He leaned against the fence and wrote a 
few lines to his wife, which, with his watch, he 
delivered to the officer in command to give to 
her. On the way to the place of his execution 
he requested the privilege to give the command 
to fire, which was granted. All being ready, 
in a clear firm voice he said : " What I have 
done I have done as a principle of right. Aim 
at the heart. Fire!" The word taking the 
squad by surprise, one fired before the rest. 
He fell, and the remainder of the balls passed 
over him. He was despatched by another 
volley. 

A^ig. 9. — Lieut.-Col. L. H. D. Crane, an 
officer in the Union service, at the time of his 
death acting colonel of the 3d regiment Wis- 
consin volunteers, killed at the battle of Cedar 
or Slaughter Mountain. He was a citizen of 
Ripon, Wisconsin, and had been for several 
years chief clerk of the Assembly of that State. 
He joined the regiment as major, but was soon 
promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and at 
the time of the battle, owing to the illness of 
the colonel, was in actual command of the 
regiment. He was a genial, intelligent, and 
amiable man, beloved in Ms own neighborhood 
and State. 

Aug. 22. — Gen. Heinrioh Bohle^t, an officer 
in the Union service, killed while opposing the 
attempts of the Confederate force to cross the 
Rappahannock. He was a native of Germany, 
but emigrated to this country a number of 
years since, and settled in Philadelphia as an 
importer of wines. At the commencement of 
the war he raised a regiment of his country- 
men (the 75th Pennsylvania), which was sub- 
sequently attached to Gen. Blenker's division. 
He was promoted to a brigadier-generalship 
April 28, 1802, and attached to the Mountain 
Department, where he served under Fremont 
and Sigel, distinguishing himself for bravery 
and daring at the battle of Cross Keys. He 
was a man of devout and exemplary character. 
His son, Mr. J. B. Bohlen, who was on a visit 
to his native land, died in Baden-Baden on the 
same day with his father. 

Aitg. 27. — Ool. Fletcher Webster, an officer 
of volunteers in the Union service, and at the 
time of his death colonel of the 12tli regiment 
Massachusetts volunteers, died at Alexandi'ia 
of wounds received in the second battle of 
BuU Run. He was the oldest son of Daniel 
Webster, and was born at Portsmouth, N. H., 
in 1812. He was educated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege, and served as Assistant Secretary of State 
under his father during the administrations of 
Presidents Harrison and Tyler. When Caleb 
Gushing went to China as American commis- 
sioner, Mr. Webster accompanied him as Secre- 
tary of Legation. Under the administrations 
of Presidents Pierce and Buchanan he held a 
position in the Boston custom house. When 
the call was made for troops in the spring of 
1861, he was among the first to raise a regi- 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOK 



733 



ment for the war, and was in active service till 
his death. He was shot through the lungs, and 
died of hemorrhage in a few hours. He was 
the last member of his family, a brother and 
sister having previously deceased. 

Aug. 28. — Ool. Isaac H. Means, ex-governor 
of South Carolina, kUled at the second battle 
of Bull Run. He was a colonel in the Confed- 
erate service. 

Aug. 30. — Col. James Oantwell, an officer in 
the Union service, and at the time of his death 
colonel of the 82d Ohio regiment, kUled at the 
battle near Gainesville, while rallying the left 
wing of his regiment, which had given way 
under the atack of an overwhelming force of 
the Confederates. He was a citizen of Kenton, 
Hardin County, Ohio, and volunteered in the 
service at the commencement of the war, hav- 
ing been lieutenant-colonel of the 4th Ohio 
regiment of three months' troops; when they 
were disbanded he raised the 82d regiment for 
the war, and received his commission as colonel 
Dec. 31, 1861. 

Aug. 30. — Ool. John A. Koltes, an ofCcer in 
the Union service, and at the time of his death 
acting brigadier-general in Gen. Steinwehr's 
division, killed at the battle of Gainesville, Va. 
He was a native of Rhenish Prussia, born in 
1823, and came to this country in 1846. In 
Prussia he had been a professor in one of the 
gymnasia or colleges. Shortly after his arrival 
here he joined a regiment from Pennsylvania 
which had volunteered for the Mexican war, 
and served throughout that war as orderly ser- 
geant. After the close of the war he was for 
a time an officer of the Marine Corps, and was 
subsequently employed in the U. S. mint at 
Philadelphia. At the commencement of the 
present war he appealed to his countrymen to 
join him in defence of the Union, and succeed- 
ed in raising a regiment of Germans, whom he 
led to the field. He had been for four months 
acting brigadier-general in Steinwehr's division, 
and his friends had secured his promotion to 
that rank and were carrying his commission to 
liim when they met his dead body as it was 
borne from the field. 

Atig. 30. — Col. Geo. "W. Peatt, an officer in 
the Union sexwice, and at the time of his death 
colonel of the 20th regiment N. Y. State volun- 
teers, was killed at the battle near Gainesville, 
Va. He was the son of Col. Zadock Pratt, for- 
merly M. C. from Greene County, and had en- 
tered the volunteer service in the summer of 
1861. He was an excellent officer, and highly 
esteemed in private life. He was killed while 
leading his men in a charge. 

Aug. 31. — Col. Thoenton F. Beodhead, an 
officer of the Union army, and at the time of 
his death commander of the 1st Michigan cav- 
alry regiment, died at Alexandria, Va., of 
wounds received the preceding day at the 
second battle of Bull Run. He was a native 
of New Hampshire, born in 1822, and was a 
son of Rev. John Brodhead, formerly a mem- 
ber of Congress from that State. He studied 



law at the Harvard Law School, and settled in 
his profession at Detroit, Mich. He served 
with distinction in the Mexican war as an offi- 
cer in the 15th U. S. infantry, and was twice 
brevetted for gallant conduct in battle. At the 
close of the war he returned to the practice of 
his profession, and was soon after elected a 
member of the State Senate. In 1852 Presi- 
dent Pierce appointed him postmaster of De- 
troit. At the commencement of the war he 
raised a cavalry regiment, at the head of which 
he served under Gens. Banks, Fremont, and 
Pope. 

Sejit. 1. — ^Maj.-Gen. Philip Keaenet, an of- 
ficer of volunteers in the United States army, 
born in the city of New York, June 2, 1815, 
was killed at the battle of Chantilly, Va., Sept. 
1, 1862. He was of Irish descent, his great- 
grandfather having settled in Monmouth Coun- 
ty, New Jersey, in 1716, and was a nephew of 
Gen. Stephen "Watts Kearney. He studied law, 
but having a decided taste for military life, at 
the age of 22 accepted the commission of sec- 
ond lieutenant in the United States 1st dra- 
goons, commanded by his uncle, and soon after 
was sent to Europe by the Government to 
study and report upon the French cavalry tac- 
tics. To accomplish this object he entered the 
military school at Saumur, in France, and from 
thence went to Africa, where he joined the 
1st Chasseurs d'Afrique as a volunteer. By 
his daring exploits he attracted the attention 
of the French army, and was presented with 
the Cross of the Legion of Honor. In 1840 he 
returned home, and received the appointment 
of aide-de-camp to Gen. Macomb, and the fol- 
lowing year was aide-de-camp to Gen. Scott, 
serving in that capacity until 1844. In 1846 he 
became captain of a company of dragoons, and 
from his private means provided for his men 
equipments and horses, and his corps formed 
the escort of Gen. Scott when he made his en- 
trance into Vera Cruz. For gallant and meri- 
torious conduct at the battles of Contreras and 
Churubusco he was brevetted major. While 
making a brilliant charge upon a battery at the 
St. Antonio gate of the capital, he lost his left 
arm. He had ordered the charge, but his men 
beginning to waver under a terrific fire, he 
dashed forward, and the troops, electrified by 
his example, followed, and slaughtered the 
Mexicans at their guns. After the Mexican 
war he was sent to California, and commanded 
an expedition against the Indians of the Co- 
lumbia River, displaying during the campaign 
such tact and courage as won him the praise of 
the best mihtary judges. In 1851 he resigned 
his commission, and, returning to Europe, de- 
voted several years to military studies. During 
the Italian campaign of 1859, Major Kearney 
served as volunteer aid to Gen. Morris, a dis- 
tinguished officer ill the French army, and upon 
its conclusion he received from the Emperor 
Napoleon a second Cross of the Legion of 
Honor. He was residing in Paris when the 
present war broke out in 1861, and hastened 



734 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOIT. 



home to otter his services to his country, and 
after some delay was appointed brigadier-gen- 
eral of volunteers, and placed in command of 
the New Jersey troops, and afterwards of United 
States volunteers. He distinguished himself at 
Yorktown, WiUiamshurg, Fair Oaks, White Oak 
Swamp, the Cross Roads, and Malvern Hills, 
and subsequently near Washington, under Gen. 
Pope. He was commissioned major-general 
July 4, 1862. As a disciplinarian. Gen. Kear- 
ney was second to none in the army, and his 
troops were enthusiastic in their admiration of 
his military ability. 

Sept. 1. — Isaac Ingalls Stevens, a major- 
general of volunteers in the United States ser- 
vice, born in Andover, Mass., in 1817, killed 
in the battle near Chantilly, Fairfax Co., Va., 
Sept. 1, 1862. He graduated at West Point in 
1839, ranking first in his class, and was com- 
missioned second lieutenant of engineers. In 
1840 he became first lieutenant, and was era- 
ployed upon the fortifications of the New Eng- 
land coast until the Mexican war, at that time 
being adjutant of engineers. He was attached 
to G-en. Scott's staflT, and for gallant and meri- 
torious conduct at the battles of Contreras and 
Churubusco was brevetted captain, and ma,jor 
for his heroic conduct at the storming of Oha- 
pultepec, and the city of Mexico, where he re- 
ceived a severe wound from which he never 
fully recovered. His profound knowledge of 
the principles of war attracted the attention of 
his general, who spoke of him as "the most 
promising officer of his age." Upon his return 
to the United States he was selected by Prof. 
Bache to perform the duties of chief of the 
Coast Survey at Washington. In 1853 he re- 
signed his commission and accepted the ap- 
pointment of Governor of Washington Terri- 
tory, where he became known as an able ex- 
ecutive officer, displaying the most unremitting 
devotion to the interests of the Territory. 
During the administration of President Bu- 
chanan he represented Washington Territory 
as delegate in Congress for two terms. He was 
the chairman of the Breckinridge executive 
committee in the presidential campaign of 
1860; but when the leaders of the party de- 
clared for secession, he openly denounced them, 
and stood by the Union, strongly urging Presi- 
dent Buchanan to remove Secretaries Floyd 
and Thompson from the cabinet, and trust to 
the counsels of Gen. Scott. At the close of the 
session of Congress Gov. Stevens proceeded to 
Washington Territory, but upon hearing of the 
attack on Fort Sumter returned to Washington 
and offered his services to the Government. 
He was appointed colonel of the 79th New 
York Highlanders. He was commissioned brig- 
adier-general of volunteers Sept. 28, 1861, and 
accompanied Gen. Sherman to South Carolina, 
where he bore a prominent part in all the bat- 
tles near Port Royal. He was then transferred 
to North Carolina, whence he came to Virginia 
in the corps of Gen. Reno, and was promoted 
to the rank of major-general, his commission 



bearing date July 4, 1862. He was in all the 
skirmishes along the Rappahannock under Gen. 
Pope, and fought most gallantly in the battle 
near Bull Run. As he was bearing aloft the 
colors of one of his regiments, cheering on his 
men, he fell fatally wounded by a Minie ball 
passing through his head. In 1851 he publish- 
ed a work entitled " Campaigns of the Rio 
Grande and Mexico, with Remarks on the re- 
cent work of Major Ripley." 

Sept. 1. — Gen. Geoege B. Tatloe, an officer 
of the Union army, died in Alexandria of 
wounds received at the second battle of Bull 
Run. He was a native of Clinton, Hunterdon 
County, New Jersey, and was born in 1808. 
At the age of 19 he entered the navy as a 
midshipman, but after a three years' cruise set- 
tled in New Jersey as a farmer. In the Mexi- 
can war he served first as lieutenant, and af- 
terwards as captain in the 10th infantry. After 
the close of that war he resided for three years 
m California, and then returned to his native 
State, where he engaged in mining and manu- 
facturing. At tlie commencement of the present 
war he was commissioned as colonel of the 3d 
New Jersey regiment, which, under Brig.-Gen. 
Runyon, formed a part of the reserve at Bull 
Run. When the three months' men were mus- 
tered out of the service, he reorganized his 
regiment and returned to the army, and was 
attached to the Army of the Potomac when it 
went to the peninsula. After the battle of 
West Point, Gen. Kearney was made a division 
commander, and Col. Taylor was placed in 
charge of the 1st brigade of N. J. volunteers. 
On tlae 9th of May, 1862, he received his com- 
mission as brigadier-general. In the hard fight- 
ing that followed before Richmond he per- 
formed his part manfully, and when the army 
returned to the Potomac he was prompt and 
ready with his brigade in the sharp battles 
southwest of Wasliington. 

Sept. 6. — CoL. Benjamin Fbanklin Laened, 
paymaster general of the U. S. army, died at 
Washington. He was born in Massachusetts 
in 1791, and on the 21st Oct., 1813, entered the 
army as ensign in the 21st regiment of infan- 
try ; he was promoted to a first lieutenancy in 
the summer of 1814, distinguished himself at 
the defence of Fort Erie, Aug. 13 — 15 of that 
year, and received the brevet rank of captain 
for his gallant conduct. In Jan., 1815, he was 
appointed regimental paymaster, and on the 
reduction of the army retained as paymaster 
of the 5th infantry, with the rank and pay of 
major. In 1847, when two deputy paymaster 
generalships were created. Major Larned was 
appointed to one of them with the rank of 
lieutenant-colonel, and on the death of Maj.- 
Gen. Towson, in 1854, he succeeded to the 
paymaster generalship by right of seniority, 
with the rank of colonel. Regarding it a 
matter of duty to aid in the work of reorganiz- 
ing the department over which he presided, for 
the vast labors which were thrown upon it by 
the war, he toiled on, though with impaired 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE EEBELLION. 



735 



health, till the office and its duties were com- 
pletely systematized, when he sunk under the 
load and his overtasked powers gave way. He 
was greatly esteemed and beloved by all his 
acquaintance. 

Sept. 14. — Brig.-Gen. Gaeland, an offi- 
cer in the Confederate army, killed at the bat- 
tle of BoonsLoro, in Virginia, while endeavor- 
ing to rally his men. He fell pierced in the 
breast by a musket ball, and died upon the 
field. 

Sept. 15. — David Emantjel Twiggs, a major- 
general in the Confederate service, born in 
Georgia, in 1790, died in Augusta, Ga., Sept. 
15, 1862. He entered the army as a captain in 
the 8th infantry in 1812, served throughout the 
war, and was afterwards retained in service as 
captain in the 7th infantry, with the brevet 
rank of major. In the Mexican war he held 
the rank of colonel of the 2d dragoons, but 
acted as brigadier, commanding the right wing 
in the battles of Palo Alto and Eesaca de la 
Palma, and in the same month was made 
brigadier-general. He was subsequently bre- 
vetted major-general for gallant and meri- 
torious conduct at Monterey, and i^resented 
with a sword by Congress. In 1847 he was 
in command of a division under Gen. Scott, 
and the following year was military governor 
of Vera Cruz. At the commencement of the 
present war he was in command of the Union 
troops in Texas, and through complicity with 
the Confederate leaders surrendered great quan- 
tities of military stores and material into the 
hands of the State authorities, and betrayed the 
troops under his charge to the Confederate au- 
thorities. For a short time he was in com- 
mand at New Orleans, but very soon resigned, 
and after a retirement of a few months upon 
his estate in Mississippi, becoming alarmed at 
the approach of the Union troops, he removed 
to Augusta, Ga., where he died. 

Sept. 16. — Col. DixoK H. Miles, an officer 
of the U. S. army, mortally wounded at Har- 
per's Ferry, Va., by a shell thrown by the en- 
emy after his surrender of the place. He was 
a native of Maryland, born about 1803, and 
was appointed a cadet at West Point from that 
State in 1819. He graduated in 1824, and 
received an appointment as brevet second lieu- 
tenant of the 4th infantry, and the same day 
was made second lieutenant of the 7th infan- 
try. He was regimental adjutant from 1831 
to 1836, and in 1836 was promoted to a cap- 
taincy. In Jan., 1839, he was appointed assist- 
ant quartermaster on the staff, with the rank 
of captain, but resigned his staff appointment 
in Sept., 1845. On the 9th of May he was 
brevetted major for gallant conduct at Fort 
Brown, Texas ; and for his further meritorious 
conduct at several battles in Mexico, was bre- 
vetted lieutenant-colonel. In Feb., 1847, he was 
promoted as major of the 5th infantry, and in 
July, 1848, was civil and military governor of 
Jalapa, Mexico. In April, 1851, he was pro- 
moted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the 3d 



infantry, and in 1857 and 1858 distinguished 
himself in several conflicts with the Apache 
and Navajoe Indians. In Jan., 1859, he was 
promoted to the colonelcy of the 2d infantry, 
and at the battle of BuU Eun was in charge of 
the 5th division, and was ordered to cover 
the retreat. In Sept., 1862, he was intrusted 
with the command of the important post of 
Harper's Ferry, the retention and defence of 
which were essential to the complete success of 
the battles which followed. He asked for 
reenforcements, but they were not sent ; one of 
his subordinates abandoned Maryland Heights, 
which commanded the main position, and 
finding the enemy approaching in large force, 
he surrendered the post with but slight resist- 
ance, and with it nearly 14,000 men as prison- 
ers, and an immense amount of arms, ammuni- 
tion, and stores. 

Sept. 17. — Gen. Lawrence O'Beien Branch, 
an officer in the Confederate service, killed at 
the battle of Antietam. He was a son of Hon. 
John Branch, formerly governor of North Caro- 
lina, and was born in Halifax Co. in that State 
in 1820. He graduated at Nassau Hall College, 
Princeton, in 1838, studied law with his father, 
and practised his profession in Ealeigh. In 
1855 he was elected to Congress from the Ra- 
leigh district, and reelected till 1861. After 
North Carolina passed the ordinance of seces- 
sion, he entered the Confederate army first as 
colonel, but Avas soon promoted to a brigadier- 
generalship. At the battle of Newbern he had 
command of that important position, and sub- 
sequently took part in several of the battles in 
that State and on the peninsula. 

Sep)t. 17. — Joseph KingFenno Mansfield, a 
brigadier-general in the United States army, 
born in New Haven, Conn., December 22, 
1803, was killed at the battle of Antietam, 
Sept. 17, 1862. At the age of fourteen he 
received a cadet's appointment, and entered 
the military academy at West Point, where he 
distinguished himself in military studies, passing 
through every grade of office in the cadet bat- 
talion, and during a portion of the fourth 
year acted as assistant professor in the depart- 
ment of natural philosophy. He graduated in 
1822, standing No. 2 in a class of forty mem- 
bers, and was made a second lieutenant of the 
corps of engineers. For the next two years he 
was an assistant to the board of engineers, then 
assembled in New York, and engaged in plan- 
ning fortifications for the defence of the harbors 
and cities on the coast. In 1832 he was promot- 
ed to be a first lieutenant, and for a few years 
following was engaged upon the construction of 
Fort Pulaski, though in the mean thne oc- 
casionally being detached upon duty at other 
posts. On the 7th of July, 1838, he was ap- 
pointed captain. He served in the Mexican 
war as chief engineer, under Gen. Taylor, was 
brevetted major for gallant and distinguished 
services in the defence of Fort Brown, Texas, 
in 1846, and the following September was 
brevetted lieutenant-colonel for gallant and 



736 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



meritorious conduct in the battles of Monterey, 
"where he received no less than seven severe 
wounds. In 1847 he was bre vetted colonel 
for his meritorious services at Buena Vista. 
On the 26th of May, 1853, lie was appointed 
an inspector-general of the IJnited States army, 
with the rank of colonel, which position he 
held at the breaking out of the war. In 
May, 1861, he was commissioned brigadier- 
general, and was placed in command of the de- 
partment of Washington. He fortified the 
city on every side, crowned the heights of Ar- 
lington with earthworks, and took Alexandria. 
Upon the return of Gen. Wool to Fortress 
Monroe, he was sent to Hatteras, and afterwards 
to Camp Hamilton and Newport News. On 
the 10th of May he marched, with a division, 
to the attack on Norfolk, and, after the capture 
of that place, was assigned to the command of 
Suffolk, Va., where he acted as military govern- 
or. After the second battle of Bull Run, he 
was summoned to the court of inquiry at Wash- 
ington, and, during the delay, becoming impa- 
tient for activ.e duty, he was assigned to the 
command of the corps formerly under Gen. 
Banks, and, at the battle of Antietam, fell mor- 
tally wounded while cheeriilg on his troops in 
a brilliant charge. 

Sept. 17. — Col. J. H. Childs, an officer in the 
Union service, colonel of the 4th Pennsylvania 
cavalry, and at the time of his death acting 
brigadier-general, killed at the battle of Antie- 
tam. He was a citizen of Pittsburg, Pa., and 
entered the service in July, 1861. He had dis- 
tinguished himself in several battles for courage, 
coolness, and skill, and at Antietam was in 
command of a brigade of cavalry. 

Sept. 17. — Col. Augustus H. Coleman, an 
officer of the Union service, commanding the 
11th Ohio regiment, killed at the battle of An- 
tietam. He entered the service as major of the 
11th regiment, at the l)eginning of the war, and 
after its reorganization, on the resignation of 
Lieut.-Col. Frizell, in Jan., 1862, was promoted 
to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and soon after- 
wards of colonel. His regiment had done service 
in western Virginia as a part of Cox's brigade, 
and Col. Coleman had a high reputation for 
bravery and daring. 

Sei^t. 17. — Col. Saimxtel Oroasdale^ an officer 
of the Union service, commanding the 128th 
Pennsylvania regiment, killed at the battle of 
Antietam. He was a citizen of I>oylestown, 
Pa., and had a large practice in that town as 
a lawyer. Immediately after the President's 
proclamation of April 15, 1861, he volunteered 
as a private in Capt. Davis's company of three 
months' men. On their discharge he resumed 
the practice of his profession, but on the govern- 
or's call for nine months' men, in the summer 
of 1862, he opened a recruiting office and raised 
a full company of the citizens of Doylestown 
and vicinity in a few days. The 128th regi- 
ment, composed almost entirely of citizens of 
Berks, Lehigh, and Bucks Counties, was organiz- 
ed soon after, and he was appointed its coloneL ' 



After a few weeks' service in camps of instruc- 
tion near Washington, the emergencies of the 
invasion of Maryland required the services of 
Col. Croasdale's regiment in the field, and it 
marched with the grand army from Washing- 
ton. At Antietam, though a new regiment, it 
was assigned an important position, and Col. 
Oroasdale was leading it forward through a 
tempest of shot and shell, when a musket ball 
passing through his brain killed him instantly. 

Sept. 17. — Col. Roderick Matheson", an offi- 
cer of the Union army, and commander of the 
32d regiment N. Y. State volunteers (1st Cali- 
fornia regiment), killed at the battle of An- 
tietam. He was a native of New York, but had 
resided for several years in California, and in 
May, 1861, left his home in that State. and raised 
in New York city a regiment of Californians 
and those who had formerly resided on the Pa- 
cific coast. The regiment was completed about 
the 20th of June, 1861, and under Col. Matheson 
took part in the battle of Bull Run and in most 
of the subsequent battles in Virginia. His re- 
mains were sent to California, and buried with 
the honors of war at his former residence in that 
State. 

Sept. 17. — Col. Hugh Watson McNeil, an 
officer in the Union service, and commander of 
the Pennsylvania " Bucktail " regiment, killed 
at the battle of Antietam while leading his reg- 
iment in a charge. He was a native of Sene- 
ca County, N. Y., and was of Scotch family, 
his father being a Cameronian clergyman ; was 
born in 1830 ; was educated at Yale College, 
studied law at Auburn, and connnenced prac- 
tice in New York in 1857, but left his profes- 
sion on account of ill-health ; removed to Penn- 
sylvania, and engaged in banking. At the com- 
mencement of the war he joined the Bucktail 
regiment as a private, but was soon chosen first 
lieutenant, and rose by successive promotions to 
the command. 

Sept. 17. — Lieut.-Col. Philip J. Paeisen, an 
officer in the Union service, at the time of his 
death in command of the 57th regiment New 
York State volunteers, killed at the battle of 
Antietam. He was a native of New York city, 
and entered the service Dec. 21, 1861, as major 
of the 57th, and early in 1862 was promoted to 
a lieutenant-colonelcy. He took part in most 
of the battles on the peninsula and in those of 
August in the vicinity of Washington. He was 
shot through the body and instantly kUled while 
leading his regiment at Antietam. 

Sept. 17. — Brig.-Gen. Stark, an officer 

in the Confederate army, killed at the battle of 
Sharpsburg, in Maryland. 

Se2)t. 18. — Col. Henry W. Kingsbury, an 
officer of the U. S. army, commanding, at the 
time of his death, the 11th regiment Connecti- 
cut volunteers, died of wounds received the 
previous day at the battle of Antietam. He was 
a son of the late Major Julius J. B. Kingsbury, 
and was born in Connecticut in 1837. He en- 
tered West Point in 1856 and graduated in 
1861, second in his class. Soon after his grad- 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



737 



nation he was assigned to the duty of drilHng 
the volunteers at Washkigton, and after a short 
time put in command of a battery with the 
rank of captain. His thorough military knowl- 
edge and skill as an officer recommended him 
to the authorities of his native State, and he 
was oifered the command of the 11th regiment. 
He acquitted himself nobly in his new position, 
and was regarded as an officer of great promise. 
In the battle of Antietam he was four times 
seriously wounded. 

Sept. 19. — Lieut.-Ool. "Wilder Dwight, an 
officer of the Union service, lieutenant-colonel, 
at the time of his death, of the 2d Massachu- 
setts volunteers, died in the hospital at Boons- 
horo', Md,, of wounds received in the battle of 
Antietam. He was a son of William Dwight, 
of Boston, and was born about 1832, and grad- 
uated at Harvard University in 1853. He join- 
ed the 2d regiment at its formation, and had 
won the reputation of a brave and skUful offi- 
cer. In the retreat of Gen. Banks down the 
Shenandoah valley in May, 1862, he was dis- 
tinguished for his daring and the solicitude 
which he manifested for the safety of his men ; 
and was taken prisoner during this retreat. At 
Antietam he was twice wounded. Three of 
his brothers are in the army. 

Sept. 19. — Brig.-Gen. Lewis Heivet Little, 
an officer in the Confederate army, killed at 
the battle of luka, Miss. Gen. Little was the 
son of Col. P. Little, of Maryland, and was 
appointed from civil life in the regular army of 
the United States. Brevet second lieutenant 
of the 5th regiment of infantry, July 1st, 1839. 
In May, 1843, he was transferred to the seventh 
infantry; became first lieutenant April, 1845; 
brevetted captain for gallant and meritorious 
conduct at the battle of Monterey, Mexico, Sep- 
tember 23d, 1846— brevet dated March, 1849. 
He was regimental quartermaster in March, 
1847, and distinguished in the battle of Cerro 
Gordo. He was captain in the regular army in 
1847. When the war broke out he was in 
command at Albuquerque, New Mexico. He 
resigned, and was appointed, by Gov. Jackson, 
_ of Missouri, adjutant-general in the State 
forces with the rank of colonel, and assigned 
to duty on the staff of Gen. Sterling Price. 
When the Missouri troops were transferred to 
the Confederate service Gen. Little was as- 
signed temporarily to the command of them. 
At the battle of Elk Horn he handled his bri- 
gade with such courage and skill, and covered 
the retreat in so masterly a manner, that he 
soon after received the appointment from Rich- 
mond of brigadier-general. When Gen. Van 
Dorn was assigned to the command of the Dis- 
trict of North Mississippi, Gen. Little succeeded 
to the command of Gen. Price's division, com- 
posed of the brigades of Hebert, Gates, Green, 
and Martin. While commanding this division 
he fell pierced by a Minie baU through the 
head. 

Sept. 29. — WiLLLA-M C. Peentioe, at Augusta, 
Ky., from wounds received in the conflict at 
47 



that place on Sept. 27. He was the eldest son 
of Geo. D. Prentice, for many years editor of 
the "Louisville Journal," and a young man of 
remarkable powers. An intense Southern sym- 
pathy, in spite of the arguments, remonstrances, 
and entreaties of parents and friends, made him 
join the Confederate ranks, and after a brief 
service of five weeks he was fatally wounded. 
On his departure to join the Confederate force 
in Kentucky, his mother is said to have follow- 
ed him fom* or five miles, with the hope of per- 
suading him to return, but he declined her en- 
treaties, saying, " Mother, I implore you not to 
ask me to stay. Honor calls me. I liave talk- 
ed long enough. I must now do something else, 
and show myself in my true colors." 

Sept. 29. — William Nelson, major-general 
of volunteers in the U. S. army, born in Mays- 
ville, Mason Co., Ky., in 1825, was killed at 
Louisville, Ky., Sept. 29, 1862. He entered 
the naval school at Annapolis at the age of fif- 
teen, and, upon graduating, was appointed a 
midshipman in the U. S. navy. He was first 
attached to the sloop-of-war Yorktown, in 
commission for the Pacific, and soon after 
joined that squadron under Commodore T. Ap 
Catesby Jones. In 1846 he received his com- 
mission as passed midshipman, and was ordered 
to the frigate Raritan, attached to the home 
squadron, and flag-ship of Commodore Conner. 
In 1847 he was made acting master of the 
steamer Scoui-ge, under the command of Com. 
Perry. At the siege of Vera Cruz, during the 
Mexican war, he won a high reputation in com- 
mand of a navy battery. In 1854 he was pro- 
moted to the rank of master, and ordered to 
the frigate Independence, stationed in the 
Pacific. In 1858 he was ordered to the Ni- 
agara when she carried back to Africa the 
negroes taken from the steamer Echo. At the 
commencement of the present war he was on 
ordnance duty at the Washington navy yard, 
and was detailed to command the Ohio River 
fleet of gunboats, having received the rank of 
lieutenant commander, but was soon after 
transferred to the army for the purpose of in- 
fluencing volunteers in Kentucky, his native 
State. He organized " Camp Dick Robinson," 
between Garrardsville and Danville, and an- 
other camp at Washington, in Mason Co. He 
fought several engagements with Humphrey 
Marshall, in some of which he was successful. 
In Sept., 1861, he was made brigadier-general, 
and appointed to the command of the second 
division of Gen. Buell's army. He won much 
distinction at the battle of Shiloh, was wound- 
ed at the battle of Richmond, Ky., and after- 
wards assumed command of all the forces in 
Louisville, having been made major-general of 
volunteers July 17, 1862. His overbearing na- 
ture made him unpopular with his associates, 
and he was shot in his hotel by Brig.-Gen. Jef- 
ferson C. Davis in a moment of resentment for 
his harsh and unjust treatment of that officer. ' 
Sep>t. 29. — Gen. Isaac Peace Rodmajst, a 
brigadier-general in the Union service, died 



738 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



near Hagerstown, Md., of wounds received in 
the battle of Antietam. He was a native of 
South Kingston, R. L, born Aug. 28, 1822. He 
received a good early education, and engaged 
while yet a youth in the woollen manufacture, 
and had attained a high reputation for the 
character of the goods manufactured by his 
firm; which were sold in all parts of the coun- 
try. At the commencement of the war he was 
a member of the State Senate ; but at once re- 
signed his seat, recruited a company for the 2d 
Rhode Island regiment (Col. Slocum's), and 
went to the war as its captain. His company 
was the first to fire upon the enemy at the 
battle of Bull Run, and fought bravely through- 
out that battle. He was appointed lieutenant- 
colonel of the 4th Rhode Island regiment at its 
organization, and soon after promoted to the 
colonelcy of that regiment, which was detailed 
to the Burnside expedition. At Roanoke Island 
Col. Rodman took an active part, and at New- 
bern his regiment made the brilliant charge 
which won the day. His regiment also par- 
ticipated in the investment and reduction of 
Fort Macon; but before that was accomplished, 
Ool. Rodman had received his commission as 
brigadier-general. An attack of typhoid fever, 
induced by over-exertion and exposure, render- 
ed it necessary for him to come home on sick 
leave, and he only recovered in time to join 
Gen. Burnside at Fredericksburg. Here he 
found himself, though only a brigadier-general, 
in command of Gen. Parke's division. In the 
month of battles which followed, Gen. Rodman 
did his fall share, quietly and unostentatiously. 
At South Mountain and Antietam he displayed 
military genius of a high order, and in the ter- 
rible conflict by which the stone bridge was 
carried and held, he was stricken down. 

Oct. 4. — Col. Daly, an officer of the 

Southern army, killed at the battle of Corinth, 
while cheering and leading his men on to the 
attack. Col. Daly commanded the 13th Ar- 
kansas regiment. 

Oct. 4. — Lieut. Samuel Farrisgton, an of- 
ficer in the Southern service, killed at the battle 
of Corinth, Miss, Lieat. Farrington was a re- 
markably shrewd and able young officer. His 
devotion to the cause in which he had engaged 
was unsurpassed, if equalled At the breaking 
out of the war he resided in St. Louis, Mo., where 
he was in mercantile business, but was first lieu- 
tenant of an infantry company in the State ser- 
vice. When Gov. Jackson decided to carry the 
State out of the Union, and commenced war with 
the United States Government, Lieut. Farring- 
ton was ordered to guard the Gasconade bridge 
with a detachment of his men, and upon leav- 
ing the bridge burnt it. "With the same de- 
tachment he was engaged in the battle of Boon- 
ville, the first fight made in the State of Mis- 
souri during the war. In the battle of Car- 
thage he was on Gen, John B. Clark's staff", with 
the rank of colonel, and was distinguished for 
his courage, coolness, and ability. He com- 
manded a regiment of infantry, as lieutenant- 



colonel, at the battle of Lexington, Mo, Upon 
the organization of Confederate troops in Mis- 
souri he resigned his commission in the State 
Guard, and accepted that of a lieutenant of ar- 
tillery in the Confederate service, conscien- 
tiously believing that the cause in which he 
had taken up arms would be better served by 
all Missouri troops going into the army of the 
Confederate States. At the battle of Corinth 
a Parrott shot tore away his shoulder and half 
his breast. He turned his head half round, fell, 
and died instantly, 

Oct. 4. — Gen, Pleasant Adam Hackleman, 
a brigadier-general in the Union army, killed at 
the battle of Corinth. He was a native of Frank- 
lin County, Indiana, born about 181 Y. was edu- 
cated for the legal profession, and was prominent 
as a lawyer in the State, He became editor of 
the " Rushville Republican" about 1840, and 
continued as its editor till the commencement 
of the war. In 1841 he was a member of the 
Legislature of Indiana, and for several years af- 
terwards clerk of Rush County. In 1847 and 
1858 he was a candidate for Congress, but was 
defeated on both occasions. In 1860 he was a 
member of the Republican National Convention 
at Chicago, and in 1861 of the Peace Conference 
at "Washington. In 1861 he was appointed col- 
onel of the 10th Indiana regiment, and served 
in Gen. Banks' corps in Virginia ; his gallant and 
meritorious conduct there occasioned his pro- 
motion to the rank of brigadier-general, April 
28, 1862, and in June he was ordered to report 
to Gen. Grant, in the army of the Southwest, 
He took an active part in the battle of luka, and 
in the battle of Corinth was killed on the sec- 
ond day of the fight. He was a man of digni- 
fied and upright chai-acter, and of superior abil- 
ities. 

Oct. 4. — Col. RoGEEs, a Confeder- 
ate officer, killed at the battle of Corinth. He 
was from Texas, and was at that battle in com- 
mand of a brigade. "When, on the morning of 
the 4th, the Confederate troops, which had ex- 
pected to capture Corinth with but a slight 
struggle, found themselves repulsed by the ter- 
rible fire of the Union battery Robinett, and 
were compelled to fall back into the timber for 
protection, Gen, Van Dorn called for volun- 
teers to carry the battery by storm. Col, 
Rogers at once volunteered, and 2,000 men 
stepped from the ranks to accompany him. 
After addressing them a few words of encour- 
agement, he gave the order to march, and they 
moved forward at a quick step, in solid column 
eight deep, directly in face of the battery. Be- 
fore they reached it nearly one-half their num- 
ber had fallen ; but there was no faltering, the 
rear ranks stepped to tlie front and filled the 
gaps ; they reached the outworks, and though 
twice driven back, succeeded the third time in 
planting their flag upon the parapet, when a 
volley from the guns of the inner works, at 
short range, killed a large number, among 
whom was the rashly brave Rogers, Gen. 
Rosecrans, in his general order after the bat- 



MILITAEY A:N'D FAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



739 



tie, rendered the homage due from a chivah-ic 
foe to tlie brave man who led this attack, 
where death was so inevitable. 

Oct. 4. — Col. Joseph L. Kirbt Smith, of the 
43d Ohio regiment, was killed at the battle of 
Corinth. He was born in 1836, was appointed 
a cadet of the Military Academy from New 
York, and graduated with the highest honors 
of his class in 1857 ; was at once appointed lieu- 
tenant of topographical engineers, accompanied 
the Utah expedition, was aide-de-camp to Gen. 
Patterson in 1860, and after his discharge ap- 
pointed colonel of the 4od Ohio regiment, with 
which he served with distinction at Island No. 
Ten, his engineering abilities being brought al- 
most constantly into requisition, and at the bat- 
tle of Corinth, where he fell, had greatly distin- 
guished himself for bravery and daring. He was 
a nephcAv of the Confederate general Edward 
Kirby Smith. 

Oct. 6. — William Deajt Oolman, a captain 
and assistant adjutant-general in the U. S. vol- 
unteers, and one of the staff of Brig. -Gen. Stan- 
ley, 2d division, Army of the Mississippi, born in 
Salem, Mass., Sept. 15, 1827, the eldest son of 
Samuel Colman, publisher. On the breaking 
out of the war with Mexico he enlisted as a pri- 
vate in Walker's Mounted Rifles, and took an 
active part in the principal battles fought under 
Lieut.-Gen. Scott. When the first gun was tired 
by the confederates at Fort Sumter he was assist- 
ant postmaster at New Orleans, but, without 
stopping to count the cost, he abandoned all and 
hastened north to join the Union army. In the 
summer of 1861 he was appointed assistant 
quartermaster, and in December a major in the 
Missouri State Militia, where he was actively 
occupied in the most hazardous parts of that 
State till February, 1862, when he was ordered 
by Major-Gen. Halleck to the staff of Brig.- 
Gen. Stanley. On the 5th July he accepted 
from the president a commission as captain, and 
assistant adjutant-general of U. S. volunteers. 
He was in all the battles and skirmishes with 
Gen. Stanley, from New Madrid and Island No. 
Ten to the most memorable and sanguinary bat- 
tle of Corinth on the 3d and 4th October, where 
he received a mortal wound, and died on the 6th 
after two days of severe suffering. He was bur- 
ied with mihtary honors, being much beloved and 
esteemed by Gens. Rosecrans, Stanley, and all 
on the staff, for his bravery, patriotism, and strict 
adherence to duty. 

Oct. 8. — Gen. James S. Jaoksox, a brigadier- 
general in the Union service, killed at the battle 
of PerryvUle. He was a native of Kentucky, 
born about 1822, and educated for the bar. He 
had been some years in the practice of his pro- 
fession, when at the commencement of the Mex- 
ican war he raised a regiment of volunteers, and 
served during the war. During his service in 
Mexico he had a difficulty with Col. Thomas F. 
Marshall, which resulted in a duel. On his return 
to Kentucky he resumed his practice first at 
Greenupsburg, and afterwards at Hopkinsville, 
Ky., and in 1860 was elected to Congress from 



the 2d congressional district of that State. In 
the autumn of 1861 he resigned his seat in Con- 
gress, and took command of the 3d regiment 
Kentucky cavalry, was an active participant in 
most of the battles of the winter and spring of 
1861, and on the 16th of July was commissioned 
a brigadier-general. In the battle of Perryville 
he commanded a division of McOook's corps of 
the Army of the Ohio. 

Oct. 8. — Gen. Wixj^iam R. Terrill, a briga- 
dier-general of the Union army, kUled at the bat- 
tle of Perryville. He was a native of Virginia, 
born about 1832, and appointed from that State 
a cadet at the Military Academy, where he grad- 
uated in 1853, and was immediately appointed 
brevet second lieutenant of the 3d artillery, from 
which he was transferred to the 4th artillery in 
November following as second lieutenant. In 
1855 he was appointed assistant professor of 
mathematics at West Point. In 1856 he was 
promoted to a first lieutenancy, and in May, 1861, 
was appointed captain in the 5th artillery, and 
assigned to duty on the coast survey. He soon 
after raised a regiment of volunteers, was sent 
to Kentucky, where he commanded a battery in 
Gen. McCook's division, was transferred to the 
command of a brigade, and for his gallant and 
meritorious conduct at the^ battle of Shiloh, was 
appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, his 
commission bearing date Sept. 9, 1862, At 
Perryville he was killed while m*ging forward 
his brigade against the enemy. 

Oct. 9. — George Webster, colonel of the 98th 
Ohio volunteer infantry, died of wounds receiv- 
ed the preceding day in the battle of Perrjwille. 
He was born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1822. 
He volunteered in the Mexican war as a private 
soldier, but was promoted to be sergeant-major. 
After his return from Mexico he commenced the 
practice of law in Jefferson County, Ohio. In 
June, 1861, he volunteered as major of the 25th 
Ohio, and was promoted to a lieutenant-colo- 
nelcy in that regiment, and on the organization 
of the 98th regiment, in the summer of 1862, 
was appointed colonel. This regiment was or- 
dered to join Gen. Buell's army, and at the bat- 
tle of Perryville, Col. Webster was put in com- 
mand of one of the brigades of Jackson's 
division of McCook's corps. 

Oct. 11. — Capt. Greer Tallmadge, quarter- 
master-general at Fortress Monroe, died of dis- 
ease of the liver, at his quarters in that for- 
tress. He was born in Dutchess County, New 
York, in 1826. He was the son of Hon. N. P. 
Tallmadge, late U. S. Senator from New York. 
He graduated at West Point in 1848, and was ap- 
pointed brevet second lieutenant in the 1st artil- 
lery ; early the following year he sailed with 
a detachment of United States troops for Fort 
Vancouver, Oregon Territory, where he was 
stationed for a year; returning in 1850'he was 
appointed aid to Gen. Wool, and after three 
years' service on his staff' was ordered to Fort 
Niagara, and subsequently to Fort Ontario. In 
1853 he was promoted to a first lieutenancy in 
the 4th artillery, and in 1857 accompanied the ex- 



740 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



peditionto Utah, as an officer of Oapt.(iiow Gen- 
eral) Phelps' battery. In 1858 he was ordered 
to Fortress Moni'oe, and in May, 1861, promoted 
to the rank of captain in the quartermaster's 
department. The great labor of organizing tlie 
quartermaster's department for so large a force 
as was congregated in the military department 
of Fortress Monroe, and the added duties of as- 
sistant adjutant-general, which he discharged for 
a time, made his position one of great toil and 
responsibility, but they were admirably per- 
formed. The " contraband " idea put in practice 
by Gen. Butler, originated with him. 

Oct. 16. — Gen. Geokge B. Anderson, an offi- 
cer in the Confederate army, died in Raleigh, 
N. 0. He was born in "Wilmington, N. C, in 
1827, entered West Point from that State in 1848, 
graduated in 1852, and was appointed brevet 2(1 
lieutenant in the 2d dragoons, promoted to be 
1st lieutenant in 1855, and in 1858 appointed 
adjutant of his regiment with the rank of cap- 
tain. He resigned in April, 1861, entered the 
Confederate army, where he was soon appointed 
brigadier-general, and at the battle of Antietam 
received a wound in the foot, which eventually 
proved fatal. 

Oct. 20. — Major Iea L. Hewitt, a paymaster 
in the United States army, died in the city of 
New York. He resided for some years in Illi- 
nois, but emigrated to Texas in 1840, and had 
there become one of the associate justices of 
the supreme court of the State. At the com- 
mencement of the war, his attachment to the 
Union being known, his life was in danger, but 
he succeeded in escaping from the State by 
stratagem, and joining the army served at Ship 
Island and New Orleans under Gen. Butler, 
and when Col. A. J. Hamilton came north, ac- 
companied him and was assigned to duty in 
New York. 

Oct. 30. — Oemsbt Maoknight Mitchel, an 
American astronomer, and major-general of 
volunteers in the United States service, born in 
Union Co., Ky., Aug. 28, 1810, died of yellow 
fever, at Beaufort, 8. C, Oct. 30, 1862. He 
received his early education at Lebanon, "War- 
ren Co., Ohio, and at 12 years of age began 
life for himself as clerk in a store in Miami, 
Ohio. In 1825 he received an appointment to 
a cadetship in "West Point. In 1829 he gradu- 
ated fifteenth in a class of 46, among which 
were Robert E. Lee and Joseph E. Johnston, 
late generals in the Confederate service. He 
was at once appointed assistant professor of 
mathematics, which position he occupied for 
two years. He subsequently studied law, was 
admitted to the bar, and practised in Cincinnati 
until 1834, when he was elected professor of 
mathematics, philosophy, and astronomy in the 
Cincinnati College. In 1845 he proposed the 
establishment of an observatory at Cincinnati, 
raising nearly the whole of the requisite amount 
by his own exertions, and was made director 
of the institution. To obtain the necessary ap- 
paratus he took a flying trip to Europe, visited 
London, Paris, and Munich, completed his con- 



tracts and returned to his college duties in the 
short space of fourteen weeks. In 1859 he was 
chosen director of the Dudley Observatory at 
Albany, retaining, at the same time, his con- 
nection with that at Cincinnati. As an as- 
tronomical lecturer, he was exceedingly popular, 
and among the monuments of his skill in per- 
fecting the necessary apparatus for that depart- 
ment of science, is an instrument at Albany for 
recording right ascensions and declinations by 
electro-magnetic aid to within jnVo of a second 
of time, and for the measurement, with great 
accuracy, of large differences of declination in- 
capable of being reached by the micrometer. 

Among his published works are : " Planetary 
and Stellar "Worlds," "Popular Astronomy," 
and a treatise on Algebra. On the 1st of July, 
1846, he commenced the publication of a peri- 
odical entitled the "Sidereal Messenger," which 
at the end of two years was discontinued for 
want of sufficient patronage. At the breaking 
ont of the late rebellion. Professor Mitchel left 
his scientific pursuits and sought an opportunity 
of serving his country. In August, 1861, he 
was commissioned brigadier-general of volun- 
teers, and ordered to the Department of the 
Ohio, under the command of Maj.-Gen. Buell. 
After the capture of Bowling Green and Nash- 
ville he made a forced march southward and 
seized the railway between Corinth and Chat- 
tanooga, thereby breaking the enemy's line of 
communication, and possessed himself of various 
points in northern Alabama, for which he was 
made a major-general. In July, 1862, he was 
relieved of his command, and, on the 17th of 
the September following, was appointed com- . 
mander of the Department of the South, where 
he was making preparations for a vigorous 
campaign when he fell a victim to the yellow 
fever. 

Nov. 3. — Israel B. Richardson, a major- 
genei-al of volunteers in the United States ser- 
vice, born at Burlington, Vt., in 1819, died at 
Sharpsburg, Md., Nov. 3, 1862. He was a de- 
scendant of the Revolutionary hero. Gen. Israel 
Putnam, graduated at "West Point in 1841, was 
appointed 2d lieutenant in the 3d infantry, and 
1st lieutenant Sept. 21, 1846. He distinguished 
himself in nearly every important battle during 
the Mexican War; was brevetted captain for 
gallant and meritorious conduct at Oontreras 
and Churubusco, and major for gallantry at 
Chapultepec ; and so distinguished himself for 
bravery that he was known in the army by the 
sobriquet of " Fighting Dick." In March, 1851, 
he was promoted to a captaincy. In 1855 he 
left the army and retired to pi'ivate life in 
Michigan. Upon the commencement of the 
late rebellion he promptly oftered himself again 
to the Government, organized a regiment, the 
2d Michigan volunteers, of which he was made 
colonel, and soon after was placed in command 
of a brigade, with which he covered the retreat 
of the army at Bull Run. His commission as 
brigadier-general dated back to May 12, 1861. 
At the battle of the Chickahominy he com- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



741 



manded a division of Gen. Sumner's corps, and 
won much honor upon that occasion. He re- 
ceived his commission of major-general July 4, 
1862 ; distipguished himself at the battles of 
South Mountain and Antietam, in the latter of 
which he received the wound causing his death. 

iVbw. 5. — Col. CuEREN Pope, commander of 
the 15th Kentucky regiment, died at DanviUe 
of wounds received at the battle of Perryville, 
on the 8th of October previous. He was a 
member of one of the most distinguished fami- 
lies of Kentucky, and was born in Louisville 
about 1813. He entered West Point as a cadet 
in 1829, and graduated in 1834, but soon after 
left the army to follow the profession of civil 
engineer. Early in the war a number of his 
relatives joined the Confederate army, but he 
adhered firmly to the cause of the Union, and 
abandoning his profession, raised the regiment 
which he commanded at the time of his death. 

Ilov. 6. — Gen. Charles Davis Jameson died 
at Oldtown, Me., from camp fever, brought on 
by his exertions at the battle of Fair Oaks and 
the pestilential influence of the climate. He 
was born at Gorham, Me., Feb. 24, 1827 ; while 
yet very young, his parents removed to Old- 
town, Me., where, after receiving a limited aca- 
demic education, he at an early age embarked 
in the lumber business, and eventually became 
one of the largest manufacturers and shippers 
of lumber on the Penobscot. He had been an 
active adherent to the Douglas section of the 
democracy, and in 1860 was a Douglas delegate 
to the Charleston Convention, where he be- 
came convinced of the intentions of the South- 
ern States to secede. At the commencement 
of the war he was one of the first, if not the 
first, of the prominent democrats of the State 
to ofl'er his services to the Government, and 
was placed by Gen. Washburn in command of 
the first regiment which left that State for the 
beleaguered capital. In the battle of Bull Run 
he commanded this regiment (2d Maine) and 
distinguished himself by his bravery, and with 
his regiment protected the rear in its retreat to 
Centreville. For his conduct on tliat day he 
was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, 
on the 3d of Sept., 1861. In the autumn of 
1861 he was, without his knowledge or consent, 
nominated by the democrats of his own State 
for governor, and polled a heavy vote though 
defeated by the republican candidate. In the 
spring and early summer of 1862 he took an 
active part in the campaign on the peninsitla, 
in Gen. Heintzelman's corps, and by his exer- 
tions there, both before and at the battle of 
Fair Oaks, contracted the fever which finally 
terminated his life. He ranked high as a dis- 
ciplinarian and as a brave and competent com- 
mander, 

JVov. 7. — Commodore Gakeett J. Pejtoer- 
GRAST, commandant of the navy yard at Phila- 
delphia, died in that city, aged 62 years. He 
was a native of Kentucky, and entered the 
navy when only 11 years of age, and had been 
in the service since that time, passing through 



aU the grades. In 1860 he was flag oflJcer of 
the home squadron, and did service at the com- 
mencement of the Avar in the protection of the 
important harbor of Hampton Roads. In the 
autumn of 1861 he was assigned to the com- 
mand of the navy yard at Philadelphia. He 
died of paralysis. 

JSFov. 22. — Brig.-Gen. Francis E. Patterson 
kiUed himself by the accidental discharge of 
his pistol in his tent at Fairfax Court House 
during the night. He was a native of Phila- 
delphia, born in 1827, and had entered the 
army from civil life as second lieutenant of the 
1st artillery in June, 1847. In March, 1855, he 
was promoted to a captaincy in the 9th infan- 
try, then first organized. In May, 1857, he re- 
signed, and devoted himself to civil pursuits. 
On the raising of the 115th Pennsylvania vol- 
unteers. Gov. Curtin off"ered him the command 
of the regiment, which he accepted, and ac- 
quitted himself so ably in the field, that on the 
11th of April, 1862, he was appointed brigadier- 
general, and in the subsequent battles on the 
peninsula rendered efficient service. 

iVb«. — . — Gen. John B. Villipigue, a briga- 
dier-general of the Confederate army, died at 
Port Hudson, La., of pneumonia. He was born 
in South Carolina about 1834; it is said that 
his father was of French and his mother of 
Spanish extraction. He graduated at West 
Point in 1854 ; was appointed to a second lieu- 
tenancy in the 2d dragoons, and was promoted 
to a first lieutenancy in 1857, and assigned 
to service in the Southwest. In March, 1861, 
he resigned from the United States service, and 
at once accepted an appointment as colonel in 
the Confederate service. In Nov., 1861, he was 
wounded at the bombardment of Fort Pickens, 
and soon after was made a brigadier-general 
in the Confederate army. He was assigned to 
the command of Fort Wriglat, and retained it 
imtd the evacuation of that post ; participated 
in the battle of Corinth in October, 1862, and 
was soon after assigned to the command of 
Mobile. 

J^ov. 27 — Gen. Alexander Early Steen 
(or Stein), a Confederate officer, killed at the 
battle of Kane HUl, in Arkansas. A musket 
ball passed directly through his brain. He was 
appointed from civil life second lieutenant of 
the 12th infantry in the regular army of the 
United States, March 6th, 1847 ; was brevetted 
first lieutenant for "gallant and meritorious 
conduct" at the battle of Contreras and Chu- 
rubusco, in Mexico, Aug. 2d, 1847 — date of 
brevet August, 1848. His regiment was dis- 
banded in July, 1848, and he was appointed 
second lieutenant of the 3d infantry, June 30th, 
1852. 

Dec. 6. — Claiborne F. Jackson, late Govern- 
or of Missouri, died at Little Rock, Ark., of 
cancer in the stomach. He was born in Flem- 
ing County, Ky., April 4, 1807, and emigrated 
to Missouri in 1822. In the "Black Hawk" 
war he raised a volunteer company, and served 
as captain. He was for ten or twelve terms a 



742 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



member of one or the other House of the Missouri 
Legislature, and for one term Speaker of the 
House. In the session of 1848 he drew up and 
carried through the Legislature the famous 
Jackson resolutions. He was one of the prime 
movers in the organization of the present bank- 
ing system of Missouri, and for a number of 
years Bank Commissioner. In 1860 he was 
elected Governor. His own sympathy with 
secession, and his determination to draw the 
State into it, soon became evident ; and having 
fled fi-om the State capitol on the approach of 
Gen. Lyon in July, he was deposed by the 
State Convention, and Gov. Gamble appointed 
provisional governor in his place. He acted 
for a short time as a general in the Confederate 
army, but his disease, from which he had long 
suffered, becoming aggravated, he retired to 
Little Rock, where he died after some months 
of suffering. 

Dee. 12. — Rev. Arthur B. Fuller, a Unita- 
rian clergyman, and chaplain of the 16th regi- 
ment Massachusetts volunteers, killed while 
crossing the Rappahannock with a portion of his 
regiment, who had volunteered to cross the river, 
and drive off the sharpshooters who were pre- 
venting the laying of the pontoon bridges. He 
was born in 1824 at Oambridgeport, Mass., and 
was the son of Hon. Timothy Fuller, an eminent 
lawyer and member of Congress from 181T to 
1 825, and a brother of the celebrated Margaret 
Fuller, Countess D'Ossoli. In his childhood the 
family removed to Groton, Mass., and by an acci- 
dent in his boyhood Arthur lost an eye. He was 
fitted for college by his sister, and entered Har- 
vard university in 1839, graduating in 1843. 
After studying theology at the Cambridge Di- 
vinity School, Mr. Fuller went to Illinois as a 
teacher and missionary, and after some years' la- 
bor there returned — first to Boston, and after- 
ward to Watertown, Mass., where he was settled 
as pastor. He volunteered as a chaplain early 
in the war, and not only fulfilled his duties in 
that capacity unexceptionally, bat by his earnest 
sympathy for the members of his regiment, and 
his careful solicitude for their health, their men- 
tal improvement^ and their moral welfare, be- 
came the idol of his regiment, and exerted a pow- 
erful and salutary intluence on other bodies of 
men in their vicinity. His patriotism and cour- 
age led him to risk all perils with his men, and 
when several companies of them volunteered 
as a forlorn hope in the mission of crossing the 
Rappahannock under a deadly fire, his prompt 
determination to go with them greatly stimula- 
ted their, enthusiasm. He edited his sister's 
works, and had published several origiual vol- 
umes. 

Dec. 13. — Brig. -Gen. George D. Bayard, an 
officer of the United States army, was killed in 
the battle of Fredericksburg. He was a native of 
New York, born about 1836; he entered "West 
Point as a cadet in 1852, and graduated in June, 
1856, receiving immediately an appointment as 
2d lieutenaut of the 4th cavalry. On the 20th 
of Aug., 1861, he was promoted to a captaincy 



in his regiment, and was allowed leave of ab- 
sence to take command of the 1st Pennsylvania 
volunteer cavalry attached to Gen. McCall's re- 
serve corps, and participated in the.various bat- 
tles of that fighting corps. On the 20th of Nov., 
1861, he made a most brilliant and successful 
dash at the head of his regiment upon Dranes- 
ville. On the 10th of June, 1862, he was nom- 
inated as brigadier-general of volunteers com- 
manding cavalry, his commission dating from 
the 28th of April. During the autumn he had 
done excellent service with his brigade, making 
frequent dashes into the enemy's lines, and driv- 
ing them from the gaps of the Blue Ridge. At 
Fredericksburg he was attached to Gen. Frank- 
lin's corps. He was buried with military honors 
at Princeton, N. J. 

Dec. 13.— Gen. Thomas R. R. Cobb, of 
Georgia, an oflicer of the Confederate army, 
killed at the battle of Fredei'icksburg. Gen. 
Cobb was a brother of Major-Gen. Howell 
Cobb, and was an able and eloquent member 
of the provisional congress of the seceded 
States, in which body he served as chairman 
of the committee on military aftairs. 

Dec. 13.— Lieut.-Col. Joseph Bridgh^ivi Otje- 
Tis was killed at Fredericksburg while leading 
his regiment in a charge. He was born in New 
York in 1836, and was a son of the late George 
Curtis president of the Continental Bank, and 
brother of the author, George "Wm. Curtis. He 
had received an education as an engineer, and at 
the commencement of the war was a member 
of the engineer corps of the Central Park, and 
volunteered in the Yth regiment N. Y. S. M. as 
an engineer. Soon after that regiment was 
mustered out of the service he reentered the 
volunteer army as adjutant of the 4th Rhode 
Island regiment, one of the regiments attached 
to the Burnside expedition. He distinguished 
himself at the capture of Roanoke Island for cool- 
ness and daring, and was soon after appointed 
by Gen. Rodman assistant adjutant-general on 
his staff. The ability he displayed in this po- 
sition led to his promotion soon after, at Gen. 
Burnside's request, to the lieutenant-colonelcy 
of the 4th Rhode Island, and with his regiment 
he joined the Army of the Potomac on the pe- 
ninsula, and was with it in that succession of ter- 
rible battles between the Rappahannock and 
Washington, and at South Mountain and Antie- 
tam. In the last-named battle his regiment was 
so cut up that it was by command of the general 
withdrawn from the field, but the lieutenant- 
colonel did not go with it ; seizing the musket 
and cartridge box of a dead soldier, he joined 
the ranks of a Pennsylvania regiment and did 
duty as a private to the close of the battle. At 
Fredericksburg he was in command of the regi- 
ment, the colonel being disabled by a wound. 

Dec. 13. — Brig.-Gen. Maxey Gregg, of South 
Carolina, a Confederate ofiicer, killed at the 
battle of Fredericksburg. He entered into the 
war at its commencement, and commanded the 
1st South Carolina regiment, which was the 
first force from that State which arrived in 



MILITAEY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLIOK 



743 



Virginia, and was hailed by the people upon its 
advent into Richmond with extraordinary dem- 
onstrations of lionor and welcome. When 
the term of service of this regiment expired, it 
returned to South OaroHna, but Col. Gregg re- 
mained in Virginia, and subsequently reoi'gan- 
ized the regiment, which was afterwards con- 
stantly and conspicuously in service. Col. 
Gregg was shortly afterwards made a brigadier- 
general. Previous to the war Gen. Gregg, 
thougli devoted to the profession of law, had a 
wide and brilliant political reputation. In 
politics he was an extreme States' rights man, 
and stood with others in South Carolina at the 
head of that party. He took a prominent part 
in favor of the policy of reopening the slave 
trade ; and with ex-Governor Adams, of South 
Carolina, being associated as leading representa- 
tives of that idea in the cotton States. He was 
a prominent member of the bar, and practised 
his profession with distinction and success in 
Columbia for over twenty years. As a military 
man he had a wide reputation for coolness and 
self-possession in danger. In battle he had the 
faculty of inspiring his troops with confidence 
and enthusiasm — not by words but by deeds. 

Dec. 13. — Brig.-Gen. Coxiiad Feger Jack- 
80X, was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, 
where he connnanded the brigade formerly 
known as Gen. Ord's. He was a citizen of Penn- 
sylvania, and previous to the war had been con- 
nected with the Pennsylvania Central and Read- 
ing Railroads, where he was well and favourably 
known. Soon after the commence'ment of the 
war he was appointed colonel of the 9th regi- 
ment of the corps of Pennsylvania reserves, 
under the command of Gen. George A. McCall. 
The corps was ordered to Washington, July 22, 
1861, and Col. Jackson's regiment entered that 
city on the 2r)tli of that month with full numbers 
and completely equipped,and encamped near Sev- 
enth Street. They were subsequently ordered to 
Tenallytown, and formed part of the 3d brigade, 
then under command of Gen. E. O. C. Ord. The 
regiment was subsequently stationed on the 
Ijeights south of the Potomac, and formed a part 
of tlie brigade which gained a victory at Dranes- 
ville. On the peninsula Col. Jackson distin- 
guished himself at Mechanicsville and Gaines' 
Mills, and participated in the remaining contests 
of those memorable seven days. lie also took 
an active part in the battles between the Rappa- 
hannock and Alexandria in the latter part of 
August; and having, on the departure of Gen. 
Ord to the West, been promoted to the command 
of the brigade, he led his troops into the action 
of South Mountain and Antietam. At Freder- 
icksburg he was at the head of his troops, leading 
them on to a charge, when a rifle ball passed 
through his head, killing him instantly. 

Dec. 31. — Col. Julius P. GAREscnfe, chief of 
Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans's staff, was born in Cuba, 
of American parents, in 1821. At the age of 
16 he entered West Point, and graduated in 
1841. He served in the Mexican war, and dur- 
ing eight years previous to the secession was 



on duty at Washington as assistant adjutant- 
general. When the war broke out, his patriotic 
nature sought active service, and he accepted 
the appointment of chief of staff to Gen. Rose- 
crans, having previously declined a commission 
of brigadier-general, preferring to win the honor 
upon the field of service. From his long expe- 
rience and thorough acquaintance with military 
science, he was eminently qualified for his du- 
ties, and rendered himself at once an invalu- 
able aid to his commander. lie was an earnest 
and devoted Christian, gentle and amiable in 
character and disposition, and was widely known 
for his benevolence to the poor and sympathy 
for those in affliction and sorrow. He was one 
of the founders of the Society of St. Vincent 
of Paul in Washington. His many virtues, add- 
ed to his gentlemanly deportment and earnest 
devotion to his country, won the love of both 
officers and men, and his untimely death by a 
cannon ball, which took oft' his head, while on 
duty at the side of his connnander, was alike a 
shock to the army and country. A few days 
after the battle his body was disinterred and 
taken to Cincinnati, from whence, after appro- 
priate honors, it was forwarded to his family in 
AVashington City. 

Dec. 31. — Gen. Roger W. Hansox, an of- 
ficer in the Confederate army, killed at the 
battle of Murfreesboro (or Stone River as it is 
sometimes called). Gen. Hanson was born in 
Winchester, Ky., and was a son of Samuel 
Hanson, of the same State. Gen. Hanson, at 
the breaking out of the war, was a practising 
lawyer in Lexington, Ky., a prominent poli- 
tician, and a staunch Union man of high repu- 
tation. His age was about thirty-four Avhen he 
was killed. 

Dec. 31. — Brig.-Gen. James E. Rains, an 
officer in the Confederate service, killed at the 
battle of Stone River. He was a native of 
North Carolina, graduated at West Point in 
1827, and was appointed to the 7th infantry. 
He took part in the Seminole war in Florida, 
and was brevetted major for gallant and meri- 
torious conduct in an action with the Indians 
near Fort King, April 28th. 1840, on which oc- 
casion he commanded the troops, and was 
wounded. In 1855 he was with his regiment 
in Washington Territory, and was appointed 
brigadier-general of the Washington Territory 
volunteers. When the war broke out he was 
a lieutenant-colonel of the 5th infantry, but his 
sympathies being with the Confederate cause, 
he resigned his commission, July 31st, 1861, 
and, according to Gen. Sterling Price's official 
report of the battle of Wilson's Creek, was 
acting as brigadier-general of the advance guard 
of the army which fought the battle, August 
10th. He distinguished himself at the battle 
of Shiloh and Perryville, and at the battle of 
Stone River, where he lost his life, won much 
credit by his skiU and daring. 

Dec. 31. — Col. George W. Roberts, killed 
at the battle of Stone River, was born in West- 
chester county, Penn., Oct. 2d, 1833 ; graduated 



744 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION, 



at Yale College in 1857, studied law, and 
practised his i^rofession in his native county 
until the spring of 1859, when he removed to 
Chicago, 111. The commencement of the war 
foimd him enjoying a prosperous business, but 
his patriotism led him to enter the army, and 
he began recruiting for the 42d regiment Il- 
linois volunteers. On the 22d of July he re- 
ceived his commission as major of the regiment. 
The following September he was elected lieu- 
tenant-colonel, and upon the death of Col. 
Webb, was chosen colonel. With his regiment 
he took part in the memorable march of Gen. 
Fremont to Springfield. He distinguished him- 
self in the faithful discharge of his duty at 
different points, but more especially by his val- 
uable service during a midnight expedition in 
spiking a number of guns at the siege of Island 
No. 10. An upper battery of the enemy com- 
manded the river so effectually that no boats 
coidd pass. Col. Roberts conceived the idea of 
spiking the guns, and selecting a dark and 
stormy night for the occasion, with only forty 
men in five small boats, he bravely accomplished 
his purpose. He afterwards distinguished him- 
self at the battle of Farmington, Tenn. At 
the siege of Corinth he was in the advance, and 
was one of the foremost in entering the fortifi- 
cation of the enemy. He was in command of 
the first brigade, first division of the Army of 
the Mississippi, and won much honor during 
the campaign of 1862. At the battle of Stone 
River he had the advance of the 20th army 
corps, and drove the enemy to their bi-east- 
works. On the 31st his brigade engaged two 
divisions of the enemy at once, maintaining 
their ground until attacked by a third division. 
At one period of the engagement, observing a 
Confederate division driving some of our regi- 
ments before them, he asked permission of Gen. 
Sheridan to charge upon the enemy, and gal- 
loping before the 42d Illinois, he waved his 
cap and ordered them to fix bayonets. The 
men, fired by his bravery, rushed upon the foe 
with such force that they broke and fled in the 
wildest confusion. This discomfiture at such 
a juncture no doubt had its effect on the final 
triumph of the day. While gallantly inspiring 



his men to action he received the fatal bullet 
which ended his brave career. 

Dee. 31. — J. W. Schaeffer, acting brigadier- 
general of the U. S. volunteer service, killed at 
the battle of Stone River. He was a native of 
Pennsylvania, but was appointed to the service 
from Illinois. In the official report of the bat- 
tle of Stone River, Gen. Rosecrans mentions his 
name with honor. 

Dec. 31, — Brig.-Gen. JosntTA Woodeow Sill, 
an officer of the United. States army, killed in 
the battle of Stone River. He was born in 
Chillicothe, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1831 ; received a 
thorough English and classical education, and 
was appointed a cadet at West Point in 1849, 
where he graduated third in his class. In 1854 
he received an ordnance appomtment, and was 
stationed at Water vliet Arsenal, West Troy. 
The following year he was recalled as one of 
the instructors at West Point, and after serving 
two years in that capacity was ordered to Pitts- 
burg Arsenal, and from thence, in 1858, to Van- 
couver, Washington Territory, to superintend 
the building of an arsenal there. Finding this 
impracticable, in consequence of the difficulty 
existing about Vancouver's Island with the 
Bi-itish Government, he returned, and soon af- 
ter was ordered to Fort Leavenworth. In 1860 
he resigned his position in the army, and ac- 
cepted the professorship of mathematics and 
civil engineering in the Brooklyn Collegiate 
and Polytechnic Institute. Upon the outbreak 
of the present war he resigned his position, and 
upon offering his services to the Governor of 
Ohio was appointed as.sistant adjutant-general 
of the State. In August, 1861, he was com- 
missioned colonel of the 23d Ohio volunteers. 
He joined Gen. Nelson in his Kentucky expe- 
dition, and after his return was placed in com- 
mand of a brigade, receiving the commission 
of brigadier-general July 29, 1862. Subse- 
quently he commanded a division for a time, 
evincing great courage and skill, and upon the 
reorganization of the army under Gen. Rose- 
crans he was assigned a brigade in Gen. Sheri- 
dan's division, at the head of which he gal- 
lantly fought, and fell during the memorable 
Wednesday of the battle of Stone River. 



1863. 



Jan. 1. — William B. Renshaw, acting com- 
modore of the naval squadron engaged in 
blockading Galveston, Texas, was killed upon 
his flag-ship, the Westfield. He was a native of 
New York, from which State he was appointed 
to the navy as a midshipman, Dec. 22d, 1831. 
In 1837 he passed the Examining Board, and 
received his warrant as a passed midshipman, 
and was attached to the North Carolina, at the 
New York navy yard. In 1841 he was pro- 
moted to a lieutenancy, and in 1861 became 
commander, and was ordered to the Ordnance 



Bureau at Washington, on special service. He 
was next transferred to the command of the 
United States steamer Westfield, under Admiral 
Farragut, and was by him assigned to the com- 
mand of that portion of the squadron which 
blockaded Galveston. During the recapture of 
Galveston, the Westfield got hopelessly aground, 
and having a large supply of ammunition and 
two magazines of powder on board, Commo- 
dore Renshaw determined to destroy her rather 
than let her fall into the hands of the enemy. 
Ilavmg made due arrangements, and secured 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



745 



the safety of his men, he stayed behind to light 
the train before leaving ; but a drunken man 
had, it is said, prematurely lighted the match, 
and the commodore, together with those in the 
small boats awaiting him, were involved in the 
general destruction. He was a faithful officer, 
and had spent thirty-one years in the service 
of his country. 

Jan. 1. — Commander Jonathan M. TVain- 
"WEiGHT, an officer in the U. S. navy, was killed 
upon the Harriet Lane during the attack upon 
Galveston, Texas. He was a native of New 
York, but a citizen of Massachusetts, from 
which State he was appointed to the United 
States navy as a midshipman, June 13th, 1837. 
He passed the Examining Board June, 1848, 
and received his warrant as a passed midship- 
man on that date. He was then engaged at 
the naval rendezvous in New York, On the 
17th of September, 1850, he was promoted to 
a lieutenancy, and upon the commencement 
of the war was advanced to be a commander, 
and ordered to the Harriet Lane. He was a 
son of the late Bishop Wainwright, and had 
been twenty-five years in the United States 
service. 

Jan. 2.— Lieut. Edward Lea, of the U. S. 
navy, was kiUed upon the Harriet Lane in the 
engagement before Galveston, Texas. He was 
a native of Maryland, but a resident of Tennes- 
see, from which State he was appointed to the 
Naval Academy in 1851. After graduating he 
received an appointment to the Home squadron, 
and subsequently to the East India squadron. 
At the commencement of the war, being him- 
self truly Union, notwithstanding his ties of re- 
lationship in the South, he was assigned to the 
Harriet Lane, then fitting out to join Admiral 
Porter's mortar flotilla in the bombardment of 
Forts Jackson and St. Philip. 

Ja7i. 3. — Commander "William Gwm, of the 
United States navy, died in the hospital of his 
vessel, from wounds received in tlie action 
against the batteries on Haines's Bluff. He was 
born in Columbus, Indiana, in 1831, and en- 
tered the U. S. naval service as a midshipman 
in 1847, in which capacity he mad^ one cruise 
off the coast of Brazil in the frigate Brandy- 
wine, flag-ship of the squadron, and oft' the coast 
of Africa. In June, 1853, he passed a satisfac- 
tory examination at the Naval Academy, and, 
with the rank of passed midshipman, was order- 
ed to the Bainbridge, in which vessel he cruised 
off the coast of Brazil until 1856. On the 15th 
of September he was promoted to a lieutenancy. 
He was next ordered to the Pacific squadi-on, 
and, after a brief visit home in 1859, was as- 
signed to the MediteiTanean squadron. On the 
breaking out of the war he was ordered home, 
and assigned to the Cambridge, on blockading 
duty on the Atlantic coast. From this he was 
detached, January, 1862, and assigned to the 
command of the gunboat Tyler, of the Western 
flotilla, in which vessel he participated in the 
battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. He 
also took part in the battle of Shiloh, at the 



time when the gunboats fired at night among 
the enemy, his vessel discharging one hundred 
and eighty-eight shells. On the 16th of July, 
1862, he was made a lieutenant-commander 
under the late act of Congress in relation to 
officers in the navy. He distinguished himself 
in the expedition up the Yazoo River in com- 
pany with the Carondelet, to meet the famous 
Confederate ram Arkansas; and his vessel, 
though sadly disabled, did not cease firing until 
she had passed through the entire squadron. 
After the explosion on the Mound City at St. 
Charles, by which her commander, Capt. Kelly, 
was so badly scalded, Lieutenant-Commander 
Gwin took command of that vessel, which he 
held until assigned to the Benton, the largest 
and most powerful vessel of the river fleet. 
"While in charge of this gunboat he particijiated 
in the attack upon Haines's Bluff, during which 
he was mortally wounded. 

Jan. — . — Brig.-Gen. Edwaed N. Kirk, an 
officer of volunteers in the U. S. service, died 
from wounds received at the battle of Stone 
River. He f?hs born in Ohio, but subsequently 
removed to Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois. 
In the autumn of 1861 he was instrumental in 
raising and organizing the 34th Illinois volun- 
teers, of which he was chosen colonel. At the 
battle of Shiloh he acted as brigadier-general, 
and was also engaged in this capacity at the 
siege of Corinth. At the battle of Stone River 
he commanded one of the brigades in Johnson's 
division of McCook's corps, and was mortally 
wounded while bravely withstanding the enemy 
during that fierce encounter. 

Jan. 11. — Col. Emmett MacDonald, an offi- 
cer of the Confederate array, killed at the 
battle of Hartsville, in Missouri. He was born 
in Steubenville, Ohio, on the 25th of Novem- 
ber, 1834. His father, Isaac MacDonald, was 
born in that beautiful and romantic spot known 
as Grey Abbey, on Strangford Loch, in the 
County of Down, Ireland. His mother, whose 
maiden name was Annie Wilson, was likewise 
born in Ireland, in the town of Lisburn, noted 
for its linen manufactures. Col. MacDonald 
was the descendent of a long line of warlike an- 
cestors. The father of his grandfather was a 
Scottish chief of the MacDonalds of Glencoe. 
His great-uncle sympathized with the Ameri- 
can colonies in their struggle for freedom with 
Great Britain, and he fought in thfir cause in 
South Carolina. His father was a "United 
Man," and was engaged in the Irish Rebellion 
in 1798. After receiving a liberal English edu- 
cation, Col. MacDonald, at the age of sixteen, 
located in St. Louis, and commenced business 
as collector and general agent. His leisure 
hours were devoted to the study of history, 
poetry, politics, and law. In 1859 he was ad- 
mitted to the bar, and received the nomination 
for the position of assistant circuit attorney for 
St. Louis County, but was defeated in the elec- 
tion by the German vote. In the lieat of the 
canvas he was challenged by Sylvan Carlin to 
fight a duel, which took place on Bloody Island, 



746 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



opposite the city of St. Louis. Two shots were 
exchanged with Kentucky rifles, at fifty paces, 
but neither party was injured. Friends inter- 
posed, and the difficulty was amicably arranged. 
He had another " affair of honor " not long after 
this occurrence, which was near not ending so 
happily. Being called on for satisfaction, he 
proposed to settle the matter on the spot, with 
Derringer pistols, across the table. The gentle- 
men took their places, and with the fatal 
weapons at the breast of each other, awaited 
the signal, but none of their numerous acquaint- 
ances in the room would give the word in so 
deadly an encounter. The cause of the diffi- 
culty proved to be a few words spoken in jest, 
and was soon explained. During the Kansas 
troubles MacDonald was captain of a company 
of mounted infantry in Bowen's battalion of 
Missouri volunteer militia, sent to the border 
to put a stop to the outrages committed by 
lawless bands of " Jayhawkers." He remained 
on the- border six months, at the end of which 
time he was ordered to report with his com- 
mand at Camp Jackson, near St. Louis, and 
was captured on the 10th of May, 1861, with 
the whole force in that encampment. Mac- 
Donald denied the legality of the capture, and 
refused to give his parole. All the rest of the 
prisoners gave their parole, under pi-otest, and 
were released. Capt. Lyon, who had made the 
capture, sent MacDonald out of the State, to 
avoid the writ of habeas corpus, which was, 
howevei", issued and served upon him. But the 
prisoner was not then in his possession. 
Another writ was issued and served upon Col. 
McArthur, who then held MacDonald. Col. 
McArthur refused to obey the writ, and the 
return was so made to the court. In the 
mean time MacDonald was removed to Cairo, 
111. Upon the case being laid before Gen. Mc- 
CleUan, he ordered MacDonald to be handed 
over to the civil authorities, which was done, 
and he was discharged. He then joined 
Gen. Price's army, and led a portion of the 
Missouri cavalry at the battle of Carthage. It 
was by his interposition that a whole company 
of Gen. Sigel's noted regiment of Turners was 
saved from massacre. The company was cap- 
tured in Sigel's retreat. It becoming known 
that this company had taken part in the massa- 
cre at Camp Jackson, the Missourians were 
almost uncontrollable. MacDonald sought and 
obtained permission from Gen. McCullough to 
protect all prisoners. He regaled them with 
two barrels of lager beer, paroled and sent 
them under escort through the Confederate 
lines. His treatment a few weeks later, by the 
Illinois troops, at RoUa, whither he had been 
sent with a flag of truce, was an ill return for 
his magnanimous behavior toward the captive 
Germans. Nothing but the protecting arm of 
the commander. Gen. Samuel Sturgis, saved his 
life. At the battle of Wilson's Creek he fought 
in the ranks of a Louisiana regiment. At the 
battle of Dry Wood he commanded a piece of 
field artillery. At the battle of Lexington, Mo., 



he commanded Bledroe's battery, that officer 
having been woimded at Dry Wood. Gen, 
Price, in his official report of the capture of 
Lexington, makes mention of the "gallant 
services" of Capt. MacDonald. At the bat- 
tle of Pea Ridge, Capt. MacDonald commanded 
a battery of fom* field-pieces, and was com- 
plimented by Gen. Yan Dorn on the field. 
His battery was in the battle of Farmington, in 
front of Corinth, Miss., where he was, as usual, 
distinguished for his contempt of danger. 
Whilst on a visit to Richmond, he took part as 
a volunteer in the ranks in the seven days 
fighting around that place. Subsequently he 
obtained permission to go to the Trans-Missis- 
sippi Department and raise a regiment of 
cavalry. On the 8th of January, 1863, he com- 
manded a brigade under Gen. Marmaduke, in 
the attack on Springfield, Mo. At the battle 
of Hartsville he had come upon the field to re- 
monstrate with the general commanding against 
keeping his regiment too far from the scene of 
action to take part in it, when seeing two 
pieces of Confederate artillery in danger of 
capture, he gathered a few stragglers together 
and made a charge, with the intention of bring- 
ing them off. He succeeded, but received two 
balls in the leg, and expired in four hours after. 
As he laid bleeding upon the field, he said : 
" Never mind me, take off the guns, boys." As 
he was being carried from the field, feeling that 
his life was ebbing with the crimson stream 
from his wound, he asked his assistants to draw 
the curtains of the ambulance aside, that he 
might hear the music of the battle and see the 
retreating enemy. His last words were : " Tell 
the general to remember the charge of the 
stragglers. It was a gallant charge." He was 
buried on the battle-field, but his remains 
were subsequently removed to St. Lo«is. The 
provost marshal of that city, Gen. Franklin 
A. Dick, issued an order for the seizure of the 
body and its burial in the soldier's graveyard. 
Kindred and friends begged the privilege of 
a decent burial for the deceased, but the pro- 
vost marshal being inexorable, the brothers 
and sisters of Col. MacDonald gathered round 
the corpse, and gave the messengers, who had 
been sent to seize it, to understand that it must 
be done over their dead bodies. Appeal was 
made to Major-Gen. Curtis, commanding the de- 
partment, and he generously revoked the order. 
The remains of Col. Emmett MacDonald were 
buried in the lawn of his sister's residence 
near St. Louis, but were recently removed to a 
lot in the Bellefontain Cemetery. Col. MacDon- 
ald possessed a remarkable personal appearance. 
His figure was good, and his face handsome, 
noble, and expressive. His height was about 
five feet ten inches, and his hair, which he wore 
very long, was as black as the raven's wing. 
He took an oath that he would not cut it until 
the independence of the Southern Confederacy 
was recognized. Col. MacDonald's death oc- 
curred' on the same day that, years before, the 
edict was issued by William of Orange for the 



MILITAET AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



747 



massacre of his ancesters, the MacDonalds of 
Glencoe. 

Jan. 14. — Eev. James Hoetox Dill, a Con- 
gregatioual clergyman, died on board of a vessel 
on his way from Louisville to Nashville, whither 
he was going to join his regiment, of which he 
was chaplain. He was born in Plymouth, Mass., 
Jan. 1st, 1821, studied theology in New Haven, 
Conn., and was ordained pastor of the First 
Congi-egational Church in Winchester, Conn., 
Aug. 26th, 1846. In Feb., 1852, he was installed 
pastor of the First Congregational Church in 
Spencerport, New York. In 1859 he removed to 
Chicago, and became the pastor of the South 
Congregational Chm-ch. His devotion to his 
country led him to accept the chaplaincy of 
the 38th regiment of Illinois volunteers in the 
autumn, of 1862. His death was hastened by 
his unsparing activity and devotion to the cause 
he had espoused. 

Jan. 14. — Lieut.-Com. TnoiLis BucnAif an Mc- 
Ejeax, of the U. S. navy, was killed at Bayou 
Teche, La. He was a native and citizen of Penn- 
sylvania, fi'om which State he was appointed to 
the Naval Academy as a cadet in October, 1851. 
He graduated in 1855, and was attached to the 
sloop Constellation, then stationed in the Medi- 
terranean, in the squadi'on commanded by Com- 
modore Breese. In 1858 he was promoted to 
be master, and ordered to the sloop St. Mary's 
in the Pacific squadron. In 1860 he was made a 
lieutenant, and attached to the steam sloop Mis- 
sissippi, and, under the new act of Congress, 
became lieutenant-commander in 1861. He 
was next m command of the New London, the 
" black devil " of the Mississippi Sound, and 
subsequently of the gunboat CaUioun, on which 
he lost his life. 

Jan. 24. — Lieut.-Col. "Waeren Stewaet, a 
cavalry officer in the U. S. service, was killed 
opposite Vicksbm-g. He first entered the United 
States service during the present war as captain 
of an independent cavalry company from Illi- 
nois, and was attached to Gen. McClernand's 
brigade. On the 2d of February, 1862, he v/as 
appointed acting adjutant-aid on Gen. McCler- 
nand's staff, with the rank of captain. He took 
an active part in the memorable battle of Fort 
Donelson. The several companies of cavalry 
connected with McClernand's brigade wex'e 
next consolidated, under the title of Stewart's 
Independent Battalion of Cavalry, the command 
of which devolved upon him, with the rank of 
major, dating from February 1st, 1862. He 
was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and was 
especially mentioned in his general's official re- 
port for his gallantry on that occasion. He also 
participated in the siege of Corinth, and subse- 
quently was attached to the division stationed 
along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. 
On the promotion of Gen. McClernand he was 
made lieutenant-colonel. He was engaged in 
destroying the ferry boats opposite Vicksburg, 
when he was killed by a shot from the enemy. 

Feb. 19. — Commander Maxwell Woodhull, 
of the United States navy, was kiUed at Fort 



Marshall, Baltimore, aged about fifty years. He 
was visiting the forts around the city, in com- 
pany with Gen. Butler and Gen. Schenck and 
staff, in whose honor a salute was tired ; the 
gunner, supposing the whole party had passed 
out of range of the gun, fired a 32-pounder just 
as a fragment of the party came up ; unfor- 
tunately Commander Woodhull received the 
whole charge, which caused his death in a few 
moments. 

Feb. 22. — Edward Smith Gilbert, a lieu- 
tenant-colonel in the U. S. volunteer service, 
died of consumption at Rochester, N. Y., aged 
31 years. He was born in Livingston County, 
N. Y., graduated at Amherst College in 1855, 
and became professor of mathematics in the 
Collegiate Institute of Rochester, N. Y. Soon 
after the breaking out of the war he entered 
the military service as second lieutenant in the 
13th regiment N. Y. volunteers. After the 
first battle of Bull Run he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and a few months later to a 
captaincy, and transferred to the 25th regi- 
ment. During the peninsular campaign he rose 
to the rank of major. In one of the "seven 
days' battles " he was taken prisoner, and re- 
mained in Richmond until August. On rejoin- 
ing his regiment he was promoted to the rank 
of lieutenant-colonel. His death occurred while 
at home on a furlough. 

March 12. — Heitot N. Fisher, M.D., died in 
Washington, aged 29 years. After the disasters 
of the peninsular campaign he volunteered as 
physician and surgeon, to minister to the neces- 
sities of the sick and wounded soldiers, and 
made several trips between Harrison's Landing 
and New York on one of the transports. His 
faithftilness and efficiency recommending him 
to those in authority, he received an appoint- 
ment as surgeon in, the army, and for several 
months previous to his death had charge of 
Eckington Hospital, in the suburbs of Wash- 
ington. His devotion and untiring energy in 
behalf of the suffering under his care, contrib- 
uted to bring on the fever which cut him off in 
the dawn of manhood. 

March — . — Acting Master Robert L. Kelly, 
of the U. S. navy, was killed during the attack 
upon Port Hudson. He was a native of the 
State of Rhode Island. During the early part 
of the war he performed important services in 
the North Atlantic sqiiadron, after which he 
was transferred to the Western Gulf blockading 
squadron, where he was in active service on 
board the United States sloop Mississippi for 
more than a year. He held an important post 
as an officer of that ship, and in her last engage- 
ment fought his division nobly and courageous- 
ly amid the shower of shot and shell until he 
feU lifeless upon the deck. 

March 21 . — Major-Gen. Enwrsr Vose Sumner, 
an officer of U. S. volunteers, and brevet major- 
general in the U. S. army, born in Boston, 
Mass., in 1796, died at Syracuse, N. Y., March 
?Jst, 1863. He was educated at the Milton 
Academy, Boston, and in March, 1819,. vras ap- 



748 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



pointed second lieutenant in the 2d infantiy, 
and served in the Black Hawk war. When the 
2d regiment of dragoons was raised by Gen. 
Jackson, he was commissioned as its captain, 
and was for many years employed in service 
on the Indian frontier, and subsequently com- 
manded the school of cavalry practice at Oar- 
lisle, Penn. He was promoted to be major in 
1846, and in April, 184:7, led the famous cav- 
alry charge at Cerro Gordo; was wounded, 
and obtained the brevet of lieutenant-colonel. 
At Contreras and Ohurubusco he won much 
honor, and at the battle of Molino del Rey 
commanded the entire cavalry, holding in check 
5,000 Mexican laucers. For his gallant con- 
duct he received the brevet of colonel, and in 
July, 1848, was commissioned lieutenant-colo- 
nel of the 1st dragoons. At the close of the 
war he was placed in command of the depart- 
ment of New Mexico, In 1855 he was pro- 
moted to the colonelcy of the 1st cavalry, and 
the following year was in command at Fort 
Leavenworth, Kans'as. In July of 1857 he 
led a successful expedition against the Chey- 
enne Indians, and in 1858 was appointed com- 
mander of the department of the West. In 
March, 1861, he was appointed brigadier-gen- 
eral in the regular army, in place of General 
Twiggs, and in March, 1862, appointed com- 
mander of the first array corps in the Army of 
the Potomac. At the siege of Yorktown he 
commanded the left wing, and was engaged in 
all the battles of the Chickahominy, during 
which he was twice wounded. For his ser- 
vices before Richmond he was made major- 
general of volunteers, and brevet major-general 
in the regular army. Upon the reorganization 
of the army Gen. Sumner was assigned to the 
2d corps, and in the battle of Antietam was 
wounded. Subsequently he was placed in 
command of the right grand division of the 
Army of the Potomac, but, upon the appoint- 
ment of Gen. Hooker as chief of that army, 
he asked to be relieved, and after a few weeks 
was ordered to the command of the army of 
the frontier. Upon the way thither he was 
taken sick, and died after a short illness, at 
Syracuse. 

March 28. — Brig-Gen. James Cooper, an 
officer of the U. S. volunteers, died at Colupi- 
bus, Ohio, aged about 60 years. He was a na- 
tive of Frederick County, Maryland, but re- 
moved many years ago to Pennsylvania, where 
he became a prominent whig politician, and was 
known as one of the leading advocates of the 
tariff of 1842, He was elected to the United 
States Senate, and served two terms with much 
ability, taking a prominent part in all the im- 
portant questions that at that time agitated the 
counti-y. A few years ago he took up his resi- 
dence in Frederick City, Maryland, and after 
the breaking out of the war he was appointed 
the first brigadier-general ; took command of 
all the volunteers in Maryland, and organized 
them into regiments. Subsequently he was ap- 
pointed to the command of Camp Chase, ij^ar 



Columbus, Ohio, where he remained in the dis- 
charge of his duties until attacked with fatal 
illness. 

April 10. — Dr. Robert Ware died in Wash- 
ington N. C, aged 29 years. He was a native 
of Boston, Mass., studied at the Latin school 
in that city, graduated at Harvard College in 
1852, and studied medicine with his father. Dr. 
John Ware, until May, 1854, Avhen he went to 
Europe and remained until September, 1855, 
spending about six months of the time in Paris, 
studying in the Fi'ench hospitals. On his re- 
turn to this country he resumed his studies 
with his father, and graduated at the Medical 
School in 1856, when he began the practice of 
his profession in Boston. In July, 1857, he 
was appointed one of the district physicians of 
the Boston Dispensary. He was remarkably 
successful in his practice, which iucreased rap- 
idly, as his father was intending to relinquish 
the profession to his son. On the breaking out 
of the war he was one of the first physicians to 
enter into the service of the Sanitary Commis- 
sion, in which he continued until the close of 
the peninsular campaign in Virginia. Throw- 
ing his whole soul into the work of ministering 
to the wounded and dying, he spared himself 
neither night nor day. He was subsequently 
appointed surgeon of the 44th Massachusetts 
reghnent, with which he left for the seat of 
war. On his arrival in North Carolina his ar- 
duous labors and exposures to the unhealthy 
climate brought on a fever, which speedily ter- 
minated his valuable life. In the eloquent lan- 
guage of one of the ofiScers of the Sanitary Com- 
mission, he was " one who, through months of 
death and darkness, lived and worked in self- 
abnegation ; lived in and for the sufterings of 
others, and finally gave himself a sacrifice for 
them." 

Ajml 12. — Lieut.-Ool. Edgar A. Kimball, 
killed at Sufi:olk, Va. He was born in Concord, 
N. H., in 1821, was educated as a printer, re- 
moved to Vermont, and became editor and pro- 
prietor of the Woodstock (Vt.) " Age," a' liberal 
democratic newspaper. He distinguished him- 
self in the Mexican campaign, and for his gal- 
lantry at Contreras, Churubusco, and Chapul- 
tepec, received the brevet of major. He was 
subsequently for a time in the office of the New 
York " Herald." Upon the breaking out of 
the war he again took the field, and received 
the commission of major of the 9th New York 
volunteers (Zouaves), May 13th, 1861, and the 
following August participated in a reconnois- 
sance up the peninsula. At the battle of Roan- 
oke Island, N. C, Feb. 7th, 1862, Major Kim- 
ball led his Zouaves along a narrow causeway 
commanded by the enemy's cannon, and at 
great peril carried the work and planted the 
Federal flag over it. On the 14th of February, 
1862, he was promoted to the position of 
lieutenant-colonel, and soon after was placed 
in command of the regiment, which formed a 
portion of the 9th army corps. He partici- 
pated in the reduction of Fort Macon, and was 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



749 



also engaged in the battles of South Mountain, 
Antietam, and Fredericksburg, The regiment 
was next transferred to Newport News, thence 
to Suffolk, Va. Here he unfortunately met his 
death, on the 12th of Api-U, by a shot from 
General Michael Corcoran. Gen. Corcoran had 
occasion to pass Col. Kimball's camp on im- 
portant duties connected with his command, 
before dawn of that day, and his right to pass 
being challenged by Col. Kimball, he announced 
his rank and position, and the iirgency of his 
journey. By some strange perversity. Col. 
Kimball refused to accept his statement, and 
persisting in his determination not to allow him 
to-pass. Gen. Corcoran, after giving him notice, 
fired upon him with fatal effect. 

April 14. — Benjamin "Welch, late commis- 
sary general of the State of New York, died at 
Clifton Springs, aged 45 years. He studied law 
with the late Judge Maun, of Utica, N. Y., and 
was subsequently editor of the Utica " Demo- 
crat" and of the Buffalo '' Republican." He was 
at one time State treasurer, and for four years 
commissary general of the State. In the spring 
of 1862 he accepted a position on General Pope's 
staff, and during the campaign of the following 
summer contracted the disease which subse- 
quently proved fatal. 

A2)ril 18. — Lieut.-Com. McDermott, of the 
TJ. S. gunboat Cayuga, was killed at Sabine 
Pass, while making a reconnoissance in com- 
pany with Capt. Reed, of the gunboat New 
London. He was a brave man, a gallant officer, 
and a true patriot. 

April 26. — Col. Edwaed Cobb Charles died 
in New York from wounds received in the bat- 
tle of Glendale. At the commencement of the 
war he went out with the 42d New York vol- 
unteers as lieutenant-colonel. At the battle of 
Ball's Bluff, Col. Cogswell, the commander of 
the regiment, was taken prisoner, and Lieut.- 
Ool. Charles was promoted to the position there- 
by left vacant. He was in all the engagements 
from Ball's Bluff down to the last of the seven 
days' battles before Richmond. In the battle 
of Glendale he was severely wounded by a Minie 
rifle ball, and left for dead on the field. He 
was, however, taken prisoner, and lay for many 
weeks in a prison hospital. He afterwards came 
north on parole and was confined for some time. 
«■ After undergoing some severe surgical operations 
mortification probably supervened, causing his 
death. His funeral took place from the City 
Hall, New York, and was attended by a large 
concourse of citizens, the old Light Guard join- 
ing in the procession. 

May 1. — Brig.-Gen. R. D. Teact, an ofiicer 
in the Confederate service, a native of North 
Carolina, who entered the Confederate army 
from civil life. After serving for some time as 
colonel of a North Carolina regiment, he was 
promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in 
1862, and was killed at the battle of Port Gib- 
son, Miss. 

May 1. — Lieut.-Col. William "Wade, an offi- 
cer of artillery in the Confederate army, killed 



near Grand Gulf, on the Mississippi River. 
Lieut.-Col. Wade, at the breaking out of the 
war, was a prominent and highly respected 
merchant in St. Louis, Mo. At Camp Jackson, 
where Gen. Lyoa captured the militia of St. 
Louis County, while in their camp, Lieut.- 
Col. Wade was on the staff of Brig.-Geu. Frost. 
By some mistake he was omitted in the parole. 
He soon after went South, and received from the 
Secretary of War of the Confederate Government 
a battery of six gims, with which he joined 
Gen. Price, at Rock River, in Missouri. The 
battery was divided into two batteries, and he 
was promoted to the rank of major. When 
the State troops were transferred from the State 
to the Confederate service, his battalion was 
reduced to a six-gun battery, to conform to 
Confederate regulations. At Elk Horn he dis- 
tinguished himself for courage, and coolness, 
and ability. He was in the battles of Farming- 
ton, luka, and Corinth, Mississippi, in all of 
which his battery was conspicuous for its efii- 
ciency. His courteous and amiable manners 
endeared him to all Avho knew him. He was 
promoted to a lieut.-colonelcy only a short 
time before his death. 

May 2. — Brig.-Gen. Edwaed F. Paxtox, an 
ofiicer in the Confederate service, killed at the 
battle of Chancellorsville, Va. He was a native 
of Rockbridge County, Va., and received his 
military education at the Virginia Military Acad- 
emy at Lexington. When " Stonewall " Jackson 
was made a brigadier-general he appointed young 
Paxton, to whom he was strongly attached, ad- 
jutant-general of his brigade, and on his own 
advancement promoted him adjutant-general of 
the division. "\^hen Jackson became command- 
er of an army corps, he asked and obtained the 
appointment of Paxton as brigadier -general, and 
in this capacity he served at Antietam, Freder- 
icksburg, and the beginning of the battle of 
Chancellorsville. He was killed on the same 
evening on which Jackson was mortally wound- 
ed. 

May 3. — Hieam George Beret, a major-gen- 
eral of volunteers in the United States service, 
born in Thomaston (now Rockland), Maine, Au- 
gust 2Tth, 1824, killed at the battle of Chancel- 
lorsville, May 3d, 1863. In early life he had ac- 
quired the carpenter's trade, and followed the 
business for a few years, but was subsequently 
engaged, successfully, in navigation. He repre- 
sented his native town in the State Legislature 
several times, and was mayor of the city of 
Rockland. Having a taste for military affairs 
he originated and commanded for several years 
the Rockland Guard, a volunteer company which 
had attained a very high reputation for its per- 
fection of drill and discipline. At the com- 
mencement of the war he entered the volunteer 
service as colonel of the 4th regiment of Maine 
volunteer infantry. The regiment left Rockland 
on the lYth of June, 1861, arrived in Washing- 
ton on the 20th, and went into camp on Meri- 
dian Hill on the 21st. On the 8th of July it 
crowed into Virginia, and on the 16th marched 



750 



MILITARY A^D NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



toward Centreville, where it aiTivedon the 18th. 
It participated ia the battle of Bull Ruu, in act- 
ing Gen. Howard's brigade. After the battle 
it returned to Alexandria, and on the 24th to 
Meridian Hill. It was afterwards brigaded in 
Gen. Sedgwick's brigade of the Army of the 
Potomac, and when the army moved to the pe- 
ninsula formed part of Gen. Birney's brigade, in 
Gen. C. S. Hamilton's division, and in that di- 
vision participated in the siege of Yorktown. 
On the 4th of April, 18G3, Col. Berry was made 
a brigadier-general of volunteers, his commission 
dating from March 17th, 1862, and was placed 
in charge of the tliird brigade of the third divis- 
ion of Heintzelman's third army corps. By this 
change he was separated from his regiment. In 
command of this brigade he participated in the 
battle of Williamsburg, where the coming of his 
brigade brought the first relief to the wearied 
and blood-stained heroes of Gen. Hooker's di- 
vision ; fought under Gen. Kearney at Fair Oaks, 
and won the special commendation of that dar- 
ing and gallant otficer for his indomitable brav- 
ery ; bore a conspicuous part in the seven days' 
battles, and on the 4th of July, 1862, was, with 
Heintzelman's corps, highly complimented for 
his valor and endurance by the commanding 
general. On the 15th of August he moved with 
his brigade to Yorktown, and thence to Alexan- 
dria ; thence to Warrenton Junction and Rap- 
pahannock, and on the 29th and 30th of Aug. 
took part with Kearney's division in the battles 
of Ceijtreville and Manassas, or the second Bull 
Run. On the 1st of September he participated 
in the battle of Chantilly, where the gallant 
Kearney lost his life. During the campaign in 
Maryland he held with his brigade important 
fords on the Potomac, and thus cut off the re- 
treat of the enemy. At the battle of Freder- 
ericksburg, Dec. 13th, 1862, Gen. Berry led his 
brigade in a charge upon a force considerably 
exceeding his own in numbers, and drove them 
back, thus relieving his division, then command- 
ed by Gen. Birney, from imminent peril. For 
this brave act he was complimented by Gen. 
Birney in his report. In January, 1863, he was 
nominated by the President as majoi'-general of 
volunteers, with rank dating -from Nov. 29th, 
1862, and was confirmed by the Senate on the 9th 
of March, 1863. He was then placed in com- 
mand of the second division of the third army 
corps, which was at that time under the com- 
mand of Major-Gen. Sickles. At the battle of 
Ohancellorsville, after the fight of the eleventh 
army corps, who were pursued with great fury by 
Gen. Jackson's corps. Gen. Hooker selected Ber- 
ry's division, which had been formerly his own 
division, and was one of the finest in the army, 
to charge upon the advancing foe, and stem the 
overwhelming wave which was sweeping his 
army to destruction. His order was character- 
istic, and showed his thorough appreciation of 
the courage and military skill of Gen. Berry. It 
"was as follows : " Go in, General; throw your 
men into the breach ; don't fire a shot — tliey 
can't see you — but charge home with the l»eyo- 



net." They did charge home, and in the shock 
of battle which followed, the foe went down like 
grass before the mower's scythe. For three hours 
that division, almost alone, withstood the re- 
peated assaults of a large body of Confederate 
troops flushed with their previous victory, and at 
last drove them back, and regained a portion of 
their lost groimd. The battle was renewed early 
the next morning, and again Berry and his di- 
vision were in front and received the first as- 
sault of the enemy. Intent upon driving them 
back. Gen. Berry headed one of his brigades in 
several successful bayonet charges, and in one 
of these was instantly killed by a shot from the 
enemy. Gen. Berry was not only a brave and 
skilful commander, but a most estimable man in 
private and social life, and his death caused deep 
sorrow among a wide circle of warmly attached 
friends. 

May 3. — Lieiit.-Ool. Dttnoan MoVioae was 
killed near Spottsylvania, Va. He was born in 
Scotland. At the commencement of the war 
he was a resident of Kingston, Canada, but his 
sympathies being upon the side of the Union, 
he came to the United States to aid in its main- 
tenance. He first joined a company of light 
artillery in New York city, and proceeded to 
Rochester for recruits. He afterwards joined 
the Harris Guards, and rose to the oflice of lieu- 
tenant-colonel. During the peninsular campaign 
he commanded a battalion of his regiment then 
in the service on the Chickahominy. He was 
a brave and chivalrous officer, and lost his life 
while making a reconnoissance with a part of his 
men, and bravely assailing a force of the enemy 
which he encountered. 

Hay 3. — Col. Benjamin Ringold was killed 
in the fight before Suffolk, Va. He entered the 
army as a captain, was promoted to be major, 
and subsequently became colonel of the 103(1 
New York volunteers. ' He commanded his 
regiment at South Mountain, Antietam, and 
Fredericksburg. At Antietam he particularly 
distinguished himself by his bravery and daring 
in driving a Georgia regiment from a strong 
position at the point of the bayonet, and taking 
the colors of the regiment. He was for a long 
time attached to Col. Hawkins's brigade. 

May 4. — Rev. Francis Eugene Butler died 
from wounds received in battle of Suffolk, Va., 
aged 38 years. He was a native at Sufliblk, 
Conn., and for a number of years was engaged 
in mercantile pursuits in New York city, where 
he was well known as secretary of the New 
York Bible Society, as one of the founders of 
the Young Men's Christian Association, and as 
an active friend of other religious institutions. 
When twenty-nine years old he entered Yale 
College with the determination of fitting him- 
self for the ministry. He graduated in 1857, 
after which he spent three years in the study 
of theology at Princeton, and subsequently one 
year at Andover. Having been licensed to 
preach, he supplied for a time the pulpit of a 
church in Bedford Springs, Penn., and after- 
wards that of the Second Presbyterian Church 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION 



751 



in Cleveland, Ohio. He was next engaged as 
minister of the Congregational Church in Pat- 
erson, N, J. When the 25th regiment of New- 
Jersey volunteers was oi-ganized, he accepted 
the post of chaplain, and accompanied the regi- 
ment to Suffolk, Va. In an engagement near 
that place, May 3d, learning that some men of a 
Connecticut regiment on the right were suffer- 
ing for want of surgical assistance, he went to 
their relief, and in so doing, being greatly ex- 
posed, he was shot by a sharpshooter and died 
the next day. 

May 4. — Joseph B. Plujimer, a brigadier- 
general in tlie United States volunteer ser\'ice, 
died at Corinth, aged about 44 years. He grad- 
uated at West Point in 1841, in the same class 
with the late Gens. Lyon, Richardson, Reynolds, 
and Whipple, the late Col. Garesche, and Gens. 
Buell and Wright of the army of the United 
States. After serving with distinction in Flor- 
ida and Mexico, he was stationed for several 
years at the West. At the commencement of 
the present war he was a captain of the First 
United States infantry, and accepted the com- 
mand of a regiment of Missom-i volunteers. In 
this capacity he participated in the battle of 
Springfield, and subsequently distinguished 
himself at the battle of Fredericktown, Mo., for 
which he was promoted to the rank of briga- 
dier-general of volunteers. He participated in 
the campaign of the Mississippi River, and dis- 
tinguished himself at Island No. 10, and other 
engagements in that vicinity. Becoming pros- 
trated by his severe labors in the service, he 
obtained leave of absence to recruit his health. 
After a short visit to his family, he returned to 
his command while yet unfft for duty, and died 
the day after his arrival in the camp of Gen. 
Rosecrans, at Corinth. 

May 5.— Col. William Oliver Stevens died 
from injuries received in the battle near Ohan- 
cellorsville, Va., aged 36 years. He was born in 
Belfast, Maine, was fitted for college at Phillips 
Academy, Andover, and graduated at Harvard 
College in 1848. After leaving college he stud- 
ied law with his father in Lawrence, and sub- 
sequently with Hon. Thomas Wright of the 
same place, and went to Florida, where he 
practiced his profession for a few mouths, but 
was obliged to leave on account of the debili- 
tating effects of the climate. In 1852 he went 
into the practice of his profession in Dunkirk, 
New York. In 1859 he was elected district 
attorney of Chautauque County, filled the office 
for two years to the entire satisfaction of the 
people, and resigned his position for the military 
service of his country, in 1861. He joined the 
Excelsior Brigade at Staten Island, as captain 
of a company raised in Dunkirk, was elected 
major before leaving the island, and took a 
conspicuous part in the battles of Williamsburg, 
Fair Oaks, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern 
Hill. In October, 1862, he was commissioned 
colonel, dating back to September, and his regi- 
ment was attached to the third army corps under 
Gen. Sickles. At the battle of Chancellorsville, 



May od, his horse being shot under him early 
in the engagement, he led his regiment on foot, 
and soon after received a mortal wound and 
was carried to the hospital, where, after endur- 
ing the most terrible suffering with heroic for- 
titude, he died the following Tuesday. 

May 5. — Brig. -Gen. Amiel W. Whipple, an 
officer of United States volunteers, born in 
Greenwich, Mass., died at Washington, May 5, 
1863, from wounds received at the battles near 
Chancellorsville. He graduated at West Point 
in 1841, was commissioned brevet second lieu- 
tenant in the 1st artillery, and then transferred 
to the topographical engineers. In 1841 he 
was engaged in the hydrographical survey of 
the Patapsco River, and in 1842 in surveying 
the approaches to New Orleans and the harbor 
of Portsmouth, N. H. In 1844 he was detailed 
as assistant astronomer upon the Northeast 
boundary survey, and in 1845 was employed in 
determining the northern boundaries of New 
York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. In 1849 
he was appointed assistant astronomer on the 
Mexican boundary, and his journal while in 
Mexico was published by order of Congress. 
In the spring of 1853 he was ordered to direct 
the survey of the Southern Pacific Railroad. 
In July, 1855, he was promoted to be captain 
of topographical engineers, and the following 
year was appointed light-house engineer, and 
afterwards superintendent of the improvement 
of St. Clair Flats and St. Mary's River. In the 
spring of 1861 he was made chief engineer on 
the stafii" of Gen. McDowell ; was present at the 
battle of Bull Run, and was afterwards em- 
ployed on surveys for fortifications, and pro- 
moted major of engineers. Subsequently he 
was attached to the staff' of Gen. McClellan, 
made brigadier-general of volunteers in May, 
1862, and placed in charge of all the fortifica- 
tions and garrisons on the south side of the 
Potomac. Shortly afterwards he was pro- 
moted to the command of a division in the 
ninth army corps, and at the time of his death 
was in command of the third division of the 
third corps. 

May 7. — John E. Holmes died at Annapohs 
from the effects-of confinement in a Richmond 
prison. He was born in Hartford County, Con- 
necticut, in 1809, was educated in the Univer- 
salist Academy at Hamilton, N. Y., and com- 
menced the study of law, but subsequently 
entered the ministry. After preaching three 
years he returned to the study of law, and was 
admitted to the bar in Ilhnois. In 1843 ho 
removed to Jefferson, Wisconsin, and soon after 
became a member of the Territorial Council, 
In 1848 he was lieutenant-governor, and in 
1852 was elected to the State Legislature, aU 
of which positions he filled with honor and 
usefulness. When the war broke out he felt it 
his duty to devote his energies to the service 
of his country. In August, 1863, he received a 
commission, and at once entered upon his duties. 
He was taken prisoner at Brentwood, Tennessee, 
March 25th, 1863, was rapidly marched to Rich- 



752 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



mond, where he was imprisoned four weeks, 
and died immediately after being exchanged. 

May 8. — Maj.-Gen. Earl Van Doex, an offi- 
cer in the Confederate service, was killed by 
Dr. Peters, of Maury County, Tennessee. He 
was born in Mississippi about 1823, graduated 
at West Point in 1842, and was appointed bre- 
vet second lieutenant United States 9th infan- 
try; became second lieutenant in 1844, and 
first lieutenant in 1847 ; was brevetted captain 
for gallantry at Oerro Gordo, and major for 
gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco; dis- 
tinguished himself at Chapultepec, and was 
wounded when entering the city of Mexico. 
From January, 1852, to June, 1855, he was 
treasurer of the Military Asylum at Pascagoula, 
Miss. He distinguished himself in three differ- 
ent expeditions against the Comanches in Texas, 
in one of which he was dangerously wounded. 
On the breaking out of the war he resigned his 
commission in the United States army, and ac- 
cepting the position of colonel in the Confed- 
erate army, took command of a body of Texan 
volunteers, and entered into an engagement to 
get possession of the vast amount of military 
stores and equipments which the United States 
Government had collected in Texas. In the 
spring of 1861 he captured the steamship Star 
of the West at Indianola, and a few days after, 
at the head of eight hundred men, at Saluria 
he received the surrender of Major C. C. Sibley 
and seven companies of United States infantry, 
and the following mouth that of Lieut.-Col. 
Reeve and six companies of the 8th infantry. 
He was made brigadier-general and subsequent- 
ly major-general, and took command of the 
trans-Mississippi district, January 19th, 1862; 
commanded at the battle of Pea Ridge, and 
was superseded by Gen. Holmes, Since the 
battle of Corinth, where he was unsuccessful, he 
had remained in comparative obscurity, but 
had been engaged in several attacks upon the 
outlying divisions of the Army of the Cumber- 
land. He had made his headquarters for some 
months in Maury County, Tennessee, and while 
there injured the family of Dr. Peters, who, 
after attempting in vain to secure from him 
such reparation as it was in hi» power to make, 
at last took his life. 

Matj 10. — Thomas JojfATHAN Jacksok, a 
general in the Confederate army, born in 
Clarksburg, Harrison County, Va., January 
21st, 1824, died at Guinea's station, on the 
Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad, May 
10th, 1863. The death of his father, in 1827, 
left him dependent upon an uncle, by whom 
he was brought up to a farmer's life. As a 
boy he was noted for gravity and sobriety of 
manners, and at 16 years of age is said to have 
been elected constable of Lewis County. 
Though indicating no special aptitude or taste 
for a militaiy career, he obtained in 1842 the 
appointment of cadet at West Point, where he 
was graduated in 1846, 17th in a class of 59, 
which numbered among its members Generals 
McCleUan, Stoneraan, Foster, Couch, Reno, and 



others distinguished on both sides in the pres- 
ent war. At the academy he was far from 
being a brilliant pupil, mastering his studies 
with extreme difficulty, but learning thoroughly 
whatever he attempted. His disposition was 
retiring and taciturn, and at this, as well as at 
other periods of his life, he was afflicted with 
various forms of hypochondria, imagining that 
he had consumption, incipient paralysis, and 
other maladies. 

He was immediately brevetted 2d lieutenant 
in the 1st artillery, and accompanied Magruder's 
battery to Mexico serving first under Gen. Tay- 
lor and subsequently under' Gen. Scott. Dur- 
ing the victorious campaign of the latter in the 
valley of Mexico he was promoted to a first 
lieutenancy, and for gallant conduct at Contre- 
ras, Churubusco, and Chapultepec, was succes- 
sively brevetted captain and major. Returning 
home in impaired health, he resigned his com- 
mission in 1852, and was soon after appointed 
professor of mathematics in the Military Insti- 
tute of Virginia, where he remained until the 
outbreak of the civil war. He performed his 
professional duties with conscientious fidelity, 
but in matters of discipline was too much of a 
martinet to become popular with the pupils of 
the school, who were accustomed to ridicule 
his peculiarities of manner and appearance, and 
his strict observance of a religious life. Thus 
the spring of 1861 found him scarcely known 
beyond the walls of the Institute, and not es- 
teemed there as a soldier of more tlian ordinary 
promise. He embraced the cause of secession 
with enthusiasm, was commissioned a colonel 
by Gov. Letcher, of Virginia, and on the 3d of 
May appointed commander of the "Army of 
Observation " at Harper's Ferry, which a few 
weeks later he resigned to Gen. Joseph E. 
Johnston, retaining command of the infantry. 

For several weeks he was employed in fre- 
quent mana3uvfes between Winchester and Har- 
per's Ferry, encountering the Federal Gen. 
Patterson's advance at Falling Waters on July 
2d; and on the 18th his brigade, consisting of 
five Virginia regiments, carefully disciplined by 
himself, was hurried off to Manassas, almost 
under the eye of Patterson, to retnforce Beau- 
regard. He bore a distinguished part in the 
battle of BuU Run, where, in the language of 
the Confederate Gen. Bee, " Jackson stood 
like a stone wall ; " and ever after that event- 
ful day he was popularly known as " Stone- 
wall " Jackson, and the troops commanded by 
him on the occasion as the " Stonewall Bri- 
gade." He remained with his brigade in the 
neighborhood of Centreville until October, hav- 
ing previously been commissioned a brigadier- 
general, and was then promoted to be a major- 
general and assigned to the command of the 
troops at Winchester, where he remained until 
early in the succeeding March, retiring only on 
the approach of the Union forces imder Gen. 
Banks. 

A reconnoissance made on the 18th and 19th 
of this month by Gen. Shields, commanding a 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



753 



division of Gen. Banks' corps, discovered Jack- 
son posted in a strong position soutli of Win- 
cliester. and in immediate communication with 
powerful supports, for which reason the Union 
forces were concentrated near Winchester. On 
the 22d, Banks, with half of his corps, marched 
for Oentreville to join the army of McClellan, 
and this fact having been communicated to 
Jackson by his scouts, the Confederate cavalry 
was ordered to drive the Union pickets back 
toward Kernstown, a small village, three miles 
south of Winchester, while the main body of 
the Confederates was pushed forward with se- 
crecy and rapidity. Here on the morning of 
the 23d, Jackson, deceived evidently as to the 
strength of the Union army, made a vigorous 
attack upon Shields' left wing. Failing to 
make an impression there, he massed his troops 
for an assault upon the right, Avhere Shields, in 
anticipation of such a movement, had concen- 
trated a large force. One of the fiercest con- 
tests of the war ensued, but by unflinching en- 
ergy the Unionists succeeded in driving the 
Confederates from a strong position behind a 
stone wall, and the latter at once yielded the 
field to their opponents, leaving behind two guns 
and other trophies. The swelling of the She- 
nandoah by rains having prevented the arrival 
of his supports, Jackson was compelled to re- 
treat up the valley, disputing step by step the 
pursuit of Banks and Shields, until he reached 
the neighborhood of Harrisonburg, about sixty 
miles south of Winchester. From this point 
he was summoned with his command to Rich- 
mond, where the Confederates were collecting 
all their available strength, in anticipation of 
the advance of McClellan up the peninsula. 
But having suggested that he could better de- 
fend Richmond on the Shenandoah than on the 
Chickahominy he was allowed to remain where 
he was. 

With a view of dislodging Jackson fi'om this 
position two columns of Union troops were di- 
rected to operate in concert, one under Banks 
in the Shenandoah valley, and another under 
Fremont in the Mountaui Department, to the 
west. Both were weak in numbers, and by 
the beginning of May the corps of Banks had 
been reduced, by the withdi-awal of Shields' 
division, to less than 7,000 men. Jackson, how- 
ever, by concentrating with Gens. Edward 
Johnson and Ewell, had increased his force to 
upward of 20,000. In conformity with the 
Union plans. Gen. Milroy, of Fremont's column, 
early in May marched with a small force east- 
ward toward Buffalo Gap, for the purpose of 
threatening Staunton. Jackson at once moved 
to meet him, encountered the Union forces at 
McDowell on the 8th, and drove them back to 
Franklin, on the west side of the mountains, 
thus effectually preventing a junction between 
Fremont and Banks. Then rapidly retracing 
his steps, he collected all his available troops 
and turned upon Banks, who had been con- 
strained by the depletion of his corps to fall 
back some distance from Harrisonburg. 
48 



On the 23d of May a portion of Jackson's 
army which had made a detour toward Front 
Royal on the Manassas Gap Railroad, surprised 
the small Union force under Col. Kenly, sta- 
tioned there, and captured nearly the whole 
command. Banks, who was then at Strasburg, 
was not slow to perceive his critical position, 
with an enemy on his front and flank, and on 
the night of the 23d commenced a rapid retreat 
toward Winchester, sending his train in ad- 
vance. The force which had moved upon 
Front Royal also pushed on to intercept him at 
Middletown, while Jackson with his main body 
followed vigorously in his rear, expecting by 
this movement to capture Banks's train, if not 
to put his whole army hors de comlat. At Mid- 
dletown the Union train was driven back iipon 
the main body, whereupon Banks, ordering his 
troops to the head of the column, repulsed the 
enemy in his front, and succeeded, after hard 
fighting, which was continued at intervals along 
the line of march, in reaching Winchester. But 
Jackson was too close upon his rear to admit 
of his making a stand there, and almost imme- 
diately the retreat was renewed and not again 
ended until the Union troops reached the Po- 
tomac on the 2Gth, the Confederates pressing 
them continually on either flank and on their 
rear. A brigade under Gen. Gordon, left be- 
hind at Winchester to enable the main body 
and the train to get well forward, maintained 
for some time an unequal fight with Jackson, 
but was finally compelled to fall back. 

Thus in less than three weeks Jackson had 
not only baffled the efforts of Fremont and 
Banks to capture him, but had driven the latter 
completely out of Virginia. A more important 
advantage gained by him for the Confederate 
cause was the diversion of McDowell's corps, 
then preparing to march upon Richmond, from 
its contemplated junction with McClellan, 
which, in the opinion of the latter general, 
Avould have sealed the fate of the Confederate 
capital. Jackson remained in the vicinity of 
the Potomac, between Williamsport and Har- 
per's Ferry, until the 30th of May, when pm- 
dential motives counselled him to move south- 
ward. The excitement which his dasiiing raid 
created throughout the Northern States had 
caused a considerable accumulation of troops at 
Harper's Ferry, while Fremont on one flank 
and McDowell on the other were in motion to 
cut off" his retreat. Accordingly, on the night 
of the 30th, after a fruitless attempt to carry 
the Federal position at Harper's Ferry, he hur- 
ried off" toward Winchester, whence on the suc- 
ceeding day his retreat was continued up the 
valley. On the afternoon of the 31st, Fre- 
mont's advance, which had hastened by forced 
marches over difficult mountain roads from 
Franklin, encountered the rear guard of Jack- 
son near Strasburg, and a smart skirmish en- 
sued, which was terminated by darkness with- 
out material advantage on either side. 

Jackson's retreat now equalled in rapidity 
that of Banks' a week previous. He had how- 



754 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



ever the advantage of having got his main body 
and train well iforward, and his rear guard, 
covered by Ashby's cavalry, by delaying the 
march of Fremont, enabled the Confederates 
to pass safely through Strasburg. Part of the 
division of Shields, sent westward by McDowell 
to intercept Jackson, reached Front Royal, 
twelve miles from Strasburg, about the same 
time, so that the escape of the latter between 
both parties of his pursuers seemed almost 
miraculous. On the afternoon of June 1st, 
Fremont entered Strasburg only to find Jack- 
son far in advance of him. Shields' advance 
guard now joined Fremont's force, while his 
main army passed up the valley along the south 
fork of the Shenandoah, Jackson and Fremont 
being on the north fork. It was thus the ob- 
ject of Jackson, though in superior force to 
Fremont, to avoid fighting a pitched battle, as 
the delay which would thereby be caused in his 
movements might enable Shields to flank him 
on the east. For seven days the pursuit was 
pressed with vigor by Fremont, Jackson having 
in some instances barely time to burn the 
bridges behind him, and being obliged to leave 
by the way much of his plunder and material ; 
and on the 8th the two armies came into col- 
lision at Cross Keys, seven miles beyond Harri- 
sonburg. A severe but indecisive engagement 
followed, terminating at nightfall, and under 
cover of the darkness Jackson pressed forward 
to secure the passage of the Shenandoah at Port 
Republic. 

Shields had meanwhile made a parallel march 
with the retreating and pursuing armies, and 
his advance under Col. Carroll i-eached Port 
Republic on the 8th, while Jackson was light- 
ing the battle of Cross Keys. Had the bridge 
over the Shenandoah been destroyed at this 
juncture, and had Carroll then pressed on to 
Waynesboro and rendered the Virginia Central 
Railroad impassable at that point, the position 
of Jackson would have been critical. But the 
latter, well aware of this plan to intercept him, 
again baffled his enemies by the celerity of his 
movements, and before Carroll had made prep- 
arations to destroy the bridge, drove him back 
toward his supports. The Confederate army 
then pushed silently and swiftly across the 
river, upon the banks of which Fremont ar- 
rived on the morning of the 9th, only to find 
the bridge in flames and his prey again snatch- 
ed from his grasp. Gen. Tyler meanwhile 
came up to the assistance of Carroll, but being 
in insignificant force, was soon put to rout by 
Jackson, who proceeded by easy marches to 
Richmond. Pursuit was impossible by the 
Federal troops, and Jackson was needed for 
more important duties in the army of Lee. 
Thenceforth he held no independent command, 
but his management of the brief but exciting 
campaign of the Shenandoah had sufficed to 
make his name famous both in Europe and 
America; and his admirers claim that in no 
subsequent campaigns, when acting under the 
directions of a superior, did he exhibit such 



energy, decisiveness, and command of resources. 
His raid was of great benefit to the Confeder- 
ate cause, and in no remote degree produced a 
series of disasters to the Federal arms, which 
for a time turned the scale against them. 

On June 25 th Jackson arrived at Ashland, 
about sixteen miles north of Richmond, whence, 
in accordance with Lee's plan of a flank move- 
ment on McClellan's right wing, he was directed 
to move to Cold Harbor and attack the rear of 
Fitz John Porter's cori:)S, which alone occupied 
the left bank of the Chickahominy. During 
the 26th and 27th he was occupied with getting 
into position, and late on the afternoon of the 
latter day, his troops falling with irresistible 
fury on the exhausted forces of Porter, who 
had been contending for hours against superior 
numbers at Gaines' Mill, drove them toward 
the Chickahominy and gave the victory to the 
Confederates. On the 29th he moved across 
the Chickahominy, engaged McClellan's rear 
guard on the succeeding day at Frazier's farm, 
and on July 1st shared in the signal defeat of 
the Confederates at Malvern Hills, where his 
corps lost several thousand in killed and wound- 
ed. A pause then ensued in the military opera- 
tions before Richmond, both sides being too 
shattered to desire to renew the contest imme- 
diately. But about the middle of July the 
movements of the army of Virginia under Gen. 
Pope induced Lee to send a force to cover 
Gordonsville, and Jackson with his old corps, 
and EweU's division, were selected for this 
duty. 

For several weeks he remained at Gordons- 
ville. But learning on August 7th that Pope's 
advance was at Culpepper Court House, he 
marched rapidly in that direction with his 
whole force, hoping to cut it oft" before the 
arrival of reenforcements. On the 9th was 
fought the severely contested battle of Cedar 
Mountain, between Jackson and Banks, in 
which the latter was forced back about a mile 
toward his supports. But Jackson almost im- 
mediately retired across the Rapidan toward 
Orange Court House, to await the arrival of 
the main body of the Confederates, which was 
pressing forward under Lee to the invasion of 
Maryland. McClellan was also by this time in 
motion down the peninsula, and it became an 
object of paramount importance with Lee to 
overwhelm the small force under Pope before 
any portion of the Army of the Potomac could 
join it. About the 18th Lee eff'ected a junction 
with Jackson, and on the next day the united 
Confederate army moved toward the Rapidan, 
Jackson keeping to the left with a view of 
flanking Pope. On the 20th the Rapidan was 
crossed, and for several days the Confederates 
harassed Pope by frequent attempts to cross 
the Rappahannock, which, it subsequently ap- 
peared, were intended to mask a flanking move- 
ment under Jackson toward Thoroughfare Gap 
in the Bull Run Mountains, and thence to Ma- 
nassas in the Federal rear. 

On the 24th and 25th Jackson made rapid 



MILITARY AlSro NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOK 



755 



progress northward, moving by unfrequented 
roads, taking no unnecessary baggage or ra- 
tions, and subsisting his men on roasted corn 
and whatever else the country might produce. 
On the 26th he passed safely through Thorough- 
fare Gap, and fell suddenly upon the small 
Union force at Manassas, capturing prisoners, 
cannon, and a large amount of stores. Learn- 
ing this, Pope moved with his whole force to 
the rear, and stationed McDowell at Thorough- 
fare Gap to prevent the arrival of reenforce- 
ments for Jackson. The situation of the latter 
becoming somewhat critical, he evacuated 
Manassas on the 28th, and moved through 
Centreville toward Gainesville, to be in the 
neighborhood of his supports. Here, on the 
succeeding day, he was brought to bay by the 
united Federal forces, and had there been a 
proper concert of action between Pope and his 
generals, it seems impossible but that he should 
have been crushed before the arrival of Lee. 
As it was, he was pushed back toward the Bull 
Run Mountains, with fearful loss, but unbroken 
and defiant, and the golden opportunity was 
lost to the Federals. Longstreet had mean- 
while forcetl his way through Thoroughfare 
Gap, followed, on the night of the 29th, by 
Lee, and on the 30th the Confederates confront- 
ed their foe with a united army and in greatly 
superior numbers. Jackson had a full share in 
the bloody battle of that day, and after the re- 
treat of Pope across Bull Run, led his corps to 
the north of Centreville, with a view of turning 
the Federal right and severing their connec- 
tions with "Washington. Pope anticipated this 
movement by falling back a few miles to Ger- 
mantown, where, on the evening of September 
Istj a sharp action was fought, resulting in the 
repulse of the Confederates. 

Lee was now ready for the invasion of Mary- 
land, and Jackson was again pushed forward, 
as he had been during the whole campaign, to 
be the pioneer of the movement. On the 4th 
of September he occupied Leesburg, on tlie 5th 
he crossed the Potomac near the Point of Rocks, 
and on the morning of the 6th his advance 
entered Frederick, where, with a view of win- 
ning over the inhabitants to the Confederate 
cause, a proclamation was issued, promising 
them relief from the tyranny by which they 
were oppressed, and similar benefits. As a 
further means of conciliation, strict measures 
were taken to protect private property, and on 
Sunday, the 7th, Jackson, true to his devotional 
habits, publicly attended Divine service at the 
Presbyterian and German Reformed churches. 
The expected sympathy of the Marylanders, 
however, proved a delusion ; recruiting for the 
Confederate army made little or no progress, 
and the approach of the Federal army under 
McClellan rendered it necessary for Lee, whose 
whole force was now concentrated at Frederick, 
to move in the direction of the upper fords of 
the Potomac, by which, in case of defeat, he 
might retire into Virginia. 

One of the prime objects ot the campaign was 



the capture of Harper's Ferry, then garrisoned 
by a considerable force of Federals, and con- 
taining large amounts of artillery and munitions 
of war. Accordmgly detachments were sent 
to occupy Maryland Heights, in Maryland, and 
Loudon Heights, on the right bank of the She- 
nandoah, both of which command the place, 
while Jackson marched up the Potomac to 
Williamsport, and, crossing thence into Vir- 
ginia, moved down to the rear of Bolivar 
Heights, the only point of Harper's Ferry 
which the Federals had fortified. The latter, 
though thus invested on three sides, might 
easily have maintained the post but for the 
unaccountable ll^andonment, by Col. Ford, of 
Maryland Heights, the occupation of which by 
the Confederates on the 13th and 14th decided 
the fate of the garrison. A furious cannonade 
from Maryland and Loudon Heights was open- 
ed on the 14th, while Jackson pressed the gar- 
rison in the rear. The attack was renewed on 
the morning of the 15th, and resulted, in a few 
hours, in the unconditional surrender of the 
place, with 11,000 troops and aU the material 
of war. 

Meanwhile the battle of South Mountain had 
been fought, and Lee, retreating before McClel- 
lan, was taking position behind Antietam Creek. 
Foiled by the vigor and celerity of Jackson in 
his effort to relieve Harper's Ferry, the Federal 
general concentrated his forces to give battle to 
Lee and drive him out of Maryland. No time, 
therefore, was to be lost by Jackson in forming 
a junction with his commander; and leaving 
Gen. A. P. Hill with his division to hold Har- 
per's Ferry and finish paroling the prisoners, he 
crossed the Potomac at the Shepherdstown ferry 
on the 16th, and the same evening took post on 
the Confederate left wing on the historic field 
of Antietam. The hardest fighting of the suc- 
ceeding day devolved upon him, and though the 
obstinate valor of the Federal troops availed to 
push him back some distance, the ground was 
gained at a cost of life never exceeded during 
the war. On the night of the 18th the Confed- 
erates quietly retreated into Virginia,, and for 
several days Jackson was employed in destroy- 
ing the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad track from 
near Harper's Ferry to tlie North Mountain, a 
distance of 30 miles. Scarcely had he accom- 
plished this work when he was called upon to 
repel a reconnoitring party of Federals, who 
crossed the Potomac near Shepherdstown and 
were driven back with serious loss. 

During October and November Jackson re- 
mained in the valley of Virginia, Lee having 
meanwhile occupied and fortified Marye's 
Heights, in the rear of Fredericksburg, in front 
of which Burnside lay, on the left bank of the 
Rappahannock. In the first week of December 
he was summoned thither by Lee, and upon his 
arrival took command of the right wing of the 
Confederate army, which he held during the 
eventful battle of the 13th. Though here, as at 
Antietam, the weakest point in the line was 
given him to defend, and though at one time he 



756 



MILITAEY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



was in imminent danger of being flanked by 
Franklin, he held his ground till darkness 
ended the battle, at which time no important 
advantage had been gained in that quarter by 
the Federals. He even designed a night attack 
by massing his artillery in front and supporting 
the pieces vs^ith infantry, but was obliged, in 
consequence of a severe fire from the Federal 
batteries on the opposite side of the river, to 
abandon the project. 

For several months Jackson remained at his 
headquarters, ten miles below Fredericksburg, 
employed cliiefly in preparing the official re- 
ports of his battles. He still held command of 
the right wing, and for servi(iis in the battle 
of December 13th had been promoted to be a 
lieutenant-general. With the excejjtion of cav- 
alry expeditions and occasional reconnoissances, 
no operations Were undertaken by Gen. Hooker 
from the time of assuming command of the Fed- 
eral army, January 26th, until the latter part 
of April. On the 26th of that month, however, 
he commenced the execution of a plan which 
he had been long maturing, and which contem- 
plated a flank movement by one portion of bis 
army some distance above Fredericksburg, while 
another portion crossed the Rappahannock be- 
low the town, and menaced it from that quarter. 
By a skilful ruse Jackson's corps was detained 
in its old position below Fredericksbm-g, while 
the bulk of the Federal army crossed the Rap- 
pahannock and the Rapidan at various fords 
above, and on the evening of April 30th was 
concentrated to the number of four corps at 
Ohancellorsville, about twelve miles west of 
Fredericksburg. The position of Hooker ena- 
bling him to threaten both Fredericksburg and 
Gordonsville, was strengthened during the en- 
suing'day by the erection of breastworks and 
abatis. Lee was not slow to fathom the design 
of the Federal general, and leaving a single 
division to guard the heights he had so long 
occupied, he moved westward on the 29th of 
April, and threw up earthworks midway be- 
tween Ohancellorsville and Fredericksburg to 
arrest the progress of Hooker toward the latter 
place. During May 1st he reconnoitred the 
Federal lines, and finding them impregnable in 
the neighborhood of Ohancellorsville by reason 
of the earthworks and abatis, he determined 
upon a flank movement upon Hooker's right, 
and selected Jackson to execute it. 

The latter accepted the task with alacrity, and 
early on the morning of the 2d his corps com- 
menced its march, moving toward the road 
leading to Germanna ford on the Rapidan, so as 
to strike the rear of the Federal right wing, oc- 
cupied by the llth corps under Gen. How- 
ard. No suspicion seems to have entered the 
mind of any of the Federal generals that such a 
movement was in progress, the Oonfederate at- 
tack, if made at all, being expected in front of 
Ohancellorsville, and no precautions had been 
taken to fortify this part of the line. Suddenly, 
at about six o'clock in the evening, Jackson fell 
like a thunderbolt upon the unprepared Fed- 



erals, who were cooking supper, or engaged in 
various camp duties. Formation or order was 
impossible in the face of the impetuous charge 
of the Oonfederates, and in an almost incredi- 
bly short time the greater part of the llth 
corps was routed and fleeing in a confused mass 
toward the Federal centre, which w^as, by this 
unforeseen disaster, pressed back upon Ohancel- 
lorsville. By great exertion the fugitives were 
rallied behind other troops, and the advance of 
Jaeksmi stayed. The latter, however, had no 
thought of pausing in his career, and having 
given orders to Gen. A. P. Hill to press for- 
ward in pursuit, reserving his fire unless cav- 
alry approached from the direction of the ene- 
my, he rode with his staff" and escort to the front. 
It was now nearly nine o'clock, and quite dark, 
and in deference to the wishes of his stafi^, who 
thought he was exposing himself needlessly to 
the Federal skirmishers, Jackson turned his 
horse to ride back towai'd his own lines. In 
the growing obscurity the cavalcade was mis- 
taken for Federal cavalry, and a South Oaro- 
lina regiment, in literal conformity with the 
orders recently issued, fired a sudden volley 
into it, by which Jackson was wouitded in both 
arms, and several of his staff killed outright. 
He fell from his horse, exclaiming, " All my 
wounds ai'e by my own men," and almost im- 
mediately a Federal column, attracted by the 
firing, charged over the very spot where he 
lay, his staft' scattering in all directions at 
their approach. The Federals were in turn re- 
pulsed, and in the midst of a terrific artillery 
fire, which swept down the Oonfederates by 
hundreds, he was placed on a litter and carried 
to the rear, receiving in the confusion of the 
moment severe contusions in his arms and 
sides. 

His left arm was amputated on that same 
evening, and two days later he was removed to 
Guinea's station, on the Richmond and Fred- 
ericksburg Railroad. For several days he con- 
tinued to improve, but on the 7th, while prep- 
arations were making to remove him to Rich- 
mond, symptoms of pneumonia ai)peared. On 
the evening of that day all pain left him, and 
with its cessation he began rapidly to sink. 
He died quietly on Sunday afternoon, the 10th, 
exclaiming, when told by his wife of his ap- 
proaching end, " Very good, very good ; it is 
all right ! " and was honored with a public 
funeral in Richmond on the 12th, amidst unmis- 
takable manifestations of sorrow. Through- 
out the seceded States he was not less pro- 
foundly mourned, the public regret being in- 
tensified by the reflection that their great gen- 
eral, like the eagle killed by arrows tipped with 
its own plumage, had fallen under the volleys 
of his chosen and devoted soldiery. 

The character of Jackson was developed only 
during the two brief but momentous years 
which succeeded the outbreak of the war. 
Had secession never taken place he might have 
lived and died the obscure and eccentric pro- 
fessor which the s^ing of 1861 found him. In 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



757 



private life, in fact, he was, like others dis- 
tinguished in his profession, a comparatively 
dull and uninteresting man, noticeable chiefly 
for the depth and earnestness of his religioas 
convictions ; and few could have predicted that 
under so quiet an exterior he concealed an im- 
petuous bravery rivalling that of Ney and 
Lannes, and an energy, ripened judgment, and 
command of resources to which those generals 
could lay no claim. Of his capacity to under- 
take a large independent command no test was 
ever made, his celebi'ated campaign in the 
Shenandoah valley having been conducted with 
an army not exceeding 25,000 men. But as 
the lieutenant of another, executing important 
movements of an array wing, and anticipating 
almost intuitively the plans of his superior, he 
proved himself a genius of the first order ; and 
one can readily appreciate the significance of 
Lee's remark, when learning the misfortune 
which had befallen his favorite general: "He 
is better off than I am. He lost his left arm, 
but I have lost my right," During his resi- 
dence at Lexington he became a member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and at his death was 
a deacon inthat denomination. Embracing, to 
its fullest extent, the doctrine of predestination, 
he was regarded by many as a fatalist, and his 
religious fervor seemed to rise with the pro- 
gress of the war, approaching sometimes the 
verge of fanaticism. He attended service regu- 
larly on Sundays, never omitted his daily de- 
votions, encouraged prayer meetings and re- 
vivals among his troops, and in reports and 
despatches announcing successes in the field, 
invariably ascribed the victory to divine inter- 
position. To extreme simplicity of manners 
and dress, he united a transparent honesty of 
character, and a genuine humanity, which, in 
the midst of a civil war of unexampled fury, 
caused him to be respected alike by friends and 
foes. In person Jackson was of middle height 
and soldierly bearing, and his features, when 
not lightened up by eyes of singular brilliancy 
and expression, were in no respect remark- 
able. 

May 11. — Col, Jonir M, Wimee, a Confeder- 
ate officer, killed at the battle of Hartsville, 
Mo, Col, "Wimer had long been a citizen of 
high reputation and extensive influence in St, 
Louis, Mo, He had held many and various 
positions of public resonsibility in the city and 
State ; among the most important, that of 
mayor of the city. 

May 17. — Brig.-Gen, Lloyd Tilghman, an 
ofiicer in the Confederate service, was killed at 
Champion Hill, Miss, He was a native of 
Maryland, graduated at West Point in July, 
1836, and was appointed second lieutenant of 
the 1st dragoons; resigned September, 1836. 
He then became a division engineer of the 
Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad, and sub- 
sequently surveyor of the Norfolk and "Wil- 
mington Canal, and the Eastern Shore Railroad. 
During the Mexican war he was a volunteer 
aid to Col, Twiggs in the battle of Palo Alto 



and Resaca de la Palma, and commanded a 
volunteer partisan party in Mexico, October, 

1846. He was superintendent of defences at 
Matamoras, January, 1847 ; captain of volun- 
teer artillery in Hughes's regiment for the 
Mexican war from August, 1847, to July, 1848, 
and the principal assistant engineer of the 
Panama division of the Isthmus Railroad in 

1847. At the commtocement of the war he 
went into the Confederate service. 

May 16, — Lieut.-Col. Hoenet, an ofiicer 

of the Federal army, killed at the battle of 
Champion Hills, Lieut,-Col, Horney was an 
officer of the 10th Missouri regiment, in Gen. 
Boomer's brigade at that battle. 

May 2^, — Gen. Geoege Boaedman Boomee, 
an officer in the Federal volunteer army, killed 
at Vicksburg, Miss. Gen, Boomer was born 
in Sutton, Worcester County, Mass,, Jidy 26th, 
1832, He was the son of the Rev. Job Bordon 
Boomer. He went west at a very early age, 
and settled in St, Louis, where he pursued the 
business of bridge building throughout the 
State of Missouri, and succeeded remarkably 
well. He laid out and partially built the town 
of " Castle Rock," on the Osage River, When 
the guns of Sumter told that civil war had 
actually commenced, Gen. Boomer entei-ed the 
army of the Union as colonel of the 26th regi- 
ment of Missouri volunteers, and as such was 
present at the surrender of Island No. 10 and 
at the battle of luka, Miss,, where he greatly 
distinguished himself, but was severely wound- 
ed. He received two balls in his body, but 
would not leave the field until he received a 
third, which placed him liors de combat. At 
the battte of Champion Hills, near Vicks- 
burg, Miss., he commanded the 2d brigade of 
Quimby's division, McPherson's corps, and be- 
haved with such conspicuous gallantry and 
rendered such signal service that he was highly 
recommended for promotion. He was killed 
in a charge on the fortifications at Vicksburg. 
His remains were carried to St, Louis, Mo., and 
thence to Worcester, Mass., his native county, 
where his obsequies were performed with mili- 
tary honors. 

May 23. — Col. J. Richtee Jones, an officer 
of the U. S, volunteers, was killed near New- 
bern, N, C, He was born in 1804; received 
his academical education at the Germantown 
Academy, and graduated with high honors at 
the University of Pennsylvania in 1821. Hav- 
ing studied law, he was admitted to the Phila- 
delphia bar in 1827, and continued to practise 
until 1836, when he was appointed a judge of 
the Court of Commoa Pleas for the county of 
Philadelphia, and held the office until his term 
expired by limitation under the new Constitu- 
tion in 1847. When the Avar broke out he was 
residing near Laporte, Sullivan County, Pa, He 
promptly off'ered his services to the War De- 
partment, was commissioned colonel of a regi- 
ment he had raised, and located his camp in 
Roxborough, On the 8th of March, 1862, he 
left with his regiment, the 58th Pennsylvania 



758 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



volunteers, for Fortress Monroe, and was in 
the advance when the attack was made on 
Norfolk. He also performed some bold move- 
ments on the Blackwater. Subsequently he 
was transferred to the Department of North 
Carolina, and in January, 1863, his regiment 
■ was stationed near Newbern. . A short time 
previous to his death he was in command of a 
brigade, in which position he evinced much 
ability as a military chieftain. 

May 27. — Ool. Dajstiel S. Oowles, an officer 
of the TJ. S. volunteers, was killed in the as- 
sault at Port Hudson. At the commencement 
of the war he was engaged in the practice of 
law in Columbia County. He accepted the 
command of the 128th regiment of New York 
volunteers, made up, for the most part, of men 
of wealth and high social position. He was 
cool in council, brave in battle, and fell by a 
bayonet thrust while leading his men to the 
enemy's works. 

May 27. — ^Lieut.-Col. Wm. LogaI? Eodmajst 
was killed in the attack on Port Hudson, Miss. 
He was born in New Bedford, Mass., March 
7th, 1823 ; graduated at Harvard College in 
1842, and soon after entered into mercantile 
business. He visited California during the gold 
excitement, and was absent two years, return- 
ing by way of Calcutta and the overland route 
through Europe. He was a member of the 
Common Council of New Bedford in 1852, and 
in 1860 and 1862 was in the Legislature. He 
enlisted in the service of the country, raised a 
company of volunteers, with whom, as their 
captain, he proceeded to the seat of Avar. His 
skill and bravery rapidly promoted him to the 
position, first, of major, and then of lieutenant- 
colonel, and in the assault, during which he 
lost his life, he bore a gallant part. 

Jxme — . — Brig.-Gen. Maetin E. Geeene, an 
officer of volunteers in the Confederate army, 
killed at Vicksburg, Miss. Brig.-Gen. Greene 
was one of the most remarkable chai'acters de- 
veloped by the war. He entered into the con- 
test with the serious, grim determination of a 
zealot. His private character was pure and 
chaste, unsullied by a single vice. The im- 
morality and licenses of army life could never 
corrupt his strict principles, or divert him from 
his path of devout religious practices. He was 
never known to touch ardent spirits, and at 
home was a "class-leader" in the Methodist 
Church. After the capture of Camp Jackson, 
near St. Louis, Mo., May 10th, 1861, the 
country was so unsettled and dangerous that 
Gen. Greene organized and commanded a com- 
pany of home guards for the protection of the 
families of the neighborhood of Paris from 
lawless bands of desperadoes. This body of 
men afterwards swelled to twelve hundred, and 
Greene organized it into a regiment, and be- 
came its colonel. Upon the advance of Gen. 
Price on Lexington, Gen. Curtis, with 2,800 
men, advanced into Monroe County to capture 
Greene and his party, but the latter marched 
his men seventy miles, and arrived at Glasgow 



on the Missouri River the next day, where he 
captured a steamboat loaded with sui^plies for 
■the garrison at Lexington, and safely crossed 
his troops to the south side. He reported to 
Gen. Price, and contributed by his determina- 
tion, good sense, and sagacity to the capture 
of the garrison under Col. Mulligan, at Lexing- 
ton. His men rolled hemp bales up the pre- 
cipitous bluff on the bank of the river, and 
converted them into movable breastworks. 
The garrison fired hot shot at them, and ignited 
the combustible material ; but nothing daunted. 
Gen. Greene had the bales saturated with water, 
and steadily the line advanced. The first line 
of Federal works was reached, and the hemp- 
bales, by means of skids, placed against the 
works, actually rolled over and advanced on 
the second line. Col. Mulligan seeing that this 
new mode of approach would be successful, 
surrendered the place. Gen. Greene was after- 
wards conspicuous for coolness and courage in 
all of Gen. Price's battles in Missouri. He was 
iu the battles of Farmington, luka, Corinth, Big 
Black, and Baker's Creek. At Vicksburg he 
had a presentiment he would be killed. He 
wrote an affectionate letter to his wife, taking 
leave of her. In a few hours after a ball from 
the rifle of a sharpshooter passed through his 
head, killing him instantly, 

June — . — .Col. EuGEJTE Iewest, an officer 
of the Confederate army, kUled at Vicksburg, 
Miss. Col. Irwin was a son of James Irwin. 
His mother was a daughter of Henry Clay, of 
Kentucky, and he was a great favorite of his 
illustrious grandfather. In the neighborhood 
of Ashland, it was no unusual sight to see the 
great orator of the United States aftectionately 
leading liis little grandson, Eugene, by the hand, 
and listening with delight to his bojish prattle. 
Col. Irwin was born in Lexington, Ky., but at the 
commencement of the war was a merchant in 
New Orleans, Louisiana. He was distinguished 
for his reckless daring, and when killed was on 
the top of the breastworks at Vicksburg, in the 
hottest of the fight, gallantly waving his sword 
and animating his men by his rash example. 

June 1. — Brig.-Gen. Edmund Kiebt, an offi- 
cer of U. S. volunteers, died in "Washington, 
from wounds received at the battle of Chancel- 
lorsville. He was born in Brownsville, Jeffer- 
son County, New York, graduated at West 
Point, and joined the army in May, 1861. He 
was assigned to Ricketts' battery as second 
lieutenant, and upon the imprisomnent of Gen. 
Ricketts by the enemy, assumed command of 
the battery, which position he retained until 
his death. He took a prominent and active 
part in all the battles in which the Army of 
the Potomac was engaged, and was promoted 
to a brigadier-generalship for his bravery at 
Chancellorsville. 

June 1. — Major Massett, an officer in the 
U. S. volunteers, died at Memphis, Tenn. He 
was an Englishman by birtli, but had been for 
the last twenty years a citizen of the United 
States. After the loss of a son, Col. Massett, 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLION. 



759 



killed at the battle of Fair Oaks, he abandoned 
a life of ease and comfort, and entered the 
army, with the rank of major of cavalry. As 
an officer he was brave and active, and spared 
neither body nor mind in the faithful perform- 
ance of his duties. 

June 9. — Col. BE:N^jAMiisr F. Davis, of the 8th 
N. Y. cavalry, was killed while leading a bri- 
gade to the charge. He was a native of Mis- 
sissippi, but was appointed a cadet at "West 
Point from the State of Alabama, in the year 
1850; graduated in 1854, and was appointed 
brevet second lieutenant of the 5 th infantry, 
and, in 1855, was transferred to the 1st dra- 
goons, with the full rank. He distinguished 
himself in the conflict in New -Mexico, June, 
185T. In 1800 he was promoted to a first 
lieutenancy, and, continuing in the service 
when his State seceded, was, on the 30th of 
July, 1861, further promoted to a captaincy in 
the 1st dragoons, now 1st cavalry. At the 
battle of Williamsburg he so distinguished 
himself that he was nominated for a brevet of 
lieutenant-colonel. In June, 1862, he was 
placed in command of the 8th regiment of New 
York cavah-y, and soon after was brevetted and 
confirmed major for his gallant withdi'awal of 
the cavalry from Harper's Ferry. 

June 11. — Eev. James Averill died at La- 
fourche, La., aged 48 years. He was born in 
Griswold, Conn. He was fitted for coUege in 
the Plainfield x\cademy ; graduated at Amherst 
CoUege in 1837 ; pursued his theological stud- 
ies at New Haven, where he graduated in 
1840, and was ordained pastor of the church in 
Shrewsbury, Mass., June 22d, 1841. In 1848, 
his health being very poor, he was obliged to 
remit his labors, and subsequently was settled 
in Plymouth Hollow, Conn., Oct. 13th, 1852. 
After a ministry here of ten years, he asked for 
a dismission, and accepted the chaplaincy of 
the 23d regiment of Connecticut volunteers, 
which he accompanied to Louisiana. After a 
short but faithful service in this new field, he 
fell a victim to the climate, and died of inter- 
mittent fever, after an illness of two weeks. 
He wa.s an ardent friend of the philanthropic 
and moral enterprises of the day, a staunch ad- 
vocate of temperance, and a strong anti-slavery 
man. 

June 23. — Lieut.-Col. Abel Smith died at 
the Hotel Dieu in New Orleans, He was in 
command of the 2d Duryea Zouaves (165th 
New York volunteers) at the battle before Port 
Hudson, and, while fighting at the head of his 
regiment, received the wound of which he af- 
terwards died. 

June 26. — A^~deewHtjll Foote, an American 
rear-admiral, born in New Haven, Ct., Sept. 
12th, 1806, died in New York, June 26th, 1863. 
At sixteen years of age he entered the navy as 
acting midshipman, and made his first cruise in 
the schooner Grampus, which formed part of 
the squadi-on operating, in 1823, under Commo- 
dore Porter, against the pu-ates of the West In- 
dies. In the succeeding year he obtained a 



midshipman's warrant; in 1830 he was com- 
missioned a lieutenant, and in 1838 he accom- 
panied Commodore Read in his voyage of cir- 
cumnavigation, as first lieutenant of the sloop 
John Adams, participating in the attack of the 
squadron upon the pirates of Sumatra. In 
1841 -'43, while stationed at the Naval Asylum 
in Philadelphia, he prevailed upon many of the 
inmates to take the temperance pledge, and 
was thus one of the first to introduce into the 
navy the principle of total abstinence from 
spirituous liquors. In his next cruise, as first 
lieutenant of the frigate Cumberland, he in- 
duced the crew to give up their spirit rations, 
to the manifest improvement of health and dis- 
cipline ; and he also personally superintended 
their religious instruction, often preaching on 
the berth deck to officers and men. In 1849- 
'52 he commanded the brig Perry, of the Afri- 
can squadron, and showed great vigilance in 
suppressing the slave-trade; and it is worthy 
of note that during the cruise not a drop of 
grog was served out to the crew, and not an 
officer or man was lost or disabled, or for any 
considerable period on the sick list, although 
the station is notoriously unhealthy. 

In 1852 he was promoted to be a com- 
mander, and after serving on the "Naval Re- 
tiring Board," and in other capacities, he sailed 
in 1856, in command of the sloop Portsmouth, 
for the China station. At the time of his ar- 
rival, hostilities were imminent between the 
British and Chinese, and the latter, with a reck- 
lessness which subsequently cost them dear, 
fired from the Canton barrier forts upon a boat 
from the Portsmouth, at the stern of which the 
American fiag was displayed. Receiving per- 
mission, after urgent solicitation, from his com- 
manding officer. Commodore Armstrong, to 
resent this indignity, he anchored his ship 
opposite the largest of the forts, and on No- 
vember 21st, with partial assistance from the 
sloop Levant, effected a practicable breach in 
its walls. Immediately a force of marines and 
sailors were landed, and the work carried by 
assault. Commander Foote being one of the 
first to enter with the storm ers. The remain- 
ing forts, three in number, yielded successively 
to his attacks, and on the 24th the American 
flag waved over all of them. In view of the 
disparity of strength between the contending 
forces, the forts being massive granite struc- 
tures, mounting 176 guns, and manned by 
5,000 Chinese, the engagement was justly es- 
teemed one of the most brilliant in the annals 
of the American navy, and Commander Foote 
received abundant congratulations and com- 
pliments from foreign officers on the station, 
who had been witnesses of his gallantry. 

At the outbreak of the rebellion. Commander 
Foote was executive officer at the Brooklyn 
navy yard. In July, 1861, he was commis- 
sioned a cajitain, and in the September follow- 
ing was appointed flag officer of the flotilla 
fitting out in the Western waters. He entered 
upon his duties with great energy, and by the 



760 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF TEE REBELLION. 



commencement of 1862 Ms vessels were com- 
pleted and awaiting their crews and arma- 
ments, the work having been, in his own words, 
"the most difficult and arduous" of his life. 
Early in February the combined advance of the 
gunboats and land forces against the enemy in 
Kentucky and Tennessee was commenced, and 
on the 6th, Foote, without waiting for the ar- 
rival of the cooperating land forces under Gen. 
Grant, attacked, with seven- gunboats, the 
strong works at Foi-t Henry, on the Tennessee 
River, and in two hours compelled an uncon- 
ditional surrender. With the least possible de- 
lay, he transferred his fleet to the Cumberland 
River, and on the 14th opened fire upon Fort 
Donelson. The contest was maintained with 
great vigor on both sides for an hour and a 
quarter, and resulted in silencing the heavy 
water batteries of the enemy. The flag-ship 
St. Louis, and the Louisville, having at this 
juncture become unmanageable by injuries to 
their steering apparatus, drifted out of the fire, 
and the fleet was obliged to haul oft', leaving the 
capture of the fort to the land forces. 

Foote, though injm-ed in the ankle by the 
fragment of a shot, and compelled to move 
upon crutches, proceeded up the river imme- 
diately after the surrender of the fort, and de- 
stroyed the Tennessee iron works at Clarks- 
ville. Then, after a brief respite at Cairo, he 
sailed with his fleet, considerably increased in 
efficiency, down the Mississippi, the Confed- 
erates evacuating theii* strong positions at Co- 
lumbus and Hickman at his approach. He re- 
mained at his post during the tedious siege of 
Island No. Ten, but after the reduction of that 
place, was reluctantly compelled by intense 
suftering from his unhealed wound to apply for 
leave of absence, and early in May turned over 
his command to Commodore Davis. Upon be- 
ing restored to health, he was placed in charge 
of the bureau of equipment and recruiting un- 
der tlie new oi'ganization of the navy, and in 
July the President appointed him one of the 
nine reai'-admirals on the active list. In June, 
1863, he was ordered to relieve Admiral Du- 
pont in command of the South Atlantic block- 
ading squadron, and died while making prepa- 
rations for his departure for Charleston. 

Apart from his professional career. Admiral 
Foote was noted as an active friend of relig- 
ious and philanthropic enterprises, and when 
not absent on sea duties, frequently partici- 
pated at the religious anniversary meetings in 
New York and elsewhere. While in command 
of the Western flotilla, he framed and enforced 
strict rules for the proper observance of Sun- 
day, and for the prevention of profane swear- 
ing and intemperance. He had also some rep- 
utation as a writer, and in connection with his 
African cruise published "Africa and the Amer- 
ican Flag," containing a general survey of the 
African continent, with remarks on the slave 
trade ; beside a series of letters on Japan, which 
country he visited in 1857. 

July 1, — JoHJf FcJLTON Reynolds, a major- 



general of United States volunteers, born in 
Lancaster, Pa., in 1820, killed at the battle of 
Gettysburg, July 1, 1863. He graduated at 
West Point on the 30th of June, 1841, and on 
the 23d of October following received his com- 
mission as second lieutenant in the 3d artillery. 
On the 13th of June, 1846, he was promoted to 
the rank of first lieutenant, and served through- 
out the Mexican war, winning the brevets of 
captain and major for his " gallant and meritori- 
ous conduct" at Monterey and Buena Vista. 
After his return from Mexico he was engaged 
in military service in California, and against the 
Indians on the Pacific coast. In 1852 he was 
appointed aid to Gen. Wool, and on the 3d of 
March, 1855, was promoted to a captaincy in 
the 3d artillery. On the 14th of May, 1861, he 
was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 14th 
United States infantry. On the 20th of August, 
1861, he was commissioned brigadier-general of 
volunteers, and appointed to the command of 
the 1st brigade of the Pennsylvania reserve 
corps, then vmder Gen. McCall. In June, 1862, 
the Reserves joined the Army of the Potomac 
on the peninsula, and Gen. Reynolds, on the 
26th of June, 1862, participated in the battle 
of MechanicsviUe, and the next day took part 
in the severe battle of Gaines' Mill. He was 
also engaged at Savage Station, and at Charles 
City Oross-Roads, where he took command of 
the division after Gen. McCall was taken prison- 
er, and at a late hour the same day was himself 
captured by the enemy and sent to Richmond. 
For his gallantry in these battles he received 
tlie brevets of colonel and brigadier-general in 
the regular army. After his release from Rich- 
mond, and on the 26th of September, he return- 
ed to the command of his division, and soon 
after assumed command of the 1st army coi'ps, 
by virtue of seniority of rank. He commanded 
this coi'ps in the first battle of Fredericksburg. 
In January, 1863, he was nominated major- 
general of volunteei-s. In the battles of Chan- 
cellorsville his corps took no active part, being 
in the reserve. On the 12th of June he was 
appointed to the command of the right wing of 
Hooker's army, having charge of three corps. 
He hastened forward to Gettysburg at the di- 
rection of the commanding general, and arrived 
there in the vanguard of the Union army, and 
bringing his little corps of eight thousand men 
into action against a Confederate force of three 
times their number, he rode forward to recon- 
noitre a grove in which the enemy had placed 
a large body of sharpshooters ; and dismounting 
from his horse, approached a fence and looked 
over toward the wood, when he was struck in 
the neck by a rifle ball, and, falling upon his 
face, died in a few minutes. 

July 2. — Brig.-Gen. William Barksdale, an 
officer in the Confederate service, was killed at 
the battle of Gettysburg. He was born in 
Rutherford Co., Tenn., August 21st, 1821. His 
earl}" education was obtained in the Nashville 
University, after which he removed to Colum- 
bus, Miss., where he studied law and was ad- 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOK 



761 



mitted to the bar before lie had attained his 
majority, becoming a successful practitioner. 
He was for a time one of the editors of the 
Columbus " Democrat," in which he sustained 
the principle of States' rights and the delegated 
powers of the General Government. During 
the year 184T he participated in the ^lexican 
war as a non-commissioned officer in the staff 
of the 2d Mississippi volunteers. In 1851 he 
was chosen a member of the State Convention 
to discuss the compromise measures proposed 
during the previous year. In 1853 he was 
elected to Congress on the general ticket, and 
became a leading member of the States' rights 
portion of the democratic party. During one 
of those memorable disturbances in the House 
of Congress, Mr. Barksdale assisted Mr. Brooks 
of South Carolina in his assault upon Hon. 
Charles Sumner. When the war broke out, he 
left his seat in Congress and joined the Confed- 
erate army. At the head of the 13th regiment 
of Mississippi volunteers he participated in the 
various campaigns in Virginia, and was pro- 
moted to the rank of brigadier-general, and 
placed in command of the 3d brigade of Major- 
Gen. Early's division of Lieut.-Gen. Ewell's 
corps in Gen. Lee's army. On the second day 
of the battle of Gettysburg, July, 1863, he was 
killed while in the act of leading on his men. 

July 2. — Col. Edwaed Everett Cross was 
killed at Gettysburg. He was born in Lancas- 
ter, N. H., and connuenced life as a journeyman 
printer. He was for some time connected with 
the press in Cinciimati, and in 1854 he can- 
vassed the State of Ohio for the American 
party. He was afterwards employed as agent 
of the St. Louis and Arizona Mining Company, 
in which he subsequently became a large stock- 
holder. He made several ti'ips across the 
plains, taking the first steam-engine that ever 
crossed the Rocky Mountains. When the war 
commenced he organized the 5th New Hamp- 
shire regiment, and was commissioned as its 
colonel. Under his command the regiment 
distinguished itself in many important engage- 
ments, and won an enviable reputation for 
bravery. He had been in command of a bri- 
gade several months, and was strongly recom- 
mended for a brigadier-general. He fell while 
gallantly fighting at the head of his regiment 
in the memorable battle of Gettysburg. 

July 2. — Col. Patrick H, O'Rourke was 
killed at the battle of Gettysburg. He was a 
native of Ireland ; was appointed a cadet to 
West Point from New York, and graduated in 
1861, standing first in his class. He was as- 
signed to a lieutenancy in the regular army, 
and placed in the engineers corps in seiwice at 
Hilton Head and the works on Savannah River, 
where he greatly distinguished himself. When 
the 140th regiment was ready for the field, he 
was assigned to the command, and soon brought 
it up to a high degree of discipline. He pos- 
sessed military talent of a high order, and was 
eminently prepossessing and courteous in all 
'his ways. At the reduction of Fort Pulaski he 



behaved with great gallantry, and at Chancel- 
lorsville commanded a brigade with great honor 
to himself. At the battle of Gettysburg he 
mounted a rock, cheering on his men, when he 
was struck by the fatal bullet. 

July 2.— Col. C. F. Taylor, an officer of 
U. S. volimteers, was killed at the battle of 
Gettysburg. He was born in 1840, and was a 
brother of Bayard Taylor, with whom a few 
years ago he travelled extensively in Europe. 
After his return he graduated at the Michigan 
University. His patriotic devotion to his coun- 
try led him to organize a company in Pennsyl- 
vania under the first call of the President. He 
received a captain's commission from the gov- 
ernor, and his company was attached to the 
Bucktail regiment under Col. Kane. At the 
battle of Harrisonburg, Va., when Col. Kane 
was wounded, Capt. Taylor remained with that 
officer on the field, and they were both taken 
prisoners by the enemy. A few months later 
lie was appointed colonel of the regiment. Col, 
Kane having been promoted as brigadier-gen- 
eral. When Gen. Burnside attempted to storm 
the heights of Fredericksburg, he led one of 
the charges with great gallantry and was twice 
wounded. While bravelj^ leading a charge 
over Roundtop Summit, at the battle of Get- 
tysburg, a ball entered his heart as he raised 
his sword above his head. His last words 
were, "Come on, boys: we'll take them all 
prisoners ! " 

Jtdy 2. — Brig.-Gen. Stepheit H. Weed, an 
officer of U. S. vx)lunteers, was killed at the 
battle of Gettysburg. He was a native of 
New York, graduated at West Point in July, 
1854, and subsequently was made first lieuten- 
ant in the 4th United States artillery. When 
the 5th United States artillery was organized, 
he was appointed captain. His ability and ge- 
nius as a commanding officer, and especially as 
an artillerist, had long been appreciated in the 
corps, and his brigadier-general's commission 
was the reward of his gallant services at the 
battles near Chancellorsville. At the time of 
his death he was commanding the 8d brigade 
of regulars, and was fighting manfully, Avhen 
a bullet from the enemy struck his arm, and, 
passing into his lung, inflicted a terrible wound 
fi-om which he died in a few houi-s. In try- 
ing to catch the dying commands of Gen, Weed, 
Lieut. Charles E. Hazlett, a young officer of 
the 5th artillery, was kneeling with his head 
bent close to that of Gen. Weed, when a bul- 
let struck his forehead, felling him dead upon 
the bosom of his friend. 

July 2. — SAMrEL Kosciuszko Zook, a brig- 
adier-general in the U. S, volunteer service, 
was killed in the battle of Gettysburg, He 
was born in Pennsylvania about the year 1823. 
When quite young he entered into the tele- 
graph business, and made several important 
discoveries in electrical science, which gave 
him a wide reputation. When about twenty- 
five years of age he removed to New York, 
and became connected with the local military 



762 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



organizations of the city. In 1857 he was com- 
missioned lieutenant-colonel of the 6tli New 
York State militia, and at the outbreak of the 
■war, though much out of health, went with 
his regiment to the seat of hostilities, and was 
appointed military governor of Annapolis. 
Alter his return, he recruited the SYth regi- 
ment of New York State volunteers, and, 
having been commissioned colonel, led it to 
the peninsula. During that long and bloody 
campaign he generally held command of a bri- 
gade, though without the rank or commis- 
sion properly belonging to his position. On 
the 29th of November, 1862, he was commis- 
sioned brigadier-general, the appointment be- 
ing confirmed in March, 1863. He was placed 
in command of his old brigade, and nobly dis- 
tinguished himself at the battles of Chancel- 
lorsvUle and Gettysburg, on the latter field 
giving up his life. 

July 3. — Brig.-Gen. Lewis A. Aemistead, 
an oiScer in the Confederate service, was killed 
at Gettysburg. He was a native of Virginia, 
and was appointed from that State a cadet at 
"West Point in March, 1834. He remained in the 
Military Academy till October, 1836. On the 
10th of July, 1839, he was appointed second 
lieutenant in the 6th infantry ; he was ad- 
vanced to a first lieutenancy in March, 1844; 
received the brevets of captain and major for 
gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles 
of Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, and 
Ohapultepec, in 1847. In the last of these en- 
gagements he had led a storming party against 
the citadel. He attained a captaincy in March, 
1854, and in 1859 commanded a detachment 
sent against the Indians from Fort Mohave, 
California, and attacked and routed them with 
great slaughter. He joined the Confederates 
early in the war and was appointed a brigadier- 
general in 1862. He was a brave officer. 

July 3. — Brig.-Gen. Elon J. Farnswoeth, 
an officer in the U. S. volunteer service, was 
killed at the battle of Gettysburg. He was 
born in Livingstone Coimty, Michigan, in 1835, 
and was educated at the university of that 
State. In 1857 he went to New Mexico, and 
became attached to the United States commis- 
sary department, and subsequently was en- 
gaged in Utah in the same capacity. "When 
the news of the war reached him in the sum- 
mer of 1861, he hastened home to join the 8th 
Illinois cavalry, which his uncle. Gen. John F. 
Farnsworth, ' was then organizing. He was 
made battalion quartermaster, but was soon 
promoted to the captaincy of Company K of 
that regiment. During all the battles of the 
peninsula and in Gen. Pope's campaign he 
never missed a fight or skirmish in which his 
company was engp,ged. In May, 1863, he was 
placed upon Gen. Pleasanton's staif as aide. He 
was made brigadier-general only a i'QW days be- 
fore his death. 

July 3. — Brig.-Gen. Richaed B. Gabnett, 
an officer in the Confederate service, was killed 
at the battle of Gettysburg. He was a native 



of Virginia, entered the service of the United 
States army as second lieutenant of infantry, 
July, 1841, and was captain of the 6th infan- 
try. May 9, 1855. "When the war broke out he 
resigned to enter the Confederate service, and 
was engaged in most of the battles in Virginia. 
He was at first a colonel under Pegram and 
Floyd in "Western Virginia, but soon after join- 
ing Lee's army was promoted to the command 
of a brigade. He had the reputation of being a 
capable officer. 

Jtily 3. — Maj.-Gen. "William D. Pendee, an 
officer in the Confederate service, was killed at 
the battle of Gettysburg. He was a native of 
North Carolina and appointed from that State 
to "West Point, where he entered as a cadet in 
1850 and graduated in 1854. He was appoint- 
ed brevet second lieutenant in the 4th artiUery 
in July, 1854, and second lieutenant of the 1st 
dragoons ia March, 1855. He distinguished 
himself in several conflicts with the Indians in 
"Washington Territoi'yin September, 1858. He 
joined the Confederate army early in the war, 
and rose by successive promotions from the 
rank of colonel to that of major-general. He 
commanded a division of Gen. Hill's corps at 
the battle of Gettysburg. 

July 3. — Col. J. K. Maeshall, an officer in 
the Confederate service, was killed at Gettys- 
burg. He was born in 1840, graduated at Lex- 
ington (Virginia) Military Institute in 1860, 
when he went to Edenton, North Carolina, and 
took charge of a private school. Upon the 
commencement of the war he accepted the cap- 
taincy of a volunteer company, and was subse- 
quently elected colonel of the 52d regiment of 
North Carolina troops, taking the place of Col. 
Vance, who resigned because elected governor. 

July 3. — Brig.-Gen. Semmes, an officer of the 
Confederate army, killed at the battle of Get- 
tysburg. 

July 4. — Col. Paul Joseph Reveee, an offi- 
cer of U. S. volunteers, died of wounds re- 
ceived in the battle of Gettysburg. He was 
born in Boston, September 18, 1832, and was a 
grandson of Paul Revere of Revolutionary his- 
tory. His early educational advantages were 
good, and in 1852 he graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege. When the war broke out, though occu- 
pying a high social position and surrounded by 
every thing calculated to make life pleasant, he 
at once volunteered his services in behalf of his 
country, and accepting the commission of major 
in the 20th regiment of volunteers, went to the 
seat of war. At the disastrous battle of Ball's 
Bluff his regiment behaved nobly, but lost 
heavily ; he was taken prisoner, and, with his 
colonel, was confined in a felon's cell as a host- 
age for the privateersmen whom the United 
States Court had convicted as pirates. After 
his exchange he participated in the campaign 
on the James River, and at Antietam was on 
Gen. Sumner's staff, when he was compliment- 
ed for his gallantry, having received a severe 
wound, which gave him a long winter of pain 
and seclusion. Upon his recovery he was pro- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



763 



moted as colonel of the 20th regiment, and re- 
ceived his death wound in the first successful 
battle of the campaign. 

July 12. — Commander Abner Read, an oflS- 
cer of the United States navy, died from a 
wound received upon the Monongahela, at the 
batteries above Donaldsonville. He was a na- 
tive of Ohio and about forty-two years of age 
at the time of his death ; was educated at the 
Ohio University at Athens, which institution 
he left in his senior year in 1839, having re- 
ceived a midshipman's warrant. His first voy- 
age was on the schooner Enterprise to the 
South American coast, having been detached 
from a ship-of-war destined to the Meditei*- 
ranean, on account of some little difficulty with 
the captain previous to the sailing of the ves- 
sel. Pi'ior to his examination, he spent a year 
in reviewing his studies at the Naval School in 
Philadelphia, and stood fifth in a class of forty- 
eight. He was at once detailed to the duty of 
acting sailing master, in which capacity he made 
several voyages and soon acquired the reputa- 
tion of being one of the most skilful navigators in 
the service. At the breaking out of the Mexi- 
can war he was on the coast of Africa, but re- 
turned in time to make a cruise in the Gulf and 
participate in some naval operations near the 
close of the war. The progress of naval pro- 
motion being slow, he did not reach the rank 
of lieutenant until 1853, and in 1855 the Navy 
Retiring Board consigned him to the list of re- 
tired officers, but he was not long after rein- 
stated by the Examining Board. Soon after the 
commencement of the war he was ordered for 
service to the Wyandotte, the command of 
which soon devolved upon him, and it was this 
vessel which performed such important service 
in saving Fort Pickens from falling into the 
hands of the enemy. In May, 1862, the health 
of Lieutenant Read was so much impaired that 
he was relieved of his command for a time in 
order to place himself under medical treatment. 
A severe fit of sickness prostrated him for some 
weeks, and before fully recovering his strength, 
he asked sailing orders and was assigned to the 
command of the gunboat New London. Pro- 
ceeding at once to Ship Island he commenced 
cruising in the Mississippi Sound, and in eight 
days captured four valuable prizes. The ex- 
ploits of this vessel won for it from the enemy 
the appellation of the "Black Devil," and it 
soon succeeded in bi'eaking up the trade between 
New Orleans and Mobile. The New London 
captured nearly thirty prizes, took a battery at 
Biloxi, and had several engagements with Con- 
federate steamers on the sound. A short time 
previous to his death he lost his left eye in an 
engagement at Sabine Pass. In June of 1863 
he was placed in command of the steam sloop- 
of-war Monongahela. He was a skilful officer 
and a universal favorite throughout the navy. 

Juhj 14.— Col. Henry T. O'Brien was killed 
by the rioters in New York city. He was a 
native of Ireland, but had resided for many 
years in New York city. Previous to the riot 



he had been for some time engaged in raising 

a three years' regiment (the 11th New York 
volunteers, or James T. Brady Light Infantry). 
Early on Monday, July 13th, he volunteered 
his service and those of his regiment to aid in 
suppressing the riot. 

July 18. — Acting Brig.-Gen. Haldimand 
Sumner Putnam, an officer of United States 
volunteers, was killed at the attack on Fort 
Wagner. He was born in Cornish, N. II., Oct. 
15th, 1835, graduated at West Point in 1857, 
and from that time until a few months previous 
to the war, was stationed at different localities 
on the western frontier. When the war broke 
out, he was summoned to Washington and in- 
trusted with special messages of the highest 
impoi'tance to carry to Fort Pickens. He ac- 
complished his mission, and was returning to 
the North when he was seized by the military 
authorities at Mongomery, Alabama, and held 
in prison several days, but was finally released 
and came back to Washingion. Soon after he 
was placed upon Gen. McDowell's staff, in which 
position he performed many arduous and im- 
portant duties. He participated in the first 
battle of Bull Run, and won himself much 
honor by his bravery and devotion. When re- 
quested to take command of a regiment from 
his native State, he at first declined, upon the 
ground that he was too young for so respon- 
sible a position, but upon being further urged, 
he finally accepted, and on the 14th of Janu- 
ary, 1862, departed with his regiment for the 
seat of war. During the first year of its ser- 
vice this regiment was stationed at Fort Jeffer- 
son, on Tortugas Island. Since then the com- 
mand has been located at St. Augustine, Florida, 
Port Royal, S. C, and in the vicinity of 
Charleston, and though not engaged in any 
important action previous to the attack upon 
Fort Wagner, it has participated in many skir- 
mishes and expeditions. For four or five 
months previous to his death he was acting 
brigadier-general, and was serving in that ca- 
pacity when he fell on Morris Island. His 
forces consisted of the 7th New Hampshire 
volunteers, and several other regiments from 
the Middle States. At the attack on Fort 
Wagner he led his brigade gallantly into ac- 
tion, and feU while rallying his men, holding 
his position within the enemy's works. 

July 18.— Col. Robert Gould Shaw, an 
officer of colored volunteers, was killed during 
the assault upon Fort Wagner. He was the 
only son of Francis G. Shaw, of Staten Island, 
and was born about 1836. When the war 
broke out he enlisted as a private in the 7th 
regiment New York militia, and went to Wash- 
ington. Before the three months' term of 
service expired, he sought and obtained a com- 
mission in the Massachusetts "2d, which subse- 
quently won so much honor on many a battle- 
field. At the battle of Cedar Mountain his life 
was saved by his watch. He commanded the 
first regiment of colored soldiei's from a free 
State ever mustered into the United States ser- 



764 



MILITAKY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



vice, and although aware that, by the order 
of Mr. Davis, he ran the risk of dying upon 
the gallows if taken prisoner, he went forth 
ready to die in any way that might prove for 
the benefit of his country. He fell at the head 
of his regiment, when standing upon the para- 
pet of Fort Wagner, which had been carried by 
assault. 

Julij 19. — Major Daniel McCook, an officer 
of United States volunteers, died of wounds 
received at the fight with Morgan's men near 
Buffington Island, Ohio. He was born in 1796. 
He was derk in the Pension Office at Wash- 
ington for two or three years previous to the 
commencement of the war, and for ten months 
previous to his death was a paymaster in the 
United States army. He had eight sons, who 
have all been in the service except one, Col. 
George W. McOook, attorney-general of Ohio. 

July 30. — Brig.-Gen. George C. Strong, an 
officer of United States volunteers, died from 
wounds received in the assault upon Fort Wag- 
ner, Charleston harbor, aged 30 years. He was 
born in Stockbridge, Vt. His father died when 
he was but eight years of age, and he was 
adopted in the family of his uncle, A. S. Strong, 
of Easthampton, Mass., under whose care he 
imbibed his first desire for military life. He 
entered West Point Academy in the class of 
1857, and held the post of first captain of ca- 
dets for three years. After graduating he had 
charge of the Bridesburg arsenal, was thence 
transferred to Fortress Monroe, and thence to 
Moimt Vernon, Alabama. He subsequently 
had charge of the Watervliet arsenel a short 
time, but on the breaking out of the war he 
applied for active service, and was placed on 
the stafl:" of Gen. McDowell, at the battle of 
Bull Run, and was highly complimented for 
his efficiency in that battle. He was next ap- 
pointed on the staflf of Gen. McClellan, but 
shortly after was detailed as ordnance officer, 
by Gen. JButler, to the Department of the Gulf. 
He distinguished himself at Biloxi, and in the 
perilous adventure up the Tangipahoa River. 
He was a brave and skilful officer, and was 
honored and trusted by the men under his 
command. At the assault on Fort Wagner he 
commanded the assaulting column, and led it 
with the judgment and courage of a veteran. 

Jxdy — . — Lieut. -Col. Nazer, of the 

New York Mounted Rifles, died at Washing- 
ton of typhoid fever. He had acquired some 
distinction in the British army, having been an 
officer of the 90th Light Infantry. After leav- 
ing the British army, he was for some time 
treasurer of the Winter Garden, in New York. 
On the breaking out of the war he accepted the 
position of lieutenant-colonel of the New York 
Mounted Rifles, with which regiment he con- 
tinued to serve up to the period of his death, 
and was on the eve of receiving the full colo- 
nelcy. He was an able officer, and his soldierly 
acquirements and high sense of honor won for 
him the respect and esteem of his whole di- 
vision. 



Aug. 6. — Oapt. Rock CnAiipiox, an officer 
of the Confederate army, killed in a skirmish 
at Middleburg, Tenn. At the battle of Elk 
Horn or Pea Ridge, Capt. Champion commanded 
the escort of Brig.-Gen. D. M. Frost, and in the 
hottest of the fight charged a whole infantry 
regiment with his little band of eighteen. He 
took part in all the battles in Missouri. At the 
battles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek, &c., he 
commanded a regiment of infantry in the Mis- 
souri State Guard, and was distinguished for 
his intrepid courage. Whilst in command of a 
company of cavalry in North Mississippi, a ro- 
mantic incident occurred in which Oapt. Cham- 
pion was the hero. A young lady, described 
as very beautiful, and the daughter of one of 
the wealthiest men of Northern Alabama, 
declared she would bestow her hand on the 
man who would kill the Federal colonel who 
commanded the town in which she resided, he 
having by his conduct while in command 
greatly incensed the inhabitants. Not long 
afterwards Gen. Roddy made a sudden attack 
upon the town, and in a hand to hand encoun- 
ter Capt. Champion killed the Federal colonel. 
Learning then, for the first time, that a young 
lady had made such a declaration, he called 
upon her. She was as good as her word, and 
they were engaged to be married when Oapt. 
Champion's command was ordered to Tennes- 
see. In an engagement at Middlebm-g, Ten- 
nessee, he was killed. It is said he was so 
close to the soldier who shot him, that he ran 
his sword through his opponent, after receiving 
the wound, and tliat both fell and died together. 

Aug. — . — Maj.-Gen. John S. Bowen, an of- 
ficer in the Confederate army, died at Raymond, 
Miss. He was a native of Georgia, graduated 
at West Point in July, 1863, and was appoint- 
ed brevet second lieutenant of mounted rifles. 
He resigned in May, 1856. He married in St. 
Louis, Mo., and was for a time an architect in 
that city. He commanded the 2d regiment of 
Missouri volunteer militia of the district of St. 
Louis, at the time Camp Jackson was captured, 
May 10, 1861 ; but having protested against the 
legality of the capture and the exaction of his 
parole at the time it was given, he escaped to 
the South, and disregarding his parole entered 
the Confederate army. He was afterwards ex- 
changed for an officer captured by Gen. Price 
at Lexington, Mo., but published a card stating 
that he had never been legally a prisoner, and 
refused the benefit of the exchange. At Mem- 
phis he raised the 1st Missouri Confederate 
regiment of infantry, which, through the whole 
war, was hardly surpassed in gallantry, disci- 
pline, or drill. At the battle of Shiloh, Gen. 
Bowen, then acting brigadier general, was 
severely Avounded. From this wound and a 
fever from which he was sulfering when he 
went into the battle, he never entirely recover- 
ed. Gen. Bowen commanded the Confederate 
troops in the battle near Port Gibson in May, 
1863, and made a very stubborn resistance to 
Gen. Grant's advance. He reported Grant's 



MILITARY AND ITAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOK 



765 



force at 20,000, his own At 5,500. He was in 
all the subsequent battles around Vicksburg, 
and bore a prominenlf part in the negotiations 
for the surrender of the city. Gen. Bowen was 
an excellent officer, and a soldier of spirit and 
courage. He is said to have died of mortifica- 
tion and sorrow for the fall of Vicksburg. 

Av.g. 6. — Brig.- Gen. Lrcros Marsh Walker, 
an officer of the Confederate army, killed in a 
duel by Gen. Marmaduke, also of the Confederate 
service, near Little Rock, Ark. Gen, Walker 
was born in Tennessee, and was a cadet at 
West Point in 1846. July 1, 1850, he was 
brevet second lieutenant of the 2d dragoons. 
He resigned on the 31st of March, 1852. At 
the breaking out of the war he lived in Ar- 
kansas. During the siege of Corinth he com- 
manded a brigade in Hardee's corps, and in the 
campaign in Kentucky in the fall of 1862, he 
commanded a brigade in the same corps, and 
in Anderson's division. In November of tlie 
same year he was transferred to the Trans-Mis- 
sissippi Department. The cause of the duel 
was something Gen. Marmaduke had said de- 
rogatory to the courage of Gen. Walker. The 
duel was of a deadly character, the terms being: 
weapons, revolvers — distance twelve paces ; fir- 
ing to commence at the word, and continue 
until one or the other should fall. 

A-ug. 11. — Lieut.-Ool. George Nauman, an 
officer of United States volunteers, died at Phila- 
delphia in the 61st year of his age. In 1819 
he entered the Military Academy at West Point, 
and in 1821 was acting assistant professor of 
French in that institution ; in 1823 he gradu- 
ated, and was commissioned brevet second lieu- 
tenant in the 2d regiment of artillery, and the 
same year received his full second lieutenancy 
in the 1st regiment of ai'tillery ; was appointed 
assistant commissary of subsistence in March, 
1828, and was assistant instructor of French 
at the Military Academy, from September, 
1828, to August, 1829. In May, 1832, he was 
promoted to a first lieutenant. He served in the 
Florida war, where he distinguished himself, 
particularly in the battle of "Wahoo Swamp." 
He served throughout the war with Mexico un- 
der Gens, Taylor and Scott, and was twice pro- 
moted for "gallant and meritorious conduct." 
He commanded the 1st regiment of artillery ; 
was " Commissioner of Prizes " at Vera Cruz, 
at the close of the war, and conducted the 
evacuation of that city by the United States 
army. He commanded Fort Washington, on 
the Potomac, from 1848 to 1852 ; served on the 
Pacific coast, from May, 1854, to January, 1861, 
having been promoted major of the 3d artillery; 
was inspector of artillery for the Department 
of Oregon and California, from May, 1858, to 
January, 1861, and for some months conducted 
the Artillery School at Fort Vancouver. He 
was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of 
the 1st artillery, July, 1861, and was chief of 
artillery at Newport News, Va., in March, 1862, 
during the engagement with the "Merrimac," 
"Yorktown," "Jamestown," and other Con- 



federate steamers. For the last year he was 
stationed at Fort Warren, in the harbor of Bos- 
ton, engaged in preparing that work for a state 
of suitable defence. He was on the eve of pro- 
motion to a full colonelcy of artillery, and was 
on the way to Lancaster to visit his children, 
Avhen he was attacked by sunstroke, and died 
in a few hours. 

Av{f. 14. — Commodore Henry W. Morris, 
an officer of the United States navy, died in 
New York city in the 58th year of his age. He 
was a son of the late Thomas Morris, a con- 
spicuous member of the New York bar, and 
subsequently United States marshal for the 
southern district of that State, and grandson 
of the celebrated Gouverneur Morris of Revolu- 
tionary memory. The subject of this notice 
entered the navy as midshipman, Aug. 2lst, 
1819. He was first stationed at the Brooklyn 
navy yard, but in 1820 he was ordered to the 
corvette Cyane, from thence to the sloop-of-war 
Ontario, and next to the frigate Constitution, at 
that time cruising in the Mediterranean. From 
1828 to 1838, under the commission of lieuten- 
ant, he distinguished himself in various posi- 
tions. From 1839 to 1845 he was on special 
duty in New York city, passing through sis 
degrees of oflBcial promotion during the term 
of six years. He was then appointed to the 
command of the storeship Southampton, at 
that time belonging to the African squadron. 
In 1846 he was again ordered to the Brooklyn 
navy yai'd, where for the next five years he 
was awaiting orders. In the mean time he was 
promoted to the rank of commander, and in 
1851 was appointed to the command of the ren- 
dezvous in New York until 1858, when he was 
ordered to the sloop-of-war Germantown, be- 
longing to the Brazilian squadron. In 1855 he 
was transferred to the Mediterranean station, 
where he served as fleet captain under Commo- 
dore Stringham. Upon his return to America, 
he received in 1856 his commission as captain. 
Toward the close of 1861 he superintended the 
construction of the steam sloop-of-war Pensa- 
cola, at the Washington navy yard. In Janu- 
ary, 1862, the Pensacola, under his command, 
successfully passed the line of Confederate 
batteries on the Potomac, and after anchoring 
a short time in Hampton Roads, set sail to join 
the blockading squadron in the Gulf of Mexico. 
The Pensacola took a brilliant part in aU the 
attacks upon Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and 
upon the Chalmette batteries. After the cap- 
ture of New Orleans, Commodore Morris was 
intrusted with the duty of holding the city and 
guarding the adjacent coasts. Under his many 
ai'duous duties his health became seriously 
afteeted, and after resisting for a time the en- 
treaties of his friends, he was persuaded to come 
North to recruit his strength, but died soon 
after his arrival. 

Aiig. 14. — Brig,-Gen. Benjamin Welch, Jr., 
an officer of United States volunteers, died at 
Cincinnati of congestive fever, acquired during 
the campaign in Mississippi, He was formerly 



766 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



a citizen of Ohio, but more recently of Colum- 
bia, Penn. He served during the war with 
Mexico, and for gallant conduct in the battle 
of Buena Vista was promoted to a lieutenancy. 
At the commencement of the war he entered 
the service as lieutenant-colonel of the 45th 
Pennsylvania, was subsequently promoted to the 
colonelcy of the regiment, and during 1863 was 
made a brigadier-general. 

Aug. 26. — JoHN^ Buchanan Flotd, a general 
in the Confederate army, born in Montgomery 
(now Pulaski) County, Va., in 1805, died at 
Abingdon, Va., Aug. 26th, 1863. He was 
graduated at the South Carolina College in 
1826, subsequently practised law for several 
years in Virginia, and in 1836 emigrated to 
Helena, Arkansas, whence he returned in 1839 
to Virginia. In 184'r-'49 he represented Wash- 
ington County in the House of Representatives, 
and from 1850 to 1853 he was governor of the 
State. As a delegate to the democratic presi- 
dental convention at Cincinnati in 1856, he ex- 
erted his influence in favor of the nomination 
of Mr. Buchanan, in whose interest he made 
speeches in many parts of the country during 
the ensuing canvass, and for whom he cast his 
vote in the electoral college of Virginia. Presi- 
dent Buchanan rewarded his services by ap- 
pointing him in March, 1857, Secretary of War. 
In that capacity he labored to the best of his 
abiUty to promote the rebellion of the Southern 
States, and to place them on a footing of strength 
commensurate with the importance of the con- 
flict upon which they were about to enter; and 
there seems now to be little doubt that for 
several years previous to the election of Mr. 
Lincoln he was privy to the plot for over- 
throwing the Government. During 1860, in 
accordance with his orders, the array had been 
dispersed in the remotest part of the country, 
considerable portions being on the western 
frontier, in California, and Southern Texas, 
whence they could not readily be conveyed to 
the Atlantic seaboard ; and in the same year 
an extensive transfer of arms from northern to 
southern arsenals was made, 115,000 muskets 
having been transferred by one order, and 
great quantities of cannon and ammunition by 
other orders. 

No sooner had the secession of South Caro- 
lina paved the way for concentrated action on 
the part of the conspirators, than he began to 
avow openly his sympathy with the movement; 
and during the stormy discussions in the cab- 
inet on the subject of reenforcing the forts in 
Charleston harbor, he was the most strenuous 
opponent of that measure, threatening to resign 
if it were consummated. On December 26th 
Major Anderson unexpectedly removed his gar- 
rison from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, and 
upon the refusal of the President to order the 
entire withdrawal of the United States troops 
from Charleston harbor, Mr. Floyd tendered his 
resignation, and was succeeded by Mr. Holt. 
Soon afterwards he was indicted by the grand 
jury of the District of Columbia as being privy 



to the abstraction of bonds to the amount of 
$870,000 from the Department of the Interior 
in the latter part of 1860. He had, however, 
been permitted to retire froYn Washington, and 
was never subsequently brought to trial. 

As a reward for his eminent services to the 
cause of secession, he was appointed, soon after 
the commencement of hostilities, a brigadier- 
general in the Confederate army, and in the 
summer and autumn of 1861 commanded, with 
Gens. Wise and Henningsen, in Western Vir- 
ginia. The campaign was conducted by him 
with little skill or energy, and his retreat from 
Gauley Bridge, September 10th, after his defeat 
by Gen. Cox, with loss of baggage, camp equi- 
page, and ammunition, was characterized by the 
Virginia papers of that period as the most dis- 
graceful rout of the war. He was subse- 
quently ordered to Kentucky, and commanded 
a brigade at Fort Donelson when that place 
was besieged by Gen. Grant, in February, 1862. 
From apprehensions that, if captured, he might, 
be subjected to harsh treatment, while public 
opinion in the loyal States was embittered 
against him, he retired, on the night previous to 
the surrender of the fort, with Gen. Pillow and 
5,000 men of the garrison, and made good his 
escape into Southern Tennessee and Alabama. 
Thenceforth he held no important command. 
A temporary reappearance in the field in the 
succeeding summer, under State authority, 
resulted in no practical success, and he died in 
retirement. 

Aug. — . — Brig.-Gen. Roswell Sabine Rip- 
let, died in Charleston, S. 0. He was a native 
of Ohio, and appointed cadet from that State 
in 1839 ; he graduated seventh in his class, and 
was appointed brevet second lieutenant ■3d ar- 
tillery July, 1843 ; became second lieutenant in 
the 2d artillery in 1846, and first lieutenant 
March 3d, 1847. He was aide-de-camp to Gen. 
Pillow in 1847 and 1848 ; was brevetted captain 
for gallantry at Cerro Gordo, and major for 
gallantry at Chapultepec. In 1853 he resigned 
his commission and retired to private life. At 
the outbreak of the war he entered into the 
service of the Southern Confederacy, took a 
prominent part in the siege of Fort Sumter, 
and was wounded at the battle of Antietam. 
He was the author of " The War in Mexico " 
(2 vols.. New York, 1849). 

Sept 19. — Col. Hans C. Heg, acting brig.- 
gen. of United States volunteers, was killed at 
Chickamauga, aged 34 years. He was a Nor- 
wegian by birth, and came with his father to the 
United States when but 11 years of age, and 
settled in Wisconsin. In 1849, dui-ing the gold 
excitement, he went to California by the over- 
land route, and after a stay of two years returned, 
and, purchasing a piece of land near Milwaukee, 
engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits until 
1859, when he was elected by the Republican 
State Convention of Wisconsin to the office of 
commissioner of State Prisons. In 1861 he en- 
tered into the military service of his country as 
major of the 4th Wisconsin militia, and, on the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



767 



SOtli of September of tlie same year was com- 
missioned colonel of the 15th regiment of Wis- 
consin volunteer infantry, composed mostly of 
Scandinavians. This regiment formed part of the 
forces under Gen. Pope in the reduction of Island 
No. 10, and was afterwards attached to Col. Bu- 
foi'd's brigade, with which it participated in 
the surprise and capture of Union City, Tenn. ; 
it also took a prominent part in the battle of 
Chaplin Hills near Perryville, Oct. _8th, 1862. 
With Gen. Buell's army, Col. Heg joined in the 
pursuit of Gen. Bragg's forces out of the State 
of Kentucky, and when the former was super- 
seded by Gen. Rosecrans, he continued his com- 
mand, and participated in the contests at Stone 
River and Murfreesboro. On the 29th of April 
he was placed in command of the third brigade 
of Davis's division, McCook's (20th) army corps, 
of the Army of the Cumberland. With this bri- 
gade he took part in all the movements of the 
20th corps, resulting in the evacuation of Shel- 
byville, Tullahoma, and Chattanooga, and at 
Chickamauga, where he fell at the head of his 
forces on the second day of the fight. 

Sept. 19. — Brig.-Gen. Preston Smith, an of- 
ficer of the Confederate army, killed during the 
last of the first day's battle at Chicamauga. He 
had entered the Confederate service as an of- 
ficer of a Tennessee regiment, and rose by 
gradual promotion to the rank of brigadier- 
general. After dark, accompanied by his staff, 
he was reconnoitring the ground in his front, 
when he suddenly came upon a regiment of 
the opposing army, who fired a volley upon his 
party, killing him and nearly all of his staff. 

Sept. 20. — Brig.-Gen. James Deshlee, an of- 
ficer of the Confederate army, killed ^on the 
second day of the battle of Chicamauga.' Gen. 
Deshler was a graduate of West Point, and one 
of the most unassuming, gentle, and courteous 
gentlemen in the army. At the time of his 
death he commanded a splendid brigade of 
Texans, who idolized their commander. 

Sept. 20. — Brig.-Gen. Ben. Haedin Helm, an 
oSicer in the Confederate service, killed on the 
second day of the battle at Chickamauga (the 
river of death). Gen. Helm was born in Hardin 
County, Ky., in 1831, and entered West Point 
from that State in 1849. In 1851 he was bre- 
vetted second lieutenant of 2d dragoons, and 
resigned October, 1852, to take up the profes- 
sion of law. He was a son of ex-Governor 
John L. Helm, a prominent politician of Ken- 
tucky. His mother was the daughter of that 
distinguished statesman known as "old Ben. 
Hardin of Kentucky." Gen. Helm's wife was 
a half sister of Mrs. Lincoln, wife of our late 
President. Immediately after the fall of Fort 
Sumter, President Lincoln sent Gen. Helm a 
commission as major in the regular army of the 
United States, but his sympathies being with 
the South, and holding a commission in the 
State Guards of Kentucky, under Gen. Buck- 
ner, he refused the commission tendered him 
by the authorities at Washington, and entered 
the Confederate service as a private. He im- 



mediately rose to the rank of colonel, and com- 
manded the 1st Kentucky cavalry. In 1862 he 
was promoted to the rank of brigadier-generaL 
He was in the battles of Perryville and Stone 
River, in which last he commanded a division. 
The Kentucky brigade which he commanded 
at Chickamuaga went into action with one 
thousand seven hundred and sixty-three men, 
and came out with only four hundred and 
thirty-two; 

Sept. 20. — Lieut.-Col. William G. Jones, an 
officer of the U. S.volunteers, died at Chattanooga 
from wounds received at the battle of Chicka- 
mauga, aged 28 years. He graduated at West 
Point in 1860, and, after the usual respite, was 
ordered to join his company of the 8th infantry 
— to which he was attached as brevet second 
lieutenant — then serving in Texas. He partici- 
pated in several Indian skirmishes ; and at San 
Antonio was taken prisoner. In the fall of 1860 
he became second lieutenant in the 10th infantry, 
and in the following spring was promoted to first 
lieutenant. In March, 1862, he was selected as 
aide-de-camp to Gen. AiadreAV Porter, then pro- 
vost marshal general of theArmy of the Potomac, 
which post he filled, with ability, until he was 
appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 71st Penn- 
sylvania volunteer infantry, and the colonel be- 
ing absent, took command of the regiment. In 
the battles of Peach Orchard, Glendale, White 
Oak Swamp, and Allen's Field, the regiment * 
under his command won itself much honor ; and 
for his conduct on these occasions he was re- 
warded with the brevets of captain and major. 
He was subsequently aid upon the staff of Major- 
General Sumner, in which capacity he distin- 
guished himself at South Mountain and at Antie- 
tam. After the death of General Sumner he was 
appointed to the colonelcy of the 89th Ohio in- 
fantry ; and it was while ably commanding this 
regiment of Crook's brigade, that he fell fighting 
nobly at the head of his men. 

Sept. 20.— Brig.-Gen. Wm. Haines Lttle, an 
officer of U. S. volunteers, was killed at Chick- 
amauga, Ga. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
Nov. 2d, 1826, and his ancestors, for several gen- 
erations, were noted as military men. He grad- 
uated with distinction at Cincinnati College ; 
studied law, and, during the Mexican war, en- 
tered the military service of his country as a 
lieutenant of an independent company of foot 
soldiers. On the 21st of December, ] 847, he was 
promoted to the captaincy, retaining his com- 
mand until the regiment was disbanded, July, 
1848. At the conclusion of the Mexican war he 
resumed the practice of his profession, and was 
soon after elected to the Ohio Legislature. Sub- 
sequently he was chosen major-general of the 
first division of Ohio mihtia, a position previously 
held by both his father and his grandfather. At 
the outbreak of the present war he accepted the 
colonelcy of the 10th Ohio volunteers, which, 
by its desperation in the fight, won the title of the 
" Bloody Tenth." He participated in the battle 
of Rich Mountain, where he won much honor. 
At Carnifex Ferry he conunanded a brigade, and 



768 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



largely contributed to drive Gens. Floyd aiidWise 
from that part of Virginia ; and here he was 
severely wounded. When scarcely recovered 
he returned to the field and first took the com- 
mand of the Bardstown Camp of Instruction, and 
then of the 17th brigade under General O. M, 
Mitchel, participating in the brilliant operations 
along the Memphis and Chattanooga Railroad. 
At the battle of Perryville he was again wound- 
ed, and fell into the hands of the enemy, but after 
a week's captivity was exchanged. For his 
gallant conduct he was made brigadier-genei'al 
of volunteers in the spring of 1863, and from 
that time to his death served under Gen. Rose- 
crans. In addition to his talents as a soldier, he 
was a poet of much merit, though from his ex- 
treme modesty few of his productions have found 
their way into print. He fell at the battle of 
Chickamauga, by a bullet which pierced his 
brain, as he was gallantly leading a charge. 

Sept. 22. — Major Graves, an officer of 

artillery in the Confederate army, mortally 
wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. Major 
Graves was a very recent graduate of West 
Point, and was a rashly brave but exceedingly 
efficient officer. At Fort Donaldson he com- 
manded a battery, and was there captured with 
the remainder of the army. After his exchange, 
he was ])laced upon Gen. Breckenridge's staff 
as chief of artillery, with the rank of major, 
and was acting in that capacity when he was 
mortally wounded by a musket-ball through the 
bowels, and taken to Ringold, where he died. 

Oct. — . — Brig.-Gen. Charles Dimmock, an 
oflicer of the Confederate army, died at Rich- 
mond, Va. He was born in Massachusetts, and 
was a cadet at West Point from Sept., 1817, 
until July, 1821. He graduated second in his 
class, and entered the army as brevet second 
lieutenant of 1st artillery, July, 1821, and from 
that time until July, 1822, he was acting assist- 
ant professor of engineering in the military 
academy at West Point. In 1826 he was assist- 
ant commissary of subsistence, and from Aug., 
1831, to Aug., 1836, was quartermaster, when 
he was promoted to a captaincy. He was civil 
engineer on the railroad from Weldon, North 
Carolina, to WytheviUe, Va.,.in 1836, and on the 
route of the Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad 
in 1837. He was engaged in the same capacity 
from 1837 to 1839 on the military road from 
the Upper Mississippi to Red River, and general 
agent of the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad 
in 1839 and 1841. He served in the army of 
the United States fifteen years. Since 1843 he 
had been superintendent of the Virginia State 
armory, and captain commanding State Guard. 
During the war he was chief of ordnance of the 
department of Virginia. 

Oct. 2. — Major Edward B. Hunt, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, born in Livingston County, 
N. Y., in 1822, died at the Brooklyn Marine 
Hospital, Oct. 2d, 1863. He was appointed to 
the Military Academy from his native State in 
1841, graduated second in the class of 1845, was 
appointed second lieutenant in the corps of 



engineers, and was assigned to duty as assistant 
to the Board of Engineers for Atlantic Coast 
Defence. After serving in this capacity a year, 
he was called to fill tlie important position of 
principal assistant professor of civil and mili- 
tary engineering at the military academy, 
West Point, where he remained until 1849, 
when he was employed as assistant-engineer 
upon Fort Warren, Boston harbor, Mass. 
From 1851 to 1855 he was the assistant of 
Prof. Bache in the Coast Survey Bureau. 
From 1855 to 1857 he was engaged in engineer 
operations in Newport, R. I., and constructed 
and repaired many important lighthouse struc- 
tures on the coast. In 1 857 he was ordered to 
Key AVest, where for five years he assisted in 
the construction of fortifications and other de- 
fensive works on the island, recei%'ing his cap- 
taincy while serving there, July 1st, 1859. It 
was chiefly through his instrumentality that 
the forts of Southern Florida were withheld 
from the Confederates after the war actually 
commenced. In 1862 he was appointed chief 
engineer of the 5th army corj)s, commanded by 
Maj.-Gen. Banks, and from this duty was re- 
lieved and placed on special service uilder the 
Navy Department, in order to superintend the 
construction of his submarine battery. While 
engaged in making some experiments with this 
battery, a shell prematurely discharged, imme- 
diately after which he descended into the 
caisson, and in attempting to ascend, being 
probably overcome by the gas, fell backward, 
striking his head, and causing concussion of 
the brain, from which he died the next day. 

Oct. 14. — Brig.-Gen. Henry F. Cook, an offi- 
cer in the Confederate service, was killed at 
Bristoe' Station. He was a native of Missis- 
sippi ; served in the Mexican war as first lieu- 
tenant in Jefierson Davis's regiment of Missis- 
sippi volunteers; distinguished himself in the 
battle of Monterey, where he was wounded, 
and commanded Co. C in the battle of Buena 
Vista. He had joined the Confederate army 
early in the war, and had risen by successive 
promotions to the rank of brigadier-general in 
1863. 

Oct. 18. — Col. Thomas Ruffix, an officer in 
the Confederate service, died at Grace Church 
Hospital, Washington, from wounds received at 
the battle of Bristow Station. He was a na- 
tive of North Carolina, but for a number of 
years was a citizen of Missouri, residing at 
Bolivar, Polk County, and was at one time 
State Attorney for that judicial circuit. Subse- 
quently he returned to his native State, from 
which he was elected to Congi'ess. 

Oct. 29. — Col. Charles .Rivers Ellet, com- 
mander of the Mississippi marine brigade, died 
at Bunker HUl, Illinois, aged about 22 years. 
He was a son of the late Col. Charles EUet, an 
accomplished engineer and the originator of the 
ram fleet, and was born in Philadelphia. To a 
thorough education he liad added the advan- 
tages of foreign travel and a brief residence in 
Pai'is. He had made choice of the medical 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



769 



profession, and at the outbreak of the war was 
engaged in pursuing the requisite studies, in 
which he had already made such progress as to 
fill competently the place of assistant surgeon 
in one of the military hospitals. Preferring to 
follow the fortunes of his father he accompanied 
him westward in the spring of 1862, and com- 
manded one of the rams at the action of Mem- 
phis, in which the elder EUet received the 
wound which soon after proved fatal. After 
his father's death, on the organization of the 
Mississippi marine brigade by his uncle, now 
Gen. Alfred W. Ellet, he was promoted to a 
colonelcy, and when his uncle was commis- 
sioned brigadier-general of land troops, he was 
placed in command of the marine brigade. 
Choosing the ram Queen of the West as his 
headquarters, he made many daring expeditions 
on the Mississippi. He succeeded in running 
the Confederate batteries at Vicksburg, and 
was for some time engaged in cruising between 
that stronghold and Port Hudson. On the 10th 
of February, 1863, he started upon an expedi- 
tion up the Red River, during which he cap- 
tured the Confederate steamer Era No. 5 and 
some other vessels, and after ascending the 
river for some distance with success, his vessel 
was run aground by the pilot, in such position 
that she was disabled by the fire from a Con- 
federate fort, and fell into the hands of the 
enemy; Col. Ellet, however, made his escape 
upon a bale of cotton and was picked up by 
the De Soto. During and after the siege of 
Vicksburg, Col. Ellet and his command ren- 
dered much valuable assistance to Gen. Grant, 
in keeping open his communications, and whUe 
engaged ta these operations his health became 
so seriously affected by the noxious vapors of 
the river as to make it necessary to retire for a 
season to Illinois to rest. His death, which 
was the result of the disease he contracted, was 
very sudden. 

Oct. 31. — Brig.-Gen. Loins Bleneee, of 
TJ. S. volunteers, died in New Jersey, aged 51 
years. He was born in the city of Worms, in 
the Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt, and in 
his youth was apprenticed to a jeweller, but 
upon his majority enlisted in the Bavarian le- 
gion which was raised to accompany the newly- 
elected King Otho to Greece. From a private 
he rose to a sergeant, and when the legion was 
disbanded in 1837, received with his discharge 
the rank of lieutenant. With this rank he re- 
turned to Worms, whence he went to Munich 
to attend medical lectures with the view of 
becoming professor of medicine. Subsequently 
he changed his mind and entered into commer- 
cial pursuits. In 1849 he became a leading 
member of the revolutionary government in 
his native city, and having been appointed 
commander of the national guards, took an ac- 
tive part in the popular struggle of that period. 
After the revolutionary movement had been 
crushed he retired to Switzerland, and, being 
ordered to leave the country, he embarked at 
Havre for the United States, and settled on a 
49 



farm in Rockland County, N. Y. Subsequent- 
ly he removed to New York city, where he 
engaged in commerce untU 1861. Upon the 
commencement of the war he raised the 8th 
regiment of New York volunteers, with which 
he marched to Washmgton, having been com- 
missioned its colonel May 18th, 1861. After 
being encamped for some time on Meridian 
HUl, the regiment was incorporated with others 
into a brigade, of which Col. B, was appointed 
commander. The brigade was then attached 
to Gen. McDowell's army as a portion of Col. 
Miles's 5th division. During the battle of 
Bull Run this division acted as a reserve, and 
for his services at that time he was commis- 
sioned a brigadier-general, August 9th, 1861. 
He remained with the Army of the Potomac, 
commanding a division, until the commence- 
ment of the Yorktown campaign, when he 
was ordered to Western Virginia. Gen, 
Blenker participated in the battle of Cross 
Keys, June 8th, 1862, but was shortly after re- 
lieved of the command and was succeeded by 
Gen. Sigel, He was then ordered to Washing- 
ton, where he remained for some time, and on 
March 31st, 1863, was mustered out of service. 

Nov. — '. — Brig.-Gen. Johnsox K. Dukoan, 
an officer who died in the Confederate service. 
He was a native of Pennsylvania ; entered West 
Point in 1845, and upon his graduation was ap- 
pointed brevet second lieutenant 2d artillery ; 
was transferred to the 3d artillery Oct., i849, as 
second lieutenant, and in Dec, 1853, was made 
first lieutenant. He resigned Jan. 31st, 1855, 
and upon the commencement of the war en- 
tered into the Confederate service ' as colonel. 
He was appointed brigadier-general from Louis- 
iana, and commanded Forts Jackson and St. 
Philip at the time of the bombardment by 
Flag-officer Farragut. 

Nov. 15. — Brig.-Gen. Cokrad Poset, an offi- 
cer in the Confederate service, died at Char- 
lottesville from a wound received at Gettys- 
burg. He was a native of Mississippi, and 
was made a brigadier-general early in 1863. 
He was an officer of much military talent. 

Nov. 24. — Major Gilbert Malleson Elliott, 
of the 102d regiment N. Y. volunteers, was 
killed at Lookout Mountain. He was bom in 
Connecticut in 1840, and removed to New 
York in early childhood. In 1857 he became 
a member of the Free Academy, and at once 
took the highest stand in scholarship and de- 
portment, receiving the gold medal at four suc- 
cessive commencements, and the valedictory 
oration at his graduation. On the completion 
of his studies, he was impressed with a strong 
desire to enter into the service of his country, 
and in October of that year was commissioned 
first lieutenant. At Antietam he won himself 
much honor, and soon after was ajspointed 
ordnance officer in the second division of the 
12th army corps, where he rendered most 
effective service during the battles of Chancel- 
lorsville and Gettysburg. Having previously 
received the rank of captain, he was subse- 



770 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



quently appointed major, and was soon after 
placed in actual command of his regiment, both 
of his superior officers having been wounded. 
In September, 1863, the 12th army corps was 
transferred from the Army of the Potomac to 
the Army of the Cumberland, and in the storm- 
ing of Lookout Mountain his regiment held 
the right of Geary's division in Gen. Hooker's 
first line of battle. During the hottest part of 
the engagement Major Elliott leaped upon a 
rock, either to cheer his men or for pur- 
poses of observation, and immediately received 
a ball from a sharpshooter, causing speedy 
death. 

J^Tov. 25. — ^Brig.-Gen. "William P. Sandees, 
an officer of U. S. volunteers, died at Knox- 
ville, Tenn., of wounds received in the battle 
at Campbell's Station. He was a native of 
Kentucky, graduated at West Point in 1856, 
and entered the service as brevet second lieu- 
tenant 1st di'agoons, and was transferred to the 
2d dragoons in May, 1857. Soon after the 
commencement of the war, he was made cap- 
tain of a company in the 6th regular cavalry, 
and took an active part in the peninsula cam- 
paign. He subseq\iently accepted the office of 
colonel of a volunteer regiment in Kentucky, 
and performed many valuable services in tlie 
"West. A few months previous to his death 
he was appointed brigadier-general of volun- 
teers, and was assigned to the command of the 
first division of cavalry in East Tennessee. 
H.e was a brilliant officer, a true patriot, and a 
thorough gentleman. 

N'ov. 29.:— Col. McEleot, an officer of the 
Confederate army, killed in Lieut.-Gen. Long- 
street's attempt to take Knoxville, East Tenn. 
He fell mortally wounded in the ditch where, 
in an instant of time, the Confederates lost 
seven hundred men, and where the dead and 
wounded laid seven and eight deep. He com- 
manded the 13th Mississippi regiment. 

N'ov. 29. — Col. Thomas, an officer of the 
Confederate army, killed at the storming of 
Knoxville, Tenn. Col. Thomas fell mortally 
wounded in the ditch where so many Confed- 
erates fell, and into which hand-granades and 
ignited shell were thrown from the forts. He 
commanded the 16th Georgia regiment. 

Dec. 13. — Gen. Thomas J. Geeen, an officer 
in the Confederate service, died at his residence 
in Warren County, N. C, aged 62 years. He 
was a general in the Texas war of independence, 
a member of the Texan Congress, the leader 
of the Mier expedition, one of the band of 
" Mier prisoners," and subsequently historian 
of that transaction. He was afterwards a State 
senator in California, and major-general of the 
militia in that State. 

Dee. 16. — John Btjfoed, a major-general of 
volunteers in the United States service, born in 
Kentucky in 1825, died at Washington, Dec. 16, 
1863, of typhoid fever, contracted in service 
with the Army of the Potomac. His early 
training and education were carefully conduct- 
ed, and his mental and moral development gave 



bright pi'omise of future usefulness. He was 
appointed from Illinois, to the military acad- 
emy at West Point, and graduated in 1848, 
standing well in his class, and in the estima.tion 
of all who knew him; was appointed brevet 
second lieutenant of 1st dragoons, and served 
on the Plains until the war broke out; when he 
promptly and heartily offered himself to the 
service of his country. His rare abilities as 
an officer attracted the attention of the Gov- 
ernment, and he was early made a major in the 
Inspector-General's corps. His peculiar duties 
did not give him an opportunity to engage in 
the leading campaigns until 1862, when he was 
made a brigadier-general, simply as an ac- 
knowledgment of his military merits. In the 
early part of 1862 he fought under Gen. Pope 
in his "Virginia campaign, succeeding Gen. 
Stoneman (who afterwards became his com- 
mander) on Gen. McClellan's staff, during the 
battle of Antietam. When the present cavalry 
organization of the Army of the Potomac was 
perfected, of which Gen. Stoneman was at that 
time the chief. Gen. Buford was assigned to 
command the reserve cavalry brigade. He was 
subsequently conspicuous in almost every cav- 
alry engagement, and at Gettysburg commenced 
the attack on the enemy at Seminary Ridge, be- 
fore the arrival of Reynolds on the 1st of July, 
and on the 2d of July rendered important ser- 
vices both at Wolff's Hill and Round Top. A 
short time previous to his death he was assign- 
ed to the command of the cavalry in the Army 
of the Cumberland, and had left the Army of 
the Potomac for that purpose. He was a splen- 
did cavalry officer, and one of the most success- 
ful in the service ; was modest, yet brave ; un- 
ostentatious, but prompt and persevering ; ever 
ready to go where duty called him, and never 
shrinking from action however fraught with 
peril. His last sickness was but brief, the ef- 
fect, probably, of protracted toil and exposure. 
On the day of his death, and but a little while 
before his departure, his commission of major- 
general was placed in his hands. He received 
it with a smile of gratification that the Govern- 
ment he had defended appreciated his ser- 
vices, and gently laying it aside, soon ceased to 
breathe. 

Dec. 17. — Commodore Geeshom J. Vak 
Beitnt, of the U. S. navy, died at Dedham, 
Mass., aged 63 years. He was a native and a 
citizen of New Jersey, and entered the service 
November 3d, 1818. He received his commis- 
sion of commodore July 16th, 1862, was in 
command of the Minnesota, which sailed from 
Boston soon after the commencement of the 
war, and took an active part in the reduction 
of the Hatteras forts, and in the blockading 
service at Hampton Roads. Subsequently he 
was entrusted by the Government with the 
supervision and equipment of Gen. Banks' 
New Orleans expedition, and at the time of his 
death was acting under the orders of the War 
Department as inspector of transports for the 
New England district. He was highly esteem- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



771 



ed in the navy for his talents as an officer as 
well as for his intrinsic worth. 

Dec. 22. — Michael Coeooran, a brigadier- 
general of U. S. volunteers, born in Oarrowkeel, 
county SHgo, Ireland, Sept. 21st, 1827, died 
Dec. 22d, 1863, near Fairfax Court House, of 
injuries received by a fall from his horse. His 
father, Thomas Corcoran, was an officer in the 
British army, and saw service in the West In- 
dies. On the mother's side he was a descend- 
ant of the Earl of Lucan, the title and estates 
of whose family were confiscated after the no- 
ble defence of Limerick, during the seventeenth 
century, and were conferred on the Bingham 
family for services rendered the British crown. 
Young Corcoran received the benefits of a 
good English education until his nineteenth 
year, when, through some influential friends, 
he received an appointment in the Irish Con- 
stabulary force; but the love of his coimtry 
burned so strongly within him that he could 
not brook the oppression of British rule, and, 
fearing that some occasion might tempt him to 
break through all restraint, he resigned his 
commission in 1849, emigrated to this country, 
and settled in New York city. There he made 
many friends, and through their influence was 
appointed to an official situation in the post- 
office, and subsequently was clerk in the reg- 
ister's office. He commenced his military 
career as a private in Company I, 69th New 
York State militia. Displaying some amount 
of military talent, he rose successively from 
one grade to another, and in August, 1859, 
was elected colonel of the 69th. While holding 
this position, he attracted much public notice 
by his refusal to parade his regiment at the re- 
ception accorded to the Prince of Wales, upon 
his visit to New York city during the fall of 
1860. He had not forgotten how England had 
persecuted and oppressed his countrymen, and 
declined to do homage to the son of a sovereign 
under whose rule some of the most worthy 
sons of Ireland had been banished. In this he 
was consistent with the spirit and principles of 
those heroes of Limerick from whom he had 
descended, and was fully sustained by the corps 
he commanded. By command of Major-Gen. 
Sandford he was subjected to a trial by court- 
martial, which was long, and contested upon 
his part with true Irish spirit and independence, 
and which was still pending when the war 
broke out. The President's call to arms fired 
all the patriotism of his soul ; he called upon 
his men to stand by the flag of the Union and 
the sacred principles it involved. The court- 
martial was quashed. The Irish flocked to the 
ranks with all the enthusiasm of native-born 
citizens, and the 69th left New York for the 
seat of war, attended by a vast concourse of 
admiring people. The regiment was speedily 
sent to Virginia, where the men comprising it 
built, upon Arlington Heights, the famous 
".Fort Corcoran." At the disastrous battle of 
Bull Run, July 21st, 1861, the 69th won itself 
much honor. Their gallant colonel was taken 



prisoner, first sent to Richmond and afterwards 
to Charleston, S. C, where he was closely con- 
fined for nearly a whole year, being held most 
of the time as a hostage for some privateersmen 
who had been condemned as jjirates. An ex- 
change being finally effected, he was released, 
and was commissioned brigadier-general, dat- 
ing from July 21, 1861. He next organized the 
Corcoran Legion, which took part in the battles 
of the Nansemond River and Suffolk, during 
April, 1863, and held the advance of the enemy 
upon Norfolk in check. In August, 1863, the 
Legion was added to the Army of the Potomac. 
On the 22d of December, Gen. Meagher, who 
had been paying a visit to Gen. Corcoran, was 
returning to Washington, when the latter, with 
some members of his staff, concluded to accom- 
pany him. Gen. Corcoran mounted upon Gen. 
Meagher's horse, and was somewhat in advance 
of the party. When near his headquarters, his 
companions found him lying senseless, his horse 
having fallen upon him. He was placed at once 
under medical treatment, but died without 
waking to consciousness. 

Dec. 31. — Capt. Geoege W. Vandeebilt, son 
of Commodore C. Vanderbilt, died at Nice, in 
the 25th year of his age. He graduated at West 
Point in the spring of 1860, and immediately 
entered the regular army with the rank of 
second lieutenant. He was first stationed at 
Fort Walla-Walla, in Washington Territory, 
where he remained until the war broke out, 
when he was ordered to Boston to take charge 
of the recruiting service at that place. In the 
spring of 1862 he received an appointment on 
the staff of Brig.-Gen. Tyler as assistant-adju- 
tant general, with the rank of captain. He was 
regarded by his superiors as an officer of great 
promise. While in the discharge of his duties 
he contracted a disease incident to exposure in 
an unhealthy region, and resisting the impor- 
tunities of his superior to accept a furlough for 
the recovery of his health, he was soon beyond 
the reach of medical skill. In the spring of 
1863, finding himself seriously ill, he obtained a 
furlough, and left for Europe, where he secured 
the best medical advice, but too late ; he con- 
tinued to sink, and died the last day of the 
year, lamented by a large circle of relations 
and friends. 

X)ec. — . — Lieut.-Col. Laohian Allan Mao- 
lean, an officer of the Confederate army, killed 
in a personal encounter at Richmond, Ark., by 
Colonel Robert C. Wood, who had been at one 
time a member of Gen. Sterling Price's staff. 
Lieut.-Col. Maclean was born in Scotland, and 
was the son of Hector Maclean. He once lived 
in the State of Missouri, and taught school in 
Lexington. He had been chief clerk for John 
Calhoun, surveyor-general for the State of Ar- 
kansas and the territory of Nebraska, and 
proved himself so efficient that the entire busi- 
ness was entrusted to him. During the Kansas 
troubles he espoused the pro-slavery party and 
became a brigadier-general of volunteer forces 
in Kansas, At the time of his death he was the 



772 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE KEBELLION". 



adjutant-general of Major-Gen. Sterling Price, 
and about forty-four years of age. He had the 
wild roving disposition of a border man, or of 
the Scottish Highlander, but the gentle and re- 
fined manners of the polished gentleman. _ llis 
personal appearance was remarkably strikmg, 



his voice rich and mellow, and his taste for po- 
etry and elocution chaste and cultivated. His 
friends, who have so often assembled around 
the camp-fire in the far West to hear his re- 
hearsals, will long remember his " Dundee " 
and his " Autony and Cleopatra." 



1864. 



Jan, 8. — Eear-Admiral Geo. W. Stoeee, an 
officer of the U. S, navy, died at Portsmouth, 
N. H. Admiral Storer had served his country 
in its navy over half a century. He was born 
•in New Hampshire, and was appointed a mid- 
shipman in the navy Jan. 16th, 1809. On July 
24th, 1813, he was appointed a lieutenant, and 
ordered to the Independence, seventy-four 
guns. He was ordered to the old frigate Con- 
gress in 1818, and in 1819 to the Jura frigate. 
In 1820 he was ordered to the Constitution, then 
flag-ship of Commodore J. Rodgers, on the 
Mediterranean station, where he remained on a 
long cruise. In 1825 he was stationed at the 
Portsmouth navy yaixl. In 1828 he was pro- 
moted master commandant, which is ranked 
next to that of captain. He was placed in 
command of the sloop-of-war Boston (eighteen 
guns), and attached to the Mediterranean 
squadron in 1831. He remained in command 
of that ship until the end of the cruise, when 
he was again ordered to the Portsmouth navy 
yard, 1833. He was promoted captain, and 
put on waiting orders Feb. 9th, 1837. The fol- 
lowing year he was put in command of the 
Potomac fi-igate, and ordered to the coast of 
Brazil. He returned in 1843, and awaited 
orders at Poi'tsmouth, and was again attached 
to the navy yard at that place. In 1848 he 
commanded a squadron off" the coast of Brazil. 
In 1851 he obtained a leave rendered necessary 
by the state of his health. After a short leave 
he reported for duty, and was put on waiting 
orders. He was then ordered to the Philadel- 
phia Naval Asylum as Governor, in 1855. He 
was relieved in 1858 and placed on waiting 
orders. On the 16th of July, 1862, he was 
promoted reai'-admiral, and placed on the re- 
tired list. His time was largely occupied after, 
as in fact before his promotion, as president of 
courts-martial and inquiry. He was fifty-five 
years in the naval service. Of that time he 
was at sea twenty-one years and nine months ; 
twenty years on shore and other duties ; unem- 
ployed twelve years and eight months. At the 
time of his death he was announced to preside 
over a court-martial to be held in New York 
city. He had lived to see the once small navy 
of a few ships grow to be scarcely inferior to 
any on the ocean. It was the dream of his 
youth and the pride of his manhood realized 
and gratified. 

Jan. 12. — Col. Edwin Eose died at Jamaica, 
L. I. He was born in Bridgehampton, L. I. 



Feb. 14th, 1817, graduated at West Point, but 
resigned his position in the army in 1837, to 
enter the service of the State of Michigan as 
civil engineer. He reentered the service in 

1861, as colonel of the 81st New York volun- 
teers, and served with honor through the pe- 
ninsular campaign, when, his health becoming 
impaired, he accepted the appointment of pro- 
vost-marshal of the First Congressional district 
of New York. He twice represented Suffolk 
County in the Legislature. 

Jan. 20. — T. M. Saunders, captain in the 
United States army, died at St. Paul, Minn. 
He was a native of Virginia. During the Cri- 
mean war he obtained a furlough and joined a 
British regiment. He was twice wounded at 
the battle of Inkermann. At the breaking out 
of the rebellion he continued firm in the sup- 
port of the Government ; and, upon receiving 
an autograph letter from Jeiferson Davis, en- 
closing a commission as a brigadier-general in 
the Confederate Army, he returned it with the 
utmost indignation. 

Ja7i. 29. — Stephen G. Chaplin, brigadier- 
general of United States volunteers, died at 
Grand Eapids, Mich. He entered the service 
as major of the 3d Michigan, was severely 
wounded at Fan- Oaks, participated in the bat- 
tles of Bull Eun, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, 
and received his commission of brigadier in 

1862. He was in command of the Grand 
Eapids camp of conscripts at the time of his 
death. 

Ja7i. 31. — Solon Boeland, formerly a United 
States Senator from Arkansas, and brigadier- 
general in the rebel army, died in Texas. He 
was born in Virginia, educated in North Caro- 
lina, studied medicine, and settled in Little 
Eock, Ai'k., where he practised his profession. 
He served in the Mexican War as major of 
volunteers and aide-de-camp, and was taken 
prisoner ; was elected United States Senator in 
1849, and in 1853 appointed minister to Central 
America, where, in consequence of an alter- 
cation, he returned in 1854, and Greytown was 
bombarded by Com. HoUins in consequence of 
the insult offered him. He was afterwards ap- 
pointed Governor of New Mexico, but declined. 
He was ardently in favor of secession, and on 
the 24th of April, 1861, long before the seces- 
sion of the State, raised a body of troops and 
captured Fort Smith, Ark., in the name of the 
Southern Confederacy. 

Fei. 5. — Eev. N. A. Staples, a Unitarian 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLIOIST. 



773 



clergyman, died in Brooklyn, in the 34tli year 
of his age. He was a native of Mendon, Mass. ; 
studied theology at the Meadville Seminary, 
under Dr. Stebbins ; was for a time pastor of 
a church in Lexington, Mass., and subsequently 
of a church in Milwaukee. At the beginning 
of the war he was appointed chaplain to one of 
the Wisconsin regiments, resigning his pastorate 
to accept the post. Here, as ever, he was 
earnest and faithful in the discharge of his 
duties, and contracted the disease which finally 
terminated in death. He succeeded the Rev. 
Mr. Longfellow in the Second Unitarian Church 
of Brooklyn, where he discharged his duties as 
a pastor as long as his failing strength allowed. 

Feb. 15. — Capt. Allan Ramsay, of the Uni- 
ted States Marine Corps, died at the headquar- 
ters of the Marine Corps, of small-pox. He 
was a son of Commodore William Ramsay, 
United States navy, and was on the Richmond 
during all her ser%ace on the Mississippi, before 
and after running past the batteries. He had 
been in fifteen engagements during the war. 

Feb. 20. — Commander Dawsox Phekix, U. 
S. navy, died in Philadelphia, aged 36 years. 
He entered the naval service in 1841, having 
been appointed from Maryland, his native State. 
His first orders were to join the Independence, 
then attached to the home squadron. Subse- 
quently he served on board the frigate Savan- 
nah, of the Pacific squadron, and during a cruise 
of the Brandywine, also upon the steamer 
Princeton. In July, 1847, he was ordered to 
the naval school for promotion ; was a passed 
midshipman in 1848, and the following year 
was ordered upon the coast survey, where he 
remained until July, 1850, when he was ordered 
to the Raritan, but was transferred to the sloop 
St. Mary's. In 1852 he was detached from 
that vessel and ordered to the Observatory at 
Washiugton, where he remained until October, 
1853, when he was sent to the receiving-ship 
Philadelphia, and again to coast survey duty. 
In September, 1855, he was promoted to a lieu- 
tenancy, and afterwards served upon the Fre- 
donia and the Lancaster. In 1861 he was pro- 
moted to be lieutenant-commander, and ordered 
to ordnance duty at Old Point Comfort, Va. 
A few months previous to his death he was as- 
signed to the command of the gunboat Poca- 
hontas. 

Feb. 22.— Col. Feeblet, of the 8th 

United States voluntee'rs (colored), was killed 
at Olustee, Florida, aged 28 years. He enlisted 
at the commencement of the war as a private in 
the 84th Pennsylvania, and rose to his position 
through good conduct and courage alone. 

March 4. — Col. Uleio Dahlgrek, an officer 
in the United States volunteer service, born in 
1842, killed in a skirmish at Eing and Queen's 
Court House, Virginia, March 4, 1864. He 
was the son of Rear- Admiral John Dahlgren, 
and had received a very thorough education, 
and especially a careful training in the science 
of gunnery, which was his father's speciality. 
He had entered the navy as midshipman before 



the breaking out of the war, and at the time 
of the attack on Fort Sumter was travelling in 
the Southwestern States. Great efforts were 
made to induce him to join the rebels, but he 
refused indignantly ; and hastening home, he 
assisted his father in the Ordnance Department; 
and when Gen. Saxton was in command at 
Harper's Ferry, and the place was first threat- 
ened. Commodore Dahlgren, having received 
orders to place a naval battery on Maryland 
Heights, sent his son Ulric to place the guns in 
position, and take charge of the battery. He 
executed this duty with great skill, and when 
Gen. Sigel relieved Gen. Saxton of his com- 
mand, he found young Dahlgren at his post as 
captain of artillery, and took him at once upon 
his staff. Subsequently Gen. Sigel solicited 
and obtained his appointment as additional 
aide-de-camp with the rank of captain. He 
served in this capacity in Fremont's mountain 
campaign, distinguishing himself particularly 
at Cross Keys, and served through Pope's cam- 
paign, acting as chief of artillery under Sigel 
at the second battle of Bull Run, where he was 
specially commended by his general. During 
the movements in the autumn of 1862 he was 
actively engaged under Gen. Stahel in all his 
reconnoissances and raids, and when the Army 
of the Potomac moved down into Virginia, in 
November, 1862, he made that attack upon 
Fredericksburg at the head of Gen. Sigel's 
bodyguard, which has become famous in the 
history of the war. For this gallant act Gen. 
Burnside detailed him as special aid upon his 
staff". At the crossing of the Rappahannock, at 
the unfortunate battle of Fredericksburg, he 
was one of the first to land in that city. When 
the army went into winter quarters he rejoined 
Gen. Sigel, and when that general was relieved 
of command. Gen. Hooker applied to have Capt. 
Dahlgren transferred to his staff, which was 
done. He again distinguished himself at the 
battle of Chancellorsville, was with General 
Pleasanton in all the cavalry fights in the Bull 
Run Mountains and Aldie, joined Gen. Stahel's 
expedition to Warrenton as a volunteer, and 
led the most important reconnoissances then 
made. When Gen. Meade succeeded Gen. 
Hooker, he requested Capt. Dahlgren to remain 
on his staff". Before the battles at Gettysbm-g 
he obtained from Gen. Pleasanton a hundred 
picked men, with a roving commission, and 
among other distinguished services rendered 
the Union cause, scoured the country in search 
of a bearer of despatches, whom he knew to be 
on his way from Jefferson Davis to Gen. Lee, 
captured him and his escort, secured the de- 
spatches, and, by the most skilful manceuvring, 
succeeded in reaching Gen. Meade's tent after 
the first day's battle, and laid these important 
papers before him. Not waiting for thanks, he 
returned to his men, and harassed the enemy 
at every point, destroying their wagon trains, 
and attacking their rear-guard. On their re- 
treat he led the famous charge into Hagers- 
town, when of five oflicers in the charge two 



774 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



were killed, he was wounded, and one of tlie 
remaining two was saved by the ball strilcing 
his scabbard. He was brought to Washington, 
and his leg amputated, and, owing to the severe 
inflammation which had set in, five operations 
were required before the wound would heal, 
and his life was despaired of. For his gallant- 
ry in this campaign he was made colonel, and 
as soon as he was able to move he was anxious 
to return to active service. In concert with 
Gen. Kilpatrick he planned the raid toward 
Richmond, fired with the hope of being able to 
release the Union prisoners then suffering so 
terribly at Libby Prison and Belle Island. Ac- 
cepting with delight the most dangerous part 
of the duty, he was led into the midst of the 
enemy by his treacherous guide, and brutally 
murdered when endeavoring to fight his way 
out. His body was stripped and treated with 
indignity, and the rebels published, with abun- 
dant comments, papers which they asserted 
were found upon his person, giving instructions 
to 'his men to burn Richmond, and even photo- 
graphed these papers, and sent copies to Eng- 
land. His friends asserted that they were base 
forgeries. 

March 11.— Col. Geza Miholotzi died at 
Chattanooga from the effects of a wound re- 
ceived at Buzzard Roost. He was born in 
Pesth, Hungary, received a military education, 
and took part in the Hungarian revolution of 
1848-'9; came to this country in 1850, settled 
in Chicago, and commenced the study of medi- 
cine under Dr. Valenta of that city. At the 
outbreak of the rebellion he raised a company 
for the three months' service, and was elected 
captain. In November, 1861, he was elected 
lieutenant-colonel of the 24th Illinois volun- 
teer (infantry), and on the resignation of Col. 
Hecker, became colonel of the regiment. He 
served in several important battles, and as a 
regimental commander stood very high in the 
estimation of his mihtary superiors. 

March 15.— Kennedy Stewaet, M. D., sur- 
geon in the United States navy, died in Phila- 
delphia, aged 31 years. He was born' at Eastou, 
Pa. ; graduated at Jeffei'son College in 1854, and 
the following spring was appointed to the navy. 
Not being assigned immediately to duty, he 
joined a merchant vessel, but hearing of the 
ravages of yellow fever at Norfolk and Ports- 
mouth, he volunteered for service there, and was 
soon prostrated by the disease. On his recovery 
he joined the Preble, and participated in the bat- 
tle between the rebel navy and the blockading 
squadron at the mouth of the Mississippi. At the 
capture of New Oiieans he was on the Hartford, 
and was especially commended in the official 
report of that battle. In the summer of 1863 
he was again ordered to the Gulf on board the 
Ticonderoga, and was with her until she return- 
ed to the Philadelphia navy yard for repairs. 

March 23. — Col. Heney Van Rensellaee, 
Inspector-General of the United States army, 
died in Cincinnati, aged about 53 years. He 
was a son of the late Stephen Van RenseUaer, 



graduated from the academy at West Point in 
1831, but soon after resigned his connection 
with the army, married a daughter of the Hon. 
John A. King, of Jamaica, L. I., and went to 
take possession of a patrimonial landed estate 
in St. Lawrence County. In 1841 he was elect- 
ed a member of the House of Representatives 
from his district, and served through the three 
sessions of the 27th Congress. For some years 
past he had resided in Cincinnati, but upon the 
breaking out of the rebellion offered his services 
to his country, and was made by Gen. Scott 
chief of staff, with the rank of brigadier-general. 
Upon the retirement of Gen. Scott, the subject 
of this notice was made inspector-general in the 
regular army, with the rank of colonel, and con- 
tinued in the faithful discharge of the duties of 
his post UP til a few days prior to his death. 

April 4. — Lieut.-Col. Geoege H. Ringgold, 
an officer of the United States army, died at 
San Francisco, California, aged 50 years. He 
was a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, gradu- 
ated at West Point military academy, July, 
1833, as brevet second lieutenant in the 6th in- 
fantry, but resigned in 1837. During the Mex- 
ican war he was reappointed to the army as 
major and paymaster, and in 1862 was promoted 
to deputy paymaster-general, with the rank of 
lieutenant-colonel. He Avas truly loyal to his 
country, and although of Southern birth, firmly 
withstood all influences exerted to draw him 
from her allegiance. As a scholar he was en- 
dowed with rare attainments, was possessed of a 
decided poetic talent, an accomplished draughts- 
man, and amateur painter. He was the author 
of a book of poems, entitled " Fountain Rock, 
Amy Weir, and other Metrical Pastimes." pub- 
lished in 1863, and dedicated " To my Children." 

April 8. — Maj.-Gen. Alfeed Mouton, an 
officer of the Confederate army, kUled at Mans- 
field, Arkansas. He was the son of the former 
Governor of Louisiana, who was also once Sen- 
ator in tlie Congress of the United States. He 
was wounded in the battle of Shiloh, and was 
in all of Gen. Thomas Green's conflicts. He was 
regarded as one of the ablest and bravest offi- 
cers in the Trans-Mississippi Department. At 
the time of his death he was commanding a di- 
vision in Gen. Dick Taylor's army. 

April 14. — Maj.-Gen. Thomas Green, an offi- 
cer of cavalry in the Confederate army, kUled 
at Blains' Landing, on Red River, in an attack 
on the Federal gunboats and transports. Gen. 
Green was born in Virginia, and was the son 
of Chief-Justice Green, of Tennessee, who was 
also president of the Lebanon (Tenn.) law 
school. He went to Texas when he was only 
eighteen years of age. Gov. Sam. Houston, an 
excellent judge of human nature, discovered, at 
first sight, that Green and Ben. McCulloch, 
who were both about eighteen years of age, 
possessed extraordinary minds and abilities, and 
at the battle of San Jacinto placed them in 
command of all the artillery of the army. 
Gen. Green, Ben. McCulloch, and Jack Hays 
organized, commanded, and raised to the high- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



775 



est perfection, the Texas Rangers. Thomas 
Green commanded a company of Texas Rangers 
in Col. Jack Hays's regiment during the war 
with Mexico. After peace was declaimed he be- 
came clerk of the Supreme Court. At the 
breaking out of the war he entered the Con- 
federate army, and commanded the 5th, the 
choicest regiment of cavalry from Texas. He 
was commander-in-chief at the battle of Val- 
verde during the latter part of the fight, Gen. 
Sibley being too ill to remain in command. 
He also commanded the forlorn hope of five 
hundred Texans in the attack on Galveston and 
the capture of the Harriet Lane. After this 
feat he was ordered to report to Gen. Dick 
Taylor, and was put in command of the old Sib- 
ley brigade. He was in the battle of Bisland, 
where Gen. Taylor, in his report, called him 
the " Ney " and the " Shield and Buckler of his 
army." At Vermilion Bayou, where he had 
a fight with the Federal gunboats, he was seen 
to go to the river edge to get a drink of water. 
As he held the bucket to his lips two bullets 
passed through it, but Gen. Green neither took 
it from his mouth nor spilled a drop. A staff 
ofiicer being sent to him to know how long he 
could hold las position, as there were hundreds 
of baggage wagons to get away, he answered: 
" Tell Gen. Taylor not to ask me how long I 
can hold the position, but to send me word how 
long he desires it held." About this time .he 
was put in command of all the cavalry in Tay- 
lor's army and in the district in which that 
army operated. He was repulsed at Donaldson- 
ville. At the battle of Bayou La Fourche he 
defeated Gens. Grover and Weitzel, and cap- 
tured over five million dollars' worth of sup- 
plies. He defeated Gen. Washburne at Bayou 
Fordache in November, 1863. At Bayou 
Borbeaux he fought successfully two entire 
corps, and was made major-general for his 
achievements. He was then ordered to Texas 
and put in command of all the cavalry of the 
Trans-Mississippi Department. Gen. Green 
was a remarkable man, and w'as regarded in 
his department, and by all who knew him, as 
one of the few men who, during the whole 
war, had manifested real military genius. 

April 17. — Rev. "Wm. H. Gilder, chaplain 
of the 40th New York regiment, died of small- 
pox at Culpepper, Va., aged 52 years. He was 
educated in the "Wesleyan University, at Mid- 
dletown. Conn., joined the Philadelphia Con 
ference in 1833, and after preaching for several 
years in New Jersey, retui-ned on account of 
failing health to Philadelphia, where he edited 
the " Christian Repository." He was for sev- 
enteen yeai-s engaged in the work of education: 
first as Principal of the Female Institute at 
Bordentown, N. J., and afterwards as President 
of Flushing Female College, L. I. In 1859 he 
resumed preaching, and in 1862 accepted a 
chaplaincy in the army, following his charge to 
every battle, until prostrated by disease ter- 
minating in his death. 

Api'il 18. — Lieut.-Com. Charles W. Flusser, 



of the United States navy, born in Maryland 
about 1832, killed near Plymouth, North Caro- 
lina, in a naval engagement, April 18th, 1864. 
Commander Flusser belonged to one of the old- 
est and best families in Maryland, but during his 
childhood his parents removed to Kentucky, 
from which State he was appointed a midship- 
man in the navy, July 19, 1847. His first cruise 
was made in the Cumberland. In 1849 he was 
sent to the Raritan, 40 guns, where he remained 
until the latter part of 1850. In 1851 he was 
ordered to the Saratoga, sloop-of-war, and in 
her made a cruise which lasted two years. In 
1853 he was at the Naval Academy at Annapo- 
lis, preparatory to passing as passed midshipman. 
His warrant to that grade bore date of June 10, 
1853. 

At the close of the examination, after a brief 
recreation, he was ordered to the frigate Savan- 
nah, where he remained during the entire cruise, 
which ended on the 26th of November, 1856. 
During the cruise he was promoted to a lieuten ■ 
ancy, his commission bearing date September 
16, 1855. In 1857 he was granted a leave of 
absence. Toward the close of the year, how- 
ever, he was ordered to the Naval Academy as 
an assistant professor. He remained in that 
position until ordered to the brig Dolphin, in 
1859. He made a cruise in her, returning late 
in 1860. He then was granted a leave of ab- 
sence, in which position he was when the war 
broke out. He applied for active duty at once, 
wten it was seen that war must ensue, and the 
Navy Department assigned him to the command 
of the purchased gunboat Commodore Perry, 
and with this vessel he took part in the naval 
attack by Commodore Goldsborough which 
preceded the capture of Roanoke Island on the 
7th of February, 1862, by Gen. Burnside. 

On the 3d of October, 1862, he took part in 
the shelling of Franklin, Virginia. More re- 
cently he has been in command of the gunboat 
Commodore Perry, in the North Atlantic 
Blockading Squadron, being stationed in North 
Carolina waters. At the time of his death he 
was in command of the Miami, in Albemarle 
Sound. 

He was a skilful and intelligent sailor, a 
thorough and gallant officer, and a genial, ac- 
complished, and high-toned gentleman. In 
habits he furnished an example of temperance 
and moderation. 

He had been urgently besought by his Mary- 
land friends, many of whom were secessionists, 
as well as by Commander Collins, and other 
Southern officers, to join the South, and was 
ofl:ered a high command ; but he refused firmly 
and indignantly, and threw his whole soul into 
the cause of the Union. 

A2)ril 24. — Feaistelust Hiii.se Clack died 
from wounds received during the battles of 
Mayfield and Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. He was 
a son of Commander Clack, U. S, N., was born 
in Florida, 1828, graduated at Mount St. Mary's 
College in 1845, and took the degree of Bache- 
lor of Laws at Yale College, 1847. In 1851 



776 



MILITAEY AKD NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



he was appointed Secretary of Legation to 
Brazil, and after Ms return and settlement in 
New Orleans, was appointed U. S. District At- 
torney for Louisiana. On retii-ing from this 
position he continued the practice of law with 
great success. 

Ap7'il 25. — Rev. James H. Schneider died 
at Key West, of yellow fever, aged 25 years. 
He was a son of Rev. Dr. Benjamin Schneider, 
missionary of the A. B. 0. F. M. at Aintab, 
Syria, and was born at Broosa, Turkey, gradu- 
ated at Yale CoUege in 1860, and spent the 
three years following in teaching in the State 
Normal School, Bridgewater, Mass. It was his 
desire to enter into the ser^dce of his country, 
and being drafted, he at once reported in per- 
son for duty, was appointed lieutenant in the 
2d regiment of U. S. colored troops, and sub- 
sequently chosen chaplain of the regiment, be- 
ing ordained at Bridgewater, Oct. 27th, 18G3. 
In entering the military service he declined an 
appointment as tutor in Yale OoUege, and post- 
poned his preparations for the work of a for- 
eign missionary, upon which he had determined. 

May 1. — Commodore "William David Por- 
ter, an officer of the United States navy, born 
in New Orleans, La., 1810, died of disease of 
the heart in New York city. May 1st, 1864. 
He was a son of Commodore David Porter, 
and elder brother of Adm. David D. Porter. 
He entered the service from Massachusetts, 
Jan. 1st, 1823, and was connected successively 
with the Franklin, Brandy wine, Natchez, Ex- 
periment, United States, and Mississippi ; and 
in 1843 was ordered to the home squadron. 
In 1849 he commanded the storeship Erie, and 
in 1851 was made commander of the "Water- 
witch. He projected and was the founder of 
the present light-house system, served through 
the Mexican war with distinction, and in 1855 
was placed on a retired list by a secret Navy 
Board ; four years later he was restored to his 
rank as commander by President Buchanan ; 
was ordered to the United States sloop St. 
Mary's, and did important service on the Paci- 
fic coast. On the outbreak of the war he was 
ordered home, and though he had property in 
Virginia, and several of his family were in the 
rebel service, he proved faithful to the Govern- 
ment, and, laying aside all personal considera- 
tions, tendered to it his aid, and was assigned 
to the superintendence of the building of the 
iron-clad Essex, at St. Louis, which he named 
after his father's ship. In the attack on Fort 
Henry he commanded the Essex, and during 
the engagement was severely scalded by the 
steam issuing from the boiler, the thick plates 
of which had been penetrated by a ball. He 
also comrmanded the Essex at the attack on 
Fort Donelson, and fought his way in the same 
boat past all the batteries from Cairo to New 
Orleans. He caused the destruction of the 
ram Arkansas, above Baton Rouge, in Aug., 
1862, and during the following month bom- 
barded Natchez, attacked the Vicksburg bat- 
teries and Port Hudson. On the IGth of July, 



1862, he was promoted from captain to com- 
modore, after which he did but little active 
service, owing to an enfeebled state of health, 
which, as already stated, eventually resulted in 
heart disease. Commodore Porter had two 
sons in the Confederate service. 

Mai/ 5. — Col. Alford B. Chapman was killed 
at the battle of the "Wilderness, aged about 27 
years. He was a native of New York city, and 
had been for eight years previous to the war 
connected with the 7th militia regiment, N. Gr. 
At the commencement of the rebellion he raised 
a company, which was attached to the 57th 
regiment of New York volunteers, and, after 
several promotions, rose to the command of the 
regiment. 

Mai/ 5. — ^Brig.-Gen. Alexander Hays, an 
officer of U. S. volunteers, was kdled in the 
battle of the "Wilderness, aged 40 years. He 
was a native of Pittsburg, Pa., graduated at 
"West Point in 1844, was appointed brevet sec- 
ond lieutenant of the 4th United States infan- 
try, and in June, 1846, was fully commissioned 
a second lieutenant of the 8th infantry. He was 
engaged in the Mexican war, and distinguished 
himself in several important battles. In 1848 
he resigned his connection with the army and 
became engaged as an iron manufacturer in 
Venango Co., Pa., from which occupation he 
was called at the outbreak of the rebellion. 
Entering the volunteer service as colonel of 
the 63d Pennsylvania volunteers, he was ap- 
pointed captain of the 16th regular infantry, 
dating from May 14, 1861, which regiment was 
attached to the Army of the Potomac, and dur- 
ing the peninsular campaign formed a portion 
of the 1st brigade 3d army corps. He partici- 
pated with gallantry in the battles of Seven 
Pines and Fair Oaks, and was nominated for a 
brevet of major of the United States army, dis- 
tinguished himself during the seven days' bat- 
tles, and was nominated brevet lieutenant- 
colonel, took part in the Maryland campaign, 
and was made brigadier-general of volunteers 
Sept. 29, 1862. He was wounded at the battle 
of ChanceUorsville, and at the battle of Gettys- 
burg was in command of the 3d division of his 
corps, and of the whole corps for a time, after 
the wounding of Gen. Hancock. He led the 
3d division through the battles of Auburn, 
Bristoe Station, and Mine Run. Upon the re- 
organization of the Army of the Potomac for 
the next campaign. Gen. Hays was placed in 
command of the 2d brigade, Birney's 3d divi- 
sion 2d corps, nnder Gen. Hancock. 

May 5. — Brig.-Gen. A. G. Jenk:ins, a Con- 
federate officer, killed in the battle of the Wil- 
derness. He was a native of Virginia, had re- 
ceived his military education at the Virginia 
Military Institute at Lexington, and had distin- 
guished himself in several actions in Western 
Virginia. He was in the advance of Lee's army 
before the battle of Gettysburg, and took part 
in that battle. 

May 5. — Major-Gen. Samuel Jones, a Con- 
federate officer, killed in the battle of the Wil- 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



777 



derness. He was a graduate of "West Point, 
appointed from Virginia, of which State he was 
a native, and at the opening of the war was 
captain in the Ist regiment of artillery, U. S. A. 
He resigned his commission in the army April 
27, 1861, and was immediately appointed colo- 
nel, and soon after brigadier-general by the 
Confederate War Department, and early in 1860 
was promoted to the command of a division, 
with the rank of major-general. He had been 
in command of the rebel forces in West Vir- 
ginia until the spring of 1864, when he brought 
his contingent to reenfbrce Lee's army on the 
Eapidan. 

May 5. — Gen. Jonx Lloyd died in New York 
city, aged 6V years. He was a native of 
Dutchess County, N, Y., was for many years a 
prominent dry -goods merchant in New York, 
and latterly the head of the firm John Lloyd 
& Sons, real estate brokers. In his younger 
years he held the rank of major-general in the 
State militia. 

May 6. — Thomas Colden Cooper, a captain 
in the 67th regiment N. Y. State volunteers, 
was killed while leading a charge in the battle 
of the Wilderness. He was a native of Ohio, 
a man of fine education and culture, and pre- 
vious to 1862 had been the principal of the New 
York Institution for the Blind for several years. 
Resigning his position there, he accepted an 
appointment as captain in the 67th New York 
volunteers. 

May 6. — Brig.-Gen. James Samuel Wads- 
worth, of U. S. volunteers, born in Geneseo, 
Livingston County, N. Y., October 30th, 1807, 
killed in the battle of the Wilderness, May 
6th, 1864. He was the son of James Wads- 
worth, an extensive landowner and philanthro- 
pist of Geneseo, under whose care he received 
a thorough rudhnentary education, after which 
he was sent to Harvard College, and thence to 
Yale College, where he completed his studies. 
Soon after graduating he entered upon the 
study of law in Albany, finishing his course in 
the oflace of the great statesman and lawyer, 
Daniel Webster, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1838, but did not practise his profession, as 
the charge of his immense estate required his 
whole attention. A few years later Mr. Wads- 
worth turned his attention somewhat to local 
politics. A Federalist by education and a 
Democrat by conviction, he early took part in 
the "Free Soil" movement that divided the 
Democracy of the State, and gave a zealous 
support to the Presidential candidate of that 
party in 1848, and to the Republican candidates 
of 1856 and 1860. Like his father, he mani- 
fested a deep and active interest in the cause of 
education. He founded a public library at 
Geneseso; was a liberal subscriber to the en- 
dowment of Geneseo College ; aided in the es- 
tablishment of the school district library sys- 
tem, and in every way did what lay in his 
. power to relieve suifering and diifuse the bene- 
fits of our free institutions. Acting as a com- 
missioner to the Peace Convention held in 



Washington, in 1861, under an appointment 
from the Legislature of New York, when it 
became evident that war was inevitable, he 
was prompt to offer his services to the Govern- 
ment. When communication witji the capital 
was cut off, he chartered two ships upon his 
own responsibility, loaded them with provi- 
sions, and proceeded with them to Annapolis, 
where they arrived most opportunely to supply 
the pressing necessities of the Government. 
Commencing his military career as a volunteer 
aide to Gen. McDowell at the first battle of 
Bull Run, upon the recommendation of that 
general, Wadsworth was appointed brigadier- 
general of volunteers August, 1861, and in 
March, 1862, became Military Governor of the 
District of Columbia. In the election of Gov- 
ernor of New York, in November, 1862, Gen. 
Wadsworth was the Republican candidate, but 
was defeated by Mr. Seymour. In the follow- 
ing December he was assigned to the corpmand 
of a division in the Army of the Potomac. 
At Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville he dis- 
played great military skill, and at Gettysburg 
his division saved the first day. Upon the re- 
organization of the Army of the Potomac for 
the campaign of 1864, Gen. Wadsworth was 
assigned to the command of the fourth division 
of the fifth corps, at the head of which he 
bravely met his death. 

May 9. — John Sedgwick, a major-general of 
volunteers in the United States Army, born in 
Connecticut about 1815, killed near Spottsyl- 
vania Court House, Va., May 9th, 1864. He 
was graduated at West Point in 1837, 24th in 
a class of fifty members, among whom were 
Gens. Benham, Hooker, Arnold, French, and 
others of the Federal service, and the rebel 
Generals Bragg, Early, and Pemberton. He 
entered the Mexican war as first lieutenant of 
artillery, and was successively brevetted captain 
and major for gallant conduct at Contreras, 
Churubusco, and Chapultepec. He also distin- 
guished himself at the head of his command in 
the attack on the San Cosmo gate of the city 
of Mexico. At the outbreak of the rebellion 
he held the position of lieutenant-colonel of the 
2d United States cavalry. On April 2oth, 1861, 
he was promoted to the colonelcy of the 4th 
cavalry, and on August 31st was commissioned 
a brigadier-generarof volunteers, and placed in 
command of a brigade of the Army of the Po- 
tomac, which in the subsequent organization of 
the army was assigned to the 2d corps under 
Gen. Sumner, Gen. Sedgwick assuming com- 
mand of the 3d division of the corps. In this 
capacity he took part in the siege of Yorktown, 
and the subsequent pursuit of the enemy up the 
peninsula, and greatly distinguished himself at 
the battle of Fair Oaks, where the timely ar- 
rival of Sumner's troops saved the day. In aU 
the seven days' fighting, and particularly at Sav- 
age Station and Glendale, he bore an honorable 
part, and at the battle of Antietam he exhibited 
the most conspicuous gallantry, exposing his 
person with a recklessness which greatly im- 



778 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE EEBELLION. 



perilled his life. On this occasion he was twice 
wounded, but refused for two hours to be taken 
from the held. On December 23d he was 
nominated by the President a major-general 
of voluntee^, having previously been made a 
brevet brigadier general of the regular army, 
and in the succeeding February he assumed 
command of the 6th army corps. At the head 
of these troops he carried Marye's Heights in 
the rear of Fredericksburg during theChancel- 
lorsville campaign in May, 1863, and after the 
retreat of Gen. Hooker across the Rappahan- 
nock, succeeded only by very hard fighting in 
withdrawing his command in the face of a 
superior force, against which he had contended 
for a whole day, to the left bank of the river. 
He commanded the left wing of the Army of 
the Potomac during the advance from the Rap- 
pahannock into Maryland in June, and also at 
the succeeding battle of Gettysburg, where he 
arrived on the second day of the fighting, after 
one oT the most . extraordinary forced marches 
on record, and where his steady courage in- 
spired confidence among his tried troops. 
During the passage of the Rapidan on Novem- 
ber 7th, 1863, he succeeded, by a well-executed 
manoeuvre, in capturing a whole rebel division 
with a number of guns and colors, for which 
he was thanked by Gen. Meade in a general 
order. In command of his corps he took part 
in the spring campaign of the Wilderness, un- 
der Gen. Grant, and on the 5th and 6tli of 
May had position on the Federal right wing, 
where the hardest fighting of those sanguinary 
engagements took place. Three days later, 
while directing the placing of some pieces of 
artillery in position in the intrenchments in 
front of Spottsylvania Court House, he was 
struck in the head by a bullet ftom a sharp- 
shooter, and instantly killed. Gen. Sedgwick 
was one of the oldest, ablest, and bravest soldiers 
of the Army of the Potomac, inspiring both 
oificers and men with the fullest confidence in 
his military capacity. His simplicity and honest 
manliness of character endeared him, notwith- 
standing he was a strict disciplinarian, to all 
with whom he came in contact, and his corps 
was ia consequence one of the best in discipline 
and morale in the army. He several times held 
temporary command of the Army of the Poto- 
mac during the absence of Gen. Meade, but on 
more than one occasion declined the supreme 
command. 

May 10. — Count Hermann Haoke was killed 
in the battle of Spottsylvania. He was a native 
of Prussia, and connected with the Prussian 
army, but obtained a furlough, and coming to 
this country procured a commission as first 
lieutenant in the 7th New York volunteers. 
Upon the expiration of his terra of service he 
procured a commission as first lieutenant in the 
52d New York volunteers, Hancock's corps, 
and fell while leading a charge at the head of 
his company. He was a brave and gallant sol- 
dier. 

May 10. — John- M. Joxes, a brigadier-gen- 



eral in the Confederate service, killed near 
Spottsylvania, Va., aged about -13 years. He 
was a native of Virginia, and graduated at 
West Point in the class of 1841. After serving 
as second lieutenant in the 5th and 7th regi- 
ments of infantry, he was appointed in 1845 
assistant instructor in infantry tactics at West 
Point, which position he filled for several years. 
In 1847 he was promoted to a first lieutenancy 
and in 1853 to a captaincy in the 7th infantry, 
and accompanied his command in the Utah ex- 
pedition. He resigned his commission in May, 

1861, was appointed colonel of a regiment of 
Virginia volunteers, and in 1863 was promoted 
to the command of a brigade in Ransom's divi- 
sion of Longstreet's corps. In the latter capa- 
city he took part in the rebel attack on Knox- 
ville in the fall of 1863, and in the operations 
in the Wilderness and in the neighborhood of 
Spottsylvania immediately preceding his death. 

May 10. — Col. Clay Pate, an officer of the 
Confederate army, killed in a cavalry fight with 
Sheridan, near Yellow Tavern, on the road to 
Richmond. Col. Pate gained some distinction 
as a partisan leader during the troubles in Kan- 
sas. When the war commenced he raised a 
battalion of cavalry in Richmond, Va., which 
was soon after its organization merged into the 
5th Virginia regiment, and he became lieuten- 
ant-colonel of the regiment. Col. Rosser being 
promoted, he became colonel, and was killed a 
few days after he received his promotion. He 
was a native of Virginia, and was 33 years of 
age at his death. 

May 10. — Lieut.-Col. Randolph, an 

officer of cavaliy in Stuart's corps, killed at 
Yellow Tavern in a fight with Sheridan. 

May 10. — Thomas G. Stevenson, a brigadier- 
general of U, S. volunteers, killed near Spott- 
sylvania, Va., aged 28 years. He was the son 
of Hon. J. Thomas Stevenson, of Boston, and 
early manifested a predilection for military life, 
having risen from the ranks to be major of the 
4th battalion of Massachusetts infanti-y, which 
position he held at the commencement of the 
war. He had an unsurpassed reputation as a 
drill-master, and his command, which was 
brought to a high degree of discipline, was the 
school of many young officers since distinguish- 
ed in the national service. In the fall of 1864 
he. recruited the 24th regiment of Massachusetts 
volunteers, which originally formed part of 
Foster's brigade in Burnside's expedition to 
North Carolina, and as its colonel participated 
in the capture of Roanoke Island and Newbern, 
February and March, 1862, and in various mi- 
nor operations immediately succeeding those 
events. After holding for some months the 
outpost defences of Newbern, he conducted 
several expeditions within the rebel hues, and 
on Sept, 6th successfully defended Washing- 
ton, N, C, against an attack by a superior force. 
He had charge of a brigade in the movements 
on Goldsboro and Kingston, and in December, 

1862, was appointed a brigadier-general; and 
when Gen, Foster, in Feb,, 1863, organized 



MILITAEY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE EEBELLION. 



779 



the expedition for operations against Charles- 
ton, received command of a brigade in Gen. 
Naglee's division. Shortly after his arrival at 
Port Royal he was temporarily put under ar- 
rest by order of Gen. Hunter, for a casual ex- 
pression of his disbelief in the policy of arming 
slaves, but was subsequently honorably acquit- 
ted of blame. His appointment as brigadier- 
general was confirmed in March, 1863, and 
during the succeeding sutomer he saw much 
active service in the neighborhood of Charles- 
ton, assisting in the reduction of Morris Island 
and the assault on Fort Wagner, where he 
commanded the reserves. He returned to the 
north in the faU to recruit his health, and sub- 
sequently was appointed by his old commander. 
Gen. Burnside, who had a high appreciation of 
his capacity, to command the 1st division of the 
9th corps. He was killed at the head of his 
troops. As a disciplinarian he was greatly 
esteemed, and he showed also an energy and 
maturity of judgment which gave promise of a 
brilliant career as a soldier. 

May 11. — .Jdxius Daxiels, a brigadier-general 
in the rebel army from Virginia, killed in the 
battle of Spottsylvania. 

May 11. — Brig.-Gen. J. B. Gordon, an officer 
of the rebel army, wounded in the skirmish 
between Sheridan's cavalry and the rebels near 
Richmond, died at Richmond, Va. He was a 
native of North Carolina, and entered the rebel 
service as major of the 1st regiment of North 
Carolina cavalry, and was advanced first to the 
command of his regiment and then to that of 
a brigade in Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee's division of 
rebe-l cavalry. 

May 11. — Brig.-Gen Perrin, an officer 

of the rebel army from South Carolina, kiUed 
in the battle of Spottsylvania. 

May 11. — James Clay Rice, a brigadier-gen- 
eral of United States volunteers, born at Worth- 
ington, Mass., Dec. 27, 1829, died from wounds 
received at the battle near Spottsylvania Court 
House, May 11th, 1864. His early life was 
spent in a struggle to obtain an education, and 
in 1854 he graduated at Yale College, with high 
, honors. Shortly afterwards he went to Natchez, 
Miss., where he engaged .in teaching, and edited 
the literary department of one of the local 
newspapers. He also pursued the study of 
law, and was admitted to the bar in that State. 
Returning to the North he continued his legal 
studies in New York, and in 1856 entered upon 
the practise of his profession, in which he was 
rapidly rising to distinction. At the outbreak 
of the war he entered the ranks as a private 
soldier in the New York Garibaldi Guard, and 
subsequently, by distinguished merit, attained 
the colonelcy of the 44th New York volunteers, 
or Ellsworth's regiment. He led this regiment 
through the battles of Yorktown, Hanover 
Court House, Gaines's Mill, Malvern Hill, and 
Manassas, and was only absent from Antietani 
because on a sick bed with typhoid fever. He 
" was also at Fredericksburg under Gen. Burn- 
side, at ChancellorsviUe under Gen, Hooker, 



where he was temporarily in command of a 
brigade, and at Gettysburg, where he greatly 
distinguished himself by his skill and gallantry. 
It was his brigade which, on the second day of 
the battle, held the extreme left of the line 
successfully under the repeated and desperate 
onsets of the enemy. For three hours Col. 
Rice fought incessantly, receiving no orders 
from any superior officer, arranging and dis- 
posing of his men witli such skill and judgment 
that at the close of the day's fight he had ex- 
tended his line so as to cover Round-Top Moun- 
tain, thus securing it against any flanking move- 
ment. For this and other gallant deeds he was 
warmly commended by Gen. Meade and ear- 
nestly recommended by him and Gens. Hooker 
and Butterfield, for the appointment of briga- 
dier-general of volunteers. The President ac- 
quiesced in the wishes of these officers, the 
Senate confirming the appointment, and dating 
his commission from Aug. 17, 1863. In this 
position he took part in the operations of Mine 
Run, passed through the terrible battles of the 
"Wilderness, and met his death at the head of 
his command, on the banks of the Po: He died 
shortly after amputation had been performed, 
his last words being, " Turn me over that I may 
die witli my face to the enemy." Gen. Rice 
was a man of deep religious principle, a brave 
and skilful officer, and thoroughly devoted to 
his country. 

May 11. — L. A. Stafford, a brigadier-gen- 
eral in the rebel army, died at Richmond of 
wounds received at the battle of the Wilder- 
ness. He was a native of Virginia. 

3Iay 12. — Baron Von Steuben was killed at 
Spottsylvania. He was a Prussian officer, 
came to this country and joined the 52d New 
York volunteers, and proved himself a gallant 
and faithful officer. 

May 12. — Maj.-Gen. James E. B. Stuart, an 
officer in the Confederate service, born in 
Patrick County, Va., about 1832, died in Rich- 
mond, June 11th, 1864. He was graduated at 
West Point in 1854, commissioned a cavalry 
officer, and after reaching the rank of first 
lieutenant, resigned May 14, 1861. He had 
previously seen considerable active service in 
the Indian country, and was known as a fear- 
less rider and brave soldier. He immediately 
entered the Confederate army, commanded the 
cavalry at the battle of Bull Run, was promoted 
a brigadier-general in September, 1861, and in 
the ensuing winter organized the cavalry forces 
of the enemy in Virginia. He first brought 
himself conspicuously into notice by his cele- 
brated raid in the rear of Gen. McClellan's 
communications near Richmond, on June 13th 
and 14th, 1862, which was the immediate pre- 
cursor and cause of the change of base soon 
after commenced by the Federal array, and also 
of t]]e seven days' fighting. During the ad- 
vance of Gen. Lee toward Maryland in the suc- 
ceeding August he made a night attack, in the 
midst of a terrific thunder-storm, on Gen. 
Pope's headquarters, captm-ing many private 



780 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



papers and plans of campaign ; and in October, 
a few weeks after tlie battle of Antietam, at 
the head of two thousand cavalry and four 
pieces of flying artillery, he crossed the Poto- 
mac between WOliamsport and Hancock, and 
passing through Mercersburg and Chambers- 
burg, rode completely round the Union lines, 
and recrossed the river into Virginia with the 
loss of but one man. This raid, though of lit- 
tle advantage beyond the capture of several 
hundred horses and tlie destruction of a few 
thousand dollars' worth of stores, was the 
most daring movement of the kind hitherto at- 
tempted during the war, and greatly enhanced 
Gen. Stuart's reputation as a cavalry officer. 
It was his last great success. At Beverly ford, 
in Virginia, and in- Maryland and Pennsylvania, 
during the Gettysburg campaign, he was in- 
variably worsted in his encounters with the 
Federal cavalry. He, however, rendered effi- 
cient service in protecting the retreat of Lee's 
army after the battle of Gettysburg. He was 
mortally wounded in an encounter with Gen. 
Sheridan's cavalry at Yellow Tavern, near 
Richmond, while endeavoring to cover that 
city against Federal raids, and died a day or 
afterwards. 

May. 13. — Ohaeles Brooks BEOwif died in 
a field hospital from wounds received the pre- 
vious day in the battle at Spottsylvania Court 
House, Va., aged 29 years. He was a native 
of Cambridge, Mass., graduated at Harvard 
College in 1856, studied law, and was admitted 
to the Suffolk bar in 1858. He soon after re- 
moved to Springfield, Illinois, and entered upon 
the duties of his profession. In 1860 he re- 
turned to his native State and opened an office 
in Charlestown, and subsequently in Boston. 
TJpon the outbreak of the war he enlisted as a 
private in a Cambridge company attached to 
the 3d regiment of Massachusetts volunteers, 
and afterwards in the 19th regiment Massachu- 
setts volunteers, serving in the peninsular and 
other campaigns of the Army of the Potomac. 
Was wouaded at the battle of Fair Oaks and 
again at Fredericksburg, and upon the expira- 
tion of his term of three years, reenlisted for 
another three years' service. 

May 14. — Lieut.-Col. Lloyd was killed 

at Resaca. He was an officer of the 119th 
Regiment of New York volunteers, and fell 
while leading a desperate charge upon the 
enemy. 

May 16. — ^Brig.-Gen. "Watt Ransom, an offi- 
cer of the Confederate army, kiUed at Burmuda 
Hundred. 

May 22. — Col. Fellows, an officer of 

the Federal army, died at Key West. He was 
colonel of the 2d U. S. (colored) regiment. He 
was a native of New Hampshire, and gradu- 
ated at the West Point military academy. 
Shoi'tly after graduating, having been instru- 
mental in raising the second colored regiment 
in the District of Columbia, he was appointed 
to the command of it as colonel, and soon 
manifested an ability which made his regiment 



one of the best colored regiments in the ser- 
vice. At the time of his death he was very 
little over 23 years of age. His personal ap- 
pearance was very prepossessing, and his 
" suaviter in modo " won the esteem of both 
officers and men. 

May 22. — Rev. Samuel Fiske, a captain of 
U. S. volunteers, died at Fredericksburg of 
wounds received at the battle of the Wilder- 
ness. He graduated'at Amherst College in the 
class of 1848. He was the author of a series 
of Letters from Europe written some years 
since for the Springfield "Republican," signed 
by "Dunn Browne," and also a well-known 
college text-book, a translation of Eschenberg's 
"Manual of Greek and Roman Antiquities." 
When the war broke out he was pastor of a 
church in Madison, Conn., but from a patriotic 
love of his country entered the army, and after 
fighting bravely in several battles, was taken 
prisoner by the enemy, and detained for some 
time in Richmond. He was promoted to a 
captaincy previous to the battle of the Wilder- 
ness, in which he lost his life. 

May 24. — Col. George B. Hall, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, died at his residence in 
Brooklyn, from disease contracted in the ser- 
vice, aged 38 years. He was a son of ex-Mayor 
Hall of Brooklyn, entered upon his military 
career at the early age of 19 years as a private 
in the 165th regiment N. Y. 8. M., rapidly 
rising through the several grades of promotion, 
until the commencement of the Mexican war, 
when he was offered and accepted the position 
of first lieutenant in the 1st regiment of New 
York volunteers. He distinguished himself at 
Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, and par- 
ticularly at Churubusco, and for his gallantry 
on several occasions was remembered by Gen. 
Scott, who, in 1853, recommended him to the 
Secretary of War as worthy of promotion to 
the rank of brigadier-general. In April, 1850, 
he was commissioned as major of the 13th 
regiment N. Y. S. M., and the following Sep- 
tember was -made lieutenant-colonel in the 
same regiment. While occupying a position in 
the City Inspector's Department, New York, 
the rebellion broke out, when he at once re- 
signed and entered into the work of raising 
troops for the defence of the Union, was made 
colonel of the "Jackson Light Infantry," or 
71 st regiment N. Y. S. V., and was with it in 
every battle and skirmish in which it was en- 
gaged, from the Stafford Court House raid of 
1862, to the battle of Fredericksburg. 

May 26. — Commander Edward A. Baenet, 
an officer of the U. S. navy, died in New York 
city after a long and painful illness. On the 
24th of June, 1837, he entered the United 
States naval service as midshipman from Penn- 
sylvania, his native State. The first ship to 
which he was ordered was the sloop-of-war 
Ontario, on the West India station, carrying 
eighteen guns. He was, in 1840, transferred to 
the schooner Grampus, and in the following 
year to the sloop-of-war Levant. In 1842 he 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



781 



was attached to the schooner Wave, and dur- 
ing the following year he was attached to the 
naval school at Philadelphia. On the 29th of 
June, 1843, he was warranted a passed mid- 
shipman, and ordered to the steamer Princeton, 
•where he remained until he was ordered to the 
East Indies as the naval storekeeper at Macao. 
In 1847 he was ordered to the sloop-of-war 
Dale, on which vessel he remained until Janu- 
ary, 1848, when he was ordered to the receiv- 
ing-ship Boston. He received his commission 
on the 4th of August, 1850, as lieutenant, and 
was ordered to duty on the Coast Survey, 
where he remained imtil October, 1851. His 
next orders placed him in the steam frigate San 
Jacinto, on the Mediterranean station. In 1853 
he was ordered to the receiving-ship at Phila- 
delphia. He was next in the sloop-of-war 
Jamestown, and in 1856 was ordered to the 
steam frigate Wabash, flag-ship of the Home 
Squadron, under Commodore Paulding. The 
flag-ship returned in 1858, and he was put upon 
waiting orders. In 1800 he joined the sloop- 
of-war John Adams, on which he remained 
until the commencement of civil war in the 
United States. The resignation of officers 
from the South in the United States naval service 
afl:brded him rapid promotion, and on the 16th 
of July, 1862, he was made commander, and 
ordered to the New York navy yard on ord- 
nance duty. He was detached from the post 
in October of sixty-two, and was shortly after 
seized with the Uluess that residted in his death. 
He was in the naval service about twenty- 
seven years — fourteen of which he was at sea ; 
five years and nine months on shore and other 
duties ; and seven years unoccupied. He was 
a valuable officer, and highly esteemed. 

June 2. — Brig.-Gen. Geo. E. Doles, an offi- 
cer of the Confederate army, killed near Cold 
Harbor. Gen. Doles was from Georgia, and 
commanded a division in EweU's corps. He 
entered the service as captain of Co. A in the 
4th Georgia regiment of infantry, and was 
soon after promoted to a colonelcy, and on Nov. 
1st, 1862, was made brigadier-general. At the 
time the fatal shot struck him he was dis- 
mounted. His horse had been restive and 
troublesome, and he had sent him to the rear. 
The ball passed through his heart and out 
under his right arm, shattering the arm 
frightfully. His body was sent to Richmond, 
and thence to his native State. His merit 
and high qualifications procured him the rec- 
ommendation upon which he was created 
brigadier-general. At the time of his death 
he was 34 years of age. 

June 2. — Col. Jeeemiah 0. Deake, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, was killed in the action at 
Cold Harboi", Va., aged about 38 years. He 
was a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., but 
removed to Wisconsin, and was for some time 
engaged in mercantile pursuits. Subsequently 
he removed to Rochester, N. Y., and com- 
menced the preparatory studies for a collegiate 
course. He then entered the Madison Univer- 



sity, passed through the academic course, 
studied theology, and upon the outbreak of the 
rebellion was occupying the pulpit of the Bap- 
tist Church at Westfield. Having a strong de- 
sire to enter into the service of liis country, he 
volunteered in the 49tli regiment New York, 
was elected captain, and shared in the disasters 
of the peninsular campaign. Upon the organi- 
zation of the 112th New York he accepted the 
colonelcy of the regiment, and served with it 
during the siege of Suftblk, and afterwards in 
the siege of Charleston, under Gen. Gillmore. 
Col. Drake was appointed to command the 2d 
brigade, 3d division, 10th army corps, in the 
attack upon Richmond via James River, under 
Gen. Butler. 

Jime 2. — Col. Laweenoe M. Keitt, an officer 
in the Confederate army, died at Richmond 
of wounds received in the battle ot the preced- 
ing day. Col. Keitt was a native of South 
Carolina ; born Oct. 4, 1824 ; graduated at the 
College of South Carolina in 1843; studied 
law, and was admitted to the bar in 1845. In 
1848 he was elected to the State Legislature, 
and in 1853 to Congress, to which he was 
thrice reelected — his last term expiring in 
March, 1861. At the time of Preston Brooks' 
assault on Senator Sumner, in 1856, he was 
with Brooks, and exerted himself to prevent 
any of those present from interfering to rescue 
Sumner, and by word and act justified the 
ruffianly attack. In the winter of 1861 he left 
his seat in Congress, before the close of the 
session, to aid in carrying out the secession 
measures of South Carolina. He raised a regi- 
ment, and was in several of the eai'lier battles 
of the war as colonel. In 1863 he was an act- 
ing brigadier-general, but was at the time of 
his death in command of the 20th South Caro 
lina regiment, esteemed one of the finest regi- 
ments in the rebel service tiU the campaign of 
1864. 

June 2. — Col. John MoConihe, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, was killed in the battle of 
Cold Harbor, Va., aged 29 years. He was a 
native of Troy, N. Y. ; studied law with his 
father, Hon. Isaac McConihe, of that city, and 
at the law school at Albany; gi-aduated at 
Union College in 1853, and was subsequently 
chosen one of the Board of Education. In 
1856 he went to Omaha, and was appointed 
Private Secretary to the Governor, and was 
afterwards Adjutant-General of the Territory. 
On the breaking out of the rebellion he raised 
a company, was made its captain, participated 
in the Missouri campaign of 1861 and part of 
1862, and was severely wounded in the battle 
of Shiloh. Returning to Troy, he was appointed 
lieutenant-colonel of the 169th New York, and 
did provost duty at Washington, participating 
also in the siege of Morris Island. Subse- 
quently he served in Florida, in the peninsula 
under Gen. Butler, and finally under Gen. 
Grant. 

Ju7ie 3. — Col. Feanklin A. Haskell, an offi- 
cer of U. S. volunteers, was killed in the battle 



782 



MILITARY AND KAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



of Cold Harbor, Va., aged 35 years. He was 
a graduate of Dartmouth College in the class 
of 1854. 

June 3. — Ool. Lewis 0. Morris, an acting 
brigadier-general of volunteers, and captain in 
the 1st artillery in the regular army, was killed 
in the battle of Cold Harbor. He was a native 
of New York. His father was an officer in the 
regular army, killed at the siege of Monterey, 
and young Morris, though not educated at 
West Point, received a commission as second 
lieutenant on the 8th of March, 1847, and took 
part in the siege of Vera Cruz and the subse- 
quent advance upon Mexico. From that time 
to the commencement of the present war he 
has been almost constantly in the field, and in 
April, 1861, had attained the rank of captain 
in the 1st artillery. In the winter of 1860-'61 
he was stationed in Texas, and his company 
was the only one not surrendered to the rebels. 
He was immediately called to active service, 
and in the winter of 1862 was designated to 
direct the operations against Fort Macon, N. C, 
which he captured and afterwards commanded. 
In the summer of 1862, his health being im- 
paired, he obtained a short leave of absence 
and returned to his home in Albany, N. Y., 
when he was soon after appointed colonel of 
the 113th N. Y. volunteer infantry, with whom 
he started for Washington, and reached that 
city when it was menaced by Lee's troops. 
He converted the regiment into one of heavy 
artillery in a very short time, and contributed 
materially to the defence of the city. The 
regiment was stationed at Fort Reno, but this 
inactive life did not suit the fiery spirit of Col. 
Morris, and he plead earnestly and repeatedly 
to be sent into the field. At the beginning of 
the campaign of 1864 his wish was gratified, 
and during all the battles from Spottsylvania 
till his death he commanded a brigade. He 
was greatly beloved and admired as an officer, 
and while a strict disciplinarian his urbanity 
and kindness of heart made him the idol of his 
men. 

Jxcne 3. — Col. Orlando H. Morris, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, was killed in the action at 
Cold Harbor, Va., aged 29 years. He was a 
son of Gen. Wm. L. Morris, and, when the war 
broke out, was a promising young lawyer in 
New York city. He assisted in the organiza- 
tion of the 66th regiment of New York volun- 
teers, was commissioned its major in November, 
1861, and served in that capacity through the 
peninsular campaign; was subsequently pro- 
moted to the colonelcy, and led his regiment 
at Chancellorsville, acting during part of the 
engagement as brigadier-general. During the 
recent severe battles under Lieut.-Gen. Grant, 
the 66th was very conspicuous, being in the ad- 
vance of the attack which resulted in the cap- 
ture of Gen. Johnson and his division. 

June 3. — Col. Peter A. Porter, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, was killed at the head of 
his division at the battle on the Chickahominy, 
aged 36 years. He was a son of P. B. Porter, 



a major-general in the TJ. S. army, and now an 
extensive landholder in Niagara County, N. Y, ; 
was a member of the Assembly in 1862, and, 
by his talents and integrity won a position of 
influence in the Legislature. When the Pres- 
ident called for troops to repair the losses of 
the peninsular campaign, he raised a regiment, 
and taking command of it went to the war. 
He was stationed for some time on garrison 
duty at Baltimore, and while there was offered 
the nomination for Secretary of State on the 
Union ticket, but, true to his patriotism, de- 
clined the honor. He subsequently joined the 
Army of the Potomac, and was killed at the 
close of the first month of active service, while 
leading on a division which he was temporarily 
commanding. 

June 3. — Col. Edwin Schall, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, was killed in battle at Cold 
Harbor, Va., aged 29 years. He was a son of 
Gen. Wm. Schall, and a native of Montgomery 
County, Pa. ; was favorably known in civil life, 
and was twice elected Burgess of Norristown, 
Pa. He was educated for the law, and was 
also a graduate of Captain Partridge's Military 
Academy. At the commencement of the war 
he was editor of the " National Defender," pub- 
lished in Norristown, but abandoned his occu- 
pation, and in company of four brothers, joined 
the 4th regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers 
and was commissioned its major. He served 
with his regiment throughout its whole career, 
and participated in all its engagements, passing 
rapidly through the usual promotions. Subse- 
quently he was transferred to the command of 
the 51st, and during several months of service 
in East Tennessee was in command of a brigade. 

June 3. — Col. Frederick F. Wead, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, was killed in the battle of 
Cold Harbor, Va., aged 29 years. He was 
born in Malone, Franklin County, N. Y., grad- 
uated at Union College in 1856, studied law 
at Poughkeepsie, was admitted to the bar, and 
practised his profession in his native town until 
the breaking out of .the rebellion in the spring 
of 1861, when he entered the U. S. service as 
First Lieutenant, in the 16th regiment of New 
York volunteers. In October, 1861, he was 
appointed one of Gen. Slocum's staff, with 
which he served through the peninsular cam- 
paign, and in 1862 was appointed lieutenant- 
colonel of the 98th regiment New York volun- 
teers, and afterwards colonel. Subsequently 
his regiment was assigned to Gen. Heckman's 
brigade, forming a portion of the 18th army 
corps, under Gen. Smith. During the battle 
of South Richmond Gen. Heckman was taken 
prisoner, and the command of the brigade tem- 
porarily devolved upon Col. Wead. At the 
time of his death the 18th army corps was serv- 
ing under Gen. Grant. 

June 5. — Col. Arthur H. Duttok, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, was killed in the engage- 
ment near Bermuda Hundred. He was a nar 
tive of Wallingford, Conn., graduated at West 
Point in the Engineer Corps in 1861, and at 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



783 



the time of his death held the rank of captain 
of engineers in the regular army. While on 
duty in North Carolina with his regiment, the 
21st Connecticut volunteers, he served as chief 
of staff for Maj.-Gen. Peck, and subsequently 
held a similar position upon the staff" of Maj.- 
Gen. W. F. Smith. After the battle of Drury's 
Bluff", in which he greatly distinguished himself, 
he was placed in command of the 8d brigade, 
which position he had held but a few days when 
he lost his life. 

June 5. — Brig.-Gen. W. E. Jones, an officer 
in the Confederate army, killed at Piedmont, 
in "West Virginia. Gen. Jones was an officer 
of cavalry, and reputed to be one of the best 
in the Confederate service. 

June 7. — GoEDOx Winslow, M. D., D. D., a 
clergjiaan of the Episcopal Church, fell over- 
board from a transport and was drowned in 
the Potomac, aged 60 years. He was a native 
of "WiUiston, Vt., graduated at Yale College, 
studied for the ministry, and became rector of 
a church in Troy, N. Y., and subsequently in 
Annapolis, Md. Afterwards he was for many 
years rector of St. Paul's, Staten Island, and 
chaplain of the Quarantine. At the commence- 
ment of the war he was appointed chaplain of 
the Duryee Zouaves, and accompanied the reg- 
iment in all its hard-fought battles. He also 
served with the Sanitary Commission, and upon 
the return of his regiment in 1863, was ap- 
pointed Inspector of the Army of the Potomac 
for that Commission, and was returning from 
his labors in its behalf at Belle Plain, having in 
charge his wounded son, Col. Cleveland Win- 
slow, when he met his untimely death. He had 
been a frequent contributor to the press, and was 
a man of high and liberal intellectual culture, 
and of a most genial and amiable disposition. 
His wife had been for many months engaged in 
ministering to the sick and wounded soldiers in 
Washington, and his two sons were officers of 
the Union Army. Rev. Hubbard Winslow, 
D. D., of New York, and Rev. Myron Winslow, 
D. D., missionary in Ceylon, were both brothers 
of the deceased. 

June 11. — Col. Edward Pte, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, died from wounds received at 
the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., aged 40 years. 
He was educated for the law, and soon after 
entering upon the practise of his profession rose 
to a high rank at the bar. When quite yoimg 
he was appointed District Attorney for Rock- 
land County, N. Y., and soon after County 
Judge and Surrogate. At the breaking out of 
the rebellion he at once made preparations for 
winding up his practice, accepted the command 
of a company in the 95 th regiment New York 
State volunteers, then organizing under the 
name of the " Warren Rifles," and in the fall of 
1861 entered into active service with the Army 
of the Potomac. Being promoted to a lieuten- 
ant-colonelcy, he led his regiment through the 
"carnage of Antietam, followed the enemy across 
the Potomac to the Rappahannock, and shared 
in the battles of Fredersicksburg, ChanceUors- 



ville, and Gettysburg, receiving after the latter 
his commission as colonel. In the battles of 
the Wilderness and Spottsylvania he was often 
in the front ranks of the army, and in the bat- 
tle of Cold Harbor, while leading an assault 
upon the breastworks of the enemy, received a 
rifle ball in the shoulder, and at the same mo- 
ment was wounded by a shell, surviving thess 
injuries but a few days. 

June 14. — Leoxidas Polk, a bishop of the 
Protestant Episcopal Chui-ch, and General in 
the Confederate service, born in Raleigh, N. C, 
in 1806, died near Marietta, Ga., June 14, 1864. 
He was graduated at West Point in 1827, and 
appointed a brevet second lieutenant of artil- 
lei-y ; but having, through the influence of Bishop 
Mcllvaine, then chaplain at West Point, been 
induced to study for the ministry, he resigned 
his commission in December, 1827, and three 
years later was ordained a deacon in the Prot- 
estant Episcopal Church. From 1831 to 1838 
he officiated at various places in the South, and 
in the latter year he was consecrated Missionary 
Bishop of Arkansas and the Indian territory 
south of 36° 30', with provisional charge of the 
dioceses of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, 
and the missions in the republic of Texas. In 
1841 he resigned these charges, with the ex- 
ception of the diocese of Louisiana, of which he 
remained bishop until the close of his life. The 
outbreak of the rebellion found him a strong 
sympathizer with the doctrine of secession. 
His education and associations were strongly 
Southern, and his property, which was very 
considerable in lands and slaves, helped to 
identify him with the project for establishing a 
Southern Confederacy. His familiarity with the 
Valley of the Mississippi prompted him to urge 
upon Jefferson Davis and the rebel authorities 
the importance of fortifying and holding its 
strategical points, and amidst the excitement of 
the time the influence of his old military train- 
ing became uppermost in his mind. Under 
these cu'cumstances the offer of a major- general- 
ship by Davis was regarded not unfavorably, in 
spite of the sacred caUing which he had followed 
during thirty years. He applied to Bishop 
Meade, of Virginia, for advice, who declined 
to give it, but refex-red him to Gen. Robert E. 
Lee, as one to whose judgment he might safely 
defer. Lee unhesitatingly advised him to ac- 
cept the commision, and he at once did so. His 
first command extended from the mouth of the 
Arkansas River, on both sides of the Mississippi, 
to Paducah, on the Ohio, his headquarters being 
at Memphis ; and his first general order, issued ■ 
July 13th, declared that the invasion of the 
South by the Federal armies " comes bringing 
with it a contempt for constitutional liberty, 
and the withering influence of the infidelity of 
New England and Germany combined." It 
was under his general direction that the exten- 
sive works at Forts Donelson and Henry, Co- 
lumbus, Ky., Island No. Ten, Memphis, and 
other points were constructed, and the skill 
with which they were selected for defence tes- 



784 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



tifies to Lis thorougli military training. He held 
this command until the spring of 1862, when, 
in consequence of the signal Federal successes 
in that part of the country, he was relieved and 
ordered to join Johnston's and Beauregard's 
army at Corinth. As commander of a corps 
he participated in the battle of Shiloh, and in 
the subsequent operations ending with the evac- 
uation of Corinth. He afterwards held a com- 
mand in the army of Gen. Bragg, took part in 
the battle of Perryville during the invasion of 
Kentucky in the autumn of 1.862, and saw much 
hard lighting at the stubbornly contested battle 
of Murfreesboro. Still serving under Bragg, he 
feU back with him beyond Chattanooga before 
the steady advance of Gen. Rosecrans in the 
campaign of 1863, and had a share in the vic- 
tory of Chickamauga. For disobedience of or- 
ders in this battle, whereby, as was asserted by 
Gen. Bragg in his official report, the Fedei'al 
army was alone saved from annihilation, he was 
relieved from his command, and ordered to At- 
lanta. He was soon after appointed to com- 
mand the camp of rebel prisoners paroled at 
Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and in the winter 
and spring of 1864 had temporary charge of 
the Department of the Mississippi. By skilful 
dispositions of his troops he prevented the junc- 
tion of the Federal cavalry column under Gen. 
Smith with Gen. Sherman's army in south- 
ern Mississippi, and caused the campaign under- 
taken by the latter in February to result in no 
permanent advantage. His prestige being thus, 
restored, he received orders to unite his force 
with that of Johnston at Resaca, and took 
command of one of the three corps of Gen. 
Johnston's army, which in the spring of 1864 
attempted to withstand the advance of Gen. 
Sherman towai'd Atlanta. After participating 
in the chief engagements previous to the mid- 
dle of June, he was killed by a cannon shot 
while reconnoitring on Pine Mountain, a few 
miles north of Marietta. About a year and a 
half before this he had been commissioned a 
lieutenant-general in the Rebel array. Gen. 
Polk never resigned his diocese, and, it was said, 
intended at the close of the war to resume his 
Episcopal functions. He had labored zealously 
in behalf of religious interests previous to the 
rebellion, and was described by his friends as of 
manly bearing, frank and cordial manners, and 
impressible and easily kindled temperament. 
He was buried in the yard of the Episcopal 
church in Augusta. 

June 15, — CoL Simon H. Mix, an officer of 
IT. S. volunteers, was killed in a charge upon 
the rebel intrenchments at Petersburg. He 
was a native of Fulton Coimty, N. Y,, and 
learned the printing trade of his father, Peter 
Mix, for many years editor of the " Schoharie 
Patriot." Both father and son were among 
the earliest and firmest Republicans, and the 
latter was, in 1860, Republican candidate for 
Congress, but was beaten by a few votes by 
Hon. Chauncey Vibbard, Superintendent of the 
Central Railroad. At the commencement of 



the war the subject of our sketch dedicated 
himself to the service of his country. He was 
appointed major and finally colonel of the 3d 
cavalry regiment New York, which he was in- 
strumental in raising, and died at its head. 

June 15. — Col. Riely, an officer of the 

Confederate army, killed at New Hope Churcla, 
in Georgia. Col. Riely was colonel of the 1st 
Missouri regiment of infantry (Gen. John S. 
Boweu's old regiment), and was sleeping in the 
trenches when a spherical-case shot from the 
Federal guns burst near the parapet, and an 
accidental ball mortally wounded him. 

June 16. — Hon. Andrew Ewing, an officer 
in the Confederate service, died in Atlanta, Ga. 
He was a lawyer of eminence, and a politician 
of considerable importance, having for many 
years participated in the political controversies 
which mark the history of Tennessee. He rep- 
resented the Nashville district, Tenn., in Con- 
gress during one term, and in February, 1861, 
was elected to represent Davidson County in 
the proposed State Convention, which was 
voted down by the people, being at that time a 
sincere Union man. Unfortunately he was sub- 
sequently drawn away from his allegiance to 
the Union, and took an active part against the 
Government. After the fall of For^ Donelson 
he left his home and became an exile, holding 
imtil he died some position in the rebel army. 

June 20. — John K. Haedenbrook, Acting 
Assistant Surgeon U. S. A., died at Rush Bar- 
racks, "Washington, D. C, in the 62d year of 
his age, of typhoid fever, contracted while in 
the discharge of his duties at L'Ouverture Hos- 
pital, Alexandria, Va. Dr. Hardenbrook was 
one of the oldest physicians of New York city, 
and for several years Secretary of the New 
York County Medical Society ; also one of the 
first trustees of the Rutgers Female Institute, 
and was a member of one of the oldest Masonic 
Lodges in New York. He promptly offered his 
services in response to a call for more surgeons 
for the army, and was assigned to duty at 
Alexandria, where he labored faithfully in the 
discharge of his duties until attacked with the 
disease which terminated in death. 

June 22. — William Wheeler, an officer of 
United States volunteers, was killed near Mari- 
etta, Ga., aged 28 years. He was a native of 
New York city, graduated at Yale College in 
the class of 1855, and studied law until 1857, 
when he sailed for Europe. After passing the 
summer in travel, he continued the study of law 
a.t the University of Berlin, and subsequently 
visited Italy and Greece. In July, 1858, he re- 
turned to New Haven, and the following spring 
entered the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., 
where he received the degree of LL.D. in 1860. 
Soon after he opened an office in New York, 
and entered upon the practice of his profession, 
but upon the outbreak of the rebellion his pa- 
triotic impulses led him to accompany the 7th 
regiment of N. Y. S. N. G. to the defence of 
the Capital. After this temporary service he 
raised a company and was made lieutenant, and 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



785 



subsequently captain of the 13th Independent 
battery of N. Y. In the Shenandoah valley, 
and at Gettysburg, with the Array of the Poto- 
mac, and subsequently in the battle of Lookout 
Mountain, he bore an honorable part. He was 
afterwards appointed chief of artillery on the 
staff of Gen. Geary, 2d division, 20th army 
corps, and met his death while bravely holding 
an exposed position with his battery in the face 
of the enemy. 

June 27. — Brig.-Gen. Chaeles 6. Harker, 
an officer of United States volunteers, was kill- 
ed in the battle at Kenesaw, Ga. He gradu- 
ated at "West Point about 1857, and was ap- 
pointed second lieutenant of the 9th United 
States infantry, and afterwards captain in the 
15th regulars. At the breaking out of the war 
he was appointed to the colonelcy of the 65th 
Ohio, known as Sherman's brigade; partici- 
pated in the battles of Stone River, Chicka- 
mauga, and Mission Ridge, in the latter being 
the first to pass the enemy's works, and took 
an active part in the East Tennessee campaign 
with the 4th army corps. He was commis- 
sioned brigadier-general for his gallantry at 
Chickamauga. He fell while bravely leading 
on his brigade, and within a few yards of the 
enemy's works. 

June 27. — Col. Oscar F. Harmon, an officer 
of United States volunteers, was killed at the 
battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. He' was a 
native of Wheatland, Monroe County, N. Y., 
studied law in the school of Prof. John TV. 
Fowler, at BaUston Spa, N. Y., and in the 
office of Smith and Griffin, at Rochester, N. Y. 
In 1853 he removed to Danville, 111., where he 
practised his profession with distinguished suc- 
cess until the summer of 1862, when, from a 
strong desire to serve his country in the army, 
he accepted the proffered command of the 125th 
regiment of Illinois volunteers, which position 
he held with increasing popularity until his 
death. In the terrible assaidt uj^on the rebel 
position at Kenesaw Mountain, his regiment 
was assigned a difficult point. The brigade 
commander, Gen. McCook, being dangerously 
wounded, the command devolved upon Col. 
Harmon, and while nobly cheering on his men 
he was struck by a ball in his breast, which im- 
mediately proved fatal, 

June 30. — Col. William Wilson, an officer 
of United States volunteers, kiUed by a fall 
from his horse at his farm in Westchester 
County, N. Y. He was the leader of the famous 
Wilson Zouaves, and served with his regiment 
in many positions of great danger and exposure, 
being stationed for several months at Santa 
Rosa Island, previous to the capture of Fort 
Pickens. His camp was once surprised while 
there, and made a gallant fight. 

July 4. — Brig.-Gen. James E. Blythe, an 
officer of the Indiana militia, died at Evans- 
ville, Ind., aged 45 years. He was a native of 
LexiQgton, Ky., graduated at Hanover College, 
Ind., in 1888, studied law in New Jersey, and 
was admitted to the bar in that State in 1840, 
50 



and the following year removed to Evansville, 
where he entered upon the practise of his pro- 
fession. His talents and learning enabled him 
in a short time to take his position among the 
leading members of the profession in the Su- 
preme and inferior Courts of the State, and in 
the Courts of the United States. He was a 
prominent and influential member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention of Indiana in 1850-51, 
and also of the House of Representatives of 
that State in 1859. During the years 1862 and 
1863 he was brigadier-general of the active 
militia or Legion of Indiana, and through his 
exertions and influence the Legion of the border 
counties in the southwestern part of the State 
was organized and rendered sufficiently formi- 
dable for the prevention of raids. 

July 6. — Brig.-Gen. Samuel A. Rice, an offi- 
cer of United States volunteers from Iowa, died 
at Oskaloosa, Iowa, of wounds received in the 
battle of Jenkins' Ferry, in Arkansas. He was 
a native of New York, but had removed to 
Iowa, and engaged in civil pursuits, and soon 
after the opening of the war entered the ser- 
vice as colonel of the 33d Iowa volunteers. He 
soon distinguished himself for military skiU and 
courage, and was put in command of a brigade, 
and on the 4th of July, 1863, at the battle of 
Helena, Ark., his command was conspicuous 
for its bravery and good conduct. For his 
meritorious conduct in this and subsequent 
battles, he was appointed brigadier-general, his 
commission dating August 4, 1863. He took 
an honorable part in every battle of the ardu- 
ous campaigns of that and the succeeding year 
in Arkansas, up to the time of receiving his 
fatal wound. 

July 7. — Col. Cleveland Winslow, an offi- 
cer of U. S. volunteers, died in the hospital at 
Alexandria, Va., from wounds received at the 
battles near MechanicsviUe, Va., aged 28 years. 
He was a native of Medford, Mass., and the 
eldest son of the Rev. Gordon Winslow, D. D. 
When the war commenced he was engaged in 
mercantile pursuits in New York city, but hav- 
ing some military knowledge from his connec- 
tion with the militia, he raised a company of 
men and departed with the famous Duryea 
Zouaves for the seat of war, continuing with 
them for two years in all their engagements. 
Immediately upon the return of his regiment he 
raised another, and with it was engaged in all 
the important battles of the Army of the Poto- 
mac since that period. 

July 11. — Col. P. Stearns Davis, 39th regi- 
ment Massachusetts volunteers, an officer in the 
volunteer service, killed near Petersburg, Va. 

July 17. — Col. Dan. McCook, an officer of 
United States volunteers, died in SteubenviUe, 
Ohio, of wounds received in the battle of Kene- 
saw Mountain, making the fourth member of 
the family who have fallen in the service of 
their country, and leaving two brothers only, 
who were at that time commanding Ohio regi- 
ments in the field. 

July 20. — Brig.-Gen. Aemistead L. Lono, 



786 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



an officer of the Confederate array from Georgia, 
killed at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga. 

July 20. — Brig.-Gen. John J. Pettus, an 
officer of the Confederate army from Missis- 
sippi, formerly Governor of that State, killed 
at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga. 

July 20. — Brig.-Gen. George M. Steven^s, 
an officer of the Confederate army from Mary- 
land, killed at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, 
Ga. 

July 21.— ^Brig.-Gen. LtrciEisr Greathouse, 
of U. S. volunteers, killed in a skirmish near 
Atlanta, Ga., aged 21 years. He was a native 
of Carlinsville, 111., graduated at Bloomington, 
studied law, and was admitted to the bar. At 
the commencement of the war he volunteered 
as a private, and after passing through every 
intermediate grade was commissioned colonel 
of the 48th Illinois, his regiment bearing a con- 
spicuous part in the achievements of the Army 
of the Tennessee. He was made a brigadier-gen- 
eral only a day or two previous to his death. 

July 22. — James Birdsete MoPhersox, a 
major-general of United States volunteers, born 
in Sandusky County, Ohio, November 14th, 
1828, killed near Atlanta, Ga., July 22d, 1864. 
He entered West Point from Ohio in 1849, and 
at the end of that year ranked second in his class. 
The two years following he stood first, graduat- 
ing at the head of his class June 30th, 1853, 
and was at once appointed brevet second lieu- 
tenant of engineers and assistant instructor of 
practical engineering at the Academy, a compli- 
ment never before awarded to so young an offi- 
cer. He was next appointed assistant engineer 
on tlie defences of New York harbor, and on 
the improvement of the navigation of the Hud- 
son River, having previously been made full 
second lieutenant of engineers. In January, 
1857, he was placed in charge of the construc- 
tion of Fort Delaware, and subsequently of the 
erection of fortifications on Alcatras Island, San 
Francisco Bay, California, and was also con- 
nected with the survey of the Pacific coast. In 
December, 1858, he was promoted to first lieu- 
tenant, and in 1861 was ordered from the Paci- 
fic coast to take charge of the fortifications of 
Boston harbor. The same year he was made 
captain, and upon the appointment of Maj.-Gen. 
Halleck to the command of the Department of 
the "West in November, he was chosen aide-de- 
camp to that general, and at the same time was 
promoted as lieutenant-colonel. In the expedi- 
tions against Forts Henry and Donelson he was 
chief engineer of the Army of the Tennessee, 
and subsequently was at Shiloh, and as colonel 
on Gen. Halleck's staff", held the chief engineer- 
ing charge of the approaches to. Corinth, which 
ended in its evacuation. On the 15th of May, 
1862, he was made brigadier-general of volun- 
teers, and appointed general superintendent of 
military railroads in the district of West Ten- 
nessee the following June. In September, 1862, 
Gen. McPhcrson held a position on the staff" of 
Gen. Grant ; and for his gallantry at Corinth 
was promoted to be major-general, dating from 



October 8th, rising to that position in the short 
space of nine years, and by merit alone. From 
that time till the close of the siege of Vicksburg, 
during which he commanded the centre of our 
army, his career was one course of triumph. 
Gen. Grant wrote of him: "He is one of the 
ablest engineers and most skilful generals. I 
would respectfully, but urgently, recommend 
his promotion to the position of brigadier-gen- 
eral in the regular array." 

Upon this recoramendation Gen. McPherson 
was immediately confirmed a brigadier-general 
in the regular army, dating from August 1st, 
1863, and soon after conducted a column into 
Mississippi and repulsed the enemy at Canton. 
Subsequently Gen. McPherson's departraent 
was extended so as to embrace all the region 
bordering the Mississippi River, from Helena, 
Arkansas, to the mouth of the Red River, with 
headquarters at Vicksburg. In the memorable 
expedition to Mei'idian he was second in com- 
mand to Gen. Sherman, and during the first 
Atlanta campaign his command was the De- 
partment of the Tennessee, including the entire 
15th, 16tli, and I7th corps. He distinguished 
himself at Resaca, Dallas, Allatoona, Kulp House, 
and Kfinesaw. In the battles before Atlanta 
Gen. McPherson's grand division held the left 
of the line. In superintending the advance of 
his skirmish line he had ridden from left to 
right, and was returning when he was suddenly 
confronted by a party of the enemy in ambush, 
and received a shot in the breast causing alraost 
instant death. Gen. McPherson was a man of 
indefatigable energy, tireless industry, and a 
bravery which alraost amounted to recklessness. 
He always reconnoitred in person. 

July 22. — Maj.-Gen. William Walker, an 
officer of the Confederate army, killed in the 
battle of the twenty-second of July, in front 
of Atlanta, Ga. Gen.Walker was from Georgia, 
and commanded principally Georgia troops. 
He was a graduate of West Point, and greatly 
distinguished himself in the war with Mexico, 
where he was severely and dangerously wounded 
a number of times. He was notorious particu- 
larly for three things : his reckless courage, the 
number of wounds he had received, and the 
habitual expression of " By G — , sir." 

July 26. — Col. James A. Mulligan, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, born at Utica, N. Y., June 
25, 1830; died -luly 26, 1864, from wounds re- 
ceived at the battle of Winchester, Va. He was 
of Irish descent, his parents having emigrated 
to this country a few years previous to his 
birth. In the autumn of 1836 his parents re- 
moved to Chicago, and after a few years' resi- 
dence placed him in the University of St. Mary's 
of the Lake. He graduated in 1850, being the 
first graduate from the University, and in the 
same year commenced the study of the law. 
In 1851 he accompanied John Lloyd Stephens, 
the American author, on his expedition to the 
Isthmus of Panama. After remaining at Pan- 
ama about a year, the deceased returned to 
Chicaco, and in 1855 he was admitted to the 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



787 



bar, and immediately commenced practise in 
that city. During the winter of 1857 he was 
appointed to a clerkship in the office of the In- 
terior at Washington. When the war broke 
out he obtained the requisite authority, and in 
a few weeks raised a fine regiment of Irishmen, 
the 23d Illinois infantry, afterwards known as 
"Mulligan's Brigade," was made colonel, and 
in July, 1861, left for the front. During the 
first month or two of service the regiment was 
actively engaged in Virginia and Missouri until 
September, when it was ordered to the defence 
of Lexington. For nine days Col. Mulhgan held 
the town against heavy odds, praying for re- 
enforcements ; but reenforceraents came not. 
Lexington fell into the hands of the rebels, and 
Col. Mulligan and his command were also cap- 
tured. He was exchanged on the 25th of Nov., 
and returned to Chicago as the hero of Lexing- 
ton. On his return he reorganized his regi- 
ment. In January, 1862, he was ordered with 
his regiment to proceed to New Creek, Va,, 
and hold that post. From that date till the 
time of his reenlistment (in June, 1864), Col. 
Mulligan participated in several hard-fought 
battles. 

In the battle of Winchester during a cliarge 
on the rebel lines he was mortally wounded ; a 
squad of his men seeing him fall, attempted to 
carry him oflF.the field, but seeing that the colors 
of his brigade were endangered, he turned to 
his bearers and exclaimed, " Lay me down and 
save the flag," repeating the order upon their 
hesitation. They obeyed him, and ere their re- 
turn, he was borne off by the enemy, and soon 
after died in their hands. Col. Mulligan was 
at one time offered a commission of brigadier- 
general, but declined, preferring to remain with 
his old regiment. He was a peculiarly gifted 
writer, strictly temperate in all his habits, and 
an earnest, devoted Catholic. 

July 27. — Silas Miller, colonel of the 36th 
regiment Illinois volunteers, died at Nashville, 
Tenn., from wounds received at the battle of 
Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., aged 25 years. He 
was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., but when 
very young removed to Aurora, Illinois, learn- 
ed the printer's trade, pursuing his education 
in the mean time, and when the war broke out 
was diligently engaged in the study of law. In 
April, 1861, he enlisted in the volunteer service 
as a private, passing rapidly through the difter- 
ent grades of promotion, and doing important 
service in the early campaign of Missouri and 
Arkansas, and in Mississippi and East Ten- 
nessee; was taken prisoner by the enemy at 
the battle of Murfree«boro, and after his ex- 
change was commissioned colonel of his regi- 
ment, participating with it in the fearful battles 
of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, where he 
commanded a brigade. From thence he went 
with his command into East Tennessee, endur- 
ing with them one of the severest campaigns of 
the war. In January, 1864, he reenlisted, ac- 
companied Gen. Sherman on his eventful cam- 
paign, and participated in all the engagements 



between Chattanooga and Kenesaw Mountain, 
where he received tlie fatal wound. 

July 29. — Abraham Siddon Cox, M. D., 
Surgeon-in-Chief of the 1st division, 20th 
corps, Army of the Cumberland, died in the 
oflicers' hospital, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., 
aged 64 years. Dr. Cox was a native of New 
York, and had been for many years one of the 
most eminent medical practitioners of New 
York city. At the opening of the war, with a 
rare patriotism, he relinquished his large prac- 
tice and took an appointment as a surgeon in 
the ai-my. His abilities were recognized, and 
he was promoted to be surgeon-in-chief of 
di\asion ; but the hardships and exposures of 
the Chattanooga and Atlanta campaigns had 
broke down his health and terminated his use- 
ful life. 

Aug. 5. — Capt. Tunis Augustus Craven, TJ. 
S. navy, killed by the explosion of the Tecum- 
seh by a torpedo, in Mobile Bay. He was a 
native of New Il^impshire, and entered the 
navy as a midshipman, June 2, 1829, serving 
on different vessels until 1837, when, upon his 
own request, he was placed on the Coast Sur- 
vey. In 1841 he was promoted to a lieuten- 
ancy, and was attached to the sloop-of-war 
Falmouth till 1843, when he was transferred 
to the receiving-ship North Carolina. Subse- 
quently he was connected with the Pacific 
squadron, and again from 1850 to 1859 upon 
the Coast Survey, from which he was appoint- 
ed to the command of the steamer Mohawk, of 
the home squadron, stationed off the coast of 
Cuba to intercept slavers. When the war 
broke out Capt. Craven was placed in com- 
mand of the Crusader, and had an important 
share in preserving for the Union the fortress 
of Key West. In April, 1861, he was appoint- 
ed commander of the new sloop Tuscarora, 
and was sent after rebel cruisers. At his own 
request he was placed in charge of the monitor 
Tecumseh, early in the present year, and joined 
the James River flotilla. Recently he was 
ordered to reenforce Admiral Farragut, and 
bravely met his fate during the assault on the 
defences of Mobile. 

Aug. 5. — John Faron, Chief Engineer U. S. 
navy, was lost by the sinking of the monitor 
Tecumseh, in Mobile Bay. He entered the 
service in 1840, being appointed from the State 
of New Jersey, of which he was a native. 
Upon the completion of the U. S. steam frigate 
Powhatan, he was attached to her as one of 
her officers, and served three years and a half 
in her, making a cruise in the Gulf, thence to 
China and Japan. He served as senior assist- 
ant on the Niagara during the laying of the 
Atlantic cable, and was in charge of the en- 
gine department of the San Jacinto when the 
rebel commissioners, Slidell and Mason, were 
captured, since which time he has been super- 
intendent of the monitoi-s built at the iron ship- 
building yard at Jersey City. Previous to the 
Tecumseh being commissioned, he was ordered 
to the Onondaga ; but preferring to go to sea in 



788 



MILITAET AND E"AYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



a vessel of bis own construction, lie succeeded 
in getting detached and ordered to the Tecum- 
seh, and had left a sick bed to be present at 
the engagement during which he lost his life. 

Aug. 6. — Brig.-Gen. Geiffin A. Stedman, 
an officer of U. S. voli>nteers, killed near Pe- 
tersburg. He was a native of Hartford, Ct., a 
graduate of Trinity College, and entered the 
service in 1861 as major of the 11th regiment 
Connecticut volunteers. On the resignation of 
the lieutenant-colonel he was advanced to that 
position, and in the battle of Antietam, where 
Col. Kingsbury, the commander of the regi- 
ment, was killed, he was wounded, but not 
fatally. Recoveriag, he commanded the regi- 
ment at Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, 
and Gettysburg. At the commencement of 
the campaign of 1864 he was put in command 
of a brigade, and fought through all the terri- 
ble battles of the campaign in such a way as 
to win the frequent commendation of his supe- 
rior officers. After the explosion of the mine 
at Petersburg his brigade was much exposed to 
the assaults of the enemy, and in one of the 
frequent skirmishes which occurred he lost liis 
life. His commission as brigadier-general did 
not arrive till after his death, though he had 
been acting in that capacity for several months. 

Aug. 16. — Brig.-Gen. Victor J. B. Girardey, 
an officer in tlie Confederate army, killed in 
the action near Richmond, Va. He was quite 
young, and had previously to the campaign of 
1864 been provost marshal of Richmond. 

Aug. 16. — Col. Abel D. Streight, U. S. 
volunteers, killed during an engagement at 
Dalton, Ga. He was a resident of Indianapo- 
lis when the war broke out, and when the call 
was made for three years' men, raised a regi- 
ment, of which he was made colonel, and took 
part in the campaign which ' placed Kentucky 
and Tennessee in the possession of the Union 
armies. In 18G3 he led a cavalry force on a 
raid through Alabama, which, though weU 
conducted, was but partially successful, and re- 
sulted in his being taken prisoner and confined 
in Libby prison. After a long period of priva- 
tion and sufteriug, he made his escape and re- 
turned to his home in Indiana, but soon after 
rejoined his regiment in the field. 

Aug. 16. — Brig.-Gen. Daniel Phineas Wood- 
BUET, U. S. volunteers, died at Key West, Fla., 
of yellow fever. He graduated at West Point 
in 1836, and was first commissioned in the 3d 
artillery, but in 1838 was made second lieuten- 
ant in the corps of engineers. In 1847 he was 
engaged in the survey of the Oregon route. In 
1853 he was promoted to a captaincy, and pre- 
vious to 1860 was engaged in tlie woi-k of con- 
structing Fort Jefierson, in the Tortugas. In 
May, 1861, lie was appointed to superintend 
the construction of a part of the defences of 
Washington under Gen. Barnard, and the fol- 
lowing year was made lieuteuant-colonel of 
volunteers, and subsequently brigadier-general 
of volunteers, to date from March 19, 1862, 
and assigned to the command of the Engineer 



Brigade of the Army of the Potomac. ^During 
the whole of the peninsular campaign Gen. 
Woodbury's command was engaged in con- 
structing bridges, railroads, earthworks, &c., 
and greatly assisted the army in its movements. 
After the appointment of Gen. Hooker to the 
army. Gen. Woodbury accepted an assignment 
to the Department of the Gulf, as commander 
of the district of Key West and Tortugas, ar- 
riving at his new post April, 1863. In June, 
1863, he was promoted to be lieutenant-colonel 
of engineers in the United States army. He 
was the author of a work entitled "Sustaining 
Walls," 1854; also, "Theory of the Arch," 
1858. 

Aug. 21. — Commander James M. Duncan, 
an officer of the U. S. navy, died in Brooklyn, 
N. Y., of disease of the heart, aged 44 years. 
He was a native of Madisonville, Ohio, entered 
the navy in 1837, and subsequently passed 
through a course of study at the naval school, 
Pliiladelphia. He took an active part in the 
Mexican war, and especially distinguished him- 
self in the contest which preceded the annexa- 
tion of California. The commencement of the 
present war found him serving as a lieutenant 
on the U. S. steamer Crusader, then just com- 
pleting a two years' cruise after slavers on the 
coast of Cuba. In 1862 he was appointed 
commander, and assigned to the storeship Re- 
lease, and subsequently to the monitor Wee- 
hawken, of which he had command when she 
went down in Charleston harbor, but was 
providentially on board the flag-ship at the 
time of the disaster. He was in command of 
the Norwich, and assisted in the bombardment 
of Fort Pulaski, and of Jacksonville, Fla. 
During his service on the Gulf blockade, Com- 
mander Duncan contracted the disease which 
terminated his life. 

Aug. 21.— Col. A. F. Dushane, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, killed before Petersburg, Va. 
He was at the time of his death acting as brig- 
adier-general of the Maryland brigade. 

Aug. 23. — Col. Carter Van Vleoic, an offi- 
cer of U. S. volunteers, died in a field hospital, 
near Atlaata, Ga., from a wound received in 
action. He was an eminent lawyer of Illinois, 
joined the 78th Illinois volunteers at the com- 
mencement of the war, and had recently been 
made colonel. 

Aug. 29.— Dr. W. H. Ruxison, Medical Di- 
rector of the cavalry corps of the Army of the 
Shenandoah, killed near Winchester by a rebel 
sharpshooter. He was from Ohio, and had at- 
tained a high reputation for abUity in his pro- 
fession. 

Sept. 1. — Brig.-Gen. Robert H. Anderson, 
an officer in the Confederate army from Geor- 
gia, a graduate of West Point, killed in the 
battle of Jonesboro, Ga. 

Sept. 1. — Brig.-Gen. Alfred Gumming, an 
officer in the Confederate army from Georgia, 
a graduate of West Point, killed at the battle 
of Jonesboro, Ga. 

Sept. 1. — Col. William T. C. Grower, an 



MILJTARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



789 



officer of U. S. volunteers, kOled at Jonesboro, 
Ga., while leading his troops against the rebel 
intrenchnients, aged 25 years. He was a resi- 
dent of New York previous to the war, and for 
several years was connected with the Metro- 
politan Bank. He entered the volunteer ser- 
vice in May, 1861, as captain in the 17th regi- 
ment N, Y. S. M., was promoted to the position 
of major, and passed through the various cam- 
paigns of the Army of the Potomac until the 
second battle of Bull Run, when he was 
wounded and disabled for nearly a year. He 
afterwards reorganized the regiment, serving 
with it in the Army of the Tennessee, and sub- 
sequently in the Army of the Cumberland. 

Sqyt. 1. — Brig.-Gen. Pattex, an officer 

in the Confederate army, killed at the battle of 
Jonesboro, Ga. 

Sept. 2. — Col. David Irelaxd, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, died at Atlanta, Ga., from a 
wound received at Resaca some months previ- 
ous. He was a native of Scotland, entered the 
service in the 137th New York, and distin- 
guished himself at the battles of Lookout 
Mountain, Mission Ridge, and Resaca, where 
he was severely woimded. At the time of his 
death he commanded the 3d brigade, 2d divi- 
sion, 20th coi'ps. 

Sept. 3. — Col. Feeemax MoGilveet, an offi- 
cer of U. S. volunteers from Maine, died while 
tmder the influence of chloroform, undergoing 
an operation made necessary by a wound re- 
ceived at the battle of Chaffin's Farm. He was 
a skilful artillei'ist, and at the battle of Gettys- 
burg, on the 2d of July, as chief of artillery in 
Sedgwick's corps, turned the fortunes of the 
day by the skill and promptness with which he 
planted his batteries, and the tenacity with 
which he held them to their work. At the 
time of his death he was chief of artillery in 
the 10th corps, Army of the James. 

Sejit. 3. — Major Reid Sanders, an officer in 
the Confederate service, a son of the Confeder- 
ate Agent, George N. Sanders, died at Fort 
"Warren, Boston, aged 27 years. He was sent 
as bearer of despatches from the Confederate 
Government to Europe, on a blockade-runner, 
but was captured and confined in Fort "Warren 
as a prisoner of state. 

Sept. 4. — Brig.-Gen. Milo S. Hascall, an 
officer of U. vS. volunteers from Indiana, who 
entered the service as colonel of one of the 
Indiana regiments, but was promoted to a 
brigadier-generalship in 1862. He handled his 
brigade with great skiU and bravery in the 
battle of Stone River, where he was wounded, 
but returned to his command and participated 
in the battles of Chickamauga and Mission 
Ridge, and was active as division commander 
in the early battles of the Atlantic campaign. 
He Avas killed in an engagement near Frank- 
lin, Tenn. 

Ser)t. 4. — Brig.-Gen. Johw H. Morgan, an 
officer of the Confederate army, killed at 
Greenville, Tenn. Gen. Morgan was born on 
the 1st of June, 1826, in the beautiful city of 



Huntsville, Ala. In 1830 he removed to Ken- 
tucky, and settled on the Tates Creek road, two 
miles from Lexington. At the breaking out 
of the war with Mexico his martial spirit took 
fire immediately, and he rushed to arms with the 
first who volunteered. He served in Humphrey 
Marshall's regiment of cavalry as first lieuten- 
ant, and was in the battle of Buena Vista. At 
the termination of twelve months from the 
time of enlistment his term of service expired, 
and he returned to Lexington, Ky., and organ- 
ized a company for the war. The State of 
Kentucky having offered more troops than her 
quota amounted to, the captains of companies 
drew lots for acceptance or non-acceptance. 
Capt. Morgan lost, and his company returned 
to Lexington, where it was dismissed. In 1848 
he married, but bis wife died in 1861. He did 
a large business in bagging, lindsey, and jeans. 
He had in Lexington manufactories, where all of , 
those articles were made. In September, 1861, 
he left Lexington with a part of his old State 
guard company, "The Lexington Rifles," mmi- 
bering one hundred guns, and though Lexing- 
ton was then occupied by the United States 
forces, he arrived safely at Bowling Green, 
then in possession of the Confederate troops, 
and there joined the standard of Gen. Buck- 
ner. Al the battle of Shiloh Gen. Morgan 
commanded a squadron of cavalry. He soon 
after commenced his series of raids into Ken- 
tucky, in which he destroyed military stores 
and transportation amounting to many mill- 
ions of dollars. He captured railroad trains 
loaded with supplies and soldiers, and burnt 
the trains and stores, and paroled the soldiers. 
He tore up railroad tracks, and burnt bridges, 
and destroyed culverts in the rear of the Fede- 
ral army, and prevented timely reenforcements 
and regular and necessary military supplies 
from reaching the Federal armies. In this way 
he gave a constant and excessive annoyance. 
Nothing was safe except where guarded by large 
bodies of troops. He moved with such celerity 
that Union men and small bodies of troops in 
Kentucky knew not when they laid down at 
night in perfect security, but they would wake 
up next morning in the hands of the ubiqui- 
tous Morgan. On one day he was heard of 
hundred of miles away ; on the next he was 
confronting them. He carried a telegraph 
operator with him, who tapped the wires some- 
times, and at others took possession of offices 
at posts captured by Morgan, and so man- 
aged the telegraphing as that much of the 
purport of what v,'as done in the State to 
intercept him became known to the daring 
raider. So renowned and dreaded did he 
make himself, that at length it became ne- 
cessary to make a garrison of the State of 
Kentucky. Troops were stationed at all of the 
towns of any importance, and arrangements 
made for concentrating them at the shortest 
notice, upon any given point. As a partisan 
fighter, Gen. Morgan's talent was of a high 
order. But for the full development of such 



790 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTOKY OF THE REBELLIOK 



talent one must be untrammelled. Gen. Mor- 
gan, when placed under the orders of Gen. 
Bragg, at TuUahoma, Tenn., and by him placed 
on his right flank, did not gain reputation. 
Why ? Because he was fettered by orders, and 
besides, that service was suited neither to him 
nor his men. Gen. Morgan originated the 
present mode of fighting cavalry, or mounted 
infantry, as all mounted men might now more 
properly be called. He also originated the 
idea of extensive cavalry raids to impair the 
strength and destroy the resources of an enemy. 
The mode of fighting alluded to consists in 
moving by circuitous routes with great rapidity 
to the distance of hundreds of miles, and thus 
avoiding the enemy's troops ; then falling un- 
expectedly upon detached posts or bodies of 
men or army trains. When any fighting is to 
be done, dismount the men and let them fight 
with long ranged accurate guns, as infantry. 
For it is well known that only the best cavalry 
can cope with a line of infantry armed with 
the modern improved firearm ; and that where 
Buch vast armies are in the field as the late war 
called out, it is impossible to keep them sup- 
plied with trained cavalry. It was for these 
reasons that John Morgan's mode of organ- 
izing mounted men, and fighting them on 
foot, has been so generally adopted in this 
country. It would have been better for the 
South if the idea of Morgan's raiding had never 
been originated, because the vast resources of 
men and horses at the command of the Fed- 
erals general enabled them to organize and send 
through all the unprotected and productive 
parts of that country immense raiding expedi- 
tions, which Spread devastation and suffering 
among countless thousands of women and chil- 
dren, whose natural protectors were in the 
southern armies, or had fled from the country 
to avoid military service. In 1863 he imder- 
took a bold and extensive raid through Ken- 
tucky, Indiana, and Ohio. But he, and nearly 
his entire command, were captured, and him- 
self and ofllcers confined in the Ohio Peniten- 
tiary. Some time afterwards he escaped, and 
reached Richmond, Va., where he received an 
enthusiastic ovation. He subsequently under- 
took a raid into Tennessee, but being betrayed 
while stopping at a house, was surrounded 
during the night by a company of Union cav- 
alry, and killed in his attempt to escape. 

Sept. 5. — Col. James C. Clark, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers; died in Troy, from illness 
contracted during service in Louisiana, aged 
49 years. He served in the peninsular cam- 
paign, and distinguished himself by his gal- 
lantry at Port Hudson. He was colonel of tlie 
Y9th colored regiment, and at the time of his 
death was acting as brigadier-general. 

Sept. 14. — Brig.-Gen. Joshua B. Howell, 
an officer of U. S. volunteers, was accidentally 
killed near Petersburg, Va., by being thrown 
from his horse, aged about 65 years. He was a 
brave officer, and had been wounded in several 
battles during the war. He was colonel of the 



85th regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers, and 
had recently been made brigadier-general. 

Sept. 14. — Major (Acting Colonel) Henry L. 
Pattex, an officer of U. S. volunteers, died of 
wounds received in battle near James River, 
aged 28 years. He was a native of Kingston, 
N. H., graduated at Harvai'd College in 1858, 
spent a few years in teaching, and when the 
war broke out Avas studying law. He entered 
the army with the 20th Massachusetts regi- 
ment, served in the peninsular campaign, and 
especially distinguished himself at Fredericks- 
burg, Gettysburg, and the battles of the Wil- 
derness. 

Sept. 19. — ^Brig.-Gen. A. C. Godwin, an officer 
in the Confederate service, killed at the battle 
Winchester, Va. He was a native- of Ports- 
mouth, Va., was formerly Provost-Marshal of 
Richmond, and was subsequently promoted colo- 
nel of a North Carolina regiment. A short 
time prcAious to his death he was made briga- 
dier-general. 

Sept. 19. — Maj.-Gen. Robert E. Rhodes, an 
officer in the Confederate service, killed in the 
battle at Winchester, Va. He was a native of 
Lynchburg, Va., graduated at the Virginia Mili- 
tary Institute, in the Class of 1848, and after a 
few years of professorship at that institution, 
removed to Alabama. In 1861 he entered the 
Confederate service as captain of the Mobile 
Cadets, and upon the organization of the 5th 
Alabama regiment, was appointed its colo- 
nel. Soon after the first battle of Manassas he 
was promoted to the i-ank of brigadier-general ; 
was wounded at the battle of Seven Pines, and 
also at Sharpsburg ; was present at Fredericks- 
burg and at Chancellorsville, when he was 
made major-general ; served through the Penn- 
sylvania campaign with Early, in the defence 
of Lynchburg, and with the army of the valley 
of Virginia in 1864, throughout its marches and 
battles, commanding one of the two army 
corps of which it was composed, until he fell 
at Winchester. 

Seiyt. 19. — Brig.-Gen. David A. Russell, an 
officer of U. S. volunteers, killed in battle near 
Winchester, Va. He graduated at West Point 
in 1845, served in the Mexican war, and was 
brevetted " for gallant and meritorious conduct 
at National Bridge and Cerro Gordo." In 1854 
he Avas promoted to a captaincy in the 4th reg- 
iment of infantry in the regular army, and in 
August, 1862, was made major in the 8th infan- 
try. He entered the volunteer service at the 
commencement of the present war as lieutenant- 
colonel of the 7th Massachusetts volunteers, at- 
tached to the 6th army corps, served with distinc- 
tion through the important battles of 1862-'63, 
having been commissioned a brigadier-general 
November, 1862, and subsequently was in com- 
mand of Gen. Howe's division, 6th araiy corps, 
and in that command served with distinction 
at Gettysburg, and in the campaign of Gen. 
Grant from the Rapidan to the James. In the 
summer of 1864 he was transferred to the com- 
mand of a division in the army of the Shenan- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



791 



doah, where he met his death, gallantly fighting 
at the head of his troops. 

Sept. 24. — Commodore Thomas A. Co>rovER, 
U. S. navy, died at South Amboy, N. J., aged 
73 years. He entered the navy in January, 
1812, his first cruise being on the Essex, com- 
manded by Captain David Porter, during the 
"war with England. His next service was un- 
der Commodore McDonough, on Lake Cham- 
plain. Promoted to a lieutenancy shortly after, 
he served on board the Guerriere in the Medi- 
terranean, and subsequently in other vessels in 
various portions of the world until his promo- 
tion to the position of commander about 1835, 
in -which capacity he commanded the John 
Adams sloop-of-war some years. In 1848 he 
was promoted to the rank of captain, and in 
the years 1857-'58 commanded the squadron on 
the coast of Africa, the old Constitution being 
his flag-ship. In July, 1862, on the creation by 
law of the grade of commodores in the navy, 
he received a commission as such. He had been 
in the service fifty-three years. 

Sept. 29. — Brig.-Gen. Hiijam Buenham, an 
officer of U. S. volunteers, killed in battle at 
Chaflin's Farm. He entered the service as colo- 
nel of the 6th Maine volunteers, leading them 
with skill and gallantry througli the peninsular 
campaign, at Antietam, and subsequently. At 
the second battle of Fredericksburg he distin- 
guished himself for bravery and courage, and 
again at Gettysburg. In April, 1864, he was 
made brigadiei'-geueral, and during the cam- 
paign from the Wilderness to Petersbui-g, he 
bore a conspicuous part. A few weeks previous 
to his death he was assigned to a brigade in 
Stannard's division 18th corps. 

Sept. 29.— Col. N. E. Welch, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, killed in battle near Chaffin's 
Farm. He was commissioned colonel in 1863, 
and was placed in command of the 16th Michi- 
gan regiment, at the head of which he was gal- 
lantly fighting when he met his death. He was 
regarded as one of the bravest and most skilful 
officers of the volunteer- service. 

Oct. 3. — Lieut. Johs R. Meigs, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, killed by guerrillas near Har- 
risonburg. He was the only son of Maj.-Gen, 
Meigs, Quartermaster-General; graduated at 
West Point in 1863, at the head of his class, 
and with the highest honors, and was immedi- 
ately sent to the field, where he highly distin- 
guished himself during the campaigns in Mary- 
land, Harper's Ferry, and the Shenandoah val- 
ley. At the time of his death he was engaged 
in making a military survey, in his capacity of 
Chief Engineer of the Army of the Shenandoah. 

Oct. 5. — Col. James Redfield, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, was killed at the head of his 
regiment in the battle of AUatoona Pass, Ga., 
aged 40 years. He was a native of Clyde, Wayne 
County, N. Y., graduated at Yale "College in 
1845, studied law, and was for some time in 
the office of the Secretary of State (New York). 
He subsequently removed to Iowa, and was 
elected State Senator. At the outbreak of the 



rebellion he assisted in raising the 39tli Iowa 
regiment, which he led through nearly all the 
hard campaigns of the Western army. 

Oct. 6. — Col. J. C. Thomas Amoet, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, died of yellow fever at 
Newbern, N. C. He graduted at the military 
academy, West Point, in 1851, and was assigned 
to the 7th infantry, in which he obtained a 
first lieutenancy in 1855, and in 1861 a cap- 
taincy. In the latter year he was appointed 
colonel of the 17th Mass. volunteers, with which 
regiment he took part in Gen. Burnside's North 
Carolina expedition, participating in the capture 
of Newbern, where he remained stationed up 
to the time of his death. During neaidy the 
whole of his service in North Carolina he was 
in command of a brigade. 

Oct. 7. — Brig.-Gen, Gregg, an officer in the 
Confederate service, killed in battle near Peters- 
burg, Va. He was commanding a Texas bri- 
gade at the time of his death. 

Oct. 13. — Dr. Emil Ohlexschlager, late 
medical inspector on Gen. Sheridan's staff, was 
murdered by guerrillas near Winchester, aged 
29 years. 

Oct. 13. — Col. Geoege D. Welles, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, died of wounds received in 
the battle near Strasburg. He was made colo- 
nel of the 34th regiment Massachusetts volun- 
teers, August, 1862. 

Oct. 14. — Col. John P. Sanderson, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, and Provost Marshal Gen- 
eral of the Department of Missouri,, died at St. 
Louis. He had filled many important offices 
of trust during the war, among which was that 
of chief clerk of the War Department, during 
Mr. Cameron's term as Secretary. Before re- 
signing that, he was appointed lieutenant-colo- 
nel of the 15th U. S. infantry, and soon after 
was commissioned colonel of the 13th U. S. 
infantry, with which he passed through the 
fearful contest of Chickamauga. Some months 
previous to his death he was appointed to the 
responsible office of Provost Marshal General 
at St. Louis. 

Oct. 14. — Brig.-Gen. Wadkins, an officer in 
the Confederate service, killed in the battle of 
Resaca, Ga. 

Oct. 18. — Daniel Bell Birnet, a major-gen- 
eral of volunteers in the service of the United 
States, and at the time of his death commander 
of the 10th army corps, born in Huntsville, Ala., 
in 1825, died in Philadelphia, Oct. 18th, 1864. 
Gen. Birney was a sou of the late Hon. J, G. 
Birney, an Alabama planter and statesman, 
who emancipated all of his slaves, and coming 
first to Cincinnati, and afterwards to Michigan, 
to advocate the cause of emancipation, was, in 
1844, the candidate of the liberty party for the 
presidency. His son received his academical 
education in Cincinnati, and also studied law 
there, but after his admission to the bar was 
for two or three years engaged in mercantile 
pursuits. In 1848 he removed to Philadelphia 
and opened a law office, and soon acquired a 
large practice. He early connected himself 



792 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Avith one of the volunteer militia companies of 
that city, and at the commencement of the war 
was active in raising a Philadelpliia regiment 
under the three months' call, of which he was 
appointed lieutenant-colonel. At the expiration 
of their time of service, the men reiinlisted 
under him as colonel, and the regiment joined 
the Army of the Potomac. In Fehruary, 1862, 
he was appointed brigadier-general, and served 
in all the battles of the peninsula, as well as 
those before Washington. In the battle of 
Fredericksburg he distinguished himself, and 
in the battle of Chancellorsville his brigade, in 
Berry's division, rendered efficient service in 
checking the advance of Jackson's troops after 
the panic in the 11th corps. After the death 
of Gen. Berry he took command of the division, 
being promoted to a major-generalship May 
23d, 1803, and led it in the battle of Gettys- 
burg, commanding the corps after Gen. Sickles 
was wounded. After the 2d corps had been 
recruited to about 40,000 men, he was assigned 
to the command of one of its divisions, and in 
the campaign of 1804 his bravery and skill 
had called tbi'th the warm commendations of 
his superior officers. In pushing Lee back from 
the wilderness, in the movements toward the 
North Anna, the crossing of that river and the 
Pamunkey, in the actions of Hanover Court 
House and Bethesda Church, in the battle of 
Cold Harbor, and indeed in every battle of the 
campaign, his division was foremost in the very 
heart of danger. On the 23d of July Gen. 
Grant promoted him to the command of the 
10th army coi-ps, in the Army of the James. 
Early in October he was taken sick with mala- 
rious fever, and his constitution was so seri- 
ously impaired by the great exertions he had 
made at the time of the rebel attack on Kautz's 
cavalry corps, being then ill in bed, that it could 
not withstand the onset of the disease. He was 
brought home to Philadelphia, and though al- 
most in a dying state, insisted on being borne 
to the polls (the State election being in progress) 
to vote before he was carried home. He was 
greatly esteemed and beloved both in the army 
and in Philadelphia. 

Oct. 19. — Brig.-Gen. Daniel D. Bidwell, an 
officer of U. S. volunteers, killed in the battle 
of Cedar Creek, Va., aged about 48 years. He 
was born in the township of Buffido, N. Y., 
where he became a prominent and influential 
citizen, and for more than twenty years was 
identified with the miUtary organizations of the 
city. When the war broke ont he was holding 
the office of police justice, but resigned his posi- 
tion and entered the 65th regiment of volunteers 
as a pi-ivate, and was subsequently appointed 
brigade inspector. Upon the death of the cap- 
tain of his company he resigned that position, 
accepted the command vacated, and withdraw- 
ing it from the regiment, reorganized it as an 
independent citizens' corps, thus forming the 
nucleus of what has since been known as the 
V4th regiment. In September, 1861, he was 
commissioned colonel of the 49th regiment, 



served with it through the peninsular campaign, 
and dm-ing the " seven days' battles " was in 
command of a brigade, continuing in charge 
from Harrison's Landing to Washington, and up 
to the time of the battles of South Mountain 
and Antietam, when he resumed command of 
his regiment. Col. Bidwell took a prominent 
part in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chan- 
cellorsville, commanded a brigade at Gettys- 
burg, and when Gen. Gi-ant took command 
of the armies in Virginia, was again placed in 
charge of a brigade, participating in all the 
battles near Petersburg. He was commissioned 
brigadier-general in July, 1864, and had served 
with honor in all the late battles in the Shenan- 
doah valley, under Gen. Sheridan. 

Oct. 19. — Col. Joseph Thobtjex, an officer 
of U. S. volunteers, who entered the service in 
1801 as colonel of the 1st regiment West Vir- 
ginia volunteers, killed in the battle of Cedar 
Creek. He was a brave and able officer, and 
at the time of his death was commanding the 
1st division of the Army of the Shenandoah. 
While rallying his men he was treacherously 
surprised and shot by a rebel officer in the 
Union uniform. 

Oct. 20. — Charles Russell Lowell, an 
American soldier, born in Boston in 1835, died 
near Cedar Creek, Va., October 20th, 1864. 
He was educated at the Public Latin School of 
Boston, and in 1854, when scarcely nineteen 
years of age, graduated at Harvard College 
with the first honors. After several years of 
travel in Europe he entered into commercial 
pursuits, and at the outbreak of the present re- 
bellion was superintendent of some iron-works 
in Maryland. He immediately sought service 
in the army, and was commissioned a captain 
in the Sixth regiment of regular cavalry. Dur* 
ing the next two years he saw much service as 
a cavalry officer and as a member of Gen. Mc- 
Clellan's staff, and after participating in the 
peninsular campaign and in the military opera- 
tions in Virginia and Maryland of the succeed- 
ing autumn, was appointed early in 1803 to 
comhiand the 2d Massachusetts cavalry, then 
organizing in the neighborhood of Boston. In 
this capacity he on one occasion, by his cool- 
ness and personal courage, rej^ressed a danger- 
ous mutiny among a portion of his command. 
The regiment, upon being recruited to its full 
number, was sent to Washington, where for 
more than a year Col. Lowell held command 
of all the cavalry about the city, a post re- 
quiring no little vigilance and activity, in view 
of the daring depredations by Mosby's guerril- 
las, whom his troopers frequently encountered 
and dispersed. Becoming weary of this guard 
duty, and longing for the opportunity to serve 
in a regular campaign, he gladly transferred his 
command to Sheridan's army in the valley of 
the Shenandoah, and in every subsequent en- 
gagement and reconnoissance showed such 
ability and courage, that a brigadier-general's 
commission would undoubtedly have been soon 
conferred upon him, had he lived. He was 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF TDE REBELLION. 



793 



mortally wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek, 
Oct. 19th, and died on the succeeding day. He 
had hitherto seemed to bear a charmed life, 
having had twelve horses killed under him 
within three years, and escaped without a 
wound. In social position, in culture, and in 
intellectual gifts. Col. Lowell was one of the 
most promising young men that New England 
has sent to the war. Almost every great quality 
belonging to the soldier seemed to be his, and 
his whole soul was absorbed in the cause for 
which he fought and died. 

Oct. 20. — Maj.-Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur, 
an officer in the Confederate ser\nce, died of 
wounds received in the battle of Cedar Creek, 
He was commanding a division in Early's army. 

Oct. 26. — Brig.-Gen, J. Fagax, an officer in 
the Confederate service from Texas, killed in 
Kansas. He had been a prominent actor in 
most of the important Western battles, and 
distinguished himself for his bravery as com- 
mander of a regiment in the battle of Shiloh, 
and as a brigadier in the battle of Corinth. 

Oct. 27. — Brig.-Gen. Deaeing, an offi- 
cer in the Confederate service, killed near 
Petersburg, Va. 

Oct. 27. — Col. KiDDOo, an officer of 

U. S. volunteers, died from wounds received in 
battle near Richmond. He was in command 
of the 22d regiment F. S. colored troops. 

Oct. 29. — Brig.-Gen. Thomas E. Greexfield 
Raxsom, an officer of U. S. volunteers, born in 
Norwich,- Yt., Nov. 29, li34, died of dysentery 
at Rome, Ga., Oct. -29, 1864. In 1846 he 
entered Norwich University, continuing there, 
with the exception of a short interval, until 
the age of seventeen. In 1851 he entered upon 
the practise of his profession as an engineer, 
in Lasalle County, 111. Three years later he 
embarked in the real estate business at Peru, in 
that State, and in 1855 removed to Chicago to 
become a member of a firm largely engaged in 
land operations. At a later period he removed 
to Fayette County, and while engaged in trade 
acted as an agent for the Illinois Central Rail- 
road Company. At the commencement of 1,he 
war he raised a company and proceeded to 
Camp Yates, at Springfield, April 24, 1861, 
where it was organized into the 11th Illinois 
volunteers, and upon the election of officers he 
was made major. After the expiration of the 
three months' service the regiment was re- 
organized and mustered in for three yeai's. 
Ransom being elected lieutenant-colonel. On 
the night of the 19th of August, in a brilliant 
dash upon Charleston, Mo., he was severely 
wounded, and in consequence was granted a 
furlough of thirty days, but reported for duty 
upon the seventh day. He participated in the 
capture of Fort Henry, and led his regiment in 
the assault upon Fort Donelson, where he was 
again severely wounded, his clothing being 
pierced by six bullets, but he would not leave 
the field until the battle was ended. For his 
gallantry upon that occasion he was promoted 
to the colonelcy. At Shiloh, Col. Ransom led 



his regiment through the hottest part of the 
battle, and was mentioned by Maj.-Gen. Mc- 
Clernand in his official report as " performing 
prodigies of valor, though reeling in his saddle 
and streaming with blood from a serious 
wound." He subsequently served upon the 
staff of Gen. McClernand, and also upon that 
of Gen. Grant, who has on several occasions 
borne testimony to his bravery as an officer. 
In January, 1863, Ransom was appointed briga- 
dier-general, his commission dating from No- 
vember, 1862. lie won honor to himself at 
Vicksburg and during the Red River campaign, 
commanded a division until Gen. McClernand 
fell ill, when the command of the corps de- 
volved upon him. In the disastrous battle of 
Sabine Cross-Roads, April, 1864, while fighting 
with a courage and bravery unsurpassed, he 
was severely wounded in the knee. The limb 
was examined by four surgeons, two advising 
amputation, and the others deeming it unneces- 
sary. Subsequently Gen, Ransom was assigned 
to the command of the 4th division, 16th army 
corps, operating in the vicinity of Atlanta, 
from thence he was promoted to the command 
of the left Aving of the corps, and finally to 
the command of the 17th corps. From the 
date of the capitulation of Atlanta, Gen. Ran- 
som had suffered from a severe attack of dys- 
entery, but no consideration would induce him 
to leave the post of duty. "While his corps was 
in pursuit of Hood's army he directed its move- 
ments, though obliged to ride in an ambulance, 
being too weak to sit upon his horse, and soon 
after sank under the power of liis disease. 
His career, though short, was brilliant. He 
was a man of fine genius, great military capaci- 
ty, and of unblemished personal character. 

Oct. 29. — Col. Henry Clay Pate, an officer 
in the Confederate service, killed during the 
engagement between Gens. Sheridan and Stu- 
art's cavalry near Richmond, aged about 33 
years. He was a native of Western Virginia, 
and was a speaker and writer of some distinc- 
tion. He attained an unenviable notoriety as 
a " border ruffian " leader in the Kansas 
troubles of 1855-58. On the breaking out of 
the war he raised a battalion of cavalry in 
Richmond, which was soon merged in the 5th 
Virginia cavalry, and being promoted to the 
rank of lieutenant-colonel, served through the 
principal battles in Virginia. He had but re- 
cently been made colonel. 

Nov. 7.— Col. Cornelius W. Tolles, Chief 
Quartermaster of Gen. Sheridan's army, died 
at Winchester, Va., of wounds received from 
guerrillas Oct. llth, in the 37th year of his age. 
He entered the service of the United States in 
May, 1861, as first lieutenant of the 13th regi- 
ment of infanti-y, and received his appointment 
of quartermaster August, 1862. He served 
constantly in the field, discharging the duties 
of his position with zeal and fidelity, winning 
the confidence and esteem of commanders and 
subordinates. His health having given way 
under his severe labors, he was temporarily 



794 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



placed on duty as inspector ; but, upon his re- 
covery, he was appointed Acting Chief Quarter- 
master of tlie Middle Militai-y Division. While 
actively engaged in the duties of this position, 
he published some valuable contributions to 
military literature in the "United States Sei'- 
vice Magazine," the "Army and Navy Jour- 
nal," and elsewhere. 

Nov. 19. — Lient.-Col. James A. P. Hopkins, 
an officer of U. S. volunteers, died in New 
York city. He entered the volunteer service 
■with the 133d regiment N. Y. (2d Metropoli- 
tan), sharing with it in the siege of Port Hud- 
son. He also fought with great bravery and 
skill in other engagements in the department 
of Gen. Banks. During the latter part of his 
career at the South he was appointed Chief of 
Police in the city of New Orleans, and subse- 
quently received a commission as Chief of the 
United States Detective force of that city. 

Nov. 25. — Maj. Joseph W. Paine, an officer 
of U. • S. volunteers, died suddenly in New 
Orleans, La. He was a native of Boston, 
Mass., and for several years was an associate 
editor and publisher, with William Mathews, 
of the " Yankee Blade." More recently he 
was connected with several of the leading life 
insurance companies of New York city, but 
continued to contribute to some of the princi- 
pal Boston and New York journals. In the 
summer of 1863 he entered into the volunteer 
service as first lieutenant of the 13th New 
York cavalry, and in 1864 was commissioned 
major of the 4th U. S. colored cavalry, and at 
once proceeded to the Department of the 
Gulf. During the Red River campaign he did 
able and effective service, but in -August was 
obliged tp come North for the benefit of his 
health. AVhile there he entered into the politi- 
cal campaign, supporting the Administration 
both with pen and voice. The second week in 
November he returned to New Orleans, before 
his health was sufficiently recruited, and died 
within a week of his arrival. 

Nov. 26. — Col. Frederick Beckham, an offi- 
cer of artillery in the Confederate army, killed 
at Columbia, Tenn., by a fragment of stone, 
which, being thrown into the air by the ex- 
plosion of a shell from the Federal guns, struck 
him in the head and penetrated the brain. At 
the battle of Manassas, and indeed in many 
other severe battles fought by the Virginia 
army, he commanded a battery of field guns, 
and distinguished himself by his courage and 
ability. He was a graduate of West Point, and 
served some time on Gen. Hood's staff", when 
that officer was in the army of Virginia. When 
Gen. Hood was promoted to a lieutenant- 
generalcy. Col. Beckham was promoted to a 
colonelcy of artillery, January, 18G4, and as- 
signed* to Hood's staff' as chief of artillery of 
his corps in the Army of Tennessee. 

Nov. 30. — Major-Gen. Patrick Cleburn, an 
officer of the Confederate army, killed at the 
battle of Franklin, Tenn. Gen. Cleburn was 
born in Ireland, but received his military edu- 



cation in the English army. When the war 
broke out it found Gen. Clebui-n practising 
law in Arkansas, where his talents had raised 
him to the head of his profession. He entered 
the army as a private, and by his merit and 
successful engagements rose to the rank he bore 
when he fell. His division was thought invin- 
cible. His name was a tower of strength, and 
the tide of battle often changed on whatever 
part of the battle-field he and his division ap- 
peared. His command was composed of vet- 
erans from Texas and Arkansas. Gen. Cleburn's 
horse fell dead across the Federal breastworks, 
and he was mortally wounded himself, and died 
in a few moments. 

Nov. 30. — Col. HcTGH Garland, an officer of 
the Confederate army, killed at the battle of 
Franklin, Tenn. Col. Garland was from St. 
Louis, Mo., and had, by the death of Col. Riely, 
succeeded to the command of the 1st Missouri 
regiment of infantry only a short time before 
his death. At the time of his becoming colonel 
of his regiment, he was in Richmond on special 
duty, recruiting from exchanged jirisoners, and 
rejoined his command at Kenesaw Mountain 
some time in June, 1864. He fell at the head 
of his regiment in the charge on the breast- 
works of Gen. Schofield's army. Col. Garland's 
personal appearance was very striking. He 
was nearly six feet two inches in height, and 
well proportioned, fair complexion, high smooth 
forehead, and light blue eyes; his manners 
were bland and courteous ; his disposition noble 
and kind, and his gallantry and courage un- 
doubted. 

Dec. 9. — Lieut. -Col. Luoius M. Sargent, an 
officer of U. S. volunteers, killed near Meherrin 
River, Va. He was a son of Lucius M. Sargent, 
the Avell-known author. He was in command 
of the 1st Massachusetts cavalry. 

Dec. 11. — Col. J. Howard Kitohing, an offi- 
cer of U. S. volunteers, formerly colonel of the 
6th New York artillery, but of late in command 
of a provisional division in the Army of the 
Shenandoah, died from the effects of a wound 
received in the battle of Cedar Creek, at his 
father's residence, Dobbs' Ferry, N. Y. He 
was a native of New York, Avas well educated, 
and at the opening of the war enlisted as a 
private in the Lincoln cavalry. He was trans- 
ferred soon after to the 2d New York artillery, 
in which he soon rose to the rank of captain, 
and by diligent study and observation made 
himself an accomplished artillerist and thorough 
military scholar. He served in every battle in 
which the 6th corps was engaged during the 
peninsular campaign, and in the autumn of 
1862 became lieutenant-colonel of the 135th 
New York volunteers, afterwai-ds the 6th New 
York artillery, of which regiment he became 
the commander on the promotion of Col. Mor- 
ris to the brigadier-generalship. From the time 
of his receiving a commission as colonel he was 
almost constantly in command of a brigade, 
and repeatedly received the special commen- 
dation of his superior officers, especially that of 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



795 



Gen. Meade, for his extraordinary gallantry in 
the action of the 19th of May. In the battle 
of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19th, his division bore the 
brunt of Gen. Early's attack, and fought with 
desperate valor. He was wounded in the ankle 
early in the action, but would not leave the 
field till the close of the battle ; but erysipelas 
set in after the first operation, rendering a sec- 
ond necessary, under which he died. 

Dec. 16. — Col. O. De Forrest, an officer of 
U. S. volunteers, died in New York. He was 
among the first to enter the army at the begin- 
ning of the rebellion, commanding the 5th New 
York cavalry until a ■short time after the battle 
of Gettysburg. During the Mainland and 
Pennsylvania campaign he commanded the 5th 
brigade of Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry division, 
and distinguished himself as an excellent officer. 



Dec. 24. — John Lawrence Fox, M.D., Fleet- 
Surgeon F. S. navy, died at his residence in 
Roxbury, Mass., aged 54 years. He was a 
native of Salem, Mass., graduated at Amherst 
College in 1831, and in 1837 entered the navy 
as assistant surgeon. In 1847 he received a 
full commission. A few months previous to 
his death he was appointed fleet-surgeon upon 
the staff of Admiral Porter, and his death was 
doubtless the result of overtaxing his system by 
the severe duties of liis department. 

Dec. 25. — Major John S. Fillmore, paymas- 
ter U. S. Army, died at his residence in Denver 
City, Colorado Territory. He was a native of 
the State of New York ; was appointed pay- 
master by the Governor of Colorado in August, 
1861, and was commissioned paymaster in the 
U. S. array by the President, in November, 1862. 



1865. 



Jan. 1. — Angus W. McDonald, a colonel of 
in the Confederate service, and for many years 
brigadier-general of Virginia militia, died in 
Richmond, Va. He was a native of New York, 
and was born in 1802. His father was a major 
in the United States army, and died during the 
war of 1812, at Buffalo, N. Y. The son was 
appointed a cadet at "West Point, and graduated 
in 1817, and on his graduation was appointed 
third lieutenant in the artillery corps. He was 
promoted to a second lieuteuantcy in Februaiy, 
1818, and in April of the same year to a first 
lieutenancy. He resigned in January, 1819, 
and commenced the practice of law at Romney, 
Va. He had been for many years a brigadier- 
general of the militia in Virginia, and on the 
breaking out of the war received a commission 
as colonel of volunteers in the Confederate 
army. "* In June, 1864, he was captured by 
Gen. Hunter, near Lexington, Va., and was ex- 
changed on the 14th of November. 

Jan. 16. — Col. Locis Bell, of the 4th New 
Hampshire volunteers, acting brigadier-general, 
died of wounds received at Fort Fisher the pre- 
ceding day. He was born in Chester, N. IL, 
in 1836, and was the youngest son of the late 
Governor Samuel Bell. He graduated at 
Brown University in 1853, and commenced the 
practice of law at Farmington, N. H. In 1860 
he was appointed Solicitor for Stafford County. 
In April, 1861, he was offered the captaincy of 
a company of the 1st New Hampshire regiment 
of three months' men, and served during the 
campaign. Returning home he was appointed 
lieutenant-colonel of the 4th New Hampshire 
volunteers, and upon the resignation of Col. 
Whipple, in ^larch, 1862, was made commander 
of the regiment. Col. Bell was for some time 
a member of Gen. T. W. Sherman's staff", and 
■was inspector general of the Department of the 
South from November, 1861, to March, 1862. 
Previously to the Wilmington expedition he 



had been several times temporarily a brigade 
commander, and had served bravely at Poco- 
taligo and at the siege of Fort Wagner.- At 
the attack on Fort Fisher he commanded a 
brigade of Gen. Ames' division, and was mor- 
tally wounded while leading his men in an 
assault upon one of the traverses of that work. 
He was a brother of Chief Justice Bell, of 
Manchester, N. H., of the late Dr. Luther V. 
Bell, of the McLean Lunatic Asylum, and of 
Dr. John Bell, U. S. A. 

Jan. 21. — Brevet Brig.-Gen. Charles Whee- 
lock, colonel of 97th New York volunteers, 
died at Washington, D. C, from disease con- 
tracted in the service. He was, a native and 
resident of Oneida County, N. Y., where he 
was engaged at the beginning of the war in a 
large and prosperous business, which he aban- 
doned immediately after the fall of Fort Sumter, 
and devoted his whole time to raising men for 
the army, pledging himself to provide for their 
families. In the summer of 1861 he said to a 
friend : " I am worth, I think, in the neighbor- 
hood of §10,000. Half of this I have already 
given or pledged to aid the war, and if my 
country wants the other half it can have it, 
and myself into the bargain." Becoming im- 
patient with the slow progress of the war, he 
soon after commenced raising a regiment on 
his own hook, fed and housed several hundred 
men at his pei-sonal expense for many months, 
and after a series of embarrassments and 
disappointments that would have disheartened 
almost any other man, completed its organiza- 
tion and marched it to the field. Entirely 
without military experience, and with but a 
very limited general education, he became one 
of the best v(5luMteer oflicers in the service, and 
so signally distinguished himself that he was 
brevetted brigadier-general for bravery and 
good soldiership. He had seen much service, 
was engaged in many of the bloodiest battles in 



796 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



Virginia, was taken prisoner, if we mistake not, 
at the second battle of Bull Run, and tasted for 
many months the sweets of prison life at Rich- 
mond, but was subsequently exchanged, when 
he rejoined his old regiment and did more 
gallant service in behalf of the old flag. 

Jan. 29. — Dr. Robert Montgomery Smith 
Jackson, Medical Inspector of the 23d army 
corps, and acting medical director of the De- 
partment of the Ohio, died at Chattanooga, 
Tenn. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
a resident of Cresson, Pa., at the commence- 
ment of the war. He was widely known 
throughout Pennsylvania, being distinguished 
for great force of character, decided opinion, 
and some eccentricity withal. He was a man 
of strong and generous feelings, and intense in 
his patriotism. As a scientific man he had 
few superiors in Pennsylvania. lie was thor- 
oughly versed in all departments of natural 
science, and as a geologist and botanist was 
specially distinguished. He was a member of 
tlie Pennsylvania Geological Commission, of 
which Professor Rogers was chief, and very 
miich of the results of that survey are due to 
the skill and industry of Dr. Jackson. He was 
an enthusiastic mountaineer, and believed that 
in the pure air of the AUeghanies the enervated 
and listless inhabitants of cities and the low- 
lands would find health, strength, and energy. 
He published, some years ago a work called 
"The Mountain," which is distinguished by a 
love of nature, and by a scientific handling of 
the topics, which, without being too technical, 
is of a character to elevate the human mind 
and teach the reader to look " from nature up 
to nature's G-od." Some of Dr. Jackson's views 
are bold and startling, but his fine command of 
language, his, chaste and vigorous style, places 
the book among the most remarkable of its 
kind ever written. Dr. Jackson was a member 
of the American Philosophical Society, Acade- 
my of Natural Sciences, and other learned 
institutions. 

Jan. — . — Lieut.-Col. Lewis Ledtard Weld, 
U. S. 0. T., formerly Secretary of the Territory 
of Colorado, died before Petersburg. He was 
a native of Hartford, Conn., born about 1834, 
and son of the late Lewis Weld, president of 
the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb. 
He gi-aduated at Yale College in 1856, and 
studied law. In 1858 he removed to Leaven- 
worth, Kansas, where he practised law for two 
years, writing frequently for the newspaper 
press. In 1862 he was made Secretary of Colo- 
rado, and was the first editor of the Denver 
Commonwealth. In 1863 he was made lieu- 
tenant-colonel of a colored regiment, and served 
with distinction through Grant's campaign till 
his death. 

Fel). 6. — John Pegram, a major-general in 
the Confederate service, mortally wounded in 
the battle of Hatcher's Run, and died in Peters- 
burg the following day. He was a son of the 
late Hon. John Pegram, M. C. from Virginia in 
1818 and 1819. but was born in South Carolina, 



to which State his father had removed. He 
graduated at West Point in 1855, and at the 
opening of the war was first lieutenant of 2d 
dragoons, but resigned on the secession of his 
State, and was soon after a])pointed to the 
command of a Confederate volunteer regiment, 
and in 1862 promoted to be brigadiei'-general. 
He was in most of the severe battles of the 
Army of Virginia, and in 1864 was made major- 
general. His division had distinguished itself 
throught the campaign of 18C4-'65 for its per- 
sistent and desperate fighting, and its oom- 
mandei-, Gen. John Pegram, was regarded •^y 
his superiors in command as one of the ablest 
division commanders in the army. 

Feb. G.^-JoiiN H. Winder, a brigadier-gen- 
eral in the Confederate service, died at Florence, 
S. C, of apoplexy. He was a native of Mary- 
land, the son of Gen. William H. Windei', of 
Baltimore, an officer in the war of 1812, and 
graduated at West Point about 1825. He 
served in the array with considerable distinc- 
tion, took part in the Mexican war, and at the 
commencement of the rebellion was major and 
brevet lieutenant-colonel of the 3d artillery. 
He resigned, and entered the Confederate ser- 
vice, where he was soon made a brigadier- 
general, but was not employed in active service 
to any great extent. He commanded the post 
of Richmond, and had charge of the Union 
prisoners in Libby Prison and Belle Isle for 
some time, and was finally sent to Anderson- 
ville, Ga., in a similar capacity. When Sher- 
man's expedition passed through Georgia, he 
left Andersouville and repaired first to Charles- 
ton, and afterwards to Florence, where he died. 

Feb. 8. — Lieut.-Col. Tremaine, of the 

10th New York cavalry, died near Petersburg 
of wounds received at the battle of Hatcher's 
Run, Feb. 6th. He was the son of the Hon. 
Lyman Tremaine of Albany, and was born in 
Greene County, N. Y., in June, 1843 ; entered 
Hobart College in the fall of 1860, and remained 
till the summer of 1862, when unable longer to 
resist the calls of patriotism, he entered the 
army as adjutant of the 7th New York heavy 
artillery. He served with distinction in the 
defences of Washington, and subsequently as 
assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of 
captain, on the statt' of Gen. Davies of the cav- 
alry in Kilpatrick's division of the Potomac 
army. In this position he distinguished him- 
self by his bravery and the prompt and intelli- 
gent discharge of his duties. In December, 
1864, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel 
of the 10th New York cavalry, in the command 
of which regiment he was wounded at Hatch- 
er's Run in the battle of February 6th, and died 
on the following Wednesday. Col. Tremaine 
was distinguished for an unusual degree of 
generosity, firmness, and courage, great ability 
and entire devotion to the cause of his country. 

Feh. 9. — Capt. James Melvin Gilliss, an offi- 
cer of the U. S. naval service, and at the time 
of his death Superintendent of the National 
Observatory, was born in the District of Co- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



797 



lumbia in 1810, died in Washington, D. 0., of 
apolexy, Feb. 9, 1865. He entered the navy as 
midshipman March 1, 1827, having enjoyed 
good previous advantages of education. He 
spent but little time afloat, his entire sea service 
amounting to only four years and seven months, 
his fondness and adaptation for astronom- 
ical studies having led to his being employed 
very early in that department of naval service. 
In 1838 he organized the first working observa- 
tory in the United States, and during the five 
following years collected and published his 
astronomical observations, the first American 
work of the kind published. In September, 
18-42, Lieut. Gilliss was appointed to plan and 
superintend the construction of a naval observa- 
tory, which was completed and furnished in 1845. 
On the 16th of November, 1848, he was ordered 
to proceed to Chili to make observations for the 
determination of the Solar Parallax, and re- 
mained there three years. Through his influ- 
ence a naval observatory was established in 
that country, and he completed a series of ob- 
servations of great value, not only in regard to 
the Solar Parallax, but to the constellations of 
the Southern Hemisphere, and to earthquakes, 
and other subjects relating to the physical geog- 
raphy of Chili. His observations have been 
published by the Government in a series of 
quarto volumes. In 1858 he visited Peru to 
observe the total eclipse of the sun, which was 
most complete and and protracted in that coun- 
try, and in 1860 made the journey to "Washing- 
ton Territory for the same purpose. His ob- 
servations in regard to both were of great im- 
portance, and went far toward settling several 
questions of interest m relation to the form and 
properties of the sun. On the flight of Lieut. 
Maury at the commencement of the war, Com- 
mander Gilliss was at once placed in charge of 
the Observatory (his appointment bearing date 
April 22, 1861), which he had constructed and 
equipped sixteen years before; a most bene- 
ficial change to the institution, which, under his 
charge, soon became one of the few first-class 
observatories in the world. He found a vast 
amount of work left in arrears by his prede- 
cessor, no reduction of the observations of the 
previous six years having been made. He ap- 
plied himself to the work of bringing them up, 
and of adding new and valuable observations, 
with great industry, and perhaps with an as- 
siduity which may have caused his untimely 
death" On the IGth of July, 1862, he was" 
promoted to the rank of captain in the navy. 
He had won for himself a high reputation 
among the most eminent astronomers of the 
world by his profound astronomical knowledge 
and his eagerness in the pursuit of his favorite 
science. Shortly before his death he had made 
an official report to the Secretary of the Navy, 
detailing the scientific observations made in 
various observatories of the world, under his 
auspices or at his request, to ascertain the par- 
allax of the planet Mars, and the result as ap- 
proximating the exact distance from the earth 



to the sun. He possessed a rare degree of me 
chanical ingenuity, and had contributed many 
valuable improvements in the instruments of 
astronomical science. Thoroughly Union, he 
had given one son to his country's service, who, 
after a long imprisonment in one of the South- 
ern prisons, had reached home the evening 
before his father's decease. 

Fcl. 12.— Col. Dean, of the 58th U. S. 

colored troops, was killed in Arkansas. He 
was on an expedition from Helena across the 
country to St. Francis River. 

Fei. 22. — Lieut.-Commander Marshall C. 
Campbell, an oflicer of the U. S. naval service, 
and until a short time before his death instruc- 
tor in seamanship and naval tactics in the Naval 
Academy, died in Baltimore, Md. He was born 
in Tennessee, in 1834, but was admitted to the 
Naval Academy from Mississippi, where his 
parents then resided, in February, 1850. He 
was a young ofiicer, of fine attainments, and 
had spent nine years and seven months of the 
fifteen years he had been in the navy, afloat, 
his last cruise ha\ing closed in September, 1864. 
His assiduity in the performance of his duties 
had so far overtasked a somewhat feeble frame 
that he returned to Baltimore, now the resi- 
dence of his widowed mother, only to die. 
Although from a State in rebellion, he was dis- 
tinguished for his thorough attachment to the 
national cause. 

March 10.— Maj.-Gen, William H. 0. Whi- 
ting, an otficer in the Confederate service, 
wounded at Fort Fisher, and taken prisoner, 
died at Governor's Island, N. Y., whither he 
had been removed. He was a native of New 
York, was born about 1825, and graduated at 
West Point in 1845, ranking very high in his 
class. He took part in the Mexican war, and 
was promoted rapidly for an ofiicer of engineers, 
having attained the rank of captain of engi- 
neers in 1861, when he went over to the rebels, 
having resided for some years in Virginia. He 
was made a brigadier-general in 1862 and a 
major-general in 1863. In the autumn of 1864 
he was put in command of Fort Fisher, and 
was in charge during both attacks. 

March 25. — Brig.-Gen. William R. Terry, 
an officer in the Confederate service, killed in 
the assault on Fort Stedman, near Petersburg. 
He was a native of Virginia, and had been 
educated in the Lexington (Va.) Military 
Academy. 

April 1. — Brevet Brig.-Gen, Frederiok 
WiNTHROP (Colonel of the 5th New York vol- 
unteers and captain 12th infantry U. S. army), 
killed at the battle of Five Forks, Va., while 
leading the 1st brigade, 2d division, 5th corps. 
He was born in New York in 1840, joined the 
71st regiment New York State militia in its 
three months' service at the beginning of the 
war as a private, and fought at Bull Run. In 
October, 1861, he was appointed captain in the 
12th U. S. infantry (regular army), and con- 
tinued in service until the battles of the Wilder- 
ness in 1864, when he was appointed colonel 



798 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF* THE REBELLION". 



of the Sfh New York regiment, and shortly 
afterwards brevetted brigadier-general for gal- 
lantry in the field. He was a cousin of the 
late Major Theodore Winthrop and of Robert 
0. "Winthrop of Boston. 

April 2.^Lieut.-Gen. Ambrose Powell Hill, 
an officer in the Confederate army, born in 
Culpepper County, Va., in 1824, killed in the 
assault on Petersburg, "V^a., April 2, 1865. His 
father was for many years a leading politician 
and merchant in Culpepper County. The 
future lieutenant-general entered the military 
academy in 1843, and graduated with fair 
standing in his class in 1847, in the same class 
with Gen. Burnside. There being no vacancy 
he received the brevet rank of second lieuten- 
ant in the 1 st artillery, and on the 22d of Au- 
gust of the same year attained a full second 
lieutenancy. He was promoted to be 1st lieu- 
tenant in September, 1851, and in 1855 to be 
captain. In November of that year he was 
appointed an assistant on the United States 
Coast Survey, in which he continued till March 
1st, 1861, when he resigned his connection with 
the regular army ; and when "Virginia seceded 
from the Union, he sought and received an ap- 
pointment from Gov. Letcher as colonel of the 
13th regiment of Virginia volunteers. He was 
attached to Johnston's army, and stationed at 
first at Harper's Ferry, and in the battle of 
Manassas, or Bull Run, dime in with Johnston's 
troops in season to turn the issue of the battle. 
At Williamsburg, in May, 1862, he held the 
rank of brigadier-general, and distinguished 
himself as a gallant fighter in that battle. For 
his bravery in this battle he was made major- 
general, and on the 25th of June, 1862, formed 
one of the council of war held in Richmond. 
He took part in the battle of Mechanicsville on 
the 2Gth of June, and in the succeeding battles 
of what is known as "The Seven Days," he 
was a prominent actor, and gained a brilliant 
reputation for bravery and skill in the handling 
of his troops. He was actively engaged in the 
battles of Cedar Run, or Cedar Mountain, in 
the Groveton or second Bull Run battle, in 
the attack near Centreville on the 30th of 
August, at Chantilly, and in the campaign before 
Washington, in which Gen. Pope was the Fed- 
eral commander. On the 14th of September, 

1862, he captured Harper's Ferry, and made a 
forced march to Antietam Creek, where he ar- 
arrived in season to take part in that severe but 
indecisive battle, and on the 19th repulsed the 
Federal troops, who crossed the river in pur- 
suit of the rebels, with heavy loss. In the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, his 
division formed the right of Jackson's force, 
and fought desperately, finally repulsing the 
Federal troops. At Chancellorsville, in May, 

1863, his division formed the centre of Jack- 
son's command, and participated in that flank 
movement, by which Hooker's right was so 
effectually crushed. When " Stonewall " Jack- 
son received his death wound, the command 
devolved on Gen. Hill, who was himself se- 



verely wounded soon after. For his gallantry 
in this battle he was made a lieutenant-general, 
and placed permanently in command of one 
of the three great corps into which the 
Army of Virginia was divided. On the 1st, 2d, 
and 3d of July, 1863, he led his corps in the 
severe battle of Gettysburg, and though suc- 
cessful the first day, was unsuccessful on the 
second and third. In the autumn of 1863 he 
was concerned in the affair at Bristoe Station 
with a part of his corps, but was repulsed with 
serious loss. In the great battles of the spring 
of 1864, Gen. Hill was, next to Gen. Lee, the 
most prominent actor in the Army of Virginia, 
On the 5th of May, from 2 p. m. till long after 
nightfall, he was engaged in a most desperate 
but indecisive conflict, and the early dawn 
would have found him in a position of extreme 
peril had not Longstreet's corps been brought 
up to reenforce him at 2 a. m. The fighting of 
the 6th of May was very severe, and in this 
Hill took a full share, but it was no more de- 
cisive than that of the previous day. In the 
movement toward Spottsylvania Hill aided by 
his counsel, but his corps were not engaged. 
In the battle of Mechanicsville Hill's corps sus- 
tained the brunt of the attack, and under bis 
eye fought with great heroism. In the battle 
of the 3d of June, at Cold Harbor, the corps 
were at first in reserve, but supported the other 
corps before the battle was over. On the 22d 
of June his corps and Longstreet's repulsed the 
attempt of the Federal troops to gain posses- 
sion of the Weldon Railroad, and drove them 
back with severe loss. At the explosion of the 
mine on the lines of Petersburg, on the 30th 
of July, in the engagement at Reams' Station, 
on the 25th of August, in the battle of Hatch- 
er's Run, Oct. 28-30, and the subsequent move- 
ments in that vicinity, in December, 1864, and 
February, 1865, Gen. Hill led his corps with 
great ability, and in almost every instance re- 
pulsed the Federal troops. When the final at- 
tack upon the South Side Railroad and the de- 
fences of Petersburg came (March 29-April 2), 
Gen. Hill was active and indefatigable in his 
exertions to repel the Federal attack, and on 
the 2d of April, for the possession of the works 
in front of Petersburg, his corps were opposed 
to the 6th, 9th, and part of the 25th Federal 
corps, almost single-handed, and then, as al- 
ways, exposing himself to fire without hesita- 
tion, he was instantly killed by a rifle shot, and 
as time was pressing, the evacuation of the city 
being determined upon, was buried the same 
day. 

April 5. — Col. Hugh H. Jatsteway, 1st New 
Jersey volunteer cavalry, killed at Fame's Cross- 
Roads, near Jetersville, Va. He was born in 
Jersey City, N. J., in 1842, entered the 1st New 
Jersey cavalry at the commencement of the 
war as second lieutenant, and rose steadily 
through every grade to the highest, being ap- 
pointed colonel when but twenty-two years of 
age, at the written request of every officer in 
the regiment. He had been in every important 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



799 



battle of the Array of the Potomac, and had 
been twelve times wounded. He was a young 
man of extraordinary promise, and in his last 
as in every previous battle, he led his men into 
the tight, asking them only to follow his ex- 
ample, lie had just seized the colors of his 
regiment and was in the act of carrying them 
forward, when a bullet entered his brain, and 
he died instantly. 

Ajn-il 6.— Brevet Brig.-Gen. S. T. Read, 
Chief of StatF to Gen. Ord, shot by the rebel 
Gen. Bearing, in a hand to hand conflict, at 
the High Bridge over the Appomattox, near 
Farmville, Va. Gen. Read was a native of 
Massachusetts, and had entered the service as 
captain of a company of unattached cavalry 
from that State in January, 1862. After con- 
siderable service in this capacity the several 
comi^anies of cavalry having been organized 
into a battalion, he accepted a staff appoint- 
ment, and distinguished himself at Gettysburg, 
where he was severely wounded, and subse- 
quently in the battles of Grant's campaign. 
When Gen. Ord took a command in connection 
with the Army of the James, he gave him a po- 
sition as chief of staff, which he retained when 
Gen. Ord was assigned to the command of the 
Army of the James. He had recently received 
a brevet promotion for gallantry in the field. 

April 9. — Brig.-Gen. Thomas A. Smyth, 
commanding the 2d di^^sion 2d army corps, 
was mortally wounded near Farmville, Va., by 
a shot from a sharpshooter on the 6th of April, 
and died at Petersburg. He was born in Ire- 
land, but emigrated to this country when a boy 
and settled at Wilmington, Del., where he en- 
gaged in the coachmaking business. At the 
opening of the war he recruited a company in 
Wilmington, and proceeded to Philadelphia and 
joined a three months' regiment then leaving 
for the Shenandoah valley. Returning home 
he was made major of the Delaware regiment 
then leaving for the seat of war, and rose gradu- 
ally from that position to lieutenant-colonel 
and colonel, and soon Vv^as put in charge of a 
brigade, where he won a high reputation for 
his daring and skill. He was promoted to the 
rank of brigadier general in the summer of 1864, 
for his gallant conduct at Cold Harbor. 

A2)ril 11. — Col. William Sergeant, 210th 
Pennsylvania volunteers, and captain of the 12th 
infantry, U. S. A., was wounded on the 31st of 
March near Petersburg, and died on board the 
boat coming from City Point to Fortress Mon- 
roe. He was born in Philadelphia in 1830, and 
was the son of the late Hon. John Sergeant, 
and brother of Mrs. Gen. Meade. He was 
educated for the bar, and had attained a 
high position, and represented his native city 
in the Legislature before the opening of the 
war. He voluntered early in the war, and soon 
after received an appointment as captain in the 
12th U. S. infantry, in which position his gal- 
lantry in the peninsular and other campaigns 
attracted the attention of his superiors. He 
was subsequently called to the command of the 



210th Pennsylvania volunteers, and in the duties 
of his new post Avas as remarkable for his per- 
sonal bravery as for the military talent which 
he had developed. He was gentle, open heart- 
ed, and generous to a fault. 

April 15. — Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth 
President of the United States, and Command- 
er-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the same. 
He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, Feb- 
ruary 12, 1809, and died in Washington from a 
pistol-shot wound inflicted by an assassin, April 
15, 1865. His father was very poor, and the 
region of Kentucky in which he lived afforded 
at that time but scant opportunities for educa- 
tion. At seven years of age he was sent to 
school for a short time, and his only text-book 
was an old copy of Dilworth's Spelling-Book. 
When he was in his eighth year, his father, 
tired of the hopeless struggle which even then 
crushed all the energies of the poorer white 
settlers in the slave States, sold his little home- 
stead, and putting his family and his few house- 
hold goods upon a raft, sought a new home in 
the then wilderness of Spencer County, Indiana, 
cutting his road with his axe through the dense 
forest during the last eighteen miles of his route. 
Rearing a log-cabin two or three miles distant 
from the nearest neighbor the family entered 
upon a pioneer's life. The mother of the future 
President, herself a woman of intelligence and 
piety, taught her boy to read and write, and 
encouraged the taste for books which even 
their circumstances could not wholly repress. 
When he was ten years of age she died. His 
fiither married again a year or two later, and 
the step-mother proved a kind and tender 
friend to the orphaned boy. When he was 
about twelve years old a Mr. Crawford, one of 
the settlers, opened a school in his own cabin, 
and young Lincoln attended and studied arith- 
metic and some of the other branches of a com- 
mon school education. But few books had 
found their way into the wilderness of the 
''Pocket," as this portion of Indiana was call- 
ed, but whenever one could be obtained his 
fixther always endeavored to procure the read- 
ing of it for him. In this way he became tiimil- 
iar with Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Esop's 
Fables, Weems's and Ramsey's Life of Wash- 
ington, a Life of Henry Clay, and perhaps a 
few other volumes. At the age of nineteen he 
made a trip to New Orleans in company with 
the son of the owner of a flatboat, who intrust- 
ed to the care of the two youths a valuable 
cargo. Attacked on their way down by a gang 
of thievish negroes, the two young men de- 
fended the property and drove off" the plun- 
derers, and pushing out into the stream suc- 
ceeded in saving it from depredation. 

In 1830 Mr. Lincoln's father determined upon 
another removal to Decatur, Illinois, and his 
son assisted him in settling in his new home, 
breaking the ground for a crop of corn, and 
building a rail fence around his farm. The 
winter which followed was very severe, and it 
required the utmost exertion of Abraham Lin- 



800 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



coin, now a stalwart youth of twenty-one years, 
and his father, to keep the family in food, which 
was mostly ohtained by hunting. Two years 
more were passed in working on a farm, or as 
clerk in a store. In 1832 the Black Hawk war 
occurred. Volunteei's were called for, and 
young Lincoln enlisted and was at once made 
captain. lie experienced considerable march- 
ing during the campaign, but had no oppor- 
tunity of exhibiting his prowess as a fighter. 
After his return from the war he ran for the 
Legislature, but was defeated, though receiving 
a heavy vote. He next purchased a store and 
stock of goods, and was appointed postmaster. 
The store proved unprofitable and he sold out, 
but through the whole pursued his studies at 
every opportunity. Having acquired a knowl- 
edge of surveying, he spent the greater part of 
the next two or three years as government sur- 
veyor, and won a high reputation for the ac- 
curacy of his surveys. In 1834 he was a mem- 
ber of the Illinois Legislature, and after the 
session closed, devoted all his leisure time to the 
study of law. In 1836 he was admitted to the 
bar, and in April, 1837, removed to Springfield, 
Illinois, and commenced practice in partnership 
with Hon. John T. Stuart. He soon won a 
good reputation as an able pleader, both in civil 
and criminal practice. He was reelected twice 
to the Legislature, where he formed the acquaint- 
ance of his subsequent political antagonist, Hon. 
Stephen A. Douglas. In 1840 he dechned be- 
ing a candidate for the Legislature, and though 
taking a deep interest in political matters, rank- 
ing as a Whig of the Henry Clay School, he 
sought no political preferment, but devoted him- 
self assiduously to his profession, in which his 
ability had already gained him a commanding 
position. In 1844 he canvassed the State for 
Mr. Clay. In 1846 he was elected to Congress, 
and took his seat in 1847, the only Whig rep- 
resentative from niinois, and probably the only 
one who could have been elected. During the 
single term in which he was a member of the 
House of Representatives there were several 
important questions before Congress, among 
others the Mexican War, the Right of Petition, 
the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Co- 
lumbia, the Wilmot Proviso, the Pacheco Case, 
the River and Harbor Bill, the Modification of 
the Tariflf, and the Abolishment of the Frank- 
ing Privilege. In regard to all these questions 
Mr. Lincoln took a manly and decided action, 
voting generally with his party, but independ- 
ently whenever he regarded their course as in- 
consistent with the highest rule of right. 

In 1848 Mr. Lincoln was a member of the 
national convention which nominated Gen. 
Taylor for the Presidency, and subsequently 
canvassed Illinois in his favor. In 1849 he was 
the Whig candidate for United States senator 
from Illinois, but was defeated, the Democratic 
party having a majority in both branches of the 
Legislature. He now devoted himself most as- 
siduously to his professional pursuits, though 
Btill watching with great eagerness the political 



measures before the country. In May, 1854, 
the Nebraska bill was passed, and the Missouri 
Compromise act repealed. This roused the 
majority of the people of the Northern States 
to a vigorous opposition, and Illinois, which 
had long been regarded as one of the most reli- 
able of the Western States for the Democratie 
party, was revolutionized. Mr. Lincoln took a 
prominent part in the political campaign of the 
autumn of 1854. A United States senator was 
to be chosen in the place of Gen. Shields, who 
had supported the Nebraska bill, which Judge 
Douglas had originated. The State was carried 
by the Whigs, who had two candidates for the 
senatorship, Mr. Lincoln and Judge Trumbull, 
one of Whig and the other of Democratic ante- 
cedents. Regarding a division as disastrous at 
that time, and satisfied of Judge Trumbull's 
ability and integrity, Mr. Lincoln, with rare 
generosity, not only withdrew his name from 
the canvass, but persuaded his friends to support 
Trumbull, who was then elected. 

In 1856 Mr. Lincoln's name was prominent 
before the first Republican national convention 
for the Vice-Presidency, receiving one hundred 
and ten votes on the informal ballot. His name 
headed the Republican electoral ticket in Illi- 
nois, and he took an active part in the canvass. 

In 1858 the senatorial term of Judge Doug- 
las being about to expire, the Republicans of 
Illinois at their State Convention on the 17th 
of June, 1858, at Springfield, nominated Abra- 
ham Lincoln as their candidate for United States 
senator. Judge Douglas was the candidate of 
the Democratic party ; and, in accordance with 
Western custom, the two candidates canvassed 
the State in defence of their principles. The 
canvass Avas one of deep interest ; great prin- 
ciples were at stake. Both the candidates 
were men of decided ability, and possessed the 
power of swaying their audiences — Judge Doug- 
las by a rare talent for reaching the popular 
vein, and chiming in with the prejudices, the 
sympathies, and the passions of the people, and 
Mr. Lincoln by an irresistible logic, and a hap- 
py faculty of " putting things," which, by a 
few well-placed words, overturned and annihi- 
lated his adversary's positions. It would have 
been difiicult to find two men better matched 
for a controversy. At first their meetings be- 
fore the people were accidental ; Judge Douglas 
spoke at Chicago on the 9th of July, and Mr. 
Lincoln on the 10th, and a week later both 
spoke on the same day at Springfield. On the 
24th of July Mr. Lincoln challenged Judge 
Douglas to a series of debates on the principles 
involved in* the campaign. The Judge ac- 
cepted, and though the terms he proposed gave 
him four speeches to Mr. Lincoln's three, the 
latter made no objection. Seven of these de- 
bates were held in different parts of the State 
between the 21st of August and the 15th of 
October, and they were afterwards published in 
full from phonographic notes. The principles 
of the two parties were very thoroughly dis- 
cussed, and the weak points of each fully ex- 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



801 



posed. The discussion was fair, open, and 
manly, and it was very generally conceded that 
Mr. Lincoln was unsurpassed in the mental 
tournament. The Republicans liad a majority 
of about live thousand in the popular vote, but 
owing to the inequality with which the State 
was districted, and the pressure from other 
States, Mr. Douglas was reelected to the Senate 
by a small majority of legislative votes. 

During the next year and a half Mr. Lincoln 
visited Ohio, Kansas, and New York, and made 
several speeches of great ability on political 
questions. That delivered in New York and 
subsequently published, was one of the most 
effective and eloquent expositions of the pol- 
icy of the Republican party, and served as 
a text-book for the orators of that party in 
the succeeding canvass. A speech delivered in 
Cincinnati to an audience largely made up of 
Kentuckians in the spring of 1860, in which he 
enunciated, in his own telling way, his abhor- 
rence of slavery, is still remembered in that 
city for its extraordinary power. The Repub- 
lican national convention, which assembled at 
Chicago on the 16th of May, 1860, was at first 
nearly equally divided between Mr. Seward and 
Mr. Lincoln as its candidate for the Presidency, 
but the preponderance for Mr. Lincoln soon 
became evident, and on the third ballot he was 
nominated, receiving three hundred and fifty- 
four out of four hundred and sixty-five votes, 
and by motion of Mr. Evarts, of New York, the 
nomination was made unanimous. The nomi- 
nation with the platform was formally accepted 
by him, in a graceful letter, on the 23d of May, 
and was snthusiastically received by the Re- 
publican party throughout the country. 

Ills opponents were divided (purposely, there 
was reason to believe, it being the design of the 
leaders at the South to make his election cer- 
tain, that it might be used to efl:ect a disruption 
of the nation) to a greater extent than ever be- 
fore, there being three other tickets in the field, 
viz., Messrs Breckinridge and Lane, the candi- 
dates of the Pro-slavery Democrats; Messrs. 
Douglas and H. V. Johnson, the candidates of 
the Progressive Democrats; and Messrs. Bell 
and Everett, the representatives of a conserva- 
tive party, mostly composed* of those who had 
belonged to the old "Whig party. On the 6th of 
Nov., 1860, the election took place, and Mr. Lin- 
coln received 180 electoral votes out of 303, 
Breckinridge having 72, Bell 39, and Douglas 12. 
The popular vote was somewhat different in its 
proportions, Mr. Lincoln having a plurality of 
nearly 600,000, but not an absolute majority, 
while Douglas came next, Breckinridge next, 
and Bell last. The exact popular vote was : for 
Lincoln, 1,857,610; for Douglas, 1,291,574 ; for 
Breckinridge, 850,082 ; for Bell, 646,124. 

No sooner was his election ascertained than 
4he conspiracy which had long been smoulder- 
ing in the Southern States burst out in full flame. 
During the four months which intervened 
between his election and his inauguration, six 
States — South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, 
51 



Florida, Louisiana, and Texas — passed ordinan- 
ces of secession, and appointed delegates to meet 
in convention at Montgomery, Alabama, on the 
4th of February, a month before the inaugura- 
tion. This convention adopted a provisional 
constitution for what they denominated the 
Confederate States, and chose Jefferson Davis 
President and Alexander H. Stephens Vice- 
President of their new government. Thus, be- 
fore he had even left his home in Illinois to 
come to the capital and assume oflice, and 
nearly a month before his taking his official 
oath, the insurrectionists had organized a rebel- 
lion involving six States, and with a certainty 
that others would join them. It was not in 
consequence of any thing he had done, for he 
could not as yet perform any official act ; nor 
was it in consequence of any thing which the 
leaders saw he had power to do, for they knew 
his views of the sanctity of an oath, and he 
would swear to maintain the constitution in- 
violate. Secession had been a foregone con- 
clusion to be carried out at this time, if it could 
be made practicable. 

On tlie 11th of February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln 
left his house in Springfield, Illinois, to go to 
"Washington, and enter upon his presidential 
duties. In the course of his journey he passed 
through Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, 
Pittsburg, Cleveland, Buffalo, Albany, New 
York, Trenton, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg. 
He met the Legislatures of Indiana, Ohio, New 
York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, which 
were then in session, at the capitals of those 
States, and everywhere along his way made 
brief addresses, the main scope of which was, 
that if the people only stood firm in maintain- 
ing the constitution and the Government, no 
power on earth could overthro\y them. At 
Philadelphia information was communicated to 
him that a plot existed to assassinate him at 
Baltimore. The only precaution he took was 
to leave Harrisburg one train earlier than had 
been expected, the telegraph wires being mean 
time disconnected. He arrived in "Washington 
on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 23d. 

On the 4th of March, 1861, he took the 
oath of office, and delivered his inaugural ad- 
dress, a plain, straightforward talk with the 
n.ation. lie began by showing, in the clearest 
way, that there was no ground for the appre- 
hension which seemed to exist at the South 
that "their propei'ty, their peace, and their 
personal security were to be endangered." He 
declared that he took the oath to support the 
Constitution " with no mental reservations." 
He argued briefly and clearly the question of 
secession, averring that, in spite of all that had 
been done at the South, the Union was un- 
broken, and he should, to the extent of his 
ability, take care " that the laws of the Union 
be faithfully executed in all the States ; " that 
in doing this there would be no bloodshed, 
" unless it be forced upon the national authori- 
ty," but that the power of the Government 
would be used "to hold, occupy, and possess 



802 



MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



the property and places belonging to the Gov- 
ernment, and to collect the duties and imposts ;" 
and he closed his address with an earnest ap- 
peal to all who really loved the Union, to pause 
and consider " before entering upon so grave a 
matter as the destruction of our national fabric, 
with all its benefits, its memories, and its 
hopes." "In your hands, my dissatisfied fel- 
low countrymen," said he, " and not in mine, 
is the momentous issue of civil war. The Gov- 
ernment will not assail you. You can have no 
conflict without being yourselves the aggres- 
sors. You have no oath registered in heaven 
to destroy the Government, while I shall have 
the most solemn one to ' preserve, protect, and 
defend' it. I am loath to close. We are not 
enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. 
Though passion may have strained, it must not 
break our bonds of affection. The mystic cord 
of memory, stretching from every battle-field 
and patriot grave to every living heart and 
hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet 
swell the chorus of tlie Union, when again 
touched, as surely they will be, by the better 
angels of our nature." 

Mr. Lincoln found, upon entering upon the 
duties of his office, the credit of the Govern- 
ment greatly impaired by the uncertainty of 
the future, its navy scattered, and less than a 
dozen ships in serviceable condition to guard our 
coasts ; the larger part of the small arms and 
cannon belonging to the Government in the 
hands of the States which had already seceded ; 
forts, arsenals, mints, and vessels seized by the 
insurrectionists ; the troops of our regular army 
deprived of their arms and sent home, by 
slow and devious routes, as paroled prisoners. 
The garrison of Fort Sumter was drawing 
nigh the point of starvation, and no supplies 
could be sent them except by running the fire 
of batteries. The attempt was made by a mer- 
chant vessel, but she was fired upon, and with- 
out waiting the surrender, which could not 
have been long delayed, the rebel leaders 
chose to bombard the fort, and take posses- 
sion of it after a thirty-three hours' siege, on 
the 14th of April. 

Then came the necessity of at once calling 
the nation to arms, and on the 15th of April 
the call for 75,000 men roused the people to the 
struggle which for four years to come was to 
task their energies and try their patience. The 
response from every northern State was cordial, 
prompt, and earnest. Men and means were 
pressed upon the Government in abundance. 
Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, Delaware, and 
Virginia hung back, and some of them answered 
the call with insolent threats and defiance. Vir- 
ginia soon after went over to the Rebels; the 
Governor of Missouri, foiled in his eftorts to take 
the State in the same direction, fled from the 
State, and loya| officers took his place ; Mary- 
land, held in military possession, took up the 
national cause, and finally emancipated her 
slaves; Delaware, halting long between two 
opinions, at length raised troops for the 



Union ; and Kentucky, attempting neutral- 
ity, found lierself neutral only as the battle- 
field and plunder ground of the contending 
armies. An extra session of Congress had been 
called for July 4th. On the 19th of April the 
ports of the seceded States were declared under 
blockade. Washington, at first in extreme 
peril, was, not without bloodshed, soon strongly 
garrisoned. The President long cherished the 
hope that the war would be but brief, and that 
soon peace and union as of old would be re- 
stored. The battle of Bull Run dispelled in 
part this illusion ; the nation began to harness 
itself for the work before it, and during the 
autumn and winter of 1861-'62 the President 
was heavily burdened with the cares and re- 
sponsibilities so suddenly thrown upon him ; 
finance, the raising and maintaining great ar- 
mies throughout the country ; settling the diffi- 
cult Trent case, and adjusting temporarily the 
serious and delicate questions connected with 
slavery which were constantly arising, under 
the movements of Bntler, Fremont, and other 
of the army commanders. 

The year 1862, though cheered by some vic- 
tories like those of Thomas, at Mill Spring, the 
grand forward movements of Halleck, Grant, 
and Buell through Kentucky and Tennessee, 
the capture of Island No. 10 and Memphis, 
of New Orleans and its guarding forts, of Beau- 
fort and Port Royal, of Roanoke Island and 
Newbern, was on the whole one of gloom and 
anxiety for the President. But the dawn of 
the new year brought altered prosjjects. He 
had, after long and anxious deliberation, come 
to believe m the necessity of the proclamation 
of emancipation as a war measure, and the 
first day of the new year saw liberty pro- 
claimed to all the slaves of the rebellious States. 
The victory of Stone River, the capture of 
Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and the opening 
of the Mississippi, the substantial exclusion of 
the Rebels from Missouri and Arkansas, the 
redemption of Tennessee, were all so many 
positive gains ; while the disaster of Chancellors- 
ville was more than redeemed by the glorious 
though bloody victory of Gettysburg, and the 
misfortunes of Ohickamauga alleviated by the 
triumphant successes of Chattanooga. " Peace " 
said the President, reviewing these achievements 
of our armies, " does not look so distant as it 
did." He had anxiously sought for two years 
to bring the border States into the adoption of 
a system of emancipation, more or less gradual ; 
and he was rewarded by the adoption of an 
emancipation constitution in the new State of 
West Virginia, and the emancipation of their 
slaves by Missouri and Maryland, while Con- 
gress abolished slavery in the District of Co- 
lumbia, forbade it in all the territories, and 
struck from the statute books the fugitive 
slave laws. 

The arrest of persons guilty of alleged treas- 
onable acts or words, which, though not made 
in all cases by his order, he could not but sanc- 
tion, occasioned some animadversions, and was 



MILITAEY AND NAVAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION". 



803 



explained by him in two lucid and able let- 
ters to the New York and Ohio committees 
who bad addressed bim on tbe subject. In 
1864, tbe first few months of tbe year were 
rendered anxious by financial difficulties, the 
rapid depreciation of the national currency, tbe 
resignation of Secretary Chase, and the ap- 
pointment of Mr. Eessenden. Then began in 
May those movements — unequalled in the his- 
tory of modern times, by which, in less than 
a twelvemonth, the rebellion was crushed — 
Grant's great campaign, where each day's 
slaughter was almost that of an army, but in 
"which, with a wonderful endurance and per- 
sistency, he held his adversary, till at last he 
yielded ; that unparalleled march of a thousand 
mUes, by which Sherman, making pauses only 
at Atlanta, at Savannah, and at Goldsboro, 
swept as with a besom of destruction through 
the hostile territory, and at last brought his foe 
to sui-render ; and that wisely-planned retreat 
of Thomas on Nashville, and his subsequent 
hurling of his troops upon the foe, pursuing 
them tin they were scattered and broken. 
Meantime Mr. Lincoln had been, by a respect- 
able majority in the popular vote, and a great 
majority in the electoral college, called for a sec- 
ond term to the Presidential chair, inaugurated 
amid the acclamations of thousands, though 
still not without some threats of assassination, 
he seemed about entering upon more halcyon 
days. Richmond and Petersburg bad ■ been 
evacuated, and his own feet bad trodden the 
pavements of tbe late Rebel capital ; Lee had 
surrendered, and Johnston was about to do so. 
Davis was a fugitive, and his abdication had 
been made without leaving a successor. "War 
had substantially ceased, and the national ban- 
ner was to float fi-om the walls of Fort Sumter 
on the 14th of April, 1865, the anniversary of 
the day, four years before, which witnessed its 
humihation. Pacification was to be the future 
•work of tbe President. 

Amid these joyous anticipations of the future, 
when the sad and wearied look which had so 
long hovered over his face seemed about to 
give place to one of serene satisfaction, the as- 
sassin, creeping stealthily from behind, as he 
sat with his family and fi'iends in his box at the 
theatre, on tbe night of the 14th of April, 1865, 
fired, with fatal precision, the pistol shot, which, 
penetratmg his brain, in a few hours terminated 
his life. The immediate assassin was an actor, 
by tbe name of John "WUkes Booth, but the 
assassination was a part of a conspiracy intended 
to cripple the Government by the simultaneous 
destruction of its principal executive officers, 
and it involved either as principals or accessa- 
ries, a number of persons. Nine of the more 
immediate actors suftered condign punishment. 
Booth being shot in tbe act of arresting him ; 
Harold, Payne, Atzerot, and Mrs. Surratt 
hung; Arnold, Mudd, and McLaughlin im- 
prisoned for life, and Spangler for six years. 
The excitement which the intelligence of his 
death caused throughout tbe nation, has 



never been paralleled in human history. The 
whole people were in tears ; cities and villages 
were draped in mourning ; all ranks and con- 
ditions lamented him as a father, and every- 
where were seen tbe insignia of sorrow. When 
his body was borne through the cities through 
which he had passed as he came to enter upon 
his Presidency, it was greeted with unusual dem- 
onstrations of grief; tbe throngs in the streets 
were clad in the habiliments of wo, and with 
saddened countenances and streaming eyes 
watched the funeral train as It bore all that 
was mortal of tbe loved and honored President, 
a martyr for his country's sake, to the quiet 
grave in bis prairie home. England poured 
forth her encomiums upon the dead, her wid- 
owed queen writing a most touching letter of 
sympathy to the bereaved consort of the Presi- 
dent, while her poets vied with ours in chaunt- 
ing his requiem. France, too, expressed in words 
and tones of sympathy her grief at our nation's 
bereavement, and the wave of grief sweeping 
over Europe found answering billows in tbe far- 
off Orient. China, Japan, and Siam sent their 
condolence. 

Mr. Lincoln's character as a man and a chief 
magistrate may be summed up in a few words. 
He was honest in the best sense of the term ; 
patient, forbearing, and forgiving ; slow in ar- 
ri\'ing at conclusions, but when once settled in 
them, firm to obstinacy ; endowed with a wis- 
dom and tact not acquired in the schools, but 
which guided him in administration, sustained 
him in despondency, and rendered him calm 
and self-possessed in the hour of success; in 
short, a self-taught, large-hearted, clear-headed 
man. 

April 17. — Charles H. Ttlee, a brigadier- 
general in the rebel army, killed at "West Point, 
Ga., in the battle at that point with Major-Gen- 
eral "Wilson's cavalry. He was a native of the 
South, and at the breaking out of the war a 
captain of dragoons in the U. S. army. His 
promotion was not rapid, and he had not ap- 
pai'ently distinguished himself in the war. 

April 21. — Col. Matthew Muepht, 69th 
regiment N. Y. volunteers, died in New York, 
from wounds received at the battle of Hatcher's 
Run, Feb. 4, 1865. He was a native of Ireland, 
born Dec. 26, 1840, but had come to the United 
States in childhood. At the commencement 
of the war he was a teacher in PubMc School 
No. -24, and from patriotic impulses entered as 
a private in the 69th, but soon rose from the 
ranks by his merit, and on tbe return of the 
regiment to this city was elected its colonel, 
reorganized and filled up the regiment, and led 
it again to the field. He had taken part in 
most of the prominent battles, and had won 
the reputation of a brave and gallant officer. 

April 22.— "William "W. MoKean, U. S. N., 
a commodore in the naval service of the United 
States, died near Bingbamton, N. Y., after a 
brief illness. He was bom in Pennsylvania in 
1801, being the son of Judge McKean and a 
nephew of Governor McKean. He entered the 



804 



MILITARY AND NAYAL HISTOEY OF THE REBELLION. 



navy from Pennsylvania in Nov. 1814, and had 
consequently been over fifty years in the service, 
twenty-five "of them afloat. His last cruise was 
completed in June, 1862. In 1823-'24 he com- 
manded a schooner in Porter's squadron, and 
was very active in suppressing piracy along the 
coast of Cuba, and among the islands of the 
West Indies. In 1860 he was sent on the special 
service of conveying the Japanese embassy 
home, and on his return was the first commander 
of the West Gulf blockading squadron. He re- 
ceived his commission as commodore July 16, 
1862. 

May 1.— Lieut. Edwin J. De Haven, V. S, 
K, died at Philadelphia. He was born in Phil- 
adelphia in 1819, and entered the navy in Oct., 
1829, at the age of ten yeai-s. He had been 
neai-ly thirty-six years in the ser-\nce, about one- 
half of it in the sea service, but owing to im- 
paired vision had been placed upon the retired 
list. His last cruise was completed in Feb., 
1857. He was a man of fine scientific abilities, 
and was often detailed for special service. He 
commanded the first Arctic exploring expedi- 
tion, of which Dr. Kane wrote so graphic an 
account. He was for several years employed 
in the National Observatory under Maury, who 
was indebted to him for much of the reputation 
he had attained. 

June 11. — Dr. William Whelan, U. S. N., 
surgeon and chief of bureau of medicine and 
surgery in the Navy Department, died at Wash- 
ington^ D. C. He was born in Philadelphia, 
Sept. 4, 1808. He graduated at Mount St. 
Mary's College, Emmittsburg, with the highest 
honors of his class, though quite young, and 
studied medicine under Dr. Samuel Jackson, of 
of Philadelphia, graduating M. D. at the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania in 1828. He at once 
entered the navv as an assistant surgeon, and 
continued in it till his death. His first sea ser- 
vice was a cruise of over five years in the West 
Indies. On his return he was ordered to Bos- 
ton, where he assiduously prepared himself for 
his second examination, and was assigned the 
first place in his class. He was promoted to 
be surgeon in 1837. He then made a cruise to 
the Pacific in the Falmouth, and was twice fleet 
surgeon to the Mediterranean squadron each 
time at the request of the commander of the 
fleet. In October, 1853, Dr. Whelan was ap- 
pointed to the Medical Bureau by President 
Pierce^ as successor to Dr. Thomas Harris. In 
1862, under the four years rule, he was again 
nominated to the Senate by the President, and 
confirmed. In 1855, when on a tour of duty, he 
received a severe injury from a railroad accident, 
from which he never entirely recovered. As 
• an executive officer, as well as a surgeon, he had 
won a high reputation for clearness of compre- 
hension, decision, ^kill, and gentleness. 

June 13.— Col. J. Cleveland Campbell, 23d 
U. S. C. T., died at Castleton, X. Y., from 
injuries received at the explosion of the mine 
at Petersburg, July 30, 1864. He was born in 
New York in July, 1836, and graduated succes- 



sively at the Free Academy, Union College, and 
the University of Gottingen, Early in the war 
he entered as a private in the 44th N. Y. volun- 
teers, was soon promoted to be a lieutenant on 
Gen. Palmer's staff", was next adjutant of the 
152d N. Y. volunteers, then captain in Upton's 
121st N. Y. volunteers, and after passing a most 
brilliant examination was commissioned lieu- 
tenant-colonel, and finally colonel of the 23d 
U. S. C. T. He led his regiment into the hot- 
est of the fight at Petersburg, when the mine 
exploded, and left in and around that awful 
crater nearly 400 of his men, killed or wounded. 
His lung was contused and ruptured by a burst- 
ing shell, which eventually caused his death. 

June 23. — Samuel Feancis Du Poxt, U. S. N., 
a reai'-admu-al in the navy of the United States, 
born at Bergen Point, New Jersey, September 
27, 1803, died in Philadelphia, Penn., June 23, 
1865. He was of French origin on his father's 
side, his grandiather being P. S. Du Pont de 
Nemours, the intimate personal Mend of Madi- 
son and Jefferson. He was appointed a mid- 
shipman in the navy by President Madison, 
December 19, 1815. His appointment was 
made from Delaware, of which State he be- 
came a resident in his boyhood. His first 
cruise was in the Franklin, 74, iinder Commo- 
dore Stewart; from this he was transferred to 
sloop-of-war Erie, Captain Ballard. His second 
cruise was on the Mediterranean station in the 
Constitution, and twice subsequently he re- 
turned to the Mediterranean for three years in 
the North Carolina, 74, and in the sloop-of-war 
Ontario. He also served on the West India 
station and on the coast of Brazil in the frigate 
Congress, under Commodore Biddle. On the 
North Carolina he had been promoted to be 
sailing master, and in 1826 he was commission- 
ed lieutenant and ordered to the schooner 
Porpoise. From 1835 to 1838 he served as 
executive officer on the Warren and Constella- 
tion, and from 1838 to 1842 on the Ohio, the 
flag-ship of Commodore Hull. In 1845, having 
been promoted to the rank of commander, he 
was ordered to the Pacific in command of the 
frigate Congress, bearing the flag of Commodore 
Stockton^ and in 1846 was transferred to the 
corvette Cyane. The outbreak of the Mexican 
war brought his services into request. In the 
Cyane he captured San Diego, and landed John 
C. Fremont. He cleared the Gulf of California 
of Mexican vessej^, capturing and destrojing 
thirty. He took possession of La Paz, the 
capital of Lower California, spiked the guns of 
San Blaz, and established the blockade of Maz- 
atlan, which latter port he subsequently as- 
sisted in capturing, leading the line of boats 
which entered the main harbor under the orders 
of Commodore Shubrick, in November, 1847. 
He was next despatched in the Cyane to defend 
Lower California against tlie Indians and Mexi- 
cans. He covered La Paz until it could be for- 
tified, landed at San Jose with a force of one 
hundred marines and sailors, defeated and scat- 
tered a lai'gely superior force of Mexicans, and 



MILITARY AJH) NAYAL HISTORY OF THE REBELLION. 



805 



rescued a small party under Lieut, Heywood, 
who were beleaguered in the Mission House. 
He led or took part in a number of expeditions 
into the interior, capturing many prisoners and 
cooperating with Col. Benton and Lieutenant 
(now Maj.-Gen.) Halleck, approaching from the 
north, scattered the Mexicans and Indians, and 
gained complete' possession of the peninsula of 
California. In 1848 he returned to Norfolk in 
the Cyane after an absence of three years. 
After a service of forty years, sixteen as lieu- 
tenant and thirteen as commander, he was 
made a captain in 1855. In 1857 he was order- 
ed to the command of the Minnesota, and sent 
on a special service to China, with W. B. Reed 
minister to that empire. After a crnise of two 
years, during which he visited Japan, Western 
India, and Arabia, he returned in June, 1859, 
to Boston, in the Minnesota. On the 1st of 
Jan., 1861, he was appointed to the command 
of the Philadelphia navy-yard, relieving Com- 
modore Stewart. Here he was stationed at the 
commencement of the war, and by his prompti- 
tude and experience rendered great service in 
securing Washington. In Juno, 1861, he was 
made president of a Board called at Washington 
to establish a plan of naval operations from the 
examination of the records of the coast survey 
and other data. 

On the division of the Atlantic squadron into 
two distinct commands, in September, 1861, 
Capt. Du Pont was appointed to the command 
of the South Atlantic squadron, where he re- 
mained until his recall on the 3d of June, 1863. 
His first entei-prise afloat with his squadron was 
the brilliant bombardment and capture of Forts 
Beauregard and Walker, at the entrance of Port 
Royal Harbor, S. C, and the occupation by a 
joint land and naval force of the islands adja- 
cent. This was justly regarded as one of the 
finest and most admirably conducted naval con- 
flicts of the war. He also rendered essential 
service in the establishment of a very close 
blockade of the coast of Carolina and Georgia ; 
in the occupation of Tybee Roads and Tybee 
Island, which gave the army theu- base for the 
reduction of Fort Pulaski ; in the expedition for 
the destruction of the batteries on the mainland 
at Port Royal ferry; in the capture in March, 



1862, of Cumberland Island and Sound, Amelia 
Island, the river and town of St. itary's, Ga., 
Fernandina, Florida, and Fort Clinch. The in- 
lets along the coast were also occupied or care- 
fully examined, the rivers ascended, Jackson- 
ville and St. Augustine, Florida, taken, and the 
yacht America, which had been sunk, was raised. 
At Charleston alone the blockade was ineffec- 
tive, the force at command not being sufficient 
to cover completely the circuit from the bay to 
Stono, and the demands upon the navy Tender- 
ing the reenforceraent of the squadron impossi- 
ble. The capture of Charleston, it was hoped, 
would complete the blockade, and in April, 

1863, a resolute attempt was made, the rear- 
admiral himself leading the attack to bombard, 
and if possible pass Fort Sumter. It faUed, one 
of the iron-clads being sunk and others dis- 
abled, and the brave admiral did not feel war- 
ranted in renewing the attack. The Secretary 
of the Navy deeming him distrustful of the 
iron-clads of the Monitor type, removed him 
from the command of .the squadron, but his 
successor, with a larger fleet and an efficient 
cooperative land force, was no more suc- 
cessful. 

On the 16th of July, 1862, while in command 
of the squadron, Captain Du Pont was made a 
Rear- Admiral, ranking second in the list. After 
his withdrawal from the South Atlantic squad- 
ron he held no active command, but served, as 
occasion required, on naval commissions and 
courts-martial. He had been active in the 
general improvement of the navy during all 
his period of service; had assisted in the or- 
ganization of the Naval Academy, and was a 
member of the Light House Board ; had twice 
aided in revising the Rules and Regulations of 
the Navy ; was a member of the Naval Retiring 
Board; and had at various times contributed 
important papers on subjects relating to the in- 
terests of the naval service. Among these one 
on coast defences has been republished and 
widely circulated. He was a brave and accom- 
plished saUor, a fearless and greatly beloved 
commander, an earnest, sincere, and consistent 
Christian. His death was occasioned by a sud- 
den attack of quincy, a disease to which he had 
been for some years subject. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Abbott, Col. — Commands a brigade at Fort Fisher bat- 
tle, 645. 

Abingdon, Va. — Captured by Burbridge, 629. 

Aceomac County, Va. — Troops sent into, by Gen. Dix, 113. 

Adams, John F. — Minister to England, 275 ; correspondence 
relative to the Oreto, 275-280 ; do. Alabama, 281. 

Alabama — Secession movements, 8 ; election of delegates to 
a State Convention, 8 ; division among the people, 8 ; 
Convention assembles, 8 ; resolutions considered, 8 ; or- 
dinance of secession, 8 ; its adoption, 8 ; refusal to sub- 
mit it to the people, 9 ; excitement at Mobile, 9 ; feeling 
in the northern part of the State, 10 ; address of the 
President of the Convention, 10 ; commissioners sent to 
Washington, 10. 

Alabama — A Confederate cruiser, 276 ; her origin, 276 ; ves- 
sels destroyed, 276 ; Federal cruiser sent after her, 279 ; 
attack on the Hatteras, 280 ; list of officers, 280 ; further 
cruise of, 439, 440 ; battle with the Kearsarge, 648. 

Albemarle — Confederate iron-clad, 520 ; contest with gun- 
boats, 520 ; further contest with gunboats, 638 ; de- 
stroyed by torpedoes, 638. 

Alden, Capt James — Letter to consuls on firing upon Gal- 
veston, 88 ; in the battle below New Orleans, 194. 

Alexcandria — Occupied by Federal troops, 53; martial law 
declared, 54; bridges on the railroad burned, 54. 

Alexandria, La. — Evacuation and burning of^ 514. 

Alaioona Pass — Conflict at, 531. 

Ames, Brig.-Gen. Adelbeet — Commands a division of 10th 
corps, 565 ; expedition against Weldon Railroad, 565 ; 
commands in the attack on Fort Fisher, 640-645 ; in the 
advance on Wilmington, 682. 

Amhen, Com. Daniel — Attacks Fort McAllister, 446; at- 
tacks forts in Charleston harbor, 447. 

AmMesiy Proclamation — Issued by President Lincoln, 491 ; 
do. of President Johnson, 709. 

Amoet, Col. J. C. T. — Biographical notice of, 791. 

Anderson, J^or<— Attacked by Gen. D. H. Hill, 462. 

Anderson, Brig.-Gen. G. B. — Wounded at Antietam, 740 ; 
biographical notice of, 740. 

Anbeeson, Maj.-Gen. Robert — In command at Fort Sumter 
20 ; correspondence with Gen. Beauregard relative to a 
surrender, 22 ; notice to the Government of the surrender 
of Fort Sumter, 26 ; in command in Kentucky, 98. 

Anderson, Gen. E. H. — In council at Richmond, 246 ; com- 
mands a division of Lee's army, 372 ; commands a di- 
vision of Hill's corps, 401 ; at Gettysburg, 401 ; moves 
with Lee, 470; attacks Wright at Petersburg, 580 ; at- 
tacks Federal cavalry, 593. 

Anderson, Brig.-Gen. — Commands a division of Har- 



dee's corps, 504; moves to retjnforce Gen. Polk, 504; 
mortally wounded, 543 ; biographical notice of, 788. 

Andrew, John A.— Governor of Missachusetts, 236; calls 
for men, 236 ; attempts to recruit in slave States, 653. 

Antietam— Battle of, 272. 

Appalachicola — Expedition to, 152. 

Aquia Creek — Batteries at, attacked by gunboats, 54. 

Arkansas — Action of the Legislature, 40 ; vote on the Con- 
vention question, 40 ; Convention assembles, 40 ; pro- 
ceedings, 40 ; reply of the Governor to the call for 
troops, 40 ; Convention reassembles, 40 ; ordinance of 
secession, 41 ; other proceedings of the Convention, 41 ; 
seizure of Little Rock arsenal, 41 ; do. Fort Smith, 41. 

Arkansas Post — See Fort Hindman. 

Armistead, Brig.-Gen. L. A.— Biographical notice of, 762. 

Ai-my, Confederate— 'S:tT&ngt'h in July, 1861, 80; position 
and strength of the forces at the commencement of 1862, 
120 ; need of men, 274 ; conscription, 274 ; list of general 
officers in 1862, 327; destitution of the soldiers, 828; 
reorganization of, 386; condition of, 412; conscription, 
412 ; desertion, 413 ; position and numbers at the begin- 
ning of 1864, 498 ; measures to keep up the army, 649 ; 
its numbers in 1864, 649 ; enlistment of negroes opposed, 
650 ; a law passed too late to be available, 650 ; arms, 652. 

Army, United 5<a<es— Response to President Lincoln's call 
for troops, 55; troops in service July 1st, 1861, 55; in- 
crease of the regular army, 65 ; system of organization, 
55 ; pay offered privates in July, 1861, 80 ; force in the 
field, December, 1861, SO; force of different arms of the 
service, 80 ; strength and position at the commencement 
of 1862, 120 ; call for three hundred thousand militia and 
three hundred thousand volun feel's, 256; forces in tho 
field, 273 ; desertions, 329 ; mortality, 329 ; losses, 829 ; 
provost marshals appointed to arrest deserters, 330 ; its 
numbers in 1863, 413 ; enrolment and draft act, 418 ; man- 
ner of making, 414 ; effects, 414 ; riots in cities, 414 ; re- 
sult of the draft, 419 ; colored troops, 419, 420 ; its hos- 
pitals, 421 ; expenditures for arms and munitions, 429 ; 
ordnance and small arms, 429 ; position and number at 
the commencement of 1S64, 498; corps reduced, 525; 
divisions consolidated, 525 ; consolidation of divisions 
and arrangement of brigades, 54S; number of men called 
for in 1864, 652; difficulty in obtaining men, 652; le- 
cruiting agents sent into Southern States, 653 ; result, 
653 ; importation of substitutes charged, 654 ; wages of 
colored troops, 654; Banks' Corps d'Afrique, 654; deSfer- 
tions, 654; hospitals, 6.54; arms, 655; troops mustered 
out of service, 706 ; officers of the regular army, 711 : 
volunteer major, and brigadier-generals, 712-715. 



808 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Army Operations — Number and position of the Federal 
forces, January, 1862, 120 ; number and positions of Con- 
federate forces, January, 1863, 120 ; results of the pre- 
vious year, 120 ; what required to organize and equip the 
Federal army, 121 ; plans of the Government for the 
war, 121 ; Influence of railroads on military operations, 
121 ; movements in Kentucky, 121 ; object of the Con- 
federate officers, 121 ; defeat of Humphrey Marshall, 121 ; 
despatches of Col. Garfield, 121, 122; proclamation of 
Gen. Crittenden, 122 ; position at Mill Spring, 122 ; 
movements of Gen. Thomas, 123 ; defeat of Gen. ZoUi- 
coffer, 123 ; forces on each side, 123 ; thanks of the Gov- 
ernment, 123 ; cflTect of the victory at the North, 123. 

Eeconnoissances in Kentucky, 124 ; plan of the cam- 
paign and force of Gen. Buell, 124 ; from what States, 
124 ; naval force to cooperate, 124 ; gunboats, 124 ; order 
of the President for an advance of all the forces, 125 ; 
effect, 125 ; movements after the battle of Mill Spring, 
125; advance upon Fort Henry, 125; its capture by the 
gunboats, 127 ; advance of the gunboats up the Tennes- 
see into Alabama, 127 ; preparations for an attack on 
Fort Donelson, 127 ; forces of Gen. Grant, 128 ; Confed- 
erate force, 128 ; remarks of Senator Trumbull, 128 ; lo- 
cation of the fort, 128; attack by the gunboats, 129; 
conflict with the land forces, 129 ; summons to surren- 
der, 129 ; surrender, 129 ; troops captured, 129 ; effects, 
131 ; Clarksville surrendered, 131 ; advance of Gen. 
Buell, 131; address of Gen. Mitchell, 132; evacuation 
of Nashville, 132 ; it surrenders, 132 ; effect upon the 
Southern people, 133 ; address of Gen. Halleck to the 
troops, 133 ; movement of gunboats to Columbus, 133 ; 
its occupation, 133 ; proceedings at Nashville, and im- 
portant events elsewhere, 184. 

Expedition of Gen. Burnside, 135 ; sails from Fortress 
Monroe, 135 ; the storm, 136 ; its disasters, 136 ; address 
of Gen. Burnside, 186; advance up Pamlico Sound, 136; 
capture of Eoanoke Island, 137 ; thanks of the President, 
187; expedition to Elizabeth City, 137; address of Gen. 
Burnside and Com. Goldsborough to the people of North 
Carolina, 138; proclamation of Gov. Clark, 138; advance 
upon Newbern, 139 ; defeat of the Confederate force, 139 ; 
congratulations of Gen. Burnside, 139 ; movement tow- 
ard Beaufort, 141 ; expedition to AVashington, N. C, 
141 ; capture of Fort Macon, 141 ; advance toward Nor- 
folk under Gen. Eeno, 141 ; skirmishes, 141 ; expedition 
to the Disrcal Swamp Canal, 142; subsequent move- 
ments of Gen. Burnside, 142. 

Expedition to South Carolina, 148 ; movements against 
batteries at Seabrook Island, 143 ; approaches to Savan- 
nah, 144; explorations at Wall's Cut, 145; further recon- 
noissances, 145 ; Wilmington Narrows, 145 ; attack on 
the vessels under Com. Tatnall, 145; preparations to 
capture Fort Pulaski, 146; attack, 146; surrender, 147 ; 
expedition against Fernandina, 147 ; its capture, 147 ; 
expedition to Brunswick, Ga, 149; St. Simon's Sound, 
149; St. John's Elver, 149; Jacksonville, its surrender, 
149 ; Union proceedings, 149 ; report to Com. Dupont, 
149; Mosquito Inlet, 150; movements toward Charles- 
ton, 150 ; Wappoo Creek, 151 ; movement against Hilton 
Head, 151. 

Movements in Missouri, 155 ; skii-mishes at Mount 
Zion and Fayette, 155; occupation of Springfield by 
Gen. Curtis, 156; advance into Arkansas, 156; report 
of Gen. S. Price, 156 ; driven from Cross Hollows, 156 ; 
address of Gen. Curtis to the people, 156; position and 
strength of his forces, 157 ; advance of Confederate 
forces, 158 ; preparations for the battle at Pea Eidge, 
153 ; the battle, 158 ; flag of truce, 159 ; correspondence, 
159 ; retreat of the Confederate forces, ICO ; movements 
of Gen. Curtis, 160 ; advance to Batesville, 160 ; lack of 



supplies, 160 ; ten regiments sent to Corinth, 160 ; moves 
to Helena, ICO; expedition down the Mississippi, 160; 
expedition to White River under Gen. Hovey, 160; sub- 
sequent operations in Arkansas, 160 ; Cross Hollow, 162; 
Cane Hill, 162; Crawford's Prairie, 162. 

Expedition down the Mississippi under Com. Foote, 
162 ; land and naval forces, 162 ; reaches Columbus, 162; 
Island No. 10, 162 ; its situation, 162 ; fortifications, 168; 
movement of Gen. Pope, 168 ; capture of New Madrid, 
163 ; occupies Point Pleasant, 163 ; takes his army across 
the Mississippi, 163; gunboat Carondelet runs past the 
batteries on the island, 165 ; evacuation of Island No. 10, 
165; capture of Confederate force, 165. 

New Confederate line of defence, 165; gunboats move 
down the Mississippi, 165; anchor at Plum Point, 166; 
naval battle with Confederate gunboats, 166; evacuation 
of Fort Pillow, 167 ; Gen. Pope ordered to Corinth, 167; 
naval battle before Memphis, 1C7 ; surrender of Mem- 
phis, IGS; expedition up the White Eiver, 168. 

Operations in Tennessee, 172 ; forces of Gen. Grant, 
172; line of defence, 172; Confederate force, 172 ; move- 
ments of the Federal force, 172 ; plan of Gen. Buell, 
173; Pittsburg Landing, 173 ; battle at Shiloh, 174-178; 
despatch of Gen. Beauregard, 178; message of Presi- 
dent Davis to the Confederate Congress, 178 ; Gen. Hal- 
leck takes command and moves on Corinth, 179 ; its 
situation, 180 ; advances of the Federal army, ISO ; de- 
spatches of Gen. Halleck, 180 ; evacuation of Corinth, 
182 ; Confederate works, 182 ; pursuit of the Confed- 
erate forces, 183 ; movements of Gen. Mitchell, 183 ; 
capture of Huntsville, 183; seizure of the railroad, 184; 
operations in Alabama, 184 ; close of operations in Ten- 
nessee, 185. 

Situation in Virginia, 206 ; movements of Gen. Lander, 
206; intended movements of Gen. Jackson, 206; attack 
at Blue's Gap, 207 ; march of Gen. Lander from Eom- 
ney, 207 ; position of the Confederate army, 207 ; address 
of Gen. Beauregard, 207 ; do. of Gen. Johnston, 208 ; de- 
sign of Gen. McClellan, 208 ; effects of the order of the 
President for a general movement of all the troops, 208 ; 
opinion at Eichmond on this order, 208 ; salvation of the 
Confederacy, 208 ; Federal movement at Harper's Ferry, 
208 ; retreat of Confederate army commenced, 209 ; bat- 
tle of Winchester, 209 ; new Confederate line, 209 ; order 
of the President dividing the array of the Potomac into 
corps, 210 ; assigning Gen. McClellan to the command, 
210 ; effect, 210 ; address of Gen. McClellan, 210 ; expo- 
sure of his plans, 211 ; his position, 211 ; movement of 
troops begun, 212 ; number in the Army of the Potomac, 
212; withdrawal of Gen. Blenker's division, 212; letter 
of President Lincoln, 212 ; withdrawal of Gen. McDow- 
ell's corps, 213 ; statements in the Senate, 213 ; statement 
of Gen. McClellan at a court-martial, 214 ; his instruc- 
tions to Gen. Wadsworth, 214 ; do. to Gen. Banks, 214, 
215; letter to Gen. Thomas, 215; further statements of 
Gen. McClellan in a court-martial, 216 ; generals under 
command of Gen. McClellan, 216; countermanded, 216; 
order creating the Mountain Department, 216; do. She- 
nandoah 216; do. Eappahannock, 216; duty assigned to 
Gen. McDowell to protect the capital, 216 ; movements 
of the Army of the Potomac from Fortre.ss Monroe, 216; 
Torktown, 216; Gloucester, 216; progress of the army, 
218 ; attack of Vermont troops on the enemy's line, 219 ; 
sharpshooters, 219 ; operations of the siege, 219 ; evac- 
uation of Torktown, 220 ; causes to retard its capture, 
220; guns captured, 220 ; situation of Williamsburg, 220; 
advance upon, 220; movements of Gen. McClellan, 220; 
misinformed of affairs In front, 220 ; fight before Wil- 
liamsbm-g, 221 ; success of Gen. Hancock, 221 ; arrival 
of Gen. McClellan, 222; address to the troops, 222; ad- 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



809 



vance of Gon. Franklin to "West Point, 222; conflict, 
222; aid of the gunboats, 222; delays at Williamsburg, 
223 ; evacuation of Norfolk, 225 ; its occupation by Fed- 
eral troops, 225 ; advance of Gen. McClellan's army, 226 ; 
description of the country, 226 ; concentration of Coa- 
federate forces, 227 ; skirmishing, 227 ; instructions from 
the War Department, 227; do. to Gen. McDowell to join 
Gen. McClellan, 227 ; movement under Gen. Porter upon 
Hanover Court House, 227; conflict, 228; optnion of 
Gen. McClellan on the effect of a junction with Gen. 
McDowell, 223 ; Prince de Joinville, 22S; cause of the 
failure of Gen. McDowell to join Gen. McClellan, 228 ; 
advance of the former to Fredericksburg, 229 ; Gen. 
Shields sent to join Gen. McDowell, 229 ; orders from 
the War Department to Gen. McDowell how to proceed 
after the junction with Gen. Shields, 229; force of Gen. 
Shields, 229 ; joins Gen. McDowell, 229 ; ordered to fall 
back to relieve Gen. Banks, 229 ; correspondence, 229 
Gen. Shields falls back, 230; Gen. Fremont's depart 
ment, 230 ; his movements, 230 ; conflict at McDowell, 
230; Gen. Fremont ordered to the relief of Gen. Banks. 
232 ; order of the President, 232 ; his reply, 232 ; reaches 
Strasburg, 233 ; skirmish with Gen. Jackson's rear, 233 
valley of the Shenandoah, 233 ; situation of Gen. Banks, 
233 ; connection with the forces east, 233 ; the plan to 
capture Gen. Banks, 233; designs of the enemy, 1 
movements of Gen. Jackson, 238, 234 ; attack on Front 
Koyal, 234; plan of Gen. Banks on hearing of it, 234 
his movements, 234 ; retreats, 234 ; pursuit of Gen. Jack 
son, 234; tight at Winchester, 234; further retreat, 235 
crossing of the Potomac, 235 ; address of Gen. Jackson 
to his troops, 235; panic occasioned by the attack at 
Front Eoyal, 235 ; extends to Washington, 235 ; alarm 
of the Government, 235 ; telegraphic despatch of the 
Secretary of War, 235 ; do. of Gov. Morgan of New York, 
235; orders of Gov. Curtin of Pennsylvania, 235 ; procla- 
mation of Gov. Andrew of Massachusetts, 236 ; order of 
Gov. Sprague of Rhode Island, 236 ; proclamation of tho 
Governor of Ohio, 236 ; order of the Secretary of War 
taking military possession of the railroads, 236; excite- 
ment in the Northern States, 236 ; success of Gen. Jack- 
son's movements, 236 ; advance upon Harper's Ferry, 
236 ; attack by his rear-guard, 237 ; retreat of Gen. Jack- 
son, 237 ; of his rear, 237 ; position of Gens. Fremont 
and Shields, 237 ; Gen. Fremont attacks Gen. Jackson's 
rear-gaard, 238 ; movements of Gen. Shields, 238 ; move- 
ments of Gens. Banks and Sigel, 233 ; Gen. Fremont at- 
tacks the rear of Gen. Jackson beyond Strasburg, 238 ; 
pursuit continued, 238; affair near Mt. Jackson, 239; 
conflict near Hairisonburg, 239 ; Col. Ashby killed, 239 ; 
battle at Cross Keys, 239 ; situation of Port Eepublic, 
239 ; advance of Gen. Shields repulsed, 239 ; Gen. Jack- 
son escapes, 240 ; Gen. Fremont reaches Port Eepublic, 
240 : force of Gen. Jackson, 241 ; advance of Gen. Heath 
in Western Virginia, and defeat, 241 ; consequences of 
these movements to prevent recinforcements to Gen. Mc- 
Clellan, 241 ; order of Gen. McClellan to his troops, 241 ; 
crossing of the Chickahominy, 241 ; battle of Fair Oaks, 
242-244 ; retreat of the Confederate troops, 244 ; diflScul- 
ties In capturing the city, 244 ; Confederate march in the 
rear of Gen. McClellan, 245 ; another prospect of the co- 
operation of Gen. McDowell, 245; letters of Gen. Mc- 
Dowell, 246 ; address of President Davis to the Confed- 
erate army, 246 ; completion of the bridges across the 
Chickahominy, 246 ; advance of Gen. Hooker, 246 ; his 
recall, 246 ; reason, 246 ; plans of the Confederate gen- 
erals, 246; flank march of Gen. Jackson, 247; position 
of Gen. McClellan's forces, 247 ; attack on his right, 247 ; 
firm resistance of Gen. Porter's corps, 249 ; crossing to 
the right bank of the Chickahominy, 249 ; opinion of 



Confederate oflScers, 249 ; further developments, 249 ; 
plans of the Federal general comprehended, 249 ; battle 
at Savage's Station, 250 ; do. at White Oak Swamp, 250 ; 
do. at Charles City Crossroads, 250; confusion of the 
Confederate troops, 250; "Onward to Eichmond" shoot 
of Federal trcops, 250 ; desperate valor of Confederate 
troops, 250 ; attack of Gens. Wise and Holmes, 251 ; at- 
tack at Malvern Hill, 251 ; army at Harrison's Landing, 
251 : address of Gen. McClellan to his soldiers, 251 ; ad- 
dress of President Davis to Confederate army, 252 ; ar- 
rival of Gen. Halleck, 252 ; his views, 252 ; instructions 
to Gen. McClellan, 252 ; letter of Gen. McClellan, 252 ; 
reply of Gen. Halleck, 253 ; Army of the Potomac with- 
drawn from the Peninsula, 254 

Gen. Pope assigned to command the army of Virginia, 
254 ; Gen. Fremont resigns, 254 ; Gen. Pope's address, 
254 ; his orders, 255 ; situation of his army, 255 ; plans 
of the Confederate oflicers, 256 ; call of the President for 
three hundred thousand men, 250 ; movement of Con- 
federate troops, 256 ; skirmishing on the Eappahannock, 
256 ; battle of Cedar Mountain, 253 ; capture of Louisa 
Court House, 258 ; nature of the country, 253 ; forces of 
Gen. Pope begin to fall back, 259 ; Eappahannock bridge, 
259 ; attempts of Confederates to cross the Eappahan- 
nock, 259; dash on Catlett's Station, 260; advance of 
Confederate army, 260 ; Gen. Pope continues to fall 
back, 260 ; concentration of his forces, 260 ; attack at 
Manassas Junction, 201 ; attack on Bristow's Station, 
261 ; further movements of the Confederate forces, 261 ; 
continued retreat of Gen. Pope, 261 ; battle near Manas- 
sas, 262 ; conflict near Gainesville, 262 ; battles near Bull 
Eun, 263 ; despatch of Gen. Lee, 263 ; message of Presi- 
dent Davis, 263 ; excitement at Washington and through 
the North, 264 ; Gen. Pope falls back to the heights of 
Germantown, 2(>4 ; .his correspondence with Gen. Lee, 
264 ; retreat of Gen. Banks, 264 ; battle of Chantilly, 265 ; 
retreat of Gen. Pope's army to fortifications at Washing- 
ton, 265. 

Movements of the Confederate forces, 265 ; advance 
toward Maryland, 265; enter Frederick, 206; address 
of Gen. Lee to the citizens of Maryland, 266 ; evacuates 
Frederick and enters Hagerstown, 266 ; excitement in 
Pennsylvania, 266; activity in Maryland, 267; Gen. 
McClellan ordered to command the troops for the de- 
fence of Washington, 267 ; effect upon the troops, 267 ; 
advance sent forward into Maryland, 267 ; movements 
of Gen. Lee, 267 ; his order to Gen. Hill showing his 
plans, 268 ; advance of Gen. McClellan's forces, 268 ; en- 
ter Frederick, 268 ; pursue Confederate forces, 268 ; bat- 
t?6* Of South Mountain, 268, 269; movements at Hai-per's 
Ferry, 269; its surrender, 270; spoils taken, 270; battle 
at Antietam, 271, 272 ; losses, 272 ; retreat of the Con- 
federate army from Maryland, 272. 

Guerrilla operations in Kentucky, 282 ; advance of 
Gen. E. K. Smith into Kentucky, 282 ; battle at Eich- 
mond, 282 ; removal of the Kentucky Legislature, 282 ; 
address of the governor, 283 ; proclamation of Gea 
Smith, 283; movements of Gen. Buell, 283; advance of 
Gen. Bragg into Kentucky, 284 ; capture of Munfords- 
ville, 284; object of Gen. Bragg's advance into Ken- 
tucky, 285 ; his address to the Kentuckians, 285 ; ad- 
vance of Gen. Buell in pursuit, 287 ; battle of Perrys- 
ville, 287; Camp Dick Eobinson, 287; spoils taken by 
Gen. Bragg, 288 ; his retreat and the pursuit, 288 ; result 
of the invasion of Kentucky, 289. 

Cumberland Gap, its situation, 289 ; occupation by 
Confederate forces, 289 ; invasion by a Federal force^ 
239 ; its evacuation, 239 ; oocupation by Gen. Morgan, 
290 ; skirmishes, 290 ; evacuation by Gen. Morgan, 290. 

Movements of Gen. Grant's forces in Tennessee 'and 



810 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Mississippi, 290 ; dash upon luka, 291 ; movements of 
Federal forces upon luka, 291 ; its capture, 291 ; march 
of the Confederate forces upon Corinth, 292 ; position of 
the forces, 292 ; battle of Corinth, 292, 293 ; retreat of the 
Confederate force, 294 ; pursuit, 294 ; address of Gen, 
Kosecrans, 294; advance of Gen. Grant's forces, 294; 
movement by a division of Gen. Curtis's army, 294 ; 
expedition from Helena, 295; capture of Holly Springs, 
295 ; close of the second campaign in Kentucky and 
Tennessee, 296. 

Gen. Eosecrans ordered to the command in Kentucky, 
296; advance toward Nashville, 296; position of the 
Confederate forces, 296 ; Federal advance beyond Nash- 
ville, 297 ; position of the armies at Murfreesboro, 297 ; 
the battle at Murfreesboro, 297-299 ; losses, 299. 

Conclusion of the campaign in Virginia, 299 ; position 
of the armies, 299 ; order to Gen. McClellan to cross the 
Potomac, 300 ; letter of Gen. Halleck to the Secretary 
of War, 300 ; causes of delay to advance, 301 ; advance 
of the troops, 801 ; the situation of the respective forces, 
802; removal of Gen. McClellan, 302 ; his farewell to the 
troops, 302 ; the military aspect of afTairs, 802 ; move- 
ment upon Fredericksburg, 303 ; that city summoned to 
surrender by Gen. Sumner, 804 ; correspondence, 304 ; 
concentration of Federal army, 304 ; delay of pontoons, 
804; testimony of Gen. Burnside, 305 ; battle in the rear 
of Fredericksburg, 806, 307 ; retreat of the Federal 
forces, 808 ; despatches of Gen. Burnside, 808 ; address 
of Gen. Lee to his troops, 30S. 

Dash upon the Cumberland Gap, 809; attack upon 
Goldsboro, 309 ; fight at Pocotaligo, 810 ; at Baton Eouge, 
310 ; summary of important military events, 810 ; results 
of the military operations of the year 1862, 811. 

Plan of the movement against Vicksburg, 380 ; sur- 
render of Holly Springs, 381 ; Gen. Grant's order, 331 ; 
loss at Holly Springs, 831 ; attack on Davis's Mills, 331 ; 
other stations on railroad to Corinth, 881 ; effects on 
Gen. Grant, 831 ; do. on the plan of the campaign, 832 ; 
movements of Gen. Sherman, 332 ; appears at the mouth 
of the Yazoo, 332 ; moves up the river, 332 ; his plan, 
382; character of the country, 833 ; bayous, 383; landing 
of Gen. Blair, 333 ; organization of Gen. Sherman's forces, 
833 ; plan of attack on the bluffs in the rear of Vicksburg, 
838 ; landing and movement of the troops, 838 ; bivouac, 
888 ;, reconnoitring, 338 ; repulse of Gen. Steele, 833 ; 
change in the order of movements, 888 ; position of the 
forces, 334 ; assaults upon the bluffs, 334, 835 ; repulse, 
835 ; withdrawal of the troops, 835 ; arrival of Gen. Mc- 
Clernand, 335 ; address of Gen. Sherman to the troops, 
335 ; Gen. Pemberton in command at Vicksburg, 885 ; 
address to his troops, 835. 

Plan to attack Arkansas Post, 836; White Kiver,836: 
movement of the fleet, 836 ; position of Fort Hindman, 
336; bombardment, 836; assault, 836; surrender, 336; 
expedition up the White River, 338. 

Gen. Grant leaves Memphis for Vicksburg, 338 ; as- 
sumes command, 338 ; plans for the attack on Vicks- 
burg, 388 ; the canal, 338 ; routes by which to reach the 
rear of Vicksburg, 339 ; Lake Providence, 839 ; Yazoo 
Pass, 339. 

Queen of the West runs the blockade, 339 ; her expe- 
dition down the river, 840 ; returns, 840 ; second expedi- 
tion, 840 ; moves up the Atchafal.aya, 340 ; captures the 
Era No. 5, 340 : Fort Taylor, 840 ; attack on, 840 ; injury 
to the Queen, 840 ; capture of, 341 ; escape of the officers 
■with the De Soto, 841 ; meets the Indianola, 841 ; de- 
scription of the Indianola, 841 ; runs the batteries at 
Vicksburg, 841 ; pursues the Webb, 842 ; returns to Big 
Black River, 842 ; is captured by the Webb and Queen 
of the West, 342. 



Situation of Lake Providence, 842 ; how connected 
with Red River, 842 ; route of the proposed canal, 342; 
situation of Moon Lake, 342 ; Yazoo Pass, 842 ; Cold- 
water, 842 ; route, 342 ; advance of the gunboats, 343 ; 
the force, 343 ; Fort Pemberton, 343 ; its situation, 843 ; 
Greenwood, 343; force of the enemy, 348; attack on the 
fort, 344; repulse, 344; its cause, 344; expedition with- 
drawn, 344. 

Expedition by w.ay of Cypress Bayon, 344 ; the route, 
844; its progress, 344 ; fleet withdrawn, 844 ; cause of the 
failure, 844. 

Route from Milliken's Bend to New Carthage, 345; 
rams Switzerland and Lancaster attempt to pass the 
batteries at Vicksburg, 345; Gen. Grant orders New 
Carthage to be occupied, 345 ; advance of Gen. McCler- 
nand, 845 ; Perkins's plantation reached, 845 ; bad roads, 
345; transports at the same time run the batteries at 
Vicksbm'g, 846 ; march of the troops below Vicksburg, 
347 ; attack on Grand Gulf by the gunboats, 847 ; report 
of Admiral Porter, 347; do. Gen. Grant's, 347; trans- 
ports run the batteries at Grand Gulf, 347 ; troops pre- 
pare to cross the Mississippi, 347 ; landed at Bruinsburg, 
847 ; advance of the Thirteenth Corps, 847 ; Port Gibson, 
847; enemy encountered, 847; repulsed, 847; Bayou 
Pierre, 847 ; Hawkinson's Ferry, 348 ; Gen. Grant's re- 
port of the crossing of the Mississippi, 348 ; Admiral 
Porter's report of the capture of Grand Gulf, 348 ; move- 
ment of Gen. Sherman up the Yazoo, 348; its object, 
848; attacks Haines' Bluff, 348; position of Gen. 
Banks at this time, 348 ; ferries over the Big Black 
Elver, 349. 

Col. Grierson's raid, 849 ; his force, 249 ; leaves La 
Grange, 349 ; reaches Ripley, 849 ; New Albany, 849 ; 
skirmish, 849 ; King's Bridge, 349; Pontotoc, 349 ; re- 
turn of Major Lall, 849 ; Columbus, 349 ; Louisville, 849 ; 
Nichols' plantation, 849 ; Raleigh, 849 ; Brandon, 849 ; 
Starkville, 349 ; expedition of Capt. Forbes, 849 ; Pearl 
river, 850 ; Gallatin, 850 ; Brookhaven, 850 ; Summit, 
850 ; Edward's Bridge, 350 ; preparation to stop him at 
Osyka, 351 ; Greensburg, 851 ; Clioton, 851 ; arrives at 
Baton Rouge, 851. 

Arrival of Gen. Sherman, 351 ; advance of Gen. Grant, 
851 ; route of Gen. McPherson, 851 ; do. of Gen. Sher- 
man, 851 ; do. of Gen. McCIernand, 851 ; despatch of 
Gen. Grant, 851 ; battle of Raymond, 851 ; further ad- 
vance, 852 ; capture of Jackson, 352 ; movements of the 
enemy. 352 ; battle of Champion Hills, 354 ; fight at 
Black Elver, 355 ; Gen. Sherman marches upon Bridge- 
port, 355 ; Walnut Hills occupied, 355 ; supplies for the 
troops, 855; investment of Vicksburg, 855; report of 
Admiral Porter, 855 ; do. of expedition to Yazoo City, 
356; retreat of Pemberton to Vicksburg, 856^ assault on 
the works made by Gen. Grant, 356 ; a second assault, 
857 ; how made, 357 ; report of Gen. Grant, 357 ; report 
of the enemy, 358 ; report of Admiral Porter on the as- 
sault on Vicksburg, 35S ; siege determined upon, 359 ; 
how conducted, 859 ; reinforcements to Gen. Grant, 359 ; 
attack on Milliken's Bend, 359 ; sinking of the Cincin- 
nati, 360 ; report of Capt. Bache, 360 ; progress of the 
siege, 860 ; flag of truce, 360 ; proposal to surrender, 860 ; 
correspondence, 361 ; opinion of Gen. Grant of the terms 
of surrender, 361 ; despatch of Admiral Porter, 361 ; re- 
sult of the campaign, 362 ; letter of President Lincoln to 
Gen. Grant, 362 ; report of Gen. Halleck, 863 ; new ex- 
peditions, 803 ; Gen. Sherman sent to attack Gen. John- 
ston, 863 ; despatches of Gen. Grant, 363. 

Destruction of property at Jackson, Miss., 363 ; negroes 
flocking after the army, 364 ; their views, 864 ; expedi- 
tion against Yazoo City, 364; movement of Gen Mc- 
Pherson, 865 ; vast extent of the military campaign, 865 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



811 



Gen. Banks sails for New Orleans, 865 ; the expedi- 
tion, 865 ; his movements, 865 ; naval force on the lower 
Mississippi, 865; attack on Port Hudson, 365 ; loss of the 
Mississippi, 866 ; movement of the land forces, 866 ; the 
Teche country, 366; forces there, 366; movements of 
Gen. Weitzel, 866; objects of Gen. Banks, 866; concen- 
trates at Brashear, 366 : advances, 36T ; success of Gen. 
Grover, 867 ; New Iberia, 867 ; further operations, 367 ; 
surrender of Alexandria to Admiral Porter, 367 ; country 
occupied by Gen. Banks, 867 ; despatch of Admiral Por- 
ter on the capture of Alexandria, 368; order of Gen. 
Banks to organize a corps d''Afrique, 868 ; movements 
of Gen. Sherman, 868 ; do. of Gen. Augur, 868 ; advance 
upon Port Hudson, 869 ; fire opened by Gen. Banks, 
369 ; report of Gen. Banks on the conduct of colored 
troops, 370 ; second assault on Port Hudson, 370 ; activity 
of the enemy west of the Mississippi, 870 ; their success, 
870 ; complete investment of Port Hudson, 371 ; Its sur- 
render, 371 ; correspondence, 871 ; terms of surrender, 
872; further movements of Gen. Banks, 372. 

Gen. Burnside's position, 372 ; another movement con- 
templated, 372 ; storm, 873 ; movement abandoned, 373 ; 
order of Gen. Burnside surrendering the command, 373; 
his statement relative to his resignation, 373 ; order of 
Gen. Hooker on taking command, 378 ; order of the War 
Department, 878 ; Congress passes a resolution of in- 
quiry, 873; report of the Committee of Inquiry, 374; 
letter of Gen. Cochrane, 875 ; order of Gen. Burnside dis- 
missing certain oflicers, 875 ; his testimony before the 
committee, 375 ; assumes command of the Department 
of Ohio, 876; raids, 876; position of Gen. 'Hooker's and 
Gen. Lee's armies, 377 ; advance of Gen. Hooker across 
the Kappahannock, 378 ; his order,- 378 ; his ' position, 
378; movements of the enemy, 878, 379; report of Gen. 
Lee, 879 ; movements of Gen. Sedgwick, 379 ; Lee's re- 
port of these movements, 880 ; further movements of 
Gen. Hooker, 880. 

Movements of Gen. Stoneman, 380 ; Kilpatrick's move- 
ments, 881 ; his report, 881 ; movements of Lieut.-Col. 
Davis, 881 ; his report, 382. 

Orders of Gen. Hooker, 382 ; orders of Gen. Lee, 882 ; 
despatch of Secretary Stanton to governors of Northern 
States, 382 ; proclamation of President Lincoln relative 
to the conscription of aliens, 882 ; order of Secretary 
Stanton relative to the sending of intelligence by tele- 
graph, 383 ; official report of the loss at Chancellorsville, 
883 ; flag of truce from Gen. Lee, 383 ; loss of the enemy, 
888 ; letter of Gen. Lee to Gen. Jackson, 383 ; Gen. Jack- 
son's wounds and death, 383 ; order of Gen. Lee, 384 ; re- 
connoissance, 384 ; movements of Gen. Lee northward, 
884 ; his objects, 385; commencement of his march, 385. 

Order of the War Department creating two new de- 
partments, 385 ; departments and commanders, 385 ; 
proclamation of Gov. Curtin, 385 ; order of Gen. Couch, 
886; position of Gen. Hooker, 886; movements of Gen. 
Lee, 386, 887 ; his purpose, 387 ; attack at Berrj-ville, 
887; do. on Winchester, 387; retreat of Gen. Milroy, 
889; court-martialed, 389 ; decision of President Lincoln 
on its verdict, 889 ; report of Gen. Halleck, 889 ; evacua- 
tion of Martinsburg, 389 ; report of Gen. Lee, 389 ; spoils 
taken, 389 ; advance of Col. Jenkins, 390 ; invasion of 
Maryland and Pennsylvania, 390 ; proclamation of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, 390 ; despatch to Gov. Seymour, of New 
York, 390 ; movements in New York, 890 ; thanks of the 
President to Gov. Seymour, 391 ; proclamation of Gov. 
Curtin, 391 ; do. of Gov. Parker, of New Jersey, 391 ; do. 
of the governor of Marj'land, 291 ; do. of the governor of 
West Virginia, 391 ; do. of the governor of Ohio, 392 ; 
movement of troops from New York, 392 ; troops from 
Nevr Jersey, 392 ; appeal of Gov. Curtin to the people 



of Philadelphia, 893; State organizations In the field, 
893 ; proclamation of Gov. Curtin, 893 ; troops from 
other States, 394; scenes at Harrisburg, 394; do. at 
Pittsburg, 894; do. at Baltimore, 894; movements of 
Gen. Hooker, 894; his objects, 395; cavalry contests, 
395; Gen. Pleasanton's report, 395; Gen. Lee's report 
of Hooker's position, 395; orders to his troops, 396 ; Gen. 
Cooper's letter to Gen. Lee, 396; do. of Mr. Davis, 396; 
advance of the Confederate array, 397 ; advance toward 
Harrisburg, 397; do. York, 397; order of Gen. Lee, 397-, 
Confederates fall back, 398; Gen. Hooker resigns his 
command, 399 ; Gen. Meade assumes command, 399 ; im- 
pression upon the army, 399 ; its advance toward Get- 
tysburg, 899; Meade's address before battle, 399; Get- 
tysburg, 400; Gen. Reynolds encounters the enemy, 
400 ; the battle of Wednesday, 400 ; Gen. Meade's posi- 
tion, 401 ; Gen. Lee's position, 401 ; battle of Thursday, 
402 ; report of Gen. Lee, 408 ; despatch of Gon. Meade, 
403 ; battle of Friday, 403 ; despatch of Gen. Meade, 404 ; 
address to his army, 404 ; announcement of President 
Lincoln, 405; movements of Gen. Lee, 405; movements 
of Pennsylvania troops, 405 ; address of Gen. Lee to his 
army, 405 ; pursuit by Gen. Meade, 405, 406 ; despatches 
of Gen. Meade, 406; denied by Gen. Lee, 406; contra- 
dicted by Gen. Meade, 406 ; Col. Kilpatrick's report, 408 ; 
capture of Vicksburg announced, 408 ; proclamation of 
President Lincoln, 408 ; adilress of Gen. Meade to citi- 
zens along the Orange and Alexandria railroad, 408; 
movements of Gen. Dis, 409. 

Advance of Gen. Morgan, 409; crosses the Cumber- 
land, 409 ; moves across Kentucky, 409 ; crosses the 
Ohio, 409 ; pursuit by Gen. Hobson, 409 ; movements in 
Indiana, 410 ; enters Ohio, 411 ; advances toward West- 
ern Virginia, 411 ; skirmishes at the Ohio Eiver, 411 ; 
despatches of Gen. Shackelford, 412 ; capture of Gen. 
Morgan, 412. 

Operations of Gen. Eosecrans, 452 ; expedition of Gen. 
Jeff. C. Davis, 452 ; attack on Port Donelson, 452 ; expe- 
dition under Col. Colburn, 452 ; do. under Gen. Sheri- 
dan, 453 ; do. under Col. Hall, 453 ; attack on Gen. Gran- 
ger, 453 ; movement on McMinnsville, 453 ; expedition 
of Col. Streight, 453 ; instructions to Col. Streight, 453 ; 
by Gen. Garfield, 453 ; movements of Col. Streight, 454 ; 
his surrender, 454 ; letter of Gen. Eosecrans to Gen. Hal- 
leck relative to the force in his front, 455 ; reply of Gen. 
Halleck, 455; answer of Gen. Eosecrans, 455; move- 
ments commenced by Gen. Eosecrans, 455 ; movements 
of his corps, 456; retreat of Gen. Bragg, 456; its effect, 
456; first object of Gen. Eosecrans, 456 ; crossing the 
Tennessee, 457. 

Movement of Gen. Burnside, 457 ; his command, 457 ; 
position of Gen. Buckner, 457 ; advance of Gen. Bum- 
side, 457 ; reaches Kingston, 458 ; enters Knoxville, 458 ; 
his reception, 458; movement npon Cumberland Gap, 
458 ; other movements, 458 ; occupation of Chattanooga, 
458; despatch of Gen. Halleck to Gen. Eosecrans, 458 ; 
do. to Gen. Burnside, 459 ; reply of Gen. Eosecrans, 459 ; 
reports of Gens. Eesecrans, Foster, and Meade, as to 
movements of the enemy, 459 ; despatches of Gen. Hal- 
leck, 459 ; position of Gen. Eosecrans' forces, 460 ; his 
advance, 460; Lafayette, 460; attack on Gen. Negley, 
460 ; concentration of Gen. Eosecrans, 461 ; operations 
of the Confederate army, 461 ; topographical view, 462 ; 
order of Gen. Bragg to advance, 462; charge of inca- 
pacity against Gen. Bragg, 462 ; approach of the two ar- 
mies, 462 ; battle of Chickamauga, 403 ; firmness of Gen. 
Thomas, 463 ; he falls back, 465; loss of Gen. Eosecrans, 
465; concentrates at Chattanooga, 465 ; address of Gen. 
Eosecrans to the army, 465 ; forces sent to Gen. Eose- 
crans, 465 ; Hooker's corps, 465 ; Grant ordered to the 



812 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



command, 465 ; movements of Gen. Hooker, 466 ; opens 
the river below Chattanooga, 466 ; supplies reach Chatta- 
nooga, 467; movement of Gen. Longstreet in East Ten- 
nessee, 467 ; plan of Gen. Grant, 467 ; his attack on Gen. 
Bragg, 46T ; his defeat, 46S. 

Movements of Gen. Burnside in East Tennessee, 468; 
advance of Gen. Long.street, 468 ; siege of Knosville, 468. 

Movements of Gen. Sherman, 470 ; diversion of Gen. 
Averill in West Virginia, 470 ; position of the armies of 
Gens. Meade and Lee, 470 ; Meado falls back, 470 ; ad- 
vance of Gen. Lee, 470 ; he retires, 471 ; losses in caval- 
ry, 471 ; advance of Gen. Meade, 471 ; Mine Bun, 471 ; 
movements in West Virginia, 471 ; Gen. Averill's raid, 
471 ; operations in North Carolina, 472 ; do. in southeast 
Virginia, 472 ; Gen. Foster sent to Charleston, 472. 

Gen. Gillmore moves on Charleston, 472 ; attacks Mor- 
ris Island, 472 ; his report, 472 ; capture of a portion, 472 ; 
fortifications, 478 ; naval force, 473 ; attack on Fort Wag- 
ner, 474 ; repulse, 474 ; Gen. Gillmore"s works on Morris 
Island, 475; Swamp Angel, 475; opens fire upon Fort 
Sumter, 475 ; report of the enemy of the bombardment, 
476; report of Gen. Gillmore, 476, 477; letter of Gen. 
Beauregard, 477; reply of Gen. Gillmore, 478; effect of 
the shells fired at Charleston, 479 ; capture of Fort Wag- 
ner, 479 ; report of Gen. Gillmore, 479 ; night assault upon 
Sumter, 479. 

Movements of Gen. Banks, 479 ; expedition to the 
mouth of the Sabine, 479 ; its repulse, 480 ; capture of 
Brownsville, 480. 

Movements in Missouri, 480 ; operations of Gen. Mar- 
maduke, 481; retires to Arkansas, 481; movement of 
Gen. Cabell, 4S1 ; Gen. McNeil, 432 ; expedition of Col. 
Clayton, 482; advance of Gen. Blunt, 482; Gen. Steele's 
movements, 483 ; capture of Little Bock, 483 ; Quan- 
trell's raid, 483 ; attack on Gen. Blunt, 483. 

Department of the Northwest, 484 ; operations against 
the Indians, 484. 

Result of the operations of the year, 484 ; desolations, 
485 ; Grant's order respecting slaves, 486. 

Position of the Federal forces in Jan., 1864, 498 ; position 
of the enemy, 498 ; congratulatory address of Gen. Grant 
to his soldiers, 498 ; number of Federal troops in the field, 
498 ; number and strength of the Confederates, 498, 499 ; 
earliest movements of 1864, 499 ; letter of Gen. Sherman, 
499 ; his movement from Vicksburg, 500 ; advance un- 
der Gen. McPherson, 500 ; skirmish at Big Black Kiver, 
500; preparations of the enemy, 502: letter of Dabney 
Maury, 502 ; address cf Gov. Watts to the people, 502 ; 
force of Gen. Sherman, 502 ; address to his troops and 
instructiona, 502 ; reaches Meridian, 502 ; destruction of 
railroads, 502 ; returns to Vicksburg, 502 ; failure of 
Gen. Smith to meet him, 502 ; march of Gen. Smith 
firom Memphis, 503 ; resistance of the enemy, 503 ; he falls 
back, 503 ; picture of his march, 508 ; pursuit of the ene- 
my, 503 ; successful retreat, 503 ; destruction caused by 
Gen. Smith's forces, 503. 

Expedition against Tazoo City, 503 ; results of the 
movement, 503. 

M.arch of a force from Gen. Johnston to aid in oppos- 
ing the advance of Sherman upon Meridian, 504; coun- 
ter movement on the part of Gen. Grant at Chattanooga, 
504 ; advance on Tunnel Hill, 504 ; farther advance 
nearly to Dalton, 504 ; resistance of the enemy, 504 ; 
Federal force fall back to Tunnel Hill, 504. 

Gen. Gillmore in command of the Department of the 
3outh, 504; his authority, 504* letter of President Lin- 
coln to him, 504 ; proposition of Gen. Gillmore to the 
War Department, 504 ; his order, 504 ; advance of the 
expedition, 505 ; Jacksonville, 505 ; advance in the inte- 
rior, 505 ; capture of property, 605 ; return, 505 ; other 



orders of Gen. Gillmore to Gen. Seymour, 505; skirmish 
at Gainsevllle, 505 ; plans of Gen. Gillmore, 507 ; new ad- 
vance of Gen. Seymour, 507 ; encounters the enemy at 
Olustee and is defeated, 507 ; the retreat, 507 ; report of 
the enemy, 507 ; correspondence between Gen. Seymour 
and Gen. Finegan, 507 ; suspension of operations in 
Florida, 508. 

Concentration of forces at New Orleans, 508 ; plans of 
Gen. Banks, 508 ; march of Gen. Franklin for Alexan- 
dria, 508 ; assembling of a vast fleet at the mouth of Ked 
Eiver, 508 ; embarkation of a force under Gen. Smith to 
unite with Gen. Banks at Alexandria, 509 ; arrival at 
Semmesport, 509 ; reconnoissance, 509 ; march upon and 
capture of Fort De Eussy, 509 ; arrival at Alexandria, 
509; withdrawal of the enemy, 509; arrival of Gen. 
Banks, 509 ; advance upon and capture of Natchitoches, 
509 ; cooperation of Gen. Steele in Arkansas expected, 
509; advance toward Shreveport, 509 ; battle and repulse 
at Pleasant Hill, 510 ; losses of the campaign, 511 ; the 
captures, 511 ; advance of Admiral Porter, 511 ; arrival 
of Gen. Smith, 511 ; retreat continued to Alexandria, 
511 ; dangerous position of the "fleet, 513; extricated by 
building a dam across Ked Eiver, 613 ; how it was done, 
513 ; evacuation of Alexandria, 514 ; city set on fire, 514 ; 
appalling scenes, 514; retreat of the fleet and army to 
the Mississippi, followed by the enemy, 515. 

Advance of Gen. Steele to cooperate with Gen. Banks, 
515; concentration of his force, 515; force of the enemy, 
515 ; advance of Gen. Steele toward Washington, 515 ; 
capture of Camden, 515 ; cooperating movement of Col. 
Clayton, 515; his despatch, 515; po.sition of Gen. Steele 
after the retreat of Gen. Banks, 515; necessary to fall 
back, 515; operations of the enemy, 515; Steele's sup- 
plies cut off, 515 ; evacuates Camden and retreats, 516 ; 
battle at the crossing of Washita Eiver, 518; enemy re- 
pulsed and the crossing effected, 516; safe retreat to 
Little Rock, 516; effects of the withdrawal of troops 
from Vicksburg for the Eed Eiver expedition, 516 ; 
movements of the Confederate Gen. Forrest, 316; ad- 
vance on the Federal posts in West Tennessee and Ken- 
tucky, 516; attack on Paducah, 516; demand for its sur- 
render, 516 ; reply of Col. Hicks, 517 ; attack on the forts, 
517 ; withdrawal of Forrest, 517 ; his report, 517 ; attack 
on Fort Pillow, 517 ; its giirrison, 517 ; manner of the 
attack, 517; operations, 517; demand for surrender, 517; 
reply of Major Bradford, 517; assault by the enemy and 
capture of the fort, 518 ; report of an investigating com- 
mittee of Congress on the scenes which followed, 518; 
statement of the Confederate Lieut.-Gen. S. D. Lcc, 519; 
report of the enemy, 519 ; advance of a force against 
Columbus, 519; demand for its surrender and refusal of 
Gen. Buford, 519. 

Operations in North Carolina, 519 ; capture of the Fed- 
eral post at Bachelor's Creek, 520; advance toward New- 
bern, 520 ; destruction of the gunboat Underwriter, 520; 
report of Gen. Picket, 520 ; Plymouth, 520 ; how de- 
fended, 520 ; attack of the enemy, 520 ; destruction of 
the gunboats Southfield and Miami by the Albemarle, 
520; surrender of Plymouth, 520; announcement of 
Gen. Peck, 520 ; report of Gen. Hoke, 522 ; order of Gen. 
Palmer relative to incendiaries, 522. 

Desultory operations In Virginia, 522 ; capture of trains 
at New Creek, 522 ; headquarters of Gen. Meade, 522 ; 
position of Lee's army, 622 ; Gen. Kilpatrick starts for a 
dash upon Eichmond, 522; contemporaneous move- 
ments, 522 ; advance of Kilpatrick, 523 ; detachment 
under Col. Dahlgren, 523 ; encounters the enemy, 523 ; 
Dahlgren killed, 523 ; address and orders published in 
the Eichmond papers, 523. 

Act of Congress creating a Lieut.-Generalcy, 524 ; Gen. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



813 



Grant appointed, 524 ; address of the President on pre- 
senting his commission, 524 ; reply of Grant, 524 ; orders 
transferring commanders, 524; order of Gen. Grant, 525; 
order of Secretary of War, reorganizing army corps, 525 ; 
order of Gen. Meade, 525; position of Gen. Grant with 
the Army of the Potomac, 525. 

Gen. Sherman assumes command, 525; plan of the 
campaign, 525 ; his force, 526; topography of Georgia, 
526 ; Atlant.1, its position and importance, 526 ; defences, 
526; table of railroad statioijs, 528; movement to com- 
pel Gen. Johnston to evacuate Dal ton, 528; demonstra- 
tion in Johnston's front, 523; failure of the flanking 
movement, 528; position of Eesaca, 528; next move- 
ment of Sherman, 529 ; evacuation of Dalton by Gen. 
Johnston, 529 ; operations before Eesaca, 529 ; move- 
ment of Johnston to turn the Federal left flank, 529 ; 
further operations before Eesaca, 530 ; abandoned by 
Johnston, 580 ; movements in advance by Gen. Sher- 
man's corps, 530 ; Allatoona Pass, 531 ; its position, 531 ; 
held by Johnston, 531 ; movements of Sherman, 631 ; 
New Hope Church, 531 ; struggle for its possession, 531 ; 
abandoned by Johnston, 532 ; results thus far, 532 ; Ken- 
esaw Mountain, 532 ; its importance, 532 ; force of Gen. 
Johnston, 532 ; order of Sherman's advance, 532 ; posi- 
tion of Johnston, 533; abandons the works on Lost 
Mountain, 533 ; further operations, 533 ; statement of 
Gen. Sherman, 533 ; attack on Johnston's position, 534 ; 
its failure, 534 ; next movement of Sherman, 534; evac- 
uation of Kenesaw by General Johnston, 534; Marietta 
occupied by Gen. Sherman, 534; new position of John- 
ston, .534; attempt of Gen. Sherman to turn his right 
flank, 535 ; retreat of Gen. Johnston, 535 ; new move- 
ments of Sherman, 535 ; crossing the Chattahoochio, 535 ; 
mancBUvres approaching Atlanta, 535 ; Gen. Johnston's 
turns his command over to Gen. Hood, 536 ; his farewell 
address, 536; Gen. Hood's address on assuming com- 
mand, 536 ; movements around Atlanta, 536, 537 ; bat- 
tles, 588, 539 ; losses, 539 ; cooperating movements or- 
dered by General Sherman ag.ainst the enemy's lines of 
communication, 539 ; railroads connecting AtLinta with 
the southwest cut, 539 : destruction of the Georgia Eail- 
road, 589 ; Macon, and Western Eailroad crippled, 5-39 ; 
movement of Gen. Stoneman on Macon, 540; compelled 
to surrender, 541 ; raid against the Macon and Western 
road, 541 ; operations before Atlanta, 541 ; failure to dis- 
lodge Hood, 541 ; flanking movement of Gen. Sherman 
to the right, 541 ; plan of Gen. Sherman to move his 
whole army upon the communications of Atlanta, 542 ; 
his movements, 542; resistance of the enemy, 548; their 
repulse, 543 ; Gen. Sherman places himself between At- 
lanta and Gen. Hardee's corps, 543 ; consternation at At- 
lanta, 548 ; its evacuation, 543 ; destruction of property, 
548 ; its capture by Sherman, 544 ; Federal losses in the 
campaign, 544 ; losses of the enemy, 544 ; movement of 
Hood, 544 ; Gen. Wheeler's raid upon Sherman's line 
of communication, 544 ; President Lincoln's announce- 
ment of the capture of Atlanta, 545 ; Sherman's address 
to his troops, 545; orders for the departure of all civil- 
ians, 545; Gen. Hood's reply to a proposal for a ten 
days' truce, 545 ; also letter to the Mayor of Atlanta, 546 ; 
reply of Gen. Sherman to Gen. Hood, 516; the truce 
agreed upon, 546 ; final appeal of the civic authorities to 
Gen. Sherman, 547 ; his reply to the appeal, 547 ; another 
announcement, 548. 

Reorganization of the Army of the Potomac, 548 ; con- 
solidation of divisions and arrangement of brigades, 548 • 
assignment of general officers, 548; commanders of di- 
visions, 549; officers relieved, 549; address of Gen. 
Pleasanton, 649 ; do. of Gen. Newton, 519 ; do. of Gen. 
French, 649 ; staff of Lieut.-Gen. Grant, 550 ; Bumside"8 



command, 550 ; Sigel's command, 550 ; Gen. Butler's 
command, 550 ; tender of a hundred thousand men by 
Western governors, 650 ; letter of Gov. Yates stating the 
reasons, 550 ; address of the Governor of Indiana, 551 ; 
do , Adj. -Gen. of Ohio, 551 ; plans of Gen. Grant, 551 ; 
address of Gen. Meade to his troops, 551 ; army breaks 
camp and advances, 552 ; Eappahannock crossed, 552 ; 
Burnside's address to his troops, 553 ; his corps acts as a 
reserve, 563 ; purposes of Gen. Grant in his advance, 
653; movement of Gen. Lee, 553; Gen. Griffin encoun- 
ters the enemy, 553 ; attempt of the enemy to press be- 
tween the 5th and 2d corps, 654 ; advance of Gen. Sedg- 
wick, 654 ; despatch of Gen. Lee, 554 ; Burn side brought 
on the field, 554 ; battle of the next day, 554, 665 ; posi- 
tion of both armies at night, 655 ; station of the cavalry, 
556 ; the contest on the next morning, 555 ; both armies 
begin to withdraw, 555 ; despatch of Gen. Lee, 555 ; fight 
of 5th corps with the enemy on the next afternoon near 
Spottsylvania Court House. 555 ; death of Gen. Sedgwick, 
556; despatches of Secretary Stanton relative to the 
preceding actions, 656, 557 ; address of President Lincoln, 
667; excitement in the Northern States, 557 ; serenade 
to President Lincoln, 657 ; speech, 557 ; thanksgiving ob- 
servance in the Northern States, 567 ; despatch of the 
Secretary of War, 557 ; position of Gen. Grant's ai-my, 
558; do. of the enemy, 558; renewed struggle, 553; de- 
spatches of the Secretary of War, 558 ; quiet next day, 
558 ; assault and captures by Gen. Hancock early on the 
nest morning, 559 ; battle all next day, 559 ; losses, 559 ; 
■withdrawal of the enemy on the left, 559 ; congratula- 
tory address of Gen. Meade to his troops, 559 ; address 
of Gen. Lee to his army, 560 ; despatches of the Secreta- 
ry of War, 560, 661 ; reenforcements to Gen. Grant, 560 ; 
disposal of the wounded, 561 ; strength of the Army of 
the Potomac, 561. 

Movements cooperating with Gen. Grant, 561 ; cav- 
alry raid sent by Gen. Grant to cttt Lee's communica- 
tions, 561, 562 ; movements against Lynchburg, 562 ; ad- 
vance of Gen. Averill, 562 ; encounter with the enemy, 
562 ; falls back, 562 ; address of Gen. Averill, 562 ; ad- 
vance of Gen. Crook, 503 ; repulses the enemy, 563 ; falls 
back, 568 ; Gen. Sigel's movements in the Shenandoah, 
563; defeated by Breckinridge, 563; movement of Gen. 
Butler up the James Elver, 663; despatch of Gen. But- 
ler, 665; attempts to cut the railroads to Petersburg and 
Eichmond, 565 ; encounter with the enemy, 565; attack 
en the Danville road,'567 ; attack on the outer lines of 
Fort Darling, 567 ; the contest, 567; Gen. Butler retires 
to his intrenchments, 568 ; despatch of the Secretary of 
War, 568 ; expedition of Gen. Kautz against the Dan- 
ville Eailroad, 568 ; occupation of the naval forces re- 
moving torpedoes, 569 ; attack of Gen. Butler on Eich- 
mond and Petersburg Eailroad, 569. 

Concentration of the enemy under Gen. Lee, 570 ; at- 
tempt to turn the right of Grant's line, 670 ; failure, 570 ; 
address of Gen. Meade, 570 ; despatch of the Secretary 
of War, 570 ; new movement of Gen. Grant by the left, 
570 ; despatches of the Secretary of War, 670 ; Grant's 
advance reaches the North Anna Eiver, 671 ; position of 
his forces, 571 ; encounter the enemy, 571 ; position of 
armies on the next day, 573 ; new movement by Gen. 
Grant, 572 ; Pamunkey crossed, 572 ; position of his 
army, 572 ; new position of the enemy, 572 ; reenforce- 
ments to Gen. Grant from Gen. Butler, 673 ; conflict at 
Coal Harbor, 573; attempt of Gen. Grant to push the 
enemy across the Chickahominj', 575; its failure, ^75; 
losses, 575 ; despatches of the Secretary of War, 575 ; 
positions of the armies, 576; intrenchments of both 
armies, 576 ; preparations of Gen. Grant for crossing the 
James, 576 ; river crossed, 576. 



814 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Movement of Gen. Butler upon Petersburg, 576; fail- 
ure, 577; Petersburg, 577; another attack made by the 
18th corps a few days later, 577 ; enemy reenforccd, 577 ; 
contest before the city, 577 ; arrival of other corps, 577 ; 
contest before Petersburg, 577, 57S; loss, 578; skirmish- 
ing on the next day, 578 ; quiet, 578 ; movement on the 
Weldon road, 578; a battle, 580; movemeut to the left, 
580; demonstration in front of Burnside, 580 ; cavalry 
expedition of Gen. Wilson, 580 ; hot weather, 581 ; con- 
dition of the army, 581. 

Second movement against Lynchburg, 581 ; Sigel re- 
moved and Hunter appointed to command, 581 ; posi- 
tions of Crook and Averill, 581 ; do. of Breckinridge, 
581 ; force of the enemy, 5S2 ; plan of Morgan to recall 
Burbridge, 532 ; his advance into Kentucky, 582 ; return 
of Burbridge from East Tennessee, 582 ; orders of Gen. 
Hunter, 582 ; his advance, 582 ; advance of Crook and 
Averill, 583 ; junction with Hunter, 533 ; capture of 
Staunton and Lexington, 583 ; burning of the Virginia 
Military Institute, 583 ; advance to the neighborhood of 
Lynchburg, 583; the city rcenforced, 583; retreat of 
Hunter, 5S3 ; pursuit of the enemy, 583 ; despatch from 
Gen. Hunter, 583 ; suppression of the West Virginia 
press, 584 ; letter of Gen. Hunter, 584 ; reasons for his 
i-etreat through West Virginia, 534 ; raid of Gen. Sheri- 
dan to Gordonsville, 584. 

Force detached by Lee to invade Maryland, 585 ; ap- 
pearance at Martinsburg, 585; capture of Hagerstown, 
Frederick, &c., 585; orders of the commanding officer, 
585 ; calls for troops, 535 ; plunder, 587 ; defeat of Gen. 
Wallace, 587 ; excitement at the North, 587 ; reenforce- 
ments sent from Grant's army, 587 ; approach of the 
enemy to Baltimore, 587 ; destruction of railroads and 
bridges, 587 ; attack on Washington, 587 ; retreat and 
pursuit by Gen. Wright, 537 ; battle with Averill, 537 ; 
results of the invasion, 588 ; repulse of Gen. Crook, 588; 
skirmishes along the Upper Potomac, 588; Mosby's 
rangers, 588; capture and burning of Chambersburg, 
588 ; pursuit of the enemy, 589 ; result of all these op- 
erations, 589 ; Sheridan appointed to command in the 
Shenandoah valley, 589; affairs at Petersburg, 589; 
movement from Hilton Head, 589; movement from 
Vicksburg, 539. 

Changes in the command of the Army of the James, 
589 ; position of this army, 539 ; movement upon Rich- 
mond, 589 ; a feint, 590 ; preparations to explode a mine, 
590 ; plan of assault, 590 ; the explosion and assault, 590 ; 
failure, 591 ; loss, 591 ; another mine exploded, 591 ; let- 
ter of Gen. Grant on the state of affairs, 591 ; battle at 
Eeams' Station, 591 ; order of Gen. Grant relative to de- 
serters, 592 ; raid of the enemy on Gen. Meade's left, 
592 ; letters of Grant and Sherman on the draft, 592 ; 
movement north of the James to capture Eichmond, 
592, 598 ; loss, 593 ; movement at Hatcher's Eun, 593 ; 
report of Gen. Grant, 593 ; do. of Gen. Lee, 593. 

Position of the army in and about Atlanta, 608 ; posi- 
tion of Gen. Hoqfi, 609 ; his force, 009 ; wilhdrawijl of 
the Georgia militia, 609 ; tour of Jefferson Davis, 609 ; 
movement of Hood, 609 ; operations of Forrest, 609 ; 
movements of Sherman, 610 ; attack on Allatoona, 610 ; 
further operations of Hood in the rear of Sherman, 610 ; 
Beauregard in command, 611 ; failure of Hood to inter- 
rupt the Federal communications, 611 ; plans of Sher- 
man, 612 ; prepares to march south, 612 ; his force, 612 ; 
order relative to his march, 613 ; Gen. Slocum's order to 
his troops, 618 ; the lines of railway in Georgia, 613, 614 ; 
distribution of Sherman's army, 614 ; his order to march, 
615; movement of Howard, 615; movements of the left 
wing, 615; views of the enemy on the evacuation of At- 
lanta, 615; appeal of Beauregard, 617; do. of the Geor- 



gia Senators, 617 ; do. of the Georgia delegation at Eich- 
mond, 618 ; action of Gov. Brown, 613 ; Milledgeville, 
618; advance of the right wing, 618; movement of the 
left, 618; Ogeechee Eiver reached, 619; encounter with 
Wheeler, 619 ; demonstration toward Augusta, 619 ; Mil- 
len reached, 619 ; advance between the Ogeechee and 
Savannah Eivcrs, 619 ; the right closing on the rear ol 
Savannah, 620; scouts from Sherman reach the coast, 
620; Fort McAllister, 620; its reduction, 621 ; Sher- 
man's despatch to the Secretary of War, 621 ; invest- 
ment of Savannah, 621 ; evacuation by Gen. Hardee, 622 ; 
details of the capture, 622 ; destruction by Sherman in 
Georgia, 622; occupation of Savannah, 623; order of 
Gen. Sherman for the government of the city, 623; pub- 
lic meeting, 623 ; resolutions, 624. 

Sheridan in command on the upper Potomac, 624; 
battle at Opequan Creek, 624 ; his report, 624 ; his force, 
626 ; force of the enemy, 626 ; attack on Fishers Hill, 
626; prisoners, 626; repulse of Averill at Brown's Gapi 
626; Sheridan's report of his march, 626; burning of 
buildings in the Shenandoah valley, 626; report of a 
spectator, 626 ; report of a committee of citizens, 627 ; 
Sheridan falls back to Cedar Eun, 627 ; sudden attack 
of the enemy, 627; rout of the Federal troops, 627; arri- 
val of Sheridan on the field, 627; repulse of the enemy, 
627 ; pursued to Mount Jackson, 627 ; losses, 627 ; Sher- 
idan promoted to be major-general, 627. 

Guerrillas west of Washington, 628 ; capture of a rail- 
road train, 628 ; scenes, 628. 

Missouri invaded by Gen. Price, 628; Federal force in 
the department, 628 ; how employed, 628 ; preparations 
of Gen. Eosecrans, 629 ; arrival of reenforcements, 629 ; 
State capital saved, 629 ; movement of Price westward, 
629 ; pursuit of Gen.Pleasanton, 629 ; contest, 629 ; losses 
of the enemy, 629 ; retreat into Arkansas, 629. 

Operations in East Tennessee, 629 ;, movements of 
Breckinridge, 629 ; do. of Burbridge and Stoneman, 629 ; 
destruction of saltworks, 630 ; operations in Middle Ten- 
nessee, 630 ; destruction at Johilsonville, 630 ; advance 
of Hood upon Nashville, 630 ; consternation at Nashville, 
630 ; reenforcements sent to Gen. Thomas, 630 ; battle 
before Nashville, 630 ; report af Gen. Thomas, 630 ; en- 
emy retire, 631 ; pursuit, 631 ; captures at Franklin, 631 ; 
losses of Hood, 631; expedition against the Mississippi 
Central Eailroad, 631 ; expedition from Baton Eouge, 
681 ; movement of Gen. Warren against the Weldon 
Eailroad, 681 ; results of the year, 631 ; hostilities with 
the Western Indians, 631. 

Continued operations through the winter, 670 ; move- 
ments of .Hood, 670; do. of Thomas, 670; Schofield 
sent to the Atlantic coast, 670; Thomas defends the 
country around Atlanta, 670 ; roconnoissance from East- 
port toward Corinth, 670 ; captures, 670 ; deserters, 670 ; 
Hood's forces march across Georgia to oppose Sherman, 
670. 

No important movement by the Army of the Poto- 
mac meanwhile, 670 ; call for troops, 670 ; attack on the 
Federal fleet in the James, 670 ; report, 670 ; marching 
orders issued to the army before Petersburg, 670 ; 
movement by the left, 671 ; cavalry reach Dinwiddle, 
671 ; the enemy driven beyond Hatcher's Eun, 671 ; rally 
of the enemy, 671 ; contest which ensued, 672 ; Lee's 
report, 672 ; losses, 672 ; the advantage finally gained, 
672. 

Small expeditions in the Shenandoah valley, 672 ; cap- 
ture of Gens. Crook and Kelly, 673. 

The present field of decisive operations, 673; three 
States, 673; Sherman begins his march through the 
Carolinas, 673 ; movements of Gen. Hatch against the 
Charleston and Savannah Eailroad, 673 ; movements of 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



815 



Gen. Slocum, 6T3 ; Sherman's instructions to officers, G73 ; 
a dvance of tiis army, 675 ; opposition of "Wheeler, 674 ; his 
letter to Howard, 675; reply of Sherman, 676; retreat of 
the enemy, 675 ; movement on Orangeburg;, 676 ; Edisto 
crossed, 676; march upon Columbia, S. C, 676; bridge 
opposite Columbia reached, 677; Columbia surrenders, 
677 ; report of Sherman, 677 ; burning of cotton by Hamp- 
ton, 677 ; burning of the city, 677 ; troops which first en- 
tered the city, 673 ; consequences of Sherman's move- 
ments, 678; Hardee evacuates Charleston, 678; move- 
ment of Gen. Hatch, 673 ; surrender of the city, 678 ; re- 
port, 678 ; property captured, 678 ; report on the first en- 
trance to the city, 679 ; movements of Hardee, 679 ; Sher- 
man continues his march, 680 ; Winnsboro occupied, 680 ; 
Eocky Mount, 6S0 ; feint against Charlotte, 680 ; destruc- 
tion of the railroad, 680 ; Sherman's letter to Hampton, 
680 ; Hampton's reply, 680 ; repulse of Capt. Duncan, 631 ; 
Cheraw, 681 ; Chesterfield occupied, 681 ; property cap- 
tured, 681 ; Tayetteville, K. C, 681 ; march upon, 681 ; 
its occupation, 631 ; retreat of Hardee, 681 ; report of 
Sherman in his position, 681 ; concentration of Confeder- 
ate forces under Johnston, 681 ; messengers of Sherman, 
682; success, 682; movements of Schofield, 682; ad- 
vance upon Wilmington, 632 ; retreat of the enemy, 
682; occupation of the city, 683; Schofield operates 
from Newbern against Goldsboro, 683 ; its capture, 6S8 ; 
further advance of Sherman, 683 ; movements of How- 
ard, 683 ; do. of Kilpatrick, 683 ; do. of Slocum, 683 ; posi- 
tion of Hardee, 684 ; attack, 684 ; Averysboro, 684 ; ad- 
vance of Slocum, 684; statement of Sherman, 684; 
orders to Schofield, 684 ; attack by Johnston, 685 ; loss 
at Bentonsville, 685; Sherman reaches Goldsboro, 685; 
his plans, 685. 

Grant's preparations for final conflict, 686; move- 
ment of Sheridan to join Grant, 6S6; advance up the 
Shenandoah, 686; Staunton occupied, 686; escape of 
Early, 686; expedition to Scottsville, 686; burning of 
bridges, 686; destruction of the canal, 687; Sheridan 
arrives at City Point, 687; takes a position on the left 
of Grant's army, 687. 

The line of Grant's army, 687 ; attack by the enemy 
on Fort Steadmao, 687; repulse, 687; loss, 687; Meade's 
congratulatory order, 687 ; indications of the weakness 
of Lee, 688 ; marching orders given to the army, 688 ; 
movement of the cavalry, 688 ; do. of the infantry, 688 ; 
cannonade at Petersburg, 688 ; operations beyond Hatch- 
er's Eun, 690; repulse of Warren's division, 690; reen- 
forced and the ground recovered, 690; battle of Five 
Forks, 691 ; repulse of the enemy, 691 ; report of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, 692 ; Lee orders the evacuation of Peters- 
burg and Eichmond, 692 ; surrender of Petersburg, 692 ; 
occupation of Eichmond, 692 ; fire, 692 ; military Gov- 
ernor appointed, 693 ; orders, 693 ; first entrance of the 
army Into the city, 693, 694; further operations against 
Gen. Lee's army, 694 ; letters captured, 694 ; the pursuit 
urged, 695 ; correspondence between Grant and Lee, 
696; surrender of Lee's army, 696 ; paroles of the offi- 
cers and men, 697; numbers surrendered, 697; salutes 
ordered by the War Department, 697. 

Stoneman's march from East Tennessee to North 
Carolina, 698; destruction, 698; Sherman advances 
from Goldsboro, 698; hears the news of Lee's surrender, 
698; hurries forward against Johnston, 698; letter from 
Johnston, 698 ; Sherman's reply, 699 ; interview between 
Sherman and Johnston, 699; Sherman's report, 699; 
terms of surrender agreed upon, 700 ; rejected by the 
War Department, 700 ; reasons, 700 ; Sherman's report 
at his proceedings, 701 ; correspondence with Johnston, 
701, 702; surrender of Johnston, 702; farewell to his 
army, 702, 



Expedition of Wilson into Alabama, 708 ; battle at 
Plantersville, 703 ; Wilson moves eastward, 703 ; cap- 
tures Selma, 703 ; Montgomery, 703 ; and Macon, Goo., 

703 ; his report, 70S. 

Movements against Mobile by the army and navy, 
703 ; capture of Spanish Fort, 704 ; retreat of Taylor, 

704 ; advance of Steele from Pensacola, 704; occupation 
of Mobile, 704 ; surrender of Taylor's army, 704 ; surren- 
der of naval vessels and officers, 705. 

Order of Kirby Smith in Texas, 705 ; the last battle 
of the war, 705 ; surrender of Kirby Smith's army, 706. 

Military occupation of the insurrectionary States 
by the Federal forces complete, 706; review of 
Grant's and Sherman's armies at Washington, 706 ; dis- 
bandment, 706; Sherman's farewell to his army, 706 ; 
Grant's farewell to the armies, 707 ; Presidential order 
relative to commercial intercourse, 707 ; prisoners of 
war, 707 ; disbandment of sanitary and Union organiza- 
tions, 708 ; capture of Mr. Davis, 709 ; amnesty procla- 
mation of President Johnson, 710 ; measures to restore 
civil governments, 710; provisional governors, 711; 
officers of the War Department, 711 ; officers of the 
regular and volunteer armies, 711-715 ; officers of tljp 
Navy Department, 716 ; rear admirals and commodores 
of the navy, 716, 717. 

Arnold, Gen. Lewis G. — Takes command of the troops at 
New Orleans, 204. 

Abboth, Brig.-Gen. Alexander — Commands under Fre- 
mont, 89 ; commands a division under Gen. Curtis, 157. 

AsHBT, Gen. Turnek — Attacks Gen. Shields, 209 ; biograph- 
ical notice of, 730. 

Atlanta — Confederate iron-clad, 450 ; capture of, 450. 

Atlanta, (?a.— Invested by Sherman, 536; battle, 536-541; 
siege raised, 542 ; evacuated, 543 ; occupied by Slocum, 
544 ; appeal of the civil authorities, 547 ; the city to bo 
evacuated by the inhabitants, 547. 

Athens, Mo. — Skirmish at, 83. 

Aiwater, schr. Williain C. — Captured off Cedar Keys, 62. 

AuGTJE, Major.-Gen. Chkistophee C. — Commands a division 
of Banks' army, 366; returns to Baton Eouge, 368; 
marches to the rear of Port Hudson, 369 ; repels the at- 
tack on Washington, D. C, 587 ; commands department 
of Washington, 655. 

AvEEiLL, Brig.-Gen. William W. — Conflict near Kelly's 
Ford, 377 ; attacks Jones at Eocky Cap, 471 ; attack at 
Lewisburg, 471 ; raid into southwest Virginia, 471 ; pur- 
sued by Early, Jones, Fitz Lee, Imboden, &c., 471 ; in 
command in West Virginia, 562 ; advances on Wythe- 
ville, Va., 562 ; his movements, 562, 563 ; advances to 
join Hunter, 583 ; marches to Buchanan, 583 ; encoun- 
ters the enemy at Darksville, 587; his movements near 
Winchester, 588 ; repulses Gardner at Martinsburg, 624 ; 
repulsed at Brown's Gap, 626. 

AvEEiLL, Eev. James. — Biographical notice of, 759. 

Averysboro — The battle of, 684. 

Atees, Brig.-Gen. Eometn B. — Commands 3d brigade of Ist 
division of 5th corps, 548 ; advance on Hatcher's Eun, 
671 ; movements on the right of Lee, 690. 



Bache, Lieut. George M. — Commands a gunboat of Porter's 
fleet, 360 ; report of his attack on a battery at Vicks- 
burg, 860. 

Bailey, Col. G. D. — Biographical notice of, 731. 

Ballet, Eear-Admiral Theodoeus — In the battle below 
New Orleans, 194; commands a division of Farragut's 
fleet below New Orleans, 194 j opens fire on the camp 
of the Chalamette regiment, 195 • sent ashore at New 



816 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Orleans, 196; his reception, 196; commands East Gulf 
squadron, 442 ; relieved of command, 636. 

Bailey, Li«ut.-Col. Constructs a dam across Red 

Kiver, 513. 

Bated, Brig. -Gen. Absalom — Commands a division under 
Granger, 453; at Chickamauga, 462; advances on Dal- 
ton, 504 ; moves toward 'Waynesboro, 619. 

Bakee, Brig.-Gen. E. D.— Addresses mass meeting in New 
York, 29 ; in command at the battle of Ball's Bluff, 104 ; 
killed at Ball's Bluff, 100 ; biographical notice of, 725. 

Ballou, Major S.— Biographical notice o^ 721. 

BalW Bluff— Its, situation, 102 ; instructions of Gen. Mc- 
Clellau, 102 ; details of the battle of, 102-107. 

Baltimore — Excitement at the arrival of Northern troops, 
30 ; attack on the Massachusetts 6th, 30 ; the scenes, 31, 
32 ; rallying of the militia, 82 ; excitement ceases, 32 ; 
city occupied by Federal troops, 82 ; excitement on the 
approach of the enemy, 394. 

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad — First destruction of bridges, 
51 ; locomotives ai>d cars burned at Martinsburg, 61 ; 
remove cars on the approach of the enemy, 390 ; railroad 
track again torn up, 585. 

Bankhead, Commander — Report of the loss of the Monitor, 
448. 

Banks, Nathaniel P. — Commissioned as ma,jor-general of 
volunteers, 54 ; in command on the Upper Potomac, 102 ; 
in command near Darnestown,Va., 206 ; occupies Harper's 
Ferry permanently, 208; marches up the Shenandoah 
valley, 283 ; ordered to fall back to Strasburg and for- 
tify, 233 ; retreats towards the Potomac before Jackson, 
234 ; advances up the Shenandoah, 288 ; position of his 
command, 256-258 ; fights at Cedar Mountain, 258 ; mov- 
ing in the direction of Gainesville, 261 ; objects before 
him, 865; relieves Gen. Butler at New Orleans, 205; 
issues a proclamation, 205 ; a warning to the disorderly, 
206 ; makes a demonstration toward Port Hudson, 866 ; 
returns to Baton Rouge, 866; his object, 866; con- 
centrates at Brashear, 866 ; advances, 367 ; occupies 
Opelousas, 867 ; report, 367 ; his order to organize a 
Corps d'Afrique, 368 ; concentrates at Semmesport, 863 ; 
invests Port Hudson, 369 ; report of the conduct of ne- 
gro troops, 370 ; captures Port Hudson, 371 ; expedition 
to the mouth of the Rio Grande, 480; his plans, 508; at 
Natchitoches, 509 ; at Mansfield battle-field, 510 ; retreats 
to Grand Ecore and Alexandria, 511 ; relieved by Gen. 
Canby, 655. 

Bardoursville — Skirmish at, 67. 

Baeksdale, Brig.-Gen. William— Biographical notice of, 760. 

Baelow, Brig.-Gen. Feancis C. — Commands a brigade of 
Howard's corps at the battle of Chancellorsville, 878 ; at 
the Wilderness battle, 554 ; at the Spottsylvania battle, 
558, 559 ; on the North Anna, 571 ; at Coal Harbor battle, 
575 ; at Petersburg, 577 ; near Jerusalem road, 578-580. 

Baenes, Brig.-Gen. James — Commands 1st brigade Ist di- 
vision 5th corps, 549. 

Baenett, Com. E. A. — Biographical notice of, 760. 

Barnetfs Corners, Jfiss. — Shirmish at, 291. 

Bareet, Col. In command in Texas, 705 ; fights the 

last battle of the war, 705. 

Baekon, Com. S. — Surrenders Fort Hatteras, 84. 

Baetlett, Brig.-Gen. J. J. — Commands a brigade in Slo- 
cum's division, 269 ; commands 2d brigade 1st division 
5th corps, 549. 

Bartow, Francis S. — Biographical notice of, 721. 

Baton jBoi/e-f.— Occupation of, 199; attacked by Confed- 
erates, 200 ; battle of, 310. 

Baxter, Brig.-Gen. Heney— Commands 2d brigade 2d divi- 
sion 5th corps, 549. 

Bayard, Brig.-Gen. G. D. — Commands cavalry under Mc- 
Dowell, 238, 239 ; in command near Culpepper, 258 ; fol- 



lows the enemy, 258 ; skirmishes at Cedar Mountain, 
259; takes Rappahannock Station, 302 ; biographical no- 
tice of, 742. 

Beattt, Brig.-Gen. Samuel — Resists an attack at the Mur- 
freesboro battle, 299. 

Beaubegakd, Maj.-Gen. G. T. — Appointed provisional brig- 
adier-general, 16; in command at Charleston, 20; cor- 
respondence with Confederate Secretary of War on de- 
manding surrender of Fort Sumter, 20 ; correspondence 
with Gen. Anderson, 22 ; commands Confederates at 
Bull Run, 70; his plan of battle, 70; address to the 
soldiers at Manassas, 207 ; ordered to Tennessee, 207 ; 
in command in Tennessee, 132 ; assumes command of 
forces in the southwest, 172 ; address to his soldiers, 
172; in command of the Mississippi army, 178; jjlans, 
176; despatch of the battle at Pittsburg Landing, 178; 
address to his troops, 179; declares blockade at Charles- 
ton raised, 445; correspondence with Gillmore, 474-478; 
reenforces Lee at Richmond, 569 ; in command at Pe- 
tersburg, 577 ; takes command of the Western military 
division, 611 ; his address, 611 ; appeal to the people to 
resist Sherman, 617 ; near the North Carolina line, 678, 

Beck, Col. Commands a brigade of Devens' division 

at the battle of Chancellorsville, 879. 

Beckham, Col. Frederick — Biographical notice of, 794. 

Bee, Brig.-Gen. Bernard E. — Biographical notice of, 722. 

Bell, Rear-Admiral C. H. — Commands in the Pacific, 636. 

Bell, Commodore H. H. — Reconnoitres the forts at the 
mouth of the Mississippi, 192 ; attempts to break the 
chain across the river, 194 ; commands a division of Far- 
ragufs fleet in the battle with the forts, 194 ; commands 
West Gulf squadron, 442. 

Bell, Col. Louis — Commands a brigade at Fort Fisher, 645 ; 
biographical notice of, 795. 

Belmont — Attack on, 110; repulse, 110. 

Bendix, Col. Louis — At Great Bethel, 57. 

Benedict, Col. Commands at Pleasant Hill, 511. 

Bennino, Brig.-Gen. Commands in Hood's division, 

463 ; at Chickamauga, 463. 

Benton, Col. In command at Sabino River, 516. 

Bentoniiille, N. C— Battle at, 684, 685. 

Bereet, Mayor of Washington, 48 ; proclamation to 

the citizens, 48. 

Beery, Brig.-Gen. In command under Gen. Price, 291 ; 

killed at luka, 291. 

Beery. Maj.-Gen. Hibam G.— In the battles before Richmond, 
242 ; commands a division of Sickles' corps at the bat- 
tle of Chancellorsville, 379 ; at Gettysburg, 403; biograph- 
ical notice of, 749. 

Beverly — Captured by Gen. Rosser, 672. 

BiDWELL, Brig.-Gen. D. D.— Killed at Cedar Run, 627; bio- 
graphical notice of, 792. 

Big Harrison Creek, Mo. — Skirmish at, 89. 

Bieney, Maj.-Gen. Daniel B. — Commands a division of 
Sickles' corps at the battle of Chancellorsville, 878 ; com- 
mands Sickles' corps, 403 ; follows Sedgwick from Mad- 
ison Court House, 522 ; commands 8d division of 2d 
corps, 549 ; at the Wilderness battle, 554 ; at the Spottsyl- 
vania battle, 556-559 ; on the North Anna, 571 ; at Pe- 
tersburg, 577 ; commands 10th corps, 589 ; in the move 
against Richmond, 592, 593 ; moves to the left of Grant's 
army, 688 ; biographical notice of, 791. 

Black River, Miss. — Battle at, 855. 

Blair, Maj.-Gen. Frank P., Jr. — Commands a brigade of 
Steele's division, 833 ; lands in roar of Vicksburg, 833 ; 
commands a corps of Tennessee army, 526 ; reaches Ack- 
worth, 532; at Little Kenesaw, 534; commands 17th 
corps under Sherman, 613 ; moves to Beaufort, 6t6 ; in 
Sherman's march through the Carolinas, 676. 

Blenkbr, Brig.-Gen. Louis — In command at Bull Bun, 68; 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



817 



Ms division sent to Gen. Fremont, 212 ; commands the 
left wing at Cross Keys, 239 ; biogi-aphical notice of, 769. 

Blve Gap, Va. — Attack on the enemy by Col. Dunning, 207. 

Blue Spriuffs, East yen?!.— Conflict at, 46S. 

Bltjnt, Maj.-Gen. James G. — Attaclis Marmaduke at Cane 
Hill, 162; takes command in the Indian territory, 314; 
defeats the Confederates at Maysville, Ark., 314 ; do. at 
Cane Hill, 314 ; do. at Prairie Grove, 314 ; do. at Dap- 
ping Spring, 814 ; captures Yan Buren, 314 ; in command 
of the department of Kansas, 385; battle near Henry 
Springs, Ark., 4S2 ; attempt to capture, 483; relieved, 
483. 

Bltthe, Brig.-Gen. J. E.— Biographical notice of, 728. 

BoGGS, Capt. In the battle below New Orleans, 195. 

Bonu;N, Brig.-Gen. Henet — Killed, 260; biographical no- 
tice of, 732. 

BoNHAM, Brig.-Gen. Arrives at Eichmond with South 

Carolina troops, 38 ; in command at Bull Kun, 70. 

Bonita — A Confederate privateer, 63. 

BooMEK, Gen. G. B. — Biographical notice of, 757. 

Boone Co., Mo. — Camp of secessionists broken up, 91. 

Booth, Major t— In command at Fort Pillow, 517. 

Borland, Brig.-Gen. Solon — Biographical notice of, 772. 

BowEN, Maj.-Gen. John S. — In command in Vicksburg, 356 ; 
biographical notice of, 764. 

BoicUng Green — Evacuation of, 131. 

Boyle, Brig.-Gen. Jeremiah T. — Commands a brigade In 
Buell's army, 124. 

BEAnroED, Gov. A. W.— Calls for troops in Maryland, 267, 
391. 

Beadfoed, Major "W. F.— In command at Fort Pillow, 517. 

Beaqg, Lieut.-Gen. Beaxton— In command in the south- 
west, 172 ; of 2d corps, 173 ; in command at Chattanooga, 
288; advances towards Kentucky, 284; address to the 
Kentuckians, 285; his position m Kentucky, 287 ; fights 
fit Perryville, 287; his spoils, 288; retreats from Ken- 
lucky, 288 ; his force at Murfreesboro, 296 ; flanked by 
Eosecrans, 456 ; at Chattanooga, 456 ; his position in 
Georgia, 460 ; charged with incapacity, 462 ; at Chlcka- 
mauga, 463 ; threatened by Grant, 468 ; defeated, 468. 

Beaine, Lieut. Captures the steamer Eoanoke, 634. 

Beamhall, Lieut. Eeport of the retreat from Balls' 

Bluff, 105, 106. 

Branch, Brig.-Gen. Lawexkce O'Beien — Commands North 
Carolina troops, 139 ; in council at Eichmond, 246 ; bio- 
graphical notice of, 735. 

Brannon, Brig.-Gen. John M. — Commands expedition to 
Pocotaligo Bridge, 310 ; commands a division in Mc- 
Cook's corps, 457 ; at Chicamanga, 462. 

.firas^ear, Zrt.— Its situation, 866 ; captured, 866 ; recaptured, 
871. 

Beeckineidge, Maj.-Gen. John C. — Joins Southern Confed- 
eracy, 99 ; at the battle of Murfreesboro, 297 ; attack on 
Baton Eouge, 310 ; at Chickamauga, 463 ; defeats Sigel, 
663; joins Lee's army, 569; at Coal Harbor battle, 575; 
commands the attack on Washington, 587; in command 
imder Early, 626 ; defeats Gillem in East Tennessee, 629 ; 
near Nashville, 630 ; becomes a member of the cabinet 
at Eichmond, 673. 

Breese, Capt. E. K, — Commands sailors and marines against 
Fort Fisher, 644. 

Beewstee, Brig.-Gen. W. E.— Commands 2d brigade, 4th di- 
vision 2d corps, 549. 

Beodheab, Col. T. F. — Biographical notice of, 733. 

Brooke, Brig.-Gen. John E. — Commands 4th brigade, 1st 
division 2d corps, 549; march against the Petersburg 
and Eichmond Eailroad, 565; commands a division of 
18th corps, 573 ; at Coal Harbor, 573. 

Beooks, Maj.-Gen. "W. T. H. — Commands a division in Sedg- 
wick's corps at the battle of Chancelloraville, 879 ; in 
52 



command of the department of Monongahela, 885 ; com- 
mands 10th corps, 589. 

Beottgh, John— Governor of Ohio, 650 ; tenders militia, 550. 

Beown, Col. B. B.— Biographical notice of, 721. 

Beown, C. B.— Biographical notice of, 780. 

Brown, Brig.-Gen. E. B.— Defeats Cabell near Arrow Eock, 
483 ; at Jefferson City, 629. 

Beown, Lieut.-Com. Commands the Indianola, 341 ; 

runs the batteries at Vicksburg, 841 ; surrenders, 342. < 

Brown, Brig.-Gen. Harvey — Takes command of Fort Pick- 
ens, 100. 

Brown, Joseph E. — Governor of Georgia, 609 ; recalls the 
militia sent to Gen. Hood, 609 ; his flight from MUledge- 
ville, 618. 

Broionsville, 7'«ara«— Capture of, 480. 

Brunswick, <?«.— Occupied by a Federal force, 149. 

Buchanan, Com. In command of the gunboat Calhoun, 

855 ; killed on the Teche Elver, 365. 

Buchanan, Eear-Ad. Commands ram Tennessee, 640. 

Buckhannon — Gen. Wise routed at, 61. 

Buckingham, Brig.-Gen. Cathaedtus P.— Delivers to Mc- 
Clellan the order of his removal, 362. 

Bucknee, Lieut.-Gen. Simon B. — In command in Kentucky 
95; falls back to Fort Donelson, 127; surrenders Fort 
Donelson, 129 ; at the battle of Murfreesboro, 297 ; in 
East Tennessee, 462 ; ordered to Lafayette, 462 ; in com 
mand in East Tennessee, 457 ; at Chickamauga, 463 ; sur 
renders to Canby, 706. 

BuELL, Maj.-Gen. Don Carlos — In command in Ken 
tucky, 98,120; movements of his army, 125; advance 
of his army toward Nashville, 131 ; address to the 
troops, 132; ordered to make a junction with Gen. 
Grant, 173; advances from Nashville, 178 ; arrives with 
his army at Pittsburg Landing, 177 ; takes part in the 
battle, 177 ; ordered to move toward Chattanooga from 
Corinth, 183; advances toward Chattanooga, 283; falls 
back toward Kentucky, 284 ; advances from LouisTlUe 
against Bragg, 287 ; pursues Bragg in Kentucky, 288 
falls back and is relieved, 289. 

BuFORD, Maj.-Gen. John — In command under McDowell. 
256 ; reports the progress of Lee, 256 ; follows the enemy 
258 ; in command under Stoncman, 380, 381 ; advances 
to Culpepper, 384 ; at Gettysburg, 400 ; attacks Fitz Lee, 
470 ; biographical notice of, 770. 

BuroRD, Brig.-Gen. A. — Demands the surrender of Fort Co- 
lumbus, Ky., 519. 

Bull iJwn— Federal force, 67 ; Confederate do., 68 ; organiza- 
tion of Federal force, 68 ; commanders, 68 ; order of Gen. 
McDowell, 68 ; advance of the troops, 68 ; obstructions at 
Fairfax Court House, 68 ; movements of Gen. McDowell 
and battle of the first day, 69 ; his orders, 71 ; battle of the 
second day and reports of ofiicers, 71-77 ; rout of Gen. 
McDowell, 78 ; panic, 78 ; retreat to the heights opposite 
Washington, 79 ; second battle, 262-263. 

Bunker Hill — Skirmish at, 67. 

Burbridge, Brig.-Gen. Stephen G. — In command in Ken- 
tucky, 582 ; moves into Southwestern Virginia, 582 ; 
falls back to drive Morgan out of Kentucky, 582 ; his re- 
port, 582 ; expedition in East Tennessee, 629 ; captures 
Abingdon, Va., 629. 

BuELEY, Bennet G. — Organizes an expedition against John- 
son's Island on Lake Erie,. 632 ; seizes the steamer Par- 
sons, 632. 

Buenham, Brig.-Gen. H. — Commands 8d brigade Ist divi- 
sion 6th corps, 549 ; biographical notice of, 791. 

Burns, Brig.-Gen. Willlam W.— In the battles before Eich- 
mond, 244. 

BuENSiDE, Maj.-Gen. Ambeose E. — With the Ehode Island 
battery joins Gen. Patterson, .56; in command at Bull 
Sun, 68 ; commands an expedition against North Caro- 



818 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



lina, 135 ; his movements, 136 ; orders on landing in North 
Carolina, 136 ; address to the people of North Carolina, 
138 ; captui-es Newbern, 139 ; address to his troojis, 139 ; 
moves from Newport News, 256; lands at Fredericks- 
burg, 259 ; evacuates Fredericksburg, 264 ; near Middle- 
town, Md., 26S ; at South Mountain, 269 ; at Antietam, 271 ; 
crosses the Potomac, 301 ; appointed to command the 
Army of the Potomac, 302 ; address to the army, 303 ; 
moves to Fredericksburg, 303, 304 ; testimony before a 
Committee of Congress, 805 ; his design about the pon- 
toons, 306 ; attack on Fredericksburg, 806 ; despatch to 
the President, 303 ; do. to Halleck, 308 ; explains his de- 
feat, 308 ; position of his army, 872 ; relieved of command, 
873 ; his order, 373 ; the reason, 873 ; before the Commit- 
tee of Enquiry, 374; his order No. 8, 875; testimony re- 
specting this order, 376 ; assumes command of the De- 
partment of Ohio, 376; advances into East Tennessee, 
457; enthusiastic reception at Knoxville, 458 ; position 
of his army, 458 ; his movements in East Tennessee, 468 ; 
relieved of command, 470 ; commands 9th corps of Poto- 
mac army, 550 ; address to his troops, 553 ; at the Wilder- 
ness battle, 554 ; at Spottsylvania battle, 555 ; position of 
his corps, 573 ; at Coal Harbor battle, 576 ; at Petersburg, 
577. 

Busn, Col. Commands a brigade of Devens' division at 

the battle of Chancellorsville, 879. 

Bute-a-la-Rose — Captured by Banks, 867. 

BtXTLEE, Maj.-Gen. Benj. F. — Arrives in New Tork with 
Massachusetts troops, 29 ; occupies the Eelay House with 
troops, 32 ; do. Baltimore, 82 ; arrives in "Washington with 
his brigade, 48 ; at Newport News and Fortress Monroe, 
54 ; orders an attack on Great Bethel, 56 ; commands mili- 
tary force against forts at Hatteras Inlet, 84 ; commands 
the military in the expedition against New Orleans, 190 ; 
takes possession of New Orleans, 200 ; address to the in- 
habitants, 200 ; further proceedings, 200 ; proclamation 
relative to the distress of the inhabitants, 201 ; provisions 
distributed, 202; military administration, 202; orders, 
203 ; arrests, 203 ; relieved by Gen. Banks, 205 ; reports at 
"Washington, 865; commands departments of Virginia 
and North Carolina, 472 ; movements against Petersburg, 
663; his despatch to Gen. Grant, 565; despatches relative 
to his operations, 567 ; further operations, 569 ; attack on 
his position, 569 ; retires to his intrenchments, 573 ; makes 
a demonstration against Petersburg, 576; relieved by 
Stanton and retained by Grant, 5S9; his canal on the 
James, 591 ; on the expedition against Fort Fisher, 640 ; 
withdraws the troops from Fort Fisher, 642 ; correspond- 
ence with Porter relative to Fort Fisher, 643; relieved 
from command, 643. 

Bftlee, Brig.-Gen. Skirmish at Mount Elon, 681 ; 

harasses Sherman, 681. 

BuTLEU, Rev. F. E. — Biographical notice of, 750. 

BuTTERFiELD, Maj.-Gen. Daniel — His brigade in the conflict 
at Hanover Court House, 228. 



Cabell, Brig.-Gen. Invades Southwest Missouri, 483; 

made prisoner in Missouri, 629. 
Cabinet of President Lincoln, 495. 

Calhoun — A Confederate steam privateer, 61 ; exploits, 62. 
Cameeon, Col. J. — Biographical notice of, 722. 
Camp Alle(jhuny, Va. — Contest at, 86. 
Camp Finegan, Fla. — Attack on, 505. 
Cam.p Jackson near St. Louis — See MissourL 
Cajmpbell, John A. — Sent as a Peace Commissioner, 666. 
Campbell, CoL J. Cleveland — Biographical notice of, 803. 
Campbell, Lieut.-Com. ItL C— Biographical notice of, 797. 
Cane ifii^-Battle at, 162 ; second conflict at, 814. 



Canbt, Maj.-Gen. Edwin K. 8. — In command at Fort Craigi 
New Mexico, 312 ; attacks Gen. Sibley, 312 ; falls back, 
813 ; further operations in New Mexico, 313 ; organizes 
an expedition from Baton Eougo, 631; besieges Fort 
Gaines, 647 ; commands Department of "West Mississip- 
pi, 655 ; commands against Mobile, 703 ; receives the sur- 
render of Taylor, 704. 

Cantwell, Col. J. — Biographical notice of, 733. 

Cape Girardeau — Attack on, 482. 

Caphakt, Col. Commands a brigade of Sheridan's cav- 
alry, 686. 

Carleton, Brig.-Gen. James H. — Commands in New Mexico, 
313 ; in command of the department of New Mexico, 886. 

Carondolet—G\i\iboa,\. runs past the batteries at Island No. 
10, 165. 

Cakk, Brig.-Gen. Eugene A. — Commands a division under 
Gen. Curtis, 156, 157; at the battle of Pea Eidgo, 153; 
commands a division in McClernand's corps, 355 ; ordered 
to pursue the enemy, 355; commands under Gen. Steele, 
515. 

Care, Brig.-Gen. Joseph B. — Reports to Hancock, 525; com- 
mands 4th division 2d corps, 549 ; at the "Wilderness bat- 
tle, 555. 

Carrick i?'orrf— Battle at, 67. 

Carroll, Brig.-Gen. Samuel S. — Commands the advance of 
Gen. Shields' force, 239 ; fights at Port Republic, 240 ; in 
command near Port Republic, 240; commands 3d bri- 
gade 2d division 2d corps, 549 ; at the "Wilderness battles, 
555 ; at Spottsylvania battle, 556. 

Carter, Brig.-Gen. Samuel P. — Commands an expedition to 
cut the East Tennessee Railroad, 309 ; commands in East 
Tennessee, 457 ; address to people of East Tennessee, 453 ; 
demands the surrender of Cape Girardeau, 482; com- 
mands a division under Schofleld, 683. 

Carthage— BaitU of, 61. 

Casey, Maj.-Gen. Silas — In command near "Washington, 120 
-206; in the battles before Richmond, 242. 

Caswell, Brig.-Gen. William R.— In command in East Ten- 
nessee, 59. 

Cawthoen, Col. Biographical notice of, 722. 

Cedar Keys — Expedition to, 152 ; boat expedition also, 152. 

Cedar Mountain — Battle of, 258. 

Cedar .Rwit— Battle of, 627. 

Chalmers, Maj.-Gen. In command in Alabama, 499; 

attacks Smith in Mississippi, 503; at the capttire of Fort 
Pillow, 517 ; his headquarters captured, 630. 

Chamhershurg, Pa. — Occupied by Stuart's cavalry, 800 ; 
occupied by Ewell, 397 ; burned, 588. 

Champion, Col. R. — Biographical notice of, 764. 

Champion Hills — Battle of, 354. 

ChancellorsHller-'Qa.ttXe. of, 378, 879. 

Chantilly—Tia.ii\e of, 265. 

Chaplin, Brig.-Gen. S. G. — Biogr.aphical notice of, 772. 

Chapman, Col. A. B. — Biographical notice of, 776. 

Charles, Col. E. C. — Biographical notice of, 749. 

Charles C/^y— Battle at, 250. 

Charleston., S. C— Blockade with sunken vessels, 113, 114 ; 
apprehensions excited by the occupation of Beaufort, 
114; fired upon by Gen. Gillmore, 479 ; evacuation of, by 
Hardee, 678 ; occupied by Federal troops, 678 ; corre- 
spondence relative to the surrender, 679. 

Charlotte, y. C. — Mint at, seized, 44. 

(7'ta«a/ioofi'a— Attacked by Gen. Negley, 1S5; occupied 
by Rosecrans, 457 ; the battle of, under Grant, 467. 

Cheatham, Maj.-Gen. William 8. — In command in the 
southwest, 172 ; at the battle of Murfreesboro, 277 ; at 
Chickamauga, 468 ; moves to join Beauregard, 680; at 
Bentonsville, 685. 

Chesapeake — Seized by passengers and taken to Nova Scotia, 
440 ; recaptured, 440. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



819 



Chiekahominy River— Its course and bridges, 226. 

CnrLDS, CoL J. H. — Biographical notice of, 736. 

Choctaw Indians — Taken as prisoners, 368. ^ 

Christian Commission — Its organization, 605; character 
and duties, 605 ; branch organizations and agencies, 606 ; 
system of work, 606. 

Chttechill, Brig.-Gen. — In command at Fort Hindman 836 ; 
surrenders, 336 ; at Pleasant Hill battle, 611. 

Clack, F. H.— Biographical notice of. 775. 

Clarence — A Confederate privateer, 440. 

Clakk, Maj.-Gen. C. — In command in 'Westem Tennessee, 
69. 

CtAKK, Capt C— Biographical notice of, 723. 

Claek, Gov. H. T. — Address to the people of North Carolina 
on the approach of the Burnside expedition, 188. 

Clabk, Col. J. C— Biographical notice oi; 790. 

Clayton, Brig.-Gen. Powell — Commands an expedition 
from Helena, 482; marches to join Steele, 515; his re- 
port, 515. 

Cleburn, Maj.-Gen. Patrick— At Chickamanga, 463; at 
Atlanta, 537 ; biographical notice of, 794. 

Clifton — Gunboat captnred at Sabine Pass, 480. 

Clusiteet, Brig.-Gen. Gustave B. — Commands in the con- 
test at Strasburg, 238, 239. 

Confederate States — Movements to assemble a Congress 
and organize a Confederacy, 13; delegates meet at 
Montgomery, 13 ; organize, 13 ; rules adopted, 14 ; plan 
of Provisional Government, 14 ; its adoption, 14; pro- 
ceed to elect a president and vice-president, 14; Ste- 
phens' speech on taking the oath of oflBce, 15 ; proceed- 
ings of Congress, 15 ; flag adopted, 15 ; inauguration of 
Mr. Davis, 16; his speech, 16; cabinet oflicers, 16 ; other 
acts of Congress, 16 ; draft and adoption of a permanent 
Constitution of Government, 17, 18; its features, 18, 19; 
ports blockaded by the Federal fleet, 54 ; Federal rev- 
enue cutters seized, 63; military policy, 67; further 
military policy, 80 ; depreciation of currency, 81 ; aspect 
grows unfavorable, 81'; views of the people, 115; action 
of the Government relative to prisoners, 115 ; feeling of 
the people in the beginning of 1863, 116 ; concentrate 
forces, 185; their military policy, 207; further military 
plans, 256 ; the demand for men, 274 ; conscription act, 
274; its operation, 274; cabinet of Davis, 275; finances, 
275 ; privateering, 275 ; order relative to proceedings of 
Federal commanders, 326; civil affairs, 486; finances, 
487 ; debt, 487 ; agriculture, 487 ; railroads, 488 ; crops, 
488 ; blockade, 489 ; foreign relations, 489 ; emancipa- 
tion, 489 ; address to Christians throughout the world, 
489; inflexibility of purpose, 490 ; plan of military opera- 
tions, 609; situation iu 1864, 655; crops, 655; manufac- 
tures, 656 ; foreign relations, 656 ; finances, 666; views 
of the people, 657 ; peace movement, 657. 

Congress, Confederate — Authorize all volunteer troops to be 
accepted, 51 ; second meeting, 54 ; move the capital to 
Eichmond, 54 ; acts relative to the army, 412, 413 ; 
measures to keep up the armies, 649, 650 ; enlistment of 
negroes, 650 ; an act for the purpose passed, 650 ; vote, 
660 ; objections to the measure, 651. 

Congress, United States — Appropriations for the war in July^ 
1861, 80 ; action relative to iron-clad ships, 117 ; act rela- 
tive to seizure of slaves by military oflicers, 153 ; oath 
required of public officers, 319 ; act to admit West Vir- 
ginia as a State, 320 ; appoint a committee of inquiry 
relative to Burnside's movements, 873 ; report, 374 ; acts 
relative to colored troops, 419 ; action relative to slaves 
and free colored persons, 667. 

Coal Harbor — Battle near, between Grant and Lee, 576. 

GoBB, Brig.-Gen. Howell — Address on taking the chair in 
the Montgomery Congress, 13; speech at Atlanta, 56; 
ta command under Gen. Johnston at Eichmond, 249 ; 



driven from Crampton's Gap, Md., 269 ; made a prisoner 
at Macon, 703. 

Cobb, Gen. T. E. E. — Biographical notice of, 742. 

CocHBANE, Brig.-Gen. John — Commands a brigade of 
Couch's division, 267; commands a brigade in Frank- 
lin's corps, 874 ; letter relative to Gen. Burnside's plans, 
875. 

CocKE, Gen. P. St. George — Biographical notice of, 726w 

CoppEY, Col. Attacks Philips near Fort Gibson, 482. 

Coke, Lieut J. 'W. — Commands the Albemarle, 620. 

CoLBtTEN, Col. John — Commands an expedition in Tennes- 
see, 452. 

Cole — A skirmish at, 60. 

Coleman, Col. A. H. — Biographical notice of, 786. 

Collins, Capt. N. — Captures the Florida, 649 ; report, 649, 

CoLMAN, W. D. — Biographical notice of^ 789. 

Colored troops— {See Army U. 8.) 

Columbia, S. C— Captured by Sherman, 677. 

Columbus, Ky. — Fortified by Gen. Polk, 95 ; evacuation o^ 
181, 162 ; occupied by a Federal force, 13.3, 162. 

Commissioners — Sent to Washington by Mr. Davis from 
Montgomery, 20 ; their negotiations fail, 20. 

Connecticut — Eesponse to the first call for troops, 28 ; appro- 
priates $2,000,000 to war purposes, 51. 

CoNNOE, Brig.-Gen. Pateick E.— In command in Idaho, 484. 

CoNOVER, Com. T. A. — Biographical notice of, 791. 

Cooke, CoL In command at Bull Eun, 70. 

Cook, Brig.«Qen. H. F. — Biographical notice of, 768. 

CoopEE, Gen. • Defeated by Blunt in Arkansas, 482. 

Coopee, Brig.-Gen. James — Biographical notice o^ 748. 

Coopee, Capt. T. C — Biographical notice of, 777. 

CoBCOEAN, D7ig.-&2n. Michael — Marches from New Tork 
with the 60th regiment, 30 ; commands at Bull Eun, 79; 
taken prisoner, 79; retained at Eichmond as a hostage, 
822 ; biographical notice of, 771. 

Corinth — Its position, 172-180; siege of^ 180-182; evacuation 
of, 182 ; defence of, by Eosecrans, 292. 

Corps <i'4/''»?M«— Organized by Gen. Banks, 868, 654. 

Corpus Christi — Capture of, 200. 

CoESE, Brig.-Gen. John M. — Movca to Allatoona, 610 ; sent 
to Eome with reenforcements, 610 ; burns public build- 
ings at Eome, 614 ; pushed forwards toward Savannah, 
620 ; in Sherman's march through the Carolinas, 675, 6S4. 

CotrcH, Maj.-Gen. Daeius N.— In the battles before Eich- 
mond, 246 ; advances in Maryland, 267 ; commands 2d 
corps at the battle of Chancellorsville, 378 ; in command 
of the department of Susquehanna, 385 ; his order, 386 ; 
movements in Pennsylvania, 405, 588 ; at the battle near 
Nashville, 630 ; commands in the advance on Goldsboro, 
683. 

CouTHONOY, Lieut. J. — Shipwrecked and surrenders, 442. 

Cowen, B. E.— Adj. -Gen. of Ohio, 651 ; order, 651. 

CowLES, Col. D. 8. — Biographical notice of, 758. 

Cox, A. 8., M. D.— Biographical notice of, 787. 

Cox, Brig.-Gen. John D. — In command in Western Virginia, 
259 ; commands a division of 23d corps, 534 ; at Kenesaw, 
534 ; commands 23d corps, 610 ; moves to Eome, 610 ; at 
the battle near Nashville, 680 ; supports the advance of 
Terry, 682; commands 8d division of 23d corps, 632; 
lands near Cape Fear Eiver, 682. 

CoxE, E. C. — Biographical notice of, 721. 

Crampton's (?ay)— Battle of, 269. 

Ceane, Lieut.-Col. L. H. D.— Biographical notice of, 782. 

Craven, Capt T. A. M.— In the battle below New Orleans, 
194; commands a fleet up tho Mississippi, 199; com- 
mands the Tecumseh, 646 ; lost, 646 ; biographical notice 
of; 787. 

Ceawfoed, Brig.-Gen. Samttel W.— Commands a brigade in 
Banks' corps, 256-258 ; at Antietam, 271 ; commands 8d 
division of 5th corps, 648 ; at the Wilderness battle. 655 • 



820 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



advance on Hatcher's Kuu, 671 ; at battles west of Pe- 
tersburg, 690. 

Crawford PraiVie— Battle at, 162. 

Chittenden, Brig.-Gen. Geobob B. — Commands at Webb's 
Cross-roads, 122 ; address to the people of Kentucky, 
122 ; defeated, 123 ; commands reserves of A. S. John- 
ston's army, 173 ; resigns, 828. 

CEirrENDEN, Brig.-Gen. Thomas L. — Commands Kentucky 
troops, 95; commands a division in Buell's army, 124; 
his movements, 127 ; in the battle at Pittsburg Land- 
ing, 177 ; commands a corps of Buell's array in Kentucky, 
287 ; commands a corps of Eosecrans' army, 296 ; com- 
mands the 21 st corps, 452 ; occupies the road from 
Dechard, 45C ; his movements, 457 ; movements of his 
corps in Georgia, 460 ; ordered to Cincinnati, 466 ; com- 
mands a division in Burnside's corps, 571. 

Ceittenden, Colonel, of Indiana — Brings troops into Ken- 
tucky, 95 ; captured by Forrest, 282. 

Croasdale, Col. 8. — Biographical notice of, 736. 

Ceocker, Brig.-Gen. M. M. — Commands a division in Mc- 
Pherson's corps, 852 ; fights near Jackson, 352 ; at Cham- 
pion Hills, 854. 

Crockek, Lieut. Commands squadron to Sabine Kiver, 

479. 

Croqhan, Col. Geo. St. John — Biographical notice of, 726. 

Ceook, Maj.-Gen. George — Attacks at Farmington, Tenn., 
465 ; in command in West Virginia, 562 ; advances upon 
Dublin Depot, 562 ; his movements, 562, 563 ; advances 
to join Hunter, 5S3 ; captures a train retiring from Ma- 
ryland, 578; joins Averill near Winchester, 588; de- 
feated, 588 ; at the conflict on Opequan Creek, 624 ; at 
Fisher's Hill, 626 ; commands department of Western 
Virginia, 655; made a prisoner, 673; moves to Beams' 
Station, 638 ; to Dinwiddle, 638 ; in pursuit of Lee's 
army, 694 

Cross, Col. E. E. — Biographical notice of, 761. 

Cross Hollows — Contest at, 162. 

Cross iTeys— Battle at, 239. 

Ceoxton, Brig.-Gen. John T. — Commands a brigade, 6:31 ; 
In the battle near Nashville, 631 ; makes a reconnois- 
sance, 670. 

Ceuft, Brig.-Gen. Chaeles — Defeated at Eichmond, Ky., 
by Gen. E. Kirby Smith, 282 ; commands Stanley's di- 
vision, 504 ; advances on Dalton, 504. 

Cumberland Gap — Its features, 289 ; surrendered to Burn- 
eide, 458. 

Gumming, Brig.-Gen. A. — Biographical notice of, 788. 

Cxtrtin, Gov. Andrew G. — Calls for troops to resist inva- 
sion, 266 ; his proclamation, 885 ; calls for troops, 391- 
893. 

Curtis, Maj.-Gen. Samuel E. — Commands in the southwest, 
156 ; pursues Gen. Price, 156 ; captures Fayetteville, 
Ark., 156; address to the people, 156; his position and 
strength in Arkansas, 157 ; fights at Pea Eidge, 153 ; 
answer to Gen. Van Dorn, 159 ; moves to Keetsvilje, 
160; his further movements, 160; expedition up the 
Arkansas, 100; his movements, 314; occupies Bates- 
ville, 814; in command of the department of Missouri, 
315 ; in command in Kansas, 681. 

CoETis, Lieut.-Col. J. B. — Biographical notice of, 742. 

CuSHiNG, Lieut. W. B. — Destroys the Albemarle iron-clad, 
688. 

CtrSTAE, Brig.-Gen. Geoeqb A. — Advances toward Char- 
lottesville, 522 ; meets the enemy, 522 ; on a cayalry 
expedition, 562 ; attacks the enemy's advance at Stras- 
burg, 627 ; commands 8d division under Sheridan, 686 ; 
at the battles west of Petersburg, 691. 

Ctjtlee, Brig.-Gen. Ltsandee — Commands 1st brigade 4th 
division of 6th corps, 549 ; moves down the Chickahom- 
iny, 676. 



Dahlgeen, Eear-Admiral John A. — Commands South At- 
lantic Squadron, 402 ; at Ossibaw Sound, 620; relieved, 636 

Dahlgeen, Col. Ulric — Sent against James' Eiver canal, 
523 ; movements, 523 ; meets the enemy, 523 ; orders 
to his men, 523 ; killed, 523 ; biographical notice of, 773. 

Dalton — Eecaptured by Hood, 64. 

Dalt, Col. Biographical notice of, 738. 

Dana, Maj.-Gen. Napoleon J. T.— Arrives at West Point 
with a part of Sedgwick's division, 222 ; in the battles 
before Eichmond, 244 ; in command under Couch, 405 ; 
commands an expedition from Vicksburg, 631 ; com- 
mands department of Mississippi, 655. 

Dana — A United States schooner, seized in Florida, 6. 

Daniels, Brig.-Gen. Julius — Biographical notice of, 779. 

Davidson, Brig.-Gen. John W. — Advances from Missouri to 
join Gen. Steele, 488; commands an expedition from 
Baton Eouge, 631. 

Da VIES, Brig.-Gen. Heney E. — In command at Bull Eun, 
68; commands 1st brigade 2d division of cavalry, 562; 
on an expedition, 562; at battles west of Petersburg, 690; 
in pursuit of Lee's army, 694. 

Davis, Col. B. F. — Escapes with cavalry from Harper's 
Ferry, 270 ; killed, 384 ; biographical notice of, 759. 

Davis, Eear-Admiral Charles H.— Succeeds Com. Foote in 
command of the gunboat fleet, 167; battle before Mem- 
phis, 167 ; takes possession of Memphis, 168 ; meets Far- 
ragut above Vicksburg, 200 ; opens fire on the town while 
Farragut's fleet pass the batteries, 200. 

Davis, Jeffeeson — Chosen President of the insurrectionary 
States by the Congress at Montgomery, 14 ; inauguration, 
16; speech, 16; cabinet, 16; sends commissioners to 
Washington, 20 ; negotiations fail, 20 ; sends a message 
to President Lincoln, 61 ; reply of Gen. Scott, 61 ; author- 
izes privateering, 61 ; reply to Governor Magofiin of 
Kentucky, 93 ; message on the surrender of Fort Donel- 
son, 181 ; message to Congress On the battle of Pittsburg 
Landing, 178 ; address to the army, 246 ; address to the 
Confederate army, 251 ; message to Congress on Lee's 
despatches, 263; letter to Governor Brown cm conscrip- 
tion, 275; letter to Lee on the exchange of prisoners, 825, 
instructions to Gen. Lee, 896; appeal to deserters, 418 ; 
letter to Stephens on a mission to Washington, 489 ; on 
Lincoln's message to Congress, 490 ; amnesty proclama- 
tion, 491 ; on a tour of inspection, 609 ; speeches, 609 ; 
plan of military operations, 609 ; retires from Eichmond, 
694 ; his proclamation after leaving Eichmond, 709 ; his 
capture, 709. 

Davis, Jeff. — A Confederate privateer, 62 ; her prizes, 62 ; 
lost at St. Augustine, 62. 

Davis, Brig.-Gen. Jeff. C. — One of the garrison of Sumter, 
21; marches for Springfield, 155; at Sugar Creek, 157; 
at Pea Eidge, 158; moves against the Confederate ad- 
vance on Corinth, 292 ; in the battle at Corinth, 292 : at 
the battle of Murfree.sboro, 297 ; commands an expedi- 
tion, 452 ; advances his division, 455 ; at Caperton's Ferry, 
457; at Chickamaugn, 462; advances on Dalton, 504; 
commands a division of Palmer's corps, 581 ; moves to- 
ward Eome, 631 ; at Kenesaw Mountain, 534 ; succeeds 
Palmer in command, 541 ; commands 14th corps under 
Sherman, 612; in Sherman's march through the Caro- 
lina's, 680 ; at Averysboro battle, 684 

Davis, Lieut.-Col. In command imder Kilpatrick, 381 ; 

commands an expedition, 881 ; report, 882. 

Davis, Col. P. S. — Biographical notice of, 785. 

Dean, CoL Biographical notice of, 797. 

Deaeing, Brig.-Gen. Biographical notice of, 793. 

Db Coueoet, Col. Conflict -with Eains near Tazewell, 

Tenn., 290. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



821 



Dk Forest, Col. 0. — Biographical notice of, 795. 

De Haven, Lieut. Edwin J.— Drives a blockader ashore; 
hiographical notice of, 804. 

De Joinville, Prince — on the campaign against Eichmond, 
211, 219, 241. 

Dennis, Brig.-Gen. Elias S. — Comiuands an expedition 
against the Jackson Railroad, 5S9. 

Des Are, Ark. — Capture of, by Curtis ; do. by Com. "Walker, 
338. 

Deshler, Brig.-Gen. Jas. — Biographical notice of, 767. 

De Trobkiand, Brig.-Gen. Philip — Advance on Hatcher's 
Run, 671. 

Devens, Brig.-Gen. Charles— At the battle of Balls' Bluflf, 
108 ; commands a brigade of Couch's division, 267 ; com- 
mands a division of Howard's corps at the battle of Chan- 
cellorsvile, 879 ; driven by Jackson, 379 ; commands a 
division of the 18th corps, 573 ; at Coal Harbor, 573. 

Devin, Brig.-Gen. Thobias C. — Commands a brigade of 
Merritt's division, 686 ; commands an expedition against 
the James River Canal, 686; encounters the enemy's 
cavalry, 689 ; at the battles west of Petersburg, 691. 

Dill, Rev. J. H. — Biographical notice of, 747 

DrMMOCK, Brig.-Gen. Chas.— Biographical notice of, 768. 

Dix, Maj.-Gen. John A. — Addresses a mass meeting in 
New York, 29; in command at Baltimore, 113; sends 
troops to Accomac and Northampton counties, Va., 113; 
address to the inhabitants, 118 ; ordered to command 
at Fortress Monroe, 323 ; arranges a cartel for exchange of 
prisoners, 323; movements from Fortress Monroe as 
diversions against Lee, 408 ; commands Department of 
the East, 472 ; moves up the York River, 472 ; lands at 
"Whitehouse, 472 ; object, 472 ; bridges destroyed, 472 ; 
returns and reenforces Gen. Meade, 472. 

Dixie — A Confederate privateer, 62 ; her prizes, 62. 

Dodge, Brig.-Gen. Grenville M. — Commands a corps of 
Tennessee army, 526; at Kenesaw Mountain, 534; at 
Atlanta, 537; commands Department of Missouri, 655. 

Doles, Brig.-Gen. G. E. — Biographical notice of, 781. 

DoneUon, Fort — Attacked by gunboats, 128 ; surrendered, 
129 ; attacked by Forrest, 452. 

Doubled AT, Maj.-Gen. Abner — One of the garrison of Sum- 
ter, 21 ; commands 1st corps at Gettysburg, 400 ; posi- 
tion at Gettysburg, 401. 

DowNES, Capt. John — Attacks Fort McAllister, 446 ; at- 
tacks forts at Charleston, 447 ; captures the Atlanta, 
450. 

Drake, Col. A. "W. — Biographical notice of, 730. 

Drake, Col. J. C. — Biographical notice of, 781. 

Dranesville, Va. — Its situation, 114 ; skirmish at 114 ; de- 
tails, 114. 

Drayton, Capt. Percival — Attacks Fort McAllister, 446; 
attacks batteries in Charleston harbor, 447. 

Drxtmmond, Capt. Commands a cavalry expedition, 

381. 

Drury's 5Zw^— Attack on, by gunboats, 226 ; repulsed, 226. 

Bxtg Springs, Mo. — Skirmish at, 82. 

Dryicood, Mo. — Skirmish at, 87. 

DuFFiE, Brig.-Gen. Alfred N. — Commands a cavalry force, 
588. 

DtrFFiELD, Brig.-Gen. — Captured by Forrest, 282. 

DuMONT, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer — Commands in an expedi- 
tion against a camp near Philippl, 56; commands a 
brigade in Buell's army, 124. 

DtTNCAN, Brig.-Gen. J. K. — Repulsed at Munfordsville, Ky., 
284 ; biographical notice of, 769. 

Duncan, Major Pursues the Texans in New Mexico, 

312. 

Duncan, Capt. Sent by Sherman to communicate 

with the gunboats, 020 ; skirmish at Mt. Elon, 681. 

Duncan, Cora. J. M. — Biographical notice of, 788. 



Dunham, Col. 0. L.— Surrenders Munfordsville, Ky., 284 

Dunning, Col. Attacks the enemy at Blue Gap, 207. 

DuNNiNGTON, Licut. Attacks Federal gunboats, 670. 

DuPONT, Rear- Admiral 8. F.— Commands the naval expedi- 
tion against Port Royal, 108; its success, 109; com- 
mands a naval expedition to Florida, 147 ; returns to 
Port Royal from Florida, 150 ; commands South Atlantic 
squadron, 441 ; denies the raising of the blockade at 
Charleston, 445 ; report on the attack on the forts at 
Charleston, 450 ; biographical notice of^ 804, 

Dupping Springs, ^rfc.— Conflict at, 314. 

DuRTEA, Brig.-Gen. Abram — Commands a regiment at 
Great Bethel, 57 ; in command at Catlet's Station, 235 ; 
panic, 235. 

DusHANE, Col. A. F.— Biographical notice of, 788. 

D'Utussy, Col. Reoccupies Maryland Heights, 270. 

DuTTON, Col. A. H.— Biographical notice of, 782. 

DuvaVs Blvff, Ark. — Capture of, by Curtis, do. by Com. 
Walker, 338. 

DwiGHT, Brig.-Gen. William — Commands in Grovcr's divi- 
sion, 367; occupies Alexandria, La., 867; at Port Hud- 
son, 870 ; at Pleasant Hill battle, 511. 

DwiGHT, Lieut.-Col. Wilder— Biographical notice of, 737. 

Eagle, Com. Henry — Summons Galveston to surrender, 
811. 

Early, Maj.-Gen. Jural — Commands a division of Lee's 
army, 372 ; at Winchester, 887 ; position of his division, 
898 ; at Gettysburg, 401 ; moves with Lee, 470 ; ordered 
to command in the Shenandoah valley, 498 ; commands 
expedition into Maryland, 588 ; retreats from Maryland, 
588; in command in the Shenandoah valley, 624; posi- 
tion of his army, 624; defeated at. Fisher's Hill, 626; 
retreats, 626 ; moves down the valley, 627 ^ retreats, 628 ; 
evacuates Staunton on Sheridan's apprqach, 686; loses 
Lis baggage, 686. 

Ediato Island, S. C— Occupied by Federal troops, 150. 

Elkhorn — See Pea Ridge. 

Ellet, Col. Charles J., Jr. — Commands on the withdrawal of 
Com. Foote, 167; commands the ram fleet, 169; report 
of proceedings at Memphis, 169 ; biographical notice of, 
730. 

Ellet, Col. Charles R.— Attempts to destroy the ram Ar- 
kansas, 200; commands the Queen of the West, 889; 
runs past the batteries at Vicksburg, 339 ; proceefls down 
the river, 840 ; second expedition down the river with 
the De Soto as a tender, 340 ; operations up the Ateha- 
falaya, 840; captures New Era No. 5, 840; attacks Fort 
Taylor, 340 ; loses the steamer, 340 ; escapes, 340 ; res- 
cued by the Indianola, 841 ; further movements, 842 ; 
burns Semmesport, La., 509 ; biographical notice of, 768. 

Elliott, Major G. M. — Biographical notice of, 769. 

Ellis, John W.— Governor of North Carolina, 42 ; reply to 
the call for troops, 43 ; reassembles the State Conven- 
tion, 48. 

Ellsworth, Col. Ephraim E. — Moves with troops to Alex- 
andria, 58 ; killed, 54 ; biographical notice of, 719. 

Emigrant Aid Society — Organization of, 155. 

Emory, Brig.-Gen. William H. — Commands a division of 
Banks' army, 866 ; advances from Brashear, 367 ; do. 
toward Mansfield, 510; at Pleasant Hill, 511 ; atOpequan, 
624. 

Emmetahurg, Pa. — Occupied by Confederate cavalry, 300. 

Ericsson, John. — Contract for iron-clads, 119. 

Estes, Capt. — In command under Kilpatrick, 618; 

dashes into Waynesboro, 618. 

EuBTis, Brig.-Gen. A. L. — Commands 4th brigade 2d division 
of 6th corps, 549. 



822 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Evans, Brig.-Gen. Nathaniel G.— Commands Confederate 
force at Ball's Bluff, 107 ; reenforces Pegram, 672. 

EwELL, Lleut.-Gen. Kioharb — In command at Bull Eun, 
70; attacks Harper's Ferry, 237; makes a stand at 
Fisher's Hill, 238 ; in the battle at White Oak Swamp, 
250; fights at Cedar Mountain, 258; commanda a division 
of Lee's army, 256-265 ; makes an attack at Manassas 
Junction, 261 ; defeated near Manassas, 262 ; commands 
a corps of Lee's army, 385 ; advances to Culpepper, 385 ; 
farther advances, 885; attacks Milroy at Winchester, 
887; occupies Cbambersburg, 397; concentrates near 
Gettysburg, 398 ; at Gettysburg, 400; moves with Lee, 
470 ; commands a corps of Lee's army, 553 ; at the "Wil- 
derness battle, 553 ; at Spottsylvania battle, 555-559 ; at- 
tacks Warren on the Mechanicsville road, 573 ; his posi- 
tion, 573 ; made a prisoner, 695. 

EwiNG, Brig.-Gen. Thomas, Jr.— Defends Pilot Knob, 629. 

EwiNG, Hon. A. — Biographical notice of, 784. 



Fagan, Brig.-Gen. J.— Eouted at Independence, 629 ; bio- 
graphical notice of, 793. 

Fair Oa*«— Battle of, 242. 

Fairfax, Com. D. MoN.— Attacks forts at Charleston, 447. 

Fairfax Court House— Ca.y&\ij skirmish at, 54. 

Falling Water — Skirmish at, 61. 

Farnham, Col. N. L. — Biographical notice of, 724. 

Farnbworth, Brig.-Gen. E. J.— Biographical notice of, 762. 

Faron, John — Biographical notice of, 787. 

Fabraqut, Eear-Admiral David G.— Commands the naval 
expedition against New Orleans, 191; arrives at Ship 
Island, 192 ; his force, 192 ; orders the fleet to pass the 
forts below New Orleans, 194 ; letters to the mayor of 
New Orleans, 196, 197; his further proceedings, 198; 
passes the Vicksburg batteries with his fleet, 200; con- 
certs an expedition up the Yazoo, 200 ; returns to New 
Orleans, 200 ; commands, a naval expedition against Port 
Hudson, 365 ; bombards Port Hudson, 370 ; commands 
West Gulf squadron, 442 ; commands the attack on the 
defences of Mobile, 646. 

Farban, Com. E.— Surrenders to Thatcher, 705. 

Faerinqton, Lieut. Samukl — Biographical notice of, 738. 

Fayette, Mo. — Skirmish at, 155. 

Fayetteville, Ark.—KU&ck. on, 481. 

Fayeiteville, N. C— Arsenal at, surrendered, 50 ; captured 
byBherman, 681. 

Fellows, Col. Biographical notice of, 780. 

Fernandina, Fla. — Occupied by Federal troops, 147. 

Ferreeo, Brig.-Gen. Edward — Commands a division of the 
9th corps, 578 ; at Petersburg, 578 ; in the assault at 
Petersbiirg, 590. 

Fillmore, Major J. S.— Biographical notice of, 795. 

Finegan, Brig.-Gen. Joseph — In command in Florida, 505 ; 
defeats Seymour at Olustee, 507 ; correspondence with 
Seymour, 507. 

Fisher, H. N., M. D.— Biographical notice of, 747. 

FiSHEB, Col. Biographical notice of, 722. 

Fisher''s Hill — Jackson makes a stand, 238; battle at, by 
Sheridan, 626 ; captured, 627. 

FiSKE, Eev. S. — Biographical notice of, 780. 

Fitch, Colonel— Commands an expedition up the White 
Eiver, 168. 

Fitch, Commander Cooperates with gunboats in the 

battle near Nashville, 631. 
Five Forks— ThQ battle of, 691. 
Fletcher, Prof. M. J. — Biographical notice of, 729. 
Florida — Meeting of State Convention, 6 : ordinance of se- 
cession, 6 ; its adoption, 6 ; other acts of the Conven- 
tion, 6 ; seizure of ports, 6. 



Florida, a cruiser — Escapes from Mobile, 439; cruise of 
489, 440 ; captured at Bahia by Capt Collins, 649. 

Floyd, Brig.-Gen. John B. — With a force in Western Vir- 
ginia, 85; his movements, 85-87; escapes fi-om Fort 
Donelson, 129 ; moves to Nashville, 131. 

Flussek, Lieut.-Com. C. W. — Commands an expedition to 
Dismal Swamp, 142; commands the gunbo.it Miami, 
520 ; killed in contest with the Albemarle, 520 ; biograph- 
ical notice of, 775. 

Foote, Eear-Admiral A. H. — In command of Western gun- 
boat fleet, 124 ; bombards Fort Henry, 127 ; attacks Fort 
Donelson, 1 28 ; makes a reconnoissance at Columbus, 
162; moves dowi the Mississippi with his fleet, 165; 
battle on the Mississippi above Fort Pillow, 166 ; retires 
from command, 167 ; biographical notice of, 759. 

Force, Brig,-Gen. Manning F. — Commands a division, 676 ; 
in Sherman's march through the Carolinas, 676. 

Ford, Col. Thomas H. — In command at Maryland Heights, 
270 ; abandons the position, 270. 

Forrest, Brig.-Gen. A commander of guerrilla forces, 

188 ; operations in Tennessee, 188, 189 ; commands a 
guerrilla force 282 ; captures a regiment, 282 ; attacks 
Jackson, Tenn., 295; defeated by Sweeney, 296; attacks 
Fort Donelson, 452 ; captm-es Streiglit, 454 ; attacks 
Smith, Miss., 503; expedition in West Tennessee, 516 ; 
attacks Paducah, 516 ; captures Fort Pillow, 517 ; Con- 
gressional report, 518 ; in Southwestern Tennessee, 609 ; 
destroys Johnsonville, Tenn., 630. 

Fort Abercronibie — Besieged by Indians, 317. 

Fort Caswell — Seizure of, 44. 

Fort de Rmsy — Attacked by Admiral Porter, 868 ; capture 
of, 509. 

Fort Fisher— The attack on, 641-644 ; capture of, 645. 

Fort Gaines — The capture of, 647. 

Fori Henry — Capture of, 145. 

Fort Hindman — On Arkansas Point, surrendered, 836. 

Fort Jackson — Its situation, 192 ; how defended, 192. 

Fort Johnson — Seizure of, 44. 

Fort Macon — Siege of, by Burnside's troops, 141. 

Fort Mahone — The capture of, 691. 

Fort Morgan — Seized, 9 ; surrender of, 647. 

Fort McAllister — Attack on, 444-446; capture of, 621. 

Fort Pemherton — The attack on, 344 ; repulsed, 344. 

Fort Pickens — Besieged, 7-10. 

Fort Pillow — Attacked by gunboats, 166 ; evacuated, 167 • 
capture of, 517. 

Fort Pulaski — Efforts to cut off its communication with 
Savannah, 144 ; batteries erected, 145 ; repulse of Tat- 
nall, 145 ; more batteries erected, 146 ; surrender of the 
fort, 147. 

Fort Randolph — On the Mississippi, 166 ; evacuated, 167 ; 
destroyed by Gen. Sherman, 189. 

Fort Smith — Seizure of, 42. 

Fort St. Philip— Us situation, 192 ; how defended, 192. 

Fort Stedman — The attack on, 637. 

Fort TayZor— Attack on, by the Queen of the West, 840. 

Fort Wagnei — Its position and strength, 473. 

ForUJications — Eevolution produced in the science of offen- 
sive and defensive wax-fare, 682 ; powers of modern artil- 
lery, 632; effect on Forts Sumter and Morgan, 632; Fort 
McAllister a sandwork, 682 ; Fort Wagner, 632 ; Fort 
Fisher, 632 ; sand the best material for fortifications, 
632; revolving turrets, 638; modes of giving and re- 
ceiving battle, 638 ; use of torpedoes for coast defence, 
683. 

Foster, Maj.-Gen. John G. — One of the garrison of Sumter, 
21 ; commands a division under Gen. Burnside, 135 ; 
commands an expedition to Goldsboro, N. C, 809 ; in 
command of the department of Virginia and North 
Carolina, 385 ; report of the movements of Lee's army. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



823 



459 ; assigned to command in East Tennessee, 470 ; takes 
command of Virginia and North Carolina departments, 
472 ; transferred to department of Ohio, 472 ; moves to 
Hilton Head, 472; returns, 472 ; defends Newbern, 472; 
commands department of the South, 550 ; at Ossibaw 
Sound, 620; report of the capture of Savannah, 622; re- 
lieved by Gen. Gillmore, 673. 

Foster, Brig.-Gen. Kobekt S.— Commands a division of the 
10th corps, 5S0; at Petersburg, 5S0 ; makes a feint 
against Richmond, 589 ; commands division of 24th 
corps, 391 ; at battles west of Petersburg, 691 ; at Five 
Forks, 691. 

Foster, Col. In a conflict at Blue Springs, East Ten- 
nessee, 468. 

Fox, J. L., M. D. — Biographical notice of, 795. 

Fkanklin, Maj.-Gen. William B. — In command at Bull 
Kun, 63 ; moves to West Point on York Eiver, 220 ; his 
movements at West Point, 222 ; in the battles before 
Richmond, 244 ; near Jefferson, Md., 268 ; at Crampton's 
Gap, 269 ; at Antietam, 271 ; commands the left grand 
division under Burnsidc, 303 ; at the battle of Freder- 
icksburg, 307; makes an advance at Fredericksburg, 
872 ; relieved of command in the Potomac army, 873 ; 
commands an expedition to Sabine Eiver, 479 ; in com- 
mand under Banks, 508 ; moves to Alexandria, 503 ; near 
Mansfield, 510 ; made prisoner near Baltimore, 587 ; es- 
capes, 587. 

Frederick, Md. — Occupied by Lee's forces, 266. 

Fredericksburg, Va. — Troops assemble at, 89 ; the battle 
at, 806, 807 ; hospitals at, for Grant's wounded, 561. 

Frederickton, Mo. — Skirmish at, 89. 

Freedmen — Effects of the emancipation proclamation, 492 ; 
colored troops, 493 ; froedmen's camps, 493 ; • leasing 
plantations, 493 ; mortality, 494 ; education, 494 ; relief 
societies, 494 ; proper disposition of, 667 ; condition in 
1864, 667 ; aid societies, 667. 

Febmont, Maj -Gen. John C. — Commissioned as major-gen- 
eral, 54 ; takes command in the West, 60 ; advances 
against Gen. Price, 83 ; despatch to Washington on the 
surrender of Lexington, 88 ; instructions from the War 
Department, 89 ; truce with Gen. Price, 90 ; superseded, 
90 ; farewell to his troops, 90 ; arrival at St. Louis, 90 ; 
orders the construction of a gunboat fleet for the west- 
em waters, 119 ; takes command of the Mountain De- 
partment, 230 ; marches to relieve Gen. Banks, 232 ; 
encounters Jackson's rear at Strasburg, 238 ; pur- 
sues Jackson up the Shenandoah, 233 ; attacks at 
Fisher's Hill, 238; fights at Cross Keys, 239; resigns, 
254. 

Feench, Maj.-Gen. William H. — In the battles before Rich- 
mond, 249 ; at Fredericksburg battle, 307 ; ordered to re- 
occupy Harper's Ferry, 405 ; attacks at Rappahannock 
Station, 471 ; reports for orders, 525 ; ordered to report 
at Philadelphia, 549 ; address, 549. 

French, Sent by Hood to recapture AUatoona, 610 ; 

attacks AUatoona, 610. 

Feibley, Col. Commands colored troops in Florida, 

503 ; killed at Olustee, 508 ; correspondence respecting 
his body, 508 ; biographical notice of, 773. 

Feank, Col. P. — Commands 3d brigade 1st division 2d corps, 
549. 

Front ^oya?— Battle at, 234. 

Feost, Gen. Surrenders to Gen. Lyon, 51. 

Fet, Col. James B. — In the battle at Webb's Cross Roads, 
123 ; in command at Trenton, 296 ; surrenders, 296 ; pro- 
vost-marshal general, 652. 

Fuller, Rev. A. B. — Biographical notice of, 742. 

Fcllee, Brig.-Gen. John W. — Commands a division at At- 
lanta, 538. 

Fulton, JTo.— Skirmish at, 67 ; do., 81. 



G 

Galveston, Texas — Fired upon, 83; protest of consnls, 88 ; 
capture of, 311 ; recaptured, 811. 

Gaednee, Col. Frank — Commands at Port Hudson, 869 ; 
surrenders Port Hudson, 871. 

Gaednee, Lieut. In command under Gen. Stuart, 

245 ; attacks Gen. Averill, 624 ; repulsed, 624. 

Gaeesche, Col. J. P. — Biographical notice of, 743. 

Garfield, Maj.-Gen. John H. — In Kentucky, 121 ; instruc- 
tions to Col. Streight, 454; on McCook's staff, 463; at 
Chickamauga, 463. 

Gaelajjd, Col. Hugh — Biographical notice of, 794. 

Garland, Brig.-Gen. Biographical notice of, 735. 

Garnett, Brig.-Gen. R. B. — Biographical notice of, 762. 

Garnett, Brig-Gen. R. S.— Defeated at Carrick's Ford, 67 ; 
killed, 67 ; biographical notice of, 721. 

Gaebaed, Brig.-Gen. Kennee — Commands a cavalry divi- 
sion, 531 ; pushed forward to Allatonna Pass, 531 ; com- 
mands a cavalry expedition to Covington, Ga,, 539, 640 ; 
at the battle near Nashville, 630. 

Gbaet, Brig.-Gen. John W. — In command on the Upper 
Potomac, 102 ; takes possession of Harper's Ferry, 208 ; 
occupies Leesburg, 209 ; in command at Manassas Gap, 
235 ; at Gettysburg, 401 ; at Resaca, 530 ; at Atlanta, 
536 ; appointed military commander of Savannah, 623. 

Georgia — Meeting of the Legislature, 10 ; proceedings, 10 ; 
public meetings, 10 ; views of the people, 10 ; vote for 
delegates, 10 ; Convention assembles, 11 ; ordinance of 
secession adopted, 11 ; every member required to sign 
it, 11 ; refusal to submit it to the people, 11 ; invaded by 
Sherman, 613 ; its railroad system, 614 ; flight of the 
Legislature, 617; appeals to the people, 618. 

Georgia — A Cruiser captured by the Niagara, 649. 

Gkttt, Brig.-Gen. George W. — In command under Gen. 
Dix, 409 ; sent to Pamunkey, 409 ; aids in the capture 
of a battery, 442 ; commands 2d division of 0th corps, 
549 ; at the Wilderness battle, 554 ; his division attacked, 
638. 

Gettysburg, Pa.— Battle of, 400-402. 

Gibbon, Maj.-Gen. John — Commands a brigade in Hooker's 
corps, 269 ; at South Mountain, 269 ; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, 403 ; commands 2d corps, 404 ; commands 2d 
division of 2d corps, 549 ; at the Wilderness battle, 554 ; 
at the Spottsylvania battle, 556-559 ; on the North Anna, 
571; at Coal Harbor battle, 575; near the Jerusalem 
road, 530 ; moves to the left of Grant's army, 688. 

Glfford, Capt, Report of the destruction of the Dun- 
bar by the cruiser Alabama, 277. 

Gilbert, Brig.-Gen. Charles C. — Commands a corps ot 
Buell's army in Kentucky, 287; commands a division 
under Granger, 453. 

Gilbert, E. S. — Biographical notice of, 747. 

Gilder, Rev. William H. — Biographical notice of, 775. 

Gillem, Brig.-Gen. Alven C. — Defeated in East Tennessee 
by Breckinridge, 629. 

GiLLiss, Capt. J. M. — Biographical notice of, 796. 

GiLLMOUE, Maj.-Gen. Quincy A. — Report of the fire upon 
Fort Pulaski, 147 ; defeats Pegram near Somerset, Ky., 
457 ; assigned to command at Charleston, 472 ; his re- 
port, 472 ; brings his heavy guns into position to attack 
the forts, 474; his operations against Charleston, 474; 
correspondence with Beauregard, 474 ; opens fire on 
Sumter, 476 ; despatches, 476 ; demands a surrender of 
Beauregard, 477 ; opens fire on Charleston, 477 ; reply to 
Beauregard, 473; sends an expedition to Florida, 504; 
letter on the Florida expedition, 504 ; orders, 504 ; com- 
mands 10th corps in army of the James, 550 ; move- 
ments near Petersburg, 563; moves against Richmond 
and Danville Railroad, 507 ; moves against Petersburg, 



82'i 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



576 ; relieved from command of 10th corps, 5S9 ; com- 
mands department of South Carolina, 673 ; reports the 
evacuation of Charleston, 678. 

GiLMOEE, J. K. — Visit to Eichmond on peace, G57 ; report, 
653. 

GnsAEDET, Brig.-Gen. V. J. B. — Biographical notice of, 788. 

Gladden, Brig.-Gen. Biographical notice of, 728. 

Godwin, Brig.-Gen. A. C. — Biographical notice of, 790. 

Goldsboro, JV: C— Captured by Gen.- Foster, 309. 

GoLDSBOEorGn, Eear-Admiral L. M.— Commands naval ex- 
pedition against North Cai'olina, 135. 

GoEDON, Brig.-Gen. Geoege H.— Commands at "West Point, 
on York Eiver, 8S4. 

Gordon, Brig.-Gen. J. B.— Commands a brigade, 555; at the 
Wilderness battle, 555; at Hatcher's Kun, 672; attacks 
Fort Stedman, 6S7; biographical notice of, 779. 

GoBDON, Commander Expedition against Brunswick, 

Geo., 149. 

GoEMAN, Brig.-Gen. Commands a brigade under Gen. 

Stone, 102. 

Goapoft — Navy yard at, 49 ; vessels there in April, 1B61, 49 ; 
excitement at Norfolk, 49 ; buildings set on fire in the 
navy yard, 49 ; destruction, 50 ; troops arrive at Norfolk, 
50. 

Go VAN, Brig.-Gen. Commands a brigade of Clcb urn's 

division, 543. 

<?rfl/i((Wi— Occupied by Geu. Kelly, 54; skirmish at, 83. 

Grand G^e;//"— Attacked by Porter's gunboats, 347 ; evacu- 
ated, 348. 

Geangee, Maj.-Gen. Gokdon— Commands cavalry under 
Gen. Pope, at Corinth, 183; attacked by Van Dorn, 453 ; 
at Shelby ville, 456; at Chickamauga, 463; pursues 
Wheeler, 544 ; at the attack on the forts of Mobile Bay, 
&47 ; commands 13th army corps, 655 ; in command 
against Mobile, 703. 

Gbant, Lieut-Gen. Ultbbes 8.— Lands troops at Paducah, 
Ky., 94 ; issues a proclamation, 95 ; command in the attack 
on Belmont, 110 ; commands the military force to operate 
in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, 124 ; lands troops 
near Fort Henry, 125 ; his army before Fort Donelson, 
128 ; captures Fort Donelson, 129 ; address to his troops 
on the capture of Fort Donelson, 131 ; headquarters at 
Memphis, 170; orders, 170; goes to Corinth, 170; com- 
mands the expedition up the Tennessee, 172; concen- 
trates at Savannah, 172 ; advances to Pittsburg Landing, 
173 ; charges made against him, 179 ; position of his army 
after the occupation of Corinth, 183 ; had been put in 
command of the Department of Tennessee after Hallcck 
retired, 290 ; his plans against luka, 291 ; at luka, 291 ; 
at Corinth, 292 ; at Jackson, 292 ; moves south, 294 ; falls 
back to Holly Springs, 296 ; order relative to the capture 
of Holy Springs, 331 ; falls back to Holy Springs, 831 ; his 
plan for the capture of Yicksburg, 831 ; arrival before 
Vicksburg, 338 ; attempts to reach the rear of Vicksburg 
through Lake Providence and Moon Lake, 342 ; moves 
his army to New Carthage, 845; to H.ird Times, 347; 
crosses the Mississippi with his army, 847 ; despatch re- 
specting operations at Vicksburg, 848 ; his despatch to 
Gen. Ualleck, 851 ; arrives at Jackson, 352 ; advances 
toward Vicksburg, 354; receives the sun-ender of Vicks- 
burg, 360 ; report of Sherman's expedition from Vicks- 
burg, 303 ; takes general command east of the Mississip- 
pi, 865 ; assumes command of the Departments of Ten- 
nessee, Cumberland, and Ohio, 4G5 ; his plan, 467 ; rela- 
tive to the freedom of the negroes, 485 ; address to his 
troops at Chattanooga, 498 ; appointed lieutenant-general, 
524 ; commission presented at Washington, 524 ; remarks, 
524; orders, 524; officers of his statf, 550; advance of the 
Potomac army, 552; his plans, 551-553 ; at Wilderness, 
554 ; at Spottsylvania Court House, 556 ; moves by the 



left, 570 ; crosses the North Anna, 571, 572 ; recrosses, 
472 ; position of his army, 572 ; moves toward the James 
Eiver, 576; crosses the James Eiver with the army, 576; 
shells Petersburg, 580 ; explodes a mine before Peters- 
burg, 590 ; on the state of atfairs, 591 ; order relative to 
deserters, 592; report of battle at Hatcher's Eun, 593; 
position of his armj', 687 ; prepares for new movements 
by the left, 638 ; his plans, 688 ; pursues Lee from Eich- 
mond, 694, 695; his correspondence with Lee, 696; re- 
ceives the surrender of Lee's army, 696 ; sent to Sher- 
man, 701 ; farewell address to the armies, 707. 
Geant, Brig.-Gen. Lewis A. — Commands 2d brigade 2d divi- 
sion of 6th corps, 549. 
Geatz, Caet — Biographical notice of, 724. 

Geaves, Major Biographical notice of, 768. 

Great Bethel— ^a.ti\e at, 56-58. 

Geeathottse. Brig.-Gen. L. — Biographical notice of, 786. 

Geeble, Lieut. J. T. — Killed in battle at Big Bethel, 58; 

biographical notice of, 720. 
Geeen, Maj.-Gen. Thomas— Eecaptures Brashear, 871; com 
mands near Mansfield La., 510; in the battle at Mans- 
field, 510; at Pleasant Hill battle, 511; biographical 
notice of, 774. 
Geeen, Gen. Thomas J. — Biographical notice of, 770. 
GreeribHar, Va. — Battle at, 86. 
Gkeene, Brig.-Gen. Maetin E. — Killed at Vicksburg, 362 ; 

biographical notice of, 758. 
Gbeqg, Brig.-Gen. David McM. — In command under Stone- 
man, 380, 881 ; commands a cavalry expedition, 881 ; in 
the pursuit of Lee's army, 406; moves to the fords of the 
Itapidan, 552 ; advances to Chancellorsville, 552 ; on a 
cavalry expedition, 561 ; reconnoissance to Mechanics- 
yille, 572 ; advance on Hatcher's Eun, 671 ; at battles 
west of Petersburg, 690. 
Geegg, Brig.-Gen. Maxet— Biographical notice of, 742. 

Geegg, Brig.-Gen. Officer in Confederate army, 851 ; 

resists the advance of Logan, 351 ; biographical notice of, 
T91. 
Geieeson, Brig.-Gen. Benj. H. — His raid through Mississip- 
pi to Baton Eouge, 349, 850 ; captures cattle neai- Port 
Hudson, 368 ; in command against Mobile, 703. 
Geitfin, Brig.-Gen. Chaeles — At Bull Eun, 75 ; commands 
1st division of 5th corps, 549 ; at the Wilderness battle, 
553 ; moves down the Chickahominy, 576 ; at Petersburg, 
577 ; near the Jerusalem road, 580 ; advance on Hatcher's 
Eun, 671 ; assailed by Bushrod Johnston, 688 ; at battles 
west of Petersburg, 690. 
Geovee, Brig.-Gen. Cuviee— In the battles before Eich- 
mond, 246; commands a division of Banks' army, 866; 
advances from Brashear, 867 ; his success, 367; fights at 
Vermillion La., 367 ; wounded at Cedar Eun, 627. 
GsowEB, Col. W. T. C. — Biographical notice of, 788. 
Gunboats — Fitted out by Confederates on the coast, 63. 
GwiN, Com. William— Biographical notice of, 745. 

Hacke, Count H. — Biographical notice of, 778. 

Hacklemann, Gen. P. A. — Biographical notice of, 738. 

Hagerstown, Md. — Occupied by Lee's forces, 266; again oc- 
cupied bj' the enemy, 585. 

Eainen' £?«/«— Attacked by gunboats, 832, 333. 

Hall, Col. A. S. — Commands an expedition in Tennessee, 
452. 

Hall, Col. G. B.— Biographical notice of, 780. 

Hall, J. N. — One of the garrison of Sumter, 21. 

Halleck, Maj.-Gen. Henet W. — Takes command of the 
Western Department, 91 ; orders issued, 91 ; letter to 
Gen. Hunter of thanks for troops, 128; order on the 
capture of Fort Donelson, 131 ; his order for the conduct 



INDEX OF CONTENTS 



825 



of the troops, 133 ; reports the capture of Fayetteville, 
Ark., 156; reports the capture of Springfield, Mo., 156; 
reports the battle at Pea Ridge, 160; orders Buell to join 
Gen. Grant, 1T3; marches on Corinth, 179 ; arrives at 
Pittsburg Landing and takes command, 179 ; despatches 
to Washington, 180-182 ; appointed General-in-Chief at 
"Washington, 183 ; his action relative to the Army of the 
Potomac, 25'2 ; reply to Gen. McClellan's letter, 253 ; his 
orders to Gen. Pope, 258 ; instructions to Gen. Pope, 
261 ; letter ordering McClellan to march, 800 ; letter rel- 
ative to supplies to McClellan's army, 800; reply to 
Gen. Lee's letters, 327 ; on the attack on Winchester, 
389 ; letters to Rosecrans, 455-458 ; to others, 459 ; as- 
signed to duty at Washington, 524. 

Hamilton, A. J. — Provisional Governor of Texas, 711. 

Hamilton, Brig.-Gen. Schtitlek — Proposes a canal at Island 
No. 10, 165; in command under Rosecrans in Missis- 
sippi, 291 ; in the battle of Corinth, 292 ; advances tow- 
ards Holly Springs, 294. 

Hampton — The village burned, 82. 

Hampton, Maj.-Gen. Wade — Engages Wilson near Coal 
Harbor, 575 ; orders the cotton in Columbia to be 
burned, 677 ; reply to Sherman's letter, 680 ; makes a 
dash on Spencer's camp, 681. 

Hancock, Maj.-Gen. Winfield 8. — Commands a brigade in 
Keyes' corps, 221 ; on the advance from Yorktown, 221 ; 
encounters the enemy, 221 ; his succes, 221 ; McClellan 
commends his troops, 222; presses the enemy in front 
of Charlestown, 202 ; position at Gettysburg, 401 ; wound- 
ed, 403 ; commands 2d corps, 549 ; Moves to Ely's Pond, 
552 ; at the Wilderness battle, 553 ; at the Spottsylvania 
battle, 556; position of his corps, 572; at Coal Harbor 
battle, 575 ; at Petersburg, 577. 

Jlanover Court iTbiwe— Battle at, 228. 

Hanson, Gen. R. W. — Biographical notice of, 743. 

Haedeb, Maj.-Gen. William J. — Commands 3d corps of A. 
S. Johnston's army, 173 ; commands a division of Bragg's 
army, 283 ; at the battle of Murfreesboro, 297 ; commands 
a corps of Johnston's army, 526 ; encounters Ho jker, 
581 ; at Atlanta, 537 ; in command at Savannah, 619 ; 
evacuates Savannah, 622 ; evacuates Charleston, 678 ; his 
movements from Charleston, 680, 681 ; at Averysboro, 
683; his design, 684; retreat, 684; at Bentonsville, 685. 

Hardenbrook, J. K. — Biographical notice of, 784. 

Harding, Col. A. C. — Defends Fort Donelson, 452. 

Harker, Brig.-Gen. C. G. — Killed at Kenesaw Mountain, 
534 ; biographical notice of, 785. 

Harmon, Col. O. F. — Biographical notice of, 785. 

Haenet, Brig.-Gen. William S.— Superseded by Gen. Lyon 
in Missouri, 54 

Harper's Ferry — Troops assembled at, 88, 39 ; hostile 
movements at, 49; stores in the armory, 49; burning 
of the public buildings, 49 ; machinery moved to Rich- 
mond, 49 ; Southern troops march for, 52; occupied by 
Southern troops and bridges burned, 53 ; preparations 
for defence by Gol. Miles, 270 ; surrendered, 270. 

Harriet Lane^ steamer — Attacks a battery near Pig Point, 
56 ; capture of, at Galveston, 811. 

Harris, Isham G. — Governor of Tennessee, 45; reply to 
the call for troops, 45 ; letter on the invasion of Ken- 
tucky, 94 ; retires from N'ashville with State archives, 
132; his proclamation, 133 ; convenes the legislature, 134. 

Harris, Gen. Tnoa. A — Joins Gen. Price, 87. 

Harrisonburg, Va. — Battle near, under Fremont, 239. 

Harrishurg, Penn. — Panic and flight of the citizens, 894 

Hartranft, Brig.-Gen. John F. — Commands 3d division of 
9th corps, 687 ; repels attack on Fort Stedman, 687. 

HAETStTFF, Maj.-Gen. Geo. L. — Joins Burnside, 457. 

Hartwell, Brig.-Gen. Carries the rifle-pits on James' 

Island, 678. 



Harwood, Com. A. A.— Commands Potomac flotilla, 442. 

Hascall, Brig.-Gen. M. S.— Biographical notice of, 789. 

Hasendushel, Col. Commands a brigade of Steele's 

division against Vicksburg, 333. 

Haskell, Col. F. A. — Biographical notice of, 781. 

Hatch, Brig.-Gen. John P.— Commands ia Wilson's cavalry 
corps, 630 ; evacuates Pulaski, Tenn., 630 ; near Poco- 
taligo bridge, 673 ; evacuates his position, 675 ; in Sher- 
man's march through the Carolinas, 675. 

Hatcher'' s Run — Movement to, 593; battle, 593; movement 
against, 671. 

Hatteras Inlet — Expedition against forts at, 83 ; naval force, 
83 ; military force, 83 ; attack on the forts, 84 ; surrender, 
84; terms of capitulation, 84 

Hawks' A^esf, Va. — Contest at, 85. 

Hat, Major John — Made a major for the Florida expedition, 
504 

Hayes, Brig.-Gen. A. — Commands 2d brigade 3d division 2d 
corps, 549 ; wounded at the Wilderness battle, 554 ; 
biographical notice of, 776. 

Hats, Captain In command under Kilpatrick, 61 S ; 

dashes into Waynesboro, 618. 

Hazard, Com. Sam. F. — Commands the fleet of transports 
of Burnside's expedition, 135. 

Hazex, Brig.-Gen. William B. — Assaults Fort McAllister, 
621 ; captures Fort McAllister, 621 ; in Sherman's 
march through the Carolinas, 675. 

Heg, Col. H. C. — Biographical notice of, 766. 

Heintzleman, M.aj.-Gen. Samuel P. — In command at Bull 
Run, 68 ; in command against Richmond, 212 ; com- 
mands before Williamsburg, 221 ; before Richmond, 241 ; 
reaches Warrenton Station, 260 ; in command of the De- 
partment of Washington, 885. 

Helena, Ark. — Occupied by Gen. Curtis, 160. 

Helm, Brig.-Gen. B. H.— Biographical notice of, 767. 

Henbt, CoL Commands in the Florida expedition, 

505; attacks Camp Finegan, 505; other movements, 
505. 

Henry Springs, Ark. — Conflict near, 482. 

Herbert, Brig.-Gen. L. — Leads an assault on Yicksburg, 
358. 

Hebron, Maj.-Gen. Francis J. — Battle at Cross Hollow^, Ark. 
162 ; attacked at Crawford Prairie, 162 ; fights at Dup- 
ping Springs, 314; brings reenforcements to Grant at 
Vicksburg, 359; moves to New Orleans, 365. 

Heth, Brig.-Gen. Henet — Advance in Western Virginia, 
241 ; commands a division of Hill's corps, 400 ; at Get- 
tysburg, 400 ; moves with Lee, 470 ; attacks left of the 
5th corps, 592. 

Hewitt, Major I. L. — Biographical notice of, 740. 

Heckman, Brig.-Gen. Charles A. — With Burnside in North 
Carolina, 187 ; moves against Petersburg Railroad, 565; 
commands a brigade of Wcitzel's division, 567 ; attacked 
by the enemy, 567 ; captured, 567. 

Hickman, Ky. — Occupied by Gen. Polk, 95. 

Hicks, Thomas H. — Governor of Maryland, 53 ; remonstrates 
' at the occupation of Maryland Heights by Southern 
troops, 53. 

Hicks, Col. Defends Paducah, 516. 

HiNDMAN, Maj.-Gen. Thomas C. — Position in Arkansas, 160; 
attempt to cut oflF Blunts' reenforcements, 162; at 
Prairie Grove, 314; at Chickamauga, 463. 

HmcKS, Brig.-Gen. E. W.— Lands at City Point, 663; at 
Petersburg, 578. 

Hill, Lieut.-Gen. A. P. — In command under Gen. Johnston, 
247 ; in Lee's army, 265 ; advances with Lee into Mary- 
land, 265; marches with Jackson to Harper's Ferry, 
268 ; at Fredericksburg battle, 307 ; commands a divi- 
sion of Lee's army, 372 ; commands a corps of Lee's 
army, 886 ; position of his corps, 898 ; at Gettysburg, 400 ; 



826 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



ordered to move to Lafayette, 462; at Chickamauga, 
463 ; moves with Lee, 470 ; attacks at Bristoe Station, 
470 ; attacks Washington N. C, 472 ; moves to Nanse- 
mond, 472 ; commands a corps of Lee's army, 553 ; at 
the Wilderness battle, 553 ; his position, 573 ; south 
of Richmond, 577; at Petersburg, 580; at Hatcher's 
Run, 672 ; biographical notice of, 798. 

Hill, B. H.— Senator at Richmond from Georgia, 617 ; ap- 
peal to the people to resist Sherman, 617. 

Hill, Maj.-Gen. D. H. — In command under Johnston, 241 ; 
commands a division of Lee's army, 256, 265 ; arranges 
a cartel for exchange of prisoners, 323 ; commands a divi- 
sion of Lee's army, 372 ; attacks Fort Anderson, 442 ; In 
command at Augusta, 675. 

HoBsox, Brig.-Gen. Edward H. — Pursues Morgan on his 
raid in Indiana and Ohio, 409. 

Hoke, Maj.-Gen. — Commands a brigade, 519; captures 
Plymouth, N. C, 520 ; his report, 522 ; attempts to get 
possession of Coal Harbor, 573 ; repulsed, 573 ; in com- 
mand at Wilmington, 682; evacuates Wilmington, 683; 
at Bentonsville, 6S5. 

HoLDEN, W. W.— Provisional Governor of N. Carolina, 711. 

HoLLiNS, Com. Geo. N. — Commands the privateer Calhoun, 
61 ; attacks Federal fleet at the mouth of the Mississippi, 
— fights with the Massachusetts, 101 ; commands Confed- 
erate fleet on the Mississippi, 163 ; battle on the Missis- 
sippi above Fort Pillow, 166 ; battle before Memphis, 
167; commands naval force for the defence of New Or- 
leans, 192. 

HoLLOWAT, Col. Biographical notice of, 720. 

Uolly Springs^ — First occupied by Federal troops, 810; cap- 
tured by Van Dcrn, 831 ; its efl"ect, 831. 

Holmes, Maj.-Gen. Thomas N. — In command under Lee, 251 ; 
evacuates Little Rock, 483 ; in command in Arkansas, 
499. 

Holmes, J. E. — Biographical notice of, 751. 

Hood, Maj.-Gen. John B. — Commands a division of Lee's 
army, 372; advances to Culpepper, 885 ; commands a 
division of Longstreet's corps, 401 ; at Chickamauga, 
463; commands a corps of Johnston's army, 526; at 
Resaca, 530; encounters Hooker, 531; takes command 
of Johnston's aimy, 536 ; address, 536, evacuates Atlanta, 
543 ; marches to McDonouglT, 544 ; correspondence with 
Sherman relative to Atlanta, 545, 546 ; moves to destroy* 
the railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga, 600 ; re- 
tires to Jonesborough, 609 ; demands surrender of Re- 
saca, Ga., 610; in command under Beauregard, 611; 
captures Dalton, 611 ; retreats to Lafayette, 611 ; attacks 
Franklin, Tenn., 630; advances on Nashville, 630; halts 
at Gadsden, Alabama, 611 ; retreats from Nashville, 681 ; 
relieved of command, 673. 

Hooker, Maj.-Gen. Joseph — In command south of Washing- 
ton, 120, 206 ; advances toward Williamsburg from York- 
to>vn, 221 ; battle, 221 ; forced back, 221 ; in the battles 
before Richmond, 246 ; on the line of the Mannassas Rail- 
road, 261 ; encounters the enemy in the rear, 261 ; fights 
near Manassas, 262 ; at South Mountain, 269 ; at Antie- 
tam, 271 ; commands the centre grand division under 
Bumside, 303 ; at the battle of Fredericksburg, 807 ; 
makes an advance, 872 ; assumes command of the Poto- 
mac army, 373 ; his order, 873 ; his plan to attack Lee, 
877 ; his order before the battle of Chancellorsville, 378; 
fights at Chancellorsville, 378, 379 ; retreats, 880 ; address 
to his army after the battle, 382 ; marches for Maryland, 
394; relieved of command, 398 ; his order, 899 ; ordered 
to Tennessee, 465; arrives at Bridgport, 4!J6; his move- 
ments, 466, 467 ; commands a corps of Cumberland army, 
526 ; starts for Snake Creek Gap, 528 ; at Resaca, 580 ; 
conflict at Pumpkin Vino Creek, 531; at Atlmta, 586; 
resigns his command, 511. 



Hopkins, Lieut. -Col. J. A. P.— Biographical notico of, 794. 

HoKNET, Lieut.-Col. Biographical notice of, 757. 

J7o«/)i^a?«— Medical department of the army, 421 ; first step 
to prevent disease, 421 ; climate, 421 ; principles to be ob- 
served In the construction of hospitals, 421 ; new features 
in the construction of hospitals, 422; West Philadelphia 
Hospital, 422 ; the Mower General Hospital, 428 ; the Me 
Clellan Hospital, 424 ; Hammond General Hospital, 424 
Lincoln General Hospital, 424; western hospitals, 424 
alimentation of the soldier, 426 ; ground plan of the Ham^ 
mond General Hospital, 426 ; do. Lincoln Hospital, 427 
results attained, 428 ; mortality in the British army, 428 
do. army of the United States, 428. 

IIouHatonie — A gunboat destroyed by a torpedo, 645. 

HovBT, Brig.-Gen. A. P.— Commands an expedition up the 
White River, 160 ; its failure, 160 ; commands an expedi- 
tion against the Mississippi Central Railroad, 295 ; com- 
mands a brigade of Steele's division against Vicksburg, 
833 ; fights at Champion Hills, 354. 

HowAKD, Maj.-Gen. Oliver O. — In command at Bull Run, 
68; at Fredericksburg battle, 307; commands the 11th 
corps, 377 ; advances toward Kelly's ford, 377 ; at the bat- 
tle of Chancellorsville, 378 ; position at Gettysburg, 401 ; 
at Chattanooga, 467 ; commands a corps of Cumberland 
army, 526 ; carries Rockyfaced Ridge, 528 ; occupies Dal- 
ton, 529 ; at Resaca, 580 ; at Atlanta, 536 ; assumes com- 
mand of the Army of Tennessee, 541 ; commands right 
wing of Sherman's army, 613 ; march to Savannah from 
Atlanta, 615, &c. ; despatch to Gen. Foster, 620 ; in Sher- 
man's march through the Carolinas, 675 ; crosses the Salke- 
hatchie, 675 ; advances toward Goldsboro, 684 ; at Bentons- 
ville battle, 685 ; in the advance against Johnston, 698. 

Howe, Brig.-Gen. Albion P. — Commands a brigade of 
Couch's division, 267 ; commands a division in Sedgwick's 
corps at the battle of Chancellorsville, 378 ; makes a re- 
connoissance below Fredericksburg, 384. 

Howell, Brig.-Gen. J. B. — Biographical notice of, 790. 

HiTGEit, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin— In command at Norfolk, 226; 
summoned to Richmond, 226; in command under John- 
ston, 241 ; an exchange of prisoners, 822. 

HnMPHKEYS, Maj.-Gen. Andrew A. — At Gettysburg, 408 ; 
commands 2d army corps, 655; advance on Hatcher's 
Run, 671. 

Hunt, Major E. B. — Biographical notice of, 768. 

Hunter, Maj.-Gen. David — In command at Bull Run, 68 ; 
commands a division in Missouri, £9 ; annuls the agree- 
ments between Gens. Fremont and Price, 90 ; command- 
ing in Kansas, 128 ; in command in South Carolina, 147 
demands the surrender of Fort Pulaski, 147 ; terms, 147 ; 
his proclamation, 150 ; his emancipation order at Hilton 
Head, 272 ; takes command in place of Sigel, 569, 570 ; 
assumes command in West Virginia, 582; his orders, 
582 ; commands expedition against Lynchburg, 582 ; halts 
before Lynchburg, 588; retires, 588; arrives at Loop 
Creek, 588 ; report, 583 ; imprisons editor of Parkersburg 
Gazette, 584 ; letter, 584 ; sent as a Peace Commissioner, 
666. 

HuRLBUKT, Maj.-Gen. Stephen A. — In command in Missouri, 
81 ; takes command at Memphis, 171 ; commands a divi- 
sion of Grant's army, 172; position at Shiloh, 173; in 
the conflict at Hatchio River, 294 ; in command at Mem- 
phis, 459 ; commands a corps under Sherman against 
Meridian, 502 ; commands department of the Gulf, 665. 



Imboden, Brig.-Gen. Order to move toward Romney, 

885 ; attacks Federal force at Moorfield, 471. 

Indiana — Response to the first call for troops, 28; appropri- 
ates $500,000 to war purposes, 51. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



827 



Ingsaham, Com. DiTNCAN K. — Attacks Federal fleet at 
Charleston with Kams, 444 ; proclamation, 446. 

Iebland, Col. D. — Biographical notice of, 7S9. 

Ibwin, Col. Eugene — Biographical notice of, 758. 

Isabella — Sloop seized at Mobile, 10. 

Island No. 10 — Situation, 162; assault on, 163; evacuation, 
165. 

luka, iSfws.— Battle of, 291. 

Ivey — A Confederate steam privateer, 62 ; her capture, 62. 



Jackson, Miss. — Capture of, 352-854; destruction of prop- 
erty, 363. 

Jackson, Gov. Claibobnb F. — Summons Missouri troops to 
the field, 59 ; biographical notice of, 741. 

Jaokson, Brig.-Gen. C. F.— Biographical notice of 743. 

Jackson, Brig.-Gen. J. S.— Killed at Perryville, Ky., 287; 
biographical notice of, 739. 

Jackson, Brig.-Gen. N. J.— Commands a division, 684; at 
Averysboro battle, 684 

Jackson, Dr. E. M. S.— Biographical notice of, 796. 

Jackson, Maj.-Gen. Thomas J. — In command south of the 
Potomac, 2J6 ; march from Winchester, 206; his move- 
ments, 207 ; evacuates Winchester, 209 ; advance upon 
Front Royal, 233; his plan, 233; cuts up a Baltimore 
regiment, 234 ; further movements against Gen. Banks, 
284 ; address to his troops, 235 ; orders a retrograde 
movement, 237; his march, 237; battles on his retreat, 
239 ; in force near Hanover Court House, 246 ; the plan 
relative to his movements, 246 ; reaches Ashland, 247 ; 
his movements, 247; at White Oak Swamp, 250 ; com- 
mands a division of Lee's army, 256-265 ; at Cedar Moun- 
tain, 268 ; on Manassas Eailroad, 261 ; in the rear of Gen. 
Pope, 261 ; his position, 262 ; detached to capture Harper's 
Ferry, 268 ; captures Harper's Ferry, 270 ; movement to 
detach a portion of the Potomac army, 303 ; at Fredericks- 
burg battle, 307 ; leads the attack on the right of Hooker's 
army at Chancellorsville, 378; wounded, 383 ; death, 383 ; 
biographical notice of, 752. 

Jackson, Col. In the assault against Wagner, 474. 

Jacksonville, Fla. — Occupied by a Federal force, 149 ; Union 
proceedings, 149 ; naval operations at, 152. 

Jacques, Col. James F.— Yisit to Eichmond, 657. 

James Island, S. C. — Eeconnoissances on, 151. 

James River Canal — Destruction by Sheridan's troops, 636. 

Jameson, Gen. C. D. — Biographical notice of, 741. 

Jamison, David F. — President of the South Carolina seces- 
sion convention, 3. 

Janewat, Col. H. H. — Biographical notice of; 798. 

Jefferson City — Advance of Federal troops toward, 59. 

Jenkins, Brig.-Gen. A. G. — In command under Gen. J. E. B. 
Stuart, 385; takes possession of Chambersburg, 390; op- 
poses Crook, 552; killed in the Wilderness battle, 555; 
biographical notice of, 776. 

Johnson, Andrew — Mobbed at Lynchburg, 50 ; appointed 
provisional Governor of Tennessee, 134; military Gov- 
ernor of Tennessee, 185 ; history, 185; his appeal to the 
people, 185 ; his proceedings as military Governor in 1862, 
186, 187; orders an election for members of Congress, 
190; other orders, 190; President of the United States, 
707 ; proclamation relative to restrictions, 707 ; his am- 
nesty proclamation, 709 ; measures to reorganize the in- 
surrectionary States, 710. 

Johnson, Brig.-Gen. Bushrod — Attack on Fort Steadman, 
687; assaults GritBn's division, 688. 

Johnson, James — Provisional Governor of Georgia, 711. 

Johnson, Brig.-Gen. Edward — In command at Camp Alle- 
ghany, 86 ; commands a division in Ewell's corps, 387, 



898; at Gettysburg, 401; moves with Lee, 470; cap- 
tured at Spottsylvania, 559. 

Johnson, Brig.-Gen. Eichaed W.— Commands a brigade in 
Buell's army, 124 ; at the battle of Murfreesboro, 297 ; 
advances his division, 455; commands a divison of Mc- 
Cook's corps, 457 ; at Chickamauga, 462 ; advances on 
Dalton, 504 ; in the battle near Nashville, 681. 

Johnsonville, Tenn. — Destroyed by Forrest, 630. 

Johnston, Gen. Albert S. — Commands Confederate troops 
in Kentucky and Tennessee, 131 ; associated with Beau- 
regard in command in the southwest, 172 ; address to 
the Army of Mississippi, 173 ; orders relative to the 
commands in the army, 173 ; biographical notice of, 
723. 

JoiwsTON, G. M.— Biographical notice of, 729. 

Johnston, Gen. Joseph E.— At the battle of Bull Eun, 70 ; 
reasons for not advancing after the battle of Bull Eun, 
79 ; in command near the Potomac, 120 ; address to his 
soldiers at Mannassas, 208 ; in command at Williams- 
burg, 222 ; capture of his despatch to Jackson, 236 ; his 
plans before Eichmond, 241 ; severely wounded at Fair 
Oaks, 244; in command of the Tennessee Department, 
296 ; in command near Vicksburg, 352 ; orders to Gen. 
Pemberton, 352; retires to Canton, 363; in command 
near Chattanooga, 504; commands army opposed to 
Sherman, 526 ; reaches Eesaca, 529 ; abandons Eesaca, 
530 ; at Allatoona Pass, 531 ; abandons Lost Mountain, 533 ; 
evacuates Kenesaw, 534 ; falls back to Atlanta, 535 ; re- 
lieved by Gen. Hood, 536; address to his troops, 586; 
ordered to command in South Carolina, 673 ; in com- 
mand at Beutonsville, 684 ; retreat, 698 ; letter to Sher- 
man, 698 ; interview, 699 ; terms, 700 ; surrenders his 
army to Sherman, 701 ; order to his troops, 702 ; fare- 
well address, 702. 

Johnston, Brig.-Gen. Preston — At Chickamauga, 466. 

Johnston, Col. Surrenders Dalton to Hood, 611. 

Johnston, Col. Biographical notice of, 725. 

Jones, Brig.-Gen. John M.— Killed at Wilderness, 554; 
biographical notice of, 778. 

Jones, Col. J. E. — Biographical notice of, 757. 

Jones, Maj.-Gen. Sam. — Surprises a Federal garrison, 468; 
attacked by Averill, 471 ; biographical notice of, 776. 

Jones, Lieut. Arrives at Harper's Ferry with a de- 
tachment of troops, 49 ; burns public bnildings and re- 
tires to Carlisle, Penn., 49. 

Jones, Lieut.-Col. W. G. — Biographical notice of, 767. 

Jones, Brig.-Gen. W. E. — In command at Bull Eun, 70 ; 
ordered to Staunton, 582 ; biographical notice of, 783. 

Judah, Brig.-Gen. Henrt M. — Commands division of 23d 
corps, 529 ; at Eesaca, 529. 



Kautz, Brig.-Gen. August V. — Moves against Weldon and 
Petersburg Eailroad, 565; moves to cut Eichmond and 
Danville Eailroad, 567; results of his expedition, 668 ; 
demonstration against Petersburg, 576. 

Kearney, Itlaj.-Gen. Philip — Comes to the aid of Hooker 
before Williamsburg, Sil ; ia the battles before Eich- 
mond, 241 ; ordered to Gre«a-xich, 261 ; killed at Chan- 
tilly, 265 ; biographical notice of, 738. 

Kearsarge — Battle with the Alabama, 643. 

Keim, Brig.-Gen. W. II. — Biographical notice of, 729. 

Keitt, Col. Lawrence M. — Biographical notice of, 731. 

Kellt, Brig.-Gen. Benj. F. — Commands in a surprise attack 
near Philippi, 56 ; in command on the Upper Potomac, 
120 ; in command at Grafton, 206 ; assigned to the rail- 
road district, 230 ; movements in West Virginia, 471 ; 
occupies Martinsburg, 558 ; made n prisoner, 673. 

Kellt, E. L. — Biographical notice of, 747. 



828 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Kenesaw Mountain — Battle at, 534. 

Kennedy, Col. Wm. D. — Biographical notice ot, liH. 

Kenlt, Brig.-Gen. John E. — Commands at Front Eoyal, 284 ; 
defeat, 234 ; reports for orders, 525. 

Kentucky — Eeply of the Governor to the first call for troops, 
28; assumes nentrality, 91; proclamation of Gov. Ma- 
goffin, 92 ; blockade of the Nashville and Louisville rail- 
road, 92 ; letter of the Governor to President Lincoln, 
93 ; do. to Mr. Davis, 93 ; proceedings of the Legislature, 
94 ; message of the Governor, 94 ; further action of the 
Legislature, 96 ; military operations, 96, 97 ; military 
positions in centre of the- State, 9T, 9S ; Provisional Gov- 
ernment of, 9S; guerrillas in, 282; Legislature adjourns 
to Louisville, 282 ; proclamation of the Governor, 283 ; 
the capital occupied, 283. 

Keeshaw, Brig.-Gen. Of Law's division, 463 ; at 

Chickamauga, 463. 

Keyes, Brig.-Gen. Erasmus D. — In command at Bull Eun, 
68 ; in command near Washington, 120, 206 ; in com- 
mand against Eichmond, 212 ; in the battles before Eich- 
mond, 241. 

KiDDOO, Col. Biographical notice of, 793. 

KxLPATEicK, Brig.-Gen. Judson — Takes possession of Lou- 
isa Court House, 381 ; his movements, 381 ; report, 
881 ; commands a movement from West Point, 384 ; en- 
counters Col. Eosser, 395 ; report of fight at Falling Wat- 
ers, 408 ; moves on a raid to Eichmond, 522 ; destroys Vir- 
ginia Central track, 523 ; moves to Ashland, 523 ; arrives 
at Williamsburg, 523; transferred to cavalry command in 
Sherman's army, 549 ; wounded near Eesaca, 529 ; makes 
a cavalry expedition in Georgia, 542; disperses Iver- 
eon's force at Jonesboro, 615; ordered to demonstrate 
near Macon, 615 ; approaches Milledgeville, 61T ; at Mil- 
ledgeville, 618 ; covers the rear, 620 ; ordered to rendez- 
vous near Eobertsville, 673 ; moves toward Aiken, 676; 
skirmishes with Wheeler, 676; moves to Lancaster, 680; 
surprised, 681 ; recovers, 681 ; at Avery sboro battle, 688; 
at Bentonsville, 685 ; in the advance against Johnston, 
698. 

Kimball, Brig.-Gen. Nathan — Commands in Shields' divis- 
ion, 229 ; encounters the enemy at Front Eoyal, 238 ; at 
Vicksburg, 359. 

KniBALL, Col. Commands a brigade at Port Hudson, 

870. 

Kimball, Lieut.-Col. E. A. — Biographical notice of, 748. 

Kino, Brig.-Gen. Eufps— In comm.".nd under McDowell, 
229 ; commands a division in McDowell's corps, 259 ; 
joins Gen. Pope at Culpepper, 259. 

KmosBtTEY, Col. H. W. — Biographical notice of, 736. 

KiBBY, Brig.-Gen. E. — Biographical notice of, 758. 

Kiek, Brig.-Gen. E. N. — Biographical notice of, 745. 

KiTCHTNG, Col. J. H. — Biographical notice of, 794. 

Kitteedqe, Lieut. J. W. — Captures Corpus Christi, 200. 

Knipe, Brig.-Gen. Joseph F. — Commands a division of cav- 
alry, 631 ; pursues the enemy from Franklin, Tenn., 631. 

KnoxtiUe — Occupied by Burnside, 458. 

KoLTZ, CoL J. A. — Biographical notice of, 733. 



Lamb, Col. Engaged in defence of Fort Fisher, 643. 

Lamson, Lieut, E. H. — Captures a battery, 442. 

Lancaster, Penn. — Occupied by the enemy, 397. 

Landee, Brig.-Gen. Feedeeick W. — In command on the 
Upper Potomac, 102 ; relieves Gen. Kelly in West Vir- 
ginia, 206 ; his movements against Gen. Jackson, 207 ; 
his despatch to McClellan, 207 ; resigns, 207 ; biographi- 
cal notice of, 726. 

Lane, Brig.-Gen. James, H. — Attacks the advance of Gen. 
Price, 87 ; attempts to enlist negroes in Kansas, 165, 



Lane, Brig.-Gen. Commands In Hood's division, 468 ; 

at Chickamauga, 463. 

Lanman, Brig.-Gen. Jacob G. — Commands a division of 
Grant's army, 172 ; commands a division of Grant's army 
before Vicksburg, 859. 

Lakned, Col. B. F.— Biographical notice of, 784. 

Laurel .ffiY/— Occupied by the Confederates, 65. 

Lawleb, Brig.-Gen. Michael K. — Commands a brigade of 
Carr's division at Vicksburg, 356. 

Lawrence, Xanscrs— Sacked by Quantrell, 483. 

Lea, Lieut. E.— Biographical notice of, 745. 

Lebanon, Mo. — Skirmish at, 89. 

Ledlie, Brig.-Gen. Jamhs H.— At Petersburg, 577, 590, 591. 

Leggett, Brig.-Gen. Mortimek D. — Commands a division of 
17th corps, 587 ; at Atlanta, 537, 538. 

Lee, Custis. — Made a prisoner, 695. 

Lee, Fitz Hugh.— Col. in command under Gen. Stuart, 245; 
attacked by Buford, 470 ; made a prisoner, 472 ; attacks 
Brig.-Gen. Wild, 573. 

Lee, Gen. Eoeeet E. — Appointed to the chief command of 
Virginia forces, 88; ordered to command in Western 
Virginia, 86, his military operations, 86, 87 ; in council 
at Eichmond, 246 ; his fears, 247 ; commands against Mc- 
Clellan, 249 ; advances toward Maryland, 256 ; his object 
in the battle at Cedar Mountain, 258; progress of his ad- 
vance, 260; despatch relative to battle at Manassas, 263, 
264 ; advances into Maryland, 265 ; address to the inhab- 
itants, 266 ; his order found at Frederick, 268 ; fights at 
Antietam, 271 ; withdraws from Antietam, 272 ; position 
of his army, 302 ; concentrates in the rear of Fredericks- 
burg, 804 ; defends Fredericksburg, 806, 307 ; address to 
his troops after Fredericksburg battle, 308 ; letter to Gen. 
Halleck on exchange of prisoners, 824 ; do, to McClellan, 
825 ; letter to Halleck, on the execution of Mumford, &c, 
826; position of his army near Fredericksburg, 377; de- 
spatch relative to the Chancellorsville battle, 379, 380 ; 
address to his army after the battle at Chancellorsville, 
382 ; letter to Jackson, 383, order on his death, 884 ; his 
plans, 885; second advance to Maryland, 880, his ob- 
ject, 886 ; report of the capture of Martinsburg, 8S9 ; at 
Culpepper, 395 ; his designs, 895 ; report on the state of 
affairs, 895; order to his army, 896; instructions from 
Eichmond, 396 ; his reply, 396 ; crosses the Potomac, 397 ; 
his orders, 898; concentrates near Gettysburg, 899 ; ad- 
dress to his troops, 899 ; at Gettysburg, 401 ; his report, 
403 ; retreats, 405 ; address to his troops, 405 ; answer to 
Meade's despatches, 406; advances with his army 
against Meade, 470; falls back, 471 ; advances to oppose 
the progress of Grant, 553 ; organization of his army in 
1864,553; despatch relative to Wilderness battle, 554; 
withdraws toward Spottsylvania Court House, 555; 
further despatch, 555 ; address to his army at Spottsyl- 
vania Court House, 560 ; near the North Anne, 572 ; on 
the Mechanicsville road, 572 ; report of battle at Hatch- 
er's Eun, 593 ; report of the Hatcher's Eun conflict, 672 ; 
appointed General-in-Chief, 673 ; orders the evacuation 
of Eichmond and Petersburg, 692; retreats from Eich- 
mond, 694; correspondence with Grant, 695, 696; sur- 
renders his army, 696 ; farewell address to his army, 
697. 

Lee, Brig.-Gen. Albert L. — Commands cavalry under Gen. 
Banks, 509 ; arrives at Alexandria, La,, 509, 

Lee, Brig.-Gen. S. D. — Attacks Smith in Miss., 503; state- 
ment of the capture of Fort Pillow, 519. 

Lee, Eear-Admiral S. P.— In the battle below New Orleans, 
195 ; demands surrender of Vicksburg, 199 ; commands 
North Atlantic squadron, 441 ; commands Mississippi 
flotilla, 636; relieved of command, 636. 

Lee, W. H. F.— At Gettysburg, 405. 

Lbeot, Com.— Attacked by rams at Charleston, 444. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



829 



Letcher, Johk. — Governor of Yirginia, 36 ; reply to Gov. 
PlckeDS, 36; reply to President Lincoln's call for troops, 
86 ; proclamation for troops to resist, 37 ; further actions, 
39 ; calls out the State militia to defend against an inva- 
Blon of Northern troops, 51 ; reply to Gov. Hicks' remon- 
strance on the occnpation of Maryland Heights, 53. 

Lexington — Surrender of, by Col. Mulligan, 87. 

Lexington, Va. — Capture of, 533. 

Lewis Cass — Revenue cutter seized at New Orleans, 12. 

Lewisburg, West Va. — Conflict at, 471. 

Liberty — Capture of State troops at, 61. 

Lincoln, Abraham — His inauguration, 19 ; issues a procla- 
mation calling for 75.000 men, 27 ; issues a second call 
for troops, 55 ; makes no reply to the message brought 
by Col. Taylor, 61 ; asks more troops of Congress in 
July, 1861, 79 ; reply to Gov. Magoffln, of Kentucky, 93 ; 
order for an advance of the armies in 1862, 125 ; order 
relative to the capture of Koanoke Island, 137 ; procla- 
mation on the battle of Pittsburg Landing, 179 ; orders a 
reorganization of the Potomac army, 210 ; other orders, 
210; his letter to Gen. McClellan, 212; order creating 
the Mountain Department, 216 ; arrives at Fortress 
Monroe, 225; marches upon Norfolk, 225; orders to 
McDowell to aid Gen. Banks, 229 ; order creating the army 
of Virginia, 251 ; order for more troops, 256 ; letter to Hun- 
ter, 272 ; recommends emancipation with compensation, 
272 ; proclamation relative to future emancipation, 272 ; 
views of what was needed, 296; his emancipation procla- 
mation, 313 ; first letter to Grant, 362 ; proclamation rela- 
tive to drafting aliens, 332 ; on the court-martial of Gen. 
Milroy, 389 ; calls for one hundred thousand militia in 
1863,890; proclamation of thanksgiving on the fall of 
Vicksburg, 403 ; despatch to Kear-Admiral • Dupont, 
450 ; order relative to colored troops made prisoners at 
the South, 496 ; letter to Gillmore on the Florida expedi- 
tion, 504; presents Grant with his commission as Lieut.- 
General, 524; announces the capture of Atlanta, 545; 
proclamation respecting Grant's battles, 557; calls for 
militia on the third invasion of Maryland, 585 ; letter to 
all " whom it may concern," 661 ; report of meeting com- 
missioners at Fortress Monroe, 663; despatches from 
Petersburg, 692 ; biographical notice of, 799. 

List o/— Commodores in the navy, 716, 717. 

Ltttle, Brig.-Gen. L. H. — Biographical notice of, 737. 

LiTTLB Crow — An Indian Chieii 316 ; his hostile deeds m the 
northwest, 316, 317. 

Little Rock, Ai'k. — Arsenal at, seizure of, 41 ; capture of, 
483. 

Lloyd, Maj.-Gen. John — Biographical notice of, 777. 

Lloyd, Lieut.-Col. Biographical notice of, 780. 

Logan, Maj.-Gen. John A. — Commands a division of Mc- 
pherson's corps, 347 ; reenforces Osterhaus, 347 ; en- 
cotmters the enemy, 361 ; commands a corps of Tennes- 
see army, 526 ; at Eesaca, 530 ; at Kenesaw Mountain, 
584; assumes command of the Army of Tennessee after 
the death of McPherson, 538; at Bentonsville battle, 
685. 

Long, Brig.-Gen. Eli — Commands a division under Wilson, 
703. 

LoNGSTEEET, Maj.-Gcn. James — In command at Bull Enn, 70 ; 
in command under .Johnston, 241 ; advances with Lee 
into Maryland, 265 ; at Fredericksburg battle, 807 ; com- 
mands a corps of Lee's army, 385 ; position of his corps, 
394, 398 ; at Gettysburg, 400, 401 ; at Chickamauga, 463 ; 
advances to Knoxville, 467 ; his movements in East 
Tennessee, 463 ; invests Suffolk, Va., 472 ; joins Lee's 
army in Virginia, 504 ; commands a corps of Lee's army, 
553 ; at the "Wilderness battle, 558 ; wounded in the 
"Wilderness battle, 555. 

LoEUfG, Maj.-Gen. "William "W. — In command under Stone- 



wall Jackson, 207 ; advances to "Western Virginia, 290 ; 
cut off from Vicksburg by Grant's movements, 854 ; in 
command at Canton, 501. 

Louisiana — Extra session of the Legislature called, 11 ; 
State convention ordered, 11 ; appropriation for military 
purposes, 12; addresses of "Wirt Adams, 12; activity of 
secessionists, 12 ; convention assembles, 12 ; ordinance 
of secession adopted, 12; aspect of New Orleans, 18; 
seizure of the Custom House and Mint, 13. 

Louisville and yashville Jiailroad — Seizure of, 61. 

LoTELL, Maj.-Gcn. Mansfield — Reenforces Beauregard at 
Corinth, ISO. 

Loveiifsville, Va. — Skirmish at, 83. 

Lowe, Col. J. "W. — Biographical notice of, 724. 

Lowell, C. E. — Biographical notice of, 792. 

LiTJDE, Major Surrenders in New Mexico, 82. 

Lyon, Brig.-Gen. Nathaniel — Demands surrender of Gen. 
Frost and troops near St. Louis, 51 ; scenes which fol- 
lowed, 51 ; supersedes Gen. Harney, 54 ; moves with 
troops to Jefferson City, Mo., 59 ; address to the people, 
59; fights at Carthage, 61; orders his command to ren- 
dezvous at Crane's Creek, 81 ; his forces, 81 ; skirmish at 
Dug Springs, 82 ; killed at battle of "Wilson's Creek, 82 ; 
biographical notice of, 722. 

Lttle, Brig.-Gen. "William H. — In command under Gen. 
Price, 291 ; killed at luka, 291 ; at Chickamauga, 463 ; 
biographical notice of, 767. 



Macdonald, CoL E. — Biographical notice of, 745. 

Mackenzie, Brig.-Gen. E. S. — Commands civalry under 
Sheridan, 691 ; in the battles west of Petersburg, 691. 

Maclean, Lient.-Col. L. A. — Biographical notice of, 771. 

Maffit, Capt. John N. — Commands the Oreto, 276 ; cruises 
in the Florida, 439, 440. 

Magoffin, B. — Governor of Kentucky, 95; calls out State 
troops, 95. 

Mageitder, Brig.-Gen. John — Burns Hampton village, 82; 
in council at Richmond 246 ; in battle, 251 ; in command 
in Texas, 499. 

Mahone, Brig.-Gen. Attacks right of the 5th corps, 

591. 

Malvern mil— Battle at, 251. 

Manassas Junction — Troops assemble at, 89; stores cap 
tured at, 261. 

Mansfield, Z<7.— Battle of, 610. 

Mansfield, Brig.-Gen. Joseph K. F. — Report of forces Jnno 
27,1861,67; takes possession of Norfolk, 225; commands 
acorpaat Antietam, 271; killed, 271; biographical notice 
of, 735. 

Marie — A Confederate steam privateer, 02 ; her captures, 62. 

Maemaditke, Brig.-Gen. Joins Gov. Jackson, 59 ; at- 
tacked at Cane Hill, 162, 314 ; movements in Missouri, 
480-432; defeated by Steele in Arkansas, 483; made 
prisoner in Missouri, 629. 

Marshall, Brig.-Gen. Humphrey — Commands a Confed- 
erate force in Kentucky, 121 ; defeated at Paintville, 121 ; 
in command under Kirby Smith, 285 ; in the assault at 
Petersburg, 590. * 

Marshall, Col. J. K. — Biographical notice of, 762. 

Martindale, Brig.-Gen. John H. — Leads the advance on 
Hanover Court House, 228 ; commands a division of the 
18th corps, 578; at Coal Harbor, 673; at Petersburg, 
578 ; commands temporarily the ISth corps, 589. 

Martinsburg — ^Destruction of locomotives at, 61 ; skirmish 
at, 61. 

Marvin, "William —Provisional Governor of Florida, 711. 

Maryland— la\a.&\on of, in 1864, 587. 

Maryland J5fej^At#— Occupied by Southern troops, 58 ; re- 



830 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



monstrance of Governor Hicks, 53 ; reply of Governor 
Letcher, 53. 

Mason, John M. — Captured in the British steamer Trent, 
110; how released, 112. 

Jfassachnsetis — Kesponsc to the first call for troops, 28. 

Massett, Major Biographical notice of; 758. 

Matheson, Col. E. — Biographical notice of, 786. 

Mathiae Point — Attack on, by gunboats, 61. 

Maurt, Maj.-Gen. Dabnet — In command at Mobile, 499; 
calls for the citizens to defend Mobile, 502; in com- 
mand at Mobile, 703. 

Mattey, Lieut. Captures Edenton, N. C, 137. 

MATNADrER, Capt. H. E. — Commands the mortar fleet on 
the Mississippi, 162. 

3faysville, Ark. — Conflict at, 814. 

MoAkthttk, Brig.-Gen. John — Commands a brigade at Cor- 
inth, 292; commands a division of McPherson's corps, 
352 ; moves toward Raymond, 352 ; embarks at Mem- 
phis for Vicksburg, 333 ; at the battle near Nashville, 680. 

McBeide, Brig.-Gen. In command at Batesville, 160. 

MoCall, Brig.-Gen. Geoege A. — In command above Wash- 
ington, 102; do. under McDowell, 229; joins McCIellan 
with his division, 246. 

McCall, Brig.-Gen. Made a prisoner at Macon, 703. 

McCattsland, Brig.-Gen. Opposes Crook, 562, 563 ; 

sent to the front of Staunton, 582. 

McClellan, Maj.-Gen. Gbokge B. — Appointed to a com- 
mand by the Governor of Ohio, 64 ; proclamation to the 
people in West Virginia, 64 ; address to his troops, 65 ; 
his instructions, 65; surprisiss Confederates at Philippi, 
65 ; marches against the enemy at Laurel Hill, 65 ; bat- 
tle at Rich Mountain, 66 ; pursuit of Pegram, 66 ; de- 
spatches, 66; routs Gen. Garnett, 67; receives the sur- 
render of Col. Pegram, 67 ; address to his army, 67 ; 
called to the, Army of the Potomac, 67; commences a 
reorganization of the army, 81 ; orders to Gen. Stone 
near Balls' Bluff, 102; assumes command of the FederJil 
armies, 110 ; position and strength of his army at Wash- 
ington, 120 ; his military plans, 208 ; despatch to Gen. 
Shields, 209 ; ordered to the command of the Army of the 
Potomac, 210; address to his soldiers, 210; testimony 
before a court-martial, 214 ; his orders for the protection 
of Washington, 214, 215; testimony relative to these 
orders, 216 ; despatches on the action before Williams- 
burg, 222 ; advances upon Richmond, 226 ; despatches, 
227 ; orders on the Chickahominy, 241 ; operations be- 
fore Richmond, 246 ; position of his army, 246 ; address 
to his army, 251 ; letter to Gen. Halleck, 252 ; ordered to 
land his troops at Alexandria, 260 ; appointed to the 
command at Washington, 267 ; his orders, 267 ; advances 
iiito Maryland to meet Gen. Lee, 267, 268 ; at Antietam, 
271 ; his order relative to the emancipation proclamation 
of President Lincoln, 299 ; letter to Gen. Meigs on for- 
warding supplies, 301 ; advance of his army, 301, 302 ; 
ordered to report at Trenton, N. J., 302 ; takes a fare- 
well of the array, 302 ; resigns his commission, 628. 

McCleenakd, Maj.-Gen. John A. — Moves to the rear of Fort 
Henry, 125 ; commands a division in Grant's army, 127 ; 
charges the enemy at Fort Donelson, 129 ; commands a 
division, of Grant's army, 172 ; position at Shiloh, 173 ; 
arrives above Vicksburg, 335; takes command, 835; 
moves up the Arkansas, 886 ; orders an attack on Fort 
Ilindman, 336 ; returns to Vicksburg, 838 ; presses upon 
Port Gibson, 347 ; advances along the Big Black Elver, 
851. 

MoCoNiHE, Col. John — Biographical notice of, 781. 

MoCooK, Maj.-Gen. Alexander McD. — Commands a divis- 
ion of Gen. Buell's army, 124; advances from Nashville, 
173 ; commands a corps of Buell's array in Kentucky, 
287 ; commands a corps of Eosecrans' army, 296 ; com- 



mands the 20th corps, 452; advances, 455; his move- 
ments, 457; movements of his corps in Georgia, 460; 
ordered to Cincinnati, 466. 

McCook, Major D. — Biographical notice of, 764. 

McCooK, Col. Dan. — Wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, 534; 
biographical notice of, 785. 

McCooK, Brig.-Gen. Robert L. — In the battle of Webb's 
Cross-roads, 123 ; biographical notice of, 731. 

McCooK, Brig.-Gen. Edwaed M. — Attacks the enemy, 465 ; 
cavalry pursues Johnston, 539 ; on a cavalry expedition 
with Stoneman, 540, 541 ; commands a division under 
Wilson, 708 ; on the expedition into Alabama, 703 ; sent 
to Florida, 703. 

MoCown, Brig.-Gen. In command in Florida, 494. 

MoCeelus, Col. Destroys saltpetre works near White 

Elver, 160. 

McCtJLLocH, Brig.-Gen. Ben — Junction with Gen. Price, 
82; battle of Wilson's Creek, 82; reenforces Gen. Price, 
156; at the battle of Elkhorn or Pea Ridge, 158; killed, 
159 ; biographical notice of, 727. 

McCuLLOUGH Col. F. — Biographical notice of, 782. 

McDermott, Lieut. -Com. Biographical notice of, 749, 

McDonald, A. W. — Biographical notice o^ 795. 

McDowell, Maj.-Gen. Iewin — Takes command of troops in 
the vicinity of Washington, 54 ; commands Federal force 
at battle of Bull Run, 68; position of his corps, 213; 
ordered to protect Washington, 216; his position, 228 ; 
correspondence with the President relative to aiding 
Gen. Banks, 229 ; marches to aid Gen. Banks, 230 ; letters 
to McClelland, 246; in command at Culpepper, 256; 
ordered to Gainesville, 261. 

McEleoy, Col. Biographical notice of, 770. 

McGiLVEKT, Col. Feeeman — Biographical notice of, 789. 

McIntosh, Brig.-Gen. J.— At the battle of Pea Ridge, 158 ; 
killed, 159 ; biographical notice of, 727. 

McKeajj, Lieut-Com. Tnos. B. — Biographical notice of, 747. 

McKean, Brig.-Gen. Thomas J.— At the battle of Corinth, 292. 

MoKean, Com. W. W. — Commands naval force at Pensacola, 
100 ; biographical notice of, 803. 

McKiNSTRY, Brig.-Gen. Justus— Commands under Fremont, 
89. 

McLean, Col. Commands a brigade of Devens' divis- 
ion at the battle of Chancellorsville, 879. 

McLaughlin, Brig.-Gen. Surprised at Fort Stedman, 

687. 

McLaws, Maj.-Gen. Lafayette — Commands a division of 
Lee's army, 872 ; advances to Culpepper, 885 ; at Gettys- 
burg, 401; resists Hatch at Pocotaligo bridge, 673; at 
Averysboro battle, 684. 

McNeil, Brig.-Gen. John — In skirmish at Fulton, 81 ; defeats 
Porter at Kirksville, Mo., 314; order relative to Allsman 
in Missouri, 315; executes ten prisoners, 815; effects, 
327 ; defends Cape Girardeaa, 4S2 ; commands the Army 
of the Frontier, 483 ; at Rolla, 629. 

McNeil, Col. H. W. — Biographical notice of, 736. 

McPheeson, Maj.-Gen. James B. — Pursues the Confederates 
alter the battle of Corinth, 294 ; commands a corps of 
Grant's array at Vicksburg, 344; marches to Bayou Pi- 
erre, 847, 351 ; advances to Rocky Springs, 851 ; toward 
Raymond, 351 ; fights near Raymond, 351 ; occupies the 
town, 351 ; occupies Jackson, Miss., 352 ; moves to Can- 
ton, Mis?., 365; commands the advance on Meridian, 
500; commansd Department of Tennessee, 524; com- 
mands Army of Tennessee, 526 ; moves on Resaca, 528, 
529 ; moves to Kingston, 581 ; checked, 531 ; at Atlanta, 
535 ; killed, 538 ; biographical notice of; 786. 

MoViOAR, Lieut.-Col. D. — Biographical notice of, 750. 

Meade, Maj.-Gen. Geo. G.— Commands the 6th corps, 877; 
advances toward Kelley's ford, 877; at the battle of 
Chancellorsville, 878 ; appointed to command the Poto- 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



831 



mac army. 898; his order, 899; position of his army, 
899; commands at Gettysburg, 401; despatch of, 403; 
farther despatches, 404 ; address to his troops, 404 ; re- 
port of the pursuit of Lee, 405 ; despatches, 406 ; contra- 
dicts Lee's despatches, 406; address to the people of 
Virginia relative to guerrillas, 408 ; report of the move- 
ments of Lee's army, 459 ; falls back at the advance of 
Lee, 470 ; advances to Mine Kun, 471 ; falls back, 471 ; 
order to the Army of the Potomac from the War Depart- 
ment, 625 ; address to his army, 551 ; begins to advance, 
552 ; at Spottsylvania, battle, 559 ; address to his army, 
559 ; escapes capture, 560 ; congratulatory address on the 
repulse of the enemy from Fort Stedman, 687. 

Mead, K. E.— One of the garrison of Sumter, 21. 

Meagher, Brig.-Gon. Francis H.— In the battles before 
Richmond, 249. 

Means, Col. Isaac H. — Biographical notice of, 733. 

MeeJianicsville — Battle o£ 247. 

Meigs, Lieut. J. E. — Biographical notice of, 791. 

Memphis — Naval battle before, 167 ; surrender of, 168. 

MeHdian — The capture of, 502. 

Meeedeth, Brig.-Gen. Solomon — Ordered to report at Cairo, 
549 ; reports for orders, 525. 

Merrimac — Frigate sunk at Gosport navy yajd, 49. 

Meeeitt, Brig.-Gen. "Weslet — On a cavalry expedition, 561; 
attacks the enemy's advance at Strasburg, 627 ; com- 
mands 1st division under Sheridan, 686 ; moves to Beams' 
Station, 688. 

Middle York Bridge — Skirmish at, CI. 

MinoLOTZi, Col. Geza — Biographical notice o£ 774. 

Miles, Col. D. H. — In command at Bull Run, 68 ; in com- 
mand at Harper's Ferry, 270 ; mortally wounded at Har- 
per's Ferry, 270 ; biographical notice of, 735. 

Miles, Brig.-Gen. Nelson A.— Commands 1st brigade Ist di- 
vision 2d corps, 549 ; at Petersburg, 590. 

Mill Spriiiffs—See "Webb's Cross-roads. 

JIillee, Col. Silas — Biographical notice of, 787. 

Milliken's Bend — Attack on, by Confederates, 359 ; report of 
Halleck on the behavior of colored troops, 859. 

Milnoe, W. H., M. D. — Biographical notice ot, 731. 

ifiUville, Mo. — Skirmish at, 67, 81. 

MiLKOT, Maj.-Gen. Eobeet H. — Makes an attack at Camp 
Alleghany, 66; movements in West "Virginia, 230; bat- 
tles, 232 ; under Fremont at Strasburg, 238 ; commands 
the right at Cross Keys, 239 ; commands at Winchester, 
387 ; opposes Ewell, 387 ; retreats to Harper's Ferry, 389 ; 
court-martialled, 389. 

MiNTY, Col. In command in Tennessee, 451, 453; at 

Chickamauga, 461. 

Misenee, CoL Commands the cavalry at the battle of 

Corinth, 292. 

Mississippi — Action of the Legislature, 7; division among 
the people, 7; State Convention assembles, 7; ordinance 
of secession passed, 7; delegations from other States, 7; 
arms obtained from Louisiana, 7 ; desolation caused by 
the war, 485. 

Mississippi Riter — Blockade ol^ commenced, 54 ; blockading 
force, 59 ; attack on the Federal fleet at the mouth of, 101. 

Missouri — Reply of the Governor to the call for troops, 28 ; 
brigade of troops at Camp Jackson surrender to Gen. 
Lyon, 51 ; scenes which followed, 51 ; Gen. Lyon moves 
to Jefferson City, 59 ; concentration of troops in, 60 ; Fed- 
eral force on November 2, 1861, 90 ; do. Confederate force, 
90; military operations, 91 ; operations of guerrillas, 314, 
815 ; military movements in, 4S0-4S3 ; operations in, 628, 
629. 

MrrcnELL, Maj.-Gen. Oemsbt M. — Commands a division of 
Buell's army, 124 ; his advance, 125; commands the ad- 
vance upon Nashville, 132 ; his address to the troops, 
132; advances from Nashville, 173; advances toward 



Alabama, 183 ; capture of Huntsville, 183 ; his situation, 
184; movements, 1S4; ordered to Port Royal, 1S5; sends 
expedition to destroy Charleston and Savannah Railroad, 
310 ; biographical notice of, 740. 

Mitchell, Brig.-Gen. Robert B. — Attacks the enemy at 
ShelbyvJlle, 

Mix, Col. Simon H. — Biographical notice of, 7S4. 

Mobile — Celebrates the passage of the secession ordinance, 
9 ; names of streets changed, 10 ; blockaded by Federal 
fleet, 54 ; evacuation and occupation of, 704. 

Monitor — Iron-clad, loss of, 443. 

Monroe Station, Mo. — Skirmish at, 81. 

MoNBOB, John — Mayor of New Orleans, 197 ; answer to Ad- 
miral Farragut, 197. 

MoNSON, Brig.-Gen. Mahlon D.— Defeated at Richmond, 
Ky., by Gen. E. K. Smith, 282. 

MooEE, Col. Commands a brigade of Couch's division, 

682. 

MoEGAN, Brig.-Gen. Geokge W. — Flanked by Kirby Smith 
in East Tennessee, 284; battle at Tazewell, 284 ; his ad- 
vance toward Cumberland Gap, 289; the garrison sur- 
render to him, 290 ; his supply trains cut off, 290 ; ho 
withdraws toward the Ohio, 290 ; commands a division 
under Sherman against Vicksburg, 333 ; attacks the 
bluffs, 334. 

MoEGAN, Brig.-Gen. John II. — Commander of guerrilla forces, 
188; operations in Tennessee, ISS, 189; captures a bri- 
gade of Gen. Dumont's, 189 ; report of his proceedings, 
190 ; commands a guerrilla force, 282 ; joins Kirb}' Smith 
in Kentucky, 283 ; sent to cut Rosecrans' communication, 
296 ; raid in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, 409-411 ; cap- 
ture, 412 ; attacks Hall in Tennessee, 453 ; despatched from 
East Tennessee to oppose the advance of Averill, 562 ; 
makes a raid into Kentucky, 582 ; moves toward Waynes- 
boro, 619 ; biographical notice of, 7S9. 

MoEGAN, Col. Commands a brigade at Port Hudson, 

370. 

MoEEELL, Brig.-Gen. Geoege W. — Commands a division in 
Porter's corps, 227 ; advances upon Hanover Court House, 
228; in the battles before Richmond, 246. 

MoEEis, Lieut, Geoege M. — In command of the Cumberland 
when sunk, 223. 

MoKBis, Commodore Henet W. — In the battle below New 
Orleans, 194 ; biographical notice of, 765. 

MoERis, Brig.-Gen. Surprises Confederate camp near 

Philippi, 56 ; attacks Virginia troops at Buchanan, 61 ; 
operations under McClellan in West Virginia, 65-67. 

Morris, Brig.-Gen. William H.— Commands 1st brigade 3d 
division 6th corps, 549. 

Morris, CoL Lewis O. — Biographical notice of, 782. 

MoEEis, Col. Orlando H. — Biographical notice of, 782. 

MoSEBY, Brig.-Gen. C. — Operations ne.ir Washington, 390 ; 
his operations, 5SS ; captures a railroad train, 628. 

MoETON, Oliver BL — Governor of Indiana, 550 ; tenders 
militia, 550; address to the people of Indiana, 551. 

MoTT, Brig.-Gen. Geesham — Commands 1st brigade 4th di- 
vision 2d corps, 519 ; at the Spottsylvania battle, 559 ; 
at Petersburg, 578 ; near the Jerusalem road, 580; ad- 
vance on Hatcher's Run, 671. 

MouTON, Maj.-Gen. Alfred — In command under Gen. Taylor 
871 ; recaptures Brashear, 371 ; at Mansfield battle, 510 ; 
wounded, 510 ; biographical notice of, 774. 

MowEE, Maj.-Gen. Joseph A.— In command near luka, 
Miss., 291 ; in command under Gen. A. J. Smith, 609 ; 
marches against fort De Russy, 509; at Pleasant Hiil 
battle, 511 ; in Sherman's march through the Carolinas, 
675 ; captures River's bridge, 675 ; at Bentonsville bat- 
tle, 685. 

Mt Crawford — Gen. Hunter's conflict at, 583. 

Mt. Vernon, Ala. — Arsenal at, seized, 49. 



832 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Mdxligan, Col. Jaitbs A. — In command of Lexington, Mo., 

8T; surrenders to Gen. Price, 87, 88; killed, 588; bio- 

grapbical notice of, 786. 
MmtFOED, "W. B. — Hung at New Orleans by Gen. Butler, 

204; relative to his execution, 824-326. 
MunfordsvUle — Battle of, 98. 
Mutfreeaboro—BaMe of, 297, 298. 
Mttepht, CoL Routed by a Confederate force at luka, 

291. 
MtmpHT, Col. Matthew — Biographical notice of, 803. 

N 

Jffash/Bille — Evacuation of, by the enemy, and occupation by 
Federal troops, 132 ; scenes at, 134 ; battle between 
Thomas and Hood near, 630. 

Nashville, and Louisville Railroad — Its blockade, 92. 

Natchez — Surrender of, 199 ; fired upon by Porter, "W. D., 
200. 

Natchitoches — Capture of, 509. 

Nauman, Lieut-Col. George — Biographical notice of, 765. 

Na/val Operations — Battle before Memphis, 167 ; mouths 
of the Mississippi, 192 ; preparations to attack Forts 
Jackson and Phillip, 192 ; attack commenced, 192 ; plan 
of the attack, 194 ; bombardment, 194 ; preparations to 
pass the forts, 194 ; passing of the forts, 194 ; conflict, 
195; approach to New Orleans, 195; correspondence 
with the city authorities, 196, 197 ; operations of Com. 
Farragut above New Orleans, 198 ; operations of Com. 
Porter upon the forts, 198 ; their surrender, 198 ; Baton 
Eouge, 199 ; Natchez, 199 ; Vicksburg, 199 ; Confederate 
ram Arkansas, 200 ; further movements before Baton 
JRouge, 200 ; Western flotilla, 200 ; preparation of iron- 
clads, 223; Merrimac attacks the Federal fleet below 
Norfolk, 223 ; Frigate Cumberland destroyed, 223 ; Con- 
gress burned, 228 ; other frigates come to the rescue, 
224 ; Merrimac fires upon the Minnesota, 224 ; arrival 
of the iron-clad Monitor, 224 ; her trip from New York, 
224; her battle with the Merrimac, 224 ; the latter re- 
tires, 225 ; destroyed, 225 ; attack on Drury's BluflF, 226 ; 
attack on and capture of the Harriet Lane in Galveston 
Bay, 811 ; contest in the bay, 812 ; fiag of truce, 812 ; 
Westfield explodes,, 312; officers killed, 312; others es- 
cape, 312; gunboats attack Haines' Blufl's, 332; Queen 
of the West runs the batteries at Vicksburg, 839; her 
expeditions and capture, 340 ; Indianola, where built, 841 ; 
runs the batteries at Vicksburg, 841 ; destroyed by the 
Webb and Queen of the West, 342 ; loss of the Lancas- 
ter, 845 ; the fleet at the mouths of the Mississippi, 
365; naval attack on Port Hudson, 865; destruction of 
the frigate Mississippi, 366; capture of a battery, 442; 
blockader Kate driven ashore, 442; Hebe destroyed, 
443; loss of the Monitor, 443; attack on Fort McAllis- 
ter, 444 ; capture of the Princess Eoyal, 444 ; rams at- 
tack the Federal fleet at Charleston, 444; loss of the 
Smith, 446 ; another attack on Fort McAllister, 446 ; iron- 
clads attack batteries in Charleston harbor, 447 ; activity 
of the fleet on the James River, 569 ; removal of torpe- 
does, 569 ; the gunboat Jones destroyed, 569 ; sis squad- 
rons in 1864, 636; blockading, 686; mouths of Capo 
Fear River, 637; difficulties of cruisers, 687 ; results of 
blockade running, 637; contest between the Albemai-le 
and gunboats, 63S ; destroyed by torpedoes, 688 ; opera- 
tions on James River, 639 ; preparations for an attack on 
the defences of Wilmington, 689 ; squadron in readiness, 
C40; entrances to Cape Fear River, 640; defences, 640 ; 
arrival of the fleet, 641 ; explosion of a powder vessel, 
641; result, 641; bombardment, 642; troops land, 642; 
withdrawn, 642; correspondence, 643 ; new military ex- 
pedition Bent under Gen. Terry, 643; bombardment of 



the iron-olads, 644 ; land attack, 645 ; surrender of the 
fort, 645; preparations to capture the defences of Mobile, 
646 ; situation of the defences, 646 ; arrival of the fleet, 
646 ; attack on Fort Morgan, 640 ; capture of the ram 
Tennessee, 647 ; capture of the forts, 647 ; battle be- 
tween the Alabama and Kearsage, 647. 

Navy, Confederate — Fleet on the Mississippi, 163 ; cruisers, 
275 ; Sumter, 275 ; Oreto, 275 ; the Alabama, 276 ; her 
cruise, 276 ; cruises of the Alabama and Florida, 439, 440 ; 
. damage to Federal commerce, 440 ; attack on the Feder- 
al fleet by rams at Charleston, 444 ; raising the blockade 
declared, 445 ; loss of the Atlanta, 450 ; operations of the 
Stonewall, 633 ; merchant vessels destroyed, 638 ; Ala- 
bama and Florida destroyed, 634 ; Tallahassee, 684; Olus- 
tee, 634 ; Chickamauga, 684 ; capture of the steamer 
Roanoke, 634 ; attack on the gunboats on the James, 670. 

Navy Department — ^Its organization, 716. 

Navy, United States — Report of the Secretary, Dec. 1861, 
116; summary of the vessels purchased, 117 ; iron-clads, 
117; action of Congress on, 117; contracts authorized, 
119; western gunboat fleet, 119 ; mortar-boats, 119; its 
growth, 441 ; grades of the officers changed, 441 ; its 
fleets, 441 ; seamen, 441 ; squadrons in service, 441 ; cap- 
ture of the Atlanta, 450 ; Mississippi flotilla, 451 ; captures 
by the fleets, 451 ; prizes, 451 ; manner of securing an 
effective blockade of the Southern coast, 634 ; captures 
at Wilmington, 635; fleet on the interior rivers, 635; 
annual increase of the navy, 635 ; vessels constructed, 
635 ; various classes, 636 ; iron-clads, 636 ; officers of, 716. 

Nazeb, Lieut. -Col. Biographical notice of, 764. 

Neglet, Maj.-Gen. James S. — Commands a brigade in Bneirs 
army, 124 ; makes an attack on Chattanooga, 185 ; at the 
battle of Murfreesboro, 298 ; advances in Tennessee, 456 ; 
encounters the rear of Hardee's force, 456 ; encounters 
the enemy, 460 ; repulsed, 460 ; at Chickamauga, 462. 

Neill, Brig.-Gen. Thomas H. — Commands 8d brigade of 2d 
division of 6th corps, 549. 

Nelson, Brig.-Gen. William — Establishes Camp Dick Rob- 
inson, in Kentucky, 93 ; marches to Pikeville, Ky., 97 ; 
address to his troops, 97 ; commands a brigade in Buell's 
army, 124 ; advances from Nashville, 173 ; in the battle 
of Pittsburg Landing, 177 ; reaches Richmond, Ky., after 
the battle, 282 ; biographical notice of, 787. 

Nesho — Company of Confederates captured at, 61. 

Newbern, N. C. — Attack on, by Gen. Burnside, 139 ; cap- 
ture, 139. 

Nexo Iberia, La. — Capture of, 867. 

New Jersey — Response to the first call for troops, 28 ; appro- 
priates $2,000,000 to war purposes, 51 ; sends a brigade 
of troops to Washington, 51. 

New Madrid — Assaulted and captured by Gen. Pope, 163. 

New Mexico — Surrender of Union forces, 82. 

New Orleans — Northern steamers seized, 51; vessels seized 
at, 63 ; capture of, 190. 

Neio Ultn — Attack upon by the Indians, 316. 

Newton, Maj.-Gen. John — Commands a brigade in Slocum's 
division, 269 ; reports for orders, 525 ; commands divis- 
ion of 4th corps, 529 ; at Resaca, 529 ; at Kenesaw Moun- 
tain, 584; at Atlanta, 586; ordered to report to Gen. 
Sherman, 549 ; address to his troops, 549 ; address to his 
command, 549. 

New York City — Excitement on the first call for men, 28 ; 
activity of the military, 28; 7th regiment leaves for 
Washington, 28 ; arrival of the 6th Massachusetts, 28 ; 
do. of the 8th, 29 ; meetings of public bodies, 29 ; raising 
money, 29 ; excitement on Sunday, April 2l8t, 1861, 29, 
80 ; departure of troops, 29, 80 ; sermons of the clergy, 
80; more troops leave, 80; action of the Chamber of 
Commerce on the destruction caused by the cruiser Ala- 
bama, 278. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



833 



New York — ^Troops sent forward, 892. 

NiCKEBsoN, Brig.-Gen. Feank 8. — Commands a brigade of 
T. W. Sherman's division, 868; expedition from New 
Orleans, 368. 

Norfolk — Expedition against, organized by Gen. Wool, 225 ; 
its force, 225 ; the advance, 225 ; occupies Norfolk, 225 ; 
explosion at Craney Island, 225 ; defences of Norfolk, 
225. 

North Carolina — Eeply of the Governor to the call for 
troops, 40 ; action of the Legislature, 42 ; correspondence 
of the Governor with the Secretary of War, disowning 
the seizure of the forts in January, 42 ; commissioners 
sent to Montgomery, 42 ; action relative to State conven- 
tion, 42 ; vote of the State, 43 ; Convention assembles, 
44 ; its action, 44 ; ordinance of secession adopted, 44 ; 
members of Confederate Congress, 44 ; flag of the Slate, 
44 ; expedition against, under Gen. Burnside, 135. 



O'Beien, Lieut Frrz J. — Biographical notice of; T28. 

O'EsrEN, CoL H. T.— Biographical notice of, 76a 

Officers, Public — Oath required by Congress to take before 
entering upon their duties, 319. 

Ohlenschlager, Dr. E. — Biographical notice of, 791. 

Olustee, J^'^a.— Battle of, 507. 

Opequan Creek — Sheridan attacks Early, 624. 

Ord, Maj.-Gen. Edward, O. C. — In command at Dranesville, 
114 ; in command under Grant in Miss., 291 ; in the con- 
flict at Hatchee Kiver, 294; moves to New Orleans, 865; 
supersedes Gen. Wallace at Baltimore, 587; commands 
18th corps, 589 ; moves against Kichmond, 592 ;■ com- 
mands 24th army corps, 655 ; position of the Army of the 
James, 687. 

Ordnance and small Arms — ^Amount held by the Govern- 
ment at the beginning of the war, 429 ; Paixhan guns, 
429; Eodman, 429; Dahlgren, 429; Brooke guns, 430; 
Parrott guns, 430; projectiles, 480; improvement in 
small arms, 430 ; cartridgls, 431 ; Sharp's rifle, 432 ; Mer- 
rill rifle, 432; Ashcroft rifle, 432; Greene rifle, 432; 
Maynard rifle, 438 ; Smith's breech loading, 434 ; Burn- 
side rifle, 434, Wesson's rifle, 434; Ballard rifle, 435; 
Colt's rifle, 436; Spencer repeating rifle, 836; Henry's 
repeating rifle, 437 ; its construction, 438 ; very effective 
at short distances, 438; incidents of its use, 438; Whit- 
worth rifle, 489 ; its construction, 439. 

Oreto. — Confederate cruiser, 275 ; arrives at Mobile, 275w 

O'KouEKE, Col. P. H. — Biographical notice of, 761. 

OsTEBHATTS, Maj.-Gen. Peter A. — Skirmish at Searcy, Ark. 
814 ; near Port Gibson, 347 ; commands 15th corps ander 
Sherman, 613. 

Owen, Brig. -Gen. J. P.— Commands 2d brigade 2d division 
2d corps, 549. 



Pac^McaA— Attack on, by Forrest, 516. 

Padtb, Brig.-Gen. Henry E.— In command at Pat Hudson, 
870. 

Paine, Brig.-Gen. Charles J. — Commands a division in the 
attack on Fort Fisher, 640-645. 

Paine, Maj. J. W. — Biographical notice of, 794. 

Paintville, Ky. — Battle near, 121. 

PAiMEE, Brig.-Gen. I. N.— In the battle be&re Williams- 
burg, 221 ; in command at Newbem, 522 ; order relative 
to incendiaries, 522. 

Palmer, Brig.-Gen. Innis A. — Under Schofleld in North 
Carolina, 688 ; at Chickamauga, 462 ; advances on Dalton, 
604; commands a corps of Cumberland Army, 526; car- 

5S 



ries Tunnel Hill, 528 ; attempts to break the enemy's 
line, 529 ; at Eesaca, 530 ; resigns his command, 541. 

Palmer, Com. J. S.— Takes possession of Baton Eouge, 199 ; 
lands at Natchez, 199. 

Pabisen, Lieut-Col. P. J.— Biographical notice of, 736. 

Parke, Maj.-Gen. John G.— Commands in North Carolina, 
185 ; advances to Beaufort, 141 ; brings reenforcementa 
to Grant at Vicksburg ; 359 ; commands 9th army corps, 
655. 

Parker, Com. Fo shall A. — Commands Potomac flotilla, 686. 

Pabkee, Joel— Gov. of New Jersey, 391 ; calls for troops, 
391. 

Parsons, Lewis E. — Provisional Gov. of Ala., 717. 

Pate, Col. H. Clay— Killed by Federal cavalry, 562 ; bio- 
graphical notice of, 793. 

Patten, Maj. H. L.— Biographical notice of, 790. 

Patten, Brig.-Gen. Biographical notice of, 789. 

Patterson, Maj.-Gen. — Commands on the Upper Potomac, 
56; crosses the Potomac, 61; his position June 30th, 
1861, 67. 

Patterson, Brig.-Gen. F. E.— Biographical notice of, 741. 

Paxton, Brig.-Gen. E. F.— Biographical notice of, 749. 

Peabodt, Col. E.— Biographical notice of, 729. 

Peace Movements— W\.&%\o-a. of Stephens, 489 ; ostensibly rel- 
ative to prisoners, 489; rejected, 489; amnesty procla- 
mation, 491 ; visit of Gilmore and Jacques to Eichmond, 
657 ; correspondence, 657 ; reports, 658 ; correspondence 
between Messrs. Greeley, Jewett, Sanders, Clay, Hol- 
combe, and President Lincoln, 659-662; report of Mr. 
Lincoln, of his meeting Commissioners at Fortress Mon- 
roe, 663-666 ; report ol> the Commissioners, 666. 

Pea Ridge— &s.\X\e, of, 158. 

Pearson, Bear- Ad. G. F.— Commands in the Pacific, 686. 

Peck, Maj.-Gen. John G.— In the battle before Williams- 
burg, 221 ; defends Suffolk, Va., 472 ; reports the capture 
of Plymouth, 520. 

Pegram, Brig.-Gen. John— Defeated by Gillmore near Somer- 
set, Ky., 457 ; ordered near Lafayette, 462 ; woimded at 
Wilderness, 555 ; resists the Federal advance, 672 ; killed, 
672 ; biographical notice of, 796. 

Peqeam, Col. W. — Defeated at Eich Mountain, 66 ; surren- 
ders, 67 ; biographical notice of, 729. 

Pembebton, Lieut.-Gen. John C. — Commands a Confederate 
force in Mississippi, 295, 331 ; falls back to Granada, 881 ; 
in command at Yicksburg, 835; address to his troops 
after the repulse of Sherman, 335 ; surrenders Vicksburg, 
860. 

Pender, Maj.-Gen. W. D.— Commands a division of Hill's 
corps at Gettysburg, 401 ; biographical notice of, 762. 

Pendeegbast, Com. G. J. — Biographical notice of, 741. 

Pen/osylvania — Excitement on the approach of Lee's army, 
266 ; do. on the invasion in 1864, 588. 

Fensacola .Bay— Description of, 99 ; Fort Pickens taken pos- 
session of by Lieut A. J. Slemmer, 99 ; Fort Pickens re- 
enforced, 12-16 April, 99 ; Wilson's regiment stationed on 
Santa Kosa Island, 99, 100 ; daring exploits of Federal 
troops, 100; attack on Wilson's regiment, October 8,100; 
bombardment of Forts Barrancas and McEae by Fort 
Pickens, and of Fort Pickens by the Confederate forts 
and batteries, 100. 

Pbebin, Brig.-Gen. ^Biographical notice of; 779. 

Peeey, B. F. — Provisional Governor of South Carolina, 711. 

Pebby, Col. J. H., D. D.— Biographical notice of; 780. 

Perryville, .Ky.- Battle of; 287. 

Petersburg— Its situation, 576; siege of, 576, &o. ; evacuation 
and surrender o^ 692. 

Petrel — A Confederate privateer, 61. 

Petttgeew, Brig.-Gen. J. — In command at Gettysburg, 404 ; 
makes a demonstration against Newbern, 472. 

Pettus. Brig.-Gen. J. J. — Biographical notice o^ 786. 



834 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Pbeifs, John G. — Appointed Provisional Governor of Arkan- 
BaB, 814. 

Phelps, Brig.-Gen. John "W. — Commands at Ship Island, 
190 ; his proclamation, 190 ; occupies the forts below 
New Orleans, 199. 

Phenix, Com. Dawsen — Biographical notice of, 773. 

Philippi — Confederate force surprised by Gen. McClellan, 
65 ; surprise of a Confederate camp near, 55, 66. 

Phiups, Col. W. A. — ^Attacked near Fort Gibson, Indian 
Territory, 482. 

Pickens, Fbanois "W., Governor of South Carolina — On the 
causes of separation, 3 ; his cabinet, 5 ; demands sur- 
render of Fort Sumter, 6; sends commissioners to Wash- 
ing;ton, 5 ; despatch to the Governor of Virginia, 86. 

Pickett, Brig.-Gen. Geoege E. — In command under Gen. 
Johnston, 248 ; commands a division of Longstreet's corps 
at Gettysburg, 401 ; captures a post at Bachelor's Creek, 
N. C, 619 ; report, 520 ; attacks Butler's lines, 578. 

PiEECE, Gen. E. W. — Commands the expedition against Great 
Bethel, 56. 

PiEKPONT, Frank H. — Elected Governor of "West Virginia, 
60, 391 ; calls for troops, 391. 

Pig's Point — Attack on the battery at, by the steamer Har- 
riet Lane, 56. 

Pike, Brig.-Gen. Albeet — At the battle of Pea Eidge, 158. 

Pillow, Maj.-Gen. Gideon J. — In command in West Tennes- 
see, 59 ; relieves Belmont, 110 ; escapes from Fort Domel- 
Bon, 129 ; in command in the southwest, 172. 

Pilot Knob — Skirmish at, 89. 

Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh — Battle of, 176, 177; excite- 
ment on the approach of the e*emy, 344. 

Planiersville, Ala. — Battle at, 703. 

Pleasant Hill— Battle of, 611. 

Pleasanton, Maj.-Gen. Alfred — Skirmishes in Maryland, 
268; crosses the Potomac, 801, 302; commands in the 
conflict near Beverly Ford, 884 ; report of his attack on 
Stuart, 395 ; ordered to report to Eosecrans in Missouri, 
549 ; address to his command, 649 ; at Jeflferson City, 
629. 

Pleasants, Lieut.-Col. Conducts mining operations 

before Petersburg, 590. 

PHTMMER, J. B. — Biographical notice of, 751. 

Plymouth, N. C— Capture of, 520. 

Pocotaligo Bridge — Attack on by Sherman's troops, 673. 

Poindextee, Col. Operations in Missouri, 814, 315. 

Pokomoke Sound, Va. — Destruction of vessels at, 83. 

PoLiQNAo, Brig.-Gen. — Commands Mouton's division at 
Pleasant Hill battle, 611. 

Polk, Maj.-Gen. Leonedas — Letter on the invasion of Ken- 
tucky, 94; in command in the southwest, 172; of 1st 
corps, 173; commands a division of Bragg's army, 283; 
at the battle of Murfreesboro, 297 ; ordered to Gordon's 
Mills, 462 ; at Chickamauga, 463 ; in command at Meri- 
dian, 501 ; commands a corps of Johnston's army, 626 ; 
killed, 532 ; biographical notice of, 783. 

PoLLAKD, Lieut-Col. — Defeats Dahlgren, 523. 

PoMEROY, Senator — Organizes an Emigrant Aid Society, 155. 

Pope, Col. C. — Biographical notice of, 741. 

Pope, Brig.-Gen. Hamilton — Commands Kentucky Home 
Guards, 95. 

Pope, Capt. John — Commands squadron at the mouth of 
the Mississippi, 101 ; attacked by an iron-clad ram, 101 ; 
retreats, 101. 

Pope, Maj.-Gen. John — In command in Northern Missduri, 
81; commands a division under Gen. Fremont, 89; 
marches upon New Madrid, 163 ; occupies Point Pleas- 
ant, 163 ; assaults New Madrid, 163 ; crosses the Missis- 
sippi with his army, 165; captures the Confederate force, 
165; ordered to join Gen. Grant, 167; arrives at Pitts- 
burg Landing, 179; pursues Beauregard retiring from 



Corinth, 183 ; appointed to the command of the Army of 
Virginia, 254; address to the army, 254; orders, 255; 
position of his army, 255; takes the field, 256; concen- 
trates at Culpepper, 256 ; changes his position, 258 ; at 
the battle of Cedar Mountain, 258; his baggage cap- 
tured, 260 ; his report, 261 ; on the retreat, 261 ; with- 
draws his army to the defences of Washington, 265 ; 
ordered to command in Northwestern Department, 
317; operations against the Indians, 317; effect of his 
action on the exchange of prisoners, 325 ; ordered to 
send troops to Tennessee, 460; his operations against 
the Indians, 631. 

Porter, Bear-Admiral D. D.— Commands the mortar fleet 
against New Orleans, 191 ; moves his flotilla to bombard 
Fort Jackson, 192 ; receives the surrender of forts be- 
low New Orleans, 198; conveys Sherman down the 
Mississippi, 332 ; moves with the fleet up the Arkansas, 
336; bombards Fort Hindman at Arkansas Point, 386; 
his operations before Vicksburg, 342 ; sends an expedi- 
tion to Cypress Bayou, 344 ; runs the batteries of Vicks- 
burg with gunboats and transports, 346; attacks Grand 
Gulf, 347; his report, 847; occupies Grand Gulf, 348; 
report, 348; cooperates with Grant at Haines' Bluff, 
856 ; his report, 855 ; reports the assault on Vicksburg, 
358; his report of operations before Vicksburg, 862; 
takes possession of Alexandria, 867 ; his report, 867, 368 ; 
commands Mississippi flotilla, 442; collects a fleet on 
Bed Elver, 508 ; fleet up the Eed River, 511 ; reports 
the difficulties of his situation, 513 ; commands North 
Atlantic squadron, 636 ; report of the explosion of a 
powder vessel at Fort Fisher, 641 ; commands expedi- 
tion against Fort Fisher, 641 ; bombards the fort, 642 ; 
correspondence with Butler on Fort Fisher, 643 ; second 
expedition against Fort Fisher, 644; its success, 645; 
his fleet off Cape Fear Elver, 682. 

Porter, Maj.-Gen. Fitz-John — In command at Bull Eun, 
68; advances upon Hanover Court House, 227; in the 
battles before Eichmond, 244 ; advance of his divisions 
to Gen. Pope, 260 ; ordered to Washington, 261 ; at 
Antietam, 271 ; moves along the Blue Eidge, 302. 

Porter, Col. J. C. — His operations in Missouri, 814 ; cap- 
ture and treatment of Allsman, 315; movements in ' 
Missouri, 481. 

Porter, Col. P. A. — Biographical notice of, 782. 

Porter, Commander W. D. — Commands the Essex at Fort 
Henry, 127 ; attempts to destroy the ram Arkansas, 200 ; 
attacks near Baton Eouge, 200 ; further proceedings, 200 ; 
biographical notice of, 776. 

Port Hudson, J/iis«.— Strongly fortified, 810; military and 
naval expedition against, 865 ; its failure, 865 ; invested 
by Gen. Banks, 869 ; surrendered, 371 ; terms, 372. 

Port Republic — Battle at, with Jackson, 240 ; conflict with 
Hunter's troops, 583. 

Port Royal Expedition — Its object and destination, 108; 
population and productions of the group of islands, 108 ; 
date of sailing, 108 ; vessels of the expedition, 108 ; com- 
manded by Com. S. F. Dupont, 108 ; the military forces 
of the expedition, 108 ; commanded by Gen. T. W. Sher- 
man, 108; a gale of wind scatters the ships, 108 ; arrival 
at Port Eoyal, 108 ; vessels enter the harbor, 108 ; a 
storm, 108 ; the forts, 103 ; attack on them, 109 ; the plan, 
109 ; captured, 109 ; loss, 109 ; results, 109 ; made a mili- 
tary and naval station, 143 ; designs of the enemy, 143. 

Posey, Brig.-Gen. C. — Biographical notice of, 769. 

Potomac River — Light-ship seized, 62. 

Potosi, Mo. — Skirmish at, 88. 

Potter, Brig.-Gen. Edward E.— Operations near Charles- 
ton, 678. 

Potter, Brig.-Gen. Bobkbt B.— In the assault at Pctenborg^ 
690, 691. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



835 



Prairie Grov^, jlr*.— Conflict at, 814. 

Pbatt, Col. G. W.— Biographical notice of, 783. 

Pebble, Commodore Geo. H. — Dismissed from service, 275. 

Pkentice, W. C. — Biographical notice of, 737. 

Pbentiss, Brig.-Gen. Commands at Mount Zion, 155; 

commands a division of Grant's army, 173 ; position at 
Shilob, 173. 

Prestoriburg^ Ky. — Skirmish near, 97. 

Peice, Brig.-Gen. Ed.— Capture of, 166. 

Peice, Maj.-Gen. Steeling E. — In command in Missouri, 
81; junction -with Gen. McCullcch, 82 ; battle of Wilson's 
Creek, 82 ; advances from Arkansa?, 87 ; moves to Lex- 
ington, 87; captures it, 88; retires to Springfield, 88; 
his original plans, 89 ; retreats before Fremont, 89 ; his 
truce with Fremont, 90 ; subsequent plans, 91 ; retreats 
from Missouri, 156; report of his retreat from Missouri, 
156; operations in Arkansas, 157 ; in battle of Pea Eidge, 
158 ; in command at luka, 291 ; evacuates it, 291 ; joins 
VanDorn, 292; activity in Missouri, 480-4S2 ; in com- 
mand in Arkansas, 515; at Sabine Eiver, 516; invades 
Missouri, 628. 

Peinoe, Capt. F. E. — As Chief Engineer, attempts to open 
another route below Vicksburg, 345. 

Pkince, Brig.-Gen. Henby H. — Reports to Sedgwick, 525; 
commands 3d division of 6th corps, 519. 

Prisoners^Exchange of. — Early action of the Federal Govern- 
ment, 115; treaty between Gens. Fremont and Price, 115; 
commissioners appointed by the Federal Government at 
the close of 1861, rejected at Richmond, 115 ; message of 
Mr. Davis relative to a communication sent to Washing- 
ton by Col. Taylor, 115 ; position at the close of 1 861, 321 ; 
commissioners to Richmond appointed, 821 ; admission 
to Richmond refused, 821 ; arrangements for an exchange, 
321; recommendation to release Confederate prisoners 
from the obligations of parole, 821 ; exchange suspended, 
821 ; privateersmen, 821 ; held as prisoners of war, 321 ; 
exchange proposed, 321 ; correspondence, 822 ; instruc- 
tions of Confederate Secretary, 822 ; exchange suspended, 
823 ; Federal Government yields, 823 ; terms of exchange 
established, 323, 824 ; new complications, 324 ; corre- 
spondence of Gens. Lee and Halleck, 324; orders to mili- 
tary commanders in Virginia, 825 ; letter of President 
Davis to Gen. Lee, 325 ; letter of Gen. Lee to Gen. Hal- 
leck, 326; Confederate order relative to Gens. Hunter 
and Phelps, 326; do. relative to Gen. Neil, 327; message 
of Davis to the Congress at Richmond, 495 ; difficulty 
relative to colored soldiers, 496; order of President Lin- 
coln, 496 ; treatment of colored prisoners, 497 ; number 
of Confederate prisoners, 497 ; attempt to liberate prison- 
ers at Johnson's Island, 497 ; numbers exchanged, 668 ; 
suspension, 668 ; appeal of prisoners to President Lin- 
coln, 669 ; their distress and suflfering, 669 ; order rela- 
tive to, 707. 

Privateers — Fitted out in Southern ports, 61. 

Prts««— Captured in 1863, 451. 

Provisional Governors of Southern States, 711. 

Provost Marshals — Appointment of, 330 ; duties assigned to 
them, 880. 

Putnam, Brig.-Gen. Haldimand S. — Advances on Morris 
Island against Wagner, 474 ; biographical notice of, 768. 

Putnam, W. L. — Biographical notice of, 726. 

Ptb, CoL E. — Biographical notice of; 783. 



QuANTEELi, Col. Gathers followers in Missouri, 814 ; 

his operations, 315 ; sacks Lawrence, Kansas, 484 ; at- 
tacks Gen. Blunt, 484 

Queen of the TTe^^— Disabled before Memphis, 168 ; runs 
past the batteries at Vicksburg, 339; attempts to de- 



stroy the City of Vicksburg, steamer, 339 ; further oper- 
ations, 840 ; blown up, 367. 
QuiMBT, Brig.-Gen. J. F. — Commands a dlyision in McPher- 
son's corps, 344. 

R 

Rains, Brig.-Gen. J. E. — Commands in the battle of Car- 
thage, 61 ; conflict near Tazewell, 290 ; biographical notice 
of, 743. 

Rains, Brig.-Gen. Position in Arkansas, 160 ; declares 

martial law at Little Rock, 814. 

Raleigh — Occupied by Sherman, 698. 

Ramsay, Capt. Allan — Biographical notice of, 773. 

Ramsey — Governor of Minnesota, 317 ; reports destruction 
done by the Indians, 317. 

Eamseuk, Maj.-Gen. Stephen D. — Killed at Cedar Creek, 
627 ; biographical notice of^ 793. 

Randolph, Lieut. -Col. Biographical notice of, 778. 

Ransom, Brig.-Gen. T. E. G.— At Mansfleld battle, 510; bio- 
graphical notice of^ 793. 

Ransom, Brig.-Gen. Watt — Commands a division of Lee's 
army, 372 ; commands an expedition into Maryland, 585 ; 
his orders, 585; biographical notice ot, 780. 

Rawlins, Brig.-Gen. J. A.— Chief of staff to Grant, 550. 

Raymond, Miss. — Battle near, 351. 

Read, Com. A. — Biographical notice of, 763. 

Read, Lieut. Chas. W. — Commands Confederate privateer 
Clarence, 440 ; transferred to the bark Tacony, 440; 
movements, 440 ; capture, 440. 

Read, Brig.-Gen. S. T.— Biographical notice of, 799. 

Rear- Admirals of the Navy, 716. 

Eectoe — Governor of Arkansas, 314 ; flees, 314. • 

Kedfleld, Col. James — Biographical notice of, 791. 

Reeve, Lieut.-Col. Surrenders Federal troops tn 

Texas, 35. 

Reilly, Brig.-Gen. James W. — Commands Cox's division, 
683. 

Reno, Maj.-Gen. Jesse L. — Commands in North Carolina, 
185; moves toward Norfolk, Va., 141; reenforces Gen. 
Pope, 259 ; ordered to Greenwich, 261 ; at the battle of 
South Mountain, 269 ; killed, 269, 

Eenshaw, Com. W. B. — Takes possession of Galveston, 311 ; 
biographical notice of, 744. 

Resaca — Battle at, 529. 

Revenue Cutters — Seized by the Confederacy, 63. 

Eeveee, CoL p. J. — Biographical notice of, 762. 

Revolutionary Far— Its soldiers, 1 ; battles, 1 ; command- 
ers, 1. 

Reynolds, Maj.-Gen. John F. — In command at Greenbriar, 
86; in command at Dranesville, 114; ordered to Gaines- 
ville, 291 ; at the battle of Fredericksburg, 307 ; com- 
mands 1st corps at the battle of Cbancellorsville, 378; at 
Gettysburg, 400; killed, 400; biographical notice of, 760. 

Reynolds, Maj.-Gen. Joseph J. — Commands an expedition 
in Tennessee, 453 ; advances in Tennessee, 456 ; at Chick- 
amanga, 462 ; commands 7th army corps, 655 ; commands 
Department of Arkansas, 655. 

Rhind, Com. A. C. — Attacks forts at Charleston, 447; ex- 
plodes a powder vessel at Fort Fisher, 641. 

RnoDDY, Brig.-Gen. Captures Streight, 454 ; opposes 

Wilson, 703. 

Rhode Island — Response to the first call for troops, 29L 

Ehodes, Maj.-Gen. R. E. — Attacks Berryville, 387; captnres 
Martinsburg, 389 ; position of his division, 898 ; at Gettys- 
burg, 401 ; moves with Lee, 470 ; commands in the inva- 
sion of Maryland, 588 ; biographical notice of, 790. 

Rice, Brig.-Gen. James C. — Commands 2d brigade 4th divi- 
sion of 5th corps, 549; at tte Spottsylvania battle, 558; 
biographical notice of, 779. 



\ 



836 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



BiOE, Brig.-Gen. 8. A. — Biographical notice of, 785. 

KiCHABDSON, Maj.-Gen. Israel B.— In command at Bull Kun, 
68 ; in the battles before Eichmond, 244 ; wounded at An- 
tietam, 271 ; biographical notice of, 740. 

Richmond, Ky. — Battle at, 282. 

Bichmond, Va. — Made the seat of the Confederate Govern- 
mBnt, 54 ; railroads to, 809 ; evacuation anc^ occupation 
of, 692 ; report of, 692, 693. 

Rich Mountain — Battle at, 66. 

KiCKETTS, Brig.-Gen. James B. — At Bull Kun, 75; commands 
a division in McDowell's corps, 256; in the battle at 
Cedar Mountain, 258; burns the bridge at Kappahannock 
Station, 260; ordered to report to Gen. Meade for com- 
mand, 549 ; at the Wilderness battle, 654 ; at Coal Harbor, 
573 ; at Monocacy Junction, 587 ; wounded at Cedar Kun, 
627, 

Beely, Col. Biographical notice of, 784. 

BiNUGOLD, Lieut-Col. G. H.— Biographical notice of, 774. 

KiNQOLD, CoL Benj. — Biographical notice of, 750. 

Hio Grande — Banks' expedition to the mouth of the, 480. 

Jiiots in New York and other cities — Commencement of 
the draft in New York, 414 ; excitement, 414 ; disturban- 
ces on the first and second days, 414, 415; meeting of 
Board of Aldermen, 416 ; call of Gen. Wool, 417 ; procla- 
mations of Gov. Seymour, 417 ; effect, 417 ; milrder of 
Col. O'Brien, 418 ; arrival of troops, 418 ; persons killed, 
418; damage to property, 418 ; riot in Boston, 418; do. 
in Portsmouth, 419 ; disturbances in Holmes County, 
Ohio, 419. 

KiPLET, Col. O. H.— Biographical notice of, 730. 

ErPLET, Brig.-Gen. B. 9. — Biographical notice of, 766. 

BiYES, Col. Beinjamin a — ^Biographical notice of, 728. 

Boanoke Island, N. C. — Capture of, 137. 

Roberts, Col. G. T. — Commands a boat expedition across 
the Mississippi, 163 ; biographical notice of, 732. 

KoBBETS, Col. G. W. — Biographical notice of, 743. 

EoBEETsoN, Brig.-Gen. — Commands in Hood's division, 463 ; 
at Chickamauga, 463. 

EoBiNSON, Brig.-Gen. J. C. — Commands 2d division of 5th 
corps, 519 ; commands a division at Gettysburg, 400 ; at 
the Wilderness battle, 553 ; wounded near Spottsylvania 
Court House, 556. 

EoBiNBON, Jambs F.— Gov. of Ky., 283; proclamation on the 
invasion of Kirby Smith, 283. 

Rocky Gap, Fa.— Conflict at, 471. 

RoDGEES, Com. E. R. P.— Commands naval force in the waters 
of South Carolina, 143 ; expedition up the St. Mary's, 149. 

EoDGERS, Com. Geo. W.— Attacks forts at Charleston, 447. 

RoDGERS, Com. John. — Captures the Atlanta, 450 ; attacks 
batteries in Charleston harbor, 447. 

RoDMAK, Brig.-Gen. Isaac P. — At the battle of South Moun- 
tain, 269 ; wounded at Antietam, 272 ; biographical no- 
tice of, 787. 

Rodman, Lieut-Col. W. L.— Biographical notice of, 758. 

ROGEBS, Col. Biographical notice of, 738. 

BOGGEES, Charles. — Biographical notice of, 724 

Romney — Virginia troops at, captured by CoL Walker, 59. 

Rose, Col. E. — Biographical notice of, 772. 

BosECBANS, Maj.-Gen. William S.— At Rich Mountain, 66; 
operations in Western Virginia, 86; in command in 
Western Virginia, 120 ; retires from West Virginia and 
takes command of Pope's corps of Grant's army, 230; 
relieves Gen. Buell in Tennessee, 289 ; moves with 
Grant against luka, 291 ; fights at luka, 291 ; in com- 
mand at Corinth, 292; address to his troops after the 
battle at Corinth, 294; proceeds to Cincinnati, 294; ad- 
vances to Bowling Green, Ky., 296 ; fights at Murfrees- 
boro, 297,298; position of his army, 452; replies to 
Halleck's letters, 455; begins to move his army, 455; his 
plan, 455; further replies to Halleck,456; takes Chatta- 



nooga, 457 ; line of his army, 460 ; advances against Bragg 
in Georgia, 460; at Chickamauga, 462 ; retreats to Chat- 
tanooga, 465 ; address to his army, 465 ; relieved of com- 
mand, 466 ; in command in Missouri, 628; 

Boss, Brig.-Gen. L. F. — Commands the expedition through 
the Cold Water to Fort Pemberton, 843 ; repulsed, 344. 

Eosseatt, Maj.-Gen. Lovell H. — Takes command of Gen. 
Mitchell's division of Buell's army, 185 ; commands a 
corps of Bosecrans' army, 296 ; encounters Wheeler, 
895 ; advances in Tennessee, 456 ; makes a raid on rail- 
roads in Alabama, 539 ; pursues Wheeler, 544 ; at Mur- 
freesboro, 630. 

Kossee, Brig.-Gen. — Captures Beverly, 672 ; opposes Sher- 
idan's advance, 686. 

EowAN, Com. Stephen C. — Captures Elizabeth City, N. C, 
137 ; moves on Winton, 137 ; commands South Atlantic 
squadron, 636. 

Ettpfin, Col. Thomas — Biographical notice of, 768. 

BiTGEE, Brig.-Gen. Thomas H. — Commands a division of the 
23d corps, 683. 

Edxison, Dr. W. H. — ^Biographical notice of, 788. 

EuNTON, Brig.-Gen. Theodore — Appointed to command 
New Jersey troops, 51 ; in command at Bull Bun, 68. 

EtrssELL, Brig.-Gen. D. A. — Commands 2d brigade 3d divis- 
ion 6th corps, 549 ; at Coal Harbor, 673 ; killed at Ope- 
quan Creek, 624 ; biographical notice of, 790. 

Russell, Eaei. — Correspondence with Mr. Adams relative to 
the destruction by the Oreto and Alabama, 280, 281. 



S 



Sahine Pass — ^Expedition against, 480 ; disaster to the fleet, 
480. 

Sachem — A gunboat captured at Sabine Pass, 480. 

Salem, Va. — Bailroad destroyed by AverUl, 471. 

Saline River, Ark. — Conflict at, 516. 

Sallie — A Confederate privateer, 63 ; her prizes, 63. 

Sanders, Major K. — Biographical notice of, 789. 

Sanders, Brig.-Gen. W. P. — Biographical notice of, 770. 

Sanderson, CoL J. P. — Biographical notice of^ 791. 

Sanitary and other Comm,i8sions — Origin, 594; organiza- 
tions, 694 ; draft of powers asked for, 594 ; objects, 694 
material of volunteers, 695 ; prevention of disease, 595 
reKef, 595; first commission, 695; tracts issued, 596 
committees, 596; agents, 696; transportation of the 
wounded soldiers, 596; difi'erent means adopted, 596^ 
597 ; railroad cars, 597 ; departments of work compre- 
hended, 600 ; sanitary inspection, 600 ; of general relief^ 
601 ; of special relief, 601 ; lodges, 601 ; cars, 602 ; steam- 
ers, 602; hospitals, 602; department of field relief, 602; 
expenditures and receipts, 603 ; Western Sanitary Com- 
mission, 603 ; order of Gen. Fremont, 603 ; other commis- 
sions, 604; New England Soldiers' Relief; 604; the sani- 
tary aided by the Government, 606; receipts and ex- 
penditures, 607 ; summary erf work in 1864, Union Com- 
mission, 607 ; object, 607 ; organizations, 607 ; oflELcers, 
60S; system of work, 60S; results, 608; closing up, 708. 

Sargent, Lieut-CoL L. M. — Biographical notice of, 794. 

Saunders, Col. Commands an expedition in East 

Tennessee, 457. 

Saunders, T. M. — Biographical notice of, 772. 

Savannah — Blockaded by Federal fleet, 54; invested by 
Sherman, 621 ; evacuated, 622. 

Savannah — A Confederate privateer, 64 ; prizes, 64. 

Savage Statiwi—Ba.ii\e, at, 250. 

Saxton, Brig.-G«n. Rufus — Orders the organization of 1st 
regiment of South Carolina volunteers, 155; defends 
Harper's Ferry, 287. 

Soammon, Brig.-Gen. Eliakim P. — Commences a battle near 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



837 



Bull Eun, 261; commands an expedition along the 
Georgia line, 507. 

SOHAEFPER, J. W. — Biographical notice of, 744. 

ScHALL, Col. E. — Biographical notice of, 782. 

8CHEN0K, Brig.-Gen. Kobebt C. — Kepulse at Vienna, 60; 
in command at Bull Run, 68 ; movements in West Vir- 
ginia, 230 ; battles, 232 ; under Fremont at Strasburg, 
238; commands the centre at Cross Keys, 239; resigns, 
254 ; withdraws his resignation, 254 ; in command at 
Baltimore, 385. 

ScHEMMELFENNiG, Brig.-Gen. — Movements near Charleston, 
678. 

ScHNEiDEB, Kev. James H. — Biographical notice of, 776. 

ScHOEPP, Brig.-Gen. Albin — Commands at Camp Wild- 
cat, 96; advances against Gen. Zollicoflfer, 122; com- 
mands a brigade in Buell's army, 124. 

ScHOFrELD, Maj.-Gen. John M. — In command in Missouri, 
814; his orders, 314; commands the Army of the Fron- 
tier, 315 ; in command of the department of Missouri, 
385 ; ordered to send troops to Tennessee, 460 ; com- 
mands Army of Ohio, 526 ; moves on Thomas' left, 528 ; 
moves toward Cassville, 531 ; carries first li^e of works 
at Lost Mountain, 583 ; at Kcsaca, 530 ; moves to the 
Chattahoochee, 535; at Atlanta, 635; in command at 
Chattanooga, 610; at the battle near Nashville, 630; 
defends Franklin, Tenn., 630 ; commands 23d army corps, 
655; sent with 23d corps to the Atlantic coast, 670; 
placed in command in North Carolina, 673 ; commands 
department of North Carolina, 682 ; prepares to capture 
Wilmington, 682 ; his movements, 682 ; at Goldsboro, 
685; in the advance against Johnston, 689. 

ScHTTRZ, Maj.-Gen. Cael — Commands a division of Howard's 
corps at the battle of Chancellorsville, 379 ; routed by 
Jackson, 379 ; commanding 11 th corps at Gettysburg, 400. 

Scott, Lieut.-Gen. Winfield— Eeply to the message 
brought by Col. Taylor, 61 ; retires from active com- 
mand, 109 ; letter of resignation, 109 ; reply of President 
Lincoln, 110. 

Sbdgwick, Maj.-Gen. John — In the battles before Eichmond, 
242 ; at Antietam, 271 ; occupies Bolivar Heights, 802 ; 
commands the 6th corps at the battle of Chancellorsville, 
878 ; fights at Fredericksburg and near Chancellorsville, 
879 ; at Gettysburg, 403 ; attacks at Eappahannock Station, 
471; advances from Madison Court House, 522; com- 
mands 6th corps of Potomac army, 549 ; crosses the Eapl- 
dan, 552; at the Wilderness battle, 558; at Spottsylvania 
battle, 555 ; killed, 556 ; biographical notice of, 777. 

Semmes, Capt. Eaphael — Commands the Sumter, 276 ; the 
Alabama, 276 ; vessels destroyed by his orders, 276-278 ; 
cruises in the Alabama, 489 ; commands the Alabama, 
648. 

Semmes, Brig.-Gen. Biographical notice of, 762. 

Semmesport, La. — Burned by Col. EUet, 509. 

Seegeant, Col. Wm.— Biographical notice of, 799. 

SewelPs Point — Fight between batteries and gunboats, 52. 

Sktmour, Hoeatio — Governor of New York, 890 ; replies to 
call^ for troops, 391 ; proclamation to New York rioters, 
417. 

Setmouk, Brig.-Gen. Tbxjman — One of the garrison of Sum- 
ter, 21 ; commands in the Florida expedition, 505 ; in- 
structions to, 507; defeated at Olustec, 507; correspond- 
ence with Finegan, 507, 508 ; at the Wilderness battle, 
554; in the battles west of Petersburg, 695. 

Shackelfoed, Brig.-Gen. Pursues and captures Mor- 
gan, 409 ; under Burnside, 457 ; at Cumberland Gap, 458. 

Shaler, Brig.-Gen. A. — Commands 4th brigade 1st division 
6th corps, 549 ; at the Wilderness battle, 555. 

Shaekey, W. L. — Provisional Governor of Miss., 711. 

Shaw, Col. E. G. — An assault against Wagner, 474 ; biogra- 
phical notice of^ 763. 



Shepley, Brig.-Gen. Geokge F.— Military Governor of New 
Orleans, 201 ; appointed military Governor of Eichmond, 
693; his orders, 693. 

Sheeiban, Maj.-Gen. Phtlip H.— At the battle of Murfrees- 
boro, 297 ; commands an expedition in Tennessee, 463 ; 
advances with Eosecrans, 455 ; at Salem, 457 ; at Chlck- 
amauga, 463 ; causes the " Assembly " to be blown at 
Chickamauga, 465 ; takes command of the cavalry of Poto- 
mac army, 549; near Wilderness, 553 ; expedition to the 
James Elver, 572; moves to the Pamunkey, 572; re- 
pulses Hoke at Coal Harbor, 573; attacked near the 
White House, 580 ; raid to the Virginia Central Eailroad, 
584 ; his report, 584 ; ordered to command in the Shenan- 
doah valley, 589 ; in the feint upon Eichmond, 589 ; po- 
sition of his command, 624 ; attacks Early, 624 ; his report 
624 ; attacks Early at Fisher's Hill, 626 ; his report, 626 ; 
advances up the valley, 626 ; report of his march to Wood- 
stock, 626 ; destruction of property, 626 ; report of the 
battle of Cedar Eun, 627 ; promoted to a major-general, 
628 ; ordered to join Gen. Grant, 686 ; his movements, 686 ; 
report from Charlottesville, 686; arrives before Peters- 
burg, 687 ; 5th corps placed under his command, 690 ; at 
Dinwiddle, 690 ; at battles west of Petersburg, 690 ; oper- 
ations against Lee's army, 694; his despatch to Grant, 
694. 

Shenandoah — Her destructive cruise, 708. 

Shbeman, Brig.-Gen. T. W. — Commands miliary force against 
Port Eoynl, 108 ; its success, 109 ; in command in South 
Carolina, 120 ; commands a division of Grant's army, 172 ; 
commands a division in Banks' army, 868; expedition 
from New Orleans, 368 ; marches to thej rear of Port 
Hudson, 869. 

Sherman, Maj.-Gen. WrLLiAM T. — In command at Bull Eun, 
68 ; in command in Kentucky, 98 ; on a reconnoissance to 
Columbus, 162 ; takes command at Memphis, 170 ; orders, 
170 ; further orders, 171 ; takes the field in December, 
171; position at Shiloh, 173; advances on Corinth, 179; 
causes Bear Creek bridge to be destroyed, 179 ; orders 
the destruction of Eandolph, Tennessee, 189 ; at Memphis, 
296; prepares an expedition against Vicksburg, 296; 
statement of the importance of the possession of the 
Mississippi Eiver, 331 ; embarks at Memphis for Vicks- 
burg, 332 ; his plan to attack Vicksburg, 332 ; attacks the 
bluflfs,333, 834; withdraws, 335; address to his troops, 
335 ; advance against Arkansas Point, 836 ; returns, 338 ; 
makes a demonstration on Haines' Blufl', 348 ; joins the 
rest of the army at Hawkinson Ferry, 349 ; advances along 
the Big Black Eiver, 851 ; destroys railroads and bridges 
at Jackson, 354; ordered to march toward Bridgport. 
355 ; takes possession of Walnut Hills, 855 ; moves in pur- 
suit of Johnston, 863 ; ordered to command Department 
of Tennessee, 466; moving from Memphis to Chatta- 
nooga, 466; at Bridgport, 467; his movements, 467; 
marches for Knoxville, 470; turns Longstreet's flank, . 
470 ; march from Eastport to Chattanooga, 486 ; letter to 
commanders of military on treatment of the inhabitants, 
499 ; expedition to Meridian, 500 ; address to his troops 
at Meridian, 602 ; orders, 602 ; report of destruction done, 
502 ; assigned to the military division of the Mississippi, 
524 ; prepares to advance on Atlanta, 525; commences his 
advance, 528; crosses Oostanaula Eiver, 580; at Kene- 
saw Mountain, 534; at Marietta, 534; across the Chatta- 
hoochee, 535; at Atlanta, 685 ; destroys West Point Eail- 
road, 542 ; address to his troops after the capture of At- 
lanta, 546 ; correspondence with Hood respecting Atlanta, 
545, 546 ; makes a truce, 546 ; letter on the removal of the 
people, 568 ; goes to the relief of Corse, 610 ; watches the 
movements of Hood, 610; takes measures to thwart 
Hood, 610 ; his plans, 612 ; sends the 4th and 23d corps to 
recnforce Thomas in Tennessee, 612; retains the 14th, 



838 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



15th, 16th, 17th, and 20th corps, 612; movea his army to 
Borne, 612 ; prepares to march to Savannah, 612 ; order 
of march for Savannah, 613; commences his march to 
Savannah, 615; his order, 615; at Milledgeville, 618; 
communicates with the fleet below Savannah, 620 , de- 
termines to reduce Fort McAllister, 620 ; orders to Gen. 
Uazen, 621 ; despatch to the Secretary of War, 621 ; letter 
to President Lincoln on the surrender of Savannah, 622 ; 
order for the government of Savannah, 623 ; prepares to 
march through the Carolinas, 673 ; his plans, 6T3 ; begins 
his march from Savannah, 673 ; reply to Wheeler, 676 ; 
enters Columbia, 677 ; his report, 677 ; on the burning of 
Columbia, 677 ; letter to Wade Hampton, 680 ; report of 
his position, 681 ; his movements near Bentonsville, 684, 
6S5 ; arrives with his army at Goldsboro, 685 ; advances 
against Johnston, 698; reply to Johnston, 698; inter- 
view, 699 ; despatch to the Secretary of War, 699 ; report 
of interview, 699 ; terms, 700 ; report on the terms, 701 ; 
receives the surrender of Johnston, 701 ; farewell to his 
troops, 706. 

Shields, Brig.-Gen. James — Follows the retreat of Jackson, 
209 ; falls back, 209 ; fights a battle at Winchester, 209 ; 
ordered to join McDowell, 229 ; his movements, 229 ; 
pursues the enemy up the east side of the Shenandoah 
valley, 238. 

Ship Island — Works on destroyed, 53 ; military operations 
at in June, 1861, 101. 

SiBLET, Brig.-Gen. Henbt H. — Surrenders to Col. Van Dorn 
in Texas, 35; operations against the northwestern In- 
dians, 310 ; campaign against the Indians, 434 ; in com- 
idKid against the Indians, 631. 

Sibley, Brig.-Gen. Marches against Fort Craig, 312. 

Sickles, Maj.-Gen. Daniel E. — Commands a part of Gen. 
Hooker's division, 120 ; in the battles before Richmond, 
246 ; east of the Blue Eidge, 302 ; commands the 3d corps 
at the battle of Chancellorsville, 378 ; at the battle of 
Gettysburg, 401; wounded, 403. 

SiGEL, Maj.-Gen. Feanz — Commands a force at Carthage, 
61; in battle of Wilson's Creek, 82; commands under 
Gen. Fi-emoct, 89 ; in command under Gen. Curtis, 156, 
157 ; at the battle of Pea Eidge, 158 ; position of his com- 
mand, 256 ; advances to Cedar Mountain, 259 ; east of 
the Blue Eidge, 802; commands the 11th corps, 303; 
makes an advance at Fredericksburg, 372 ; commands 
department of Western Virginia, 550 ; advances upon 
Staunton, Va., 562 ; defeated by Breckinridge, 563 ; re- 
lieved of his command, 569 ; evacuates Martinsburg, 585; 
defeated at Leetown, 535. 

Sill, Brig.-Gen. J. W. — Biographical notice oi, liA. 

Silver Spring, D. C. — Confederate cavalry appear at, 898. 

Slack, Brig.-Gen. James R. — Takes command at Memphis, 
169 ; proceedings, 170. 

Slack, G. W. Y.— Biographical notice of, 727. 

Slaitghtee, Brig.-Gen. Jameb E. — Pursues Col. Barret, 706. 

Slaves — Questions raised in 1862, 152 ; is the negro a citizen ? 
152 ; opinion of Attorney-General Bates, 152 ; his posi- 
tion in Massachusetts, 152 ; proceedings in Illinois, 153 ; 
instructions to the marshal of the District of Columbia 
relative to slaves, 153 ; order of Gen, Halleck, 153 ; do. 
of Gen. Curtis, 153 ; do. of Gen. Hunter, 153 ; do. of Gen. 
Williams, 153 ; instructions of Secretary Stanton rela- 
tive to the slaves, 153 ; social experiment with the 
negroes, 154; education, 154 ; field work, 154 ; organiza- 
tion as soldiers, 154; letter of Gen. Hunter in answer to 
a resolution of Congress, 154 ; orders of Gen. Lane, 155 ; 
colonization, 155; removal to the New England States 
proposed, 155. See Freedmen. 

Slemmee, Brig.-Gen. A. J. — Occupies Fort Pickens, 99. 

Slidell, Joun — Captured in the British steamer Trent, 110 ; 
how released, 112. 



Slocitm, Maj.-Gen. Henet W. — Commands a division of 
Franklin's corps, 269 ; battle at Crampton's Gap, 269 ; 
commands the 12th corps, 877 ; advances toward Kelly's 
Ford, 377 ; at the battle of Chancellorsville, 878 ; position 
at Gettysburg, 401; at Vicksburg, 541 ; succeeds Gen. 
Hooker before Atlanta, 541 ; on Chattahoochee, 548 ; sends 
a column into Atlanta, 543 ; garrisons Atlanta, 610 ; com- 
mands left wing of Sherman's army, 613 ; order to his 
troops, 613 ; commands 20th corps under Sherman, 613 ; 
moves in the direction of Augusta, 615; march to Savan- 
nah, 615; seizes Hutchinson Island, 622; ordered to 
rendezvous near Robertsville, 673 ; in Sherman's march 
through the Carolinas, 675; advances, 675; at Averys- 
boro battle, 688 ; at Bentonsville battle, 684, 685 ; in the 
advance against Johnston, 698. 

Slocum, Col. J. S. — Biographical notice of, 722. 

Slottgh, Col. Commands a Colorado regiment, 313 ; 

fights with the Texans, 313. 

Small, Eobeet — Runs away with a Confederate gunboat at 
Charleston, 152. 

Smith, Lieut. -Col. A. — Biographical notice of, 759. 

Smith, Maj.-Gen. Andrew J. — At the attack on Chickasaw 
Bluffs, 333 ; commands a division under Sherman against 
Vicksburg, 338 ; fails to join Sherman, 502; embarks to 
join the fleet on Red Eiver, 509 ; near Mansfield, 510 ; at 
Pleasant Hill, 510 ; at Cairo, 629 ; ordered to Missouri, 
629 ; near Nashville, 630 ; falls back, 680 ; in command 
against Mobile, 703. 

Smith, Maj.-Gen. Chas. F. — Commands a division in Grant's 
army, 125 ; lands with troops opposite Fort Henry, 125 ; 
charges upon the enemy at Fort Donelson, 129 ; advances 
up the Cumberland, 138 ; biographical notice of, 729. 

Smith, Lieut.-Gen. E. Kikby— Attacks Negley near Chatta- 
nooga, 185; advances from East Tennessee into Ken- 
tucky, 282; his division a part of Braggs' army, 283; 
address to the Kentuckians, 288 ; occupies the State 
capital, 283 ; at the battle of Murfreesboro, 297 ; in com- 
mand in Texas, 499 ; order to his forces in Texas, 705 ; 
surrenders his army to Gen. Canby, 706. 

Smith, Brig.-Gen. Giles A. — Commands a division of 17th 
corps, 588; at Atlanta, 588; commands a division under 
Blair, 676; in Sherman's march through the Carolinas, 
676; commands a division of 14th corps, 678; on the first 
occupation of Columbia, 678. 

Smith, Brig.-Gen. Geeen C. — Defeats John Morgan, 282; 
in command in Buell's army, 288. 

Smith, Maj.-Gen. G. W.— In command under Johnston, 241 ; 
in command at Augusta, 678 ; made a prisoner at Macon, 
703. 

Smith, Col. J. L. K. — Biographical notice of, 739. 

Smith, Capt. Melancthon — In the battle below N. Orleans, 
194; commands in North Carolina Sounds, 638; com- 
mands Frigate Mississippi, 865 ; her destruction before 
Port Hudson, 365. 

Smith, Brig.-Gen. Morgan L. — Commands a division under 
Sherman, against Vicksburg, 833 ; wounded at Vicksburg, 
338 ; commands Logan's corps at Atlanta, 538. . 

Smith, Brig.-Gen. P. — Biographical notice of, 767. 

Smith, Maj.-Gen. William F.— Commands a division in Mc- 
Clellan's army, in Keyes' corps, 220 ; advances from York- 
town, 220 ; encounters the enemy, 221; in the battles before 
Richmond, 246 ; commands a division of Sumner's corps, 
271; at Antietam, at the battle of Fredericksburg, 307; 
in command under Couch, 405 ; commands 18th corps of 
Army of the James, 550 ; movements near Petersburg, 
563; moves against Richmond and Danville Eailroad, 
567 ; reenforces Gen. Grant with his corps, 573 ; at Coal 
Harbor battle, 575; embarks at White House for the 
James Eiver, 576; at Petersburg, 577; relieved from 
command of 18th corps, 589. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



839 



Smtth, Brig.-Gen. Thomas A. — Commands 2d brigade 1st 
division 2d corps, 549 ; at Coal Harbor battle, 576 ; ad- 
vance on Hatcher's Eun, 671 ; biogi-aphical notice of, 799. 

Sntdee, Capt. Geo. W.— One of the garrison of Sumter, 21 ; 
biographical notice of, 726. 

Solomon, Brig.-Gen. Fbedebic — In the battle at Carthage, 
61 ; commands an expedition into the Indian temtory, 
813; at Saline Kiver, 516. 

South Carolina — Secession of, 3; meeting of the Convention, 
3; adjourns to Charleston, 4 ; committee to draft a Beces- 
sion ordinance, 4 ; resolution relative to State property, 
4; state of alFairs, 4; ordinance of secession, 5; signing 
the ordinance, 5 ; State oath of allegiance, 5 ; cabinet of 
Gov. Pickens, 5; military preparations, 5; situation of 
the forts in Charleston harbor, 6 ; demand for their sur- 
render, 6. 

South Mountain — Battle of, 269. 

Spanish Fort— JJear Mobile, surrender o^ 704. 

Speab, Brig.-Gen. Sent to destroy the railroad at Wil- 
son's Station, 568. 

Spisola, Brig.-Gen. Francis S. — Eeports for orders, 525. 

SpotUtylvania Court House — Battle at, 555, 556, 558, 559. 

Springfield, J!/;?.— Capture of, 156. 

St. Albans, Vt. — Raid upon, by Confederates in Canada, 632. 

SL Andretcs — Boat expedition at, 152. 

St Charles, Ark. — Attack on the fleet near, 163; captured, 
169, 338. 

St. Laxcrence — Frigate, captures the Petrel, 61. 

St, Louie — Arms removed from the arsenal at, to Spring- 
field, Illinois, 51. 

Staffobd, L. A. — Biographical notice of, 779. 

Stahel, Maj.-Gen. Jtrixtrs H. — Commands under Fremont, 
238; commands reserves at CroES Keys, 239. 

Btanlet, Edwaed — Appointed Provisional Governor of 
N. C, 143 ; his instructions, 143 ; proceedings, 143. 

Stanley, Maj.-Gen. David S. — In command under Eose- 
crans in Miss., 291 ; in command under Eosecrans, 453 ; 
at Huntsville. 456 ; at Eesaca, attacked by Johnston, 529 ; 
at Atlanta, 536 ; succeeds Howard in command of 4th 
corps, 541 ; commands 4th army corps, 655. 

Stannabd, Brig.-Gen. George J. — Commands a division of 
the 10th corps, 580. 

Stanton, Edwin M., Secretary of "War — Letter of thanks on 
the battle of Mill Springs, 123 ; instructions to Provisional 
Governor Stanley, 143 ; compliments to Gen. Halleck, 
156 ; appointed Secretary of War, 208 ; despatch to Gen. 
Shields, 209 ; order to McDowell to protect Washington, 
216; on reenforcements to McClellan, 227; despatches to 
Northern Governors on the advance of Jackson up the 
Shenandoah valley, 235; orders railroads to be taken 
possession of, 236 ; order to seize and use property of the 
enemy, 325; this order objected to by Mr. Davis, 325 ; 
despatch relative to Chancellorsville battle, 382 ; orders 
telegraph lines to be taken possession of, 383 ; letters to 
Gov. Seymour of New York, 391, 392 ; order to raise 
colored troops in Massachusetts, 420; despatches relative 
to battles at the Wilderness, 556 ; do. of Sherman, 556 ; 
others, 557, 558 ; further despatches, 560 ; despatch relative 
to Butler's operations, 568 ; despatches relative to Grant's 
operations, 570, 571 ; despatches of the battle near Coal 
Harbor, 575 ; his despatches, 592 ; order on receiving the 
news of Lee's surrender, 697 ; rejects Sherman's terms 
to Johnston, 700. 

Staples, Kev. N. A. — Biographical notice of, 772. 

Star of the West — Fired on at Charleston, 21. 

Staek, Brig.-Gen. Biographical notice of, 786. 

Stedman, Brig.-Gen. G. A. — Biographical notice of, 788. 

Btebdman, Maj.-Gen. James B. — In command at Chatta- 
nooga, 544 ; pursues Wheeler, 544 ; at the battle near 
Nashville, 630. 



Steele, Maj.-Gen. Frederick — Takes command at Helena, 
Ark., 160 ; commands a division under Sherman against 
Vicksburg, 383; lands above Chickasaw Bayou, 333; 
moves to Helena, 365 ; at Helena, 483 ; captures Little 
Eock, Ark., 483; his further movements, 483; his 
march from Little Eock to reenforce Gen. Banks 515; in 
command at Pensacola, 704 ; moves against Mobile, 704 

Steen (or Stein), Gen. A, E. — Biographical notice of, 741. 

Steinwehr, Brig.-Gen. A. Von — In command at Gettys- 
burg, 401. 

Stellwagen, Capt ^Attacked by rams at Charleston, 

444. 

Stembel, Commander Kills a Confederate pilot, 166 ; 

wounded by another, 166. 

Stephens, Alexander H. — Chosen Vice-President by the 
Congress at Montgomery, 14 ; speech on taking the 
chair, 15; makes a convention between the Confederate 
States and Virginia, 39 ; states result of the action at 
Sewall's Point, 52; speech at Atlanta, 55; sent to For- 
tress Monroe as a Peace Commissioner, 666. 

Stephens, Commander Commands a night assault 

on Sumter, 479. 

Stettben, Babon Von — Biographical notice of, 779. 

Stevehs, Brig.-Gen. G. M. — Biographical notice of, 786, 

Stevens, Maj.-Gen. Isaac I.— In command against Port 
Eoyal, 108; in command at Port Royal, 259; joins Gen. 
Pope, 259 ; killed at Chantilly, 265 ; biographical notice 
of, 734 

Stevens, Thabdeus — Offers a bill in Congress to raise 
colored troops, 420. 

Stevens, Col. W. O. — Biographical notice of, 751. 

Stevenson, Brig.-Gen. T. G. — Commands in the 9th corps, 
565; at the Wilderness battle, 555; biographical notice 
of, 778. 

Stewart, Brig.-Gen. Commands a division of Har- 
dee's corps, 504; moves to reenforce Gen. Polk, 504; at 
Atlanta, 537 ; attacks Logan at Atlanta, 541. 

Stewart, Brig.-Gen. G. H.— Captured at Spottsylvania, 559. 

Stewart, K., M.D. — Biographical notice of, 774. 

Stbwart, Lieut.-Col. W. — Biographical notice of, 747. 

Stone Blockade — At Charleston harbor, 113; details, 113; 
effects, 114. 

Stone, Brig.-Gen. C. P. — In command on the Upper Potomac, 
102 ; movements before the battle of Balls' Bluflf, 102 ; 
orders to Col. Baker at Balls' Bluff, 104, 105 ; report of 
battle of Balls' Bluff, 107 ; arrives at Alexandria, La., 509. 

Stone, Col. Commands 25th Iowa, 677 ; receives the 

surrender of Columbia, 677 ; commands a brigade in 
Sherman's march through the Carollnas, 677. 

Stone River — See Murfreesboro. 

Stone, W. M. — Governor of Iowa, 550; tenders militia, 550. 

Stoneman, Maj.-Gen. George — Leads the advance ftom 
Torktown, 220 ; his movements, 221 ; expedition to the 
fords of the Eapidan, 377 ; crosses the Eapidan, 378 ; 
sent to cut Lee's communications, at the battle of Chan- 
cellorsville, 378; his cavalry movements connected 
with the battle of Chancellorsville, 380 ; pursues John- 
ston, 530 ; pushed forward to Allatoona Pass, 531 ; com- 
mands a cavalry expedition against Georgia Central 
Railroad, 539, 510 ; compelled to surrender, 541 ; expe- 
dition in East Tennessee, 629 ; commands an expedition 
from East Tennessee to North Carolina, 696 ; arrives at 
Boone Court House, 696 ; account of his march, 696. 

Storkr, Geo. W. — Biographical notice of, 772. 

Stoitghton, Brig.-Gen. — Captured at Palrfax Court House, 
376. 

/S<ras&«re'— Battle at, under Fremont, 239. 

Stbeight, Col. Abel D. — His expedition in Northern Georgia, 
453 ; his movements, 454 ; capture, 454 ; imprisonment, 
454 ; biographical notice of; 788. 



840 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Steibling, Com. CoBNBLnrs K.— Commands East Gulf squad- 
ron, 636. 

STEiNeuAM, Eear.-Ad. Silas H. — Commands naval force 
against forts at Hatteras Inlet, 83. 

Strong, Brig.-Gen. Geo. C— Advance on Morris Island against 
Wagner, 474; wounded, 4T4, retires, 474; biographical 
notice of, 764. 

Stitakt, Gen. David — Commands M. L. Smith's division after 
the latter was wounded, 333. 

Stttart, Maj.-Gen. J. E. B. — marches in the rear of McClel- 
lan's army, 245; dashes upon Catlett's Station, 260; oc- 
cupies Chambersburg, 800 ; at Fredericksburg battle. 
807 ; at Beverly Ford, Va., 884 ; at Culpepper, 385 ; his 
movements, 898 ; commands a division in Bragg's army, 
460 ; moves with Lee, 470 ; commands cavalry at Wilder- 
ness, 553 ; attacks the Federal cavalry near Ashland, 562 ; 
killed, 562 ; biographical notice of, 779. 

Sitrnmersmlle — Surprise of Col. Tyler at, 82. 

SuMNEE, Maj.-Gen. Edwin V. — Moves for Fortress Monroe, 
212 ; in the battles before Richmond, 241 ; at Antietam, 
271 ; commands the right grand division under Burn- 
side, 803 ; advances to Fredericksburg, 303 ; demands its 
surrender, 304 ; correspondence with the Mayor, 304 ; 
at the battle of Fredericksburg, 807 ; relieved of com- 
mand in the Potomac army, 373 ; biographical notice of, 
747. 

Sumter — Confederate cruiser, 275 ; her fate, 275. 

Sumter, FoH — Correspondence between Secretary Walker 
and Gen. Beauregard relative to demanding a surrender 
of Maj. Anderson, 20; work on the fort in 1860, 62; oc- 
cupied by Maj. Anderson, 27 ; strength of the garrison, 
21 ; Star of the West, 21 ; proceedings at Washington 
relative to the surrender of the fort, 21, 22 ; surrender 
demanded by Gen. Beauregard, 22 ; assault on the fort 
commenced, 23 ; its siege, 23-25 ; its surrender by Maj. 
Anderson, 26 ; the force sent for relief, 26 ; attacked by 
iron-clads, 447 ; fire opened upon by Gillmore, 476 ; night 
assault, 479. 

Sweeney, Brig.-Gen. Thomas W. — Commands a division at 
Atlanta, 533. 

Stkes, Maj.-Gen. Geoeoe— Commands at Bull Eun, 68; in 
the battles before Eichmond, 246 ; commands the 2d 
division of Meade's corps at the battle of Chancellors- 
vUle, 378 ; at Gettysburg, 401 ; reports for orders, 525 ; 
ordered to report to Gen. Curtis in Kansas, 549. 



Talbott, TnEO. — One of the garrison of Sumter, 21, 

Tallmadge, Capt. G. — Biographical notice of, 739. 

Tatnall, Com. — Commands Confederate fleet at Port Eoyal, 
109 ; repulsed by gunboats on the Savannah River, 145. 

Tayloe, Col. — Bears a message from Mr. Davis to the Fed- 
eral lines, 61 ; nature of the letter brought by him, 115. 

Taylor, Col. C. F. — Biographical notice of, 761. 

Taylor, Brig.-Gen. Z. B. — Commands a brigade of Frank- 
lin's division, 261; advances from Alexandria toward 
Manassas, 261 ; biographical notice of, 731 

Taylor, Lieut.-Gen. Eiohaed — Commands in opposition to 
Banks in Louisiana, 367; orders to, 367; commands at 
Shreveport, La., 509 ; in command at Mansfield, La., 510 ; 
relieves Gen. Hood in command, 673; defends Mobile, 
703; surrenders his army to Gen. Canby, 704. 

Tazewell, Tejm.— Battle at, 284. 

Teawmseh — An Iron-clad, sunk by a torpedo, 646. 

Tennessee — Reply of the Governor to the call for troops, 28 ; 
public sentiment, 44 ; action of the Legislature, 45 ; vote 
relative to Convention, 45 ; reply of the Governor to the 
call for troops, 45; reassembling of the Legislature, 46; 
enters into a military league with the Confederate States, 



46 ; declaration of Independence, and ordinance of seces- 
sion, 46 ; military preparations, 47 ; vote on the ordinance 
of separation, 47 ; treatment of Union men in East Ten- 
nessee, 48 ; effect of the call for troops on the Northern 
States, 48; troops in the western part of the State, 59; 
their commanders, 59. 

Tennessee — A ram captured in Mobile Bay, 647. 

Tereill, Gen. W. E.— Biographical notice of, 739. 

Teeey, Maj.-Gen. Alfred H.— Commands expedition to cut 
Charleston and Savannah Railroad, 310; commands a 
division of the 10th corps, 565 , against Weldon Railroad, 
565 ; reconnoitres in front of Butler's position, 577; com- 
mands 10th corps, 589 ; commands second expedition 
against Fort Fisher, 643; his movements, 644, 645; his 
position on the arrival of Schofield, 682 ; pushes forward, 
642; secures the crossing of the Neuse, 683. 

Terry, Col. -. Killed at Munfordsville, Ky., 98. 

Terrey, Brig.-Gen. W. R.— Biographical notice of, 797. 

Texas — Legislature convened, 33 ; action relative to a State 
Convention, 38 ; vote of the State for members of th« 
convention, 34 ; convention assembles, 84 ; ordinance of 
secession adopted, 84; referred to a vote of the people, 
84 ; result, 34 ; Federal troops in Texas. 

Thatcher, Rear- Ad. H. K. — Commands West Gulf squadron, 
636 ; commands the fleet at the capture of Mobile, 704 ; 
receives the surrender of Com. Farrand, 705. 

Thayer, Brig.-Gen. John M. — Commands a brigade of 
Steele's division against Vicksburg, 333 ; supports Gen. 
Blair, 334 ; in command at Fort Smith, 515 ; marches to 
join Steele, 515; at Sabine River, 516. 

Thobuen, CoL J. — Biographical notice of, 792. 

Thomas, F. J. — Biographical notice of, 722. 

Thomas, Maj.-Gen. Geo. H.— Sent by Gen. Buell to attack 
Zollicoff'er, 123; his success, 123; commands a division 
of Gen. Buell's army, 124 ; his movements, 125 ; commands 
a corps of Eosecrans' army, 296 ; at the battle of Mur- 
freesboro, 297 ; commands the 14th corps, 452 ; advances 
against Bragg, 456 ; his movements, 457 ; movements of 
his corps in Georgia, 460 ; at Chickamauga, 462 ; appointed 
to command of Cumberland dept., 466 ; his movements, 
467 ; at Chattanooga, 467 ; commands Army of the Cumber- 
land, 526 ; advances toward Tunnel Hill, 528 ; occupies 
Eesaca, 530 ; moves toward Cassville, 531 ; at Atlanta, 535; 
in command in Tennessee, 612 ; sent to Nashville in 
command, 610; falls back to Nashville, 680; defends 
Nashville, 680 ; report of first day's battle near Nashville, 
630 ; report of the retreat of Gen. Hood, 681 ; pursues 
Hood, 670. 

Thomas, Col. Biographical notice of, 770. 

TiBBALL, Col. Chief of artillery 2d corps, 549. 

TiLGHMAN, Brig.-Gen. L. — Surrenders Fort Henry, 127; 
commands at Fort Pemberton, 844 ; repulses the attack 
of gunboats, 844; killed at Vicksburg, 362 ; biographical 
notice of, 757. 

TiLLDJOHAST, Capt. O. H. — Biographical notice of, 722. 

Tillman, W. A colored steward, 62 ; recaptures the 

schooner J. G. Waring, 62. 

TiLTON, Capt. Report of the destruction of the Vir- 
ginia by the cruiser Alabama, 277. 

ToD, David — Governor of Ohio, 283 ; his proclamation on the 
invasion of Kentucky, 283 ; calls for troops, 392. 

ToLAND, Col. Conflict in East Tennessee, 471. 

ToLLES, Col. 0. W.— Biographical notice of, 793. 

Tompkins, Lieut. makes a dash upon Fairfax Court 

House, 54. 

Tompkins, Col. C. H.— Chief of artillery 6th corps, 549. 

ToNEEU, Maj. Commands at Fayette skirmish, 155. 

ToRBERT, Brig.-Gen. Alfred T. A. — Commands 1st brigade 
1st division 6th corps, 549 ; reconnoissance to Mechanics- 
vlUe, 572 ; at Opequan, 624. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



841 



TowEE, Capt. Levi — Biographical notice of^ 722. 

TowNSENB, Col. At Great Bethel, 57. 

Tkact, Brig. -Gen. E. D. — A Confederate general killed at 
Port Gibson, 862 ; biographical notice of, 749. 

Tkemaine, Lieut.-Col. Biographical notice of, 796. 

Teenholm, G. a. — Appointed Secretary of the Treasury at 
Eichmond, 656. 

Tre/nt Steamer — How employed, 110 ; passengers, 110; board- 
ed by officers from the San Jacinto, 110 ; an officer's re- 
port, 110 ; protest of Mason and Slidell, 111 ; details. 111'; 
excitement produced, 111; diplomatic correspondence 
which ensued, HI, 112. 

Tr&dUan — Conflict at, 584 ; Lee's account, 584. 

Textmbttll, Senator Lymak — On the Federal strength at Fort 
Donelson, 128 ; on the movement against Richmond, 213- 

TcrcKEB, Col. J. M. — Biographical notice of, 731. 

TiTENEE, Brig.-Gen. John W. — Commands a division of 10th 
corps, 565; against Weldon Eailroad, 565, at Five Forks, 
691. 

TtTKNEE, CoL Thomas— Attacks forts at Charleston, 447. 

Tuscaloosa— K tender to the Alabama, 439. 

TwiGQS,, Maj.Gen. D. E. — Surrender of, in Texas. 84 ; com- 
plete seizure of Federal property, 35 ; biographical notice 
0^ 735. 

Ttleb, C. H.— Biographical notice of, 803. 

Tyiee, Brig.-Gen. Eeasttts B.— In command at Bull Eun, 68 ; 
fights at Port Eepublic, 240 ; at Fredericksburg battle, 
307; refuses to surrender Martinsburg, 389; attacked, 
369 ; retreats, 389 ; at Monocacy Junction battle, 587. 
Ttbeell, Brig.-Gen. Killed at Perryville, Ky., 287. 

U 

United, States — Posture of affiiLrs in the inauguration of Mr. 
Lincoln, 26 ; call for troops, 27 ; response of the States, 
28 ; appropriation wanted by the War and Navy Depart- 
ments in July, 1861, 79 ; their position relative to the 
insurrectionary States, 114 ; policy of the Government, 
H4; action relative to slave property, 115; do. relative to 
prisoners, 115 ; the foreign policy, 115 ; views of the peo- 
ple at the beginning of 1862, 116 ; report of the Secretary 
of the Navy, 116 ; military movements of the Govern- 
ment, 256; proclamation of President Lincoln relative 
to future emancipation, 272; finances, 273; commerce, 
273 ; forces in the field, 273 ; new campaigns contem- 
plated, 296; emancipation proclamation of President 
Lincoln, 818; action of Congress on slavery, 319; oath 
required of public officers, 319 ; policy relative to ex- 
change of prisoners, 325 ; expenditures for arms and 
munitions of war, 429 ; hospitals established for the 
armies, 421, &c. ; ordnance and small arms, — improve- 
ments, 429 ; progress of civil affairs, 486 ; President's 
message on public affairs, 490 ; amnesty proclamation, 
491 ; emancipation and its effects, 492 ; colored troops, 
493 ; leasing plantations, 493 ; status of the insurrection- 
ary States, 494; finances, 494; the cabinet, 495; confisca- 
tion, 495 ; views of the people on peace, 657 ; movements 
relative to peace, 657-666; commerce, 666; finances, 
666; debt, 667. 

Upton, Brig.-Gen. Emoet— Commands 2d brigade 1st divis- 
ion 6th corps, 549 ; commands a division under WUson, 
703; on the expedition into Alabama, 703; sent to Au- 
gusta, 703. 



Yalverde, N'ein Mexico — Battle of, 313. 
Van Beitnt, Com. G. J.— Biographical notice o^ 770. 
Van Buren, ^Irfc— Capture of, 811 

Vance, Brig.-Gen. — Chosen Governor of N. C. in 1862, 
142 ; his message, 142. 



Van Cleve, Brig.-Gen. Horatio P.— In the battle at Webb's 
Cross-roads, 123; in command in Buell's army, 288; at 
Chickamauga, 462. 

Vandeebilt, Capt. G. W.— Biographical notice of, 771. 

Van Doen, Maj.-Gen. Eael— Eeceives surrender of Federal 
troops in Texas, 85; pursues Federal troops under 
Lieut.-Col. Eeeve, 35 ; their surrender, 85 ; commands 
the trans-Mississippi department, 155; commands at 
battle of Elkhom or Pea Ridge, 158, 159 ; letter to Gen. 
Curtis, 159 ; marches for Corinth, 292 ; the battle, 292 ; 
captures Holly Springs by surprise, 295 ; retires farther 
south, 295 ; commands in Tennessee, 452 ; attacks Gran- 
ger, 453 ; biographical notice of, 752. 

Van Eensellaee, Col. H.— Biographical notice of, 774 

Van Vleok, Col. C— Biographical notice of, 788. 

Vaughan, Brig.-Gen.— Defeated by Burbridge In East Ten- 
nessee, 629. 

Fe?v?ioji.«— Appropriates a million dollars to war purposes, 
51. 

Fic^«&M?'fir— Refuses to surrender to Farragut's fleet, 199 ; 
bombarded, 200; fleet pass the batteries, 200; repass, 
200 ; attack on, 810 ; strongly fortified, 810 ; arrival of 
Grant before, 888; gunboats and transports run the 
batteries, 346 ; invested in the rear, 355 ; siege of, 356, 
857; surrender of, by Gen. Pemberton, 360. 

ViELE, Brig.-Gen. Egbeet S.— In command against Port 
Royal, 108 ; military governor of Norfolk, 225. 

Vienna — Repulse of Union troops at, 60. 

VrLLipiGiTE, Brig.-Gen. John B. — Biographical notice of, 741. 

Fi/'g'ima— Reply of the Governor to the call for troops, 
28; State convention assembles, 86; debate, 36; effect of 
the capture of Fort Sumter, 86 ; ordinance of secession 
passed, 86 ; vote, 87 ; the ordinance, 87 ; Governor calls 
for troops, 87 ; excitement in Richmond, 37 ; raising the 
Southern flag, 37 ; seizure of Northern steamers, 38 ; 
tenders of money to the Governor, 88 ; surplus of troops, 
88 ; the State joins the Southern Confederacy, 38 ; con- 
vention therewith, 89; popular vote on the secession 
ordinance, 39 ; arrivals of troops from the South, 39 ; 
distributed in the State, 89 ; militia called out for de- 
fence against Northern invasion, 51 ; heights in, occupied 
by troops from Washington, 53. 

Virginia West — Public meeting of Union men, 39; con- 
vention of, assembles, 51 ; steps taken to organize a 
State Government, 319 ; act of Congress for admission, 
320 ; population of the new State, 320 ; officers, 320. 

W 

Wade, Lieut-Col. W.— Biographical notice of, 794 

Wadkins, Brig.-Gen. Biographical notice of, 791. 

Wadswokth, Brig.-Gen. James S. — Commands a division at 
Gettysburg, 400 ; commands 4th division of 5th corps, 
548 ; ■at the Wilderness battle, 553 ; killed in the Wilder- 
ness battle, 554 ; biographical notice of, 777. 

Wainweight, Commander J. M. — Commands in the battle 
below New Orleans, 194 ; commands the Harriet Lane, 
311 ; killed at Galveston, 311 ; biographical notice of, 
745. 

WALCiTTr, Brig.-Gen. Chaeles C. — In tho right wing of the 
15th corps, 615 ; moves toward Griswaldsville, 615. 

Walke, Com. Commands the Carondelet at Fort 

Henry, 127 ; runs past the batteries at Island No. 10, 
165. 

Walkee, Lieut.-Com. J. G. — Commands the g^mboat De 
Kalb, 336; expedition up the White River, 338; com- 
mands an expedition to Yazoo City, 856; his report, 
356. 

Walker, Brig.-Gen. L. M. — Biographical notice of, 765. 

Walkeb, Maj.-Gen. William- Marches with t'ackson to 



842 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Harper's Ferry, 26S ; resists the advance of Logan, S51 ; 
commands a division of Leo's army, 372 ; ordered to 
Lafayette, 462 ; at Chickamauga, 463 ; biographical 
notice of, 786. 

Wailace, Maj.-Gen. Lewis — Captures a body of Virginia 
troops at Eomney, 59; commands a division of Grant's 
army, 172; position at Crumps' Landing, 176; in com- 
mand in Maryland, 5S5 ; defeated at Monocacy Junction, 
587; takes command at Covington, Ky., 283; declares 
martial Uw, 283 ; commands a division of Grant's army, 
128 ; takes chief command at Memphis, 170 ; seizes 
newspaper oiflces, 170 ; superseded by Gen. Ord at Balti- 
more, 587. 

Wallace, Brig.-Gen. W. IL L.— Charges at Fort Donelson, 
129 ; commands a division in Grant's army, 173 ; posi- 
tion at Shiloh, 173 ; biographical notice of, 729. 

Wanderer — Yacht seized by a Federal cruiser, 52. 

Wappoo Creek, S. O. — Attack on the forts at, 151. 

War 0/1812— Battles of, 2. 

War with Mexico — Battles of, 2. 

War Department — Its organization, 711. 

Waed, Commander J. H. — Attacks batteries at Sewell's Point, 
52 ; attacks the batteries at Aquia Creek with gunboats, 
64 ; killed at Mathias' Point, 61 ; biographical notice of, 
720. 

Waed, Brig.-Gen. J. H.— Commands 1st brigade 3d divis- 
ion 2d corps, 549. 

Wakd, Gen. W. T. — Commands a brigade In Buell's army, 
124 ; commands a division of Slocum's corps, 543 ; 
marches into Atlanta, 543 ; at Averysboro battle, 684. 

Wake, Dr. K. Biographical notice of, 748. 

Wakeen, Brig.-Gen. Fitz Henet — In command in Missouri, 
481. 

Waeben, Maj.-Gen. G. K. — Commands Meade's rear-guard, 
470 ; attacked by Hill, 470 ; commands 5th corps, 548 ; 
advances to the fords of the Kapidan, 552 ; at the Wilder- 
ness battle, 653 ; at Spottsylvania battle, 555 ; position 
of his command, 572; attacked, 578; at Petersburg, 578; 
commands an expedition against the Weldon Kailroad, 
631 ; advance on Hatcher's Knn, 671 ; advances from 
Hatcher's Eun, 6SS ; advances on the White Oak Boad, 
690 ; relieved, 691. 

Warrington, Ma.— The village burned, 100. 

Washburn, Brig.-Gen. C. C. — In command under Gen. Ho- 
vey, 295 ; in command at the siege of Vicksburg, 859. 

Washington — Communications with the North restored, 33 ; 
preparations for defence, 33 ; on the first call for troops, 
48 ; proclamation of the Mayor, 48 ; communication with 
the North closed, 48; arrival of the New York 7th regi- 
ment, 48 ; do. of a part of a Ehode Island regiment, 48 ; 
do. of the Butler brigade, 48 ; more troops, 49 ; force at, 
on June 27th, 1861, 67; persons arrested as spies, 52; 
attacked on 17th Street, 587. 

Washington, JSf. C. — Capture of, by Burnside's troops, 141 ; 
skirmish, 142 ; attacked by Confederates, 310. 

Washington, Col. J. A. — Biographical notice of, 725. 

Watkins, Col. Captures a camp of the enemy, 453. 

Watts, T. H. — Governor of Alabama, 502; appeal to the 
people, 502. 

Wead, Col. F. F.— Biographical notice of, 782. 

Weavee, Lieut. Commands gunboat Winona, 371; 

drives off Confederates, 871. 

Weaver, Claek E. — Eefuses to surrender^esaca, 610. 

Webb, Brig.-Gen. A. G. — Commands 1st brigade 2d division 
2d corps, 549 ; killed in the Wilderness battle, 555. 

Wehb, W. ^.— Made a Confederate gunboat, 62 ; destruction 

of, 70a 
WelVs Cross-roads— The battle of, 123. 

Webstek, Col. F. Biographical notice of, 732. 

Webstee, Geoege — ^Biographical notice of, 739. 



Weed, Brig.-Gen. 8. H. — Biographical notice of, 761. 

Weehawken — An iron-clad, loss of, 451. 

Weightman, E. H.— Biographical nctice of, 724. 

Weitzel, Maj.-Gen. Godfrey — Commands an expedition to 
La Fourche Parish, La., 310 ; commands a brigade in 
Banks' army, 366 ; on the Zeehe Elver, 866 ; follows the 
enemy, 367 ; commands an assault on Port Hudson, 369 ; 
at Sabine Pass, 480 ; commands a division of 18th corps, 
565 ; expedition agaist Weldon Eailroad, 565 ; commands 
military expedition against Fort Fisher, 640; at Fort 
Fisher, 642; commands 25th army corps, 655; occupies 
Eichmond, 692; his orders, 693. 

Welch, Benj. — Biographical notice of, 749. 

Welch, Brig.-Gen. Benj., Jr. — Biographical notice of, 765. 

Welch, Col. N. E.— Biographical notice of, 791. 

Weld, Lieut. -Col. L. L.— Biographical notice of, 796. 

Welles, Gideon — Secretary of the Navy, despatch to Com. 
Foote, 127 ; on the capture of the Atlanta, 451. 

Welles, Col. G. D. — Biographical notice of, 791. 

Wells, Brig.-Gen. Commands a brigade of Sheridan's 

cavalry, 686. 

Wessells, Brig.-Gen. Henbt W. — In command at Plymouth, 
520 ; surrenders, 520. 

West, CoL Makes a demonstration above Yorktown, 

565. 

West Point — Eailroad destroyed, 542. 

Whaeton, James E. — Account of Gen. Hunter's retreat 
from Lynchburg, 584. 

Whbaton, Brig.-Gen. F. — Commands 1st brigade 2d division 
of 6th corps, 549 ; supports Gen. Crawford, 672. 

Wheeleb, Brig.-Gen. Commands cavalry in Polk's 

corps at Murfreesboro, 297; in command of cavalry, 
499 ; opposes the advance on Dalton, 504 ; approaches 
Decatur in Sherman's rear, 538 ; raid in Sherman's rear, 
544 ; disputes the passage of the Oconee, 618 ; his move- 
ments, 619 ; letter to Howard, 675 ; skirmishes with Kil- 
patrick, 675 ; obstructs Sherman's march from Savannah, 
675. 

Wheeler, Wiluam — Biographical notice of, 784. 

Wheeling — Made seat of Government of West Virginia, 60. 

Wheelock, Brig.-Gen. C. — Biographical notice of, 795. 

Whelan, Dr. William — Biographical notice of, 803. 

Whipple, Brig. Gen. Amiel W. — Commands a division of 
Sickles' corps at the battle of Chancellorsville, 878 ; killed 
at Chancellorsville, 880 ; biographical notice of, 751. 

White, Brig.-Gen. Jtruirs — Ectires from Martinsburg to 
Harper's Ferry, 270. 

White Oak Swamp— Battle at, 250. 

Whiting, Maj.-Gen.W. H. C— In command under Johnston, 
241«; captured at Fort Fisher, 645 ; biographical notice 
of, 797. 

WiGFALL, Loins T. — Bears a white flag to Fort Sumter, 25. 

Wilcox, Brig.-Gen. O. B. — In command at Bull Eun, 68 ; re- 
t-ained at Eichmond as a hostage, 322 ; at the battle of 
South Mountain, 269 ; in the assault at Petersburg, 590. 

Wilcox, Brig.-Gen. Commands a brigade of Ander- 
son's division at Gettysburg, 404 ; moves with Lee, 470. 

Wild, Brig.-Gen. Edward B.— In command of colored 
troops, 563 ; landed at Wilson's Wharf on the James. 
563; attacked at Wilson's Wharf, 578. 

Wildcat Camp, iy.— Skirmish at, 96. 

WiLDEE, Brig.-Gen. Defends Munfordsville, Ky., 

284 ; advances with Eeynolds' division, 456 ; at Chicka- 
mauga, 463. 

Wilderness— Battle at the, 553, 554. 

Wilkes, Com. Charles— Stops British steamer Trent, 110 ; 
takes out of her Messrs. Masim and Slidell, Confederate 
Commissioners to Europe, 110; vote of thanks of tho 
Federal House of Congress, 112 ; takes command of the 
Vanderbilt in the West Indies, 440. 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



843 



WiLLABD, Major Makes a reconnoissance up the Pa- 

munkey from West Point, 226. 

Williams, Brig.-Gen. A. L.— Commands a division of a 
corps at the battle of Chancellorsville, 3T9 ; at Gettys- 
burg, 401; at Keaaca, 530; at Atlanta, 536; succeeds Slo- 
cum at Vicksburg, 541 ; commands the 20th corps, 614 ; 
do. 655 ; in Sherman's march through the Carolinas, 675 ; 
his position, 675 ; at Averysboro battle, 6S4. 

Williams, Col. K. — Biographical notice of, 729. 

Williams, Brig.-Gen. Thomas — Located the canal opposite 
Vicksburg, 838 ; defends Baton Eouge, 310 ; killed, 310 ; 
biographical notice of, 782. 
Williamsburg — McClellan's advance upon, 220; position of 
the enemy, 221 ; evacuated by the enemy and occupied 
by McClellan, 222. 

WiLLicH, Brig.-Gen. — Commands a brigade under 

Johnson, 456. 
Wilmington, N. C— Capture of, 683. 

Wilson, Senator Hekkx — On the movement against Eich- 
mond, 213, 214 

Wilson, Brig.-Gen, J. G. — Commands 8d division of cavalry, 
652; moves to Germania Ford, 552; moves toward the 
Wilderness, 552 ; on a cavalry expedition, 561 ; supports 
Devin against Stuart, 562 ; engaged with Hampton near 
Coal Harbor, 575; sent on a cavalry expedition, 580, 581 ; 
captures the Sth South Carolina, 624. 

Wilson, Brig.-Gen. J. H. — Explores the inlets around Savan- 
nah Eiver, 144 ; at the battle near Nashville, 630 ; com- 
mands a cavalry expedition from Nashville into Alabama, 
703; movements, 703; report of his movements, 703. 

Wilson, CoL Wiluam— Attacked on Santa Kosa Island, 99, 
100 ; biographical notice of, 785. 

Wilson's Creek— Battle oL, 82. 

WiMEB, Col. J. M.— Biographical notice of, 757. 

Winchester— Buttlo at in March, 1862, 209 ; its effect, 209 ; 
battle with Banks and Jackson's forces, 234. 

WiNDEK, J. H. — Biographical notice of, 796. 

Winslow, Col. C. — Biographical notice of, 785. 

WiNSLOW, GoEDON, M.D., D.D.— Biographical notice of, 783. 

WiNSLOW, Capt John A. — Destroys the Alabama, 648. 

WiNTHBOP, Brig.-Gen. F. — Biographical notice of, 797. 

WiNTHROP, Major Theodoee— Killed at Big Bethel, 58; bio- 
graphical notice of, 720. 

Wise, Maj.-Gen. Henet A. — In command In Western Vir- 
ginia, 85; in council at Eichmond, 246 ; in battle, 251. 

WiSTAB, Brig.-Gen. Commands a division of lOth 

corps, 565 ; expedition against Weldon Eailroad, 565. 

WoLFOKD, Col. Pursues Morgan in Kentucky, 410. 

Wood, Febnando — Appeal to the citizens of New Tork as 
mayor on the call for seventy-five thousand men, 28. 



Wood, Brig.-Gen. Thomas J.— Commands a brigade in 
Buell's army, 124 ; commands a brigade of Birney's di- 
vision at the battle of Chancellorsville, 879 ; stationed at 
Gordon's Mills, 461 ; at Chickamauga, 462 ; at Atlanta, 
536 ; at the battle near Nashville, 630 ; in Sherman's 
march through the Carolinas, 675. 

Woodbury, Brig.-Gen. D. P.— Biographical notice of, 788. 

WooDHULt, Com. M.— Biographical notice of, 747. 

Wool, Maj.-Gen. John— Takes command at Fortress Mon- 
roe, 83 : in command at Fortress Monroe, 120 ; do., 206 ; 
placed under the command of McClellan, 214; counter- 
manded, 214 ; organizes an expedition for the capture 
of Norfolk, 225 ; on exchange of prisoners, 322, 328 ; re- 
lieved of command at Fortress Monroe, 323 ; in com- 
mand in New York, 417 ; calls for veterans in New Tork 
riots, 417. 

WoRDEN, Capt. A. H.— Commands the Monitor, 225 ; battle 
with the Merrimac, 225. 

Weight, Maj.-Gen. Hobatio G.— In command against Port 
Eoyal, 118; commands a brigade of troops at Get- 
tysburg, 404 ; commands 1st division of 6th corps, 549 ; 
at the Wilderness battle, 554 ; in command of the 6ih 
corps, 556 ; at the Spottsylvania battle, 556 ; position of 
his corps, 572 ; at Petersburg, 580 ; ordered to the defence 
of Washington with his corps, 587 ; pursues the enemy 
from Washington, 587 ; crosses the Shenandoah, 687 ; at 
Opequan, 624 ; wounded at Cedar Eun, 627. 

Weight, Col. W. W.— Superintendent of military railroads, 
673. 

Wtndham, Col. Commands a cavalry expedition, 881. 

Wyiheville—BsLttle at, 471. 



Yates, Eichaed— Governor of Illinois, 550 ; tenders militia, 
550 ; address to the people of Illinois, 550. 

Taxoo (7i7y— Surrender of, 356 ; third attack on, 503. 

Tork, Peww.— Occupied by the enemy, 397 ; assessment, 898. 

Torktown— Troops assemble at, 39 ; firing at commenced, 
216; siege, 218, 219; evacuated, 220. 



Zion 3ft., i!/b.— Skirmish at, 155. 

ZoLLicoFFEB, Brig.-Gcn. Invades Kentucky on the 

eastj 95, 96 ; attacks Camp Wildcat, 97 ; in command in 
Kentucky, 122; junction with Crittenden, 123 ; defeated 
and killed at Mill Springs, 123. 

ZooK, S. K. — Biographical notice of, 761. 



THE END. 



